Wednesday, December 06, 2006

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

25 comments:

BigNewsDay said...

Damn you!!!!!

I feel so betrayed.

spartachris said...

Shit
I thought you'd be on my ass. I'm fired.
This was a tough one. Like I said, this can go either way, the game may just go on who gets the good bounce this day. Personally, I think these two are the tops of the NFC, and I wouldn't put it past one of these two ending up in the Super Bowl.
I started to see some cracks in Romo last week. The guy has looked incredible, five weeks ago I didn't see Tony connecting for that pass he hit Witten with a minute left in the game. That was GOLD.
But I hate to see fans get blindsided. "Real deal?" Romo will have a bad day, its inevitable. And though I hate to use this comparison right now, it would be like Grossman (groan) and the game against Miami. Get the bad one out of the way, come back to earth before the playoffs. I think there's too much bandwagonning, too much buzz behind the young Dallas star at the moment, we all need that bad game.

BigNewsDay said...

This should be one of the better games this year. I'll forgive you this time (as long as the Cowboys win).

spartachris said...

As far as I'm concerned, your 'Boys are a hell of a team, and I'm interested to see how they will fare against teams like New Orleans and Seattle. And yeah, this will be one hell of a game, a good yardstick for how these teams will do in the playoffs. I think either team could take this one, but it is more a gauge of talent.
I'd be worried about either of these teams coming through the Windy City in January.

spartachris said...

P.S. I watched Bears Blitz on Comcast sports this evening and started feeling sorry for Grossman. Granted, the guy is obviously trying but failing, and I couldn't imagine walking around the town I love with people hating me.
THEN when asked about what he's been doing this week, Interceptosaurus Rex says "I've been watching film over those first five weeks, concentrating on the good."
Did the phrase "learn from your mistakes" arise for no reason? Holy shit. This isn't the path to improvement.
Here's my take for this week: there must be a differentiation between what is best for your team, and what is best for your quarterback. Grossman is struggling with the same problems as in preseason and giving the same answers. Asking for TIME and PATIENCE will only go so far, that was August and this is go time. Your job performance for the first five weeks or two months ago, it doesn't matter, the question is what can you do, who gives us the best chance NOW.
I understand Lovie's commitment to his QB but have some common sense, this trend can't continue. This effects the whole team.

spartachris said...

I am hoping Lovie will go with Griese to see what he can do, as the general consensus goes in Chicago with bringing in Brian at some point in this last stretch of the season.
We sincerely just want the best chance we can get. This team is too talented to go one-and-out again.

Lefty Metalhead said...

I also agree with trying Griese to see what he can do. Grossman needs a lift. He's truly a good QB, but has to overcome this huge hurdle. I also agree with the Saints and Cowboys being more than formidable opponents for the Bears in January. Now that we lost Harris, we won't be able to sack someone like Romo as much (don't forget about #54). Those two ball clubs are excellent, and I would be happy to see any one of them in the Super Bowl. However, the monsters of the midway are also an immense force defensively. And if they can get their offense up a little, I feel sorry for whoever is in their path.

spartachris said...

UPDATE - Friday 12/8
I'm going back on one of my picks, probably to BND's delight, and I'll still get it shoved in my face.
After some deep thought I have changed my pick in the Dallas/New Orleans game due to my own ignorance, I was unaware of some of the injuries on the Saints side and I think this tips the balance too far for Dallas for me to call this an upset.
I still think Romo is due. Think about this. At the beginning of the year Philip Rivers hit a hot streak in San Diego and polls everywhere were in his favor when it came to "who would you want leading your team". Weeks later, Rivers has cooled off, teams have caught on.
So I still believe Romo will have his coming to him sooner or later, better sooner with the playoffs coming. But after re-analyzing this game I am officially going with BND's boys on Sunday.

spartachris said...

I'm all with you Lefty. The truth is we have one of the best if not the best defense in the league right now. Think about this: the defense itself has let up less points than the offense has on points scored directly from turnovers. A look back at the scoring drives will show our shield has usually allowed a score when having to start on our side of the 50.
We owe it to this defense to give them the best shot possible because they deserve it, and because we have starters playing extended periods of time who are getting hurt.
I think Grossman has potential, but the fact that the same problems from the preseason still exist doesn't fool anyone. The first rule is to not turn over the ball, and if Grossman can't do this than someone else needs to.
This defense may be one of the best I've ever watched, but it won't last long if this offense doesn't pull itself together.

spartachris said...

Gameday, boys.

BigNewsDay said...

I can't wait 'till tonight's game.

GO COWBOYS!!!!!!!!!!!

spartachris said...

Long story short, I wait for the Friday edition of the USA Today before I post, so I can see the most updated injury report. Since the NFL Network started broadcasting Tursday games, I've had to move up my picks.
Once I had a chance to take a look at the Friday injury report I see there is too much weight stacked against the Saints in this one without Horn and Colsten, in addition to defensive injuries.
Looking forward to a good one tonight.

Lefty Metalhead said...

It's not looking good for the Cowboys right now...42-17 OUCH!

BigNewsDay said...

Damn, we got whupped. We were out-played, out-coached, and we played like shit.

I also have to give props to New Orleans for playing a flawless game. Brees and Bush are both very impressive players, and I now believe that the Saints are the team to beat in the NFC. They are for real.

spartachris said...

The play calling was unreal, from utilizing every player they had to the gutsy calls on 4th-and-1 and the onside kick. Bush is just a machine, and Brees looked like he was in control of the game on just about every snap. This was big.
Since Week 4 I've been all about San Diego as the most complete team out there, and damn they looked good on Sunday, but those Saints are something else.

spartachris said...

Bears tonight. I will be hanging with my buddies at Buffalo Wild Wings for this one. Damn some wings and a beer sound good.

spartachris said...

Did anyone else watch the Jax / Indy game? In previous weeks you see that Colts run defense as such a problem and you think they'd do what they could to strengthen up, as they did last year. And then the Jags just ran all over them.
I think that one made a big impact. There's no way the Colts are going to be able to contend if they're going to get thrashed that bad on the ground. Three weeks to do something, or they'll be out real quick.

BigNewsDay said...

Yes, I watched most of that game. Indy looked almost as bad as the Cowboys. The Chargers seem to be the team to beat in the AFC. They are now a game ahead of Indy for the top seed and seem to only be getting better, while Indy continues to struggle.

Lefty Metalhead said...

Hey Ken, which BW3 will you be going to? I used to frequent the Lincoln Park/DePaul location until they closed it down. I'm not sure whether they just remodeled or moved. Anyway, are you going to the In Flames show on Sunday? If so let me know since I'll probably be going.

The Saints played very well. I am impressed. The Cowboys had a tough game. I think they could beat the Saints if they played again. But the coming weeks will definitely be interesting.

Tonight's game will show whether Grossman has what it takes to win, or whether he's just another Cade McNown. The defense is weakened since Tommie Harris is injured. Nathan Vasher is questionable, so we don't know if he'll play. Regardless of Vasher's status, Manning Jr. has done very well in the cornerback position. I'd say the Bears win since the Ram's run defense sucks, and we have two decent RB's (Jones and Benson). Grossman needs to make short passes once the run is established. He should avoid his gun-slinging stuff unless they're up by a lot by half-time. This game is truly a BIG one. Hopefully Da Bears will live up to the hype. Grossman, get your ass in gear because the defense needs a rest.

spartachris said...

I'm in Peoria Lefty, took a job down here but family and friends are still all back up in Chi-town. I'll actually be back in as I got four ticks for the Bucs game this coming Sunday.
Just got home, two minutes left in the game. Holy shit, I got no voice. When Hester hit that first return the place went nuts. I drove my bud home and missed the second return.
I don't know what to say. I was expecting to come in here with "Well, we played Griese and..." what the fuck??? We're all looking at each other when Rex makes that first run and finishes off with the worst slide in NFL history. And the guy throws two touchdowns and looks like a totaly different person in his poise. It's official. I have no idea whats going on in this league.

Lefty Metalhead said...

I don't know what the fuck to say either! I mean, Grossman bounced back like I NEVER thought he would. This is amazing for Bears fans. And then we have Hester, the "Windy City Flyer" scoring two kick return TD's. This is just crazy! The defense wasn't as good as it should've been (Tommie Harris),but at least they managed to shut down Torry Holt, for the most part. The run game was also great tonight. Hopefully we can keep this up.

By the way, where in Peoria are you working? I have some political contacts down there. I established these contacts when I took a ride down there to campaign for Blagojevich. We were working out of the local Democratic Party office, which is located a few feet from the Bradley University campus.

GO BEARS!

spartachris said...

Right on. If anyone who's been hearing about Chicago's gripes with Grossman just tuned in for this game, they'd wonder what the hell we were talking about. He wasn't amazing, but his throws were a lot better, and he made better decisions. I don't even know what to think, I'm stunned.
I am at the USDA in Peoria, as a matter of fact we're right down the street from Bradley, do a lot of research with them. One of these times we gotta meet up or go catch a Sox game or something alright?
Da Bears! The Bucs this weekend!
The Windy City Flyer? Cooooooool.

spartachris said...

Shit I forgot about the defense, what happened there? We let up some major yardage yesterday.

Lefty Metalhead said...

Definitely dude, we should go to a Sox game. Once tix go on sale, we'll choose a game and head on over to see if they still got it!

spartachris said...

Wow, thanks.