The Bottom Half…
Despite a better record than the Cardinals, the Broncos do not deserve any credit for their 2 wins. Tebow’s performance against the Dolphins was good, but against a winless team it has to be taken with a pinch of salt. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of the Florida product and believe he will offer a solid return on the investment made in him by the Broncos, but right now the kid cannot deal with the speed and complexity of the NFL. He will get it, but don’t hold your breath…
The Bills drop outside the top half in spite of the fact they own a better record than 3 of the teams ranked above them and the same record as the number 4 ranked Ravens. Be mindful though of the Bills’ impending schedule and the sudden potency of a Jets team that is far better than their stumbling start suggests.
The Bengals too receive little respect for their 67% win record based simply on the fact they occupy the AFC North and do not figure to be threatening the Ravens or Steelers come Week 17.
The Bears are in the same boat: the NFC North boasts not only the undefeated Packers, but also the finally toothed Lions. The Bears have an outside shot at the second Wild Card but it will be difficult for them to snare given their intra-divisional showdowns with the Pack and Detroit are likely to go against them.
As for the rest only the Cowboys and Eagles deserve a mention: the Eagles are yet to take-off, but look to them to shoot up the rankings if the Giants slip in the coming weeks and they manage to find fifth, fourth, third or even second gear; the Cowboys are real contenders for a disappointing and unpredictable NFC East but they are their own worst enemy. Can they overcome the errors and inconsistencies? Maybe, but they too will need some help to make the postseason from Big Blue.
13. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
14. Chicago Bears (4-3)
15. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)
17. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)
18. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)
19. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)
20. Cleveland Browns (3-3)
21. Tennessee Titans (3-3)
22. Washington Redskin (3-3)
23. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)
24. Carolina Panthers (2-5)
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)
26. Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
27. Arizona Cardinals (1-5)
28. Denver Broncos (2-4)
29. Minnesota Vikings (1-6)
30. Miami Dolphins (0-6)
31. St Louis Rams (0-6)
32. Indianapolis Colts (0-7)
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Saturday, 29 October 2011
Friday, 28 October 2011
Week 7 Power Rankings: 11 & 12
11. Oakland Raiders (4-3)
The Raiders are sitting above the AFC West division leaders in my rankings for the simple reason that they are better than the Chargers and will come out on top by season’s end.
Confident words, I know, especially considering their Quarterback has gone down with a season-ending injury and they have plucked former USC and Bengals stand-out Carson Palmer from the sofa of retirement and plugged him into an offense that he understands about as well as Plaxico Burress understands the gun laws of New York State.
Palmer will come good, the Raiders will prosper and the Chargers will run out of power soon enough. Watch this space.
12. San Diego Chargers (4-2)
The Chargers occupy the final spot in my top twelve on the basis of pedigree and talent. Despite topping their division at this point in the season, their lofty position is by no means stable and I imagine they will sink faster that the Titanic when they hit the ice-cool juggernaut that is the Green Bay Packers, who they are scheduled to face in Week 9.
A Week 8 match-up against divisional come-back kids, the Chiefs now holds more significance than one might have thought possible after three weeks. Lose to the streaking Chiefs and the division will enter a three-way tie that the Chargers are favourites to fall out of first thanks to the looming showdown with the Pack.
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The Raiders are sitting above the AFC West division leaders in my rankings for the simple reason that they are better than the Chargers and will come out on top by season’s end.
Confident words, I know, especially considering their Quarterback has gone down with a season-ending injury and they have plucked former USC and Bengals stand-out Carson Palmer from the sofa of retirement and plugged him into an offense that he understands about as well as Plaxico Burress understands the gun laws of New York State.
Palmer will come good, the Raiders will prosper and the Chargers will run out of power soon enough. Watch this space.
12. San Diego Chargers (4-2)
The Chargers occupy the final spot in my top twelve on the basis of pedigree and talent. Despite topping their division at this point in the season, their lofty position is by no means stable and I imagine they will sink faster that the Titanic when they hit the ice-cool juggernaut that is the Green Bay Packers, who they are scheduled to face in Week 9.
A Week 8 match-up against divisional come-back kids, the Chiefs now holds more significance than one might have thought possible after three weeks. Lose to the streaking Chiefs and the division will enter a three-way tie that the Chargers are favourites to fall out of first thanks to the looming showdown with the Pack.
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Thursday, 27 October 2011
Week 7 Power Rankings: 9 & 10
9. New York Jets (4-3)
The Jets are better than their 4-3 record suggests. With only one team in the NFL undefeated, 3 losses isn’t as bad as it usually seems. They may be 2 games behind the Patriots, but they’ve had their BYE already and look fresher and more confident since the break. The Pats have got some really tough matches on the horizon and after 8 games the picture could look much better for the White and Green side of New York. Despite recent postseason success, the 4-3 record leads me to classify the jets as a dangerous sleeper…
…and a real nightmare for some.
10. New York Giants (4-2)
The Giants are a hard team to work out. They shouldn’t be winning, but they keep on getting the job done. Manning has been better than usual and has showed maturity and poise in the pocket. He is still an echelon below the Bradys, Rodgers and Brees of the league, but is quietly justifying his preseason complaint at being mandatorily excluded from conversation whenever the subject turned to elite QBs.
He has got a Super Bowl ring, after all, but can he get him and his team another? A Week 9 match-up with the Patriots will tell us more, until then the giants must keep picking up easy games. It figures that the NFC East will be a tight one with some close-to-even records come January. Right now, though, they look favourites to edge it.
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The Jets are better than their 4-3 record suggests. With only one team in the NFL undefeated, 3 losses isn’t as bad as it usually seems. They may be 2 games behind the Patriots, but they’ve had their BYE already and look fresher and more confident since the break. The Pats have got some really tough matches on the horizon and after 8 games the picture could look much better for the White and Green side of New York. Despite recent postseason success, the 4-3 record leads me to classify the jets as a dangerous sleeper…
…and a real nightmare for some.
10. New York Giants (4-2)
The Giants are a hard team to work out. They shouldn’t be winning, but they keep on getting the job done. Manning has been better than usual and has showed maturity and poise in the pocket. He is still an echelon below the Bradys, Rodgers and Brees of the league, but is quietly justifying his preseason complaint at being mandatorily excluded from conversation whenever the subject turned to elite QBs.
He has got a Super Bowl ring, after all, but can he get him and his team another? A Week 9 match-up with the Patriots will tell us more, until then the giants must keep picking up easy games. It figures that the NFC East will be a tight one with some close-to-even records come January. Right now, though, they look favourites to edge it.
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Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Week 7 Power Rankings: 7 & 8
7. Detroit Lions (5-2)
The Lions have hit the skids, but losing to a patchy Falcons team is forgivable due to the hangover from dropping their first game the week previously. Lose another, though, and this team will start to tumble down the rankings. It is essential that this young bunch come together in times of adversity and prove they are more than just a flash in the pan.
A real test will come in game 8 for the Lions but I figure them to recover with style.
8. Houston Texans (4-3)
If these rankings were based solely on gut-feeling, the Texans would be higher. I have championed this team for the past two seasons, but on both occasions they have disappointed come the year’s end.
This year, though, things feel very different. With a massively weakened division they should make their first ever appearance in the playoffs and once there are well built to cause some damage. My only remaining concern is how they will fair in inclement weather and with the likelihood of having to travel north for the Divisional round of the playoffs, which I expect them to reach.
Thankfully their rushing attack is now strong enough to take some of the pressure of their passing corps, and that will be essential come January.
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The Lions have hit the skids, but losing to a patchy Falcons team is forgivable due to the hangover from dropping their first game the week previously. Lose another, though, and this team will start to tumble down the rankings. It is essential that this young bunch come together in times of adversity and prove they are more than just a flash in the pan.
A real test will come in game 8 for the Lions but I figure them to recover with style.
8. Houston Texans (4-3)
If these rankings were based solely on gut-feeling, the Texans would be higher. I have championed this team for the past two seasons, but on both occasions they have disappointed come the year’s end.
This year, though, things feel very different. With a massively weakened division they should make their first ever appearance in the playoffs and once there are well built to cause some damage. My only remaining concern is how they will fair in inclement weather and with the likelihood of having to travel north for the Divisional round of the playoffs, which I expect them to reach.
Thankfully their rushing attack is now strong enough to take some of the pressure of their passing corps, and that will be essential come January.
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Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Week 7 Power Rankings: 5 & 6
5. New Orleans Saints (5-2)
The Saints sure know how to win in style, but have they got the confidence to win with guile? Sometimes with an offence so finely tuned, the slightest hiccough can blow a game plan to pieces. The defence will have to be strong in the coming weeks to secure the NFC South title, for which they are still favourites, but constantly harassed by the teams so close behind them.
Brees is on pace to finish in the top three passers again, and is essential to his team’s continued success. If he stays healthy, which he should given his reputation for toughness, the Saints could figure in the postseason picture in a big way.
6. San Francisco 49ers (5-1)
The dark horse of the season have impressed through their first 6 games. Forced to sit out this week due to a BYE has probably irked Coach Harbaugh given his team’s amazing run of form, but he is a smart enough HC to prep his units well for their next challenge. Look to the 49ers to continue their run of success and lock-up the NFC West before any other team has assured top spot in their division.
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The Saints sure know how to win in style, but have they got the confidence to win with guile? Sometimes with an offence so finely tuned, the slightest hiccough can blow a game plan to pieces. The defence will have to be strong in the coming weeks to secure the NFC South title, for which they are still favourites, but constantly harassed by the teams so close behind them.
Brees is on pace to finish in the top three passers again, and is essential to his team’s continued success. If he stays healthy, which he should given his reputation for toughness, the Saints could figure in the postseason picture in a big way.
6. San Francisco 49ers (5-1)
The dark horse of the season have impressed through their first 6 games. Forced to sit out this week due to a BYE has probably irked Coach Harbaugh given his team’s amazing run of form, but he is a smart enough HC to prep his units well for their next challenge. Look to the 49ers to continue their run of success and lock-up the NFC West before any other team has assured top spot in their division.
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Monday, 24 October 2011
Week 7 Power Rankings: 3 & 4
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
The Steelers have won 3 on the bounce and are looking dangerous. A Week 8 tussle with the Patriots looms and the winner will establish themselves as an early favourite for the AFC number 1 seed. The Steelers must still be wary of division rivals, the Ravens, though, as a Week 9 contest will either see them split the season series and the Steelers take a decisive step towards the AFC North, or the Ravens sweep their long-time rivals and throw themselves into the mix for top dog.
Roethlisberger is playing close to his best and his receiving corps is looking better than ever. With a run game capable of carrying the load should the aerial attack suffer an off day, the Steelers look well placed to go deep into the postseason again.
4. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
The Ravens need to win the easy games. They are a team with all the tools to win it all, but they still stutter in the face of adversity. They’ve taken some big scalps already (the Texans and Steelers) but they have lost a couple of real doozies and need to make sure they turn-up every week instead of switching off against lesser teams.
The second game against the Steelers will make or break their chances of an easy postseason, with at least the number 2 seed available to the AFC North winner. Let’s hope that the right Joe Flacco suits-up on gameday.
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The Steelers have won 3 on the bounce and are looking dangerous. A Week 8 tussle with the Patriots looms and the winner will establish themselves as an early favourite for the AFC number 1 seed. The Steelers must still be wary of division rivals, the Ravens, though, as a Week 9 contest will either see them split the season series and the Steelers take a decisive step towards the AFC North, or the Ravens sweep their long-time rivals and throw themselves into the mix for top dog.
Roethlisberger is playing close to his best and his receiving corps is looking better than ever. With a run game capable of carrying the load should the aerial attack suffer an off day, the Steelers look well placed to go deep into the postseason again.
4. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
The Ravens need to win the easy games. They are a team with all the tools to win it all, but they still stutter in the face of adversity. They’ve taken some big scalps already (the Texans and Steelers) but they have lost a couple of real doozies and need to make sure they turn-up every week instead of switching off against lesser teams.
The second game against the Steelers will make or break their chances of an easy postseason, with at least the number 2 seed available to the AFC North winner. Let’s hope that the right Joe Flacco suits-up on gameday.
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Sunday, 23 October 2011
Week 7 Power Rankings: 1 & 2
1. Green Bay Packers (7-0)
The Packers, with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, look simply unbeatable. It isn’t that the odd score line hasn’t been close – the Vikings only lost by 6 this weekend with Christian Ponder under centre – and it isn’t that teams can’t score against the men in Green & Gold, it’s simply the fact that no one seems to be able to score as much.
And quite frankly, it’s almost entirely down to the Hall of Fame standard to which Rodgers – now a bona fide super star following his Super Bowl MVP performance against the Steelers – has elevated his game. Through 7 games, Rodgers has thrown for 20 touchdowns and been picked off just 3 times. Those are the kind of stats for which the Green Bay faithful have been praying for years. Not even Brett Favre was able to offer the Cheeseheads such confidence and control over the ball.
2. New England Patriots (5-1)
Brady’s up to his old tricks (excluding the horror show against the Bills during which, at times, he looked more like Rex Grossman than arguably the best clutch player of his generation). At 5-1 the Pats are great value to top their tough-nosed division, but a couple of horribly awkward games face them in the coming fortnight. Having to play the Steelers – a team on a 3 game win streak and in the ascendancy – at this stage of the season could be a deciding factor in who comes away with the number one seed in January or even who tops their respective divisions.
Following Big Ben and the Pennsylvania wrecking crew are Eli Manning and the Giants of New York – something of a booby team for Tom terrific and the Brady bunch. Going 0-2 into Week 10 is a viable and worrying possibility for this talented, but somehow still misfiring team.
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The Packers, with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, look simply unbeatable. It isn’t that the odd score line hasn’t been close – the Vikings only lost by 6 this weekend with Christian Ponder under centre – and it isn’t that teams can’t score against the men in Green & Gold, it’s simply the fact that no one seems to be able to score as much.
And quite frankly, it’s almost entirely down to the Hall of Fame standard to which Rodgers – now a bona fide super star following his Super Bowl MVP performance against the Steelers – has elevated his game. Through 7 games, Rodgers has thrown for 20 touchdowns and been picked off just 3 times. Those are the kind of stats for which the Green Bay faithful have been praying for years. Not even Brett Favre was able to offer the Cheeseheads such confidence and control over the ball.
2. New England Patriots (5-1)
Brady’s up to his old tricks (excluding the horror show against the Bills during which, at times, he looked more like Rex Grossman than arguably the best clutch player of his generation). At 5-1 the Pats are great value to top their tough-nosed division, but a couple of horribly awkward games face them in the coming fortnight. Having to play the Steelers – a team on a 3 game win streak and in the ascendancy – at this stage of the season could be a deciding factor in who comes away with the number one seed in January or even who tops their respective divisions.
Following Big Ben and the Pennsylvania wrecking crew are Eli Manning and the Giants of New York – something of a booby team for Tom terrific and the Brady bunch. Going 0-2 into Week 10 is a viable and worrying possibility for this talented, but somehow still misfiring team.
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Friday, 21 October 2011
Week 6 Highlights: Texans Vs Ravens
In contrast to my previous match report, this is one I’d been looking forward to all Summer. I love both these teams and the way they play football. I’ve been a long-time admirer of the Ravens consistently staunch defence and likewise the Texans explosive, strike-fast O.
But now the Texans can stop teams dead and the Ravens can kill you through the air. With both franchises rounding off the rough edges and making strides towards becoming Super Bowl calibre teams, this key match-up was always going to have an impact, not only on the potential seeding for the AFC playoff picture, but also on the coaches’ game plans should these two meet against in the post-season.
And so, despite losing by an impressive 15 point margin, Gary Kubiak, the Houston Texans coach, may be able to console himself with the fact that postseason rematches often go the other way thanks in large part to the coaching nightmare presented to the winning play-caller of the regular season contest, who must decide to stick or twist and risk busting.
Additionally, the pressure of being the favourites – a label that will surely stick to the Ravens should these two collide again – can have a massive psychological effect.
But enough of the future, what about the recent past? Joe Flacco had one of his better games in terms of yardage, accumulating 305 aerial yards, but failed to find the endzone and, instead, located the arms of one very happy Texans defensive back.
Schaub hit his receivers for 220 yards, a TD and no interceptions, but was bullied all game, enduring 4 sacks by the end of the clash.
The Texans must go back to Houston with the minds on the real prize and their heads held high. Who knows, they may yet get a shot at revenge…
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But now the Texans can stop teams dead and the Ravens can kill you through the air. With both franchises rounding off the rough edges and making strides towards becoming Super Bowl calibre teams, this key match-up was always going to have an impact, not only on the potential seeding for the AFC playoff picture, but also on the coaches’ game plans should these two meet against in the post-season.
And so, despite losing by an impressive 15 point margin, Gary Kubiak, the Houston Texans coach, may be able to console himself with the fact that postseason rematches often go the other way thanks in large part to the coaching nightmare presented to the winning play-caller of the regular season contest, who must decide to stick or twist and risk busting.
Additionally, the pressure of being the favourites – a label that will surely stick to the Ravens should these two collide again – can have a massive psychological effect.
But enough of the future, what about the recent past? Joe Flacco had one of his better games in terms of yardage, accumulating 305 aerial yards, but failed to find the endzone and, instead, located the arms of one very happy Texans defensive back.
Schaub hit his receivers for 220 yards, a TD and no interceptions, but was bullied all game, enduring 4 sacks by the end of the clash.
The Texans must go back to Houston with the minds on the real prize and their heads held high. Who knows, they may yet get a shot at revenge…
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Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Week 6 Highlights: 49ers Vs Lions
Honestly, if you has told me in the pre-season that I would be choosing to report on the 49ers and Lions match-up in Week 6 in a week that sees only 3 games reviewed I would have laughed long and hard.
Look who’s laughing now…
Both teams, to be precise, but the 49ers a little louder having become the first to fell the raging Lions this season.
Matthew Stafford and friends have attracted a lot of attention with their 5-0 start, but losing to the 49ers puts them on the same record. It seems bizarre, given that the single notch in the L column of San Francisco’s record, garnered in the first week, has been enough for most everyone to discount these Californian challengers.
Here’s something for the water cooler conversation: Alex Smith – yeah, that Alex Smith – has thrown the ball to the opposition just twice this season, and the second of those INTs came in this game.
Backed by a brutal rushing attack, Smith’s yardage is unimpressive, but his game management is absolutely exceptional. The best thing about this is that the guy deserves it. He’s endured a rough start to a highly anticipated career and taken a lot of abuse for problems that were always slightly out of his control. The carousel of coordinators hampered his progression and a weak supporting cast – especially in the receiver department – put too much on his shoulders.
It’s all in the past, Alex, and now the playoffs look to be in your future…
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Look who’s laughing now…
Both teams, to be precise, but the 49ers a little louder having become the first to fell the raging Lions this season.
Matthew Stafford and friends have attracted a lot of attention with their 5-0 start, but losing to the 49ers puts them on the same record. It seems bizarre, given that the single notch in the L column of San Francisco’s record, garnered in the first week, has been enough for most everyone to discount these Californian challengers.
Here’s something for the water cooler conversation: Alex Smith – yeah, that Alex Smith – has thrown the ball to the opposition just twice this season, and the second of those INTs came in this game.
Backed by a brutal rushing attack, Smith’s yardage is unimpressive, but his game management is absolutely exceptional. The best thing about this is that the guy deserves it. He’s endured a rough start to a highly anticipated career and taken a lot of abuse for problems that were always slightly out of his control. The carousel of coordinators hampered his progression and a weak supporting cast – especially in the receiver department – put too much on his shoulders.
It’s all in the past, Alex, and now the playoffs look to be in your future…
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Monday, 17 October 2011
Week 6 Highlights: Bills Vs Giants
The Bills might be 4-2 but their play could just have easily seen them 6-0 or 2-4. When they play good teams, it’s always close. Sure, they’ll blow your lower ranks out of the water, but the victor of a top-notch dual might as well be decided by the toss of a coin.
The Giants are slowly, steadily and subtly building a respectable body of work for the season. Going into the bye week, they too possess a 4-2 record and a half-game lead over the 3-2 Redskins who have suddenly found their Quarterback situation up in the air after Rex Grossman sent most of his passes the same way, resulting in a horrifying four INT 0 TD performance against Philadelphia.
In a week of headlines dominated by the other New York team – you know the ones? The ones in green who never shut up, god bless them – Manning and his Giants have earned a few more fans.
A Week 9 showdown against the patriots – the team the Giants beat to lift the Lombardi trophy at the end of the 2007 season – will test the mettle of this team and go some way to ascertaining whether it’s all smoke, or whether there really is a fire brewing in the bellies of the NFC East frontrunners.
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The Giants are slowly, steadily and subtly building a respectable body of work for the season. Going into the bye week, they too possess a 4-2 record and a half-game lead over the 3-2 Redskins who have suddenly found their Quarterback situation up in the air after Rex Grossman sent most of his passes the same way, resulting in a horrifying four INT 0 TD performance against Philadelphia.
In a week of headlines dominated by the other New York team – you know the ones? The ones in green who never shut up, god bless them – Manning and his Giants have earned a few more fans.
A Week 9 showdown against the patriots – the team the Giants beat to lift the Lombardi trophy at the end of the 2007 season – will test the mettle of this team and go some way to ascertaining whether it’s all smoke, or whether there really is a fire brewing in the bellies of the NFC East frontrunners.
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Saturday, 15 October 2011
Week 5 Highlights: Seahawks Vs Giants
Well, who saw that coming? The Giants looked primed to destroy the uninspiring Seahawks, but fell behind by a Touchdown early, before tying it up at 14 apiece by the half.
Then Big Blue and Mini Manning hit the brakes, finding themselves shut-out in the third and conceding a safety allowing the Seahawks to edge in front.
A wild fourth quarter saw a whopping 31 points shared between the teams with a scintillating 20 going Seattle’s way. A 36-25 victory over a decent, if not good, per se, team will go a long way to convincing observers that the Hawks have it in them to win the division again, and hopefully with at least an 8-8 record.
The Giants, however, have convinced me they have no chance of getting out of the crumbling NFC East, but trying to pick a favourite out of that mess is like trying to intercept Tom Brady on a good day.
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Then Big Blue and Mini Manning hit the brakes, finding themselves shut-out in the third and conceding a safety allowing the Seahawks to edge in front.
A wild fourth quarter saw a whopping 31 points shared between the teams with a scintillating 20 going Seattle’s way. A 36-25 victory over a decent, if not good, per se, team will go a long way to convincing observers that the Hawks have it in them to win the division again, and hopefully with at least an 8-8 record.
The Giants, however, have convinced me they have no chance of getting out of the crumbling NFC East, but trying to pick a favourite out of that mess is like trying to intercept Tom Brady on a good day.
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Friday, 14 October 2011
Week 5 Highlights: Chiefs Vs Colts
After looking like they had buried the Chiefs early, the Colts fell to pieces in the second half, and allowed a Chiefs team that appears to be gaining something approaching momentum to beat them in a contest that has, given the Vikings’ result against the Cardinals, further solidified the opinion that the once vaunted Colts may be picking first next year in the draft.
The Colts will win games and the Chiefs may struggle to find many more as the tension ramps-up so we may see Old Blue climbing off the foot of the table as the season progresses, but unless the team believes they have a chance of challenging for the title, we might see Indianapolis trying out some new players and schemes in preparation for next year. What they really need, though is a Quarterback who is ready, willing and able to inherit Manning’s mantle that the Hall-of-Fame lock may never re-shoulder.
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The Colts will win games and the Chiefs may struggle to find many more as the tension ramps-up so we may see Old Blue climbing off the foot of the table as the season progresses, but unless the team believes they have a chance of challenging for the title, we might see Indianapolis trying out some new players and schemes in preparation for next year. What they really need, though is a Quarterback who is ready, willing and able to inherit Manning’s mantle that the Hall-of-Fame lock may never re-shoulder.
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Thursday, 13 October 2011
Week 5 Highlights: Saints Vs Panthers
What looked on paper to be an absolute walk over for the Saints turned out to be a real humdinger. The never-say-die 1-4 Panthers came from 20-13 down at the half to take the lead in the fourth, forcing the Saints to get off their backsides and prove why they are regarded as playoff favourites. Trailing by 3 in the final seconds, the Panthers had a shot at winning a dramatic contest, but fell just short.
Newton was, once again, showing his worth. It is so refreshing to see a Number 1 Draft pick justifying his selection and the massive wage packet that comes with it.
By the end of the season, this Panthers team is going to have a lot to feel sore about, but equally, an awful look to take pride in. The body of work they’re putting together this season is literally unbelievable given their haplessness a year previously. As soon as they get over the hurdle and master the shutting down of top teams and gain the maturity necessary to close out games they will be a real contender, potentially for years to come.
Another candidate for worst-to-first in the competitive and unpredictable NFC South? I think so.
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Newton was, once again, showing his worth. It is so refreshing to see a Number 1 Draft pick justifying his selection and the massive wage packet that comes with it.
By the end of the season, this Panthers team is going to have a lot to feel sore about, but equally, an awful look to take pride in. The body of work they’re putting together this season is literally unbelievable given their haplessness a year previously. As soon as they get over the hurdle and master the shutting down of top teams and gain the maturity necessary to close out games they will be a real contender, potentially for years to come.
Another candidate for worst-to-first in the competitive and unpredictable NFC South? I think so.
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Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Week 5 Highlights: Cardinals Vs Vikings
Despite finally winning, the Vikings managed to lose ANOTHER second half. They have nothing left in the tank by the time the third quarter gets underway, but thankfully, three first quarter Touchdowns from Adrian ‘All Day’ Peterson, was enough to see them home and dry.
The Cardinals – my beloved Cardinals – are really, really bad. After winning in Week 1, they have declined. I think if they played the Panthers now, that they would lose, and possibly by some way.
There are problems all over the field for the Cardinals, but I think with this team it is a general lack of confidence that lets them down. When they are flying on offense they play well in every position, so the crux of the team’s success is success at Quarterback and Kolb is not pulling his weight. Again – and I’ve said this before – I am expecting a lot from him in his first year, but only because it’s so essential to his team’s success. The Cardinals need their devastating aerial threat to be a constant force or it all breaks down. Without a competent distributor, Fitzgerald might as not be on the field, allowing the defence to narrow the field and go after the Runners.
Kolb must shape-up: losing to the Vikings is a low, low point.
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The Cardinals – my beloved Cardinals – are really, really bad. After winning in Week 1, they have declined. I think if they played the Panthers now, that they would lose, and possibly by some way.
There are problems all over the field for the Cardinals, but I think with this team it is a general lack of confidence that lets them down. When they are flying on offense they play well in every position, so the crux of the team’s success is success at Quarterback and Kolb is not pulling his weight. Again – and I’ve said this before – I am expecting a lot from him in his first year, but only because it’s so essential to his team’s success. The Cardinals need their devastating aerial threat to be a constant force or it all breaks down. Without a competent distributor, Fitzgerald might as not be on the field, allowing the defence to narrow the field and go after the Runners.
Kolb must shape-up: losing to the Vikings is a low, low point.
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Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Week 5 Highlights: Raiders Vs Texans
I was excited about this game as soon as I saw the schedule for Week 5. These two up-and-coming teams – both bottom-dwellers now fancied to take their division crowns – have impressed in both wins and losses this season so far.
Despite the Texans being runaway favourites for suddenly weakened AFC South, they are shipping games at a time they need to be building a commanding lead. Losing to the Raiders now, though, may be a defeat from which they can draw a lot. I believe they will win the South and that the Raiders will win the West, with the pair sharing the third and fourth seeds, meaning that should they win through the playoffs they will face-off in the AFC Championship game. Oftentimes, we’ve seen playoff rematches go the other way because of what the losing coach from the regular season has learned and has been able to study the tape of the loss and modify his unit for victory, whereas the winning coach is forced to either stick with the originally winning formula or twist it to confuse the opposition but, in the process, risk fluffing the whole show.
The Raiders should take heart from this win and hopefully the success they’ve enjoyed so far will provide them with the necessary swagger to keep rolling.
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Despite the Texans being runaway favourites for suddenly weakened AFC South, they are shipping games at a time they need to be building a commanding lead. Losing to the Raiders now, though, may be a defeat from which they can draw a lot. I believe they will win the South and that the Raiders will win the West, with the pair sharing the third and fourth seeds, meaning that should they win through the playoffs they will face-off in the AFC Championship game. Oftentimes, we’ve seen playoff rematches go the other way because of what the losing coach from the regular season has learned and has been able to study the tape of the loss and modify his unit for victory, whereas the winning coach is forced to either stick with the originally winning formula or twist it to confuse the opposition but, in the process, risk fluffing the whole show.
The Raiders should take heart from this win and hopefully the success they’ve enjoyed so far will provide them with the necessary swagger to keep rolling.
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Monday, 10 October 2011
Week 5 Highlights: Titans Vs Steelers
The Steelers need to be winning games of this calibre if they hope to stay in touch with the soaring Ravens. The Titans are better than people think, but worse than their record suggests. Their true potential lies somewhere in between the two – a competitive, hard-to-read team that is more of a problem-causer than a real threat.
I liken this Tennessee team to an easy Sudoku. You know you should be able to beat it, but sometimes, if you lose focus, it can all go horribly wrong and you can find yourself chasing your tail for hours.
Thankfully, despite a slight slip in the middle phase of the game, the Steelers survived with very few signs they have anything to worry about. Their offense was motoring by the end, and the connection between Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward looks tight as ever.
The Titans might well go on a few game slide, following this heavy and demoralising defeat as they struggle to find consistency and a solid identity that will persist into next season.
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I liken this Tennessee team to an easy Sudoku. You know you should be able to beat it, but sometimes, if you lose focus, it can all go horribly wrong and you can find yourself chasing your tail for hours.
Thankfully, despite a slight slip in the middle phase of the game, the Steelers survived with very few signs they have anything to worry about. Their offense was motoring by the end, and the connection between Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward looks tight as ever.
The Titans might well go on a few game slide, following this heavy and demoralising defeat as they struggle to find consistency and a solid identity that will persist into next season.
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Sunday, 9 October 2011
Week 5 Highlights: Eagles Vs Bills
When the Bills lost a close one to the Cincinnati Bengals last week, you could have been forgiven for thinking their quick start was all smoke, but there’s a fire burning in this team that could incinerate all comers.
Beating the Eagles – who are now a worrying 1-4 – is no mean feat, and a game that has righted the wrongs of the previous week for a team that has a slighter margin for error than most, given their hot division.
If you’d said a fortnight ago that the Bills would go 1-1 through their next two games, you would have nodded and thought that was not only likely, but acceptable. They now stand at 4-1 and top the division. They are doing fantastically and going in the right direction.
The Eagles, however, are not in a good place at all. Thankfully, the Giants lost this week too, which lessens the pressure in a tight, unpredictable division. But it isn’t good enough – not by a long shot. They need to go on a run and soon, nay, immediately. A five game win streak will do a lot to ease the mounting criticism, but if they lose many more they will quickly find themselves in an embarrassing and frustrating situation – too good to earn a top pick next year; too disarrayed to fulfil their potential. The Eagles threatened to tie the game up in the fourth, shutting out the Bills, who have a habit of fading late offensively. All in all, this game is a perfect snapshot of a team exceeding expectations, and another, far ‘better’ team, falling well short. It’s crunch time for both, now. Can the Bills keep going (yes, why not?), and can the Eagles recover in time to mount a challenge (here’s hoping!).
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Beating the Eagles – who are now a worrying 1-4 – is no mean feat, and a game that has righted the wrongs of the previous week for a team that has a slighter margin for error than most, given their hot division.
If you’d said a fortnight ago that the Bills would go 1-1 through their next two games, you would have nodded and thought that was not only likely, but acceptable. They now stand at 4-1 and top the division. They are doing fantastically and going in the right direction.
The Eagles, however, are not in a good place at all. Thankfully, the Giants lost this week too, which lessens the pressure in a tight, unpredictable division. But it isn’t good enough – not by a long shot. They need to go on a run and soon, nay, immediately. A five game win streak will do a lot to ease the mounting criticism, but if they lose many more they will quickly find themselves in an embarrassing and frustrating situation – too good to earn a top pick next year; too disarrayed to fulfil their potential. The Eagles threatened to tie the game up in the fourth, shutting out the Bills, who have a habit of fading late offensively. All in all, this game is a perfect snapshot of a team exceeding expectations, and another, far ‘better’ team, falling well short. It’s crunch time for both, now. Can the Bills keep going (yes, why not?), and can the Eagles recover in time to mount a challenge (here’s hoping!).
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Saturday, 8 October 2011
Week 4 Highlights: Patriots Vs Raiders
The Patriots bounced back after their shocking defeat to division frontrunners, the Buffalo Bills, by beating a team that had the potential to level the Patriots record at 2-2. It took a great deal of concentration on the Patriots part not to slip-up against the up-and-coming Oakland side that are threatening to be around for a long time this season.
The Patriots scored a touchdown in every quarter (7, 7, 10, 7) showing great composure, consistency and clock management and held the Raiders to one trip to the end zone and three field goals (3, 7, 3, 6).
Not taking the foot off the pedal is one of the marks of champions. Never going to sleep against any opposition, dangerous or not, is an essential component to postseason success. Every team in the NFL is capable of pulling the rug from under your feet if you stand still too long, especially a team as loaded as Oakland. What saved the Patriots’ porous pass defence here was Oakland’s propensity to run the football and Jason Campbell’s inability to make tight throws into coverage. The Raiders’ receivers are burners – freak athletes with immense speed but not the best route running skills. By stuffing the line to prevent the run and playing a consertive mixture of zone and man-to-man, the Patriots effectively neutralised Oakland’s best assets.
Brady was back on form and protected the football well after his 4 interception horror-show against the Bills in Week 3. He threw two touchdowns and no interceptions as opposed to Campbell who was responsible for the Raiders’ lone touchdown but also for two damaging interceptions.
Both teams should make it to the playoffs - the Raiders as division champs and the Patriots as either winners of the AFC East or the top Wild Card. Should they slip to fifth seed, it seems plausible to suggest they could get the Raiders in the divisional round away in California.
And that will suit the Brady Bunch just fine.
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The Patriots scored a touchdown in every quarter (7, 7, 10, 7) showing great composure, consistency and clock management and held the Raiders to one trip to the end zone and three field goals (3, 7, 3, 6).
Not taking the foot off the pedal is one of the marks of champions. Never going to sleep against any opposition, dangerous or not, is an essential component to postseason success. Every team in the NFL is capable of pulling the rug from under your feet if you stand still too long, especially a team as loaded as Oakland. What saved the Patriots’ porous pass defence here was Oakland’s propensity to run the football and Jason Campbell’s inability to make tight throws into coverage. The Raiders’ receivers are burners – freak athletes with immense speed but not the best route running skills. By stuffing the line to prevent the run and playing a consertive mixture of zone and man-to-man, the Patriots effectively neutralised Oakland’s best assets.
Brady was back on form and protected the football well after his 4 interception horror-show against the Bills in Week 3. He threw two touchdowns and no interceptions as opposed to Campbell who was responsible for the Raiders’ lone touchdown but also for two damaging interceptions.
Both teams should make it to the playoffs - the Raiders as division champs and the Patriots as either winners of the AFC East or the top Wild Card. Should they slip to fifth seed, it seems plausible to suggest they could get the Raiders in the divisional round away in California.
And that will suit the Brady Bunch just fine.
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Friday, 7 October 2011
Week 4 Highlights: Broncos Vs Packers
It’s about time Denver got a mention. So far I have resisted slating this team that once held so many happy memories for me, but now fills me with an uncontrollable rage.
Tim Tebow can’t get on the field soon enough. He might give this mess of a franchise a bit of charisma and at least an identity, which they sorely need after Josh McDaniels did a mighty fine job of ruining what was a competitive team.
They have a lot of talent on their roster and Coach John Fox, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, knows a thing or two about turning-around incompetent units when the ability is there.
But this review is not about how bad the Broncos are, but how good the Packers appear.
The Green Bay Packers – the World Champions – were many people’s pick for the title this year, but I was hesitant to anoint them just yet, thinking instead that they would remain an elite team for many years to come and possibly win a couple more Superbowls before Rodgers retires but not just yet. I thought they would need a cooling off period.
Looks like they like it hot.
The Packers are steamrolling opponents this year, and playing with the kind of confidence that comes only from the very greatest triumph. Rodgers is blazing his way through the season, with the highest rating of any Quarterback; a rating that was bolstered by his 4/1 TDINT performance against the Broncos. He racked-up 408 yards through the air and totally outplayed his counterpart, Kyle Orton, who threw 3 touchdowns and 273 yards, but also tossed 3 costly interceptions.
The score line of 49-23 was not flattering for the Packers and, if anything, made it seem as if maybe half of the Broncos have played football before.
Which is, of course, nonsense…
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Tim Tebow can’t get on the field soon enough. He might give this mess of a franchise a bit of charisma and at least an identity, which they sorely need after Josh McDaniels did a mighty fine job of ruining what was a competitive team.
They have a lot of talent on their roster and Coach John Fox, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, knows a thing or two about turning-around incompetent units when the ability is there.
But this review is not about how bad the Broncos are, but how good the Packers appear.
The Green Bay Packers – the World Champions – were many people’s pick for the title this year, but I was hesitant to anoint them just yet, thinking instead that they would remain an elite team for many years to come and possibly win a couple more Superbowls before Rodgers retires but not just yet. I thought they would need a cooling off period.
Looks like they like it hot.
The Packers are steamrolling opponents this year, and playing with the kind of confidence that comes only from the very greatest triumph. Rodgers is blazing his way through the season, with the highest rating of any Quarterback; a rating that was bolstered by his 4/1 TDINT performance against the Broncos. He racked-up 408 yards through the air and totally outplayed his counterpart, Kyle Orton, who threw 3 touchdowns and 273 yards, but also tossed 3 costly interceptions.
The score line of 49-23 was not flattering for the Packers and, if anything, made it seem as if maybe half of the Broncos have played football before.
Which is, of course, nonsense…
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Thursday, 6 October 2011
Week 4 Highlights: 49ers Vs Eagles
My pre-season predictions for this game would have been so far off the mark I might as well have been talking about baseball.
Alex Smith is playing as well as any Quarterback in this league. He has thrown a solitary interception this term, and it came in the 49ers Week 2 27-24 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, a game that, in retrospect, they really should have won.
He had a neat game against the Eagles, throwing for 291 yards and 2 Touchdowns, without any picks and earning another top-notch rating of 112.1.
And he had to be good because the Eagles came out fighting. Now 1-3, the finger is hovering over the panic button for Andy Reid and his Dirty birds.
Michael Vick insisted he was fit to play despite taking a serious knock against the Giants in Week 3, and his 416 passing yards seem to suggest he knows his body well. That said, he presided over another loss and is finding it difficult to win games for his team like he did with so much pizazz last year.
Philly need to win soon or they will find themselves with a mountain to climb come the back end of the season. They are fortunate that no other NFC East team has taken advantage of their slow start to build a commanding lead in the division – eve now they are only a couple of games off the lead so all is not lost with many more divisional clashes on the schedule.
The 49ers are now favourites to win the NFC West after 4 games of the season. They look genuine capable of causing some damage as the fourth, maybe third seeds of the conference behind Green Bay and the Saints.
The playoffs could look very different this year as new powerhouses emerge and past masters rediscover what made them great. Who doesn’t want to see the Lions, 49ers, Saints, Packers and Redskins in the playoffs?
Michael Vick for one…
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Alex Smith is playing as well as any Quarterback in this league. He has thrown a solitary interception this term, and it came in the 49ers Week 2 27-24 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, a game that, in retrospect, they really should have won.
He had a neat game against the Eagles, throwing for 291 yards and 2 Touchdowns, without any picks and earning another top-notch rating of 112.1.
And he had to be good because the Eagles came out fighting. Now 1-3, the finger is hovering over the panic button for Andy Reid and his Dirty birds.
Michael Vick insisted he was fit to play despite taking a serious knock against the Giants in Week 3, and his 416 passing yards seem to suggest he knows his body well. That said, he presided over another loss and is finding it difficult to win games for his team like he did with so much pizazz last year.
Philly need to win soon or they will find themselves with a mountain to climb come the back end of the season. They are fortunate that no other NFC East team has taken advantage of their slow start to build a commanding lead in the division – eve now they are only a couple of games off the lead so all is not lost with many more divisional clashes on the schedule.
The 49ers are now favourites to win the NFC West after 4 games of the season. They look genuine capable of causing some damage as the fourth, maybe third seeds of the conference behind Green Bay and the Saints.
The playoffs could look very different this year as new powerhouses emerge and past masters rediscover what made them great. Who doesn’t want to see the Lions, 49ers, Saints, Packers and Redskins in the playoffs?
Michael Vick for one…
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Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Week 4 Highlights: Lions Vs Cowboys
The Romo Rollercoaster suffered another devastating derailment this week, as Calvin Johnson and co destroyed the hopes of the Dallas faithful, by storming back from a 13 point deficit in the fourth, to wow a frenzied home crowd with a final quarter score line of 17-0, to bring the result down in their favour by a margin of 4.
Romo played very well for three quarters, and then seemed to forget what a football was and decided he’d much rather the other team had the responsibility of holding it. Allowing the Lions – historically a weak-hearted team – to rally in such miraculous fashion is not acceptable. 47 pass attempts by Tony Romo is an immense effort, but the wear showed-up badly in the form of 3 interceptions. His yardage was good and his 3 Touchdown tosses were excellent, but his late game collapse was horrible to watch.
Matthew Stafford, however, was imperious. 2/1 TD/INT and 248 yards is not stellar, but his composure, grit and incisiveness as the game drew to its frenetic close were all inhuman.
The Lions have exactly what they hoped they had in Stafford – a true star and a game changer.
Dallas have exactly what they hoped they wouldn’t have again – a headache, a hang over and an awful lot of questions to answer.
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Romo played very well for three quarters, and then seemed to forget what a football was and decided he’d much rather the other team had the responsibility of holding it. Allowing the Lions – historically a weak-hearted team – to rally in such miraculous fashion is not acceptable. 47 pass attempts by Tony Romo is an immense effort, but the wear showed-up badly in the form of 3 interceptions. His yardage was good and his 3 Touchdown tosses were excellent, but his late game collapse was horrible to watch.
Matthew Stafford, however, was imperious. 2/1 TD/INT and 248 yards is not stellar, but his composure, grit and incisiveness as the game drew to its frenetic close were all inhuman.
The Lions have exactly what they hoped they had in Stafford – a true star and a game changer.
Dallas have exactly what they hoped they wouldn’t have again – a headache, a hang over and an awful lot of questions to answer.
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Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Week 4 Highlights: Steelers Vs Texans
A couple of seasons ago, Pittsburgh would have woken up the Sunday morning of playing the Texans at home with a big smile on its face. These days, it’s a grimace at best. The Texans play rough football, much in the mould of the Black & Yellow bulldozers that have terrorized the NFL for decades, garnering 6 Lombardi trophies in the process. This year, however, it is looking more like the Texans turn to hoist the coveted trophy than it is that Big Ben and co will repeat the feats of Superbowls XL and XLIII.
The Texans ran out 17-10 winners of this hard-hitting Week 4 contest. Matt Schaub put in a tidy performance, throwing for a Touchdown and no interceptions, completed 14 of his 21 attempts resulting in a rating that crept over 100.
Roethlisberger and the Steelers were largely ineffective in the first half, finding it impossible to register any points at all. Their 10 second-half points looked to have given them a shot, but the Texans held on to their 1 score lead and ran out winners after picking off Ben once and preventing him from finding the endzone. These two will likely win their divisions with similar records and could be tussling for the second (or even first, should the Patriots continue to lose so surprisingly) seed, making a post-season rematch likely.
Home field advantage will matter more in January, so the Texans need to maintain the intensity unless they fancy returning to a frostbitten Heinz Field.
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The Texans ran out 17-10 winners of this hard-hitting Week 4 contest. Matt Schaub put in a tidy performance, throwing for a Touchdown and no interceptions, completed 14 of his 21 attempts resulting in a rating that crept over 100.
Roethlisberger and the Steelers were largely ineffective in the first half, finding it impossible to register any points at all. Their 10 second-half points looked to have given them a shot, but the Texans held on to their 1 score lead and ran out winners after picking off Ben once and preventing him from finding the endzone. These two will likely win their divisions with similar records and could be tussling for the second (or even first, should the Patriots continue to lose so surprisingly) seed, making a post-season rematch likely.
Home field advantage will matter more in January, so the Texans need to maintain the intensity unless they fancy returning to a frostbitten Heinz Field.
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Monday, 3 October 2011
Week 4 Highlights: Bills Vs Bengals
This is the first time the Bills looked in any way shape or form like the Bills we’ve come to know and pity. For the first three games they have impressed fans and critics alike with a mixture of offensive flair and defensive nerve, holding out against teams with far more experience and, historically at least, mettle.
After prevailing against the might of division rivals and favourites, the new England Patriots, the Bills went down softly to a team they must have expected to turn over.
Despite the Bengals being perceived as a hopeless unit – as usual – it is interesting to note that no team in the AFC North has a losing record at this point. It is perennially a strong group if only for the reason that both the Steelers and Ravens are constituents, but this year, what with the emergence of Colt McCoy as a genuine NFL starter for the Browns and the Bengals surprising glide to 2-2, there is competition to be found in any game featuring one of these four.
To lose by 3 points after the greatest victory the Bills have experience for over ten years, is a real kick in the gut, and who knows how much of a difference it will make come January, when it is likely several teams will be vying for Wild Card spots.
I still regard the Bengals as the likely losers of the AFC North, but by beating a team with more dynamism and cohesion, flying high on success and optimism, they have proven they mean business and deserve to be taken very seriously.
No one wants to suffer the same fate as the Bills, who fall to 3-1 but still lead the AFC East on head-to-head tiebreakers. Fitzpatrick had a really quiet game for the Bills, which says something about his importance to the team. Without him getting the ball into the end zone via receivers, the Bills struggle to grind it out. Avoiding interceptions is always preferable, but 199 yards is not enough for this team so more confidence is needed from Ryan Fitzpatrick. Dalton, on the other hand, was lighting up every category with 1 TD and 2 INTs, 2 sacks conceded and 298 yards through the air. I don’t think the stats speak very highly (they make him seem rash, immature and gung-ho, all of which he may be), but he was the winning Quarterback this week and deserved to be so on effort alone.
Will Dalton progress and become a real threat for the Bengals or will he be the next through the revolving door in Ohio? I’d plump for the latter, but with a bit of time to mature, who knows..?
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
After prevailing against the might of division rivals and favourites, the new England Patriots, the Bills went down softly to a team they must have expected to turn over.
Despite the Bengals being perceived as a hopeless unit – as usual – it is interesting to note that no team in the AFC North has a losing record at this point. It is perennially a strong group if only for the reason that both the Steelers and Ravens are constituents, but this year, what with the emergence of Colt McCoy as a genuine NFL starter for the Browns and the Bengals surprising glide to 2-2, there is competition to be found in any game featuring one of these four.
To lose by 3 points after the greatest victory the Bills have experience for over ten years, is a real kick in the gut, and who knows how much of a difference it will make come January, when it is likely several teams will be vying for Wild Card spots.
I still regard the Bengals as the likely losers of the AFC North, but by beating a team with more dynamism and cohesion, flying high on success and optimism, they have proven they mean business and deserve to be taken very seriously.
No one wants to suffer the same fate as the Bills, who fall to 3-1 but still lead the AFC East on head-to-head tiebreakers. Fitzpatrick had a really quiet game for the Bills, which says something about his importance to the team. Without him getting the ball into the end zone via receivers, the Bills struggle to grind it out. Avoiding interceptions is always preferable, but 199 yards is not enough for this team so more confidence is needed from Ryan Fitzpatrick. Dalton, on the other hand, was lighting up every category with 1 TD and 2 INTs, 2 sacks conceded and 298 yards through the air. I don’t think the stats speak very highly (they make him seem rash, immature and gung-ho, all of which he may be), but he was the winning Quarterback this week and deserved to be so on effort alone.
Will Dalton progress and become a real threat for the Bengals or will he be the next through the revolving door in Ohio? I’d plump for the latter, but with a bit of time to mature, who knows..?
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Sunday, 2 October 2011
British Bullets Batter Bunch
Has British cycling EVER been in a better state? I'd say not. The team performance throughout the World Championships was unprecedented, and their efforts Herculean.
Bradley Wiggins deserves MORE credit. Despite an eye-catching ride to finish second in the time trial (further compounding hopes he may be ready to challenge for the top step of the podium in next year's Tour de France), his true courage and fortitude showed through in the road race the following day.
The British team had one goal: deliver mark Cavendish to the line as part of a bunch sprint for the title. A scenario that played into the hands of the Manxman, and ultimately worked.
Wiggins put in a mesmerising turn at the head of peloton inside the last 10km to really drive the pace up, and despite Cav losing Thomas's wheel in the stretch, he latched on to his nearest competitor and then pulled away with trademark ease. It is the first time in over forty years (Tommy Simpson 1965) that a Brit has won the Gold in this event, and, for the first time ever, it was the result of such a complete team performance.
With Wiggins now focusing on next year's Tour de France - a race he claims he can win after achieving fourth place in 2009 before crashing out with a broken collarbone this year) - we wonder how big British cycling can get.
With an already world-class pedigree, the home soil Olympics next year look set to solidify our reputation, not just on the track, but on the road as well.
A new super power in sport? If Bradley Wiggins is wearing Yellow by the end of July, I think the case will have been made.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Bradley Wiggins deserves MORE credit. Despite an eye-catching ride to finish second in the time trial (further compounding hopes he may be ready to challenge for the top step of the podium in next year's Tour de France), his true courage and fortitude showed through in the road race the following day.
The British team had one goal: deliver mark Cavendish to the line as part of a bunch sprint for the title. A scenario that played into the hands of the Manxman, and ultimately worked.
Wiggins put in a mesmerising turn at the head of peloton inside the last 10km to really drive the pace up, and despite Cav losing Thomas's wheel in the stretch, he latched on to his nearest competitor and then pulled away with trademark ease. It is the first time in over forty years (Tommy Simpson 1965) that a Brit has won the Gold in this event, and, for the first time ever, it was the result of such a complete team performance.
With Wiggins now focusing on next year's Tour de France - a race he claims he can win after achieving fourth place in 2009 before crashing out with a broken collarbone this year) - we wonder how big British cycling can get.
With an already world-class pedigree, the home soil Olympics next year look set to solidify our reputation, not just on the track, but on the road as well.
A new super power in sport? If Bradley Wiggins is wearing Yellow by the end of July, I think the case will have been made.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Week 3 Highlights: Redskins Vs Cowboys
3, 6, 3, 6 is hardly the blow-out scoring pattern fans dream of as they fire-up their BBQs and get down to some serious pre-game tailgating, but when it comes-up against 6, 3, 7, 0 it’ll damn well do.
The Cowboys – in large part thanks to heavily scrutinised QB, Tony Romo – beat the Redskins to level the divisional rivals at 2-1. The parity between these two teams and the Giants is the only source of hope for the bottom-dwelling Eagles, who need to fire-up the engine soon if they want a chance of playing their way out of trouble.
Romo’s play this week was exactly what was demanded by his critics, and his late-game composure saw the Cowboys in the right position at the right time to come from behind and nil-down an essential, if unglamorous win.
Grossman – the Redskins starter these days after last year’s failed McNabb experiment – was 1/1 TD/INT and threw for a respectable, if unremarkable 250 yards in the loss, while Romo was 0/1 for a marginally superior 255 and a worse rating, but did it all when it mattered.
And crucially, he did enough to win.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
The Cowboys – in large part thanks to heavily scrutinised QB, Tony Romo – beat the Redskins to level the divisional rivals at 2-1. The parity between these two teams and the Giants is the only source of hope for the bottom-dwelling Eagles, who need to fire-up the engine soon if they want a chance of playing their way out of trouble.
Romo’s play this week was exactly what was demanded by his critics, and his late-game composure saw the Cowboys in the right position at the right time to come from behind and nil-down an essential, if unglamorous win.
Grossman – the Redskins starter these days after last year’s failed McNabb experiment – was 1/1 TD/INT and threw for a respectable, if unremarkable 250 yards in the loss, while Romo was 0/1 for a marginally superior 255 and a worse rating, but did it all when it mattered.
And crucially, he did enough to win.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
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