Ken Hawk's Friday Huddle Quick Hits - Week 17

• How about Ken Hawk's New Year's Eve outift? Man is this guy in for some action, like some kicks to the groin. You have GOT to be kidding me, Ken.
• The final weekend in the NFL season. Do or die. Kill or be killed. Soup or salad. Yadda yadda yadda. No need to listen to this guy, Hawk went 6-10 last week. This can probably be attributed to Ken watching cartoons and thinking he could drink bottles marked "XXX" and be OK.
• Therefore, I'll cut down on the all-knowing talk and go straight to what I know best. My only beef this week is with the Green Bay vs. Chicago game.
• And with the Santa cheerleaders.
• The Pack seem to be the pick to take the last wild card over the Rams, Giants, Falcons, and Panthers.
• As a Bears fan, I think some are underestimating the Chicago plan going into this game. There are a few points to consider going into this weekend.
• Lovie Smith's first goal upon arriving in Chicago was to end the Packer's domination over the Bears in recent years. Coming in and recognizing the importance of this 80+ year rivalry and making this a priority installed immediate confidence in Smith.
• Since, the Bears have gone 4 of 5, sweeping the Packers in 2005 for the first time in nearly 15 years, and opened the 2006 season with a crushing of Green Bay at Lambeau, 26-0.
• And, Smith has no intention of letting up this last week. The Bears are playing their starters.
• Secondly, the Packers aren't exactly blazing the trail in the wild card hunt. The past two weeks Favre has thrown 0 TD's and 5 INT's, and Green Bay has somewhat limped by lowly divisioners Detroit 17-9 and Minnesota 9-7.
• While the aspect of playoffs still stays in the conversation, there has been nothing pretty about the past two weeks. "I have to remind myself we won" - Favre following the Lions' game.
• Chicago has had a dominant season. Green Bay is crawling to the finish line. Bears, 4 of 5 since 2004. Smith's first goal, to beat the Packers. Chicago is all about carrying momentum into the playoffs.
• There is something here for the Monsters of the Midway to play for. I'll take the Bears to close the 2006 season when the oldest rivalry in the NFL meets for another round on the grid iron.
• Ken Hawk's Week 17 picks (Week 16: 6-10, total 146-78)
• Washington > NY Giants UPSET
• New Orleans > Carolina UPSET
• Houston > Cleveland
• Dallas > Detroit
• Kansas City > Jacksonville
• Tennessee > New England
• NY Jets > Oakland
• Cincinnati > Pittsburgh
• Tampa Bay > Seattle UPSET
• St Louis > Minnesota
• San Diego > Arizona
• Philadelphia > Atlanta
• Baltimore > Buffalo
• Indianapolis > Miami
• Denver > San Francisco
• Chicago > Green Bay
  
  
  
  
  

Ken Hawk's Friday Huddle Quick Hits - Week 16

• "dEar c sAtAnn SAnta. whY did you take a duMp Dowmn my ChimenEy?" Happy Holidays from Ken Hawk.
• Its Week 16 and the fight is now. Several teams in the AFC and NFC are entangled up in the wild card hunts and the next two weeks will be the battle ground.
• The Colts win over the Bengals last week is another example of how the hot team can fall at any moment. Anything can happen in these last two Sundays.
• This weekend the Titans visit the Bills, the Pats face the Jags, the Broncos host the Bengals and BND's 'Boys have a final showdown with the Eagles.
• On top of that, you can now get "Deck teh bAlls", the official Ken Hawk XMas soundtrack. Also includes "O ChiostmAS PEe".
• Here's some lovely Santa helpers.
• The Titans ran up a five-game win streak through Philadelphia, the Giants, Indianapolis, Houston and Jacksonville. Buffalo has picked up its game and gained momentum while going largely unnoticed.
• The Bills have been gaining ground each week and even gave a scare to the likes of San Diego. I'll give them a shot at home.
• Heck I'll even bet on those inconsistent Jags to win at home against the Pats. You know some guy bet Ken Hawk he couldn't kick himself in the stones? "aHAha you OWE mE TWo bUCk S haha OWwWww."
• A little more Christmas joy for the loyal readers.
• The Bengals come off that short week loss on the road to take on Denver at home on Sunday. Both are locked up at 8-6 vying for that wild card spot.
• The Broncos finally straightened their course last week and picked up their first win with Cutler at the helm. Tough one, but I'll take the short week setback and a few injuries on Cincy's side to give Denver this one.
• On Monday Night something will give when the Cowboys and Eagles meet for a showdown in Dallas.
• What a time for these two to meet up again. The 'Boys have been THE second half team of 2006 and the Eagles are on a streak after rebounding from the loss of McNabb. The team is fired up behind Garcia and looking to sweep Dallas.
• This will be a big one this week, and Ken Hawk is going with the Cowboys to turn the lights off on the Eagles' playoff hopes.
• And now, some picks from some guy who can got a black eye and 28 stitches for Christmas (Week 15: 8-8)
• Minnesota > Green Bay UPSET
• Kansas City > Oakland
• Pittsburgh > Baltimore
• Atlanta > Carolina
• Chicago > Detroit
• Indianapolis > Houston
• Jacksonville > New England
• New Orleans > NY Giants UPSET
• Cleveland > Tampa Bay
• Buffalo > Tennessee
• Washington > St Louis UPSET
• San Francisco > Arizona
• Denver > Cincinnati
• Santa cheerleaders > Ken Hawk
• San Diego > Seattle
• Dallas > Philadelphia
• NY Jets > Miami UPSET
  
  
  
  

My thoughts on the T.O. / DeAngelo Fiasco

First off, I want to say that Terrell Owens should not have spit in the face of DeAngelo Hall. With that said, T.O. should have jut whipped his ass the same way the Cowboys whipped the Falcons. If anyone saw that game, you would know that Hall was getting in T.O.'s face after nearly every play. He hit T.O. late on more than one occasions, and he cried like a little bitch when T.O. burned him, TWICE!

T.O. was man enough to admit what he did and apologize for that, which is much more than I can say about that little bitch Hall. The Falcons have become one of the most undisciplined teams in the league. The 4th Quarter of that game was littered with unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and personal fouls. Mora is a good coach, but he better get a handle on this team before he is sent packing.

Ken Hawk's Friday Huddle Quick Hits - Week 15

• Taco Bell official investigation report: 12/02/2006: Green onions handled by employee Hawk, Kenneth F. Source of contamination traced to employee's stool, which when asked to give a sample, employee defecated in the middle of the clinic floor and stated "THEHre you gO".
• Ladies and gents its Week 15 of the NFL, and it is simply crazy out there. The worst thing about the NFL? It's unpredictable. The best thing about the NFL? It's unpredictable.
• The fact is any team - except the Lions - has got a chance. Last week's team we all deemed "cooked" turns it around. The team on the hot streak goes cold. The flavor of the month cools off when another club steps in. The team destined to lose pulls off an upset. Fear not NFL fans, ever Sunday is another chance for that team to pull it together and change the momentum.
• That being said, here's a gorgeous Panthers Top Cat.
• You know what, gonna go with a new idea this time. Screw the talk, here's some cheerleaders and some picks.
• Picks (Week 14: 10-6, 132-60 overall minus one week on vacation)
• Seattle > San Francisco
• Dallas > Atlanta
• Baltimore > Cleveland
• Detroit > Green Bay UPSET
• New England > Houston
• Jacksonville > Tennessee
• Miami > Buffalo UPSET
• Minnesota > NY Jets UPSET
• Pittsburgh > Carolina
• CHICAGO > TAMPA BAY LOOK FOR KEN HAWK IN THE STANDS!
• New Orleans > Washington
• Denver > Arizona
• NY Giants > Philadelphia
• St Louis > Oakland
• San Diego > Kansas City
• Cincinnati > Indianapolis UPSET

Ken Hawk's Friday Huddle Quick Hits - Week 14

• Old man winter got you down? Ken Hawk is the new face in the snow removal biz, with a shovel duct-taped to his Huffy Blazer II and a bag of pepper, because he ran out of salt.
• Week 14 kicks off and Indianapolis is coming off an upset when they head into Jacksonville on Sunday. The stakes are big here, with the Colts looking to keep in the race for home-field advantage and the Jaguars desperate for a wild card.
• The Jaguars hit it off big with a primetime win over the Steelers at the beginning of the season, but since have been one of the most on-off teams out there, going 5-1 at home, 2-4 on the road.
• The Jaguars run game will test that Colts D, and Indianapolis has to find their identity after a number of questionable outings and a failed attempt to lean on the rush game in Tennessee.
• In the past the Jaguars match well with the Colts and fall short, and with as inconsistent as they have been this year I cannot see this outing as being any different.
• "dAEr cSANTA, this cHrsitamas can you brinG me a chIK and nOt another lumP of broWn coal thanksk KEN aHWKJ."
• The big game of the week will be in Dallas when the Cowboys host the Saints on Sunday night for a battle of NFC dominance. Let's face it, these two teams are the elite in the NFC and have the track records to prove it.
• United States of Romo? I still say it too early for all this "real deal" talk. Romo has been decisive, confident in his play, and acted resiliently when its of upmost importance. Last week Romo nailed a perfect 42-yard pass with a minute left to set up the game-winning FG, gotta admit his play looked brilliant at the end.
• In the other corner are the Saints, who are at this point undoubtedly the story of the season, given the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the fight back from a 3-13 season.
• Drew Brees is a clear candidate for Comeback Player of the Year. McCallister and Bush present a serious double-headed attack. Colston is receiving nods for Offensive Rookie of the Year. New Orleans has made its case and lept beyond expectations.
• This is one of those that can go wither way. These are two amazing clubs, two leaders with momentum. I think Dallas has the advantage in receiving corps over a lesser New Orleans secondary. The offense, as a whole, has reached a new level in its effeciency.
• On the other hand, I believe Dallas will struggle with having to account with one Reggie Bush on each play. Teams are starting to catch up with Romo's game, one of these days will be a bad one in the office. As of Friday, I believe the injuries to the defense and receivers in New Orleans will leave them short of an upset.
• This should give a clear indication of THE powerhouse team in the NFC, with two of the most complete NFC teams colliding, something has to give. No matter the outcome, I wouldn't be suprised to see these teams meet up again in January.
• Thats how Coach Hawk sees it this week. Picks: (Week 13: 10-6)
• Pittsburgh > Cleveland
• Atlanta > Tampa Bay
• Baltimore > Kansas City UPSET
• Indianapolis > Jacksonville
• Minnesota > Detroit UPSET
• New England > Miami
• NY Giants > Carolina UPSET
• Cincinnati > Oakland
• Hot ass Saints cheerleader = BONER
• Philadelphia > Washington UPSET
• Tennessee > Houston UPSET
• San Francisco > Green Bay
• Seattle > Arizona
• NY Jets > Buffalo
• San Diego > Denver
• Dallas > New Orleans
• Chicago > St Louis
  
  

Chicago Bears NFC NORTH CHAMPS!

The Chicago Bears clinched the NFC North Division today against the Minnesota Vikings. Once again, Rex Grossman played worse than a one-armed leper. Fortunately, the Bear's defense is the best in the NFL, and can create countless turnovers. Urlacher is as close as a player can get to being a Defensive god. Now that the pressure is off, the Bears should be able to get the top seed. I say they start Grossman next week and if he fucks up, put Griese in to see what he can do. With this defense special teams, we will be difficult to beat. The key is Grossman and how he can begin to be an effective quarterback. Those interceptions and fumbles have killed us. Let's hope this is the point of turn-around.

GO BEARS!

Ken Hawk's Friday Huddle Quick Hits - Week 13

• Coach Hawk is back! The guy is lucky to be here, spending the Thanksgiving weekend in the hospital after receiving third degree burns to his wanger. If someone tells you to check that turkey with a "meat thermometer", think before you act.
• Week 13 of the NFL season and what do we know so far. Well, some here and there. Ken Hawk went 13-3 last week in his picks, which goes to show even a guy who drinks mustard and knows nothing about football can chose a winner.
• This weekend the Cowboys and Giants face off, and regardless of what direction each team is going this is heating up to be a statement rivalry game. Dallas says let's go. New York says no way in hell.
• There are too many names in the news, too much press and too many people voicing in the Giants camp to convince me that this team has re-focused itself for this showdown. This is an angry, confused group publicly voicing its discontent, and is becoming increasingly individual, and less a team.
• I can't see this team coming together to overcome the soaring Dallas opposition, it's that simple. There's a lack of confidence, leadership, and some send this message like they don't even care. That won't make one difference to the Cowboys.
• I could go both ways with Parcells's decision this week. Vanderjagt has a pretty accurate history behind him, but the question is what can you do for me now. I was half expecting Dallas's post-season to end with a wide kick in a windy stadium.
• Here's the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders. They give Ken that funny feeling he used to get trying to climb the rope in gym class.
• On Sunday the Seahawks will square off against the Broncos in Denver. A new era begins, as the sword is passed to Cutler, as Plummer has just run out of time.
• The day had to come, the question was when Shanahan would move on. At 7-4 in the playoff push, a victory here would undoubtedly spark this team and its fans and keep them in the wild card race. However, with the pressure on Cutler, to get it going, to turn this season around (thats why he's in now, isn't it?) I don't believe he will be able to instantly pull this offense back together in seven days. Despite the short week I'll take the 'Hawks for the upset.
• That should do it for Ken Hawk, lets do some picks for week 13 (Week 12: 13-3)
• Cincinnati > Baltimore UPSET
• St Louis > Arizona
• Atlanta > Washington UPSET
• New England > Detroit
• Ken Hawk slapped > Ken Hawk getting laid
• Indianapolis > Tennessee
• Kansas City > Cleveland
• Chicago > Minnesota
• NY Jets > Green Bay
• San Diego > Buffalo
• New Orleans > San Francisco
• Oakland > Houston
• Miami > Jacksonville
• Dallas > NY Giants
• Pittsburgh > Tampa Bay
• Seattle > Denver UPSET
• Carolina > Philadelphia

Ken Hawk's Thursday Huddle Quick Hits - Week 12

• It's Thanksgiving at the Hawks' and that means a turkey in the microwave and eating out of the neighbor's garbage.
• Last week Coach Hawk predicted the Cowboys to have the means to dominate this second half of the season and start with the Colts. Now Dallas is looking hot with the Giants and the Eagles taking losses. So have faith here, sometimes this guy's thought process is on-target. Other times, like handing his beer to the driving instructor and saying "hEy watCh tHiS", he couldn't be more wrong.
• The Colts' offense was faulted in several places last week, with three fumbles and two interceptions, Manning clearly thrown off and his receivers dropping a number of balls.
• This should be a wake up call for the Colts to get back to the basics, simple mistakes were a major factor in their loss on Sunday. How Indianapolis will regain its focus and correct its errors is to be seen, but I expect this team to eventually overwhelm a Philadelphia club missing its primary weapon.
• How about a little love for this Eagles cheerleader? How about a lot? How about I shake the paint off your walls, honey? Whoa. Too much?
• Chicago ends their three game road trip in the northeast in a Sunday afternoon showdown with one of those teams no one wants to play, the New England Patriots.
• On one hand its my Chicago Bears who have rebound from that loss to go 2-0 on the road, with defense and special teams at their top game and the offense playing smart against turning it over. There are doubts to be had with the offense, but the Bears are improving.
• On the other side, New England is a fierce AFC team. Brady is a renowned leader, Belichick is extremely strategic, the numbers do not reflect what they can throw at you. The Pats weakness may be in a beat-up secondary. I'm pulling for my Bears, but I am thinking Belichick will be the top factor in designing schemes to disrupt Grossman's attack. Tough call.
• You know what else is tough? Ken Hawk getting fired this holiday week. I'd say crapping in a trash can marked "waste" is an honest mistake, and actually a step up for Hawk, really.
• Here's a tribute to the two greatest cheerleaders in NFL history. God bless you.
• On Thursday night Denver battles Kansas City in another heated AFC West match. The first meeting in Week 2 went to Denver with a final 9-6 score in overtime. How about this, in consecutive weeks both played Oakland to a 17-13 score.
• Ken Hawk is going with Kansas City for the win, aside from the home advantage, with two well-matched defenses you have to look at the offense coming to the table. Jake Plummer just won't convince me with his inconsistency. From one game to the next its who will show up today. But at 7-3 would you shake things up? I don't think Shanahan will.
• And thats the new format. I'd love your feedback, too much or too little, I'd rather hear that than nothing at all. But its a step in the right direction. Ken Hawk hasn't been prouder since a deep search into family records revealed his full birthname. Stand tall, Kenneth Fartholomew Hawk.
• Here's Ken's picks for Week 12: (Week 11: 11-5)
• Miami > Detroit
• Dallas > Tampa Bay
• Kansas City > Denver UPSET
• Minnesota > Arizona
• Carolina > Washington
• Cincinnati > Cleveland
• N.Y. Jets > Houston
• Jacksonville > Buffalo
• New Orleans > Atlanta UPSET
• Baltimore > Pittsburgh
• San Francisco > St. Louis UPSET
• San Diego > Oakland
• New England > Chicago
• Tennessee > N.Y. Giants UPSET
• Indianapolis > Philadelphia
• Seattle > Green Bay

The Cowboys ride The Colts

The Colts are no longer undefeated. The 1972 Dolphins need to send a big THANK YOU to my Dallas Cowboys for keeping their record sacred.

Yesterday afternoon, Tony Romo had one of the best games of his short career in the Cowboys 21-14 win over the Colts. Our defense played an awesome game and never let Manning feel comfortable in the pocket.

All I gotta say is HELL YEAH!!!!!

Pacquiao KO's Morales!

For those of you who happen to be fans of boxing, Manny Pacquiao knocked out Erik Morales in the 3rd round tonight! The fight took place in Las Vegas to a split Mexican and Philippino crowd. Unfortunately, for me, Morales got his ass kicked. But this outcome was fairly predictable since he is no longer the fighter he used to be. Hopefully we'll get some more killer fights in the coming year. Watch out for Floyd Mayweather Jr., that dude can fight!

Big Sports Weekend

There are some great sporting events this weekend and in the week to come including the big Michigan / Ohio State game, the Colts / Cowboys game, and Nascar's Championship weekend.

First Off, congratulations to Todd Bodine for winning the Nascar Craftsman Truck Series Championship. Believe it or not, this is the first Nascar Championship for the Bodine family, and Todd has dominated this year's run for the trophy. In my opinion, the CTS is one of the most competitive and exciting racing series in all of racing.


Now, the big race. Sunday, Jimmie Johnson will try to hold off Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, and Dale Earnardt Jr. To win his first ever Nascar Nextel Cup Championship. Currently, Johnson has a comfortable 60 point lead over Kenseth and just needs to finish 12th or better to secure the Cup.





I guarantee that my remote control will be busy flipping from the race to the football games including the Colts vs. The Cowboys. This will be Tony Romo's biggest game of his short career, and I expect him to rise up and meet the challenge head on. The Colts defense is weak and watch for Julius Jones and Marion Barber to exploit the Colts' line and both should have huge games. Unfortunately, I think Manning will be the big difference in this game. He is probably the best QB in football today, and I expect the Colts to narrowly escape defeat against my Cowboys.

Now to the biggest football game of the week. The match-up between #1 Ohio State and #2 Michigan should live up to it's expectations. I personally don't care who wins, or even have a pick for this game, but I will be watching with the expectation of this being the game of the year and the game that will decide who will be this year's NCAA Champion.

OK, now go grab some beer, potato chips, and French onion dip; call the boys over; send the wife to the mall; and enjoy some great sporting events this weekend.

DA BEARS!

As a hardcore Bears fan, it's been surprising that I haven't jumped on the "Bears are going to the Superbowl" bandwagon. I'm not totally convinced that this team has what it takes to win a big playoff game. I think Rex Grossman has lots of experience to gain before the Bears can truly be contenders. Furthermore, the defense has to stop the running game. This is all changing very rapidly. Read on...

I'm beginning to BELIEVE in the Bears. I was always skeptical about the Lovie Smith regime, but their impressive wins against the NY Giants, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers has injected a shot of confidence in this team. Sure, the Arizona and Miami games were ugly, but the team showed how it can come back against the former team. The Bears have shown their weakness and their strengths, with the latter overshadowing the former.



Chicago Bears Weaknesses:

- Rex Grossman: Will the impressive one show up, or will the rookie-esque player give Chicago fans more headaches.

- Rush Defense: We saw Tiki Barber gain 8 yards per carry on Sunday. The 49ers also put up formidable numbers against the Bears rush defense. This needs to be fixed.

- Jones vs Benson: Which one of these guys can truly produce for the Bears?

- Bernard Berrian: Will he be healthy-enough to be a factor against the Jets and Patriots?

Strengths:

- Rex Grossman: If he comes to a game prepared, expect many TD passes. He can be very brilliant!

- Defense: Eli Manning had a difficult time passing the ball in the second half, thanks to the defense.

- Brian Urlacher: The face of the team, and the guy who makes the defensive plays happen.


- Safety Mike Brown: He's a key defensive player. Hopefully he'll be healthy soon.

- Defensive Line, Tommie Harris: Getting sacks like a motherfucker!

- Devin Hester and Special Teams: 108 yd return TD, forced turnovers, need I say more?

Despite these strengths, I'm not ready to begin calling a Superbowl trip for the Bears. We'll have to see if they beat the Jets (which I think will get slaughtered by the Bears) and the Pats. If the Bears win these last two games of the road trip, I'll officially be on board the bandwagon. If they split the games, I'll most likely jump aboard soon after. The NFC is grossly inferior to the AFC, so these games are important. I hold the Bears to be favorites in the NFC, but many questions remain. Let's just say I'm very close to BELIEVING!

GO BEARS!

Ken Hawk's Friday Huddle - Week 11

New from Ken Hawk Collectibles! Warm up on those cold winter nights with the KH Brewery's Lord Hawk's famous Scottish Ass Splitter, or keep it metal with Ken's two new Iron Maiden influenced ales, Beer of the Dark and Bring Your Lager To The Slaughter! The Ken Hawk Collectibles company would also like to remind all customers to immediately dispose of their Ronnie James Diodarant, as long term studies have shown to produce unwanted body hair and an unexplained desire to run around your neighborhood all goofy wielding a sword and shield.
So now in Week 11 while we are starting to see the shape of the division leaders in this second half of the season the underdogs have come back fighting. The Giants loss to the Bears on Sunday night keeps them in the thick of things as both the Eagles and the Cowboys won in Week 10. The AFC West is catapulted into the spotlight as the Broncos, Chargers and Chiefs all have made their cases as contenders this year. Two consecutive losses on the Patriots' board come as the Jets and the Dolphins get victories. That is the craziness that is the NFL huh? How about this? Ken Hawk got laid...... out flat when he complained about SYL / Fear Factory bassman Byron Stroud stealing his chili dog.
Week 11: how about the Colts versus the Cowboys, and oooooh damn, the Chargers at the Broncos. Someone pass me a Beer of the Dark.
On Sunday the Cowboys face their biggest fight this season when the undefeated Colts bring their game into town and BND has got his Peyton Manning voodoo doll ready. This one promises to be interesting though, and here's why: the Colts are on the road, (Manning's first time in Dallas BTW) and are lining up against a 3-4 defense with high numbers against the pass attack and good corners. In addition, Julius Jones and Marion Barber spearhead a strong Dallas rushing game, where it is universally overstated that Indianapolis is dead-last in defending against. The matchup balance teeters in the Cowboys' favor, but make no mistake, this is a formidable offense with a heavy arsenal they are up against. The Colts have scrapped against some powerful teams to start 9-0. But, Dallas, I believe, has the pieces in place to be one of these teams that soar in the second half of the season, and I am penciling them to start here with an upset over Indianapolis.
Sunday night will mark a major battle in the war of the AFC West when the Broncos take on the Chargers in what is likely the most anticipated game of the week. At stake is the lead in the AFC West with each team at a 7-2 standing. In my week 4 or 5 rant I went on about how I was seeing San Diego as one of the most complete teams in the AFC, and the team looks like its coming around with others. Now, the Chargers attack has made a name for itself, packing a high-powered offense with a confident QB and tremendous rushing game. At the same time, the defense has slipped, allowing 41 points to the Bengals, 25 points to the Browns, 30 points to the Chiefs in the middle of their season. That's a groaner, but I can't knock them for that win in Cincinnati, in all honesty I think this team could beat pretty much anyone on the map. On the other side, the great Denver debate could easily become renewed following another slow outing for Plummer against Oakland last Sunday. 2 TD's, 3 picks, the Broncos get it done, but from the looks of things Shanahan is not liking the inconsistency of the offense coming to the table. Here, I just think San Diego is the better team, the Denver offense isn't convincing me they can put up more than the Chargers can, and I'll take the Bolts to get the better of their rivals this time around.
Alright, starting Week 12, this blog will be in a new format, and we'll see how it rolls. Time for picks. (Week 10: 9-7)
Baltimore > Atlanta
Houston > Buffalo
Chicago > NY Jets
New Orleans > Cincinnati
Miami > Minnesota
New England > Green Bay
Kansas City > Oakland
Pittsburgh > Cleveland
Carolina > St. Louis
Philadelphia > Tennessee
Tampa Bay > Washington
Detroit > Arizona UPSET (?)
Seattle > San Francisco
Dallas > Indianapolis UPSET
San Diego > Denver UPSET
Jacksonville > NY Giants

Ken Hawk's Friday Huddle - Week 10

The votes are in, and the popular opinion says Ken Hawk could lose an election against a kidney stone.
More importantly, the second half of the NFL season begins in Week 10, and if you're just tuning in, you're probably less confused than the rest of us.
Perhaps its just the way of the menacing, unpredictable NFL, but I can't remember a year in the past few where there was so much inconsistency, so early in the season, among so many teams. Things are beginning to take shape in the frontrunners, most notably the Colts coming off big wins in Denver and New England to make their case as they cruise at 8-0. There were doubts concerning this team, myself included, regarding the run defense that has been exposed like a bare ass, but the shield has got it done the past two weeks. Things look good for Indianapolis, a powerful offense, a skilled mind behind it, and while that hole in the anchor leaves some doubt you have to admit this team has scrapped through some tough ones.
This week's matchups feature games between the Redskins and Eagles, the Rams and the Seahawks, and the NFC power struggle comes to a showdown Sunday night when the Bears fight the Giants.
The Eagles began an impressive start only to fall to 4-4, and on Sunday return from their bye week to square off against the rival Redskins. At the risk of infuriating BND I'll keep this to a minimum. I'm going with Philadelphia to come back out of the bye week with a victory here, a stronger D supporting McNabb's play this year has been far more convincing than either side of the Washington ball. The slide that featured two losses with last minute field goals were just that, games where the last guy with the ball would come out on top. Still some questionable play, but some excellent game as well, and as far as 4-4 teams go, this is one of the better looking.
The Seahawks and the Rams fight it out one last time on Sunday out in the NFC West. I took Seattle to upset St. Louis when they first met back in Week 6, and this time around looks to be just as close. The Rams' skid started with the 'Hawks and after defeats to San Diego and Kansas City they face the rivals that started the streak. While putting up numbers to rank at #4 on total offense the St. Louis defense is giving up plenty on the pass and the rush, and nearly 25 points a game. Seattle has tried to adjust without Hasselbeck and Alexander and basically hangs around the middle of the stats. This is a tough one, with key injuries and coming off a short week it could easily go the other way, but based on that weak Rams D I'll take the 'Hawks at home to slide by for the upset and the sweep.
By the end of Sunday Night a dominant face in the NFC will emerge when Chicago rolls into New York. The Bears are 7-1, coming off that first disappointing game to Miami last week that seemed to stop the world for a day. The Giants continue at full throttle (aside from a game last week vs. the Texans that was too close for comfort) going 5-0 after a slow start.
So let's do this and be done with it, a word regarding the Bears: jump off the bandwagon if you wish, if you got that distraught from one loss in eight weeks, from getting that caught up thinking this team was perfect, you're a fool.
Its clear that Chicago dropped one here, and its also known that the Bears' success attributed to some loss of focus during meetings and practice last week. No joking around this week, this team now knows how it feels to lose and is vowing resilience. The key is minimizing mistakes, and it starts with Grossman, and the high expectations of him.
I wanted to put this into perspective, and after much thought, I thought a good comparison wouldn't be the '85 Bears but more the '04 Steelers. You have an inexperienced quarterback with less than a season of starts, surrounded by a very good ball club. The team begins to win games, Roethlisberger and Grossman are expected to play at an optimum, and thats a lot to ask. Both have good and bad games, they endure much criticism, jeers of replacement, their team bails them out, etc. But both have flashes of great potential. Now Grossman has his turnovers drilled into his head all week, the guy is young, he will improve. So everyone take a deep breath. Chicago wasn't going to run 16-0. Like I said, if you've been paying attention, you'd know this team has its weaknesses, but you'd also know this team has its strengths. The Seahawks were 3-0 and had just destroyed the Giants when the Bears put 37 points on them. Critics of the schedule seem to forget this one.
Flash forward. The question is how the Bears offense will fare against the depleted Giants, and can the #2 defense in the league contain Tiki Barber. Chicago takes a punch with emerging deep threat Berrian out, as does New York with notable defensive ends Mike Strahan and Osi Omenyiora, and now wide receiver Amani Toomer, out of the game. Starters aside, the Bears' primary emphasis must be not giving up the turnovers. Then, protecting Grossman as he works on the Giants defense giving up 200 yds/avg a game through the air and establishing a ground game. Coughlin will not make it easy on the Bears defense, as they have been increasingly effective in their run game utilizing leading rusher Barber when Manning feels the heat. Their focus must be executing against a strong rush defense and getting in the young Grossman's face on the other side. Because of the accumulation of injuries to the Giants and the events that have unfolded this week, I am going with Chicago to strike back on Sunday night.
And now for the picks (Week 9: 9-5)
Baltimore > Tennessee
Indianapolis > Buffalo
Atlanta > Cleveland
Minnesota > Green Bay
Jacksonville > Houston
Kansas City > Miami
New England > New York Jets
San Diego > Cincinnati
Detroit > San Francisco
Philadelphia > Washington
Denver > Oakland
Dallas > Arizona
New Orleans > Pittsburgh UPSET
Seattle > St. Louis UPSET
Chicago > N.Y. Giants UPSET
Carolina > Tampa Bay

...and in other Sports News

Harvey Barkenstafenstien won the North-East tiddlywinks championship with this 12" shot under the careful eye of Judge Margie Funklindurkster.

The competition was fierce, and the suspense was nearly unbearable, but in the end, Mr. Barkenstafenstien was able to pull out the victory.

Ken Hawk's Friday Huddle - Week 9

The Return of the Ken! Look at this guy, he gets more ass than a rental car. Lord Hawk is back and ready to face the second half of the 2006-07 NFL season with you. This man stands firm, even when the public disagrees with his drawing eyes and a mouth on his nadbag, with a well-placed flashlight behind them, to make the world's first Sac-O-Lantern. I want to see some legislation condemning the act to back up that Tasering.
Week 9 lies ahead and if you ask me, this has been one crazy year in the NFL. There have been the usual quarterback switches and coaching changes, but there's also inconsistencies in so many teams from one game to the next that it is truely difficult to predict which direction a club will be going a week from now.
But this is Week 9, and whether you're consistent or not is starting to become less the priority as your record is now the X factor. Desperation will set in and and the ones with their backs against the wall will strike hard to get that W.
This Sunday gives us several great rivalry matchups with a heated fight in the cold AFC North between the Bengals and the Ravens, and how about this for old enemies: the Cowboys versus the Redskins, the Colts versus the Patriots. Wow, is the heat on in here? You bet. Some like it hot. Ken Hawk heard that and thought it meant chicks like it when you microwave your wang.
Once a potential threat for the AFC crown, Cincinnati has fallen in previous weeks to New England and Atlanta, and the criticisms have begun to seep through the cracks. While the Patriots and Falcons are both heavy contenders playing very productively it has to be noted that the Bengals are failing to come out on top in the big games. Palmer still struggles with fumbling and a defense ranked 20th is still an issue. On the other side, the Ravens are one of these teams that hit the brakes and came right back at us in Week 8, taking the momentum out of the Saints and leaving one to wonder if this is the turnaround point. Was the choice to fire Fassel the right one? I feel about this the same way as I do about Dallas starting Romo. It's too early to tell what real impact it will have, but the immediate results were enough to get the confidence back among the team. Noteworthy: McNair's numbers in Week 8.
In the NFC East, the Cowboys are coming off handing the Panthers their asses to dance with the Redskins. There's plenty of history here between these two teams and good reason for Washington to want to play spoiler to Dallas's recent boost in morale. The Cowboys took the early game this season, and need another here to stay in the race with the Giants. Despite some bad choices, a few desperation tosses and some bad luck two weeks ago Romo looked steady in Carolina. This week he'll be out to prove that the win can't be all attributed to some sloppy play by the Panthers. Again, I think it's unrealistic to measure Romo by the two games he has played in thus far; as the season unfolds so will the character of Dallas's starter. What I can say is that the Cowboys needed to bench the declining Bledsoe, and at least Romo has given them hope.
At the height of the action is Indianapolis at New England. Yeah, it is the headline of the week, and maybe we talk way too much about it, but why not? In the past several years these two teams, both arguably a couple of the most dominant in the AFC if not the entire league, have played each other with fierce contest. I am thinking this duel will be a total shootout: the Colts offense holds such firepower and caliber in its attack, while the Patriots succeed so well in the strategic game, exposing weaknesses, rather than working on establishing a balanced offense. Look how New England dismantled Minnesota this past Monday. Belichick could care less if they didn't even crack 100 yards rushing, the Vikings were absolutely mangled in the air. So its the NFL's #1 offense vs. the calculating mind in New England. There's plenty to be excited about here. Keep in mind the Colts did drop the Pats last year, back in their dome, but that defense was much more steady than the one Indianapolis holds this year. In addition, the Patriots were having problems of their own, and were actually 4-3 at the time of the meeting. This time around looks to be a much more evenly matched game. New England has flown low while Chicago and Indy steal the headlines, this could be the perfect opportunity for the team to establish itself and claim the Colts' perfect record.
This weeks picks, lets do this thing:
Atlanta > Detroit
Chicago > Miami
Dallas > Washington
Buffalo > Green Bay
Baltimore > Cincinnati
Kansas City > St. Louis UPSET
New Orleans > Tampa Bay
NY Giants > Houston
Jacksonville > Tennessee
San Diego > Cleveland
Denver > Pittsburgh UPSET
Minnesota > San Francisco
New England > Indianapolis
Seattle > Oakland

BND's Sunday Predictions

OK, I've got no expert analysis, no match-up despriptions, no pictures of Ken in the huddle, and all the cheerleader picsks have already been posted. But here are my predictions for today's games:

Jacksonville > Houston
Philadelphia > Tampa Bay
Detroit < NY Jets
Green Bay > Miami
San Diego > KC
Carolina < Cincinnati (sorry Bushwack)
New England > Buffalo
Pittsburg < Atlanta
Denver > Cleveland
Missesota < Seattle
Arizona > Oakland
Washington < Indianapolis
NY Giants <<<<< Dallas

World Series
Tigers < Cardinals

Nascar at Martinsville
Jeff Burton will win and stretch his points lead

On Vacation : Hell, this page needs more of these

Ken Hawk - Out 'Til Week 9