PIGSKIN 2016: Week Eight

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Eight

RESULTS

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four
No Week Five
Week Six

Week Seven

Week Seven Record:  6-7

Overall Record:  35-48-1
Schmear of the Week:  2-4
BAGELS in the Basket:  -18

Okay, I'm off to my worst start in years.  I'm particularly getting hammered on my Schmears of the Week (worth 3 bagels each).  I have a lot of cooking to do.

Too bad this week's schedule offers little help.  Welcome to This Week in NFL Parity.  Said another way ... this week's spreads suck.


1st and Ten:

• Now that Tom Brady is back, it's like he never left.  The Patriots lead the NFL with a 6-1 record, and are the only team with six victories.  New England has allowed the least points in the AFC, and are tied for fourth least in the NFL.  Unless Big Ben gets back on the field for Pittsburgh, who can challenge the Patriots?  The AFC West?

2nd and Short:

• When did the Jaguars achieve a level where they fire sacrificial lambs?  Firing their offensive coordinator is laughable.  They've taken positive steps forward.  Easy on the shortsightedness and be consistent.

No Gain:

• The Cleveland Browns remain the lone team without a victory (0-7).
• Is it me ... or does Joe Flacco seem to be just going through the motions?

PUNT..!

• Maybe it's time for Roger Goodell to step down as commissioner after all.  Oh, wait.  He does the owner's bidding.  Riiight.  Right.

WEEK EIGHT
Friday Line ~ NYDN

Jets -3 (BROWNS)
If the Jets do not play with a sense of desperation, and fail to defeat the Browns in convincing fashion, then(!), I'll start pointing a finger at Todd Bowles.  Entering the season, this was supposed to (at least) be a well balanced wild card contender (considering they play in the same division as the Patriots).  In that vain, they have done one thing very consistently this season, and that's embarrass themselves.  A potential loss against the Browns can not be quietly tucked away into the ongoing growth process file.  Failing to defeat the Browns should warrant nothing short of an indictment.
PUSH  31-28 Jets

Ryan Fitzpatrick's benching last week (in favor of Geno Smith, whom wound up injuring himself) revealed the Jets now have at least two weak minded quarterbacks on their hands, and a third unknown lurking in the wings.  Fitzpatrick's rather frank assessment regarding his benching, and his perceived status among the Jets hierarchy proved more revealing in more ways than one.

And while we're at it ... it appears as if Geno Smith has indeed played his last game with the New York Jets.  Besides burning more bridges than a combat engineer in WWII, he's just not good.   Or, he just isn't good here.


Bengals -3 (D.C. Hogs)* London
I would be cool if London fans protested Washington, Daniel Snyder, or both.
Loss  27-27 TIE

FALCONS -3 (Packers)
Defense?  I'm thinking Falcons pull ahead in a shootout.
Loss  33-32 Falcons

TEXANS -2 1/2 (Lions)
Well, it's better than a PUSH.  I'm looking for Detroit doing something to blow this game, more than I'm counting on Houston.
WIN  20-13 Texans

SAINTS +3 (Seahawks)
The Saints can still light up the scoreboard at home ... just not like they used to.  Their inconsistency will enjoy a good week.
WIN  25-20 Saints

Patriots -6 (BILLS)
Buffalo might be able to get their hands on Brady the statue from time to time.  But I'm just not picking against the Pats anymore.
WIN  41-25 Patriots

Raiders PK (BUCS)
Oakland's success on the road this season is enough for me.  Only Raiders mistakes will allow the Bucs to hang around.
WIN  30-24 Raiders

Chiefs -3 (COLTS)
Gotta respect what the Colts did to the Titans last week ... unless you're the AFC's third ranked defense > > > Chiefs.
WIN  30-14 Chiefs

BRONCOS -4 1/2 (Chargers)
I can see being high on the Chargers after last week.  But I'll stick with Denver's defense keeping Rivers in check in Mile High.
WIN  27-19 Broncos

Cardinals +3 (PANTHERS)
This game obviously screams rematch!  But last place Carolina is coming off a bye, and desperate to turn their season around.  Cam Cam the super man doesn't like speaking to the media when things aren't going well, though.  Guess we won't be hearing much from him this week either.
Loss  30-20 Panthers

Eagles +4 1/2 (COWBOYS)
Because I need the Eagles to muddle the NFC East situation so as to keep my flawed Giants team in the mix.
Loss  29-23 Cowboys

Schmear of the Week: (2-4)
Raiders PK
WIN

Good luck, and have a great Football Sunday everyone!


Guten Appetit:

• Home made potato chips, w/french onion dip.  Grilled panini sandwiches >> provolone, chopped scallions, celery, red and green pepper, tomato.

• Skirt steak w/chimichurri, and (my) pickled tomatoes, served over white rice, covered with oven stewed red potatoes, zucchini, carrots, sprinkled with fried garlic/onions bits.

Post Game
Week Eight Record:  6-4-1
Overall Record:  41-52-2
Schmear of the Week:  3-4
BAGELS in the Basket:  -14

Giants vs. Jets: Snoopy Bowl VII

From the desks of:

DO IT FOR THE DUKE  and  WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

FORTY-EIGHTH YEAR OF GIANTS/JETS PRE-SEASON FOOTBALL

THE TURF WARS

1969-2009

Jets lead the all-time pre-season series 25-21-1 over the Giants

SNOOPY BOWL

I -  NYG 31; NYJ 16       II - NYJ 17; NYG 3

III - NYG 26; NYJ 3        IV - NYJ 24; NYG 21

V - NYG 35; NYJ 24       VI - NYJ 28; NYG 18

VII

New York Giants

vs.

New York Jets

FROM

MetLife Stadium

If you derive satisfaction from gaining local bragging rights through this game, by all means have your fun.  I do not begrudge anyone for that.

I, however, view Saturday's game as nothing more than a scrimmage.  But if there ever was a meaningful pre-season game with actual implications, this would indeed be the one.  That said, my anticipation is sufficiently high.  For sake of team spirit then, lets go Giants!

Scrimmage Three is fairly straight forward - nothing fancy, just beat the man in front of you.  That makes this game a convenient way of gauging speed, instincts, and physicality, minus all the in-season brain work.  Therefore I'm not necessarily interested in winning Snoopy Bowl VII, but I will be keeping a very watchful and critical eye on certain aspects of Big Blue's game.

NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS: Lack of Offensive Balance Plagued the 2015 Giants.

The Giants last year demonstrated they can score points.  

This year should be no different, or will it?   

In 2015, their 420 total points ranked sixth in the NFL, for an average of 26.4 points per game.  In fact, Eli Manning and his receiving corp tied Tom Brady and his minions for the league's most touchdown receptions.

Rushing the ball, however, was a completely different matter.  The Giants rushed for a mere five touchdowns last season - easily last among the NFL's top ten scoring teams.  League wide, only San Diego rushed for less.  

That's called a one dimensional offense, and it needs to be corrected.

The offensive line's failure to create sufficient daylight certainly played a part in last year's overall rushing futility.  They're improving and slowly creating stability, but still have a ways to go, especially on the right side.  So I'll be paying particular attention to them come Saturday evening.

The running game's true phantom menace, however, were the coaches themselves, who ponderously employed a three, and sometimes four man backfield rotation.  Limiting their touches, hindering their ability to establish rhythm, and leaving them completely out of sync is not something they should repeat.

The Giants suffered lack of ball possession, plain and simple.  Sure the Giants can score, but they can not manage the game clock, much less dominate it, without an effective running game.  Last year was a perfect example.  The Giants failed to hold numerous 4th quarter leads because their lack of rushing prevented them from possessing the ball and killing the clock.

Dollar and a Prayer: Will Money Save Jerry Reese's Job?

Defensively speaking, Coach Spagnuolo and the players under him will ultimately determine whether Jerry Reese will still be serving in his present capacity this time next year.  The grace period earned for his part in securing the organization more Lombardy trophies is essentially over.  

Reese spent quite a Big Blue fortune this off-season revamping a woeful defense, and if this last ditch effort fails, I expect him to be relieved of his duties.

Here's what I'd like to know...

In each of the Giants four Super Bowl victories, they featured powerful running games.  Joe Morris, Otis Anderson, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw all rushed behind superior offensive linemen.

Be it the old Washington Redskins or Denver Broncos, numerous clashes against the San Francisco 49ers, the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers or New England Patriots, et al, the Giants wore their various opponents down to their preferred speed, managed the clock with defense and the running game, and generally put a stop to high powered spread formations, and west coast style offenses.

So ... if smash mouth football has been proven to work in any era, why then are the New York Football Giants so intent on becoming a west coast style offense - the very kind we used to defeat?

Just saying....

What tight end?

NEW YORK JETS: All Eyes On Ryan Fitzpatrick

Now that Ryan Fitzpatrick is back in the fold, the big question is can he duplicate last season's performance, in which he threw for career highs with 3,905 passing yards and 35 touchdowns.  

For the Jets sake, Fitz better ... because the situation surrounding Geno Smith is now bordering comical.  

Up front, the Jets offensive line will be as good as their center.  That's Nick Mangold's spot.  Nuf ced. With the expectation they'll will keep Ryan upright, Fitzpatrick will have plenty of weapons at his disposal.  Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Matt Forte, Bilal Powell, Kellen Davis, all should provide for a balanced attack.

Tourism Up on Revis Island

On the other side of the ball, Gang Green is still in search of a legitimate pass rush.  It's a situation that's hurt them before, and is bound to haunt them again.  And of course, Derrelle Revis still has as much to do with the Jets pass rush as anybody.  Their scheme will still be contingent on deception, and coverage.  Revis Island, however, is not the isolated paradise it once was.

N.Y. Jets: Texans Will Test Gang Green's Flee or Fight Response

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

Is Woody Johnson to blame 

for handing off the same problem to different regimes?

New York Jets: Like Herm Edwards, Eric Mangini, and Rex Ryan before him, Todd Bowles approaches the Rubicon lacking a field general.

The Jets had an opportunity to greatly impact the Wild Card standings last week, and instead played their worst game of the season against Buffalo.

Or, maybe they played their worst game of the season three weeks ago in Oakland?

In either event, this is not the conversation Jets fans wanted to be having leading into Week Eleven - certainly not analyzing one Green-faced performance over another..., again.

There's indeed a familiar odor to this.  I mean, talk about passing gas in a space suit - there's no escaping the fact they completely stunk during two of their last three missions.

Now recall how Herm Edwards, Eric Mangini, and Rex Ryan, all previously found themselves in this very situation?  Then consider how Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and the New England Patriots have dominated the AFC East throughout the entire span of all three aforementioned Jets coaches.  It makes me think how little has changed over the last 15 years.

Enter Todd Bowles.

I remember when he played for Joe Gibbs.  Bowles was about quality of play and professionalism even then.  That's all Gibbs dealt in.  Under Gibbs, Bowles gained the experience of becoming a Super Bowl champion.  He brings at least that much to the table.

But, what is Todd Bowles really bringing to the Jets that will affect tangible change?

It's still too early in his timeline to say.  During the week, however, we learned his sense of urgency is greater than that of the general manager.

Coach Bowles also knows the NFL does not stand for the National Forgiving League.  Parity inevitably rules the day.  League wide mediocrity giveth, and taketh away.  Yet, despite disappointing losses against Oakland and Buffalo, he recognizes opportunity is kindly staring him in the face once again.

The situation couldn't be any more friendlier.  Texans' starting QB Brian Hoyer will miss the game, with T.J. Yates starting in his place - whom will be playing behind a pedestrian offensive line to begin with, just ask Hoyer.  So, as a defensive minded coach, the hope is Coach Bowles dials up the necessary intensity, takes the home crowd out of the game, and gets out of Houston with a sure handed victory.

Ryan Fitzpatrick is returning from surgery on his non-throwing thumb, which makes me think a heavy dose of Chris Ivory is in order.  And why not?  The Texans are among the league's worst against the run.  The only real question lies in Chris Ivory's enigmatic injury (hamstring) status.

All eyes, then, will be on the offensive line - namely Eric Mangold (presently listed as questionable). They'll have two main functions: creating daylight for Chris Ivory, and keeping J.J. Watt away from Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Easier said than done, as the Texans are feeling sky-high after toppling the previously undefeated Bengals.  Therein lies your built-in excuse in the event of a Jets loss.

And, there's the rub.

Distinguishing himself from previous Jets coaches was already going to be a daunting task in and of itself.  That's why any meaningful advancement must start with Todd Bowles owning Week Eleven, and his Jets seizing this moment - for the sake of change, progression, and advancement.

The Jets can still exert a firm measure of control over the second Wild Card with a victory over the Houston Texans (Pittsburgh presently tops the Wild Card standings).  Only then can they hope New England defeats Buffalo Monday night, and pushes the Bills back with rest of the AFC pretenders.

In that respect, no, some things have not changed.  Although general managers and head coaches have changed over the last 15 years, the Jets are still chasing down the Patriots without a franchise quarterback.

Todd Bowles indeed faces a daunting task, and has Woody Johnson to thank.

N.Y. Jets: Bowles Boils Over After Cross Country Plight

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

Turbulent Skies

New York Jets: Loafers Need Not Apply!

The Jets departed on a two week sortie, and nearly didn't make it back.  Their coast to coast run from New England, to Oakland, then back to NYC was distressing at best - partly due to mechanical in-flight issues, and partly due to several players perhaps fearful of being on the same flight home as Coach Bowles.  Suffice to say the mission was an utter failure.  They came nowhere close to hitting their targets, and returned with casualties to key personnel.

Insult and Injury Sandwich an Otherwise Competitive Effort in Coach Bowles' much anticipated first game at Foxboro as HC of the NYJ.

Week Seven Final

Jets         23

Patriots  30

NYJ 7th straight loss at Foxboro

Ryan Fitzpatrick got sacked and fumbled on the Jets second play of the game.  The Patriots recovered, and immediately parlayed that into an early field goal.

The Jets then short circuited on their very next possession at the New England 2-yard line, after marching 78 yards on 15 plays, only to settle for a tying field goal.

Fast-forward...

After another Nick Folk field goal put the Jets ahead 20-16 with 12:50 left in regulation, New England proceeded to score 14 unanswered points.  The Patriots promptly marched 80 yards in 10 plays to take a 23-20 lead.  Then, with 5:32 left in the 4th quarter, Tom Brady initiated another 10-play, 68-yard scoring drive giving the Patriots their ultimate 30-20 margin of victory.

Meanwhile, the Jets not having Chris Ivory running on all engines was not anticipated.  The power back compromised his hamstring during the Jets very first play of the game.  Were Ivory playing at full strength, who knows what sort of control the Jets could have exacted over the Patriots - as the overall effort and respective play sandwiched between the opening and closing minutes of the game was otherwise competitive.

Generally speaking, though, a hamstrung Chris Ivory is going to mean a compromised Jets attack. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Eric Decker, and to a lesser degree Brandon Marshall, managed just enough offense to trick one into thinking potential upset, if only fleetingly.

Chris Ivory's curiously hampered effort:

• @ New England - 17 rushes/41 yards - 2 catches/12 yards, touchdown. 

Ryan Fitzpatrick:

• @ New England - 22 of 39, for 295 yards, with two touchdowns.

Tom Brady very literally performed his usual one man gang routine.  He completed 34 of 54 attempts for 355 yards, with two touchdowns, and was also New England's top rusher.  Tom Statue scrambled for 15 yards on 4 carries, with another touchdown.

Gang Green (in the face) suffered their biggest blow in the closing minute of the game, when center Nick Mangold injured his neck during the Jets final possession of the game.

All told, this game cost the Jets considerable altitude in the AFC East standings, while sustaining injuries to three key offensive players whom touch the ball most - Center, QB, and RB, in that order.

Oh no! Not you again: Geno Smith

Week Eight Final

Jets         20

Raiders  30

Geno Smith emerged from the Black Hole of Oakland only to remind everyone just how little he's improved after three years in the business.  His appearance was made possible when Ryan Fitzpatrick (re)injured his non-throwing thumb that will eventually require surgery.

Moving forward, Ryan's availability will be based on his personal threshold for pain. He's been listed as a go for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.  Taking snaps under center will prove most difficult, with handing off a close second.

I think Jets fans would even favor playing Fitz wearing oven mitts rather than risk falling further behind New England in the standings with Geno at the controls.

• Geno completed 27 of 42 pass attempts, for 265 yards, 2 touchdowns, and one INT.

Not the most terrible looking line, but the visual was easily worse.  Smith has moments when he shines, but the lights quickly go out and his mind fades to black when put under NFL duress.  The Jets better hope Fitzpatrick can gut this out, otherwise Geno Smith will smear his own thumbprints all over the Jets chances for the postseason.

So, is Chris Ivory hurt, or not?

Chris Ivory's performance against the Raiders was even more peculiar than that against the Patriots.   He rushed 15 times for 17 yards - that's no typo folks.  He also caught 3 passes for 24 yards.

So what gives?  Is he hurt or not?

The Jets did not just suddenly forget how to run block.  And while Mangold's situation is certainly a hovering black cloud, I do not think his injury impacted the running game so greatly that the Raiders defense was able to limit Chris Ivory and Zac Stacy to a mere 28 combined rushing yards on 18 carries.

Something else is at work here, and I do not believe it was necessarily the Raiders.

If Ivory needs a week off, better give it to him against the Jaguars.  A proactive rest now could potentially benefit the team later.  I say with great confidence - no Chris Ivory entering December means no playoffs for the Jets.

Taxing his barking hammy for a third straight week could spell trouble.  Take that to the hangar Jets fans.

Otherwise, if the Jets thought they were going to abandon the run, and match Tom Brady in a shoot-out, then what a colossal mistake it was.

Adversity at the Gates: Todd Bowles negotiating his first Gang Green crisis.

Todd Bowles is pissed off - and that's good.  A return to health, a little luck, and constructive well directed anger can potentially transform the Jets into a fearsome second half opponent.

Half way though the regular season, though, they're already running low on margin for error.

As a defensive minded coach, Tom Brady's overall performance must have been an assault upon his senses.  Everyone on the east coast knew Brady was either throwing, or running the ball himself - because that's all he did!  What a ponderous game plan, or genius if you consider the source.  I digress.

The Patriots made no secrets; employed no deception.  Brady and Belichick effectively said here's what we're doing, we defy you to stop us.  And, well, the Jets failed in that endeavor, crushingly, late in the game.

We are, after all speaking of a capable defense though.  The recipe to beat Brady is public knowledge. You must hit him, often.  The Jets sacked Brady three times, and hit him another five times through most of the game - just not late when they needed to most.  But, hey, it's not like they lost to Steve Grogan.

What transpired the following week in Oakland, however, inspired Todd Bowles to utter a word I haven't heard used by a head coach in decades.  Bowles dropped a #loafing bomb when summarizing their deplorable defensive effort against the Raiders.  Indefensible lapses in brain function, poorly executed and missed tackles were all topic one.  I'm sure the Defense was incredulous and embarrassed when presented the game film.  If they weren't already, I'm sure Coach Bowles humbled them with haste.

Moving forward, the last two games were on the players.  That damage is now a matter of recorded NFL history.  The next game will reflect on Todd Bowles more than anyone.  That's just the nature of the beast.  The previous two weeks called for corrective measures, attitude adjustments, what have you...  So, the next move was his to make.

That said, adversity is designed to knock one down.  How one recovers is what matters most.

I like Todd Bowles.  I like his demeanor and style.  But that doesn't win games.  Players win games, just ask Rex.  I would add Bowles is far more poised and adept at administering discipline, and generally concerning himself with all aspects of the game than Ryan ever was. Two weeks does not a season make, and this is already a smoother flying Jet than its been in a few years.

After spending a week back in the Hangar getting lubed and retrofitted by Todd Bowles, I can't wait to see how the Jets respond this Sunday at home against the Jaguars.

A loss would incite a home crowd maelstrom - victory, a hero's welcome.

N.Y. Giants: Feeling Green With Envy

From the desks of:

DO IT FOR THE DUKE  and  WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

THE ODD COUPLE

Can two teams share a stadium, without one of them driving their fan bases crazy?

NEW YORK GIANTS: Differences between Blue and Green are like Night and Day, Good and Bad, and just too much to bear anymore.

I do not like bleeding colors, but now that Washington has become a common opponent, I thought a comparison between Big Blue and Gang Green would be a great way to make a point.  It's a fairly accurate snapshot in so far as Washington played each team within the span of a few short weeks.

Why do this?  Because it's my blog and it applies.  I hope this pisses off someone working in one of the Blue offices at Snoopy Centre.  Otherwise, Jets fans, you're safe. Giants fans... what more can I say?

I - The Giants played Washington in Week Three; the Jets in Week Six.  Both walked away victorious by similar final scores:

• NYG 32; WASH 21
• NYJ 34; WASH 20

II - There's no arguing whom the more established, and more accomplished quarterback is.  After Eli's poor performance against the Eagles Monday, however, Giants fans may not be as forgiving.   For the Jets, Ryan Fitzpatrick was clearly the better option over Geno Smith (I think), although some Jets fans might still debate that as well.  Both nevertheless posted similar statistics against Washington:

• Eli: 23/32 for 279 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT QB rating 119.1%
• Fitz: 19/26 for 253 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, QB rating 113.1%

III - That's where the similarities end, and the major differences begin.  The Giants run the ball and play defense extremely poorly. The Jets on the other hand run the ball and play defense extremely well.

In Week Six against Washington, Chris Ivory rushed 20 times for 146 yards, averaging 7.3 yards per carry.  Zac Stacy rushed another 13 times for 46 yards, averaging 3.5 yards per.

• Between them, they rushed 33 times for 192 yards.

In Week Three against Washington, Rashad Jennings rushed 11 times for 32 yards, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry.  Andre Williams rushed 14 times for just 29 yards, averaging 2.1 yards per carry.

• They combined on 25 rushes for 61 yards.

IV - Then there's the curious case of D.C. quarterback Kirk Cousins.  He's easily the worst of the three QBs mentioned here.  Jet fans believe that, while me and my fellow Giants fans are trying our best.

In each game against the Giants and Jets, Kirk Cousins threw one touchdown, two interceptions, and got sacked once.  That's where the similarities end, and the major differences begin, again!

• Cousins vs. NYG - 30/49 for 316 yards (6.4 ypp), with a 69.8% QB rating.
• Cousins vs. Jets - 25/43 for 196 yards (4.6 ypp), with a 57.9% QB rating.

V - Finally, here's your total yardage for the game:

• The Giants gained 363 total yards, but were outdone by Washington's 393 total yards.  In my math, they netted -30 yards for the game.
• The Jets gained 474 total yards against Washington, but only surrendered 225 total yards, for a 249 net yards advantage.

So, where am I headed with all this? Philadelphia of course.  I'll preface this by saying things have gone haywire for the Giants in the City of Brotherly Stuff, and against the Eagles in general, ever since I started following Big Blue back during Jimmy Carter's administration.  It's a little weird to explain, but irrelevant regarding Monday's game.

All three of the Giants loses have been so uniquely bad in their own right.  However, their most recent one followed a very familiar trend:

• Philly's DeMarco Murray rushed 22 times for 109 yards.
• Rashad Jennings rushed 13 times for 63 yards; Andre Williams was five for six yards, and Shave Vereen rushed once for no yards.  All told, they carried the ball 22 times for 69 yards.

Shameful!

After leading the league in pass attempts through the first four weeks, Eli has slipped down to 6th most, and is now ninth in passing yardage and 11th in touchdowns. Despite Sunday's bruising, he's still among the least sacked quarterbacks, and is arguably outperforming his older brother (big deal).

Eli Manning was 24/38 for 189 yards against the Eagles, with a touchdown, 2 INTs, and was sacked three times.  His opponent Sam Bradford threw three INT's, but don't discredit what he did against the Giants defense nonetheless.  He attempted the same number of passes as Eli, and likewise completed as many, yet managed to throw for 91 more yards than Eli.

What's more, Odell Beckham Jr. and Rueben Randle were both nursing hamstrings, yet were targeted 14 times and made 12 receptions.

All of which means Ben McAdoo called for more passes than running plays for the sixth straight week.  His questionable utilization of Shave Vereen also continues to perplex.  Vereen made one reception out of the backfield, which means he had five touches all game.

All told (and getting four turnovers to boot), the Giants still only managed 247 total yards of offense.   The Eagles, meanwhile, accumulated 425 total yards.

I'll let the comparative numbers speak for themselves.  You can draw your own conclusions.

You already know where I stand.

N.Y. Jets: All is well again on the Ivory Coast

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAEL'S REVENGE

Bringing the Pain

New York Jets: Gang Green put forth an effort even Winston Churchill would have been proud of.

Chris Ivory was a beast among Englishmen Sunday against the Dolphins, giving Londoners a classroom lesson in American style Smash Mouth football.

Back from a Week Three setback, Chris Ivory was patient, waited for the line to create daylight, then hit the holes and ran with power beyond the box.  He initiated contact and brought the pain, rushing 29 times for 166 punishing yards.

The Jets work between the tackles was particularly effective.  Just an overall impressive effort to behold.

Bilal Powell didn't even rush once due to a barking groin.  In fact, Bilal factored in one play all day, a reception for 12 yards way back during the Jets second possession of the game.

The Jets dominated the clock with Chris Ivory back in the fold, in turn allowing Ryan Fitzpatrick to slide back into his game manager role.  Fitzpatrick was hardly impressive, but good enough.  He matched Ivory's effort with 29 attempts, completing 16 passes for 218 yards, and even smartly scrambled 9 times for 34 yards.

Meanwhile, the Jets held the ball for 37:23 and generated 425 yards of total offense. Ndamukong Suh was a non-factor with just three tackles all game.

Fitzpatrick connected on a touchdown to Eric Decker, while Brandon Marshall demoralized Miami's secondary with 7 catches for 128 yards with a long of 58 yards on the Jets first play from scrimmage.

He did, however, throw another interception, bringing his total to 6 in only 4 games played.  Ryan also extended his streak of throwing at least a pick a game. He only threw 8 INTs in 12 games last season with the Houston Texans.

On this day, however, Chris Ivory and the defense more than covered their QB's shortcomings.

The Jets sacked Ryan Tannehill 3 times, and caused him to fumble once.  Muhammad Wilkerson got two sacks, and David Harris got the other.  The Jets roughed him up another 9 times and 12 times overall. Derrelle Revis and Marcus Williams each picked off Tannehill.

The defense limited the Dolphins to just 226 yards of total offense, and completely took away the run.  Miami rushed a mere 10 times for 55 yards.

Todd Bowles now has his team at 3-1, and get the next week off to heal some lingering wounds.

On a day the Bills laid dung against the Giants, it's the Jets who've touched down at the Patriots doorstep.

PIGSKIN 2015: Week Four

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Four

Results

Week One 

Week Two

Week Three

Scoreboard:

Week Three Record:  10-4

Overall Record:  27-15

Schmear of the Week:  2-1

Bagels in the Basket:  +15

1st and 10:

• Old Guys Gone Wild: After the Dallas Cowboys win a stunner over the Saints, look for Jerry Jones to flash his boobs in joyous celebration down Bourbon Street.

2nd and Long:

• From his days with the Jets to the present, Rex Ryan continues to write the greatest 2nd place narrative in all of football history.  If he gets the Bills to 3-1 Sunday, Buffalo just might appoint him deputy mayor.  Regardless of the Bills/Giants outcome, the idle and undefeated New England Patriots will remain in 1st place of the AFC East.  Remember, Buffalo lost 40-32 on Sept. 13th to the Patriots. That was a bitter pill for Rex to swallow.  Bill Belichick consumes him. They'll meet again for Thanksgiving.  Till then, 2nd place seemingly never felt more glorious.  Just ask the (9-7) Jets of 2009.

No Gain:

• The Saints have lost 6 straight in the Dome dating back to October 26th of last season.

• The NFC boast three teams without a win (N.O., DET, CHI); all AFC teams have won at least a game.

• Down goes Roethlisberger!

• No one will lose against the Patriots this week.

PUNT!

• The NFL should black-out the Raiders/Bears game in Chicago, for humanity sake.

• An NFL team in London?  Perhaps the Jaguars?  They can't even get a team in Los Angeles yet.  What free agent would want to sign overseas?  Utterly brutal travel aside, would players fall prey to England's infamous Tax Man?  And who would be responsible for providing players and their families with 2-ply toilet paper?

WEEK FOUR:

FRIDAY LINE ~ NYDN

BILLS -6 (Giants)

Defensively, I'm still feeling uneasy about the Giants victory over Washington.  Buffalo losing LeSean McCoy this week is a wash, as Tyrod Taylor and the Bills will not have Robert Ayers to contend with (as if the Giants had a pass rush to begin with).  Last week, the Hogs beat themselves due to turnovers.  Don't count on Buffalo doing the same.  Conversely, Rex will dare Eli Manning to beat him with Rueben Randle because he's going to eliminate Odell Beckham Jr. - bank on it.  Of course, I'd prefer to get this one wrong.
Loss; 24-10 Giants

Jets -1 1/2 (DOLPHINS) @ London ~ The Toilet Paper Bowl

How's the drinking water in England?  Wanna know why this spread is so close?  Fact: Flights of 4-hours or more dehydrate the body.  The team that hydrates best, wins.  London might be famous for its fish and chips, but not for these Fish.  In fact, Ndamukong Suh is playing exactly like a (former) Lion would near water - ineffectively.  Unlike last week's game against the Eagles, Ryan Fitzpatrick won't be forced into playing catch-up football this time. He'll manage a better game.  The Jets will also do a better job than last week of integrating Bilal Powell into the game.
WIN; 27-14 Jets

Jaguars +9 (COLTS)

Jags already posted one big upset this season, and they're about to score another.  Indy's offense has yet to click, and now Andrew Luck has a sore shoulder.  That, and Indy's porous defense, will keep the Jags in this game.
WIN; 16-13 Colts

FALCONS -6 1/2 (Texans)

This is admittedly my most questionable pick of the week.  The Falcons are on a magic carpet ride.   They're competent, and home.  But, all three of their victories came via 4th quarter comebacks.  You can only temp Fate so long before she gets annoyed.  I think this is going to be a very close game.   The Texans have no idea where they contracted their acute bout of stink from.  Just a 1/2 point more, and I would have leaned towards Houston.
WIN; 48-21 Falcons

Panthers -3 (BUCS)

Why does Vegas continue disrespecting the Panthers?  Injuries?  Who isn't hurt?  After Carolina blows out the Bucs, perhaps they'll finally change their thinking.  Panthers -9 (!).
WIN; 37-23 Panthers

Raiders -3 (BEARS)

Three points?  Someone thinks this has Trap Game written all over it.  Of course, that depends on your opinion of the Black and Silver.  I get they aren't that good, but they're not that bad.  Oakland is feisty, which is a kind word for inconsistent.  For the moment, though, they're feeling fine after winning in Cleveland last week.  I get playing the Teddy Bears will make them look better than they actually are, but can someone at least throw them a bone? Chicago couldn't even score in a woman's prison waving a carton of cigarettes.  Locals would be better off skipping the game and getting some deep dish at Uno's instead.
Loss; 22-20 Bears

D.C. HOGS +3 (Eagles)

Apparently, I drew more from Kirk Cousins' WK 3 performance than others.  Then again, the Giants made Sam Bradford look like a star as well.  However, DeSean Jackson is out this week.  For the Eagles, DeMarco Murray's hamstring is barking at him.  Even Steven?  Take the points.
PUSH; 23-20 Hogs

BENGALS -4 (Chiefs)

Kansas City's offensive line couldn't push a refrigerator right now, and they have big troubles on defense to boot.  The Bengals are sky high right now.  Run with it.
WIN; 36-21 Bengals

Browns +7 1/2 (CHARGERS)

Stay away.  It's the Browns!  Besides, I'm still pissed off over last week's Chargers loss in Minnesota. I thought they'd be better.  San Diego's defense warrants taking a flyer on Cleveland this week.
WIN; 30-27 Chargers

Packers -9 (49ERS)

Smell that?  Neither do people in San Francisco....  Aaron Rogers is seeing everything in slow motion right now.  The Pack will zip by the Niners with ease.
WIN; 17-3 Packers

BRONCOS -6 1/2 (Vikings)

Adrian Peterson may not be enough.  The Broncos defense is healthy and intact.  The Vikes' defense, on the other hand is banged up.  Gotta love those 1/2 points!  Broncos will improve to 4-0.  Suck wind, Minnesota.
Loss; 23-20 Broncos

CARDINALS -6 1/2 (Rams)

Fool me once...  By now, we understand what the Rams defense is capable of, but their offense is an enigma.  Just close your eyes, keep toking on Carson Palmer and the Cardinals, and pass it along.
Loss; 24-20 Rams

Cowboys PK (SAINTS)

This line changed (Saints -3) since Friday.  The Saints defense will give Dallas' depleted offense every chance to win this game.  I'd love to get 3-points on this, but PK will do.
Loss; 26-20 Saints - o.t.


Schmear of the Week:
Panthers -3
WIN


Guten Appetit:

Blimey Breakfast (9:30am NYJ in London): I prefer El Pico coffee, cinnamon buns, and/or short stack of blueberry pancakes with quarter sized slices of chorizo, cantaloupe, glass of apple juice.

Good old fashioned fried chicken and baby back ribs, loaded baked potatoes, corn on the BBQ, garden salad, deviled eggs (haven't done those in a while).  Gonna wash that down with some Coney Island Brew...

What's on your football menu?


Good luck, and have a great Football Sunday everyone!


Post Game:
Week Four Record:  7-4-1
Overall Record:  34-19-1
Schmear of the Week:  3-1
Bagels in the Basket:  +20

N.Y. Jets: Cockpit Troubles Ground Flight Three in East Rutherford

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

LONDON CALLING

Week Four

New York Jets

vs.

Miami Dolphins

FROM

Across the Pond

New York Jets: Ponderous loss against Philadelphia was more revealing than distressing.

If we learned anything over the first three weeks, it's the Jets will look good when they win, and look awful when they lose.

Fans got a refresher as to why Ryan Fitzpatrick no longer plays for the Bengals, Bills, Titans, or Texans.  The more you ask him to throw, the more sure (not likely, but sure) he is to get picked off.

No, Chris Ivory did not play, which otherwise altered the original plan.  But 58 pass attempts is just begging for trouble, and as expected Fitzpatrick delivered three 3 INTs.  One pick was inexcusable, while the other 2 came on tipped passes but were no less distressing.  He's now been intercepted 5 times this season, and has thrown at least one in each of the Jets first three games.

Yet, what transpired in the 1st half really had little to do with Ryan Fitzpatrick, per se..  The defense, special teams, and Brandon Marshall were busy finding ways to lose instead.

• 1st QTR - The defense yielded an 11-play drive (field goal) on the Eagles' first possession of the game.

• 2nd QTR - Special teams allowed a punt return touch down; the defense yielded another 8-play 75 yard drive for a touchdown; then came Brandon Marshall's ill advised attempted lateral and fumble, that eventually resulted in another 6-points the other way.

Total damage: the Jets went into their locker room trailing 24-7 at halftime.

With the Jets clearly in catch-up mode, all three interceptions came in the 2nd half.  Unlike Brandon Marshall's 2nd quarter gaffe, Ryan's turnovers didn't necessarily translate into Philadelphia points, but instead repeatedly killed the Jets chances at mounting a comeback.

Minus Chris Ivory, that seemingly became an untenable situation.  In fact, without Ivory the Jets punted on their first six possessions of the game, while Bilal Powell failed to provide a sufficient supportive effort throughout.  He only rushed 10 times for 31 yards, but again, perhaps much of that had to do with playing catch-up football.

Regardless, the point was well made.  The Jets offense lacked field management without Chris Ivory on the field.

The defense otherwise regrouped and held Philadelphia scoreless in the second half.  They perhaps induced most of Sam Bradford's overall inefficiency.  The Jets sacked him once, and got 6 other hits. Ryan Mathews, however, rushed the ball 25 times for 108-yards.

Comparatively though, the Jets held on to the ball longer and gained more net yardage.  And despite missing Ivory, turnovers arguably doomed Flight Three, with Brandon Marshall's fumble proving most costly.

This is a game the Jets literally gave away.  If generosity indeed got the better of them, better they helped a non-division, and non-conference team.

Flight #4 takes off this week for London, where the Jets will play against their jolly division rivals Miami Dolphins.

N.Y. Jets: Are you ready for some Monday Night Fitzpatrick?

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

WEEK TWO

MONDAY NIGHT 

FOOTBALL

New York Jets

vs.

Indianapolis Colts

FROM

The House that Peyton Manning Built

New York Jets: Defeating the Browns is no hook to hang a jersey on.  This evening's road game against the Colts will be far more indicative of where Gang Green stands.

Welcome to prime time..., right?

No Bermuda shorts required - minus the healthy services of Antonio Cromartie, who participated in limited practice this week, Andrew Luck will have little reason for visiting Revis Island this evening.

Even though Indianapolis's T.Y Hilton is questionable, the Jets can't alter their defensive plan too much, as Frank Gore and the Colts' big offensive line offer no quarter.

I'm sure Coach Bowles and his staff viewed Week One's Colts/Bills game film over, and over again.   Rex Ryan's defense limited the Colts to 14 points, and induced a pair of INT's.  I'm not sure the Jets can afford surrendering many more points than that.

Getting Ryan Fitzpatrick involved in a shoot-out with Andrew Luck is perhaps the last thing Coach Bowles wants.  Last week, Fitzpatrick went for an inaccurate 15/24 for 179 yards largely because the running game carried the offensive load.  Ryan otherwise was put in good positions to make a pair of TD passes.  He also threw a pick, but then again Andrew Luck threw 2 against Buffalo as well.

The Jets, however, can potentially catch Indy on a bad night.  After Vontae Davis, the Colts secondary is pretty banged up.  Brandon Marshal will get his reps, but Eric Decker and Chris Owusu should expect more action than last week.

Running the ball as the Jets did last week against Cleveland would still be an optimal way of keeping the pigskin out of Luck's hands.  Chris Ivory rushed 20 times for 91 yards, while Bilal Powell added 62 yards on 12 rushes.  However, Ivory is nursing a barking groin, and is at the least compromised heading into the game.

Such as life in the NFL.

Defeating the Cleveland Browns is no hook to hang a jersey on, and so this evening's road game against the Colts will be far more indicative of where the Jets stand.  They'll either end the night tied with New England at 2-0, or join the rest of the division with a 1-1 record, which wouldn't be the worst place to be - yet.

One way or another, much of what the world thinks about the Jets will get decided tonight.

So, buckle up.

The real New York Jets season takes off....., now.

Snoopy Bowl 2015: Gang Green Leaves Giants Feeling Blue

From the desks of:  

DO IT FOR THE DUKE  and  WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

* * 2015 * *

SNOOPY BOWL

FINAL

N.Y. Jets        28

N.Y. Giants    18

Let's face it, the only thing worth talking about is the first half.  The rest was a matter of deciding whom gets cut when rosters get paired down to 75 on September 1st.

On the Giants side of the ball, much of today's talk centers around how the offense took important steps forward.  If one very effective scoring drive does a pre-season game make, then I guess Big Blue indeed did well.

After a listless 1st quarter, the Giants put forth a far more comforting effort in the 2nd.

Starting at their own 20-yard line, the Giants mounted a 14-play, 85-yard scoring drive that consumed 8:09 of the clock.  Including penalties, the Giants rushed 9 times during the drive, while Eli put 8 balls in the air.

...and If I may, I found the acute running effort very pleasing.

But, despite being a spectator at last night's game I must have missed all the other positive offensive steps forward being spoken of today.

In the all important 1st quarter, the Jets made 7 first downs against the Giants one.

The Giants were unable to capitalize on a rash of early Jets penalties.  They displayed an overall inability to sustain the run, leading to many impotent three-and-outs.  Rashad Jennings had 9 rushes for 28-yards, or, 3.1 yards per carry, and a touchdown.  Akeem Hunt performed better against the B-squads, rushing 5 times for 25-yards, with a long of 15-yards.  They combined on 14 rushes for 53-yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry.

Meanwhile, Eli chipped away throwing 10/11 passes for 71 rather inconsequential yards just prior to surrendering a pick-six.  He ended up 12/16 for 91 yards, or, 5.7 yard per pass.  Overall, Eli and Coach McAdoo showed little interest in throwing down field.

At times the pocket just proved too dangerous for making reads.... as if.  The offensive line allowed a pair of sacks and a whole bunch of touches.  Add that to a poor night of run blocking, and that spells trouble ahead.

On a more positive note, I watched Odell Beckham Jr. having a wonderful time on Revis Island.  He was targeted 6 times and completed 5 receptions, highlighted by another one of those remarkable one-handed catches, albeit with one foot out of bounds.

Subtract Eli's pick-six, and the defense still allowed 21 points depending on your personal accounting methods.  

To be fair, Ryan Fitzpatrick should have connected on that 1st quarter post to Eric Decker for a touchdown.  The Giants secondary presently has more problems than a math book.  And besides, all teams usually score on that play - it's just a matter of shading the safety and timing.

Good job by Fitzpatrick...

However, a high school team would have handled the Jets screen pass to Zac Stacy that went for a 24-yard touchdown.

Why did that play work so well?  

Answer: The play itself was well set-up.  Once the Giants began over-pursuing the run, calling a screen pass was a lay-up.  So obvious in fact, it bordered sickening if not for being a pre-season contest.  The Jets had spent the majority of their previous plays pounding the ball on the ground.   Overall, Zac Stacy and Chris Ivory combined on 19 rushes for 98 yards.  And just so you know, Tommy Bohanon put the Jets well over 100-yards for the game.

If you're a Jets fan, take everything I said as Giants fan, convert it, and be happy.

You can't help but be satisfied with Ryan Fitzpatrick's efficient performance.  He completed 9/14 passes for 127 yards (9.1 ypp) and threw a pair of touchdowns.  And as noted, the ground game had its way against the Giants defense, rushing behind a good offensive line led by Nick Mangold.

Why couldn't they do that for me? - something Rex Ryan might say...

If you're a Giants fan, stop scratching your head.  You're just gonna make it bleed.

ICYMI:

N.Y. Giants: A Big Blue Crucible Built For Two 

N.Y. Jets: Sucker Punch Was A Slap Of Reality