PIGSKIN 2021: Week Ten

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Ten

RESULTS

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four

Week Five

Week Six

Week Seven

Week Eight

Week Nine

Scoreboard
Week Nine Record: 4-8

Overall Record (ATS): 57-59-2

Schmear of the Week: 6-3

Bagels in the Basket: +5

1st and Ten

• The smashmouth Titans own an AFC best 7-2 record.
• The Cardinals lead the NFC with an NFL-best 8-1 record.

2nd and Long

• Is Sam Still I Am With Cam back in Carolina?  Not on IR.
• First Von Miller, now Odell Beckham Jr.; the Rams are really assembling a hell of a team.  Too bad their head coach is incapable of guiding them through to the finish.

No Gain

• Aaron Rogers says he might have misled people.
• Former NFL running back Frank Gore will fight former NBA point guard Deron Williams in a boxing match slated for Dec. 18.

PUNT!

• Jon Gruden might be right insofar as being singled out and forced out of Las Vegas, but he still royally effed up. 
• Last week was one of the funkiest Football Sundays to date.

WEEK TEN
Friday line ~ NYP/MGM

Bills -13 JETS

If nothing else, the Jets demonstrated that playing them will not be as easy as the opposition once thought over the last two weeks.  But they've been giving up a lot of points.  The Bills are coming into this game pissed off after being limited to a mere six points against the Jags.  A lot of their week-long frustration will be taken out on the Jets.

COWBOYS -9 1/2 Falcons

Here's the problem: the Cowboy secondary sucks, which means Matt Ryan can keep this close.  But if Dallas continues featuring one of the game's better running attacks, Ryan's field time gets limited.  Atlanta's defense sucks too.  Dak Prescott can take of the rest, but the Cowboys really need to make this a statement game.

TITANS -3 Saints

I was very impressed with Tennessee's victory last week against the Rams.  Their defense is top tier and  New Orleans will be playing minus Alvin Kamara, and their starting left tackle.  That could spell trouble for novice quarterback Trevor Siemian.

Jaguars +10 COLTS

Carson Wentz needs to replace his uniform number with a question mark.  The Colts (4-5) are merely defeating the best of the rest.  Wentz has had just one 300+ yard game to date.  Which is to say, he hasn't elevated the Colts as high as they hoped.  The Colts are actually 6-3 versus the spread.  But their defense isn't performing up to expectations.  I'm imagining Jacksonville scores roughly 19 points.  Do you think the Colts cover?  Too many points ...

Browns +2 PATRIOTS

I'll tell you why ... the Browns still have other things they can do after Belichick takes away what they do best.  But Baker Mayfield must be up to the task.  Another reason I'm leaning Browns is that the Patriots are just 1-4 at home.

STEELERS -8 Lions

I know the Steelers will struggle for points.  But I can't see the Lions doing any better against the Steeler defense.  So, who do you trust, Big Ben or Jared Goff?  Compelling stuff, I know ...

Buccaneers -9 1/2 WASHINGTON

Washington gives me no reason to think otherwise.  Their defensive front is the biggest group of underachievers in football.  The Bucs are defending SB champs for a reason.  Watch them turn it up over the second half of the season.  Brady has always loved running up scores.

CARDINALS -10 Panthers

This is a lot of points.  Cam Newton isn't playing; Sam Darnold is out, and P.J. Walker is starting for the Panthers.  At least he'll have Christian McCaffrey back to help carry the load.  In truth, the Cardinals should have few problems taming an ineffective Panther offense.  Moreover, the Panthers' defense of the first three weeks has yet to reemerge, or they're just being overworked.

CHARGERS -3 1/2 Vikings

The Vikings run the ball well and the Bolts have trouble stopping the run.  But I still like the Bolts at home against the Vikings, who are playing their second straight game on the road.  If the Bolts can avoid settling for field goals, they got this.

Eagles +3 BRONCOS

The Eagles are coming off a loss at the Chargers, and the Broncos are coming off an uplifting win over the Cowboys.  Therefore, it's a perfect time for the Eagles' to screw up everyone's best-laid plans.

PACKERS -3 1/2 Seahawks

I was so looking forward to Jordan Love versus Geno Smith.  We must settle for Rogers versus Wilson.  Aside from Wilson's potential QB rust, Seattle's defense is suspect.  Temperatures are falling at Green Bay.  Should be a good day for their fans.

Chiefs -2 1/2 RAIDERS

Another old-school rivalry should be fun.  The Chiefs are 2-7 against the spread, but the Raiders continue failing to distinguish themselves, and we'll see why on Sunday.  I'm giving the Chiefs the benefit of the doubt.

Schmear of the Week

Bills -13 

Good luck and have a great Football Sunday!

N.Y. Jets Throttle Up The Bengals

From the desk: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

WEEK EIGHT

Bengals   31

JETS        34

FINAL

Rising Like a Phoenix From The Ashes ... 

A week after getting shot down over New England skies, head coach Robert Saleh and the Jets recovered all their broken parts and somehow pieced themselves back together again.

Robert Salah rearranged the cockpit by sticking his offensive coordinator up in the box instead of down on the field, and by opening kickoff, it was all systems go!

The Jets won the coin flip and elected to receive.  They proceeded on a ten-play 75-yard game-opening drive capped off by Michael Carter's eight-yard romp for a touchdown.  In turn, the defense did not allow a point in the first quarter.

No one was surprised when Cincinnati answered with 17 points in the second quarter.  But the Jets embarked on another eight-play 67-yard drive, and with 0:15 showing on the clock, Braxton Berrios received an eight-yard pass from Mike White to make it a 17-14 game.

Cincinnati went five plays and out to open the third quarter.  Upon receiving the punt, the Jets went on another 13-play 82-yard drive resulting in a field goal and a tie game.  But with the quarter winding down, the Bengals struck back for a 24-17 lead.

The Jets put together yet another ten-play 69-yard drive on their next possession, resulting in a field goal.  Likewise, the Bengals scored on their next possession for a 31-20 lead with 7:29 left in the fourth quarter.

Not only did Mike White lead the Jets on another eight-play 75-yard drive, but he also caught the resulting touchdown pass thrown by running back Ty Johnson.

With the Jets down by five and 4:36 left in the fourth quarter, Shaq Lawson batted and intercepted a Joe Burrow attempt giving the Jets the football back at Cincy's 15-yard line.  Two plays later, Tyler Kroft received a touchdown pass from Mike White, and with a two-point conversion, the Jets seized a 34-31 lead and the final margin of victory.

Just a phenomenally entertaining game ...

In his second NFL game and making his first-ever start, Mike White connected on 37/45 passes for 405 yards, three touchdowns, two INTs, and one touchdown reception.

The Jets amassed 511 total yards!  Both teams had an equal twelve offensive drives, but the Jets held the ball for 36:20 minutes, achieved 14 more first downs, and limited the Bengals to just 41 yards rushing.

Crazy!

PIGSKIN 2021: Week Eight

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Eight

RESULTS

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four

Week Five

Week Six

Week Seven

SCOREBOARD

Week Seven Record: 7-5

Overall Record (ATS): 46-44-2

Schmear of the Week: 6-1

Bagels in the Basket: +15

LINK: TOP STORIES FROM THE NFL OWNER'S MEETINGS

WEEK EIGHT

Friday Line ~ NYP/MGM

Bengals -10 1/2 JETS

I was uncomfortable picking against the Bengals last week versus the Ravens.  Lesson learned.  Meanwhile, the Jets are still picking up the pieces after last week's crash landing at New England.  Zach Wilson is out.  Mike White is likely to start over recently acquired Joe Flacco.  To their credit, the Jets held each of their first five opponents under 30 points.  Then came the Patriots.  Bengals should be good for at least 30 points.  I'm so sure the Jets will even score.

Loss; 34-31 Jets

FALCONS -3 Panthers

The Falcons are a coin flip from an Atlanta point of view.  Whereas the Panthers have fallen apart like wet toilet paper.  They're nothing without Christian McCaffrey, who was involved in 60% of Carolina's plays from scrimmage.  Sam, I Am, just isn't ...

Loss; 19-13 Panthers

BILLS -14 Dolphins

Worried about the points?  In week two, the Bills shutout out the Fish 35-0 at Miami.  Tua was hurt in that game.  Now he's back.  So what!  Buffalo has scored no less than 30 points in their last five games and twice broke 40 points.

WIN; 26-11 Bills

BEARS +4 Niners

This is the perfect opponent for the Niners to get on track.  The Bears feature the NFC's worst offense.  Yet, somehow they have three wins.  Something ponderous will happen.  Niners will shoot themselves in the foot.

Loss; 33-22 Niners

Steelers + 3 1/2 BROWNS

Baker Mayfield is still banged up.  After last season's playoff loss to the Browns, Coach Tomlin, Big Ben, and the Steelers really want to win this game.  Their defense is still formidable.

WIN; 15-10 Steelers

LIONS +3 1/2 Eagles

The Lions have a heart, and it's time they win their first game.  Their worst performance came in week two against the Packers.  They've been within a touchdown of their opponents in every game since.

Loss; 44-6 Eagles

Titans -1 1/2 COLTS

No disrespect to the Colts, who are tough, but smashmouth is starting to surge.  Tennessee's loss to the Jets was a complete fluke - any given day.  The Colts have wins over the Dolphins, Texans, and the Niners, who all have losing records.  The Titans defeated the Colts by nine points in week three at Tennessee.

WIN; 34-31 Titans

Rams -14 1/2 TEXANS

Four times the Texans have been held below ten points.  This will be game number five.  Houston has scored a mere eight points over the last two weeks.  The Texans have averaged just ten points per game after opening the season with 37 points against the Jaguars.

WIN; 38-22 Rams

CHARGERS -4 Patriots

If this spread were more expansive, I'd lean the other way.  The Bolt's most recent loss against the Ravens doesn't jive with the way their season is really going.  I respect what the rebuilding Patriots are doing, but they've only defeated the Jets and Texans.

Loss; 27-24 Patriots

SEAHAWKS -3 1/2 Jaguars

Geno Smith versus Trevor Lawrence ... what's a gambling degenerate to do?  At their best, the Jags erupted for a season-high 23 points last week against Miami.  However, Seattle has been held to 20-points or less in each of their previous three games.  The Seahawks should still be better at home.

WIN; 31-7 Seahawks

BRONCOS -3 Washington

The Broncos are a step down from Washington's recent competition.  Denver's three victories have pretty literally come against the worst teams in football since 2017.  But I'm going to trust Teddy Bridgewater against anything WFC can throw at him.  I have no idea what Washington is doing.  Their football team is terrible, too.

WIN; 17-10 Broncos

Buccaneers -4 1/2 SAINTS

I expect a good game.  The Saints being limited to 13 points by the Seahawks might be a warning flag.  Although Tampa is not trustworthy against the spread, they're still a more well-rounded team.

Loss; 36-27 Saints

Cowboys -2 1/2 VIKINGS

I expect a dogfight.  I also envision Ezekiel Elliott running to daylight.  Holding on and winning by a field goal sounds perfectly reasonable to me.

WIN; 20-16 Cowboys

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

CHIEFS -10 Giants

There is no more vulnerable team in football right now than the Chiefs.  But Andy Reid's ability to coach through this cannot go unspoken.  The Chiefs are a talented but desperate team which makes them very dangerous.  Coming off last week's declawing of the Panthers, the Giants are feeling pretty good about themselves as well.  Both teams are gassed up with motivation.  I can actually see both quarterbacks scrambling out of the pocket and completing big plays downfield.  But I can also see Patrick Mahomes completing twice as many.

Loss; 20-17 Chiefs

Schmear of the Week

Bengals -10 1/2

LOSS

Good luck and have a great Football Sunday!

POSTGAME

Week Eight Record: 7-7

Overall Record (ATS): 53-51-2

Schmear of the Week: 6-2

Bagels in the Basket: +12

N.Y. Jets: Grounded in New England

From the desk: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

WEEK SEVEN

Jets              13

PATRIOTS   54

FINAL

Gridiron Grasshopper vs. Sensei

The Jets are the youngest team in the NFL.  If you're a rebuilding team, football is about improvement. 

Positional competition fosters team competency.  Weekly opponents are your measure of progress, and so forth.

TWO GAMES:

• JETS - rookie head coach Robert Saleh, rookie staff, a rookie quarterback, and a young team. 
• PATRIOTS - grizzled old NFL senior citizen Bill Belichick and his accomplished staff, and his rookie quarterback and his young rebuilding team.

With their mission statement in hand, the Jets effectively doubled their offensive output against the Patriots.  The Jets were limited to six points in week two.  On Sunday, they scored 13 points.  So, there's that.

Defensively, the Jets in week two allotted the Patriots 25 points.  This time, coming off a bye week, they allowed the Patriots 54 points.

This game was somewhat more calamitous than the first because the Jets lost their rookie quarterback to a knee injury for a couple of weeks.  In the meantime, New England's rookie quarterback was 24/36 for 307 yards and two touchdown passes.

New England's backfield rushed 23 times for 127 yards and four touchdowns.  Three different Patriots caught touchdown passes.  The Jets had three turnovers with none by the Pats.

On Sunday, New England amassed 551 yards on offense.  It's taken the Jets two games against the Patriots to amass 559 yards.

After two meetings against the (no Tom Brady) New England Patriots, the question now begs to be asked: what the hell are the Jets doing?

N.Y. Jets Arrive in New England for Rookie QB Rematch

From the desk: WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

Jets Must Start Tightening Their Security Measures

The Jets are coming off a bye week, and boy, did they need it.  Zach Wilson was being punished.

He so far has been sacked 18 times through five games (3.2 times per game), not to mention 32 other QB hits.  

Carolina in week one sacked Wilson six times and registered ten other hits, and that was with Jet offensive lineman Mekhi Becton still in the game for 48 snaps.  Becton has been out since.

In week two, their first meeting against the Pats, Wilson was sacked four times and hit seven other times while also being inducted into four interceptions.  The following week, Denver sacked Wilson five times and hit him nine other times.

Tennessee is the aberration.  They managed just one sack and one other QB hit, and of course, lost that game - Gang Green's lone win.  It's no coincidence that the game marks Zach's best performance to date - a season-high 297 yards and two touchdowns.

Lastly, the Falcons two weeks ago sacked Wilson twice and hit him five other times.  Meanwhile, Wilson threw his ninth INT this season.

I do not see the Jet's second encounter against the Pats playing out differently from the first.  Now that Belichick has game film from their first head-to-head matchup, there's no way the Jets even get off the ground.  Bill Belichick tries taking away what teams do best.  Thus, he will seal the edges and prevent Wilson from throwing downfield miracle passes on the run - especially to Elijah Moore.  With no viable run game to speak of, Wilson will be forced to stay in the pocket and throw right into Belichick's traps.   

After all, this is still a matchup between the grasshopper, i.e., Robert Salah, going up against Sensei.

If C.J. Mosely tries playing with a barking hamstring, Belichick will tell Mac Jones to attack him too.  Jones threw for 186 yards with no mistakes in his meeting against the Jets.  Zach Wilson made four.

PIGSKIN 2021: Week Seven

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Seven

RESULTS

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four

Week Five

Week Six

SCOREBOARD

Week Six Record: 7-5

Overall Record (ATS): 39-39-2

Schmear of the Week: 5-1

Bagels in the Basket: +10

1st and Ten

• Arizona is still undefeated.

2nd and Long

• Fully vaccinated Cam Newton is still yet to sign with a team.

No Gain

• Detroit Lions are still winless at 0-5.

PUNT!

• This NFL email conspiracy with the WFC needs to be blown wide open.  Other miscreants were reading and responding to those emails.  Oh, wait, Congress is now stepping in!

WEEK SEVEN

Friday Line ~ MGM/NYP

Panthers -3 GIANTS

I get the Panthers are losers of three in a row.  They're at the edge of the cliff, looking down.  But the Giants are already down there, looking up.  Big Blue still has more problems than a math book.  Without Andrew Thomas protecting his blind side, Daniel Jones's game goes downhill.  They enter week seven with too many injuries to the offensive line, their receivers, and Saquon Barkley.  No one is stepping up on defense; they're generating zero pressure.  If the Giants win, it'll be because Sam Darnold threw three picks.

Loss; 25-3 Giants

PATRIOTS -7 Jets

Of course, Zack Wilson had a bad first game against the Patriots.  New England defeated the Jets by 19 points in their first meeting.  Now that Belichick has game film from their first head-to-head matchup, there's no way the Jets get off the ground.

WIN; 54-13 Patriots

RAVENS -6 1/2 Bengals

Don't look now, but the Bengals have yielded the second-fewest points in the AFC.  But can they slow down Baltimore's run game?  I like the Bengals to make this a great match through the first three quarters.  But I don't think they're ready to get down and dirty in trenches.  By the fourth, the Ravens' ground game will start running away.

Loss; 41-17 Bengals

PACKERS -8 Washington

Washington played their best games to date against the Giants and Falcons, in which they won each time by one and four points, respectively.  Washington has also yielded 30-plus points in their last four games.  Aaron Rogers will give Washington a new team name by the time this one is through.

WIN; 24-10 Packers

TITANS +5 1/2 Chiefs

The Titans are coming on.  Smashmouth sometimes needs time to gain momentum.  They're coming off a massive win against Buffalo.  Despite holding the ball for only 27-minutes, they still rushed for 146 yards and 362 yards overall against the AFC's top defense.  The Chiefs are among the league leaders in points allowed.  Pat Mahomes continues performing magic outside the pocket.  This week, ball control wins the day.

WIN; 27-3 Titans

Falcons -2 1/5 DOLPHINS

Tua gives the Fish a fighting chance, but the veteran Matt Ryan still packs a bigger punch.  After their one-point win in Week One over the Pats, the Dolphins have essentially been blown out every week since.

Loss; 30-28 Falcons

RAMS -16 1/2 Lions

A fascinating game featuring Jared Goff versus Matthew Stafford ... not.  This will be a no-contest.  Who understands Joff's inefficiencies better than the Rams?  The Lions will remain winless after facing the Paper Tiger.

Loss; 28-19 Rams

RAIDERS -3 Eagles

Laying the obligatory three points at home is another way of saying the bookmakers have no idea.  The Eagles are unsolvable.

WIN; 33-22 Raiders

BUCCANEERS -12 1/2 Bears

Yeah, the Bucs have injuries, but the Bears are still a 50/50 venture.  Their defense is legit, but you just never know who, how, when, and if they'll score points.  They're averaging 16 points per game.

WIN; 38-3 Bucs

CARDINALS -17 Texans

Bad luck looms around every corner.  However, in the NFL, the better team usually always wins.  This is a no contest.  The Cardinals are 5-1-0 against the spread.  J.J. Watt will also have something to say.

WIN; 31-5 Cardinals

Colts +4 49ERS

The Colts played tight games against the Rams and Ravens and came up short.  They desperately needed a win last week and blew out the Texans.  They're getting it together.  Carson Wentz plays behind a good offensive line, and despite their record, the Colt defense is solid.  Something is wrong with the Niners.  I can't put my finger on it ... maybe they haven't adjusted to the loss of Robert Salah.  Can't plant your flag with victories over the Lions and Eagles.

WIN; 30-18 Colts

Schmear of the Week (5-1)

Packers -8

WIN

Good luck, and have a great Football Sunday!

POSTGAME

Week Seven Record: 7-5

Overall Record (ATS): 46-44-2

Schmear of the Week: 6-1

Bagels in the Basket: +15

PIGSKIN 2021: Week Five

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Four

RESULTS

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four

Scoreboard

Week Four Record: 10-4

Overall record (ATS): 25-28-1

Schmear of the Week: 3-1

Bagels in the Basket: +2

1st and Ten

• London Calling! 9:30 am (EST)
• And then there was one - the Arizona Cardinals are the only undefeated team left.

2nd and Long

• Both the Jets and Giants win for the first time this season, in overtime!  We're so spoiled.
• Too bad: Russell Wilson out 4 to 8 weeks.

No Gain

• Urban Meyer at the bar ... C'mon, man!
• Speaking of which, the Jaguars and Lions are a combined 0-8.
• Someone is gonna break Big Ben.

PUNT!

• John Gruden apologizes for using racial language in a 2011 email.  That was no slip of the tongue either, you really have to want to say something like that.

WEEK FIVE

Friday Line ~ NYP/MGM

COWBOYS -7 Giants

The question is can Daniel Jones, Kenny Golladay, and Kadarius Toney win a shootout against the Cowboys.  If Jason Garrett lets Saquon Barkely run 20 to 25 times, maybe.  I'd love to see it.  The Dallas secondary is indeed terrible.  But the Giants defensive front isn't generating any pressure.  Even when they blitz, they're still not getting near the quarterback.  Even though Ezikiel Elliott and Amari Cooper are banged up, you just can't give Dak Prescott that kind of time.  Blake Martinez and now Jabrill Peppers are out.  The Giants still aren't rushing effectively either, and now (guard) Ben Bredeson is out.

WIN; 44-20 Cowboys

Jets +3 Falcons *LONDON

Why do we constantly export terrible games across the pond?  Atlanta is just aweful.  They had no business defeating the Giants.  Three of four opponents have scored 30 points or more against the Falcons.  You know which team didn't top 30 points against Atlanta?  The Giants.  Stick with the Jets coming off last week's defensive marvel against the Titans.

Loss; 27-20 Falcons

BENGALS +3 Packers

Trap game!  The Packers should win, but will they?  Joe Burrow is hotter than the sun ... something to be said for the up and comers of the league.  Gotta take underdogs if you wanna win (ATS).

Push; 25-22 Packers

Lions +9 VIKINGS

Week Five Toilet Bowl: Just looking for the Lions to cover.  Like last week, Dalvin Cook is playing on an injured ankle, and you saw what happened against the Browns.  Minnesota's win over Seattle was unimpressive.  The Lions are 2-2 against the spread and so are the Vikes.  Heads I win, tails you lose.

WIN; 19-17 Vikings

STEELERS +1 Broncos

The Steelers have one more win in them.  They'll do it for their coach.  Big Ben has a bum hip, but he should be able to bust the Broncos.

WIN; 27-19 Steelers

BUCCANEERS -10 Dolphins

It turns out Miami's week one win against the Patriots was a fluke.  Meanwhile, the world awaits Tom Brady versus Jacoby Brissett.

WIN; 45-17 Bucs

WASHINGTON +2 Saints

Washington has no business winning this game, not with their lack of discipline.  I'm giving Coach Rivera one last vote of confidence to garner some competency from his talent.  They should be able to create all kinds of chaos around Jameis Winston, but will they ...

Loss; 33-22 Saints

PANTHERS -3 Eagles

Panthers are banged up.  But the Eagles are the most undependable team in football.  They're harder to solve than a sudoku puzzle.  Sam, I Can ...

Loss; 21-18 Eagles

Titans -4 1/2 JAGUARS

Urban Meyer missed the team flight back to Florida so he could chill in Ohio and party.  You can take the man out of college but you can't take college out of the man.  I wanna see Jacksonville lose their 20th in a row.  When it rains it pours.

WIN; 37-19 Titans

Patriots -9 TEXANS

This is a lot of points.  Houston's defense can make this game closer than Bill Belichick would like.  A touchdown and a field goal, I'll take my chances.

Loss; 25-22 Patriots

RAIDERS -5 1/2 Bears

Back to the desert, they go ... not a good place for bears.  Chicago's problem is points - they simply do not score.  They average 16-points per game.

Loss; 20-9 Bears

Browns +2 1/2 CHARGERS

It's time the Bolts experience a short circuit.  Chargers are a legit 3-1 team.  But ya can't hold the Browns' competition against them.  Their defense is good, really good.  If Baker Mayfield plays under control, they're in.

Loss; 47-42 Chargers

CARDINALS -5 49ers

No Jimmy G ... I picked the Cardinals last week against the Rams.  The Cardinals can seize the NFC West by the neck, and they know it.

WIN; 17-10 Cardinals

Bills +3 CHIEFS

If there was ever a game the Chiefs should plow forward behind the run, this is it.  Run, run, run, chew up yardage behind that big offensive line, and keep Josh Allen and the Bills off the field.  Problem is, Buffalo's defense is among the NFL's best.

WIN; 38-20 Bills

Schmear of the Week (3-1)

Bucs -10

WIN

Good luck, and have a great Football Sunday!

POST-GAME

Week Five Record: 7-6-1

Overall Record (ATS): 32-34-2

Schmear of the Week: 4-1

Bagels in the Basket: +5

N.Y. Jets: Flying High After Overtime Victory Against Titans

From the desk: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

WEEK FOUR

Titans  24

JETS    27

OVERTIME

Zack Wilson Has His Moon Landing

Sunday's victory over the Titans was impressive in so many ways.  

Still playing minus Mekhi Becton, the offensive line did a stellar job of protecting their rookie quarterback, yielding just one sack for eight yards.  Tennessee managed just one other QB hit.  Linebacker Harold Landry III accounted for both plays.  Otherwise, Zack Wilson remained untouched.

In return, Wilson led the Jets in a second-half comeback with two fourth-quarter touchdown passes, first to Jamison Crowder on second and goal from the three, then to Corey Davis for 53-yards.  It gave the Jets a 24-17 lead.  

In overtime, Zack led the Jets on a 13-play 71-yard drive resulting in the decisive field goal.  He completed four of six attempts for 57 yards on connections for nine, 29, eleven, and eight yards, respectively.  

Corey Davis caught four of seven targets for a game-high 111 yards, and Jacksonville castoff Keelan Cole secured three of four targets for 92 yards.  That's two receivers for two hundred yards - Boom!

Rush Hour

The Jets perhaps rushed the ball better during that overtime drive than they did all game.  Interspersed in Zack Wilson's heroics, the Jets ran five times, four times for positive rushes of two, eight, five, and two yards.  Otherwise, the Jets backfield rushed twenty times for 53 yards.  Braxton Berrios (receiver) added 15 yards on two attempts.  Overall, the Jets ran for just four first downs.  One came in the overtime drive, and on a 2nd and ten, they rushed for eight yards to make it third and short.  On the very next play, Zack Wilson connects with Keelan Cole for 29 yards.

Williams & Williams, & Co.

Brothers Quinnen and Quincy Williams join together for 19 tackles and total disruption of Ryan Tannehill and the Titans' offense.  Quincy had ten solo tackles and one sack, Quinnen made six solo tackles with two sacks and two other QB hits, and C.J. Mosley was simply out of control.  All told, the Jets sacked Ryan Tannehill seven times with 14 other QB hits.  

Sure Tannehill still threw for nearly 300 yards, and Derrick Henry ran for 157 yards ...

But, hey, the Jets win!

Congratulations, Robert Saleh.

PIGSKIN 2021: Week Four

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Four

RESULTS

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

SCOREBOARD

Week Three Record: 3-9

Overall Record (ATS): 15-24-1

Schmear of the Week: 2-1

Bagels in the Basket: -7

1st and Ten

• Back to the 1980s: AFC West - Raiders and Broncos atop the division with the Chargers a close third.
• GO WEST!  The AFC West and NFC West lead their respective conferences with nine wins.
• Meanwhile, Buffalo remains the best (and only) team in New York State.
• Sam Darnold is undefeated as a Panther!  LOL

2nd and Long

• Four of five undefeated teams come from two divisions.
• Big Ben second-guessing himself for playing another season?

No Gain

• New Jersey New York metropolitan area football is 0-6.  Hockey and basketball are just two and three weeks away.
• Richard Sherman signs with the Bucs.

PUNT!

• If the Giants, Jets, and Jaguars are the Moe, Larry, and Curly of football, I guess that makes Detroit, Shemp.

WEEK FOUR

Friday Line ~ NYP/MGM

SAINTS -7 Giants

The Giants, who generate very little QB pressure, to begin with, are without their second-leading tackler, Blake Martinez, out for the season.  The offense is still far from operating as a cohesive unit.  I'm setting the over/under at 7.5 for Giant penalties.

Loss; 27-21 Giants, o.t.

Titans -7 JETS

Sometimes smash mouth gets off to slow starts.  The Titans appear to be coming on.  Zack Wilson will continue playing with a bullseye on his back until the Jets muster a running game.

Loss; 27-24 Jets, o.t.

Washington -1 1/2 FALCONS

Washington also needs to get their stuff together.  Coach Rivera has a bunch of young talent to work with; it's just not being tapped properly.  Otherwise, the Giants should have beaten the Falcons ... as if.

WIN; 34-30 Washington

BILLS -17 Texans

We know the Bills can score, but their defense has been stellar.  Texans, rookie quarterback, you know the drill.

WIN; 40-0 Bills

BEARS -3 Lions

Week Four Toilet Bowl: it's supposed to rain all day, meaning Andy Dalton is less of a factor, and running and defense win the day.  I made a "mistake" last week; I'm doubling down with the Bears at home.

WIN; 24-14 Bears

Browns -1 1/2 VIKINGS

I'm still surprised that Minnesota defeated the Seahawks.  That's precisely why I see the Vikes losing to the Browns - no consistency.  Is Baker Mayfield a leader?  Dalvin Cook is hobbling on a bum ankle.  If Cleveland can slow down the Vikings' run, they're in.  

WIN; 14-7 Browns

COWBOYS -4 1/2 Panthers

The Panthers are playing good defense but are without Christian McCaffrey.  Sam Darnold has his hands full.  This is a good challenge for him.  It's also an excellent opportunity for the Cowboys to seize early control of the NFC Least.

WIN; 36-28 Cowboys

Colts +2 DOLPHINS

No Tua, no chance.  Oh, and now the Dolphins starting center is out too!  I know Carson Wentz is a nightmare; I know the Colts have offensive line issues, but the Colts cannot start 0-4, can they?

WIN; 27-17 Colts

Chiefs -7 EAGLES

Coach Reid will not allow the Chiefs to lose three in a row, much less at Philly.

WIN; 42-30 Chiefs

Cardinals +4 RAMS

Battle of the undefeated ... I'm a stubborn contrarian.  The Rams have owned the Cardinals.  I know Matt Stafford is the right guy for the Rams.  I know they sport a good defense.  But I still think they're a paper tiger.  Blame their head coach.  This all applies to the playoffs, I know.  In the meantime ...

WIN; 37-20 Cardinals

49ERS -3 Seahawks

Seattle's defense is the most significant variable in this game.  I think the Niners are Super Bowl contenders, although the Rams and Cardinals might have other ideas.

Loss; 28-21 Seahawks

Ravens +3 BRONCOS

The Bronco defense is legit.  But let's be clear, they are 3-0 after beating the Moe, Larry, and Curly of the NFL.  A healthy Lamar Jackson would undoubtedly make this contest easier to forecast.  But let's see what happens when Teddy Bridgewater throws into a real defense.  

WIN; 23-7 Ravens

PACKERS -6 1/2 Steelers

The Steelers are that aging and injured animal lagging behind the herd.  We all know what comes next.

WIN; 27-17 Packers

Buccaneers -7 PATRIOTS

Let's not make too much of this.  The Patriots are rebuilding and jettisoned a veteran quarterback to help kickstart their own drafted rookie.  Where have I heard that before?  The Bucs are too polished for these Patriots, Belichick or not.  In fact, they're good enough to repeat.

Loss; 19-17 Bucs

Schmear of the Week (2-1)

Packers -6 1/2

WIN

Post-Game

Week Four Record: 10-4

Overall record (ATS): 25-28-1

Schmear of the Week: 3-1

Bagels in the Basket: +2

Good luck, and have a great Football Sunday!

N.Y. Jets: Zero Altitude

From the desk: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

WEEK THREE

Jets               0

BRONCOS  26

FINAL

After Being Shut Out at Denver, It's Back to the Hangar for Salah's Jets

Zack Wilson said it himself; he's never seen stuff like this before.  Welcome to the NFL, where they're allowed to do things they aren't at the college level.

In my Pigskin picks, I said, "Zack Wilson's first trip into the mile-high altitude of Denver will not be a fun one.  Denver's defense can do many of the same things the Patriots did to them in week two," and they did.

The Jets scored 14 points in week one, six points in week two, and no points in week three against Denver, a literal spiral down to zero.

Insofar as last week to this week, look no further than the run game.  For a team that absolutely, positively needs a decent running game to help facilitate play/action for Zack Wilson, the Jets rushed just 13 times against the Broncos for just 43 yards, and that simply will not do.  You have to give opposing defenses other things to worry about.  Otherwise, your quarterback will get sacked five times for 41 yards and throw two more interceptions.

Wilson finished the day 19/35 for 160 yards.  The Jets achieved just eleven first downs and therefore managed barely over 24:00 minutes of possession.

But the Jets are in a bind because they're missing Mehki Becton from the offensive line, and the difference in performance has been stark, still below par, but more so now.

Eight penalties for 89 yards didn't help either.

PIGSKIN 2021: Week Three

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Two

RESULTS

Week One

Week Two

SCOREBOARD

Week Two (ATS): 4-9-1

Overall Record: 12-15-1

Schmear of the Week: 2-0

Bagels in the Basket: +2

1st and Ten

• Eli Manning joins the Giants' Ring of Honor.
• NFL announces one of six Wild Card games will be played Monday night.
• Sam Darnold, playing for a real coach, is now 3-0 this season.
• Buccaneers haven't lost since Dec. 13, 2020.

2nd and Long

• Four Ravens on Covid list.
• Jets are still looking for their first win; they've only scored 20 points through two weeks, but they're already far improved from the previous two seasons under Adam Gase. 

No Gain

• In order, the Steelers, Bucs, Raiders, Chiefs, and Packers have rushed for the fewest yards.  I would have never imagined that.
• Packers just need a swift kick in the posterior.

PUNT!

• The Giants have scored the least and allowed the most points in the NFC East.  In fact, only three NFC teams have scored fewer points than the Giants.

WEEK THREE

Friday Line/NYDN

GIANTS -3 Falcons

The Giants defeated themselves in the fourth quarter against both the Broncos and Washington.  Most if not all of their mistakes are correctable.

• N.Y. Giants: Line of Scrimmage Still in the Dark

Loss; 17-14 Falcons

BRONCOS -11 Jets

Zack Wilson's first trip into the mile-high altitude of Denver with not be a fun one.  Denver's defense can do much of the same things the Patriots did to the Jets in week two.  Head Coach Saleh is essentially saying Denzel Mims sucks?

WIN; 26-0 Broncos

TITANS -5 Colts

Carson Wentz has to be the most depressing player in football.  The guy just makes you wanna cry.  I'm starting to get down on the Colts.  Through two games, they seem to be following the same two-year path of deterioration.

WIN; 25-16 Titans

CHIEFS -7 Chargers

Both teams are coming off losses.  But the Chiefs can still score at least 25 points under duress, the Chargers not so much.  Stay away.  The Chargers can easily make this a six-point game.

Loss; 30-24 Chargers

STEELERS -5 Bengals

Is Big Ben gonna play?  Is he okay?  Are the Steelers good?  I like the Steelers' defense against a team that blew it last week against the Bears.

Loss; 24-10 Bengals

Bears +8 Browns

The Bear's defense will hold their own.  Somehow, someway, the Bears manage to pull enough points out of their posterior to keep things within the spread.  Eight points strike me as too much.  The Browns aren't running on all cylinders yet.

Loss; 26-6 Browns

Ravens -9 LIONS

How else can I say, no contest?

Loss; 19-17 Ravens

PATRIOTS -3 Saints

The Jekyll Saints showed up in week one, the Hyde Saints showed up in week two.  Who we get in week three against the Patriots, nobody knows.  The Patriots, on the other hand, have been very consistent in what they do.

Loss; 28-13 Saints

Cardinals -8 JAGUARS
The Cardinals are off to a hotter start than I anticipated.  They flat-out look good. This will be the best defense Trevor Lawrence will have faced to date.  His growing pains are about to get worse.

WIN; 31-19 Cardinals

BILLS -9 Washington

The Giants had numerous opportunities to defeat Washington and blew it.  The Bills won't be as undisciplined and, unlike the Giants, will execute and finish.

WIN; 43-21 Bills

RAIDERS -4 Dolphins

How about those Raiders!?  Tua Tagovailoa is out for Miami.  That's a problem.

Loss; 31-28 Raiders

Bucs +1 RAMS

Someone in Las Vegas needs to be drug tested.  I'm baffled by this line.  Or am I the only one who believes the Rams are paper tigers ...

Loss; 34-24 Rams

NINERS -4 Packers

The Packers, like Aaron Rogers, have their heads stuck in their posterior.  I like the Niner's run game and expect their defensive front to wreak havoc.

Loss; 30-28 Packers

Schmear of the Week (2-0)

Niners -4

LOSS

POST-GAME

Week Three Record: 3-9

Overall Record (ATS): 15-24-1

Schmear of the Week: 2-1

Bagels in the Basket: -7

Good luck, and have a great Football Sunday!

N.Y. Jets: The Education of Zack Wilson Continues

From the desk: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

WEEK TWO

Patriots 25

JETS        6

FINAL

Hard To Survive Four Turnovers

The good news for the Jets, who absolutely, positively need a functioning running game to advance Zack Wilson's development, is Tevin Coleman, Ty Johnson, and Michael Carter joined together on 28 rushes for 133 yards, an average of 4.7 yards per run.  This, minus the services of Mehki Becton.

In my pre-game, I said:

We all know Bill Belichick will take away what little rushing ability the Jets have, play cover-two, and force Zack Wilson into making mistakes between the numbers.  The million-dollar question is, will Zack Wilson get baited into Belichick's traps.  He played last week with a less than full complement of ball handlers.  Some of those players should be available on Sunday.

We know how that turned out.  

Gang Green held the Patriots to 101 yards on the ground, only 186 yards passing, and even sacked Mac Jones three times.  Zack Wilson was 19/33 (57.5%) for 210 yards but forced too many passes and wound up throwing four interceptions, albeit two were tipped, which still doesn't detract from the fact he threw into heavy traffic.

The Jets even won time-of-possession, out-passed the Patriots by 76 yards, out-ran them by 51 yards, not to mention nine first downs on the ground.  But it's still too tricky surviving four turnovers.

The education of Zack Wilson continues.

PIGSKIN 2021: Week Two

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Two

RESULTS

Week One

WELCOME BACK, and THANK YOU for making PIGSKIN one of my more popular features.  There is no PIGSKIN nor a Brooklyn Trolley Blogger without you.  I can not express enough how appreciative and grateful I am for your time and continued interest.

The New York Football Giants department of my blog: DO IT FOR THE DUKE.  Just so you know, I am a blue bleeding Giants fan.  I was a novice in the mid 1970's when John McVay still roamed the sideline.  The disciplinarian Ray Perkins followed and guided the Giants through my first playoff experience.  Bill Parcells takes over the reigns in 1983, and the rest is history.

The Jets department of my blog: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE.  I am not a Jets hater.  If you follow me you'll concur.  I just call it like I see it.  I'm one who enjoys the mayhem that comes with having so many pro teams playing within our metropolitan area.  I remember Joe Namath's last season in green and was just as dismayed as any Jets fan to see him in a Rams uniform.  Joe Klecko belongs in the Hall of Fame!  What on god's earth is Canton waiting for?  I also derived no joy from watching Richard Todd throw three interceptions in the 1983 AFC championship game at Miami - the game that got Walt Michaels unfairly fired.

Please allow me to reiterate my appreciation for your support.

SCOREBOARD

Week One Record: 8-6-0

Schmear of the Week: 1-0

Bagels in the Basket: +5

1st and Ten

• A covid outbreak among Saints coaching staff.
• Tom Brady says he can play until he is 50-years old.  The old goat threw for a mere 379 yards and four touchdowns against the Cowboys.

2nd and Short

• What the hell happened to the Packers?  We'll find out Monday night.
• Giants defense makes Washington's Taylor Heinckie look like Joe Theismann.

No Gain

• NYG, Nick Gates, out for the season, broken leg early in game one.
• NYJ, Mekhi Becton, out for the foreseeable future with an injured leg.

PUNT!

• Atlanta Falcons
• After his first-ever NFL game, Giants ROOKIE receiver Kadarius Toney vents frustrations on social media over his role on the team; c'mon, man!

• N.Y. Giants: Week Two Marred By More Mistakes and Another Fourth Quarter Meltdown

WEEK TWO

Friday Line ~ MGM/NYP

Patriots -6 JETS

• N.Y. JETS: No Better Time to Underestimate the Patriots Than Now

WIN; 25-6 Patriots

Bengals +2 1/2 BEARS

If the Bears win, they'll do so by one or two points.  That's why it's called gambling.  The Bears' big-name defensive players went MIA last week, and they do not appear inclined to start their rookie quarterback, so expect to see Andy Dalton again.  The Bengals pulled off an OT win against the Vikings.  I'll stick with Dalton playing his former team and momentum on the road.

Loss; 20-17 Bears

BROWNS -12 1/2 Texans

Houston benefitted from playing against the Jags.  Last week they yielded 27 points against a rookie quarterback, which goes in hand with Tyrod Taylor getting outplayed by Trevor Lawrence.  Browns are still playing without Odell Beckham, but it didn't seem to slow them down.  Browns can run the ball and keep Houston's offense off the field.  I do not see the Texans defense slowing them down.

Loss; 31-21 Browns

Rams -3 1/2 COLTS

If Seattle can go into Indianapolis and win, so can the Rams.  Carson Wentz was okay, but Russell Wilson was outstanding against the Colts' defense.  The Rams offense will treat them similarly.

Loss; 27-24 Rams

Bills -3 1/2 DOLPHINS

The Fish had their fun last week against New England.  Meanwhile, I'm confident the Bills are furious after last week's letdown against the Steelers.  Despite their victory, Miami's week-one offense was relatively unimpressive.  The Patriots killed themselves with turnovers.  This line is mysteriously close.  Take the Bills in a stampede.

WIN; 35-0 Bills

49ers -3 EAGLES

Anything about the Eagles involves a coin and flipping it.  The Niners allowing 33 points to the Lions is concerning.  But whereas the Niners are poised for winning, the Eagles are not.  Look for Dr. Jeckyll taking the day off and Mr. Hyde circumventing the Eagles at home.

WIN; 17-11 Niners

STEELERS -5 1/2 Raiders

That was an impressive comeback by the Raiders last week against the Ravens.  Derek Carr did all the work because the Raiders have no run game.  Running back Josh Jacobs is out this week.  Because of Coach Gruden's drafting, the Raiders are still no better than par.  I think folks entered the season underestimating the Steelers.

Loss; 26-17 Raiders

Saints -3 1/2 PANTHERS

The only real problem the Jets had last week against the Panthers was an inability to account for Christian McCaffrey.  On the other hand, the Panthers' defense faces their first real test against the Saints.  Coach Sean Payton will only make Jameis Winston better.

Loss; 26-7 Panthers

JAGUARS +6 Broncos

If Trevor Lawrence can limit interceptions, this game stays within range.

Loss; 23-13 Broncos

CARDINALS -3 1/2 Vikings

I'm down on the Vikings, to begin with.  I was impressed last week with the way Arizona bottled up the Titans' running game.  If the Vikings can't run, they can't win?  Kirk Cousins threw for 351 yards last week with two touchdowns and still lost against the Bengals.

Loss; 34-33 Cardinals

BUCCANEERS -12 Falcons

This spread is warranted.  The Falcons are a mess.

WIN; 48-25 Bucs

Cowboys +3 CHARGERS

What do you suppose could have happened to the Chargers last week if Ryan Fitzpatrick did not get hurt?

Push; 20-17 Cowboys

SEAHAWKS -6 Titans

I hate this spread, but what are ya' gonna do ... Russell Wilson is insanely good, Seattle is home, the Twelfth Man is back in the house, and after last week's performance, the Titans pose a big question mark.

Loss; 33-30 Titans

Chiefs -3 1/2 RAVENS

Not sure if these are the Ravens of last season.  If the spread was any wider, I'd side with Baltimore.  But (I believe) the Chiefs are playing with three rookies on the offensive line and managed to outlast the Browns.  Lamar Jackson, good, competent but isn't necessarily known to put the team on his back and carry them.

Loss; 36-35 Ravens

Schmear of the Week (1-0)

Patriots -6

WIN

Good luck, and have a great Football Sunday!

POSTGAME

Week Two (ATS): 4-9-1

Overall Record: 12-15-1

Schmear of the Week: 2-0

Bagels in the Basket: +2