I was 5-1 for the second week in a row and 26-10 for the season. Overall a lot of controversial referee calls determined some games this week (3, I picked) Here are this week's results;
1. Green Bay vs. Dallas (Thurs)
PICK: Dallas RESULT: Cowboys 37-27 Dallas was able to exploit the injuries in the GB secondary and besides the strip of TO, the refs botched, and the tipped INT in the endzone, CB Al Harris didn't play like the Pro Bowler I have been pimping him out to be. Losing Favre in the first half with multiple arm injuries could have spelled disaster for the Packers but I was impressed with the play of Aaron Rodgers. I wonder if San Fran still thinks they picked the right QB (Alex Smith in the 05 Draft) And how about that call on Crayton (2 TDs) in the 5x5x5?
2. Cincinatti vs. Pittsburgh
PICK: Pittsburgh RESULT: Steelers 24-10 Another muddy game in Pittsburgh, but the Steelers look ready to take on the mighty Patriots next week. Big Ben was involved in 3 TDs and the weather contributed to some fumblitis by Willie Parker, but the Bengals don't even look like they want to be on the field anymore.
3. New England vs. Baltimore
PICK: Patriots RESULT: Patriots 27-24 The second straight sloppy game for the Patriots against a losing team, but they managed to escape, once again unblemished but not without controversy. The Ravens played their best game, pressuring Brady and were the better team for most of the game Monday night, but a 4th down stop that would have ended the game, was disallowed when the referees allowed a timeout called by the Ravens D coach R. Ryan, NFL rules only allow the 11 players on the field or the head coach to call a timeout. On the do over the Patriots converted and continued their drive. Then on another 4th down, a controversial defensive holding call gave New England a first and goal situation. Then Jabar Gafney caught a TD pass on the side of the endzone that was reviewed and it was ruled that he had control, despite the talk Tues. morning on a 2005 precedent on a similar play saying that he would not have had possession. The Ravens complained that they couldn't beat the Pats and the Refs, the Ravens had this game won possibly 3 times and each time the Patriots got the benefit of the doubt. The Patriots D continues to be pushed around and severely missed LB Rosey Colvin as the Ravens normally dormant offense put up almost 400 yards. Just like when the Eagles pressured Brady last week his accuracy was down, but once again he was plagued by numerous dropped passes. The Patriots face their toughest remaining opponent next week, the Steelers, could this be the team that ends the streak? There is a good chance if the Pats continue to play the way they have the past 2 games. Funny how ever since I mentioned the Pats tempting karma that they have not played well.
4. NY Giants vs. Chicago
PICK: Giants RESULT: Giants 21-16 After playing 7 consecutive quarters of awful football, Eli Manning led the G-men on 2 scoring drives in the 4th quarter to get the come from behind win. The Giants pass rush did a good job of getting to Rex Grossman and keeping the game close.
5. Cleveland vs. Arizona
PICK:Arizona RESULT: Cardinals 27-21 I was hoping for a higher scoring shootout game but it ended up being one of the better games of the weekend, and it had a controversial ending, on the last play of the game TE "The Soldier" Kellen Winlsow caught what could have been the winning TD, but the refs ruled he did not land in bounds and despite being hit by 2 Cards defenders it was not a force out. The Browns got lucky a few weeks ago when the got the lucky bounce on the FG, that was overturned to allow them to beat the Ravens in OT.
6. NY Jets vs. Miami
PICK: Miami RESULT: Jets 40-13 The Dolphins are AWFUL! I went with them thinking if this team is going to win, they have to beat the almost as awful Jets, but no, the Fins got steamrolled. They are on their way to becoming the first franchise with a perfect season and unvictorious season.
