The Eagles- Super Bowl Champs!

If you read our NFL preseason picks we both agreed that the Eagles would finally win the Super Bowl this year- I went as far to make the bold prediction that Andy Reid would walk away at the conclusion of this run- but I'm sure some people are down on our picks right now.  Let's review some highlights of the Eagles season right now:

• Michael Vick has thrown 6, yes 6, interceptions.  This is more then Brandon Weeden and Ryan Tannehill.  It is also more then Andrew Luck and Bob Griffin, better known as RGIII, combined.
• The team has two uninspired one point victories.
• One of these victories was over Cleveland.

However, I think these are positive signs.  What?  Mike, have you finally completely and totally lost it?  That happened years ago- but I know I am right about the Eagles.  Why?  They usually lose these kinds of games, and dig themselves a deep hole that is almost impossible to climb out of.  Even with their starting QB playing terribly, they have found a way to win.  Good teams do such things.  They also beat a quality in Baltimore, whom everyone loves.  The Cleveland Browns seem to finally have a franchise running back in Trent Richardson, who destroyed the Bengals.  Hell, even Brandon Weeden looked like he didn't totally suck.  Truthfully, I feel better about the Eagles now.  They have a lead in the division, which is critical.  Remember, at the end of last year they were on fire, winning the last four games of the season by at least two touchdowns, but were undone by early season losses to the Falcons, Niners, Giants and Bills.  Hell, in total of their 8 losses, 4 were by a combined 15 points.  Winning close games should be seen as a step in the right direction for this team, as opposed to a backslide.  Keep the faith in Philly, you insufferable terrible sports fans who don't deserve Andy Reid as a coach.  And with that, look for tomorrow's post on the Jets.

NFL Commentary Pt. 1

I bet you all (all two of you) are wondering why Mike and I have been so quiet thus far into this NFL season. Allow me to explain, rationalize, and justify an extended absence.

As previously mentioned in old posts written in stone, the sports couple dabbles in the education industry. And every September, the NFL seasons kicks off almost simultaneously with the first bell of the new school year. Translation: we are knee deep in apples, paperwork, and the adolescent mass of New York City. Henceforth, we are unable to effectively juggle our jobs and our free time passion. It generally takes a week or two to get back in the swing of things. But alas, we have returned. And hey, we are excited.

Shall we discuss?! I think so.

I am going to number my thoughts so far. I will try to steer clear of fantasy gripes. I will also attempt to make my commentary short. I am no Bill Simmons. I am probably taller and likely have a deeper voice. I will construct a Venn Diagram later.

1.    The New Orleans Saints.

I did not think that the absence of Sean Payton would impact the Saints. They are a seasoned team led by an outstanding veteran QB (Drew Brees). Yes, there was a lot of off-season turmoil. It did take a while for the Saints and Brees to make a deal. Bounty Gate nearly wiped out (temporarily) the leadership of the Saints. Then at the last minute, the court put a stay on the decision. Consistency and continuity is overlooked in the NFL. Drew Brees relies on Payton. Over the years, they likely developed the secret language that only couples develop after years of love. But seriously, I had no idea they would start 0-2. My mind is boggled. But my boggled mind recognizes the importance of Sean Payton and consistency.

2.    Robert Griffin III.

Is Washington going to be a serious threat this year in the NFC East? They did lose this week – but they beat the Saints last week at the ever-so-scary Super Dome. With only seeing a few snippets and highlights of RGIII thus far, I think it is safe to say that he is poised and provided with enough weapons to make the Redskins a serious NFC East contender.

All one has to do is examine the numbers and then look at the upcoming schedule. His numbers are great and he clearly plays stellar under pressure. The division is good but HIGHLY UNPREDICABLE. Look for them to split with Dallas, New York, and Philly. And watch RGIII continue to play well. Especially when Pierre Garcon returns.

3.    Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears.

Hey fans of Chicago – do not get too excited. Your first blowout victory was over a ‘rebuilding’ Indianapolis Colts team. You still have Jay ‘Crybaby’ Cutler, an injury-prone Forte, and an aging Brian Urlacher.

Jay Cutler was caught a few times on camera screaming at teammates and just portraying himself as an off-brand douche. Hey Cutler, are you going to scream at a guy that is supposed to protect you? Watch him move over and let you get hammered next time a massive opponent runs at your mock turtleneck face.  This will wear thin on teammates, divisions will become apparent, and Cutler will get hurt.

4.    The Green Bay Packers.

I knew they would lose at home week 1! I knew it!

No, I didn’t. And no one else knew it either. In fact, I think that the 49ers were also subconsciously surprised that they handedly defeated the Packers. But no need to be alarmed, Packers fans, they will bounce back.

The 49ers proved in week 2 that they are the premier team this year.

5.    The St. Louis Rams.

The ‘stachiest coach in the NFL is proving his worth. Boy, it has been a while since the Rams have been in the game two weeks in a row. If they remain healthy and continue to play well against tough opponents, look for them to do well and not get a top 5 pick in the next draft.

6.    The Indianapolis Colts.

I am just going to come out and type it. The offensive line is deplorable. I love the Colts, I do. But they should be ashamed. They barely protect the quarterback and the running back goes nowhere. Grigson and Irsay need to seriously make some changes next offseason. If they don’t – they are playing with fire and risking an injured Andrew Luck and/or a running game that fails to exceed an average of 60 yards per game.

7.    The New York Giants.

Eli threw for over 500 yards. 500 yards! The Giants are sort of like a winning version of the San Diego Chargers. Mediocre regular season games appear to benefit them while it is the downfall of the Chargers. My guess… the owners of Giants made a deal with the devil.

8.    Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos need to win tonight to completely sell me on their level of greatness. Peyton Manning looked very good week 1. He took some hits, he threw great passes, and orchestrated stellar drives. But I still need to know he is durable.

Did anyone else notice that they looked like the Colts of yore last week? I was confused about the type of horse I was watching. Watching the Broncos SHOULD prove to be fun this year. I am not going to lie, I am pumped for the 2^nd horse this season. Orange PM jersey or white?

9.    The Replacement Referees

     Yuck. Blown calls. Questionable calls. And Bad calls. Make a deal. I miss Ed H. and his gigantic lawyer muscles.