NFL Football Card (Dec 16th-18th)

[Irish]

Dallas (-4) over Atlanta
This is a pretty big play for me. Atl has injuries at running back. They looked AWFUL against Tampa bay and they have not been playing good football. Vick has not looked good passing and the speed of the LB's for dallas should limit his running ability. The cb's for Atlanta do not have the ability to shut down dallas at WR and the O-line should open some holes against the atlanta front. One of the biggest reasons for this play is because Dallas was embarassed last week and they should be looking to coming into atlanta tonight and just punch the falcons in the mounth. Something I do not think the falcons can recover from if this game turns into a shoot out. Vick WILL go to Crumpler and that needs to be shut off for the cowboys the CB's for dallas can stay close enough to the atlanta WR to either get a pick or cause the WR to drop the ball, something atlanta has been fighting all season. I have watched Atlanta in the last 2 games closely, they have out right stunk in the first halves against Washington and TB. I will also be on the 1st half of this game. Dallas will push the falcons on both sides of the ball, Vick will try to do too much with Dunn and Norwood hurt and he will make mistakes. Romo will rebound from a very bad game and have a very good game. I do not think the home field advantage is going to play considering this is GAME 1 back in the dome since Vick gave the one finger salute to the fans. If Dallas comes out to play, and I expect they do after the beating they took. This should be a punishment game for a falcons team that has been just getting by bad teams of late.

Cheers
Irish

 

[THE KOD]

Irish

I agree with alot of what you said. I also read today that Dunn is expected to play and Norwood is possible.

The trouble as always with the Falcons is that they win the games they should not win, and lose the game they should skate through ( Detroit , Cleveland )

Falcons are under tremendous pressure in Atlanta to win this game.

The Dallas Cowboys is a hated team by the Falcons for winning that playoff game from us years ago.
We never forgot that one, as it took us out of the playoffs.

Dallas should win this game , but I just cant pull the trigger on a game like this.

 

[THE KOD]

Flowery Branch ? Falcons rookie tailback Jerious Norwood, nursing a strained right knee, returned to practice Thursday, easing some concerns about the lack of depth at the position heading into Saturday night's game against visiting Dallas. However, starter Warrick Dunn did not practice after straining his calf in Sunday's victory over Tampa Bay ? five plays before Norwood was hurt.

Both were listed as questionable on the injury report and will be game-time decisions, coach Jim Mora said.

"Warrick said he feels better, so we'll see Saturday night," Mora said. "We'll take them out early, run them around a little bit and see how they do."

Neither player was available for comment.

With so much uncertainty about Dunn's playing status, Mora would not project who would start at tailback if Dunn does not play, Norwood or fullback Justin Griffith.

Norwood has not had more than 13 carries in a game.
..........................................................

I am thinking they will both have limited play and Dunn is not the force he used to be so it may not matter. The Saints beating Dallas shows that the Cowboys have issues also.

Gl on your play. I am rooting for Dallas and maybe the Falcons will make some changes.

 

[pistol495]

Im against you here Irish (and I am not a homer). Im a Chargers fan.

You make all very valid points and it very may well be ATL that gives this game away. ATL has been doing that this year but for the most part under Vick have play inspired ball at home.

In the Romo era I have seen one complete game out of DAL on the road and that is surely what it will take tonight to win in the Dome in prime time. Not many have succeeded over the last 5 years in doing so. Yes they pounded Zona. But look at the other three. Throw out CAR because it seems in almost all situations that when a new QB makes his first start the team rallies around him. They were losing that entire game until 4Q if that matters. And the Skins and NYG they won by 3 (yes I know they lost the Skins game but realistically thats what should have happened). So would it shock anyone if this came down to a FG? I think it will and it will be Morton kicking the game winner.

Good luck tonight. Just thought I would throw in my thoughts. You do a great job here

Pistol

 

[Irish]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. Vick is a good player at home but this is the first game since the dirty birdy and I am not sure how some fans will act if he starts slow. Also TB was able to move the ball against Atl last week and I am thinking the cowboys have the better offense. I agree the falcons have talent but I am mainly looking at how badly the cowboys got beat at home last week. Watching the NFL good teams rarely have two terrible weeks in a row. As always in the NFL it depends on what team comes to play, you guys make very good points and good luck tonight.

Pistol... no worries, good luck on your play and great season by the bolts so far.

Scott... Dallas has a lot of holes but IMO pride is at stake for the cowboys. After last weeks beating they cannot afford to have two bad weeks in a playoff hunt.

Dall (-2.5) over Atl 1st half

Cheers
Irish

 

[DeadPrez]

good luck this week Irish :SIB

 

[Irish]

I cannot believe the CB play for Dallas..... The 3rd TD was a great pass but the secondary blows.

Dallas (-3) over Atlanta 2nd half
I need only two things in the second half.... romo not to throw the ball into the linemens hands anymore leading to INT's. Secondly.... If you are gonna get BURNED by the WR - - HOLD THEM... thats 5 yards compared to the 40 yards they are giving up getting burned.

And some tell parcells not to pay so much attention to the NFL Network cameraman (telling him to get back( and more to the Fullback in the flat play.....

Cheers
Irish

 

[gjn23]

I cannot believe the CB play for Dallas..... The 3rd TD was a great pass but the secondary blows.

Dallas (-3) over Atlanta 2nd half
I need only two things in the second half.... romo not to throw the ball into the linemens hands anymore leading to INT's. Secondly.... If you are gonna get BURNED by the WR - - HOLD THEM... thats 5 yards compared to the 40 yards they are giving up getting burned.

And some tell parcells not to pay so much attention to the NFL Network cameraman (telling him to get back( and more to the Fullback in the flat play.....

Cheers
Irish

cb play?

safety play stinks as well (that means you roy williams, you absolutely suck in pass coverage)

love to see these losers miss the playoffs all together....that bandwagon would go crashing off the cliff

 

[3 Seconds]

cb play?

safety play stinks as well (that means you roy williams, you absolutely suck in pass coverage)

love to see these losers miss the playoffs all together....that bandwagon would go crashing off the cliff

Roy Williams is a SS w/ no FS to help him. That is the problem. Roy shouldnt be 35 yards down the field in coverage, but the FS, whoever it may be, cant play. Watkins sucks, Davis sucks.

 

[Irish]

I guess the fullback out of the back field is something the cowboys just can't figure out?????????????????????????????????:shrug:

Cheers
Irish

 

[gjn23]

Roy Williams is a SS w/ no FS to help him. That is the problem. Roy shouldnt be 35 yards down the field in coverage, but the FS, whoever it may be, cant play. Watkins sucks, Davis sucks.

he's a safety, which means he needs to cover somebody occasionally (wr-rb-te)

problem is, he consistantly gets burned by ANYBODY he covers and always is in the wrong place.....plus when he's the 2nd man in coverage in a zone, he somehow ALWAYS seems to let the man get behind him.

 

[pistol495]

Great call Irish. Went to the game and you sensed that ATL would get back into it. But clearly the better team came out on top. Was hoping to avoid that last TD

Good luck today

 

[Irish]

Vikes (-3) over NYJ
The vikes have found the running game to take the heat off Johnson. The Jets defense is terrible against the run and Taylor or Pinner should have a big day behind the left side of the line. The Vikes defense is fast and strong against the run. Taking away the run will force Pennington to beat them and IMO he cannot without making mistakes. This is a playoff game for both teams and therefor home field advantage is going to be a factor. IMO the Vikes defense are the difference in this game and they will limit the Jets running game while getting pressure on Penny in passing situations. The WR's for Minny need to step up because the Jets will get beat deep and Johnson needs to take advantage when they get the match-ups.

JAX (-3) over Tenn
Tenn is hot and I have been on the young train for the past few weeks, but this isn't Houston, Indy or NYG. The jag's defense is stronger and faster and IMO they will be all over the running game and young. This means Young will have to throw the ball and his recievers are not good enough to beat the secondary. This will be a big special teams day for Pac-Man and Jones-Drew. I think the practice Jax gets against Drew will help them in this area and Jax wins the battle of special teams. Then the Jag's have found the running game and Taylor and Jones-Drew should have big games. Taking the pressure off the jags QB. Tenn plays tough at home but they do turn the ball over, if the titans turn the ball over the jags will have no problems. The match-up most interesting to me is Pacman vs. Matt Jones..... Pacman gives up a lot of size and they are equal in the speed department. This means in the redzone I think posts, slants and hitch and goes will all work in the ball is throw high.

Buff (-1) over Miami
Buff is very good at home, they have a good defense and solid special teams. Hate putting my money on Losman but the kid can throw a ball if he gets some time. The dolphins fresh off a beating they gave to NE may mean the tank isa bit empty. The fins will play tough on defense as they always do but they struggle just a bit on the road and that is where I think Buff has the advantage. This will be a tough game but I think the weather, home field and playaction the bills all have going for them.

NYG (-5) over Philly
Giants have the players to beat philly. Garcia has played well but today he is going to struggle as he did in the second half of the redskins game. Up to eli today and he needs to trust Plax and shockey. They beat Carolina last week and this is practically the same situation.... Back-up QB, decent WR's and a strong defnese. The giants running game will be tested but I think they do well. All in all this whole game will come down to Eli and his abiltiy to sit in the pocket for a few seconds and find his WR and TE that if give those few seconds should get open.

VERY big play tonight
KC (+8) over SD
Bolts has nothing and I mean nothing to play for in this game. LT got the record last week, they have a playoff spot and healthy for the playoff push. All things Marty knows and will be playing against.

Might have a few more 4:00 games....
Lean GB over Detroit... No Jones in lambo good spot for the Pack off a win at SF might be in a good mood and bret plays better when he feels good.

Cheers
Irish

 

[gjn23]

Vikes (-3) over NYJ
The vikes have found the running game to take the heat off Johnson. The Jets defense is terrible against the run and Taylor or Pinner should have a big day behind the left side of the line. The Vikes defense is fast and strong against the run. Taking away the run will force Pennington to beat them and IMO he cannot without making mistakes. This is a playoff game for both teams and therefor home field advantage is going to be a factor. IMO the Vikes defense are the difference in this game and they will limit the Jets running game while getting pressure on Penny in passing situations. The WR's for Minny need to step up because the Jets will get beat deep and Johnson needs to take advantage when they get the match-ups.

JAX (-3) over Tenn
Tenn is hot and I have been on the young train for the past few weeks, but this isn't Houston, Indy or NYG. The jag's defense is stronger and faster and IMO they will be all over the running game and young. This means Young will have to throw the ball and his recievers are not good enough to beat the secondary. This will be a big special teams day for Pac-Man and Jones-Drew. I think the practice Jax gets against Drew will help them in this area and Jax wins the battle of special teams. Then the Jag's have found the running game and Taylor and Jones-Drew should have big games. Taking the pressure off the jags QB. Tenn plays tough at home but they do turn the ball over, if the titans turn the ball over the jags will have no problems. The match-up most interesting to me is Pacman vs. Matt Jones..... Pacman gives up a lot of size and they are equal in the speed department. This means in the redzone I think posts, slants and hitch and goes will all work in the ball is throw high.

Buff (-1) over Miami
Buff is very good at home, they have a good defense and solid special teams. Hate putting my money on Losman but the kid can throw a ball if he gets some time. The dolphins fresh off a beating they gave to NE may mean the tank isa bit empty. The fins will play tough on defense as they always do but they struggle just a bit on the road and that is where I think Buff has the advantage. This will be a tough game but I think the weather, home field and playaction the bills all have going for them.

NYG (-5) over Philly
Giants have the players to beat philly. Garcia has played well but today he is going to struggle as he did in the second half of the redskins game. Up to eli today and he needs to trust Plax and shockey. They beat Carolina last week and this is practically the same situation.... Back-up QB, decent WR's and a strong defnese. The giants running game will be tested but I think they do well. All in all this whole game will come down to Eli and his abiltiy to sit in the pocket for a few seconds and find his WR and TE that if give those few seconds should get open.

VERY big play tonight
KC (+8) over SD
Bolts has nothing and I mean nothing to play for in this game. LT got the record last week, they have a playoff spot and healthy for the playoff push. All things Marty knows and will be playing against.

Might have a few more 4:00 games....
Lean GB over Detroit... No Jones in lambo good spot for the Pack off a win at SF might be in a good mood and bret plays better when he feels good.

Cheers
Irish

fyi-i hate the chargers as much as anyone and live in sd, BUT...to say they have nothing to play for is wrong.....this team is guaranteed nothing but the 4 seed right now, they are in a battle for a bye and the #1 seed with indy-balt-ne, so they do have something to play for....plus the chiefs called them out this week for being soft vs kc in their game earlier this month

not sure who im gonna take, might just play the over but poor weather here in sd all day.....however i wouldnt be playing the cheifs soley on the fact that the chargers "have nothing to play for" as that is dead wrong.

 

[AM2kidz]

Have to Agree..

Have to Agree..

fyi-i hate the chargers as much as anyone and live in sd, BUT...to say they have nothing to play for is wrong.....this team is guaranteed nothing but the 4 seed right now, they are in a battle for a bye and the #1 seed with indy-balt-ne, so they do have something to play for....plus the chiefs called them out this week for being soft vs kc in their game earlier this month

not sure who im gonna take, might just play the over but poor weather here in sd all day.....however i wouldnt be playing the cheifs soley on the fact that the chargers "have nothing to play for" as that is dead wrong.

I have to agree on the Chargers pick... I feel like The Chargers might have a chip on their shoulders after some of the comments... They definitely want home field advantage throughout the playoffs... Tough game to cap... GL Iriish...
Love the rest of the picks... am2kidz

 

[Irish]

Agree the bolts are going to play for the bye and the comments made by the chiefs do not help me. I am thinking that with the record in hand and the playoffs locked up the bolts might left off the gas a bit and to spot a TD to the chiefs after being embarassed at home by the Ravens is a bit much. Thanks for the info guys. Good luck on your plays.

Cheers
Irish

 

[3 Seconds]

he's a safety, which means he needs to cover somebody occasionally (wr-rb-te)

problem is, he consistantly gets burned by ANYBODY he covers and always is in the wrong place.....plus when he's the 2nd man in coverage in a zone, he somehow ALWAYS seems to let the man get behind him.

Yet he has more INTs & turnovers created that any other saftey in the league this year, SS or FS.

 

[Irish]

St. Louis (+2.5) over Raiders
Raiders stink, no Moss, Rams looking for playoffs.
I hate Brad Johnson

Cheers
Irish

 

[Irish]

Den/Ariz OVER (43.5)

Cheers
Irish

 

[Irish]

KC (+6) over SD 1st half

Interesting that the game line is +8 and half is +6???

Cheers
Irish