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

Ken Hawk's Tuesday Morning Quarterback - Week 6

Week 6 of the NFL is over and Ken Hawk couldn't be happier. I went 6-7 in my picks, and this guy stood his own last night, and stuck it out, as humiliating as it was, and I'll leave it at that. If you find it out there, you can read all about it. But the week is over, and I'm on my way down to Jamaica for two weeks off, plenty of sun and scenery. Oh, and in true Ken Hawk fashion I'll be donning the Rasta tam hat and dreads for my pecker and cruising for the beach babes. Early forecast is calling for 512 stitches over the vacation.
What a week for upsets, three of the four winless teams would finally walk away without a loss, 6 of the 8 morning games were decided by 3 points or less, the champs win, the Bears, well, let's just say there was some crazy shit going on out there today. Some will shake their heads at this game, while others will point out that the defense and special teams found a way to win, and that's the sign of a great team. My thoughts: this is a good time to be heading into a bye week to re-evaluate ourselves. 4. interceptions. is. no. good.
The Saints matched the Eagles down to the final minutes and pulled away with the upset on Sunday, and this should be the one that makes believers of many. In the end, either team could have come away with the win in this one, but the Saints took the day. New Orleans goes into the bye week in first place at 5-1, but most importantly they took down one of the most dominant NFC teams on Sunday. A victory over the soaring Philadelphia offense made a statement, really, the fact that they kept up with the Eagles said enough, regardless of the win. In no way am I slighting the Eagles. I was a believer in the NO attack but other facets following the Panthers and Buccaneers games gave me some doubts, but this game was a wake-up call. The Saints DO have the capacity to take on the NFL.
The Seahawks edged the Rams with a last minute field goal to win 30-28. This was the morning game I watched, and I was convinced Holmgren would have an Alexander-less plan to attack coming off the bye week. The first half was all St. Louis, the second Seattle. That's really the only way I can see it, St. Louis couldn't even be consistent through one game. With talent like Bulger, Bruce and Holt I've never said this was a bad bunch, but this team can really change from one game to the next. There's little to conclude with a 2 point victory, they could pull off the next match vs. Seattle, though it would be an entirely different situation.
The certain defeat Sunday morning came with the Giants taking down the Falcons in a highly anticipated NFC battle. Whatever Coughlin did during the bye week must have worked, New York has really clicked back into gear these past two weeks. After all the talk and numbers surrounding the Atlanta defense they allowed a huge running game by the Giants. This leaves a big question mark in the NFC East. The 'Skins (2-4) and Eagles (4-2) lose today, the Giants (3-2) and 'Boys (3-2) win. This is a different kind of division, there is clearly a genuine power struggle.
To finish this off, it's been a fun season thus far, I've gone 58-29 in my picks. As for the season itself , there's a lot of game left, many questions to be answered, rivalries to settle, and room for teams to rise. Props to the Titans, Buccaneers, and.... Lions for not giving up, and coming away with your first this week. I watched the finals to the Tennessee and Tampa Bay matches, and they were really a sight to behold. At the same time, congrats to the Steelers on a menacing game vs. Kansas City, this was very impressive and a totally different Steelers team than we have been seeing these past few weeks, I was glad to see this great team pull it back together.
While there are some holding their throats around the water cooler, describing the Arizona team's final minutes last night, I have to point out how prominent a game Matt Leinart played. The rookie did was he was asked and lead the offense to two early scores in the first quarter, and he looked like a damn good veteran leader doing it. Laugh at the Cardinals now, but I think given a few years the NFC West will rise again into a big division.
Ken Hawk will return in Week 9 for the Saturday Morning Huddle. Until then, keep the firecrackers out of your ass.

Ken Hawk's Friday Huddle - Week 6

Welcome to Week 6 of the NFL season, your trusted compadre Coach Hawk is here, a week after going 13-1, telling you how it is and telling the rest to get in the back of the bus and sit down. A round of Tasering won't stop this guy, though he may drop the "Does this smell like chloroform?" pick-up line with the ladies; it does in fact get you Tasered fast, and often.
This week's matchups include several with the NFC's top division leaders, including Philadelphia and New Orleans, a West rivalry between the Seahawks and Rams, and the Big Blue at Atlanta. The "appealing" games are limited this week, but a real tug-of-war exists in the NFC, as several teams look to dethrone the Seahawks.
Eagles haters may not like it, but as a fan of the game I see McNabb playing some of his best football ever. The offense ranks #1 in the league and why not, McNabb has always played a good game and makes choice decisions. Despite some injuries and a day-to-day running game, Philadelphia has truly resurfaced since that awful 2005 season. At the same time, the Saints continue to be the feel-good story of the NFL following an incredible 4-1 start. I never understood trading Drew Brees though I can't say San Diego is complaining now, and Brees has recovered and played damn well in New Orleans. And does it get much better than the one-two punch of McCallister and Bush? The Saints I think have the talent to keep up in battle with the Eagles, but I don't see them upsetting this soaring offense. While the defense has improved immensely the pieces aren't all here yet, New Orleans would have to have lucky bounces to take on some of the NFL elite.
The Seahawks return from their bye week after that loss to DA BEARS and face division rival St. Louis. The Rams kicked off their season with a thrashing of Denver followed by a loss to San Francisco, and now have won 3 in a row by a touchdown or less vs. Detroit, Green Bay, and Arizona. OK, so the play is actually fairly good, but wins against under .500 teams, two being close wins involving last minute fumbles, well, they don't gotten me on board with some saying to watch for this team as the season progresses. I watched the Arizona game, and I didn't see it. The defense is decent but the wins have come with last minute luck, and I've already gone through this with the Ravens. When scoring in the final second becomes a habit, it will be exposed. The Rams' numbers are increasing but this is a tough, talented Seattle club, and you can bet this is also an angry Seattle club.
The other NFC East vs. NFC South game on Sunday comes with Giants against the Falcons. I was a bit shocked to see NY beat back the Redskins last week following a near collapse going into their bye week. But the defense rallied, Manning threw well, and the Giants put a brake on the 'Skins who only a week before had topped the Jaguars. I still believe that this is a growing team capable of doing great things, though what with their shaky start and a tough schedule this may not be their year. The story in Atlanta this year hasn't been Mike Vick so much as the tremendous defensive power they have assembled. Aside from the loss to the Saints in that MNF return the Falcons haven't allowed an offensive touchdown and are ranked up at #3 for overall defense. The offensive rush is producing big time, though there have been some problems getting the whole job done; coming off a bye week it may take this match to fully assess how Atlanta will finish on the attack.
What stinks in here, is that Coach Hawk thundershitting himself eyeing this lovely lady? Nah, its that I have been doing fairly well in my picks, but not posting them on the site. A 13-1 week is pretty damn cool, but nothing to get a boner about if you have no proof. I have nothing to show for it other than the USA Today Friday edition sports section where I mark my picks. Well that changes here folks:
Seattle > St Louis
Philadelphia > New Orleans
Atlanta > New York Giants
Baltimore > Carolina
Cincinnati > Tampa Bay
Washington > Tennessee
Dallas > Houston
San Diego > San Francisco
NY Jets > Miami
Oakland > Denver... NOT!
Chicago > Arizona
Buffalo > Detroit
Kansas City > Pittsburgh = Upset of the Week
This is pretty much the only upset I can see happening, I think KC couldn't be finding the champs at a better time. As the mandatory upset pick goes, here it is.

Ken Hawk's Tuesday Morning Quarterback - Week 5

Week 5 of the NFL season comes to a close and Coach Hawk, who goes 13-1 (his only loss due to his mandatory upset pick) in his picks this week, is all over the X's and O's in this edition of Tuesday Morning QB.
The defending champs hit a three game losing slump upon falling to the Chargers Sunday Night. Rusty has been the word people have been using for the Steelers this season but I struggle to see what is really happening here; the offense hasn't been consistent in it's running or receiving, even with the veterans like the great Hines Ward there's dropped passes and people failing to come up with the ball. In the past three games Ben has thrown 0 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Overall it looks like there's a loss of confidence on both sides of the Pittsburgh game and I'm really hoping this team can pull itself out of this hole; this is far from the club that took down Cincinnatti, Indianapolis and Denver on its way to the Super Bowl.
At the same time, San Diego looked GOOD. Despite a slow start Philip Rivers gave doubters a show by tearing through a physical Pittsburgh defense. I'm interested in seeing more of Rivers, though you have to give him credit for the primetime performance on Sunday, but the strength of the Chargers run game and the stiff defense has convinced me over the past several weeks. Last week, I didn't take away from the Chargers after that loss, and at the moment, I am thinking San Diego might be the best looking team in the AFC. It isn't about records or win streaks, its all about substance.
Elsewhere the Giants returned from their bye week to hold the Redskins to a field goal in their victory. After three declining performances I was thinking my original NFC Super Bowl pick was a bust. The criticism amongst the team and staff following that loss to the Seahawks wasn't quite at mutiny, but it made news, and that got louder. From the way the Giants handled things yesterday it appears these ripples have been settled for the time being. It will take a few weeks to see how this NY team will move ahead.
Indianapolis ended up with the win at the end of the day yesterday but their defense's performance over the season isn't fooling anyone, the rigid shield that the Colts amassed last year after years of problems with the D is simply not there anymore. Not to take away from the Titans, at all, who shut down the Indianapolis offense for a good slice of the game. And not too bad for a team who suffered such a humiliating round against Dallas last week, how about Young's TD run there? It's too bad there's some poor decision making here, maybe the Titans could pull it together in the next few years.
Indianapolis hasn't really clicked for me lately. You will see peoples power rankings each week (which I think would be a awesome thing to implement at this site) where the winners rise and the losers drop, and I mean, what the hell is that? Don't be fooled by the buzz, this is not the way to look at things, why do you think these guys move their #1 teams and apologize every week? Honestly, the Colts defense problems have stuck with me for weeks, and yesterday was enough for me to take them down a notch in my personal power rankings. This is a great team, but the defense problems will expose them this season. There are better rounded teams out there. Upcoming contests against the Redskins, Broncos, and Patriots will test that undefeated record of the Colts.
As a Chicagoan, and as a fan of the game, I was very impressed by the Bears' victory over the Bills. There is much talk out there of "the best team in the league" and already there are Bears fans buying Super Bowl tickets, and while I agree the Bears have found a successful offensive attack while holding one of the most vicious defenses in the league, I'm interested in seeing a match against a formidable AFC team. The Week 12 game against New England will be interesting. I don't look to be a downer but a voice of common sense with Chicago football fans. Hey, I'm all about the Bears. I love Chicago. The Bears could well be bound to win the NFC, I've been backing them every week! My point: enjoy the ride, but don't support yourself underneath hype you don't understand. There's too many folks reading the papers saying 5-0, hey, the Bears are perfect this year!
Monday night gave us an inside look at one of the breakthrough teams of the season, the Baltimore Ravens, when they headed to Denver for a primetime showdown. For the past few weeks I have been critical of the team's last-minute comebacks that some claim are the makings of a great QB while others simply claim it a bad habit. This was the epitome of a defensive game, you can't take away from either teams D with what an unrelenting contest both gave. In the end, the Broncos would come away with the victory and spoil the Ravens' undefeated season, and we would have some insight into the core of the Baltimore game. My conclusions, the Ravens defense IS that good. They were over Denver all night and only showed some weakness through hesitation and the rushing up the gut (and that TD in the last 2 mins). The talent on the Baltimore D is unquestionable, "unorganized chaos" is actually a fair description. However, I still have my doubts of the Baltimore attack. Steve McNair is a terrific athlete and a great complement to this Ravens team, but I had my doubts early and I hold them now, I do not see this team yet as the one that looks to suprise the AFC. One can't but help reminisce of the 2000 Ravens who took the season by storm despite a lackluster offense however this is a new year, and as I said these past few weeks, last minute luck will only get you so far.

Ken Hawk's Friday Huddle - Week 5

After going 8-6 in Week 4, Ken Hawk's manning the wheel in Week 5 and getting the word out on the top games while toughing it out through his latest injury. Hey, if you got a massive gum wad tangled in your pubic hair, wouldn't your methodology for removing it be freezing and a hammer? No? Me neither.
The talk of the week centers around Philadelphia where on Sunday the Cowboys and that funny little football guy visit their rival Eagles. The other NFC East teams clash in NY as the Giants look to save the ship, the undefeated Bears host the Buffalo Bills, the mighty Steelers hope to rebound in San Diego, and the Ravens look to make it 5-0 when they meet the Broncos.
I am looking forward to the Baltimore-Denver match as I hope this will be the one where one of these teams convinces me, barring a sloppy game. The Ravens come in 4-0 with a tremendous defense and a new head at offense who has lead them to last-second comebacks in the past two weeks. The Broncos have their own issues, what with constant (and really unnecessary) media scrutiny of quarterback Jake Plummer. Give the guy a break. Three games into the season and a 2-1 record? It just doesn't seem the place to be shutting down shop on the guy who hasn't been perfect. Every game won't be the best of your life. Concerning the Ravens: I can't take away from their 4-0 record, and some say the last-minute comeback is a sign of a great quarterback. Still, what I've seen hasn't shown me enough to make me a believer. Monday night, at Mile High Stadium, is a big task. On the other hand, one bad half and the Denver fans will probably be booing Plummer. Nevertheless, I'm going Denver; if the Ravens can pull off a good match, consider me a believer.
The Giants look to turn out of the spiral when the Redskins come into town on Sunday. New York, you may remember, was thrown to the trash quicker than a Dustin Diamond video by Seattle two weeks ago, and immediately emotions erupted. Outplayed, outcoached, whatever, you all lost because you lose together. This is by no means a bad team, numbers against the Colts earlier this season were encouraging and there's planty of talent here. At the same time, the Redskins seemed to have gotten on track and are gaining speed, with victories in the past two weeks, this past win against the Jaguars especially impressing. I'm not feeling the NY defense as I was last year, and I don't think they'll be holding Washington on Sunday, put me down for the 'Skins as my upset this week.
At noon the Bills take to Soldier Field to - OK, does anyone really care about any story here? I'm going Chicago, and thats all you need to know. This says it all: Daaa Bearssse.
Last year, Pittsburgh and San Diego collided hard, with the black and gold taking a two point victory. The year before, the Chargers' breakthrough season was halted in the playoffs when the Steelers beat them in a first round overtime game. This time around, both are coming off of losses. The defending champs haven't looked so in the past few games, emphasis on the offense, what with Ben Roethlisberger's unusual proneness to injuries and bad luck. There have been some poor decisions here. On the other side, the Shockers are looking to regroup after blowing that lead to the Ravens last week. All the talk has been concerning "Martyball" and its uber-conservativeness. Fair enough, but its football, sometimes you take risks and fail. This is still one of the best all-arounders in the AFC. I say the Chargers win this round in a close game, but I'll be rooting for the Steelers. On one hand, as a kid I always thought they had the coolest name. On the other, this is a critical game for them and they are aware of it; falling to 1-3, what with the Bengals and Ravens providing some serious contention in the AFC North, might be too deep a hole to recover from.
Raiders and 49ers? Please.
I'm going to skip the drama fucking circus that we're all aware of and get straight to the point with Dallas at Philadelphia. This is actually a matchup I like, both teams putting up similar numbers, both coming off big wins and looking to carry the momentum into this rivalry. You have the Eagles with a short week from the Monday Night game, but also having home-field advantage, and I'm thinking those bleachers will get LOUD. You have the Eagles numbers adding up to the top offense of the past four weeks, but you also have some key injuries adding up on that side of the Philadelphia squad. I could really see this one going either way, I believe it is that good of a match. However, for the sake of having fun with the game, and to keep things interesting, I'll take the Eagles to win this one against BND's boys. What do you say bud? Joke's on you, you haven't even read any of this. HEY! DUDE! OVER HERE, HEY! STOP STARING AT BOOBIES FOR A SEC!

BND's Update:

Huh? Did you say something. You forgot to talk about the eagles vs. The cowb....BOOBIES!!!!!!!!! uh, I mean eagles vs. cowboys.

Ken Hawk's Tuesday Morning Quarterback - Week 4

Boy did my picks go to hell this week! Several unbeatens would fall in Week 4: the AFC dominating Bengals met a fierce element called reality when the Patriots put an end to their winning ways, the Saints were upended by the Panthers in Carolina, and the Chargers fell to a Ravens squad boasting a familiar swarming defense and an offense that finds a way to get things done. Elsewhere, the Colts overcame a scare from - the Jets?!? The Redskins surmounted a powerful Jaguars team in overtime, and the CHICAGO BEARS dominated the reigning NFC champion Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night and gave answers to the inquiries of this team's core.
A quarter through the season and we are beginning to see which clubs out there are for real and which will be at the Super Bowl - up in the box seats. A suprise came in a bolt of black and orange last year when a resurgent Cincinnatti squad took the AFC North by storm. Out for revenge after the rival Steelers ended their breakthrough season, this year the Bengals have looked more poised to take a swipe at the throne in an AFC that sees no ruling king at the moment. A New England team who we thought may be in the sunset days of its dynasty clearly exposed the Bengals on Sunday and slapped their hand away from the AFC crown. 10 sacks and 5 fumbles by your quarterback in two games is a red flag, it was enough to hamper the Bengals last week, and it killed them yesterday. On the other side, the numbers done by Brady and his backs raise several questions about a shaky Cincinnatti defense. In fact, this game may be the one that brought about more inquiries than answers, clearly this was not the Cincinnatti that looks to take over in the AFC. A big question mark is waiting in this conference.
Baltimore has staked its ground at 4-0 after defeating San Diego on Sunday. Following a near slip to the Browns last week, I was waiting for this team to convince me. Holding back the Charger's running game is no small task, nor taking the game from them in the final drive. While I don't look to take from their win (or from a 4-0 start), I am still interested in seeing more of this Baltimore team before making any calls; last minute wins from behind can only get you so far in a division where the Bengals and Steelers play.
If anyone picked the NY Jets as a sleeper this year they probably would have ended up groining my knee. A 4-12 team that in 2005 had a disasterous year with injuries and started five quarterbacks, now under a new coach? But this team kept up with the Colts yesterday, outwitted Indianapolis and caught them off guard several times during the game, including an onside kick during the second quarter. Make no mistake, there is a such thing as an impressive loss.
The game I had my eyes all over was the Sunday night match between Seattle and Chicago. The Bears had risen to 3-0 through kicking over the divisional rivals and looked to test their mettle against the NFC Champion Seahawks, who just last week delivered a colossal blow to the Giants that sent NY spinning into their bye week. But Sunday night, it was Seattle who would go home wearing a black eye. The Bears defense was as unrelenting as it ever has been, assaulting and sacking Hasselbeck all night to the point Holmgren would have gotten him killed had he stayed in, intercepting twice and forcing the Seahawks to stay conservative, giving up only two field goals; Chicago was all over Seattle's offense, who were clearly frustrated and off their mark. Yes, unquestionably Alexander's injury was the factor of the week, the reason the Bears wouldn't "truely" win in a close game, but hey, this wasn't a close game, and he couldn't help the defense out an inch. The Chicago offense that we thought we saw clicking was a machine at full speed Sunday night. Grossman was in great form, and really on target with some dead-on throws, and at the same time the Bears were able to hit the ground game and chew up stretches of yards there. There's no question, this team that has struggled for years to raise an offense pulled it together last night and proved they are more than a mediocre team in the NFC.
P.S. Packers suck.

BND's Bloggin for the 'Boys

The cowboys come into today's match-up at 1-1, but overshadowed by this weeks unfortunate series of events involving Terrell Owens. Tennessee's record is a dismal 0-3, and made the decision to start rookie quarterback Vince Young. I am huge Longhorns fan and a huge Vince Young fan, so I think it is a shame for him to make his first NFL start against the Cowboys.

Putting aside T.O.'s problems this week, we need to remember that he had surgery less than two weeks ago and has a plate in his hand. He still started the game, and as of now (midway through the 4th qtr), he has had a big game. Julius Jones and Marion Barber have rushed for over 150 yards combined and the Cowboys are winning 31-14. Scratch that! Interception ran back for a touchdown 38-14.

One of the ugliest displays of lack of sportsmanship was witnessed after an earlier touchdown when the Titans Defensive Tackle Albert Haynesworth ripped the helmet off of Cowboys center Andre Gurode, kicked him in the back, then stomped on his exposed head. This resulted in a 30 yard penalty, Haynesworth's ejection from the game, and several stitches in the head of Gurode. There is no room in football for this type of behavior. The NFL must, and I believe will, make an example of Haynesworth with a very lengthy suspension if not expulsion from the league.

Damn, we scored again 45-14. Now, all three of or running backs have scored touchdowns. And that is how the game will end. Time to watch the rest of the NASCAR race at KC.

Ken Hawk's Friday Huddle - Week 4

Week 4 of the NFL season is here, and Ken Hawk is on the job to get you through it, with as little stress and as many boobies as possible.
This weekend poses several fierce matchups. The undefeated Seahawks travel to Chicago for a NFC showdown. The Bolts take on the Ravens in a matchup of solid defenses. Carolina hosts the 3-0 Saints. New England heads to Cincinnatti to face the undefeated Bengals. The Colts face the Jets. BND's 'Boys and T.O.D. (get that? T.O.? O.D.? I thought it was clever. OK, nevermind.) head to Tennessee to see if the Tits even show up.
Lets talk Chargers at Ravens. "Something has got to give" is the phrase of the week and rightfully so. San Diego presents a formidable offense and defense, they miss the playoffs last year by a few feet, but the team is here. Maybe we haven't seen enough of Philip Rivers yet, but we've seen plenty of Shawne Merriman to make us thundershit ourselves. Baltimore has a few W's in the belt this year, and anywhere you look people will say yeah, against Tampa Bay, Oakland, and Cleveland. But there's a point there. Let's see what happens when you throw two winning teams at each other. This is going to be a hard hitting, defensive contest, and I think the Chargers will put it away at the end.
The Saints may be the least respected 3-0 team out there. Day of, New Orleans residents on the net were boasting how bad they suck. Day after, the game had to have been fixed. Many still doubt their play and credit the emotion of Monday night. I honestly do not know, I think this is one of those teams that has defied the natural laws, like how Ken Hawk leaves a skid mark on the ceiling, and its just going to take a few more weeks to wait and see. At the same time, I never bought into the whole Carolina thing, it came right after preseason and smelled of overhype. Hey theres plenty of time to turn it around, so prove me wrong. I say the Saints do it again here.
In the Colts/Jets and Patriots/Bengals games, I just don't see enough there to trip up either of the favored teams. I was interested to see what Bill Belichick would mastermind to keep the Cincinnatti offense down, and maybe he will, but that image of Tom Brady looking like a bum on the sidewalk is sticking with me.
A Sunday night battle awaits at Soldier Field when the Seahawks take on the Chicago Bears. Some predict this as an early look at a possible postseason matchup. Hell, why not? The Seahawks haven't lost much since last year, their play has strengthened each week, they knocked NY into a complete tailspin last Sunday with a stiff defense and a four wide receiver offense that seemed to keep everyone open and kept the Giants defense scrambling, and are bucking that trend that follows the Super Bowl loser clubs. The Bears offense has been playing at a higher level than it had all last year, and in three weeks they've done what you'd expect a good club to: blowout the weak teams, and win the close games vs. the strong ones. Are they a contender? It's Week 4, we could sit here and make arguments for half the NFL teams. Here's my thoughts: win or lose, this game is really about finding out how good Seattle and Chicago are. I say this for this game, but it should apply to any: a win is a win, but finding your substance is a real victory. I thought this would be my upset pick as I assumed the Seahawks were favored, but as of Alexander's benching, a critical factor to say the least, I have not seen the odds. Well, I'm going with the Bears on this one, looking for a very close scoring game, and hoping to see the Chicago boys come out on top. Ken Hawk will be back Monday night for the recap after the Packer lose HAHAHAHAHAOMg

The Return of The Saints

Sometimes, it's great to be wrong.

The Saints returned to New Orleans Monday night to defeat what many, including myself, thought a superior Falcons team. Atlanta had racked up over 500 yards rushing in their first two games and looked like a born-again squad with a revitalized Mike Vick and beefed-up defense. But this outcome couldn't be predicted with stats. This game couldn't be won by measure of talent. No, this game was won with heart. Congratulations, New Orleans.


So I went 9-5 this week with my picks, 2-3 with the big games. Are these Bengals for real? A so-so game out of Cincinnatti equals an upset over Pittsburgh. At the same time, that defense put out a ton of yards. I'll be interested to see how they handle San Diego in Week 10 and Indianapolis is Week 15. Sunday night it became very clear that the Patriots are on the down escalator, did you see that bench? Backdoor Sluts 9 didn't have that many heads hanging low. New England has made some choices lately that have heads shaking, but this isn't a team that should be looking like it can't pull out of the spiral.
One bad pick I went on this year was going with something I prophesized two years ago. This is just poor on my part. In 2004 I told a friend in Jersey to give the Giants two years. This is what I went on in giving NY the thumbs up as my NFC contender this year. The past two weeks, they have just. looked. bad. Seattle absolutely crushed them, pay no attention to the 42-30 score, this was 42-3 at one point. Now there are problems, players slamming each other - I don't know how much worse it gets than that - this is a team on very shaky ground. I made an airhead decision. And I thought CNN Headline News' Robin Meade claimed that blue ribbon yesterday with asking the weather guy what the temperature would be like at the SuperDome. Oh boy.

hUhuhboobieswhat was I talking about again. Right so it looks like the Seahawks got all the moving parts going again and looked just awesome on Sunday. Say what you want about the losing team returning to the Super Bowl trend, this is still the team to beat in the NFC. The Bears topped the Vikings in a close match, despite some mistakes on Grossman's part you have to give the guy credit for keeping focus and nailing a touchdown in the closing minutes to seal the game. It's a win, but don't think that Minnesota team won't be back. The Bears face a gargantuan test this week vs. the Seahawks.
Elsewhere, the Colts offense worked on the Jaguars defense patiently and arose at the end with the W. This is an intense team that wants that ring, it will be interesting to see who will be able to keep up with Indianapolis this year, as the Patriots, who have had their number in previous years, are currently reeling in the East.

Ken Hawk's Friday Huddle - Week 3

Week Three poses several standoffs between well-matched teams. The Jaguars, fresh off their halting of the Steelers at home, are moving on to Indianapolis for a showdown with the high-powered Colts. This looks to be the match of the week, with an intense Jacksonville squad looking for some recognition. The Bengals-Steelers rivalry continues in Pittsburgh and looks to get bloody what with the Steelers kicking Cincinnatti to the back of the bus in last year's playoffs. The Giants head to the bird cage as they take on the Seahawks, and the NFC North sees the Bears and Vikings battling it out in Minnesota.
I see the Indianapolis offense in high gear beating the Jaguars defense; its a matter of who can get more points on the board. Leftwich plays well, but the Indianapolis offense just gets it done in this fight.
This is a tough one, but I think the Steelers will overcome the Bengals in a heated match. The Bengals are white hot over the Steelers delivering that K.O. last year and quashing what might have been; Cincinnatti could pull off the upset, I would not be suprised, this has been the hardest one to call all week.
I am taking the Giants over the Seahawks as my upset pick. NY I think will take advantage of some early Seattle struggling and capitalize. Expect a close one here.
I would love to pick the Saints as the winner on Monday night, returning to New Orleans to beat the Falcons in what may be one of the most memorable nights in this city's sports history. But Atlanta is playing at a level in the first two weeks that is impossible to ignore. They are tearing through defenses like Ken Hawk through Pepto. Look out for those Falcons.
Bears over Vikings. I think Minnesota has the talent to keep up with Chicago, moreso than GB or Detroit, but the pressure to get Grossman to perform has made his play solid, the offense is connecting, and the defense is actually... wow... unsatisfied with itself. "If you're not getting better, you're getting worse, as the other teams out there are getting better." This defense will look menacing. Go Bears!!!

Jack'd off

Anyone who was looking for a smashmouth brutal game on Monday night's Pittsburgh vs. Jacksonville game was not let down.

In the past two years the battles between these two teams have been hard-fought, physically punishing, and fairly equally-matched. Two years ago a rookie Ben Roethlisberger led a charge with 1:50 left in the fourth quarter to overcome the Jaguars. A year ago the Steelers fell as substitute quarterback Tommy Maddox, who I could only assume was under the influence of heavy drugs while battling a flu and recovering from a incident involving a fork to the skull, was trampled by the Jags in overtime.
The battle this time was no different, if not more intense. Jaguars defenders were harassing Steelers receivers all night, enough pressure to make the collective ball drop of the Steelers comparable to a New Years Eve in Times Square. When they did manage to get their hands on a catch, they were rocked. Not too much different on the other side, the Steelers kept it close all game, but in the end it was the Jaguars capitalizing off a brick wall defense and the Steelers just not getting it done.
This was an upset for me, aside from my picking Pittsburgh to pull this game off, I was disappointed in seeing this team lose. Taking nothing away from the Jaguars, as they are a high caliber team, but you can't blame the Jaguars for dropped catches, missed tackles, and overthrown passes. That's not the postseason Steelers team that wrecked Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Denver last year.
As for the Jacksonville, you have to respect the offense cutting into one of the best defenses in the league, as well as shutting out the Pittsburgh attack. A test comes against the Colts this Sunday, which Ken Hawk will be observing while nursing his bachelor party hangover. If he's not busy concealing the dead hooker from the night before.

THE MIGHTY CHICAGO BEARS

The autumn season is upon us, and with it comes the start of the 2006-07 NFL season. As a loving fan of the sport itself, I have made a tradition at studying trends and statistics as well as enjoying the momentum of the season; there is no greater loyalty than the fan who dons the colors and endures weather and wife alike to salute his team every Sunday, but who does not simply enjoy a well-matched game?
In all honesty, this is the first year in the last 4 where I have been unable to picture one team rising above the rest at the forefront of the season; indeed, looking into the horizon it appears one team has just as good a chance as the next. Two years ago I chose the New England Patriots to claim the prize (thank you), and last year the Indianapolis Colts (though as I thought the Steelers had the coolest name since I was kid, in addition to their enormous play in the past two years, loved seeing this franchise win). This year, I am with hesitation at any choice. New England remains a threat in the east. The Bengals and Ravens look to challenge the Steelers in the north. The NFC East looks to AGAIN be the hard-fought title this year, with a revitalized Philadelphia group rejoining the battle. At the commencement of the season, unable to see a clear leader surmounting above the pile, I made these picks:
Super Bowl winner: Indianapolis
Super Bowl loser: New York Giants
Dark horse: Miami
Indianapolis is a storm of offense, a strong defense, a team that many a football fan recognize, but also one that has fallen in the important games. I suggested the New York Giants as the team I prophesized two years ago would find its groove and pose a serious threat. Manning has seen some experience, perhaps not quite enough yet, but New York looks to be a contender in the NFC race. Miami, at the end of last season, I thought to be the team no one would see coming. I'm not buying the whole Cardinals pick as a sleeper yet.
Now, the Chicago Bears, the kings of the north, the monsters of the midway, the sultans of swing. I myself was shaking my head at what I considered a weak draft, seeking a threat to complement Mushain would seem the priority (I'm sorry, Bobby Wade just doesn't cut anything but cheese for me). However, the first two games have raised eyebrows. While one can't but help look at the preseason with measuring stick in hand, Grossman has played good. I've watched Griese in Tampa, I myself sought to see more of him, but Rex has performed, and suddenly we're seeing some action from Berrian, Clark and this guy I love to watch Jason McKie. With Jones and Benson intact, the Bears will almost certainly reign as the NFC North champs. The defense? Numbers don't lie, they are suffocating. Paris Hilton couldn't score on this.
My picks today went great, considering last week I was 9-6, with New Orleans as my upset pick over Cleveland. Today, very good this morning, 8-1, my upset this week was the Giants over the Eagles, and until 5 minutes ago, I spent three hours wondering what the hell I was thinking. BND, watch out for those Giants bud! In the other two big games, I am thinking BND's 'Boys over the Redskins, and the Steelers over the Jaguars. I'll be working harder to getting picks up here each week, looking forward to a great season!

White Sox 10 , Tigers 0!

Oh yes, the Pale Hose are playing well these days. Tame them Tigers Ozzie!

The Cowboys are looking good

30-7


I know it is only preseason, but my Cowboys looked very sharp on both sides of the ball. I'm looking forward to this year. I think the Cowboys will win the NFC West (toughest division in the NFL) and should advance quite far in the playoffs.

Hook 'em Horns

Mark my word: TEXAS WILL WIN

Read this article from SI.com