A Rough Start
10/20/2010 | Posted by
Devin
Normally, I'd be writing this weekly as a recap of the week that was in Sabres hockey. Since I got a late start, we'll pretend the last week and a half has really only been one week. Honestly, it's felt like 10 years. I can't remember the last time the Sabres got off to such an awful start. They are completely frustrating to watch. But allow me to put on my homer glasses for a second as I tell you why they will eventually be okay.
Right now, nobody on the team is scoring besides Derek Roy. He has five goals in the first six games and I honestly can't remember the last time I've seen Roy play this way. Unlike Tim Connolly, it looks like Derek Roy took his playoff criticism to heart and working that much harder when he's on the ice. Obviously he isn't going to keep this pace up all year (and finish with 68 goals), but I would gladly take a 30 goal season from Roy. His career high is 32, so I don't think it's out of the question one bit.
And on that note, nobody else on this team can score to save their lives. Drew Stafford, Jordan Leopold, Tim Connolly, Paul Gaustad and Cody McCormick are the only other Sabres to have scored; which is a combined seven goals. So if you're keeping count at home, the score is the Buffalo Sabres 7, Derek Roy 5.
But on that note, that means the goals are going to eventually come. Ennis, Hecht, Pominville (when healthy), Connolly (?), Gerbe (?); they all have some sort of goal scoring ability. At some point the goals are going to come. I'm not being unrealistic in thinking that. I honestly feel like once a few more start to hit the net, the flood gates will break. I know, it's some real hard hitting analysis here. Just trust me on this. The Sabres didn't win their division on accident last year. They aren't going to finish 1-80-1 this season. They will figure things out and get going. Honestly, I'd rather him them slump in the beginning rather than the end.
Three Stars:
1. Derek Roy – Not much more I can say about Roy that I didn't say above. He's been on fire so far this
season and it's about time. I have no doubt that he'll hit a slump at some point, but hopefully this year it isn't prolonged. He seems to have a knack for the net this year, which is welcome surprise to start the season.
2. Ryan Miller – It almost seems crazy to list Miller as the second star when he's posted a 1-3-1 record to start the season, but that isn't entirely fault. There isn't much I can to defend Miller in the games against Chicago and New York. He allowed nine goals combined in the two. However, in the other three games he's allowed four goals total. This includes a season opening win at Ottawa and a 1-0 defeat to New Jersey in overtime. For anybody that faults Miller in that game, get real. In those three games, he's had a whopping total of three goals to support him. THREE GOALS. Buffalo scored that many against Chicago Saturday night, unfortunately Patrick Lalime was in net and he apparently needs at least five for the win.
For anybody new to the blog or anybody needing a refresher course; I figure I should get this out of the way now as a quick disclaimer. Ryan Miller is one of my all-time favorite Buffalo athletes. He was long before his Olympic fame. He was when I was forced to defend him against people who had nicknamed him Mr. Softie. We can pretty much expect Miller to make the weekly list of three stars each week when I write this, barring the news that he robbed one of Buffalo's homeless shelters or something of the sort. Just figured I'd mention it now.
3. Tyler Ennis – I mentioned this in my Sabres preview, but Ennis played the last 10 games of the regular season last year and finished with nine points. He then chipped in four more in six playoff games. Not quite a point per game player, but pretty close. Well so far this season he's kept that pace up, with four assists in six games. Eventually it would be nice to see him score some goals, but assists are just as good in my book. Last season only four players finished with 50 or more points: Roy, Connolly, Pominville and Vanek. With that in mind, getting 50 or more from Ennis would be fantastic. In fact, that's my benchmark for the rookie. I know it seems like a lot, but I've got a feeling about this kid.
Three Duds:
1. Thomas Vanek – I feel bad when I'm hard on Thomas Vanek, mostly because I do think he's a good player and has a great amount of skill. I think what his problem is and has been for years is that he tries too hard, presses himself and ends up blowing multiple opportunities. Then he sits on the bench, beats himself up about it and presses even more. It's a vicious cycle and has been going on since the Sabres handed him his mega-deal and unfortunately for Thomas, it's going to continue.
So far in six games, Vanek has 2 points and a -3 rating. To put it nicely, that is garbage. If people are wondering why the Sabres are struggling to start out the season, lots of fingers can be pointed at #26. When you're the highest paid player on the team, yes he makes more than Miller, he needs to deliver. I don't expect Ovechkin or Crosby type numbers from Vanek, but he should be a point per game player at the very least. Anything less is underperforming in relation to the amount of money he makes. It's sad but true.
2. Tim Connolly – By the time the playoffs ended last season, I pretty much wanted to drop the gloves and beat the living crap out of Tim Connolly. Nobody exemplified more what was wrong with the Sabres. But then I figured having the summer off would be a nice way of refreshing my mindset and I'd be able to give him a solid 10 games to prove himself to me again.
(Keep in mind I was all for his contract extension at the time, now I would cut my own hand off to get rid of him)
So let's flash forward to this season. We're six games in and I was sick of Connolly five games ago. He does nothing for me and even worse, he does even less for the Sabres. I don't want to totally put this on him because he used to be a dynamic player, but the concussion he sustained in Ottawa was his downfall. I know he's physically healthy, but he will never the same player he was. I highly doubt the Sabres can unload him on any other team (although the Rangers were somehow able to rid themselves of Scott Gomez and Ales Kotalik), so it looks like we're stuck with Connolly for the rest of this year at the very least. At that point I fully expect the Sabres to walk away from him and let him sign elsewhere.
3. Tyler Myers – Everyone in Buffalo dreaded the potential sophomore slump and it appears to be strangling our Calder Trophy winner right now. Through the first six games, Myers has one assist and a -6 rating. I won't beat him up too much because I think he's still a very good player and will be for a very long time. This is only natural for second year players of almost any professional sport. I just hope be breaks out of the slump soon or the Sabres are in trouble. If this means making him a healthy scratch for a night, so be it.
The Week Ahead:
At Atlanta (10/20), vs Ottawa (10/22), at New Jersey (10/23), at Philadelphia (10/26)
See ya next week, where hopefully the Sabres aren't occupying the basement in the Northeast.
Right now, nobody on the team is scoring besides Derek Roy. He has five goals in the first six games and I honestly can't remember the last time I've seen Roy play this way. Unlike Tim Connolly, it looks like Derek Roy took his playoff criticism to heart and working that much harder when he's on the ice. Obviously he isn't going to keep this pace up all year (and finish with 68 goals), but I would gladly take a 30 goal season from Roy. His career high is 32, so I don't think it's out of the question one bit.
And on that note, nobody else on this team can score to save their lives. Drew Stafford, Jordan Leopold, Tim Connolly, Paul Gaustad and Cody McCormick are the only other Sabres to have scored; which is a combined seven goals. So if you're keeping count at home, the score is the Buffalo Sabres 7, Derek Roy 5.
But on that note, that means the goals are going to eventually come. Ennis, Hecht, Pominville (when healthy), Connolly (?), Gerbe (?); they all have some sort of goal scoring ability. At some point the goals are going to come. I'm not being unrealistic in thinking that. I honestly feel like once a few more start to hit the net, the flood gates will break. I know, it's some real hard hitting analysis here. Just trust me on this. The Sabres didn't win their division on accident last year. They aren't going to finish 1-80-1 this season. They will figure things out and get going. Honestly, I'd rather him them slump in the beginning rather than the end.
Three Stars:
1. Derek Roy – Not much more I can say about Roy that I didn't say above. He's been on fire so far this
season and it's about time. I have no doubt that he'll hit a slump at some point, but hopefully this year it isn't prolonged. He seems to have a knack for the net this year, which is welcome surprise to start the season.2. Ryan Miller – It almost seems crazy to list Miller as the second star when he's posted a 1-3-1 record to start the season, but that isn't entirely fault. There isn't much I can to defend Miller in the games against Chicago and New York. He allowed nine goals combined in the two. However, in the other three games he's allowed four goals total. This includes a season opening win at Ottawa and a 1-0 defeat to New Jersey in overtime. For anybody that faults Miller in that game, get real. In those three games, he's had a whopping total of three goals to support him. THREE GOALS. Buffalo scored that many against Chicago Saturday night, unfortunately Patrick Lalime was in net and he apparently needs at least five for the win.
For anybody new to the blog or anybody needing a refresher course; I figure I should get this out of the way now as a quick disclaimer. Ryan Miller is one of my all-time favorite Buffalo athletes. He was long before his Olympic fame. He was when I was forced to defend him against people who had nicknamed him Mr. Softie. We can pretty much expect Miller to make the weekly list of three stars each week when I write this, barring the news that he robbed one of Buffalo's homeless shelters or something of the sort. Just figured I'd mention it now.
3. Tyler Ennis – I mentioned this in my Sabres preview, but Ennis played the last 10 games of the regular season last year and finished with nine points. He then chipped in four more in six playoff games. Not quite a point per game player, but pretty close. Well so far this season he's kept that pace up, with four assists in six games. Eventually it would be nice to see him score some goals, but assists are just as good in my book. Last season only four players finished with 50 or more points: Roy, Connolly, Pominville and Vanek. With that in mind, getting 50 or more from Ennis would be fantastic. In fact, that's my benchmark for the rookie. I know it seems like a lot, but I've got a feeling about this kid.
Three Duds:
1. Thomas Vanek – I feel bad when I'm hard on Thomas Vanek, mostly because I do think he's a good player and has a great amount of skill. I think what his problem is and has been for years is that he tries too hard, presses himself and ends up blowing multiple opportunities. Then he sits on the bench, beats himself up about it and presses even more. It's a vicious cycle and has been going on since the Sabres handed him his mega-deal and unfortunately for Thomas, it's going to continue.
So far in six games, Vanek has 2 points and a -3 rating. To put it nicely, that is garbage. If people are wondering why the Sabres are struggling to start out the season, lots of fingers can be pointed at #26. When you're the highest paid player on the team, yes he makes more than Miller, he needs to deliver. I don't expect Ovechkin or Crosby type numbers from Vanek, but he should be a point per game player at the very least. Anything less is underperforming in relation to the amount of money he makes. It's sad but true.
2. Tim Connolly – By the time the playoffs ended last season, I pretty much wanted to drop the gloves and beat the living crap out of Tim Connolly. Nobody exemplified more what was wrong with the Sabres. But then I figured having the summer off would be a nice way of refreshing my mindset and I'd be able to give him a solid 10 games to prove himself to me again.
(Keep in mind I was all for his contract extension at the time, now I would cut my own hand off to get rid of him)
So let's flash forward to this season. We're six games in and I was sick of Connolly five games ago. He does nothing for me and even worse, he does even less for the Sabres. I don't want to totally put this on him because he used to be a dynamic player, but the concussion he sustained in Ottawa was his downfall. I know he's physically healthy, but he will never the same player he was. I highly doubt the Sabres can unload him on any other team (although the Rangers were somehow able to rid themselves of Scott Gomez and Ales Kotalik), so it looks like we're stuck with Connolly for the rest of this year at the very least. At that point I fully expect the Sabres to walk away from him and let him sign elsewhere.
3. Tyler Myers – Everyone in Buffalo dreaded the potential sophomore slump and it appears to be strangling our Calder Trophy winner right now. Through the first six games, Myers has one assist and a -6 rating. I won't beat him up too much because I think he's still a very good player and will be for a very long time. This is only natural for second year players of almost any professional sport. I just hope be breaks out of the slump soon or the Sabres are in trouble. If this means making him a healthy scratch for a night, so be it.
The Week Ahead:
At Atlanta (10/20), vs Ottawa (10/22), at New Jersey (10/23), at Philadelphia (10/26)
See ya next week, where hopefully the Sabres aren't occupying the basement in the Northeast.
Labels:
Buffalo Sabres,
Derek Roy,
Ryan Miller,
Thomas Vanek,
Tim Connolly,
Tyler Ennis,
Tyler Myers
Bills Postgame Review/NFL Top 10
10/19/2010 | Posted by
Devin
As I said late last week, going forward I would incorporate my Bills postgame review with an NFL Top 10. I like to consider it a compromise from me quitting the power rankings overall. Since the Bills were on a bye this past week, I see no reason to talk about them. So let's make this short and sweet and just skip right ahead to the NFL Top 10.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (NR) – I've pretty much started preparing myself with the idea that Pittsburgh is going to win another Super Bowl. Wow, that made me sick just typing that. Right now they are lumped together with the Jets and Patriots for the best record in the NFL (the Jets are a ½ game better, but have a bye this week to even things out), but neither of those teams would have the same record if they started Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch for the first four games. And that is why I have Pittsburgh at number one. They are only going to get better.
The Ravens did beat them at home, but it also took everything the Ravens had to win in the final two minutes of the game. It took the Ravens absolute best to barely win the game, while Pittsburgh was handicapped by playing the game without an NFL caliber starting QB. I know it was against Cleveland, but Roethlisberger looked pretty good, throwing for three touchdowns yesterday. That was basically opening day for him. So not only will he continue to get better as he shakes the rust off, but that five weeks off (rape suspension + bye week) also allowed him to enter Week Six completely healthy; meanwhile QBs like Mark Sanchez, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have been taking hits and getting beat up.
2. NY Jets (NR) – Man, did the Jets ever get lucky against Denver on Sunday. With time running down, Sanchez heaved the ball deep, praying for pass interference. Of course he got it and LaDainian Tomlinson easily scored and won the game. You might remember this move from the Bears/Packers Monday Night game a few weeks ago when Jay Cutler pulled a similar stunt on the game winning drive. And this is why the pass interference rules need to change. It's a cop-out for a team struggling and desperate at the end of the game. I complain quite a bit about the way NCAA football operates, but two things they have 100% correct are overtime and pass interference rules.
3. New England Patriots (NR) – I was pretty shocked to see New England defeat Baltimore yesterday. I watched Buffalo pretty much march all over New England's awful defense and figure Joe Flacco and Ray Rice would have a field day. Apparently not. The stats were decent for both, but the 20 total points definitely wasn't. You know what else wasn't good? Tom Brady whining like a little baby when he was hit after the pass. If I were a Patriots fan, I'd be so embarrassed with his antics. I liked the fact that he got face to face with Terrell Suggs after the play, but it doesn't make up for temper tantrum seconds before. Brady officially reminds me of the rich kid that nobody likes in school, yet people still want to be friends with him so they can swim in his pool on the weekends. Just another reason to dislike Boston.
4. NY Giants (NR) - The Giants didn't exactly handle Detroit like I thought they would, but a win is a win. The tough part of their schedule is about to start. They have 10 games remaining, six of those against Washington, Dallas and Philadelphia. The others against Green Bay, Minnesota, Jacksonville and Seattle. Only the Jacksonville game looks like a sure win at this point which makes me wonder just how good the Giants will be. Right now I have them fourth but they still have a lot to prove in the upcoming weeks.
5. Baltimore Ravens (NR) – Every single time I want to think Baltimore is ready to take that next step, they slip and fall down. Despite that, they are 4-2 with road wins at Pittsburgh and the Jets. That's still pretty impressive, but I hate how inconsistent they are. I'm pretty they will be taking their frustrations out on Buffalo this Sunday, so I have that to look forward to. I see at least five definite wins on their remaining schedule, which means they are still looking good in terms of the playoffs. It won't mean much when they have to go to Heinz Field in January so they can lose again though.
6. Houston Texans (NR) – Houston really frustrates me. During Sunday's game, I was sure that Kansas City was going to win and even sent a text to Scott that Houston peeked during Week One. Then they come back and pull the rug out from under the Chiefs. So now they are 4-2 at the bye, first place in the AFC South, with a rematch against Indianapolis looming. I'm really hesitant to put Houston this high because I have a hard time trusting them. Every time we think they're good, they finish the season 8-8 and we peg them as a super sleeper for next season. I'll give them a high ranking for now but if they lose to Indianapolis in two weeks, they'll be in class with the Dolphins.
7. Philadelphia Eagles (NR) – Sometimes I love the NFL. We have teams like the Bills, Browns, 49ers and others who barely have one NFL caliber starting QB. Then we have a team like the Eagles with both Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb. First it was Kolb's job, then he gets injured and Vick snatched it away. Then Vick gets hurt and Kolb lights Atlanta up. What a problem to have. I can only imagine the arguments between fans right now. After living through the Rob Johnson/Doug Flutie nightmare, I fear for QB controversies such as this one.
(If you don't think there is one, wake up)
I know that Andy Reid says it's a good problem to have, which I can agree that it's much better than having two awful QBs to choose from, but I still don't envy him at all. I know he committed to Vick before the injury, but he also committed to Kolb and changed his mind. So basically I've learned that we can't trust a word he says. Honestly, how do you sit Kolb after yesterday's performance? Kolb finished 23/29, 326 yards, three touchdowns and 133.6 QB rating. It's been YEARS since a Buffalo QB even came close to a day like that. I read a rumor somewhere along the line that the Eagles are showcasing Kolb and if that's true, I suggest that Buddy Nix gets on the phone right now. Granted I find that very hard to believe, but I'd be all for it at this point.
8. Atlanta Falcons (NR) – So I was pretty sure Atlanta was the top team in the NFC until they decided to play dead in Philly. What a horrendous performance. In my defense, it's been pretty difficult trying to get a grasp on things so far this season. I blame the NFL and parity for that. I'm starting to get the feeling that Atlanta will always be just good enough to lose in the second round, nothing more. I guess the good news for Falcons fans is that I'm almost always wrong with my predictions, so they have that going for them.
9. New Orleans Saints (NR) – Speaking of my predictions going wrong, I couldn't have been more wrong when I predicted a Tampa Bay upset over New Orleans. For the first time in the 2010 season, the Saints looked like the defending Super Bowl champs. They should destroy Cleveland next week by a similar margin, but then they have Pittsburgh at home. That will be the game that tells me whether or not New Orleans is for real this season or just hanging around with no real plans to repeat.
10. Indianapolis Colts (NR) – I know the Colts are 4-2, but they just don't look good overall. Their two losses were to division teams, while their four wins were outside of the division. What does that mean? Well it means a whole lot when it comes down to tie-breakers in December. The reason I still have the Colts at 10 is simply because of Peyton Manning. I just can't rule him out. He's too good and the Colts will always be a contender as long as he's lining up (which might literally be for another decade). But let it be known, the Colts are not the same powerhouse that they usually are. On the positive side of that, they most likely won't be able to rest their starters in the final weeks of the season, which is huge for people in fantasy playoffs. I'm excited.
Just Missing Out: Chicago, Tennessee, Kansas City, Washington, Miami
Teams I didn't consider for .0001 of a second: Buffalo, Cleveland, Carolina
Bills future QB Update (in the ever-changing order that I like them):
1. Andrew Luck – OFF (Season: 1538 yards, 16 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 166.86 QB rating)
2. Jake Locker – 21/35, 286 yards, 5 touchdowns, 1 interception (Season: 1431 yards, 13 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 132.56 QB rating)
3. Ryan Mallett – 10/15, 96 yards, 1 touchdown (Season: 1844 yards, 14 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 168.11 QB rating)
The Ravens did beat them at home, but it also took everything the Ravens had to win in the final two minutes of the game. It took the Ravens absolute best to barely win the game, while Pittsburgh was handicapped by playing the game without an NFL caliber starting QB. I know it was against Cleveland, but Roethlisberger looked pretty good, throwing for three touchdowns yesterday. That was basically opening day for him. So not only will he continue to get better as he shakes the rust off, but that five weeks off (rape suspension + bye week) also allowed him to enter Week Six completely healthy; meanwhile QBs like Mark Sanchez, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have been taking hits and getting beat up.
2. NY Jets (NR) – Man, did the Jets ever get lucky against Denver on Sunday. With time running down, Sanchez heaved the ball deep, praying for pass interference. Of course he got it and LaDainian Tomlinson easily scored and won the game. You might remember this move from the Bears/Packers Monday Night game a few weeks ago when Jay Cutler pulled a similar stunt on the game winning drive. And this is why the pass interference rules need to change. It's a cop-out for a team struggling and desperate at the end of the game. I complain quite a bit about the way NCAA football operates, but two things they have 100% correct are overtime and pass interference rules.
3. New England Patriots (NR) – I was pretty shocked to see New England defeat Baltimore yesterday. I watched Buffalo pretty much march all over New England's awful defense and figure Joe Flacco and Ray Rice would have a field day. Apparently not. The stats were decent for both, but the 20 total points definitely wasn't. You know what else wasn't good? Tom Brady whining like a little baby when he was hit after the pass. If I were a Patriots fan, I'd be so embarrassed with his antics. I liked the fact that he got face to face with Terrell Suggs after the play, but it doesn't make up for temper tantrum seconds before. Brady officially reminds me of the rich kid that nobody likes in school, yet people still want to be friends with him so they can swim in his pool on the weekends. Just another reason to dislike Boston.
4. NY Giants (NR) - The Giants didn't exactly handle Detroit like I thought they would, but a win is a win. The tough part of their schedule is about to start. They have 10 games remaining, six of those against Washington, Dallas and Philadelphia. The others against Green Bay, Minnesota, Jacksonville and Seattle. Only the Jacksonville game looks like a sure win at this point which makes me wonder just how good the Giants will be. Right now I have them fourth but they still have a lot to prove in the upcoming weeks.
5. Baltimore Ravens (NR) – Every single time I want to think Baltimore is ready to take that next step, they slip and fall down. Despite that, they are 4-2 with road wins at Pittsburgh and the Jets. That's still pretty impressive, but I hate how inconsistent they are. I'm pretty they will be taking their frustrations out on Buffalo this Sunday, so I have that to look forward to. I see at least five definite wins on their remaining schedule, which means they are still looking good in terms of the playoffs. It won't mean much when they have to go to Heinz Field in January so they can lose again though.
6. Houston Texans (NR) – Houston really frustrates me. During Sunday's game, I was sure that Kansas City was going to win and even sent a text to Scott that Houston peeked during Week One. Then they come back and pull the rug out from under the Chiefs. So now they are 4-2 at the bye, first place in the AFC South, with a rematch against Indianapolis looming. I'm really hesitant to put Houston this high because I have a hard time trusting them. Every time we think they're good, they finish the season 8-8 and we peg them as a super sleeper for next season. I'll give them a high ranking for now but if they lose to Indianapolis in two weeks, they'll be in class with the Dolphins.
7. Philadelphia Eagles (NR) – Sometimes I love the NFL. We have teams like the Bills, Browns, 49ers and others who barely have one NFL caliber starting QB. Then we have a team like the Eagles with both Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb. First it was Kolb's job, then he gets injured and Vick snatched it away. Then Vick gets hurt and Kolb lights Atlanta up. What a problem to have. I can only imagine the arguments between fans right now. After living through the Rob Johnson/Doug Flutie nightmare, I fear for QB controversies such as this one.
(If you don't think there is one, wake up)
8. Atlanta Falcons (NR) – So I was pretty sure Atlanta was the top team in the NFC until they decided to play dead in Philly. What a horrendous performance. In my defense, it's been pretty difficult trying to get a grasp on things so far this season. I blame the NFL and parity for that. I'm starting to get the feeling that Atlanta will always be just good enough to lose in the second round, nothing more. I guess the good news for Falcons fans is that I'm almost always wrong with my predictions, so they have that going for them.
9. New Orleans Saints (NR) – Speaking of my predictions going wrong, I couldn't have been more wrong when I predicted a Tampa Bay upset over New Orleans. For the first time in the 2010 season, the Saints looked like the defending Super Bowl champs. They should destroy Cleveland next week by a similar margin, but then they have Pittsburgh at home. That will be the game that tells me whether or not New Orleans is for real this season or just hanging around with no real plans to repeat.
10. Indianapolis Colts (NR) – I know the Colts are 4-2, but they just don't look good overall. Their two losses were to division teams, while their four wins were outside of the division. What does that mean? Well it means a whole lot when it comes down to tie-breakers in December. The reason I still have the Colts at 10 is simply because of Peyton Manning. I just can't rule him out. He's too good and the Colts will always be a contender as long as he's lining up (which might literally be for another decade). But let it be known, the Colts are not the same powerhouse that they usually are. On the positive side of that, they most likely won't be able to rest their starters in the final weeks of the season, which is huge for people in fantasy playoffs. I'm excited.
Just Missing Out: Chicago, Tennessee, Kansas City, Washington, Miami
Teams I didn't consider for .0001 of a second: Buffalo, Cleveland, Carolina
Bills future QB Update (in the ever-changing order that I like them):
1. Andrew Luck – OFF (Season: 1538 yards, 16 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 166.86 QB rating)
2. Jake Locker – 21/35, 286 yards, 5 touchdowns, 1 interception (Season: 1431 yards, 13 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 132.56 QB rating)
3. Ryan Mallett – 10/15, 96 yards, 1 touchdown (Season: 1844 yards, 14 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 168.11 QB rating)
NFL Picks – Week Six
10/16/2010 | Posted by
Devin
Quick Disclaimer: Like the power rankings, the weekly NFL picks are going to be retired after this week. Starting next week I will be previewing the upcoming matchup for the Bills in horrific detail. Along with those previews, I will give my weekly picks, along with Scott's picks and our fantasy bet update. I simply won't be writing something about each game because as you can see below, some games are better left ignored completely.
Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears – I tried to come up with something for this game but I really have nothing. I hope it's low scoring so the NFL Redzone channel doesn't show any of it. (Seattle)
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots – It's funny how the Patriots work. They got rid of a bad locker room presence in Randy Moss for a 3rd round pick. Then they give up a 4th round pick for ex-Patriot Deion Branch who is probably the happiest person alive to come from Seattle and back home to New England, where he had the most success of his career. And yet, the Patriots somehow prosper from the entire deal. Amazing. However, it doesn't help their horrendous defense so I see a big day for Joe Flacco and the gang. (Baltimore)
Detroit Lions @ New York Giants – The Giants are in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC East at 3-2. I had to look that up as I was typing it because it sounded crazy. They are rolling right now though and in my opinion, the best of the bunch in the East. They should easily beat Detroit and improve to 4-2, setting up a showdown with Dallas where I'm sure they will be looking to completely bury the Cowboys. (NY Giants)
Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles – As of now, I don't think Michael Vick is playing in this game, therefore I'm picking Atlanta. I know this sounds crazy, but I'm thinking Atlanta might be the best team in the NFC right now. If Vick plays, Philly has a legit chance, but I don't like their odds with Kolb. He looked decent against San Francisco but I need to see it against a real team before I'm sold. (Atlanta)
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers – Poor Colt McCoy. He finally gets his first NFL start and he is going to get annihilated by Pittsburgh's defense. I would be surprised if the Browns even mustered six points in this game. McCoy could end up having a promising NFL career, but this game will most likely derail it. (Pittsburgh)
Miami Dolphins @ Green Bay Packers – After getting their first two wins on the road and starting out 2-0, Miami fell back down to pretender status with two straight home losses (to division teams). Maybe it's a good thing Miami goes back on the road, but this game will really depend on whether or not Aaron Rodgers plays. If he doesn't, the Packers are screwed. I'm also not a fan of Green Bay's running game right now. But hey, good thing they held out for Marshawn Lynch. I'm picking Miami but I still think they are a pretender in the grand scheme of things. (Miami)
San Diego Chargers @ St. Louis Rams – I don't like the Rams in this game at all. They are improving but they showed last week in Detroit that they're still a long ways away. San Diego has struggled once again to start this season and I'm sure they'll be looking to take it out on the Rams after last week's debacle against Oakland. (San Diego)
New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Super Bowl hangover + Madden cover = Trouble in New Orleans. Tampa Bay literally stole a win last week against the Bengals thanks to crappy Carson Palmer. I have to give credit where it's due though – Josh Freeman made some nice plays to get them in position for the win. I like Tampa Bay with the home upset this week. (Tampa Bay)
Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans – Houston has crashed back down to Earth after their hot start. I expected a loss against Dallas but I didn't expect the lifeless performance they gave against the Giants. I can see the Chiefs still being a playoff team thanks to their schedule, but they really aren't that good and Houston should win this game. In fact, they NEED to win this game or I'll file them under the 'pretender' status along with the Dolphins. (Houston)
Oakland Raiders @ San Francisco 49ers – Did anybody see the 49ers owner send out the message that they will still win the NFC West? Normally I'd say he's crazy because the Niners are 0-5 and no team has ever come back from that kind of start to win a division, but…they are playing in the NFC West. A three game deficit to Max Hall and the Cardinals isn't impossible at all. It should make things interesting to watch. I'll be rooting for San Francisco to grab some wins so they don't steal a QB away from Buffalo in the draft. In the meantime, they will be going 0-6 with a loss to Oakland. (Oakland)
New York Jets @ Denver Broncos – I might have been wrong on the Jets. Mark Sanchez wasn't great on Monday night in the elements, but he also refrained from throwing any interceptions and helped the Jets win. It's basically the opposite of what happened last season. My favorite part of that Monday Night game was Revis Island getting toasted by Percy Harvin. Fun times in Jersey. Ouch, my hamstring hurts. (NY Jets)
Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings – I know I'm stating the obvious but whoever loses this game is finished when it comes to the playoffs. Both are on the ropes and both need to start winning now. If Minnesota loses, Brett Favre might sit a few games out because "his elbow hurts." I find that excuse awfully convenient. It didn't seem to hurt when he was racing down the field to celebrate with Randy Moss. Did anybody notice how Minnesota totally botched a two point conversion attempt during the game? They had to actually call a timeout to get things straight. It's the year 2010 for crying out loud. Ten year old kids play Madden and know when to go for two. This is getting embarrassing. It's called common sense, not a "when to go for two" conversion chart. (Dallas)
Indianapolis Colts @ Washington Redskins – I have a rule of thumb that I don't pick against the Colts in a night game (unless it's the Super Bowl). The Redskins have been interesting because I don't think they are very good, yet they are 3-2 and have defeated Dallas, Philly and Green Bay; all quality opponents. They could go a long way towards establishing themselves if they can win this, but I don't see it. (Indianapolis)
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars – How the Jaguars got a home primetime game is beyond me. Combine that with the fact that San Francisco has already had two and I'm convinced that the primetime schedule is made by TV executives throwing darts during the offseason. It makes no sense. (Tennessee)
Last Week: 6-8
Entire Season: 44-30
Scott's Picks –
Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
Detroit Lions @ New York Giants
Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Miami Dolphins @ Green Bay Packers
San Diego Chargers @ St. Louis Rams
New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans
Oakland Raiders @ San Francisco 49ers
New York Jets @ Denver Broncos
Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
Indianapolis Colts @ Washington Redskins
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Last Week: 7-7
Entire Season: 43-31
Fantasy Update: We're still splitting both of our leagues and Scott has the 2-1 lead thanks to the BZ Staff League. We're both 4-1 in that league, but Scott has well over 100 points total over me for the tie-breaker. We play each other in that league so this is my chance to take the 2-1 lead and supremely piss Scott off.
Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears – I tried to come up with something for this game but I really have nothing. I hope it's low scoring so the NFL Redzone channel doesn't show any of it. (Seattle)
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots – It's funny how the Patriots work. They got rid of a bad locker room presence in Randy Moss for a 3rd round pick. Then they give up a 4th round pick for ex-Patriot Deion Branch who is probably the happiest person alive to come from Seattle and back home to New England, where he had the most success of his career. And yet, the Patriots somehow prosper from the entire deal. Amazing. However, it doesn't help their horrendous defense so I see a big day for Joe Flacco and the gang. (Baltimore)
Detroit Lions @ New York Giants – The Giants are in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC East at 3-2. I had to look that up as I was typing it because it sounded crazy. They are rolling right now though and in my opinion, the best of the bunch in the East. They should easily beat Detroit and improve to 4-2, setting up a showdown with Dallas where I'm sure they will be looking to completely bury the Cowboys. (NY Giants)
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers – Poor Colt McCoy. He finally gets his first NFL start and he is going to get annihilated by Pittsburgh's defense. I would be surprised if the Browns even mustered six points in this game. McCoy could end up having a promising NFL career, but this game will most likely derail it. (Pittsburgh)
Miami Dolphins @ Green Bay Packers – After getting their first two wins on the road and starting out 2-0, Miami fell back down to pretender status with two straight home losses (to division teams). Maybe it's a good thing Miami goes back on the road, but this game will really depend on whether or not Aaron Rodgers plays. If he doesn't, the Packers are screwed. I'm also not a fan of Green Bay's running game right now. But hey, good thing they held out for Marshawn Lynch. I'm picking Miami but I still think they are a pretender in the grand scheme of things. (Miami)
San Diego Chargers @ St. Louis Rams – I don't like the Rams in this game at all. They are improving but they showed last week in Detroit that they're still a long ways away. San Diego has struggled once again to start this season and I'm sure they'll be looking to take it out on the Rams after last week's debacle against Oakland. (San Diego)
New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Super Bowl hangover + Madden cover = Trouble in New Orleans. Tampa Bay literally stole a win last week against the Bengals thanks to crappy Carson Palmer. I have to give credit where it's due though – Josh Freeman made some nice plays to get them in position for the win. I like Tampa Bay with the home upset this week. (Tampa Bay)
Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans – Houston has crashed back down to Earth after their hot start. I expected a loss against Dallas but I didn't expect the lifeless performance they gave against the Giants. I can see the Chiefs still being a playoff team thanks to their schedule, but they really aren't that good and Houston should win this game. In fact, they NEED to win this game or I'll file them under the 'pretender' status along with the Dolphins. (Houston)
Oakland Raiders @ San Francisco 49ers – Did anybody see the 49ers owner send out the message that they will still win the NFC West? Normally I'd say he's crazy because the Niners are 0-5 and no team has ever come back from that kind of start to win a division, but…they are playing in the NFC West. A three game deficit to Max Hall and the Cardinals isn't impossible at all. It should make things interesting to watch. I'll be rooting for San Francisco to grab some wins so they don't steal a QB away from Buffalo in the draft. In the meantime, they will be going 0-6 with a loss to Oakland. (Oakland)
New York Jets @ Denver Broncos – I might have been wrong on the Jets. Mark Sanchez wasn't great on Monday night in the elements, but he also refrained from throwing any interceptions and helped the Jets win. It's basically the opposite of what happened last season. My favorite part of that Monday Night game was Revis Island getting toasted by Percy Harvin. Fun times in Jersey. Ouch, my hamstring hurts. (NY Jets)
Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings – I know I'm stating the obvious but whoever loses this game is finished when it comes to the playoffs. Both are on the ropes and both need to start winning now. If Minnesota loses, Brett Favre might sit a few games out because "his elbow hurts." I find that excuse awfully convenient. It didn't seem to hurt when he was racing down the field to celebrate with Randy Moss. Did anybody notice how Minnesota totally botched a two point conversion attempt during the game? They had to actually call a timeout to get things straight. It's the year 2010 for crying out loud. Ten year old kids play Madden and know when to go for two. This is getting embarrassing. It's called common sense, not a "when to go for two" conversion chart. (Dallas)
Indianapolis Colts @ Washington Redskins – I have a rule of thumb that I don't pick against the Colts in a night game (unless it's the Super Bowl). The Redskins have been interesting because I don't think they are very good, yet they are 3-2 and have defeated Dallas, Philly and Green Bay; all quality opponents. They could go a long way towards establishing themselves if they can win this, but I don't see it. (Indianapolis)
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars – How the Jaguars got a home primetime game is beyond me. Combine that with the fact that San Francisco has already had two and I'm convinced that the primetime schedule is made by TV executives throwing darts during the offseason. It makes no sense. (Tennessee)
Last Week: 6-8
Entire Season: 44-30
Scott's Picks –
Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
Detroit Lions @ New York Giants
Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Miami Dolphins @ Green Bay Packers
San Diego Chargers @ St. Louis Rams
New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans
Oakland Raiders @ San Francisco 49ers
New York Jets @ Denver Broncos
Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
Indianapolis Colts @ Washington Redskins
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Last Week: 7-7
Entire Season: 43-31
Fantasy Update: We're still splitting both of our leagues and Scott has the 2-1 lead thanks to the BZ Staff League. We're both 4-1 in that league, but Scott has well over 100 points total over me for the tie-breaker. We play each other in that league so this is my chance to take the 2-1 lead and supremely piss Scott off.
Labels:
NFL Picks
Bills vs Jaguars Review
10/12/2010 | Posted by
Devin
The irony was off the charts last Thursday when the Bills announced that Sunday’s home game against Jacksonville was going to be blacked out locally because they had somewhere between 10 and 12 thousand unsold tickets.
Of all teams to play against and not sell out, it just had to happen against the poster children for the NFL blackout rule. As most Bills fans know by now; the NFL was doing us a favor by blacking it out.
The Good: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Fred Jackson and Steve Johnson.
Fitzpatrick finished the game 20/30, 220 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. No joke, I have a two QB fantasy team where I normally start Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. With Brady being on the bye, I actually picked Fitzpatrick up and he almost tripled Manning for the afternoon. Since taking over for awful Trent Edwards, Fitzpatrick has thrown for 595 yards, seven touchdowns and only two interceptions. The Bills really can’t ask much more out of Fitz. He has his moments, like when he horrendously botched two consecutive screen passes, but we also know what we’re getting from Fitz before heading into the game. To get the kind of production from him that we have, well, it’s been pretty amazing to be honest.
In his first full game as a starting RB this season, Jackson ran for 73 yards. So why is this good? Because he was only given the ball 12 times. 12 TIMES!! How is that even possible? Jackson averaged 6.1 yards per carry and looked downright dominant almost every time he touched the ball. So of course, let’s take it out of his hands. I’ve been giving Chan Gailey the benefit of the doubt for most of this season, but I’m starting to really doubt his play calling abilities.
Steve Johnson caught two more touchdown passes and now has four in the past three games. Not bad for a
seventh round pick that has been rarely used before this season. Especially considering that the Bills drafted James Hardy in the second round of the same draft. Johnson has now accounted for 50% of the Bills receiving touchdowns so far this season. The Bills haven’t had a receiver catch 10 or more touchdowns since Eric Moulds did it in the 2002 season. So needless to say, Johnson is on quite a pace for the Bills right now.
The Bad: The defense. They are really bad right now. They can’t stop the run. They can’t stop the pass. They get no pressure on the QB. They don’t force any turnovers. They literally can’t do anything defensively. If I’m calling plays for the Bills; I’m going for it on fourth down every single time because the defense isn’t stopping the other team anyways. But hey, let’s extend Chris Kelsay for another four years.
Also bad, the story about how the Bills didn’t shop Marshawn Lynch around enough. And by bad, I mean for anybody that believes that story. There were teams like Green Bay and Philadelphia that were rumored to be interested in Lynch. So when they didn’t get him, of course they’re going to say that the Bills didn’t shop him around enough. It’s called the blame game and they’re shifting the blame off themselves and on to the Bills. It’s an excuse to get the fans of their back. I know people think Buddy Nix isn’t a smart man, but do you really think he’s dumb enough to just take the first offer and not shop around? No, he isn’t. He wouldn’t have lasted a day in this league if that were the case. Give it a rest you idiots.
The Ugly: Yes, it’s the defense again. Since allowing 13 points to Miami on opening day, the Bills have since allowed 34, 38, 38 and 36 points in consecutive weeks. Even when the Bills offense can score points (and they have in two of the losses), they don’t even stand a chance because the Bills defense is just so friggin bad.
On average, they allow 182.4 yards per game on the ground. I can’t remember in my lifetime seeing a Bills team be so inept on defense. I’m being completely honest here. For everyone that plays fantasy football, you may want to consider adding whatever RB is facing the Bills that week (assuming they aren’t taken already). Here is a list of the RBs they’ll be facing in the upcoming weeks: Ray Rice/Willis McGahee, Jamaal Charles/Thomas Jones, Matt Forte, Jahvid Best, Cedric Benson, Rashard Mendenhall, Adrian Peterson, Peyton Hillis and the list goes on.
Seriously, Adrian Peterson is going to set the single game rushing mark against the Bills. I will bet anything on it. (Yes, I know he already has the record, he will break it again)
Of all teams to play against and not sell out, it just had to happen against the poster children for the NFL blackout rule. As most Bills fans know by now; the NFL was doing us a favor by blacking it out.
The Good: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Fred Jackson and Steve Johnson.
Fitzpatrick finished the game 20/30, 220 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. No joke, I have a two QB fantasy team where I normally start Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. With Brady being on the bye, I actually picked Fitzpatrick up and he almost tripled Manning for the afternoon. Since taking over for awful Trent Edwards, Fitzpatrick has thrown for 595 yards, seven touchdowns and only two interceptions. The Bills really can’t ask much more out of Fitz. He has his moments, like when he horrendously botched two consecutive screen passes, but we also know what we’re getting from Fitz before heading into the game. To get the kind of production from him that we have, well, it’s been pretty amazing to be honest.
In his first full game as a starting RB this season, Jackson ran for 73 yards. So why is this good? Because he was only given the ball 12 times. 12 TIMES!! How is that even possible? Jackson averaged 6.1 yards per carry and looked downright dominant almost every time he touched the ball. So of course, let’s take it out of his hands. I’ve been giving Chan Gailey the benefit of the doubt for most of this season, but I’m starting to really doubt his play calling abilities.
Steve Johnson caught two more touchdown passes and now has four in the past three games. Not bad for a
seventh round pick that has been rarely used before this season. Especially considering that the Bills drafted James Hardy in the second round of the same draft. Johnson has now accounted for 50% of the Bills receiving touchdowns so far this season. The Bills haven’t had a receiver catch 10 or more touchdowns since Eric Moulds did it in the 2002 season. So needless to say, Johnson is on quite a pace for the Bills right now. The Bad: The defense. They are really bad right now. They can’t stop the run. They can’t stop the pass. They get no pressure on the QB. They don’t force any turnovers. They literally can’t do anything defensively. If I’m calling plays for the Bills; I’m going for it on fourth down every single time because the defense isn’t stopping the other team anyways. But hey, let’s extend Chris Kelsay for another four years.
Also bad, the story about how the Bills didn’t shop Marshawn Lynch around enough. And by bad, I mean for anybody that believes that story. There were teams like Green Bay and Philadelphia that were rumored to be interested in Lynch. So when they didn’t get him, of course they’re going to say that the Bills didn’t shop him around enough. It’s called the blame game and they’re shifting the blame off themselves and on to the Bills. It’s an excuse to get the fans of their back. I know people think Buddy Nix isn’t a smart man, but do you really think he’s dumb enough to just take the first offer and not shop around? No, he isn’t. He wouldn’t have lasted a day in this league if that were the case. Give it a rest you idiots.
The Ugly: Yes, it’s the defense again. Since allowing 13 points to Miami on opening day, the Bills have since allowed 34, 38, 38 and 36 points in consecutive weeks. Even when the Bills offense can score points (and they have in two of the losses), they don’t even stand a chance because the Bills defense is just so friggin bad.
On average, they allow 182.4 yards per game on the ground. I can’t remember in my lifetime seeing a Bills team be so inept on defense. I’m being completely honest here. For everyone that plays fantasy football, you may want to consider adding whatever RB is facing the Bills that week (assuming they aren’t taken already). Here is a list of the RBs they’ll be facing in the upcoming weeks: Ray Rice/Willis McGahee, Jamaal Charles/Thomas Jones, Matt Forte, Jahvid Best, Cedric Benson, Rashard Mendenhall, Adrian Peterson, Peyton Hillis and the list goes on.
Seriously, Adrian Peterson is going to set the single game rushing mark against the Bills. I will bet anything on it. (Yes, I know he already has the record, he will break it again)
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