Today I got an alert from NFL Mobile -- RGIII is out for the season. In his words, "Coaches decided to shut me down for rest of season. Rex Grossman* will back up Kirk Cousins as quarterback." Talk about a bad day.
Remember when I was talking about the Sophomore Slump? Well, it would appear that Mr. Griffin is suffering from the mother of all sophomore slumps, wouldn't it?
There are people who would say the downward spiral all began during last season's playoffs, when he busted his knee, taking him out for the rest of the playoffs and dashing the hopes of Washington fans everywhere. Others would blame the problems on the coaches, and medical staff allowing him to come back too soon. Possibly it's just a curse for the horrible team name that came under fire early this year. We may never really know what caused it, but I would hazard a guess that the sophomore slump is a solid part of the problem.
But here's my question...no one has confirmed that this demotion isn't at least partially due to Washington's abysmal 3-10 record and RGIII's less-than-amazing play. The official reason is that he is being benched for his health. Does anyone else find it suspicious that he's being benched for his health at the END of the season as opposed to the BEGINNING? Why would a player need to be benched after he's spent the last 14 weeks cutting and running on a tender knee? Isn't that something that would need to be done -- the resting and the easing into routine, that is -- early on in the recovery process?
My next question is, will RGIII be able to recover from being benched? Let's remember what happened with Josh Freeman. Suddenly benched under suspicious circumstances, no official comment, and then BOOM traded to a different team. Ooooh wait, there's also Alex Smith. So, then again, perhaps RGIII will find himself in the playoffs with a new team. Bitterness and hate being the basis of that winning streak.
Washington definitely won't be making a repeat appearance in the post-season. But maybe this will prove an interesting off season.
*Yes, that Rex. Sexy Rexy rides again!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Week 14 Predictions
I just can't believe I was right about Thursday's pick. The Jags beat the Texans by 7. Oh Houston, what happened?! Anyway, it's getting down to the wire for teams to make it into the playoffs. My guess? My boys from Green Bay won't be in it. But I get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that the Bears won't be in it either. :) So, let's get to the gridiron...
Colts v. Bengals: Colts.
Browns v. Patriots: Patriots. I said it once, I'll say it again. Never pick against Tom Brady.
Raiders v. Jets: Raiders. This will be the battle of teams that had hope and surprisingly badass quarterbacks at the beginning of the season, and then fell off somewhere in week 10.
Chiefs v. Washington: Chiefs. Media darling RGIII just isn't the same miracle worker. His sophomore slump is really showing. It's hard to say whether it's him, or the team that's around him. Proving once again that year 2 is a bitch for QBs.
Vikings v. Ravens: Vikings. I don't necessarily believe that the Vikings will win. But the last couple weeks, the Vikings have just been spoilers. It's as though AP and company are playing for nothing but to spoil other teams' playoff chances. HA.
Falcons v. Packers: Packers. Sure, Aaron Rodgers will still be on the sideline. But the Packers are home, and the Falcons seem to have fallen apart. I think they've been hit with the same curse as the Texans.
Bills v. Buccaneers: Bills. The Buccaneers playoff chances are dead. The Bills still have a tiny ounce of hope. That may be just enough to give Buffalo the edge.
Dolphins v. Steelers: Steelers. This is a tough pick. The Steelers just aren't what they used to be. But they are at home, and maybe Mike Tomlin is a little bitter that he got busted trying to trip Jacoby Jones with a two step. A win would go a long way to making him feel better, right? I don't know about $100,000 better, but you know, better.
Lions v. Eagles: Lions.
Titans v. Broncos: Broncos.
Rams v. Cardinals: Cardinals. Until last week, the Cardinals weren't even on my radar. But this sleeper team is fighting for a playoff spot and being in 8th place, it's still a very real possibility.
Seahawks v. 49ers: 49ers. I suspect they want revenge for that butt-kicking they got up in Seattle earlier this year.
Giants v. Chargers: Chargers. Although San Diego often finds a way to lose, and the Giants are super streak-y, I still say the Chargers take it at home.*
Panthers v. Saints: Saints. Sexy sexy Cam Newton is leading Carolina into a wild card spot -- unless they take over the Saints as head of the NFC South. This game should be a good one to watch.
Cowboys v. Bears: Cowboys. Look, admittedly Tony Romo has a reputation for choking. But the Bears team is full of injuries. So I go with who Special Correspondent Jillian calls the "guys in the white hats".
*Despite the fact that everything I wrote implies I should go with the Giants, doesn't it?
Colts v. Bengals: Colts.
Browns v. Patriots: Patriots. I said it once, I'll say it again. Never pick against Tom Brady.
Raiders v. Jets: Raiders. This will be the battle of teams that had hope and surprisingly badass quarterbacks at the beginning of the season, and then fell off somewhere in week 10.
Chiefs v. Washington: Chiefs. Media darling RGIII just isn't the same miracle worker. His sophomore slump is really showing. It's hard to say whether it's him, or the team that's around him. Proving once again that year 2 is a bitch for QBs.
Vikings v. Ravens: Vikings. I don't necessarily believe that the Vikings will win. But the last couple weeks, the Vikings have just been spoilers. It's as though AP and company are playing for nothing but to spoil other teams' playoff chances. HA.
Falcons v. Packers: Packers. Sure, Aaron Rodgers will still be on the sideline. But the Packers are home, and the Falcons seem to have fallen apart. I think they've been hit with the same curse as the Texans.
Bills v. Buccaneers: Bills. The Buccaneers playoff chances are dead. The Bills still have a tiny ounce of hope. That may be just enough to give Buffalo the edge.
Dolphins v. Steelers: Steelers. This is a tough pick. The Steelers just aren't what they used to be. But they are at home, and maybe Mike Tomlin is a little bitter that he got busted trying to trip Jacoby Jones with a two step. A win would go a long way to making him feel better, right? I don't know about $100,000 better, but you know, better.
Lions v. Eagles: Lions.
Titans v. Broncos: Broncos.
Rams v. Cardinals: Cardinals. Until last week, the Cardinals weren't even on my radar. But this sleeper team is fighting for a playoff spot and being in 8th place, it's still a very real possibility.
Seahawks v. 49ers: 49ers. I suspect they want revenge for that butt-kicking they got up in Seattle earlier this year.
Giants v. Chargers: Chargers. Although San Diego often finds a way to lose, and the Giants are super streak-y, I still say the Chargers take it at home.*
Panthers v. Saints: Saints. Sexy sexy Cam Newton is leading Carolina into a wild card spot -- unless they take over the Saints as head of the NFC South. This game should be a good one to watch.
Cowboys v. Bears: Cowboys. Look, admittedly Tony Romo has a reputation for choking. But the Bears team is full of injuries. So I go with who Special Correspondent Jillian calls the "guys in the white hats".
*Despite the fact that everything I wrote implies I should go with the Giants, doesn't it?
Friday, November 29, 2013
Thanksgiving Day
I was hoping to spend today basking in the joy of Thanksgiving leftovers and the Packers taking first in the NFC North. Guess who isn't basking? On this, the 75th Thanksgiving Day game of the Packers and Lions, the Packers fell 40-10 in Detroit. Grant it, we have an injury list that looks more like our first string roster than our starting roster, but as James Jones said yesterday, that's really no excuse. Everyone has a job to do...ahem...rant over.
I am fortunate enough that in my family, the older generation still does all of the cooking on holidays, so no one expects me to bust a move in the kitchen just because I'm a girl. Giving me plenty of opportunity to slip away and watch the game. (Grant it, this year there was really no need). I have another friend who married into one of those twilight zone families where it's actually all the men who do the cooking (and she doesn't even take advantage of it by watching football! What?!). Now, if you are a girl, and you are not so fortunate, here are my top tips for getting out of the kitchen and onto the couch where you belong.
1. Offer to bring something. Make or purchase it the night before. Drop it off in the kitchen and then proceed to the couch.
2. Claim butterfingers. Tell the story of how you once were helping out during a family barbecue. You were in charge of slicing up the brisket. Somehow -- something you have yet to figure out after all these years -- the knife slipped and you ended up slicing open your [hand, finger, forearm] and bleeding all over the brisket. You'd hate to have history repeat itself, so you'd better stay out of the kitchen. Showing a gnarly scar would be an excellent way to make the story come alive. I suggest pointing to the scar you gave yourself when pulling a frozen pizza out of the oven.
3. Admit that you can't cook. Tell everyone that your culinary skills so bad that everyone would have to spit it out in a napkin and that would just be a waste of food. Although in this instance, you may not want to say "culinary." Only people with some modicum of culinary skills would call them culinary skills.
4. Try the old "oh, y'all look like you've got this down to a rhythm! I am just going to get out of your way!" trick. It's a risky move...someone may collar you right as you try to make the getaway and you're stuck with a potato masher, taking your frustrations out on some helpless potato and missing David Akers miss a field goal after being iced for the first time in a decade. But if you're sly like the jungle cat, this approach just may work.
5. Arrive to dinner very very late. You know, right before it's time to set the table. And then, graciously offer to set the table because you were so late (during halftime, natch).
Thanksgiving may be over, but remember these tips. They are sure to come in handy for holidays to come!
I am fortunate enough that in my family, the older generation still does all of the cooking on holidays, so no one expects me to bust a move in the kitchen just because I'm a girl. Giving me plenty of opportunity to slip away and watch the game. (Grant it, this year there was really no need). I have another friend who married into one of those twilight zone families where it's actually all the men who do the cooking (and she doesn't even take advantage of it by watching football! What?!). Now, if you are a girl, and you are not so fortunate, here are my top tips for getting out of the kitchen and onto the couch where you belong.
1. Offer to bring something. Make or purchase it the night before. Drop it off in the kitchen and then proceed to the couch.
2. Claim butterfingers. Tell the story of how you once were helping out during a family barbecue. You were in charge of slicing up the brisket. Somehow -- something you have yet to figure out after all these years -- the knife slipped and you ended up slicing open your [hand, finger, forearm] and bleeding all over the brisket. You'd hate to have history repeat itself, so you'd better stay out of the kitchen. Showing a gnarly scar would be an excellent way to make the story come alive. I suggest pointing to the scar you gave yourself when pulling a frozen pizza out of the oven.
3. Admit that you can't cook. Tell everyone that your culinary skills so bad that everyone would have to spit it out in a napkin and that would just be a waste of food. Although in this instance, you may not want to say "culinary." Only people with some modicum of culinary skills would call them culinary skills.
4. Try the old "oh, y'all look like you've got this down to a rhythm! I am just going to get out of your way!" trick. It's a risky move...someone may collar you right as you try to make the getaway and you're stuck with a potato masher, taking your frustrations out on some helpless potato and missing David Akers miss a field goal after being iced for the first time in a decade. But if you're sly like the jungle cat, this approach just may work.
5. Arrive to dinner very very late. You know, right before it's time to set the table. And then, graciously offer to set the table because you were so late (during halftime, natch).
Thanksgiving may be over, but remember these tips. They are sure to come in handy for holidays to come!
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Week 12 Picks
It's time to start thinking about the playoffs. Can you believe that? It's week 12 already! I guess it's to be expected, Thanksgiving and the winter holidays are right around the corner. It's been a great season, filled with a lot of drama. And the fact that my picks could be blown up on any given Sunday just shows us that there really is parity. Love it. But enough chit chat. Let's get to the picks.
Buccaneers v. Lions: Lions.
Vikings v. Packers: Packers. Both these teams are struggling in the quarterback position. While the Vikings' season may be unsalvageable* the Packers are still in the hunt for a wild card spot. Not to mention, they way the Lions, Packers, and Bears** have been jostling for first place, if the football gods are smiling the boys in green and gold could actually take first place. Go Pack Go!! ****Update: Special Correspondent Jillian says that the Packers may be in trouble because the Vikings "don't play kind". I hope she's wrong!
Jaguars v. Texans: Oh Texans. What happened to you? This should be a sure thing, but given your past history...well...
Chargers v. Chiefs: Chiefs. So, the final undefeated team has fallen. But I say they win this game.
Panthers v. Dolphins: Panthers. Okay, where did these Panthers come from? Looks like Cam Newton put his Superman shirt back on because they have been rolling. They just may be playoffs bound!
Steelers v. Browns: A bitter rivalry game. I am going to go with the Browns.
Bears v. Rams: With much trepidation and bitterness, I choose the Bears.
Jets v. Ravens: Jets.
Titans v. Raiders: Titans.
Colts v. Cardinals: Colts.
Cowboys v. Giants: Giants. This is a HUGE game. If the Giants win, they will share the same record as the Cowboys (currently in first place in the NFC East). Tons of drama. If your game isn't on at noon, watch this one!
Broncos v. Patriots: Broncos.
49ers v. Washington: I really want Washington to win; but it's probably going to be the 49ers.
*and by that I mean, they have a snowball's chance in hell of making the playoffs
**oh my! (cheesy pun alert)
Buccaneers v. Lions: Lions.
Vikings v. Packers: Packers. Both these teams are struggling in the quarterback position. While the Vikings' season may be unsalvageable* the Packers are still in the hunt for a wild card spot. Not to mention, they way the Lions, Packers, and Bears** have been jostling for first place, if the football gods are smiling the boys in green and gold could actually take first place. Go Pack Go!! ****Update: Special Correspondent Jillian says that the Packers may be in trouble because the Vikings "don't play kind". I hope she's wrong!
Jaguars v. Texans: Oh Texans. What happened to you? This should be a sure thing, but given your past history...well...
Chargers v. Chiefs: Chiefs. So, the final undefeated team has fallen. But I say they win this game.
Panthers v. Dolphins: Panthers. Okay, where did these Panthers come from? Looks like Cam Newton put his Superman shirt back on because they have been rolling. They just may be playoffs bound!
Steelers v. Browns: A bitter rivalry game. I am going to go with the Browns.
Bears v. Rams: With much trepidation and bitterness, I choose the Bears.
Jets v. Ravens: Jets.
Titans v. Raiders: Titans.
Colts v. Cardinals: Colts.
Cowboys v. Giants: Giants. This is a HUGE game. If the Giants win, they will share the same record as the Cowboys (currently in first place in the NFC East). Tons of drama. If your game isn't on at noon, watch this one!
Broncos v. Patriots: Broncos.
49ers v. Washington: I really want Washington to win; but it's probably going to be the 49ers.
*and by that I mean, they have a snowball's chance in hell of making the playoffs
**oh my! (cheesy pun alert)
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Week 11 - quick picks!
I am soon to be on a plane, so these are just picks, nothing more and nothing less. Shout out to my good friend Michelle who was just married...one of the few events worthy of missing football. :)
And now, for Week 11:
Packers
Jets
Ravens
Bengals
Raiders: ***update: the zippy QB for the Raiders is out for this game. Taking the Texans may be a better bet. ***
Cardinals
Lions
Buccaneers (or really, the Falcons' opponent)
Chargers
Saints (who dat?!)
Seahawks
Broncos (THIS, should be a good game. Even if they did bump my Packers to put it at night. The Chiefs bump the Pack and the Giants! Who would have guessed?!)
Panthers (against Tom Brady. Really, pheebee?! Yes really. I'm feeling bold. And Cam Newton is hot.)
And now, for Week 11:
Packers
Jets
Ravens
Bengals
Raiders: ***update: the zippy QB for the Raiders is out for this game. Taking the Texans may be a better bet. ***
Cardinals
Lions
Buccaneers (or really, the Falcons' opponent)
Chargers
Saints (who dat?!)
Seahawks
Broncos (THIS, should be a good game. Even if they did bump my Packers to put it at night. The Chiefs bump the Pack and the Giants! Who would have guessed?!)
Panthers (against Tom Brady. Really, pheebee?! Yes really. I'm feeling bold. And Cam Newton is hot.)
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Week 10 Predictions
Darn the Vikings! First, they screwed my picks, and second, they are trying to make an already too-interesting NFC North more interesting. Boo hiss boo to that.
My week 10 picks are late, blame it on the plague that my colleague visited on my office. I've been operating under a haze of NyQuil for four days. At any rate, I am dedicated to y'all, readers. So, I am writing this, even S I'm supposed to be paying attention to pastor's sermon. These picks are either going to be blessed, or cursed. Take that as you will....
Eagles v. Packers: Packers. (Please Lord, let it be the Packers).
Jaguars v. Titans: Titans.
Bills v. Steelers: Bills. Why not? They may be a great upset.
Raiders v. Giants: Giants are home, and are hitting that part of the season where they decide to start winning. Let's see if they finally get it together.
Rams v. Colts: Colts.
Seahawks v. Falcons: Seahawks. You already know what I think about the Seahawks on the road...but the Falcons are just some pitiful birdies this year. ***Update*** I've just seen on CBS NFL Today that the Falcons have won 4 straight against the Seahawks. I am hereby changing my pick. Let's go Falcons!
Bengals v. Ravens: Bengals.
Lions v. Bears: Lions. (Sending up a silent prayer for the Lions.)
Panthers v. 49ers: 49ers.
Texans v. Cardinals: Texans.
Broncos v. Chargers: Broncos.
Cowboys v. Saints: Saints. When in doubt, go with Drew Brees.
Dolphins v. Buccaneers: How does a girl choose? Talk about teams that are a mess. I m going with Buccaneers, they have been dealing with their shenanigans longer, whereas the Dolphins' turmoil is recent.
My week 10 picks are late, blame it on the plague that my colleague visited on my office. I've been operating under a haze of NyQuil for four days. At any rate, I am dedicated to y'all, readers. So, I am writing this, even S I'm supposed to be paying attention to pastor's sermon. These picks are either going to be blessed, or cursed. Take that as you will....
Eagles v. Packers: Packers. (Please Lord, let it be the Packers).
Jaguars v. Titans: Titans.
Bills v. Steelers: Bills. Why not? They may be a great upset.
Raiders v. Giants: Giants are home, and are hitting that part of the season where they decide to start winning. Let's see if they finally get it together.
Rams v. Colts: Colts.
Seahawks v. Falcons: Seahawks. You already know what I think about the Seahawks on the road...but the Falcons are just some pitiful birdies this year. ***Update*** I've just seen on CBS NFL Today that the Falcons have won 4 straight against the Seahawks. I am hereby changing my pick. Let's go Falcons!
Bengals v. Ravens: Bengals.
Lions v. Bears: Lions. (Sending up a silent prayer for the Lions.)
Panthers v. 49ers: 49ers.
Texans v. Cardinals: Texans.
Broncos v. Chargers: Broncos.
Cowboys v. Saints: Saints. When in doubt, go with Drew Brees.
Dolphins v. Buccaneers: How does a girl choose? Talk about teams that are a mess. I m going with Buccaneers, they have been dealing with their shenanigans longer, whereas the Dolphins' turmoil is recent.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Injured reserve
Is it just me, or is every team suffering crazy injuries this year? The Packers first string seems to be injured. 3 different teams have been missing their QB for at least 2 games (not including those that told their first-string guy to have a damn seat*). The Giants are missing their entire running core. And that's only looking on the offensive side of the ball. The injuries don't seem to discriminate. From hamstring injuries to concussions to major breaks, it just seems like a lot this year. Not only is it a lot of injuries, but it's injuries to big names that we all know: Jay Cutler, Aaron Rodgers, Clay Mathews, Julio Jones, David Flip Wilson, Dez Bryant, Reggie Wayne...this list just goes on and on.
So what gives? My first question is, are they not stretching anymore? The sheer number of non-serious hamstring injuries is mind boggling. Seriously, these guys need to take a page from the cheerleaders and never take the field without first doing a scissors stretch or two.**
My next question is, for many of these injuries -- is this an unintended consequence of the new tackling rule? The new rules state that players cannot hit high, carrying hefty fines and penalties for helmet-to-helmet hits. The rule was designed in the wake of a huge lawsuit against the NFL for damages suffered as a result of concussions. And sure, making helmet-to-helmet hits expensive (both to the team in the game and the player's individual pocketbooks) limits the number of high hits. But it also increases the number of low hits. Resulting in what? Helmets hitting other breakable areas of the body.
It's a new rule, so time will tell. But for now, I wonder if we didn't trade head injuries for knee and leg injuries.
*Looking at you Texans!
**OR, is "hamstring" injury to athletes what "exhaustion" is to Hollywood celebrities?
So what gives? My first question is, are they not stretching anymore? The sheer number of non-serious hamstring injuries is mind boggling. Seriously, these guys need to take a page from the cheerleaders and never take the field without first doing a scissors stretch or two.**
My next question is, for many of these injuries -- is this an unintended consequence of the new tackling rule? The new rules state that players cannot hit high, carrying hefty fines and penalties for helmet-to-helmet hits. The rule was designed in the wake of a huge lawsuit against the NFL for damages suffered as a result of concussions. And sure, making helmet-to-helmet hits expensive (both to the team in the game and the player's individual pocketbooks) limits the number of high hits. But it also increases the number of low hits. Resulting in what? Helmets hitting other breakable areas of the body.
It's a new rule, so time will tell. But for now, I wonder if we didn't trade head injuries for knee and leg injuries.
*Looking at you Texans!
**OR, is "hamstring" injury to athletes what "exhaustion" is to Hollywood celebrities?
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