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Spiars’ Quick Picks: NFL Week Two

Published: September 19, 2009

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Spiars’ Quick Picks resulted in a 14-2 record last week; the only thing that surprised me was the epic failure of the Houston Texans. Picking Miami over Atlanta was one of my predicted upsets; unfortunately, upset picks don’t always pay off.

Featured Games

Green Bay Packers (1-0) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)—Green Bay Packers

Although Green Bay’s offense was nullified against Chicago, their defense truly shined with four interceptions on a supposed “great passing attack.”

Green Bay’s defense will surely shut down Cincinnati’s offense, considering the Bengals struggled to put up points against Denver’s relatively weak defense. Also expect Aaron Rodgers and Ryan Grant to put up some numbers against Cincinnati.

Denver Broncos (1-0) vs. Cleveland Browns (0-1)—Cleveland Browns

All of the predicted woes of the Denver Broncos showed against Cincinnati. The offense struggled behind Kyle Orton. The defense appeared solid, but against Cincinnati, that is no outstanding feat.

Cleveland did well against a stout Minnesota defense; expect Brady Quinn to find his grove against Denver. Also consider that Denver struggled against Cincinnati’s defense; Cleveland is notch above.

New York Giants (1-0) at Dallas Cowboys (1-0)—New York Giants

Both teams looked impressive in their last game. New York’s defense continue to look great, stymieing Washington through out the game. Tony Romo deflated the Buccaneer’s come back chances early in the fourth quarter.

Although Romo seems poised to have a true break out season, New York’s defense will continue to shine behind the constant pressure of Justin Tuck and his fellow defensive linemen.


Other Games

Houston Texans (0-1) at Tennessee Titans (0-1)—Tennessee Titans

New Orleans Saints (1-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)—Philadelphia Eagles

Arizona Cardinals (0-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)—Arizona Cardinals

Oakland Raiders (0-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (0-1)—Kansas City Chiefs

Minnesota Vikings (1-0) at Detroit Lions (0-1)—Minnesota Vikings

St. Louis Rams (0-1) at Washington Redskins (0-1)—Washington Redskins

New England Patriots (1-0) at New York Jets (1-0)—New England Patriots

Carolina Panthers (0-1) at Atlanta Falcons (1-0)—Atlanta Falcons

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1) at Buffalo Bills (0-1)—Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Seattle Seahawks (1-0) at San Francisco 49ers (1-0)—Seattle Seahawks

Baltimore Ravens (1-0) at San Diego Chargers (1-0)—Baltimore Ravens

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) at Chicago Bears (0-1)—Pittsburgh Steelers

 

Once again, cheers to another great week in NFL action!


 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com


Spiars’ Quick Picks: NFL Week One

Published: September 7, 2009

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The first week is always the toughest in terms of picking winners. The preseason is a lost cause when determining a victor, so most of these picks are based on the performances of last year and how well each team bolstered their depth chart.

Featured Games- As the season progresses, I will feature three weekly games. Two of them will feature the Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos as they are my two home state teams. The third will feature what I consider to be the most intriguing match-up outside the other two games.

 

Green Bay Packers (0-0) vs. Chicago Bears (0-0)- Green Bay Packers

Green Bay is coming off a very frustrating season that had many games decided by very few points. A newly installed 3-4 defense and the ever-improving mechanics of Aaron Rodgers will be a tough task for Chicago to handle. Add in a healthy Ryan Grant and a victory for the Pack is almost rest-assured.

Denver Broncos (0-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-0)- Denver Broncos

Denver appears to be in a calm and collected rebuilding process that has seen long-time coach and his highly-sought after quarterback leave town. However, their offense may be better than expected behind the masterful game-plans of Josh McDaniels. Also, the Bengals appear to be in more of a confused state than the Broncos.

Tennessee Titans (0-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0)- Pittsburgh Steelers

Super Bowl Champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers officially open the NFL 2009 season at home against “the terrible towel stompers”, the Tennessee Titans. Pittsburgh did nothing but improve in the offseason and have a dominant game plan. A smash-mouth run game and their No. 1 defense will lead them to victory.

 

Other Games

Miami Dolphins (0-0) at Atlanta Falcons (0-0)- Miami Dolphins

Kansas City Chiefs (0-0) at Baltimore Ravens (0-0)- Baltimore Ravens

Philadelphia Eagles (0-0) at Carolina Panthers (0-0)- Philadelphia Eagles

Minnesota Vikings (0-0) at Cleveland Browns (0-0)- Minnesota Vikings

New York Jets (0-0) at Houston Texans (0-0)- Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-0) at Indianapolis Colts (0-0)- Indianapolis Colts

Detroit Lions (0-0) at New Orleans Saints (0-0)- New Orleans Saints

Dallas Cowboys (0-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0)- Dallas Cowboys

San Francisco 49ers (0-0) at Arizona Cardinals (0-0)- San Francisco 49ers

Washington Redskins (0-0) at New York Giants (0-0)- New York Giants

St. Louis Rams (0-0) at Seattle Seahawks (0-0)- Seattle Seahawks

Buffalo Bills (0-0) at New England Patriots (0-0)- New England Patriots

San Diego Chargers (0-0) at Oakland Raiders (0-0)– San Diego Chargers

 

Sunday will awaken the giant that is the NFL and while the crowd screams the stadiums into a light shiver, I’ll be toasting to great friends, great food, and even better beer for what will be another mind-bending season.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com


Brett Favre: The Packer Faithful Do Not Wish You Well

Published: September 6, 2009

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Unfortunately, the NFL is more of a business than sports entertainment. Home-town heroes often jump ship with another ball club for better opportunities and a larger paycheck. At the same time, the higher-ups of each team will turn their back on loyal players to make room for the young stars of the game.

There was no surprise in my mind when the Packers’ general manager, Ted Thompson refused the three-time MVP’s comeback and replaced him with project quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.

Since I was born with green and yellow flowing through my veins, I still had a lot of respect for Brett Favre when he signed with the New York Jets. After all, Favre had played a huge role in winning the only Green Bay championship since my heart began to thump.

This respect will never be lost, but it is definitely on hold for now. There are a number of teams where Favre could of played an immediate impact, but he had to sign with the Vikings.

When September 13 hits the calender, there is no doubt that the Packer nation will be tuning in to watch the long-time rivalry between the Pack and the Bears. Even before this game takes place, the fans will be keeping a close eye on Favre as the Vikings take on the Cleveland Browns.

Additionally, there will be no love come November 1st when Favre will make his first trip to Lambeau since leaving the team.

True Packer fans will undoubtedly wish that Favre has a healthy season, but is there any way that we will wish him well?

No! The fact of the matter is that Favre plays for a rival team. We are hoping that he loses a large quantity of games this year.

Favre needs to realize that there are other outlets if his heart can’t leave the game. I hope after another failed stint with another sub-par team, that retirement isn’t just a word that is tossed around like a hot potato through out the media outlets.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com


Packers Continue to Look Impressive Through Pre-Season

Published: August 31, 2009

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Last season was a disappointment for many Packer fans, finishing 6-10 with seven losses by four points or less.

Although it’s pre-season, the Pack have looked more than impressive behind their sophomore-starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers looks to continue to rise in stock through the pre-season by going 27 of 38 with six touchdowns and no interceptions. Rodgers appears to be poised to be a top-5 quarterback once again.

A huge improvement inside Lambeau Field is the defense.

Dom Capers has been able to form his 3-4 scheme around the deep defensive line of Johnny Jolly, Ryan Pickett, Aaron Kampmann, Cullen Jenkins, and newly-acquired B.J. Raji.

The combined speed and strength in the linebacker core has proved to be a difficult challenge for first-team offenses, with 12 first-team take aways on the Packers’ score sheet

Additionally, the Packers also holster a very dangerous pass-defense. The well-meshed group of Charles Woodson, Al Harris, Atari Bigby, and Nick Collins round out the potentially deadly defense.

The Pack have bullied their way through their first three games, and with the Tennessee Titans dropping their last two games in lack-luster performances, it appears Green Bay will go undefeated through pre-season.

Many will say, “It’s only pre-season.”

True, but the Packers are looking mighty good and are riding a freight-train of momentum. The NFC North Division had better be on their toes this season.