N.Y. Jets Refocusing Their Eyes on the Prize

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

Gang Green Meets BountyGate;

Hello, Gregg Williams.

New York Jets: Despite Flawed Front Office, Hiring Adam Gase and Gregg Williams May Prove Savvy.

It dawned on me this is the first ever official hire by either Mike Maccagnan and/or Christopher Johnson - neither of whom did I ever feel were sufficiently experienced (much less qualified) to serve in their respective capacities.  And despite what may prove to be very savvy changes to the coaching staff, my opinion about the front office remains unchanged.

In the same manner I believe John Idzik undermined Rex Ryan, I view Maccagnan acting as the foil against former coach Todd Bowles.  In matters of personnel and free agent expenditure, both Idzik and Maccagnan demonstrated an ulterior underhandedness by forcing their head coaches into making due with increasingly less.  Why?  Perhaps because neither general manager played a role in hiring said head coach.  While an effective working relationship between new head coach Adam Gase and Maccagnan remains to be seen, Maccagnan's ability to smartly invest the team's $100 million salary cap reserves also remains to be seen.  If we're being truthful, his team building efforts over the last four years, outside of selecting Sam Darnold in last year's draft, have left much to be desired.  Yet, he stays.

Enter Christopher Johnson, who on Monday proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he knows the game and business of football exponentially less than his brother.  Being heir to a corporate empire is one thing, but operating an NFL club is entirely another.  I do feel owners often times inject too many corporate sensibilities which at times are in direct conflict with the business dynamics of football.

I have no particular opinion regarding the hiring itself of head coach Adam Gase - and that's a good thing.  He is certainly someone who seems to have his eyes on the prize!  I couldn't resist ...

All kidding aside, I think many agree this hire is a fine step forward toward the development of quarterback Sam Darnold.  In that regard, the Jets are justified for moving on from Bowles and Jeremy Bates.

On the other side of the ball, the Jets execute another eye grabbing headline with the hiring of Gregg Williams as their next defensive coordinator.  Yes, the same former New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator who earned a one-year suspension after taped-recordings surfaced in which he is heard instigating his players into committing unsportsmanlike violence upon the opposition; an episode infamously known today as Bountygate.  That aside, he is no doubt an aggressive thinker, and should serve the Jets very well, provided Mike Maccagnan furnishes him with talent.  With some play makers, a new Jets identity may very well start on this side of the ball.

Despite my previous support for Todd Bowles, and my vote of no-confidence for Maccagnan, the Jets  are nevertheless in the midst of a very promising transition.

N.Y. Jets: Todd Bowles Sacked by Gang Green

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

Todd Bowles

2018:  4-12

2017:  5-11

2016:  5-11

2015:  10-6

New York Jets: Todd Bowles Latest Head Coach Infected With Gang Green Disease.

I still say Todd Bowles deserved better support from his general manager.  Mike Maccagnan never sufficiently replenished the talent he himself purged after Todd Bowles' first season as head coach. Nor will Bowles benefit from Maccagnan's substantial, and as yet untapped, salary cap war chest.  It's almost as if cap savings were intentionally designed to come at his head coach's expense.  After all, Bowles was not Maccagnan's hire, something that I previously suggested eerily wreaks of what John Idzik perpetrated against Rex Ryan.

In both instances, I blame the Brothers Johnson.  More on them in a bit ...

In reviewing the Jets roster, an argument can be made that at least 18 of 22-plus starting positions need serious redress.  That's on the general manager whom has been on the job just as long as Bowles.  So, who failed who?  Very simply, a head coach is responsible for the players provided by the general manager.  If said general manager provides pedestrian undisciplined players, then expect any head coach to produce a mediocre penalty riddled season.  I recently heard an NFL analyst/former player say that penalties happen those individuals getting seriously outplayed and physically beaten.  Insofar as the Jets are concerned, this could not ring more true.  I do not disagree with the decision to move on from Todd Bowles.  I'm merely saying the front office did him no favors.

However, Todd Bowles is not free of blame.  Considering he's a former defensive coordinator, the Jets allowed over 400-points this season, which is on par with the NFL's other last place teams.  One  can cycle that back around as being Maccagnan's fault, but one must still agree Bowles in-game management skills left a lot to be desired.  Moreover, an overall failure to clean up habitually maddening mistakes are on him.  Far too often the Jets did more to beat themselves than did the competition which invariably points back to Bowles.

Above all else, the organization must now do right by Sam Darnold.  With a potential franchise quarterback in their possession, they must ensure he receives the utmost support.  That being said, Bowles and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates proved quite the un-dynamic duo.  Aside from surrounding him with much needed complimentary talent, the mentoring and developing of Sam Darnold is where the Jets most need improvement.  If Todd Bowles is gone, Jeremy Bates should be following very close behind.

One of the local radio shows also recently mentioned the last person with previous head coaching experience hired by the Jets was Bill Parcells.  That's something this front office should consider as well.

It is now incumbent upon (not so innocent...) Mike Maccagnan to finally spend some money on quality talent, and do a vastly better job in the draft.  A change in structure is needed as well.  He must be given autonomy in searching out a new head coach; his own head coach; a head coach who will not report directly to Christopher Johnson.  That must stop.  I believe it's in Mr. Johnson's best interest to implement a chain of command, then get the hell out of the way.  The general manager and next head coach become a package deal.  If and when Mr. Johnson decides they're not doing a good job, he can fire them both.  Point being, the system whereby the general manager and head coach share equal footing on the owner's rug doesn't jive, particularly when one doesn't necessarily agree with the other.  Because truth be told, Bowles and Maccagnan have never been on the same page.

Yet, Todd Bowles was fired by Christopher Johnson, not Mike Maccagnan.  I therefore blame much of this mess on the Brothers Johnson, whom have continually put their coaches and general managers in positions to fail.  Thus making Todd Bowles only the latest coach infected by Gang Green disease.

N.Y. Jets: Gang Green Saturday Pigskin

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

PIGSKIN 2018: WEEK FIFTEEN

Gang Green Saturday

BRONCOS -2 1/2 (Browns)

Loss; 17-16 Browns

Texans -7 (JETS)

PUSH; 29-22 Texans

New York Jets: We Don't Need Another Hero ... Just Punt!

The general outlook wasn't that great to begin with, but no one anticipated the Jets being this bad.

It's not enough for them to break a six game losing streak.  After failing Todd Bowles all season long, the Jets collectively owe him a supreme effort through these last three games.

It's the least they can do ... they're all he has left.

With a 4-9 record to date, the Jets have assured themselves a third straight losing season with no improvements to speak of.  One could argue Mike Maccagnan has so far done little in the way of upgrading talent, and that 21 of 22 starting positions need addressing.  With all that accumulated salary cap space, he scarcely spends a penny in support of Todd Bowles.  Likewise, the team's recent outpouring of support and commitment towards their head coach comes too late.  The Jets continuing mistakes and overall fundamental failings under Bowles have agreeably become too numerous and indefensible.

Joe B of WFAN Radio on Friday served fans these nuts: the Jets haven't hired anyone with previous head coaching experience since Bill Parcells.

Nice observation by him..!

Four long decades, the Jets have searched high and low for a franchise quarterback.  Now that they potentially have one, they had better take good care of him.  Let's assume that against JJ Watt and the Houston Texans pass rush the Jets offensive line keeps Sam Darnold upright.  With no running game (Bilal Powell and Isaiah Crowell are both out), and without his top receiver, what's a rookie quarterback to do?  At this juncture of the season, the last thing the Jets need is Darnold trying to be a hero.

Let the punter carry them Saturday.

Godspeed, Sam.

N.Y. Jets Failed Todd Bowles, Not Other Way Around

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

The Brothers Johnson 

merely picked up where Leon Hess left off.

New York Jets: Like so many players presently failing to correct countless and very costly mistakes, the team's upper hierarchy continues repeating their own mistakes as well.

Jets ownership have long established a workplace condition where by both head coach and general manager invariably wind up putting more effort into saving their own respective jobs rather than working jointly towards improving the team.

It happened with Eric Mangini/Mike Tannenbaum; it happened with Rex Ryan/Tannenbaum/John Idzik; and it's happening again with Todd Bowles/Mike Maccagnan.

Christopher Johnson was begging for trouble, when in 2015 he hired Todd Bowles first, then hired his general manager second.  If you recall, Rex Ryan believes he was undermined by Idzik, whom was indeed guilty as charged of failing to back fill talent, be it through inadequate drafting or withholding salary cap reserves.  Fast forward to Todd Bowles second season: Mike Maccagnan purges the team of certain talents, but has yet to spend his large sums of salary cap reserves.  Like Idzik, his draft results have also left much to be desired.

And that's why in fairness to Todd Bowles, and for sake of continuity and stability, I've tried supporting him as head coach.  Unfortunately, it has become increasingly difficult defending him in light of very dispiriting losses among others, against the Browns, Bills, and Sunday's gut-wrenching loss against the Titans in particular.  Entering the season with only modest expectations, the Jets have failed to even achieve those.  At the very least, the Jets should have been better than 4-9 through Week Thirteen.  Instead, they're presently one victory above being league bottom feeders.  Far too often they've sabotaged their own efforts more so than any opposing team's conjuring.  Week upon week, repeated and very costly mistakes have spearheaded a precipitous fall well below par which now warrants a reexamination of Gang Green's present and future priorities.

All the talk of late surrounds the Jets losing six games in a row.  But the narrative is unfairly omitting injuries to Sam Darnold and Bilal Powell.  Rather, we're being made to believe (by media) Todd Bowles words are beginning to fall on deaf ears.  To that I say either the players are woefully undisciplined, or Mike Maccagnan has thus far failed to adequately upgrade talent.  Like Idzik, it appears (IMO) as if Maccagnan is maneuvering to bring in his own coach.

The Jets potentially have a franchise quarterback on their hands, something they haven't had quite literally since Joe Namath.  Above all else, Sam Darnold's development should be the Jets primary focus.  If that means parting ways with Todd Bowles, so be it.  But they better make sure to bring in an instructional quarterback coach, a creatively cerebral offensive coordinator, and perhaps an offensively minded head coach for a change, whom all together will help transform Sam Darnold into the quarterback Jets fans hope and pray finally ushers in many years of sustained winning football.

N.Y. Jets: Players Owe Coach Bowles Victory Over Buffalo

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

WEEK TEN

Buffalo Bills

vs.

New York Jets

New York Jets: Talk of Blaming Todd Bowles Just a Bunch of Buffalo Patties.  After Week of Venting, Players Owe Their Head Coach Better Performance.

If I'm not mistaken, this is supposed to about progress, right? 

After going 10-6 in Coach Bowles first season as head coach, the team makes a concerted effort to overhaul the roster.  And that's why I say his 13-28 record since 2016 is more reflective of that decision than anything else.  But it is the right decision.

The Jets go on to post back-to-back 5-11 seasons by stitching up their quarterback situation with the likes of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh McCown.  The 2016 season actually reflects fairly well upon Bowles, but the 2017 season for some reason not so much. 

This year, the Jets finally draft whom many believe is their long awaited franchise quarterback.  The team enters Sunday's game with an unsettling 3-7 record.  In their three victories this season (against the Lions, Broncos, and Colts), Darnold and the Jets average a whopping 41.3 points per game.  But we all know they're not that good.  In their six losses this season (against the Jaguars, Vikings, Bears, Browns, and two against the Dolphins), the Jets average just 12.3 points per game.  But few believe they're really that bad.  Therefore somewhere in the middle lies the truth.

All coaches have their detractors no matter what.  The media and a growing faction of fans have been busy these last few years listing their every critique of Bowles play calling ability and game management, down to his seeming inability to extinguish repeated and sometimes potentially ruinous mistakes regarding comportment and/or execution.  Now they're insisting Todd Bowles be graded according to his record.  Moreover, they're even saying a loss against Buffalo would be unforgivable.  As if to say his entire narrative will be written during this one game.

That's where the naysayers lose me, because they along with everyone else know damn well Sam Darnold is out this week with a foot injury.  And that the same dude whom helped the Jets to a 5-11 record last season will be the same dude taking snaps this Sunday.  I would also argue some of this vitriol is being fueled by the Jets present three game losing streak, which is completely understandable.  But I think people lose sight of recent injuries to Bilal Powell and center Spencer Long which negatively affect the ground game, not to mention Sam Darnold being deprived of several wide receivers.

Woody and now Christopher Johnson must slam the breaks on their repeated acts of impetuousness.  They are on their fourth head coach and general manager, respectively, of the new century.  That averages out to 4.5 years per tandem.  That's no way to build a winner.  What they need now most of all is patience and to maintain continuity.  Not until Mike Maccagnan reaches deep into his treasure chest of salary cap reserves and starts spending for high-end talent should Todd Bowles be judged for his results.

As an aside, Mark Sanchez had a much better offensive line and a pro-bowl center protecting him than does Sam Darnold.  Something for Maccagnan to consider.  Something else to consider, either Jeremy Bates is offensive coordinator, or quarterback coach.  He shouldn't be both.  Let Bates continue as the OC if they must.  However, Maccagnan might want to seek out a new quarterback coach this off season for his prized player.

In the meantime, the education of Sam Darnold continues.

PIGSKIN 2018: Week Nine

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Nine

RESULTS

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four

Week Five

Week Six
Week Seven
Week Eight

SCOREBOARD

Week Eight Record:  8-4

Overall Record: 40-60-4

Schmear of the Week:  4-4

Bagels in the Basket:  -26

1st and Ten:

• First half of the season is done ... no surprises.
• Rams remain lone undefeated team.  Other first place teams: Patriots; Texans; Steelers; Chiefs; D.C. Hogs; Saints; Bears.
• Browns are first team this season to fire their head coach and offensive coordinator, putting all eyes squarely are on Baker Mayfield.

2nd and Long:

• Let the second half begin!
• Second place teams with five wins: Panthers, Bengals, Chargers.
• Cowboys are the second team to fire a coach (offensive line).

No Gain:

• Although Todd Bowles is off to his third straight 3-5 start, he doesn't deserve to be solely graded on this roster (or that of the last few years).  Sure, he makes in-game management mistakes, and hasn't been able to stop players from doing stupid things, but he's never been handed a playoff caliber roster, yet.  That's up to Mike Maccagnan, who's priority has been clearing cap space.  Once Maccagnan does get around to spending that money, Sam Darnold will have had a full season under his belt.  Next year Todd Bowles is fair game.  Until then, the Brothers Johnson might want to exercise something called, continuity.
• Cardinals released Sam Bradford.

Punt:

• Eli Manning has been sacked 31 times this season.  With half a season to go, he is only eight away from tying his career record.
• Giants back-up QB-Kyle Lauletta, who in the weeks to come was slated for playing time in relief of Eli Manning, got arrested for stupid driving tricks on his way to work.  He now faces a short suspension by the Giants.
• You are what you're record says you are: with respective 1-7 records, the Raiders and Giants are the worst teams in football.  The battle for the first overall draft pick is on.  That said, John Gruden is acting with conviction by gutting his team with haste.  In his latest move, he just released his leading pass rusher, Bruce Irvin.  The Giants on the other hand have been wishy-washy (and somewhat delusional).  Once again, I question their lack of activity with the passing of the league's trading deadline.  Despite earlier trades of Snacks Harrison and Eli Apple, the front office (or John Mara) still seems tepid about initiating a full blown rebuild.

WEEK NINE
Friday Line ~ NYDN

DOLPHINS -3 (Jets)
This is partly bad timing, and partly bad luck for the beleaguered Coach Bowles.  If anyone needs a victory here, it's him.  On any other day, the Jets are the better team, at least when healthy.  Unfortunately, Sam Darnold is in for another long day.  Like last week, he will not be receiving much support again this Sunday at Miami.  Let's just say the Jets offense right now is a little shy of complimentary players, too much for the rookie to overcome.  The Jets defense could still keep this reasonably close.  With Ryan Tannehill out, they can perhaps pressure Brock Osweiler into making mistakes.  Even then, something about this game says PUSH.
WIN; 13-6 Dolphins

VIKINGS -4 1/2 (Lions)
The NFC North is tightening like a tourniquet.  Both teams are coming off big losses.  The Vikings have a tie-game on their record, and therefore need a victory in order to keep pace with the Bears.  The Lions got neutered at home by the Seahawks last week, and just traded Golden Tate.  Yet, I'm still dying to take the points..!  But even if Detroit were playing at home and laying a point and a half to the Vikings, I'd still take Minnesota.  Wouldn't you? (Sunday: Vikings now laying five).
WIN; 24-9 Vikings

Chiefs -8 1/2 (BROWNS)
Steady as she goes.  If the Chiefs play mistake free football, everything should be fine.  Andy Reid is  coaching too long for him to allow the Chiefs succumbing to a trap game.  They may go about Sunday's game in a more methodical manner considering their opponent, but Reid knows very well the perils of playing down to the competition.  Cleveland has coaching issues.  A generous Kansas City defense could make this game an entertaining watch for Brownie fans, but I doubt it. (Sunday: Chiefs only laying -7 1/2).
WIN; 37-21 Chiefs

Steelers +3 (RAVENS)
The PAYBACK BOWL:  Two teams heading in different directions passing each other by.  Since losing to the Ravens in Week Four, the Steelers have won three in a row (averaging 34-points a game, while allowing just 18-points against).  The Ravens are 1-3 since defeating the Steelers.  They enter this game having allowed back-to-back 20+ point games for the first time all season. (Sunday: Ravens now -2 1/2).
WIN; 23-16 Steelers

PANTHERS -6 1/2 (Bucs)
I called the Panthers bluff last week, and got burned.  However, I refuse getting caught up in this cyclone of Ryan Fitzpatrick mania.  The Jekyll and Hyde Panthers last week took themselves seriously for a change, and it showed. They enter Sunday trailing the Saints by a game, and so I expect and even greater effort on both sides of the ball.  Carolina keeping the ball on the ground would be a good way of keeping FitzMAGIC off the field.
WIN; 42-28 Panthers

Falcons +1 1/2 (D.C. HOGS)
Talk about a desperate team ... what happened to the Falcons?  If Atlanta's defense shows up for a change, the Falcons should come away with a victory.  The Hogs are so unimpressive. (Sunday, WASH now favored by two).
WIN; 38-14 Falcons

BILLS +10 (Bears)
Khalil Mack is hobbling on a bad ankle, and the Bills have done stranger things this season.  I'll take my chances with Nathan Peterman and double-digit points.
Loss; 41-9 Bears

Texans +1 (BRONCOS)
I like the match-up.  Big day for Houston's defense.
WIN; 19-17 Texans

SEAHAWKS -1 1/2 (Chargers)
Are reports of the Seahawks demise premature?  Very intriguing match-up between Russell Wilson and Philip Rivers.  Looking forward to a defensive grudge match with the home team edging out the Chargers. (Sunday: this game is now PK).
Loss; 25-17 Chargers

Rams +2 (SAINTS)
I do not believe the Rams will finish the regular season undefeated.  This would certainly be a good week to pick against them.  However, Todd Gurley forces the Saints into playing a more honest brand of defense.  If the Rams accomplish that, Jared Goff exploits Eli Apple and the Saints secondary.  I have more faith in L.A.'s defensive ability to thwart a last minute drive than I do New Orleans' given the same situation.  (As of Sunday morning, the Rams are now -2 1/2 favorites, a 4 1/2 point swing).
Loss; 45-35 Saints

PATRIOTS -5 1/2 (Packers)
As usual, everyone on the Patriots is listed as questionable.  That means they're in mid-season form.  Matt Patricia, who?  The Patriots continue adjusting and adapting; it's what they do best.  The next best thing they do is win at home.  Meanwhile the Packers last week almost become the first team to defeat the Rams, but arguably fell two-points short due to a mental gaffe.  Although Green Bay is desperate for a win, Bill Belichick knows Aaron Rogers is hobbling on a bum knee, and is less likely to flee the pocket.  Look for Belichick's classic bend-don't break preventing Green Bay from covering this one.
WIN; 31-17 Patriots


**I'm not changing picks in light of Sunday line changes.  It is what it is.


Schmear of the Week:
Chiefs -8 1/2
WIN

Good luck, and have a great Football Sunday, everyone!

Post-Game:
Week Nine Record:  8-3
Overall Record:  48-63-4
Schmear of the Week:  5-4

Bagels in the Basket:  -18

PIGSKIN 2018: Week Three

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Three

RESULTS
Week One
Week Two

SCOREBOARD
Week Two Record:  5-9
Overall Record (ATS):  11-14-1
Schmear of the Week:  2-0
Bagels in the Basket:  +1

• Just a reminder, Pigskin bets Bagels, and the Schmear of the Week is worth three. I count Push against my record.  I either win, or I don't ... no participation trophies here.

N.Y. JETS: Sam Darnold Throws the Dawg Pound a Bone

The Browns enter last Thursday's game 1-32-1 over their last 34 games.  This night starts out no differently.  Sparked by a rabid defense, the Jets break out to a 14-0 lead on two Isaiah Crowell rushing touchdowns.  Gang Green lays siege upon Cleveland's Tyrod Taylor, sacking him three times.  Taylor would exit the game after suffering a first-half concussion.  Then, suddenly, the Jets engines shut down.  In relief of Taylor, Heisman Trophy winner and first overall selection of this year's NFL draft, Baker Mayfield helps lead the Browns to a 21-17 victory in his NFL debut.  The Jets, limited to just a field goal since 7:54 of the second quarter, still have one last possession.  But with under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Sam Darnold throws his second INT of the game in Jets territory, thus sealing Cleveland's first victory since week sixteen of the 2016 season.  For a weekend, at least, Thursday's result makes Cleveland look like geniuses for opting against drafting Sam Darnold, and instead selecting Baker Mayfield with the first overall selection.  When the Giants with the second overall pick select Saquon Barkley, the Jets very happily select Darnold with the third overall pick.  Happy, however, is not a word I would presently associate with Coach Bowles.  After about 23-minutes or so of smooth flying, the Jets suffered every conceivable malfunction, and and one particular episode of an employee's piss poor behavior.


1st and Ten:

• See above.  The Browns raise eyebrows when they play Pittsburgh to a tie.  Defeating the Jets is a mild achievement at best, but the Browns are now 1-1-1, nonetheless.

2nd and Long:

• The first two weeks are always whacky ... no?
• Enjoy this 2-0 start, Ocean Mammal fans.  The AFC East is between you and New England.  Good luck with that.
• Do the 0-2 Raiders (...eh hem, John Gruden) regret trading Khalil Mack, yet?
• Didn't anticipate Houston starting 0-2, but there's good news Texans fans, you're playing the Giants.
• Just when I thought Ryan Fitzpatrick couldn't pull that off again, he and the damn Tampa Bay Buccaneers go and pull that off again.

No Gain:

• Hello, my name is Michael, and I'm a Giants fan.  The team is off to an 0-2 start.  Their offensive line is miserable to begin with.  Now they lose their starting center (who wasn't even a real center by trade to begin with...) for the season with a broken leg.
• For Jets fans, it's like Week One never happened.
• The seemingly fireproof Marvin Lewis has his Bengals off and running with a 2-0 start.  But, does it really matter?

PUNT!

• After two weeks, it seems as if Arizona's windows have just been slammed shut.  They're making the Buffalo Bills look good by comparison.  Arizona has a -52 point differential.  Buffalo is slightly higher with a -55 mark, but at least they've scored 23 points thus far.  Meanwhile the Cardinals have scored just six points through two games.
• I'm punting on that whole debate as to whom needs whom more with regard to the relationship between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.  I believe they needed each other in order to achieve such great dynastic heights.  They would have enjoyed their own respective success apart from each other as well, however, to a much lesser degree.  Perhaps one or two rings for this one, and maybe a pair for that one.  If apart, neither would have won five rings, nor appeared in four other Super Bowls, much less nine overall dating back to Super Bowl XXXVI.

WEEK THREE
Friday Line  ~ NYDN

TEXANS -6 (Giants)
It's just a matter of time before the Texans get their rodeo going and string together some victories.  Playing at Houston, that time may be now.  The Giants defense is minus Eli Apple and Olivier Vernon (whom will miss his third straight week of action).  Offensively, a bad Giants offensive line just got worst as they lose starting center Jon Halapio to a broken leg.  If Eli Manning is already hard pressed at getting Odell Beckham the ball, how do you think this latest development will affect him?  Any match-up advantage Odell could have benefited from against an injured Texas secondary is now potentially negated by the Giants decreasing pocket protection.  The Giants added a fullback to the 53-man roster (about damn time!!!) in an effort to reinforce Saquon Barkley's sputtering quest for daylight.  I see nothing positive happening for Big Blue Sunday.
LOSS; 27-22 Giants

EAGLES -6 (Colts)
Andrew Luck is looking good again.  But six points screams confidence coming off Philadelphia's recent loss.  Perhaps that loss snaps the Eagles out of last year's frame of mind and into Sunday's game.
LOSS; 20-16 Eagles

Bengals +3 (PANTHERS)
Never know what to expect with the Panthers.  I'd stay away from this.  On a different note, this is typical Bengals setting up Coach Lewis for another late season meltdown.
LOSS; 31-21 Panthers

JAGUARS -6 1/2 (Titans)
All Jackson does is continue proving themselves.  I love getting half-points.  I think SACKsonville will pressure Tennessee's Marcus Mariota.
LOSS; 9-6 Titans

Saints +3 (FALCONS)
Great game.  Nothing against the Falcons, but I still say the Saints will be one of the more balanced teams of the league.  That loss against Tampa, though, was a real head-scratcher.
WIN; 43-37 Saints  o.t.

RAVENS -5 1/2 (Broncos)
I'm reinvesting in the Ravens, largely because John Flacco has weapons to work with, again.  Denver worked far too hard at home in topping the Raiders.
WIN; 27-14 Ravens

Dolphins -3 (RAIDERS)
Speaking of Oakland ... when it rains, it pours.  John Gruden couldn't have his team any less prepared.  Tannehill played a very efficient game against the Jets last week.  If he plays similarly, the sea mammals will outlast and overcome a presently inept Oakland team.
WIN; 28-20 Dolphins

D.C. HOGS -3 (Packers)
I'll take my chance Alex Smith finally snaps out of his funk.  After all, he is still readjusting to a new team and system.  Aaron Rogers can only perform so many miracles with that cranky knee.
WIN; 31-17 Hogs

VIKINGS -16 1/2 (Bills)
If I were a betting man, put together a three team tease and add the ten points.  Don't like these larger than usual spreads.  Oh, wait!  They're playing the Bills.
LOSS; 27-6 Bills

Niners +6 1/2 (CHIEFS)
I know the Chiefs are hotter than a sweatband in a fireman's helmet.  Just hoping the Niners can generate enough points to cover.
LOSS; 38-27 Chiefs

RAMS -7 (Chargers)
Battle of the NFL nomads.  The Chargers are a paper tiger.
WIN; 35-23 Rams

Bears -6 (CARDINALS)
Cardinals are as down as they've been for many years.  Their last two weeks have been absolute abysmal.  The Bears might finally figuring how this thing called defense works.
LOSS; 16-14 Bears

Cowboys +1 1/2 (SEAHAWKS)
Like this spread.  The Seahawks are 0-2, and feature an inept offensive line presently rivaling that of the Giants.  Seattle's 12th man won't factor much if Dallas runs the ball with power.
LOSS; 24-13 Seahawks

Patriots - 6 1/2 ( LIONS)
Nothing scientific here.  The Patriots lost by nine last week, but should have their way with Detroit.  Famous last words ...
LOSS; 26-10 Lions


SCHMEAR of the WEEK: (2-0)
RAMS -7
WIN


Good luck, and have a great Football Sunday, everyone!

Post-Game
Week Three Record (ATS):  5-9
Overall Record:  16-23-1
Schmear of the Week:  3-0
Bagels in the Basket:  -1

N.Y. Jets: Into the Wild Green Yonder

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

This Johnson Is Not Like The Other

New York Jets: Sam Darnold Brushes Aside Opening Mistakes; Regroups for Calm, Cool, and Collected Finish to NFL Debut.

For nearly two decades now, the number of quarterbacks to don a Jets jersey has been commensurate with the carousel of head coaches and general managers exhausted by this organization's upper hierarchy.  It's a condition for which I blame Woody Johnson.

Enter Jets CEO Christopher Johnson, who on Tuesday said it would be "counterproductive" for him issue a playoff ultimatum for Coach Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan (both of whom received two-year contract extensions at the end of last season), according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.

The Jets are only one game into the regular season, but coupled with their selection of Sam Darnold with the third overall pick of the draft, this just may prove to be the smartest start this organization has gotten off to in quite some time.

Although, it didn't seem that way as Sam Darnold on his first ever NFL pass attempt from scrimmage throws a pick-six.  His second possession proves no less futile.  But supported by a very effective running game, the rookie was able to brush aside any missteps and finally start proving his worth with a calm. cool, and collected finish.  He ends Monday night's game throwing 16 of 21 (76%) for 198 yards, the one INT, and the first two touchdown passes of his NFL career on connections to Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson.

In addition to his abilities on the field, Darnold brings stability to the coaching staff.  I know Todd Bowles has his detractors, but I believe he gets far more out of his players than any available replacement would.  Mike Maccagnan, meanwhile, will have tons of money available to spend next season.  And so there is every reason for Christopher Johnson keep this operation together regardless of the Jets final record and standing.

Time finally seems to be changing ...

N.Y. Jets: The Sam Darnold Era Begins

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

New York Jets

vs.

Detroit Lions

FROM
Motor City

New York Jets: With Sam Darnold in the fold, it's time for Chris Johnson to halt his brother's practice of turning over general managers and head coaches.

The Jets haven't won, much less appeared in a Super Bowl since Joe Namath guaranteed victory over the (then) Baltimore Colts fifty years ago.  I remember Broadway Joe's last two seasons with the Jets, and every year of the ensuing four decades since spent trying to replace him.

If Richard Todd and A.J. Duhey never cross paths, or Ken O'Brien pulls the Jets out of a fatal nosedive, or if Vinny Testeverde's Achilles heel never snaps, or Chad Pennington weren't so fragile, or Marc Sanchez comes out of USC with just a tad more polish, the history of the Jets reads quite differently.

Monday night, all this gets thrown on the shoulders and arm of a rookie poised to be the youngest quarterback to ever start an NFL game since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger.  That being said, Sam Darnold might finally be that guy: a rare franchise quarterback capable of carrying a team through years of sustained success, and ideally, Super Bowls.  Even as a Giants fan, there's no denying I'm experiencing palatable anticipation leading up to his pro debut.

However, Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles are still piecing together everything else surrounding Darnold.  And I believe they're doing a good job turning things around, despite what the Jets recent season records indicate.  Maccagnan has been methodical but effective, and players respond to Coach Bowles.  But above all else they need time, and there in lies the rub ...

Woody Johnson long ago created a condition among his various general managers and head coaches in which they were more or less compelled into making decisions based on job preservation over that of making actual long term progress.  Team CEO and acting owner Christopher Johnson is seemingly applying the brakes on that trend.  He already extended both Maccagnan and Bowles through 2020, ensuring both are provided an opportunity to see this through for a change.  However, Bowles' extension came before they drafted Darnold.  If the Jets are throwing Sam Darnold into the fire, Mr. Johnson must remain open minded about extending even further both Maccagnan and Bowles.

N.Y. Jets: Have a Nice Summer

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

First Down and a Long Way to Go

New York Jets: Sam Darnold inherits half-century of mediocrity.

I remember Joe Namath's last two seasons with the Jets, along with his final and rather inconsequential season spent with the Los Angeles Rams.  The Jets have been searching for a top tier quarterback ever since.  Guys like Richard Todd, Vinny Testeverde, and even Marc Sanchez all helped elevate the Jets into AFC championship games, but no further.  

In the absence of a top tier quarterback, the organization has failed to win an NFL championship since both before and after Namath guaranteed victory in Super Bowl III.  This upcoming season will mark the golden anniversary of that improbable triumph.

Sadly, the Jets have otherwise failed to qualify for the playoffs (AFL/NFL) 44 times over the span of their 58-year history.  Said another way, they've only been to the playoffs 14 times since their inaugural 1960 season in the American Football League.  In terms of probability, the Jets enter any given season with a one-in-four chance of playing post-season football.  

Even then, these Jets are coming off their seventh straight season finishing out of playoff contention.  Where it concerns the latest in a long line of general managers and head coaches, just know that Mike Maccagnan has allowed his (defensive minded) head coach Todd Bowles to seek out his third different offensive coordinator in as many years.

The weight of all this suddenly gets piled atop the shoulders of quarterback Sam Darnold.  At least he and (new, new ...) new offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates get to start the next stages of their respective football careers, together.  Bates served as QB coach last season, and will continue in that capacity in conjunction with his new position.

Three people now form an intriguing triumvirate to say the least: a former defensive coordinator now head coach in Todd Bowles; a new OC with a somewhat light resume in my opinion; and the newly anointed savior of Jets Nation.

Quarterback Sam Darnold was selected by the New York Jets with the third overall pick of the recently concluded NFL draft.

Now what?

A quarterback selected third overall normally comes with high expectations.  But are the Jets still a rebuilding team?  I would argue they should be.  Over the last three seasons, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh McCown respectively gave the Jets a pair of very good individual performances.  And where did that get them?

In the meantime, enjoy the summer.  Saving the world can wait till Fall.

However, I caution folks to beware the dreaded USC bias ...

It often turns out being spot on.

N.Y. Jets: Potential Lame Duck In Flight Path

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

Depends On Your Point Of View

New York Jets: Gang Green will continue playing hard for Todd Bowles through final six games of season, but will front office reciprocate with a contract extension?

The Jets are playing beyond expectations, right?  

Why, then, is Todd Bowles' future with the Jets still in question?  

That's all I hear from most media pundits - Todd Bowles is coaching for a contract extension.

What a bunch of bunk!

I don't know how Mike Maccagnan feels about him.  After all, the Jets had already initiated the process of searching out a new head coach before reaching an agreement with Maccagnan.  Although he would eventually have his interview with Bowles and the two moved forward together.  Or, so we think.

Bowles is now 19-23 in 42 games as Jets head coach.  The Jets went 10-6 in his first season, but all people bring up is his 9-17 record since last season through the present time.  That's just unfair.  Despite Maccagnan's off-season quasi roster purge, Todd Bowles has already coached this year's youngsters and leftovers to within one victory of last season's total.

On the positive side, the Jets are 4-6 so far this season, largely due to the performance of their defense and quarterback Josh McCown.  On the negative side, the Jets are 4-6 due to Mike Maccagnan's roster maneuverings, leaving Todd Bowles caught somewhere in the middle.

The Jets still have a tough schedule ahead:

• Panthers
• Chiefs
• @ Broncos
• @ Saints
• Chargers
• @ Patriots

They can easily lose four (or more), and with any luck win three.  This is not necessarily where Jets fans wanted to be at this juncture as it pertains to next year's draft.  Playing all out for Todd Bowles isn't getting the Jets any closer to resolving their decades long problem at quarterback.  

But these players will not let up on their coach, which is a testament to the culture of professionalism established by Todd Bowles, and just as important.  Look no further than the Giants, whom find themselves in a complete state of dysfunction.  If anything, credit Mike Maccagnan for purging the locker room of pollutants.  But credit Todd Bowles for setting the team's demeanor.

While the present moment is not necessarily the most appropriate time for presenting Bowles with a contract extension, it should, however, be one of the first things the Jets front office does upon season's end.  

There's no way they can let him enter the final year of his contract as a lame duck coach.

What a mistake that would be.

Mike Maccagnan Lulling New York Jets Into Same Old Holding Pattern

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

Whose Jet Is This Anyway?

SUNDAY

Atlanta Falcons

vs.

New York Jets

FROM

TANK CITY

New York Jets: One Call From Woody Johnson Can Change Everything; He Must Be Willing To Pay A Heavy Price First.

Nothing puts matters in perspective like time.

Head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan are now in their third year together with the Jets.  Their respective contracts expire after the 2018 season.  So far, there has been no mention from Woody Johnson about extending Maccagnan, nor has there been any word from Maccagnan with regards to extending Todd Bowles.

Here's the condition ...

To date, the New York Jets are arguably no better off today, than they were on the day they fired Rex Ryan and John Idzik.  Yet, the Jets ironically are in infinitely better hands.

If I were an outside, independent auditor, though, hired to provide Woody Johnson with an organizational progress report, I'd tell him he has a really good coach on his hands, but that his general manager is blowing it.

I'm not suggesting Mike Maccagnan should be fired, a la John Idzik - far from it.  I still believe Maccagnan and Bowles are good football people who can potentially turn this organization around.  Instead, the general manager simply needs a firm directive from his higher up, then needs to execute said directive, and not deviate.

In other words, what we have here is a failure to communicate.  That is why I'm suggesting Woody Johnson wire Maccagnan from England, instructing him to cut the crap, and rebuild the team from the ground, up, post haste.

Coach Bowles is just coaching the players Mike Maccagnan gives him, and doing a good job of it. Outside of eight victories, I feel nothing regarding the Jets last 23 regular season games should reflect poorly on Todd Bowles, and that he is an innocent party to Mike Maccagnan's lack of conviction.

After two-plus years, Maccagnan is proving just as wishy-washy as the general managers which precede him.  I say that because he's made no distinction between trying to win straightaway, from trying to survive, or trying to rebuild.

Maccagnan indeed took over a team that upon his hiring went 4-12 the previous season.  By throwing a lot of money at it, and bringing in quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Jets achieved a 10-6 record in his first season at the helm.  But that same plan garnered no such results last year, as the Jets once again found themselves in last place of the AFC East after a disappointing 5-11 season.

Maccagnan entered this season cutting ties with some of the very same higher priced players he monetarily gifted back in 2015.  And so everyone thought he was going to start deconstructing, and finally rebuilding this the right way.  At least that's what everyone was led to believe during preseason.

Jets fans were going to pay special attention to college football this season so as to scout the Jets #1 overall pick in next year's draft, right?

If you're coming off a 5-11 season, then further deplete the roster entering this season, why bother bringing in Josh McCown?  I understand Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenburgh needed someone to work with.  So the better question at this point is why is Josh McCown still starting?

It appears to me that last minute touchdown taken away from the Jets against New England in Week Six isn't the only screw job befalling Gang Green this season.  Again, I contend Mike Maccagnan's lack of command directive is screwing Todd Bowles.

Let's face it, outside of that spirited effort against the Patriots, the Jets only credible achievement this season came and went with their victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.  A victory over the then homeless Dolphins, and defeating the hapless Cleveland Browns, were perhaps the worse things that could have happened to the Jets, because all that did was inspire false hope.

Again, why continue starting Josh McCown?  Why not trade trade Muhammad Wilkerson and Matt Forte by the deadline?

What is Mike Maccagnan saving, this season?

He realizes the 49ers and Browns have yet to win a game, right?

Entering Week Eight, the AFC East, North, and West, are clearly defined by the Patriots, Steelers, and Chiefs.  Whichever team that does not win the South, will be in the pool of teams competing for Wild Card spots.  One must ask how many of those teams does Maccagnan think the Jets can overcome?

J.J. Watt is out for the season as the Texans try to win with a rookie quarterback; Marcus Mariota has yet to really blossom in Tennessee; Baltimore's Joe Flacco might be out for some time.  Are these conference variables that will enable the Jets to outclass the field; Miami, Buffalo, Tennessee, Cincinnati, Houston, Denver, Baltimore, or Oakland; for one of two Wild Card spots?

Say the Jets barely make the playoffs.  Then what?  This team is still losing altitude in the long run, regardless.  Shifting around the same pile of money will only get the Jets so far.  It's been demonstrated time and again.

Buck trends.  Stop this vicious cycle.  Salvage the future by just letting go.

This is precisely why Woody Johnson needs to step in, and tell his general manager exactly what he wants.  Before that can happen, though, Woody needs to take a long look at himself in the mirror as well.

He's the one who created a culture where people work simply to save their jobs.  There's no conviction, long-term commitment for a plan, no stick-to-it-iveness.  Each passing administration merely adds to the growing scrapheap of failed, short term ideas.  That's because Woody never demands a definitive course of action.  He always leaves that to the people he puts in charge.  In some respects, that's commendable.  That's why I'm not asking Woody to become meddlesome.  I'm suggesting Mr. Johnson give his general manager clear marching orders.

Nothing more.

I'm suggesting he eliminate the confusion in Maccagnan's mind, by reassuring his general manager that reconstructing the Jets requires long-term employment and front office commitment.

Losses be damned.

Fans must overlook Tom Brady and Bill Bellichick, and take a wider look at life in the NFL.  Show me a winning organization, and I'll show you a stretch of consecutive seasons when they sucked really badly.  If Woody really cares about turning around his organization, and establishing a winning culture the right way, he must first be willing to pay a similar toll.

Otherwise, he has good people in place.  That's not the problem.

They need direction.

Without it, the Jets will continue circling in this never ending holding pattern.

N.Y. Jets: Mission Improbable Suddenly Not So Far Fetched

From the desk of:  WALT MICAHELS REVENGE

WEEK SIX

New England Patriots

vs.

New York Jets

New York Jets: To The Chagrin of Fans In Search Of The Elusive Number One Overall Draft Pick, Gang Green Is Suddenly Playing Must See Football.

The Jets were written off before they ever reported to training camp.  And according to some, that was the intended plan.  Tank the season (discreetly, of course) in an attempt to secure the number one overall selection in next year's NFL draft.

Consecutive losses to open the season against the Bills and Raiders, by a aggregate 66-32 score, had Jets fans thinking they were greenfully on their way towards last place, and finally on their way towards resolving a decades long crisis at quarterback.

Only now, Jets antagonists, and even some of their own fans, are growing increasingly bitter because they're failing to get even that right.

Defeating the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns were only somewhat understandable victories.  The Jets couldn't help but be better than them.  What are you gonna do..?  Their 23-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, however, was far more unexpected, and conflicting.  I'm sure the Jags are all still kicking themselves over that game.  As I'm sure there's one or two Jets fans whom kicked themselves in the posterior over it as well.

Not winning a Super Bowl in 48 years kind of does that.

Nevertheless, the New York Jets are winners of three in a row, and locked a three-way tie for first place in the AFC East entering Week Six, along with Buffalo, and Sunday's opponent, and primary nemesis, the New England Patriots.

Which ever team wins Sunday between the Jets and Patriots, will be the undisputed leader of the AFC East, at least for one week, that is.  The Buffalo Bill will sit out this Sunday with a bye.

Think about that for a second ...

It would have been irresponsible for anyone to have suggested before the season started that the Jets would be locked in a three-way tie for first place entering Week Six.  The Jets playing the Patriots for sole possession of first place in Week Six was never even a fleeting consideration, much less an improbable one.  And for a fan to have gone as far as predicting the Jets would have a legitimate chance at actually winning this game would surely have invited sports bullying upon him/her self.

But the truth of the matter is that Coach Bowles has his Jets playing hard-nosed, fundamental football.  He's done the best he can do considering the team's roster and circumstances, and you can't blame him for that.

Not too long ago, Rex Ryan's Jets featuring Mark Sanchez at quarterback, and a defense led by Bart Scott, earned an epic and improbable playoff victory against the Patriots at New England, and a trip trip to the AFC Championship Game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

These Jets aren't nearly as talented as that team.  This team is still rebuilding in the aftermath of the Rex Ryan years, who in turn took over Eric Mangini's roster and gave it a little tweak.

I digress ...

These Patriots, in their present state, can be beaten.

The Patriots defense, to date:

• the most yards allowed per game.
• the most yards allowed per play.
• the second most points allowed per game.
• the second most points allowed overall/season.

That being said, if anyone can make a quarterback look amateurish, regardless of defensive personnel, it's Bill Belichick.

Even Mark Sanchez had a strong running game guiding his way, and making play-action a viable option.  I'm not sure these Jets can execute ball control and time management well enough to disrupt Tom Brady's playing time.

The Patriots are still scoring points at their usual rate.  Tom Brady, however, is under siege.  New England's pass protection has been negligible at best.  Tom Brady has always also been a statue in the pocket, so perhaps this is the week Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams finally break through for their first respective sacks of the season, if not more.  And where there's sacks, there's the potential for turnovers.  So at least the Jets have that to shoot for.

Jets transient quarterback Josh McCown is no stranger to the game.  There's no reason for him to feel overwhelmed by the Patriots come Sunday.  Instead, it would be nice to get another calm, cool, collected, performance from the 15-year veteran.  If he keeps completing 71% of his passes against the Patriots, the Jets could indeed gain some much needed altitude within the division.  He'll need to be at least as good as his modest season averages, because Bilal Powell has a strained calf, and so the Jets running game will be compromised.  Matt Forte is probable.

Yes, these Jets are way different than the team a young inexperienced Mark Sanchez led in 2010 against the Patriots.  Those Jets had more talent operating around him, and a Pro Bowl center like Nick Mangold to hide behind.  Where as these Jets are instead supposed to be competing to be among the worst in the league along side the Browns, 49ers, and the suddenly moribund Giants.

Problem is Coach Bowles isn't letting the Jets lay down on themselves, which flies in the face of the front office's unofficial, top secret objective of tanking.

To the chagrin of many Jets fans, their recent counterproductive success, coupled with their upcoming game against the New England Patriots, have suddenly transformed the team into must see football.

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

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: Unrepentant Rex Ryan Returns to the Green Apple Swinging

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

PIGSKIN

Thursday Night Football Edition

WEEK TEN

Review Season Results

Week Nine Record:  4-7

Overall Record:  60-46-3

Schmear of the Week:  5-4

Bagels in the Basket:  +14

THURSDAY NIGHT

Buffalo Bills

vs.

New York Jets

FROM

House of Snoopy

MY PICK

JETS -3 (Bills)
I'm siding with discipline over dysfunction.
I think the game will devolve into a defensive struggle.
It's worth noting Nick Folk has been lost for the season.
Otherwise, there's been much about this game that smells push.

New York Jets: Rex Ryan Pulls No Punches in Return to Big Green Apple.

First it was a punch to Geno Smith's jaw.  Now Geno gets a slap to the face.

Like a bull through a fine china shop, D-Generation Rex is back, and he's unrepentant as ever!

The NFL's most notorious foot connoisseur named Ik Enemkpali a captain for this Sunday's Jets/Bills showdown at the House of Snoopy - the same Ik whom broke Geno Smith's jaw.

Only Rex...

This will be Buddy Ryan's offspring's first game back to the House of Snoopy since getting unceremoniously getting canned as Jets coach after posting a 4-12 record last season.  On that note, I would argue former Jets GM John Idzik did Rex no favors over his final two seasons as coach.

In the process, the players lost a very popular and powerful motivator, and the only coach to ever guide the organization to two straight AFC championship games.

Rex Ryan is no doubt a defensive whiz.  That said, he makes a better pack leader than head coach.
He seems to thrive in a locker room stylized after Delta House.  And I'm one who believes you can't always give players what they want.

Personality wise, Todd Bowles couldn't be any more different.  He is no defensive slouch himself, and perhaps is a more complete coach as well.  The atmosphere around the Hangar has certainly been more workmanlike and composed since his arrival.

While this particular game is not as dire as I'm about to make it sound (yes it is) this is nevertheless one of those games where the Bills seemingly have everything to gain, while the Jets have everything to lose.  The Jets are 5-3 this season, while the Bills enter Thursday's game with a 4-4 record.  Both teams have gone 2-2 over their last four, while the Patriots remain undefeated.

In other words, unless something earth shattering radically shuffles the AFC East standings, both the Jets and Bills should start focusing on the Wild Cards, which in turn makes this game of paramount importance.

A victory would put the Jets in the driver's seat.

In the mean time, both teams would still need to outplay the Steelers and Raiders, and whomever else sneaks into the AFC playoff picture.