Life off the island

Mike Tannenbaum must have been optimistic walking into the world-famous Roscoe diner to meet Darrelle Revis’s attorneys. He may have even been debating between corned beef hash and rice pudding before sitting down at the booth. Unfortunately, 3 hours and probably 100 cups of coffee later, Tannenbaum left with only one thing for certain — the Revis situation is not gonna be easy.

According to owner Woody Johnson (who, last time he spoke to the media, fired then coach Eric Mangini), it is unlikely that the Jets and Revis will agree on terms by the first game of the regular season. Let’s make it clear: Revis is not expected to play for the Jets in the first game of the season.

The Jets players are carrying on with training camp as if Revis will not return in 2010-2011. Rex Ryan has said this himself. By all accounts, The Jets, who are facing a strong team in the Ravens in Week 1, are aiming for a Super Bowl win. While reports have praised Kyle Wilson, this year’s first-round draft pick, it is pretty obvious that any contending team, without their best player, is about as competitive as my grandma swimming the backstroke alone at the gym pool.

The situation reminds me of a small company, attempting to provide a service with extreme overhead. In this situation, Revis represents an asset that markedly lowers their overhead, immediately multiplying the success of the company. With the low overhead, the company can invest in new employees, marketing campaigns, or other ventures that would otherwise be impossible. To the Jets, “conducting business as usual” is impossible without Revis, as his presence made everybody’s job significantly easier. Defensive schemes, offensive philosophies, and personnel on the field will all change without his lockdown of the opposing team’s lead receiver. Attempting to blitz all linebackers with Cromartie, Lowery, or Wilson alone on one side of the field is like inviting Tom Brady to a dinner with a bunch of hot women — someone will score and it won’t be you.

That being said, it has become clear that there is no quick fix in this situation. The management cannot dole out money and meet his demands, as that goes against the team-first, loyalty mantra of the NFL. Revis and his agents do not seem willing to negotiate, as least as of yet. As the season approaches as quickly as an obese American catching view of a drive-through, the question of how the team will change without Revis remains unanswered.

Lets hope the TV tells us Wednesday at 10 PM…see ya there.

Moved URLS!

If I’m hoping to do this blog long-term, it sure would not look good to have my name sitting in the URL; as such, we’re moving Jetropolitan Love to:

jetropolitan.wordpress.com

See you there fellas, sorry for making you change your bookmarks (you’ve bookmarked me, correct?) !  And remember, there’s no crying in football!

But...but...it just means so much to me! *sniff*

Mr. Nice is so very nice —

Count it.

I’m 6-2 on the season with my picks!  There’s no question in my mind that, considering my preference of teams, my current bragging will ensure a huge letdown towards the end of the season.  The Jets keep talking, yet keep losing on the last play of the game (not to mention Ponder McPonderton’s debacle letdown from last year).  The Mets have choked every single year since I’ve bought my now much ignored David Wright shirt.  The Nets, on the other hand, are finding a new way to sock it to us JNMETs fans — losing 10 games in a row to start the season.  With only 8 active players, is it excusable?  No, but in fact, it’s expected.  At least they have been playing hard?  Maybe they’re just trying to switch things up.  Instead of losing all of their games at the end of the season when it matters, get those foolish playoff hopes out of the window quick and entertain us fans with young talent.  I want to see MAD dunks fellas.  I can wait it out until free agency…

Chrisboshasaurus: like teen wolf but less fur

I am 6-2, however, and will continue to brag about the record until I fall under .500 on my predictions (at which point I will either commit suicide, proclaim myself a Devils fan, or completely ignore the fact that I ever picked games).  I can not believe I continued to pick the Raiders for anything other than embarrassing losses.  Their fluke overtaking of a good team in the Eagles has got me blinded from the uncoordinated half-blind bear the Raiders continue to escort out to behind center on Sundays (at least he’s throwing over 40% now?).  Again, if there are any tough matchups you’d like me to pick so that, if anything, I’m not picking Chiefs vs. Giants games and claiming sagacity, do not hesitate to ask.

Thoughts on the Jets

My approach to the rest of this 2009-2010 football season is skeptical.  On one hand, my team has been playing hard and has looked impressive [at times].  Few players have underperformed their contracts — a sign of good general managing.  On the other hand, this season has unquestionably been one of the toughest seasons in recent memory.  To have lost 4 out of our 5 games in stunning, give-away-the-win fashion is beyond JaMarcus-able (read: bearable).

So what does this season mean to me?  Mark Sanchez is future of our franchise (I will refrain from calling him the Franchez or Sanchise, for both my sake and his).  Although he’s looked like a rookie at times this season, he’s also looked like a seasoned veteran.  My only hope for this season is for Sanchez to continue to grow into those veteran moments, moments when he’s led the team to a win, 0r moments when he has accepted the blame in a loss.  The defense has looked good, but we could use some younger DEs and high-quality CB in our next draft.  I know, I know.  I’m already looking forward to next season, sue me (I’m not worth much).  I will still watch each and every single game.

 

The suffering ends early…

Another Sunday, another heartbreaking loss.

This Jets team we’ve seen in the past 5 games is very good at convincing me that what I see is what I get.  Killed early was the buzz from Sanchez’s strong start.  The injury bug has set in, and the season has quickly turned.

"Folks, according to this rather large notebook, you sirs have little to no chance of making the playoffs. Has anybody seen my Chinese yoyo?"

Damn you Mr. Killington…damn you.

On a brighter note, I’m only a week and a half away from seeing The Pixies in New York.  Slacking on all musical fronts, I’ve seemingly had the same My Bloody Valentine, Strokes, and Deerhunter combination running through my speakers.  Maybe the show, or the people I go with, can help me get back into some new music.   I do love me some fresh sound.

Sunday Jets Preview!1one

Isn’t that an exciting post title?

The Jets are off of a bye and, hopefully, ready to begin a tough fight for the playoffs.  There is no viable excuse from here on out; sore legs and deflated egos are thrown out the window.

The rest of the schedule is, like any Akon song, very average (“I wanna turn off, turn off, the raaaadioo”).  The Jets have tough games against the Colts, Patriots, Bengals, and the Hawks and could be on their way to a very viable wildcard playoff record at 10-6 if they can split those games and win the games they should.  It’s a stretch to say that the Jets have a decent chance of making the playoffs– but there’s definitely a chance.

Frustration is now my normal response to Sunday football.  Fantasy football, in particular, has stolen the joy of the game away from my heart (I imagine fantasy football as a dementor with a constant, sick smile on its face).  But the other day, I thanked the Lord for a news bit that gave me a sick smile on my face.

“Vernon Gholston questionable for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars!!!!!”  (there were no exclamation points in the actual report)

I will save the rant against Gholston for later, but I have a feeling that the Jets defense will step up.  We have already lost Kris Jenkins, the biggest difference maker on defense.  Hopefully, a questionable Gholston will relieve Rex Ryan of the save-face duty he’s had of playing the underachieving Buckeye (who, as a pass rusher, has yet to have an NFL sack), leading him to play Rutgers graduate Jamaal Westerman.  A guy can dream, can’t he?

Not pictured: a tackle

My prediction says that the Jets will win the game.  However, I think the 7 point spread Vegas has on the game (with the Jets as a favorite) is too high.  The Jaguars (4-4) are playing good football as of late.  Sims-Walker has become the top receiver on the team, seemingly out of nowhere.   The Jets will have to run hard against a defense who has allowed 120 yards per game, including the season’s second longest run (89 yards).

Whichever team controls the ball (read: controls interceptions.  I’m talking to you Mark Sanchez) and has a big play (there shouldn’t be many) will be sleeping soundly.  Though neither team has any business slacking at 5-4 or 4-5.

My 4 picks for the weekend are as follows:

Bengals vs. Steelers – I’m sticking with the Bengals until they give me a reason to stop.   Admittedly, the Steel Curtain makes a good argument for a flip-flop Obama would be proud of.   UPSET UPSET!

Eagles vs. Chargers – It’s the second half of the season, and here come the Chargers.  I’m convinced that Vincent Jackson is a top 5 receiver in the NFL — he’s proven himself worthy of the praise.

Cowboys vs. Packers – I’ll be honest, I had the Packers going to the playoffs in the beginning of the year.  I do like them to bounce back against a Cowboys team (who is playing well).  My failed logic is this: The Packers have got to start winning sometime (that offensive line is not helping), and the Cowboys have got to start losing again sometime.

Raiders vs. Chiefs – I just had to put this one in there.  For the record, I like the Raiders, but actually hate the Raiders.

RU Rah Rah

I’m jacked up on steriods (and antibiotcs), but strangely do not any more equipped to hit a homerun.  Taking the opportunity, I sat down to watch the Rutgers Scarlet Knights play the University of South Florida Bullfrogs.  I kept the notepad open:

- Rutgers has been opportunistic so far, which is very characteristic of our team.  In the past few years, we’ve always seemed to have come up with big plays (I’m speaking of the muffed punt, even though we didn’t punch it through), especially on national TV.

- Our defense looks to be significantly faster than earlier in the year.  It might just be the experience in their legs, but our blitzes have gotten B.J. Daniels.

- Savage just threw only his second interception of the year (imagine a punt, but off the hand of your future QB).  Watching the replay was particularly hilarious, with Tim Brown looking like the undersized corner defending the gift of a pick (as my Aunt said perfectly “how cute, so small”).

- On a side note, I can’t believe the Hornets fired Byron Scott.  In fact, I couldn’t believe when the Nets fired him.  He’s a good coach at the prime of his coaching career…give me Byron over Frank any day.  Lawrence Frank is like the Wade Phillips of the NBA.  They always wear a stupid face and look confused about any of the team’s wrongdoings, frowning with their hands on their hips.

All of us still have jobs as head coaches!

(Wade is allergic to the color yellow)

- Another huge play with 6 minutes to go in the half from Savage to Sanu.  The future looks exciting for Rutgers fans — it sure looks bright from here.

- Another special teams turnover — this is why I don’t watch too much college football.  The Rutgers special teams unit has been dominant, and deserves some credit.  I love how Schiano plays starters on special teams.  We all loved seeing Underwood gunning down other Big East returners.

- Up 13-0 at half-time.  It’s a hell of an understatement for me to say “I’ll take it!”  It’s like saying Barry Bonds’s head is bigger than normal The proper reaction to that monstrosity is, “how much wax does he use to cover that much bald area??”

- TIMMAY!!

- Gotta love Joey, picking up right where Ray Rice left off.  Liking our skill positions.

A real post will be coming before 1 P.M tomorrow.  That is, if I’m still feeling as sick as 2 girls 1 cup.

Guest Blog Post – Rutgers vs. USF

On Wednesdays, I’m going to try and get a friend to write a guest post for me.  The first guest blog in the history of this blog is…my good friend Shiro Tohari!  Shiro shares his insight in the upcoming game for our alumnus school team: The Rutgers Scarlet Knights!  To be honest, I haven’t followed too closely this year, especially after attending our game against Cincinnati (who is vying for a chance to play in the BCS).

—–

I realize this is a Jets blog, but staying semi-on topic I’d like to discuss my beloved Scarlet Knights.

Understandably, some of my posts are going to come off with a slight ‘first game of the season’ impression but I couldn’t help that with this being my first post and what not.  Hope you enjoy, and I always enjoy criticism!

We have a matchup coming up on Thursday night against the USF Bullfrogs with the Knights looking to push their winning streak to 4 years.  The Bullfrogs come into Scarlet Nation with a 6-2 record (2-2 conference) fresh off an impressive victory against the West Virginia Mountaineers. Rutgers sports an identical overall record 6-2 but a slightly less impressive conference record. (1-2) Pollsters have the Bullfrogs ahead of Rutgers by about 10 team ranks.

The immediate thing you have to worry about is their new quarterback, B.J. Daniels.  B.J. Daniels, like Grothe, is a dual threat quarterback.  Similarities and differences?  Well, besides both of them being a dual threat and being listed pretty closely (around 6 foot, 200 pounds although I feel the numbers on Grothe are a little generous) they’re pretty different quarterbacks.  While Grothe is known to make things happen on his feet, I feel B.J. Daniels has better physical attributes everywhere; stronger arm, quicker, and faster.  Obviously Grothe has the upper hand in experience but based on Daniels’ games against FSU and WVU he really is no slouch.  He’s excellent at throwing on the run (something Grothe was also pretty decent at) as viewed from last week’s game, where everytime WVU defenders looked to contain him on the run, he would throw a dagger down their throats.

What is the immediate concern here?  Historically, the Knights have had trouble containing fleet footed quarterbacks.  It’s hard to tell how they will do this season, considering they haven’t really faced any meritable mobile quarterbacks.  (Pike is quite mobile but the Bearcats don’t make him carry quite often, as was the case in our opener)  However, for as long as Schiano has been here, a notable dual threat that consistently burned us was now NFL pro Pat White.  Russell Wilson was also running at will against our defense during last year’s bowl game until a hit knocked him out of the game.

Many people would like to point to the fact that in Grothe’s 3 years, he has struggled every game against the Knights.  Well let me tell you something; after watching Daniels’ play the past few weeks, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that Daniels operates on a faster gear.  Liked noted previously, I’m always concerned with the Knights ability to contain a fast quarterback.  While we’ve had good success against Grothe, forcing him into many costly turnovers, I can’t say with full confidence that we will be able to enjoy the same amount of success against Daniels.  Sure, he’s a freshman, but our secondary is also full of holes.  Considering the Bullfrogs barely have a legitimate running game, I would expect the Scarlet Knights defense to dial up a healthy amount of blitzes.

As much as I’d like to talk about defense, all the excitement on the Knights comes on offense with our freshman phenom Tom Savage.  Obviously Savage has ways to go, but I like what he’s been doing this season and although the staff is understandably trying to keep his plays controlled, you have to love that he’s only thrown one pick. Detractors may say he’s not spreading the ball around enough, what with Sanu appearing to be his favorite target and Tim Brown creating big plays, but who could blame him?  No other receiver has really stepped up and big things WERE expected of Brown and Sanu this year after all.

Much hype surrounded our offensive line this preseason, but we’ve only been decent in pass protection and horrendous on the run.  At first glance, it’s hard to notice with our leading rusher Joe Martinek averaging 5 yards a carry, but overall our team’s rushing stats have been largely inflated by a punchless FIU team,  Martinek’s late game outburst against the Terps, a weak Army team and two non-BCS opponents.  In reality, our expected best player coming into the season, Davis, has been largely a disappointment and the rest of line has also not performed up to par.  The Bullfrogs’ Pierre-Paul and Selvie (who is very over-rated I shall add) look to pose a tough matchup.

How do the Scarlet Knights take this Thursday showdown?  Well, as our mantra goes, we’ve got to chop it away.  Our defense needs to prevent the breathtaking big plays Daniels is capable of, as our offense is not designed to catch up when behind big. (please ignore the Tim Brown slant play from two weeks ago) Ryan D’Imperio will need to bring his consistent play on defense and the secondary will have to make something happen.  (Devin McCourty, I’m sure you’ll have some scouts to impress.) On offense, we will have to build a solid running game to take pressure off of Savage.  The way the line allowed Joe Martinek to run the ball will definitely dictate the pace of the game; Joe is probably the most consistent runner on the Scarlet Knights and as long as he has a path of a yard’s length ahead of him, he’s always a good bet to fall 3-4 yards forward. I’d also like to see more of DeAntwan Williams, as he appears to be a lot more talented than both Jourdan Brooks and Joe Martinek.  (I’m a big fan of Joe M, but I’ve got a little Rocket bias going on here.)

KEY MATCHUPS:

USF Secondary vs Tim Brown:  Tim Brown is likely to get a good amount of yards as the Knights No.1 receiver.  Look for the Bullfrogs to keep him doubled for most of the game.

USF D line vs RU O line:  The trenches will dictate the pace of the game and the line will have to come up big for this one.  I like Davis’ chances against Selvie but they key may very well be stopping Pierre-Paul.

B.J. Daniels vs RU Secondary:  Daniels will keep us guessing all day so play of the DBs will be key in containing him. If the secondary can create one or two turnovers I think we’ll have a good chance at taking the game.

SHAMELESS PREDICTION:  As we’ve always come up big in these weekday night games, I predict that we’ll take this one in a what has become an all too common thriller of a game between these two schools.  On offense, I expect Joe Martinek to bring a modest game on the ground with Brown creating one or two big plays.  The defense will contain the passing game while allowing the occasional big run or two by Daniels.

FINAL SCORE:  RU 28, USF 21

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to clear it up…this blog is not necessarily a Jets blog — it should be though

Monday reactions to Sunday action!

I’m sitting here at work, and I’m hardly working.  In fact, as you can tell, I’m currently blogging about Sunday’s football games — right smack in the middle of the day.  Needless to say it is not a very smart thing to do.  But hell, I love you guys, and I’ve got a lot to say!

First off, a reaction to my predictions for yesterday.  Now, I understand that anybody who is any significant percentage over 50% on their sports betting predictions is a genius whose talents are comparable to Bernie William’s national anthem (which I was not too sold on).  That being said, I’m going to keep track of my record.  It’s sure to be filled with bias and excuse making, but as I’m not moderated by any overseeing committee for honesty or fairness, it doesn’t really matter.  I’ll try to be fair to myself =P

Sunday morning I picked 4 relatively big games.  Boy did I whiff badly on Chicago!  Tommie Harris was apparently jealous of the positive publicity that Steve Smith (CAR) experiences every season, and took a swing at the head of a Cardinals player on the first drive of the game.  That, combined with several other injuries, Kurt Warner’s paranormal activity, and Beanie Wells’s decision to play for his own team and hold onto the football lead to a prediction that was, ultimately, way off.

The Dallas game was an interesting one.  I picked the Cowboys to win in a close game in Philadelphia.  The Cowboys continue to prove that either their rulebook is written in crayon (or about crayons) or that their entire team is on crack.

Coach, there's nothing in here about not false starting!

The Cincinnati vs. Baltimore game was much more one-sided than expected.   I hit the nail on the head with this prediction!  I used to cover the AFC North for footballgameplan.com, and have seen more than 4 Bengals games this year.   The Bengals defense is legit fellas — even without Antwan Odom in the lineup.

One thing that made me smile was the Ray Rice’s performance.  My fellow alumnus has been the most consistent fantasy option in recent years, and can dominate in every game situation.  Keep your eyes peeled for Ray Rice being a top 5 fantasy pick next year (I’d consider drafting him at 3 if I had that pick).  He’s taking those massive calves to a new level, man.

The last game I picked was the Giants game against the Chargers.  I’m located in New Jersey, half of my football interested friends are Giants fans.  I picked the Chargers to win in a surprisingly even matchup, and they won 21-20.  There has been substantial controversy that came with Coughlin’s decision to play conservatively, following a holding call at the 4 yard line of the Chargers.  They settled for a field goal (and a 6 point lead), just to watch Phillip Rivers drive down the field and score a touchdown in the last minute of the game.

HOW ABOUT A MAGIC TRICK?!

The Giants are not the team that we thought they were.  In fact, they aren’t the team THEY thought they were.  Their inability to run the ball and dominate on defense is likely responsible for their loss of identity and the subsequent 4 game losing streak that followed.

I’m marking it down, 3-1 on my picks for this week.  Let’s not talk about my blurb about how San Francisco was going to beat the Titans…

other notes:  The Packers lost to the Bucs…are the Bucs any good, or are the Packers actually a bad team?  Josh Freeman looked good in the first start of his career.  The Panthers scared Saints fans with a dominant running game early in the first half, but the Saints defense proved themselves to be the best take-away team in the league, scoring another touchdown and recovering 3 fumbles (to be fair, it was against the Panthers, who have shown me nothing).

I’ve now won 2 weeks in a row in my $25 fantasy league, and am up by 120 points in my $10 league.  COMEBACKSPECIAL!!!

Friday Fantasy Foursight (F-F-F?!)

SUNDAY EDIT:  I just wanted to make a few quick picks this week on some of the bigger games, listed here!

Chicago vs. Arizona – May be the two most confusing teams in the league.  I expect Chicago to bounce back at home.

Baltimore vs. Cinci – I like Cincinatti here.   The Bengals offense is no joke.  The Ravens have got to play another good defensive game before I bite again.

New York Giants vs. San Diego – I want to say I like the Giants, but I think this matchup is too even.  I’ll pick San Diego.

Philadelphia vs. Dallas – The past few weeks have made this one hell of a matchup.  I like Dallas in this game, though I think it’ll be within 3 points.

EDITED!!

Another EDIT!

I’ve been saying this season that the Dolphins have been saving Pat White, much like they saved the wildcat for their game with the Patriots.  He’s looking good, the game is close — that 10.5 point spread was definitely too high.  My Chicago pick looks wildly inaccurate.  Cincinatti continues to prove that they are legit.

–

I’ve got to admit, work this week has got me feeling like an old, crippled man, bitter at the world for reasons unknown.  I’ll suck it up though, if only to keep those who are reading entertained.  I always have a lot to say — just not always the time to say it.

Today, I brought out all of the so-called guns in creating a over-the-top hyphen-filled bad pun for the new segment I will be doing every Friday.  I’m hoping to highlight 4 players that I think will have a good game, and why.  And, disclaimer: It may require a pinch of logic, but most of this is just based on intution.  If my argument gets you to re-think a decision, that’ll be fine.  But that’s the thing — think.  (don’t blame me!)

Above: Mewseum

1.  Ryan Grant - RB - Green Bay Packers

Grant has been a bit disappointing this season, there’s no doubt about that.  A few times this year he’s looked like  a man possessed, running straight to the sidelines on countless bounce outs and showing immense speed in outrunning his blocks.  This week, though, he meets the Tampa Bay Bucs “defense” in what I predict to be a blowout.  The Packers have shown that they are willing to run Grant more than 20 times if  they have the lead.  Grant tore up Cleveland a couple of weeks ago, I can’t see why he won’t tear up Tampa Bay as well, if not due of his skill, certainly due to the situation.

2.  Maurice Jones-Drew- RB – Jacksonville Jaguars

Now, I know people will come to me saying that Pocket Hercules, MJD, Mighty Mouse, whatever you want to call him, is one of the best if not the best (check PPR status!) fantasy backs in the league.  I know that nobody in their right mind would bench him, but not everybody is in their right mind.   He will get you 18 solid points a week, I understand that.  What I’m saying here is that he will destroy the run defense of the Chiefs which, though improved, is still struggling as one of the worst run defenses in the league.   Also, you can’t see him without a ladder, and only so many ladders can fit on the field.

Missing: grizzly bear for scale

3.  Matt Hasselbeck – QB – Seattle Seahawks

Hasselbeck is a QB that is sitting on the benches of many owners who drafted him as a backup.  Most of those owners will have starting QBs such as Jay Cutler or Carson Palmer in their starting lineup, but Hasselbeck is just a better play this week against the Lions.  There is no question that the Lions defense is the worst in the league.  Every single week, the Lions are 10+ point underdogs and, even with an adequate offense, continually fail to cover the spread.  Hasselbeck has been bipolar this year — but expect him to be hot on Sunday.

4.  Ahmad Bradshaw - RB – New York Giants

The Giants are struggling horribly to prove that they are the top power in the NFC East.  In a must-win matchup against the Chargers, who haven’t been able to stop the run, look for the Giants to pound the ball, employing both Brandon Jacobs and Bradshaw.  I predict the Chargers to dare Eli Manning to throw.  He’s been stinky to say the least — should the Chargers defense scores at all, the Giants may have trouble staying with the Chargers.  A big lead leads to more running plays, a big defecit leads to more playing time.  Start Bradshaw as a borderline RB2/Flex.

I guess I’m banking a lot on winning in all of my leagues again this week.  It’s been a rough start — I’m 4-4, 5-3, and 3-5 in my matchup leagues.  How average.  I’m planning my comeback…it’s been done before!

Pedro: “I don’t want to die, and then hear people give me props. Give them to me now”

Sure Pedro, here are some props

Good job, dickbag!

Now, I’m going to be impatient and call the World Series over.  It’s 7-3 and I’ve finally stopped watching.  It’s dawned on me how much I dislike both of these teams.  The truth is, I have been semi-cheering for the Yankees, if only to see the Phillies lose when, in reality, I don’t actually hate the Phillies that much.

It seems more like a way to avoid accepting the obvious.  That is that my team, the New York Metropolitans, are a bunch of Chris Browns.  I guess I have taken my frustration out on the team dominating the Division and the National League.  I’ve been a hardcore Mets fan for maybe 6 or 7 years.  To newer Mets fans like me, the rivalry may be a bit inflated, at least in recent years– maybe it’s because of my fellow Mets fans’ constant hate on Victorino that has led me to mumble “little rat” every time he steps up to the plate.  I guess I didn’t notice, but the Yankees are about to win their 27th World Series, right across the street from us.  We should cheer against them – instead of cheering for the other league where pitchers can eat 30 5 pizzas a day and still pitch on 3 days rest!

The Mets have been downright lady-bug-crunchingly uncomfortable to cheer for in the past few years.  After the first few instances of gaggin’ coming down the stretch, it has quickly changed from baseball to something you just have to experience, even if it’s infuriating.  It’s like that stupid 1-877-Kars-4-Kids commercial that keeps playing on the radio.  If you haven’t heard the jingle, look them up (I refuse to link to them here).  I mean, come on.  If you’re going to take car donations, at least give them to hardworking casanovas (I’ll be the guy in the big blue shirt and Snuggie sitting in a lawn chair, right on the lawn is fine)!  Is obtaining a 4 day 3 night vacation voucher really worth seeing this speed past you on the turnpike?

Imagine what he can do in an Escalade

I’ve got to make a decision on when I will be making my pick-sy stix and fantasy predictions.  I’m hoping to eventually talk about a weekly questionable line to consider betting, as well as Jets predictions.   Let’s make today — LINE WEDNESDAY (I’ll work on the name)

There are a number of questionable lines to me this week…I’ll mention two (these spreads can change at any given point):

1.  Tennessee Titans at San Franciso 49ers:  The spread?  Niners -4.

The way I see it, the Niners have been playing good football for 6 out of 7 of their games this year, sitting at 3-4.  The Titans, on the other feet are sitting at 1-6, their one win being over the unproven Jaguars.  Now, while I understand the Vince Young argument and how the team will rally around him, the same exact situation is happening in San Francisco.  Vegas sees a team on the downfall playing a team on the rise.  I see it as one team whose record is indicative of team strength — and one whose record isn’t.

2.  Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots:  The spread?  Patriots -10.5

As the Jets are off this week, I will be watching this AFC East game very closely.  There’s not much love in my heart for the pansy-toed Tom Brady (“REF, LOOK! HE TRY TO GET ME!” *points at Kris Jenkins at his feet*), but I’ve seen the Dolphins play three times this year.  Twice they handily beat the Jets, and once they got Peyton’d.  I’ve also seen Brady sit uncomfortable in the pocket, and how much those balls believe that they can fly (like a bird).  I think the Patriots win this game at home, just not by 2 touchdowns or 3 scores.  Sorry Tommie.

With the Jets on bye, it’ll be a relatively uneventful week of sports for me now that baseball is finally over.  The Nets are still winless.  I’m not sure if I should be cheering for the first win, or if I’m fine sitting here — in the “my team sucks” section of the fans.  Either way, it’s not something I can ignore forever.  Rutgers against USF is next week, our biggest game so far this season.

see you-

P.S.  For the picture caption, I would also have accepted “Oh no, his eyes look slanted” or “Like this, but faster”