Close but, "No Cigar"

Tom Brady after today's loss

-Foxboro, MA

The tittle is quite fitting since todays game was enjoyed in a cigar bar called El Matador, located in Roslyn, Ny. I was greeted at the door with a nice cigar and a cold drink. Then I settled in to watch my Patriots.

Now onto the game.

Early in the game Aaron Hernandez was taken out of the game, due to injuries, which meant a shuffle to the patriots offense. Loosing one of their reliable receivers was tough on the offense, and it showed.
The cardinals defense capitalized on this locking up the backfield. Now even though Brady still has some weapons, gronkowski and welker, to name a few. There was still a struggle against this cardinal defense. Brady's backfield was all locked up. Though even with Aaron on the field there still was a struggle. The first play in the first quarter by the Patriots was bounced off Hernandez and into the hands of Peterson. Mistakes like that will cost you. Countless errors and mistakes where just stockpiling against the offense. Though none as bad as the holding that cost the win which I will speak about a little more later on.

As for the defense, they certainly did work to prevent the moving of the chains. You could argue it that it wasn't enough. Though you could see the effort and drive of these players. Especially in the last quarter, where they really stuffed the offense. Coming up with a interception to give the patriots hope for a win.Now its not to say that they can't get better. Even with all the pressure they seem to put onto the offense some how few plays slip through the cracks. 20 points is just too much to give up, hands down. If you want for the team to succeed the defense need to prevent the points. It's just that simple. As we are beginning to see that the patriots offense is not like it has been in the past. The defense was allowed to let a few points through since Brady was just going to make it rain. Now, the defense will have to do more to stuff the offense and stop all opportunities. Though the defense is better than seen in recent years, it's still not enough.

With that said, it's the offense that really needs to work well. The need for perfect the timing between Brady and the receivers needs to improve. Without it you get no yards. Which this game clearly showed. You can have a arm like Tom's and expect yards with out having the receivers there to catch the ball. Unless you have the hands waiting for the ball you're not going anywhere. Luckily the Patriots don't have to just rely on the throwing game. Ridley Surely proved his worth in these two games. Churning those feet for an average of 7-9 yards a game. Which is outstanding. It certainly came in handy this game. Giving them several first downs which turned into points thereafter.

Ok, now the play we really want to vent, rant, curse, and yell about. Danny Woodhead's near winning touchdown run. Watching the game I was livid. They were so damn close. Then it was ripped away from them. All for a hold that could have been avoided. The promised land was in their grasp. Even so, they still should have been able to come up with at least a good enough field goal distance. This is where you need a well-oiled offense. Passes need to be completed and the line mustn't cause flags on the play. Although giving good protection, certain things just can't be overlooked. I hope to see the Patriots work on passing completion. As for the line I hope to see less self inflicting actions such as holding, false starts, or offsides in the future

Sadly it just didn't happen. With the score of 20-18 I know the patriots are going to keep this one close to them. I wouldn't be surprised if they came back, in turn, and demolish in week 3. A sad loss, yes. Though I feel with this one we will see a different Patriots team next week. Let's hope and see.

It feels good to win

In Nashville, Tenn. -- Patriots hit the ground running to make it their ninth straight season with an opening win. Crushing the Titans and smashing Jake Locker's debut game.

The Titans gave a valiant effort against the Patriots. You could see what an Improvement this team has made. In their last meeting with the Patriots the ended up destroying the Titians in a 54-0 victory. As much as the team has improved since then was not enough to stop new england. The Titans did nothing to stop the giants from getting yard after yard. Except for the sack made by Kamerion Wimbley, which may have broken Tom Brady's nose. There wasn't any significant stops by the Titans defense. According to Brady that was the one and only good hit made by the Titans all day.

With that said, lets move on to the most crucial part of the team, the offensive line. They did a great job protecting Tom. He had plenty of time to get the ball off, and enough protection from the defensive line. Excluding, of course, the sack. If they can prevent that from happening in the future I can see this offense going far.

"It wasn't a perfect by any stretch but it's always fun to win," Brady said. "Its a good feeling"

As for the defense, Titans couldn't shake them. Every time Locker attempted to make a pass to the endzone there was always somebody there to make sure that didn't happen. Starting with  McCourtny shutting out Williams. Then  Kyle Arrington bats away Locker's second pass to the endzone. Which was subsequently picked up by Tavon Wilson. Though they had the backfield on lockdown they also put a great deal of pressure to Jake. Chandler Jones sacks Jake Locker who then fumbles the ball. Putting the ball into Dont'a Hightower's hands who brings it in for a touchdown. Every down Locker was constantly staring into the eyes of a defender. Another crucial play is where Patrick Chung delivers a good hit that turns into the football turning loose. He picks up the ball and heads down field and gets taken down by Locker who afterwards gets injured by the play. Unfortunately the play was ruled an incomplete. This is what the Patriots were missing in their defense. They needed players to put pressure on the quarterback, and lock up the backfield. Which was done in this first game. If they keep on going like this I cannot see any reason the Patriots can't head back to the Super Bowl. With that said, this is the Titans we are talking about. They had a rookie quarterback and are still have some ways to go to be a major threat to the Patriots. So we will just have to see if the defense can keep playing on such a high level as the season progresses.

Overall, this first game showed that the Patriots aren't looking to mess around this season. Their defense is looking solid. And their offense is looking successful as well, which wasn't really a question. They have all the tools to come back with a vengeance. Be that as it may the Patriots still have ways to go to be perfect. Which they are acknowledging, and they are hoping to improve going forward. Which is a good sign. Can't wait to see how they comeback next season. 

First Sunday!

   

         ITS FINALLY the first Sunday of the NFL. So, to those who are like me, who prefer to watch on Sundays the time has finally come. Now even though the season has officially started, to me, the season just hasn't started until Sundays. Sundays are a scared days for all walks of life. Its the day most of us go to church and worship. Its the day most people have the day off. Sunday is, in my opinion, the least stressful from the rest.

So when I get to see my beloved Patriots crush another team on that same blissful day it just enhances it. Providing that they win, of course, nobody wants a good day to be ruined by an upset. So with that said let's take a look at the upcoming match up. 

           Now the last time these guys met Brady crushed them in a 59-0 loss. It was nothing less than an embarrassment for the Titans. Needless to say I enjoyed this, especially after that crushing loss to the Giants. In that game the Titans only threw for 7 yards. Since then the Titans have picked up some steam. With Mike Munchack leading the team they managed to jump to 9-7 record. With that said this is the patriots we are talking back. Bill Belichick is not known for taking things lightly. Especially in that upsetting repeat loss to the Giants I have reason to believe the Patriots will hit the ground running starting this Sunday. 

          Now in my experience its the games that you expect to win that end up in a depressing loss. Players get a big head, and they do not feel like they need to bring their A game. With that said, It seems like the Patriots aren't looking over this team. In response to the 2011 season the Patriots are trying to give more weapons to Tom. Giving Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffeney, Donte Stallworth, Anthony Gonzales, and a few others will be Brady's options this year. This along with beefing up the defense are just some of the few signs that Bill is not looking to mess around this season. Now with that said, its hard to tell how the team will work during this season. Hopefully these adjustments to the roster will go well. I can't see any reason not to believe that the Patriots will hit their mark. Especially since last year's defensive squad was one of the worst in league, Yet they managed to get to Super Bowl XLV. 

           With all that said, there is one thing that is still a question mark, that can only be answered this Sunday. That is the Offensive line. Now as I said before the Offensive line is why I became a Patriots fan to begin with. They have always managed to give Brady all the time he needed to get a pass off, and then some. 

I will not sit here and question Belichick's decisions. Though none of the new players in this years's O-line excluding Nate Solder with this being his second year start this Offensive line is essentially fresh. What scares me is there are no names on the list that has proven them selves as an outstanding lineman. With that said, none of them really had any chance to prove their worthy. It looks like in that respect we will have to wait for Sunday to see how they work together.

And the 2012 season begins with an upset

Tony Romo (on left)    Eli Manning (on right)

   The Giants Super Bowl MVP's; Phil Simms, Otis anderson, and Michael Strahan kick off the season. They walk out holding their Vince Lombardi trophies to introduce the 2012 giants. Each of them showing their glow and pride of being a Giants legend. Then followed queen Latifa to belt out our nations anthem. She was a surprising pick, though the ceremony all in all was nice.
Now let's get to the good stuff, the game.
    Well, this was a nail biter. Initially you could see the giants and cowboys had to shake off some of that dust after a long break in the off-season. Resulting in a boring first drives in the 2012 season. Then, on their second drive of the night the Victor Cruz makes his first catch of the night.Which, however, amounted to nothing due to a fumble by David Wilson with was recovered by Dallas.
       The Cowboys then begin to find their stride as well making some good passes to Kevin Oagletree. Early on in the game you could see that Oagletree tree is going to be a big weapon for Dallas.Making several game changing catches throughout the game. In the first quarter both defenses were on their mark. Putting lots of pressure on the either quarterback. Though it seemed like Romo knew how to handle the pressure a little more than Manning. With the possession over to Dallas Romo makes a successful pass to make it 4th and 1 and with the time running out in the first quarter. Jason Garett (the cowboys' head coach) decides to put the ball in the hands of Murray to see if he can make the first down. The Giants then respond with good defense flattening the run for a loss of yards making it a turnover on downs. Manning then regains the ball and starts to move the chains. Making several successful passes to Morris Claiborne and Victor Cruz. Though they couldn't shake that Dallas defense which resulted in 0-0 score at the end of the first quarter.
        At the start of the second quarter Dallas shows their defensive dominance with a sack to Manning. This was Demarcus Ware's 100th sack of his NFL career. Making him the second youngest to reach triple digits. After the sack, Dallas applies more pressure on Manning resulting in a incomplete pass. Which forced the Giants to kick. Dallas then takes the ball at the 20. At this point both teams have proven that they have a solid defense. Romo then makes a good short pass to Bryant #88 who is taken down before the first. However he continues to run toward the goal line, making a silly mistake to cost the Cowboys precious seconds off their play clock. Therefore forcing Romo to do a quick run play which was stuffed by the Giants' strong defense. The Giants did not offer any break on the following play as well. Romo ended up throwing a pick to Michael Boley which he took to just before the goal. Giving manning his first drive in the Redzone.

(Kevin Oagletree stretches out to get a touch down over the giants)

     This should have been enough for Manning to put 7 up for the giants. Though the Cowboys defense just wouldn't allow it. Shutting them down and forcing them to put up a field goal instead. Going towards the half you could see that this game was going be which defense screws up first. However both not allowing movement of the chains. The Cowboys get the ball back, though the giants seemed to secure the backfield, while applying lots of pressure on Romo resulting in a turnover kick. The Giants receive the ball on the 16th yard-line. Minutes before the half you could still see the defensive dominance that the Cowboys had over the Giants. In games like these were both defensive teams are strong it makes for a boring low scoring game. The ball gets turned over repeatedly, though keeps you always at the edge of your seat. You sit there wondering when. When will the defense slip? It runs through your mind. Until finally they let one go. Which happened for the Cowboys just before the 2 minute warning. Romo makes 2 short passes to Bryant then to J.witten for a 1st down. He then hands it to Murray who guns it in for a gain of 9. Romo lost a little steam with an incomplete to Oagletree. However after the 2 minute warning he throws a beautiful 30 yard pass to D. Bryant. Which sets up Dallas in the Redzone. Here is where Oagletree begins to shine with a completion to give the Cowboys the lead with very little time left in the half.
     Manning receives the ball on the 31st yard line. Here he makes a nice pass to Victor Cruz however he just can't get a hold on it. Victor Cruz, a shining star in last years Super Bowl, did nothing for the Giants in this first game. Dropping several crucial passes that should have, and could have, been caught. After the disappointing dropped pass Manning goes down by the Cowboys defense. This first game did not reflect the hard

Manning (on right) is scanning the defense

Hitting quarterback manning is known for. Being sacked 4 times this game is quite frankly depressing. Which begs the question of the O-line. Being the most crucial part of the team the O-lines key job is to protect the quarterback. Which, frankly, just wasn't done tonight. After the half Dallas continued to dominate the field. Demarco Murray shows that is skills as a RB the first drive of the half exploding down field for 9 yards, then again for 1 to make a first down. You could see that Murray likes to juke and sidestep his way into an open pocket. Which, by the way, was very successful. Outside of the the slight scare where he popped the ball up which was subsequently caught by Miles Austin. Murray did his part to set up a nice pass that was thrown to D. Bryant. Then kevin Oagletree did his part in catching that phenomenal throw for 40 yards to make it a second touchdown for the Cowboys. The Giants also responded with a good drive. Starting with a completion by Dominic nixon. Then a nice drive by Bradshaw for a short gain. Followed by a decent throw to Bennett. Which was overturned do to illegal block by Victor Cruz making it 2nd and 6. Despite the setback manning manages to make the first down. Manning continues to push forward with 2 more completions. Then on 3rd and 4 manning throws a 39 yard bomb to Nixon which was caught therefore setting them up in the Redzone for the second time. Manning then handed the ball to Bradshaw who then barreled into the end zone for a touchdown. Making the score 14 to 10, with Dallas up by 4.
     Now Dallas has the ball. Romo completes a short pass to make it 2nd and 2. He then hands the ball to Demarcus Murray who then finds a nice pocket and takes it for 39 yards. Which then sets up a great drive to the Redzone. Romo throws a quick pass to John Phillips to make it 2nd and 4. Then Giants defense is still  applying pressure on the Cowboys. Covering all of Romo's weapons in the back field. However Romo quickly responds by rolling out of the pocket and scrambling up the middle for a first down. Which makes it first and goal. He hands the ball to Murray for a gain of 4. Then begins to feel the pressure of the Giants defense. Attempting to roll out and scramble for a second time though this time it lead to a sack. Leaving the Cowboys to put up a field goal. The Giant then receive the ball with seconds left in the third. Manning hands it to Bradshaw for a gain of 5. Cowboys continue to put pressure on the manning. Forcing an incomplete. 3rd down manning throws an incomplete however a flag on the defense (roughing the passer) gives them 1st down. Manning then hands the ball to Bradshaw, who is struggling to get a gain against the Cowboys' defense. Afterwards Manning makes a completion to the tight end to make it 3rd and 4. Though Manning still can't shake the Cowboys which results in another sack. Which turns the ball over to the Cowboys. Cowboys start on the 17 yard line.

Manning gets taken down by the cowboys tough defense

Murray carries the ball for a nice gain. The Cowboys receive another delay of game making it the 3rd of the night. The Cowboys have a hiccup here that the Giants should have used to push them on their heels. After almost every play a flag was thrown as a result of O-Line mistakes. Though the Cowboys get it together long enough to make phenomenal 30 yard pass to miles Austin for a Touchdown to make it 24 to 10.
     Giving the ball back to Manning. Eli throws to Bradshaw for 9 yard gain. You could tell that Eli was having a tough time with this defense even late in the game. They just kept stuffing almost every pass they made. Then when they finally give him an opening Victor Cruz drops it. Making it his 3rd drop of the night. Luckily Nicks makes a catch for a gain of 9. And Manning gets the first down. He then tries to throw it to Dominic hixon though he just didn't hit the target. Manning tries again This time hickson makes the catch to make it 3rd and 6. While desperately trying to get points on the board. Manning then gets a break when he passes it Cruz makes a catch making it 4th and 1. Which gets them close enough to get the first. Hand off to bradshaw to make it 1st and goal. With a no huddle offense manning makes a quick throw to Bennett for their 2nd touchdown. Making the score 24 to 17.

Dallas returns the ball to the 36 yard line. Romo hands it to Murray for short gain. Murray then gets another gain to make it. 3rd and 2. Then romo hands it Murray again, he tries slide in to make a first down however a flag is down. This makes it the 12th flag for the Cowboys. Turning it to 3rd and 10. Romo passes it Oagletree which seals the deal. Devastating the giants at home. Making the end result 24 to 17. This game was surely one to grow on. You could definitely see some people to keep an eye on as the season progresses. And even though the giant gave up 24 points you could see that their defense is going to be tough to beat. Hopefully the Giants make some adjustments after this game. And Hopefully Manning's O-line toughens up a bit more. Overall this was a good game to start off the season. Both teams were tough. And both teams played their hearts out. There is nothing more a fan could want. Unless your a Hardcore Giants fan. In that case there's always next Sunday.

Week 1 match ups and favorites

So week one is underway. Teams are getting ready for the regular season. And fans are getting their couch ready for this Sunday. Well, at least I know I am. I love this time of year. The leaves start to change, and fall begins. Not to mention this is the time of year where I get to break out my Patriots gear. I have to say though this is the first year I have been so excited for the season to start. I'm sure it's because I no longer have to endure the two-a-days anymore. Well with that said lets what the week 1 match-ups look like.

Underdog                 Favorite

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants                                  
Date:  Wednesday Sept 5 on NBC
Time: 8:30 pm
Edge: Very slight edge to Giants

Miami Dolphins @ Houston Texans

Date: Sunday Sept 9 on CBS
Time: 1:00 pm
Spread: +13             Spread: -13
Edge:Very slight edge to Texans


Tennessee Titans @ New England Patriots

Date:  Sunday Sept 9 on CBS
Time: 1:00 pm
Edge: Slight edge to Patriots


Kansas City Chiefs @ Atlanta Falcons

Date:  Sunday Sept 9 on Fox
Time: 1:00 pm
Edge: Very slight edge to Falcons


Cleveland Browns @ Philadelphia Eagles

Date: Sunday Sept 9 on Fox
Time: 1:00 pm
Edge: Slight edge to Eagles


St. Louis Rams @ Detroit Lions

Date:  Sunday Sept 9 on Fox
Time: 1:00 pm
Edge: Very slight edge to Lions


Washington Redskins @ New  Orleans Saints

Date:  Sunday Sept 9 on Fox
Time: 1:00 pm
Edge: Very slight edge to Redskins


Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets

Date:   Sunday Sept 9 on CBS
Time: 1:00 pm
Edge: Very slight edge to Bills


Indianapolis Colts @ Chicago Bears

Date: Sunday Sept 9 on CBS
Time: 1:00 pm
Edge: Slight edge to Colts


Jacksonville Jaguars @ Minnesota Vikings

Date: Sunday Sept 9 on CBS
Time: 1:00 pm
Edge: Very slight edge to Vikings


Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers

Date:  Sunday Sept 9 on Fox
Time: 4:25 pm
Edge: Very slight edge to Panthers


Green Bay Packers  @ San Francisco 49ers

Date: Sunday Sept 9 on Fox
Time: 4:25 pm
Edge: Even


Arizona Cardinals  @ Seattle Seahawks

Date: Sunday Sept 9 on Fox
Time: 4:25 pm
Edge: Very slight edge to Seahawks


Denver Broncos @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Date: Sunday Sept 9 on NBC
Time: 8:20 pm
Edge: Even


Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens

Date:  Monday Sept 10 on ESPN
Time: 7:00 pm
Edge: Very slight edge to Ravens


Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers

Date: Monday Sept 10 on ESPN
Time: 10:15 pm
Edge: Even



Sources:
pickingpros.com,
bankrollsports.com
ballertainment.com
espn.com
nfl.com