NFL week 8 open thread
posted at 10:40 am on November 1, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
The Pittsburgh Steelers have the week off, and the NFL takes its Sunday evening off today as well at the half-way mark of the season. If that means I can’t see Big Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward play, it also means that we don’t have to watch Keith Olbermann either … so it all balances out. The big game this week in the upper Midwest is the rematch of the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers, this time at Lambeau Field. Packer fans want payback from the early-season loss and a piece of Brett Favre as well. Their O-line has played better lately than they did in Minnesota earlier, but I still think the Vikes are going to be too tough for the Pack — especially coming off that tough loss in Pittsburgh (and I’ll remind everyone that I predicted the Steelers would win on a late interception!). I’m picking the Vikes in a close one, 28-24.
Last week, I was only 3-2, choosing poorly by picking Da Bears and the Giants (at home!), so I’m 27-8 on the season. This week’s picks should do better:
- St. Louis at Detroit – As bad as both teams play, this may be the most competitive game outside of Green Bay today. I’ll pick the Lions to win their second game in front of the home-town crowd, 24-10. These are two teams moving in opposite directions, albeit so slowly that it’s hard to tell.
- Miami at New York Jets – Their last meeting was a terrific Monday night contest two weeks ago, but Miami on the road? They have a good running game which the Jets couldn’t stop last time out, but I’m going to give the edge to the Jets at home, 34-24.
- New York Giants at Philadelphia – It’s a big rivalry within a tough division. Could Eli Manning lose two in a row? Philly runs hot and cold, while the Giants usually just run hot. I can’t see a team that couldn’t score a TD against the Oakland Raiders beating a team looking for some vindication, even at home. I’ll pick the Giants, 27-14.
- Jacksonville at Tennessee – Like the Rams-Lions game, not compelling except for the fact that both teams have flopped. Tennessee is at home, coming off a bye week. If they’re going to win a game this season, it has to be this game. (Update: Vince Young is starting for the Titans today.) I’ll pick the Titans to win, 21-17, and Jeff Fisher can wear his own jersey at dinner this week.
- Atlanta at New Orleans – It’s the Monday night game, which has been good all year … until now. The Saints will scorch the Falcons, 38-14.
Blowback
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The Steelers are going to kick azz again.
Steelers 56, Opponent 0.
Bishop on November 1, 2009 at 10:41 AM
I hope Favre has a better game this week than he did when they played the Pack in MN.
deidre on November 1, 2009 at 10:41 AM
damn
conservnut on November 1, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Someone will have to lose today because the Redskins have a bye.
darwin on November 1, 2009 at 10:43 AM
Let’s see if my once-beloved Bears can go 0 for 2 against Pro Football’s toilet-dwelling duo from Ohio. After being routed and humiliated by a ghetto-trash-talking clown with orange hair who changed his name to his jersey number and a pot-smoking running back that they cut, the Bears play host to the worst team in the NFL.
What could possibly go wrong?
Jaibones on November 1, 2009 at 10:43 AM
Hey, Bish — try and makes sense of these two scores for me:
Bears 17 – Steelers 14
Bears 10 – Bengals 45
Jaibones on November 1, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Alex Smith starts against the Colts….What could go wrong? Go Niners!
Sanjoboy on November 1, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Steelers 20 – Bengals 23.
Everyone has a bad day now and then, the Bears just had an exceptionally bad one. Just be glad they aren’t the Titans or Raiders.
Bishop on November 1, 2009 at 10:51 AM
You’re on a roll Ed, Jet fans hope you get this one right.
Mark Sanchez says’ “Hot Dogs for Hot Air’ !!!!
Jerome Horwitz on November 1, 2009 at 10:54 AM
For future threads that have the Steelers logo could you please give a couple of pixels to a picture of a ref, they are the Steelers 12th man, whether its the horrible bias in the Steelers/Seahawks Super Bowl or the nonexistent tripping call in last week’s game, we should at least be accurate.
LevStrauss on November 1, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Ed…
You’re being extremely generous to my beloved Titans.
Let’s face it…they suck out loud this year.
I’m a Tennessean…and they’re still my team…but yeah, they suck.
I do hope they can end the season in a position other than dead last. There are a couple games left to prevent that right??
Hope springs eternal!
powerpro on November 1, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Texans over the Bills, 21-17.
Cowboys over the Seahawks, 24-14.
TXUS on November 1, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Did you see the bias the refs gave the Steelers when they intercepted those Favre passes and ran them back for touchdowns? I mean come on…six points for a defensive TD?
Bishop on November 1, 2009 at 11:01 AM
The Buccaneers do not play today, so I am guaranteed to go to work happier on this Monday than the previous 7 Mondays.
Fav-ra is going to sweep the Packers.
uknowmorethanme on November 1, 2009 at 11:02 AM
I see wordpress has not set their clock back!
uknowmorethanme on November 1, 2009 at 11:02 AM
That’s a pretty crummy way to gauge an NFC East rivalry. You could also say that the Giants loss last week was more telling since last year, the year the Cards went to the Super Bowl they got blown out by every team they played on the east coast.
Look at the last few times the Eagles have played the Giants. Now there is no Plaxico, which is much bigger than the gun grabbing sports reporters want to let on, and the Eagles have a much improved Deshaun Jackson with an improving Maclin at the wide receiver position, a mediocre game for an east coast team going west is not that much of a big deal compared to that. No Plax, no problem.
27-13 Birds.
LevStrauss on November 1, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Ed you ignorant fool. You have the teams reversed in The Game of the Week – it will be the 12-time NFL Champion Green Bay Packers on top of the choke artists on the Mississippi.
Oh yeah; change the time offset to UTC-5.
steveegg on November 1, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Just to keep the conversation interesting Bishop:
After the Steelers lose the next two games it’s clear sailing until they finish a Miami. Two people have to stay healthy–Roethlisberger and Polamalu OR they won’t even make the playoffs.
Rov
Rovin on November 1, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Let’s see….Alex Smith vs. Peyton Manning….’nuff said.
Colts baby Colts!
ohiorebel on November 1, 2009 at 11:05 AM
BURN!!!!
ladyingray on November 1, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Vince Young will be back and ready to go, its a good game to come back for, since the Jags aren’t that good. If they still had Haynesworth eating up blockers for the line it would be a lock since Jones-Drew is the game changer for JAX, but Vince should be able to pull it out.
LevStrauss on November 1, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Vikes are going to blowout the Pack.
No, I’m a Fins fan.
artist on November 1, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Their O-line has played better lately than they did in Minnesota earlier,
…..
Ya against Detroit and Cleveland.
LOLZ
artist on November 1, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Oh please, the Vikes scored the go ahead score, and the refs took it away from them. Then the next play was the defensive TD that completely changed the face of the game. Should have never happened, was one of the weakest calls I have seen in some time.
LevStrauss on November 1, 2009 at 11:11 AM
True for a lot of teams that depend highly on one or two players. I’m not convinced the Steelers have the seeds to make it all the way this year anyway, they just seem a bit off for whatever reason even with Pola on the field.
I will update my prediction: Steelers 49 – Patriots 14
Bishop on November 1, 2009 at 11:13 AM
What a shocker seeing Smith take the field in the second half last week AND have three great scoring drives while the niners defense held Houston to three points. Too bad they gave the Texans 21 points in the first half gaffs and broken defensive plays.
While I don’t give my Niners much chance in Manning’s territory, it will be nice if they stay in the game for a while.
Rovin on November 1, 2009 at 11:15 AM
James Harrison gets held by the left guard about 10 times a game, and it gets called maybe once. There’s no use complaining about the officials, and saying one call or non-call decided a game is ridiculous. We could go back through the tape and identify a bunch of things that should have been called and a few that got called and probably shouldn’t have. Good teams just keep playing and losing teams complain about calls.
forest on November 1, 2009 at 11:16 AM
The point is that questionable calls exist in every game, it’s why instant replay exists. I agree it was a bad call, I’m a Vikes fan too because of the wife, but when the Purple had the chance to go ahead near the end of the game, there was another defensive TD for the Steelers and game over.
Bishop on November 1, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Denver at Baltimore. Fascinating matchup. I’ll take my Broncos to cover the 3.5 points. In fact, Denver 24, Baltimore 20.
wccawa on November 1, 2009 at 11:18 AM
A fourteen point swing during the pivotal moment of that game. Excuse away. It wasn’t even close to a tripping penalty, somebody got a call from Vegas.
LevStrauss on November 1, 2009 at 11:19 AM
I thought that maybe HotAir was now blogcasting from Gitmo, while Allah was being waterboarded.
TXUS on November 1, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Alex Smith starts against the Colts….What could go wrong? Go Niners!
Sanjoboy on November 1, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Don’t get your hopes up Sanjoboy.
Go Colts!!
Hoosier on November 1, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Bishop on November 1, 2009 at 11:18 AM
A) You can’t replay that call. It’s not like a fumble where they can err on the side of caution and change it later.
B) The other Def TD wouldn’t have happened because they would have been running the clock out. Defensive TDs happen alot more when teams are trying to come back in the fourth versus protecting a lead. That’s why I said it completely changed the face of the game.
LevStrauss on November 1, 2009 at 11:23 AM
haha, Brett Favre as Saruman – Tolkien’s evil wizard gone off to the dark side!
oh, to be in green bay and watch people completely losing it over this!
(no offense to pack fans – none at all – this is one of those great moments in sports like when a whole stadium chanted, “darryl – darryl – darryl!!!!” to strawberry.)
get the popcorn ready and tape the game. just the fan shots will be epic :-D
cane_loader on November 1, 2009 at 11:24 AM
The Arlington Cowboys (as opposed to the old Irving Cowboys) have a much harder ride than the Falcons with the Seahawks, who always play them tough.
Still, the boys on a late field goal, 27-24.
OkieDoc on November 1, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Geaux Saints! That was quite the gut-check character builder come from behind win at Miami. They showed they can get down early, but the never panicked and stuck to their game plan. Atlanta should be an interesting test, as they are in the same division and are 4-2.
Del Dolemonte on November 1, 2009 at 11:25 AM
I’m anxious to see how Vince Young does today.
ladyingray on November 1, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Most exciting game today—-0-7 Rams vs 1-5 Lions. I’ll take the Rams by three in OT. Final score Rams three–Lions zero.
Rovin on November 1, 2009 at 11:26 AM
LOL, you may want to say you’re a Fish Fan, or else people will think you’re talking about one of our local bridge dwellers.
Del Dolemonte on November 1, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Del,….I think that Fin knows little about footballs unless they’re “little and green”…… :)
Rovin on November 1, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Conversely the Vikes could have scored if not for the bad call, then the Steelers get energized on their next drive and score, retrieve and onside kick, score again, and send me the winning game ball autographed by every player and Coach Tomlin.
You don’t know what would have happened; your prognostication of how things would have gone except for a single penalty on a single play reminds me of Ogabe claiming he saved a million jobs; it’s based on what you think about plays that didn’t happen.
Bishop on November 1, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Yeah he did go through regression and his head wasn’t on straight, but when he’s himself he’s one of the most clutch players I have ever seen, whether it was the USC game or many games during his rookie year. I think pulling him for that long was a big mistake, though I still think letting Haynesworth go to the skins to rot has helped kill their defense, those Defensive tackles don’t get the credit they deserve, and one’s performance when they go to the skins is not a good way to judge opportunity cost, we did that to Trotter a few years back and he lost some good years because of it, and our run defense went to hell.
LevStrauss on November 1, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Did you see the bias the refs gave the Steelers when they intercepted those Favre passes and ran them back for touchdowns? I mean come on…six points for a defensive TD?
Bishop on November 1, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Favre only threw one pick and it should have been caught.
That one was not his fault.
artist on November 1, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Just noticed that the games are an hour later today due to time change? Or is my onscreen guide goofing up?
cane_loader on November 1, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Bishop on November 1, 2009 at 11:33 AM
I understand that, but there is very little margin for error when you are playing a team as good as the Steelers on the road. Not only did it negate the touchdown, but it put them back further, changing the playcalling and giving the defense more of an advantage. The amount of change that call made towards the game was big.
LevStrauss on November 1, 2009 at 11:36 AM
The negating of the TD was in fact the right call but dispute it all you want. You must not know the rules. Interesting you do not complain about the holds on the kick off return. wonder why…Steelers overcame Vikes did not.
CWforFreedom on November 1, 2009 at 11:37 AM
ladyingray on November 1, 2009 at 11:26 AM
And on the Hayneworth thing, as a Birds fan we also learned that by letting Corey Simon go to the Colts. Eating up blockers isn’t a stat, but it makes a big difference in run defense, along with pass defense, albeit to a lesser and more indirect extent.
LevStrauss on November 1, 2009 at 11:39 AM
I am wounded by the pounding my Trojans took last night, so very glad my Steelers have the day off.
I am going for Jets to beat Dolphins, and Sanchez to have an outstanding day at home (SC fans need this one!). Also, can can the hated Ravens beat the more hated Broncos? And just for fun – here in the LA market we get no early game on CBS and the Colts v 49ers on Fox!
Guess I’ll grade essays and leave the swearing to the much more talented and practiced Hubby. Happy Sunday Football Everyone – and enjoy the Olberdork free week!
InTheBellyoftheBeast on November 1, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Quit your whining.
CWforFreedom on November 1, 2009 at 11:41 AM
The inexperience of the QB and a porous defense really hurt them. They will be back.
CWforFreedom on November 1, 2009 at 11:42 AM
JaxJaguars reduce the TennTitans to midgets
hear me now & believe me later…….
Janos Hunyadi on November 1, 2009 at 11:42 AM
The infirmary unit called the Seahawks limps into Dallas. The over/under on how many Seahawks get injured and have to miss at least a game is 2.
But….How about those Ducks! Oregon dismantled USC on national TV last night. The vaunted Pete Carroll defense was stripped naked by the Oregon spread offense. The king is dead in the Pac10; long live the King. Go Ducks!
Mallard T. Drake on November 1, 2009 at 11:43 AM
InTheBellyoftheBeast on November 1, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Trojans getting pounded is one thing, but losing in Oregon is nothing to really be ashamed of. I couldn’t believe USC were the favorites, guess not enough know of Oregon’s home field advantage, which has to be one of the best in college football, its the best I know of. But I am glad that so many people don’t know about it, since I exploited that money line.
LevStrauss on November 1, 2009 at 11:43 AM
It was huge, no doubt, yet the Vikes battled to within spitting distance of scoring again when all they needed was a field goal to take the lead. Yet another interception and a great defensive runback sealed the win.
The Vikes were a lucky recipient of a bad call two weeks ago when playing the Ravens, a bad offensive holding call that stopped a Raven drive.
Play through the bad calls because they happen to every team.
Bishop on November 1, 2009 at 11:44 AM
I think the Jets will win, too. The Dolphins’ minds have to be messed up after the New Orleans game last week (Saints overcoming a 21-point deficit to outscore fish 43-10 has to be brutal for them) – and the fact that Sanchez probably watched every millisecond of that tape after having lost to N.O. earlier in the season means that Jets should be more mentally ready.
Of course, that an two bits might (not) get you a cuppa joe
cane_loader on November 1, 2009 at 11:44 AM
It wouldn’t get that far, He’d crack under light persuasion from a 5 year old.
uknowmorethanme on November 1, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Let me rephrase my question – can anyone tell me what time the Packers-Vikes are on, (and in what time zone)? This will help me figure if the games are pushed back an hour or if my onscreen guide hasn’t adjusted. Thanks!
cane_loader on November 1, 2009 at 11:46 AM
You wish.
Dave R. on November 1, 2009 at 11:46 AM
What was the bad call…..do tell
CWforFreedom on November 1, 2009 at 11:48 AM
I’m conflicted. Have always liked the Bears but do enjoy watching Cutler get his outsized ego get ground down to proper size. Watching him sulk on the sidelines after throwing an interception almost makes it worthwhile.
a capella on November 1, 2009 at 11:48 AM
It is called a prediction.
CWforFreedom on November 1, 2009 at 11:48 AM
An NFL open thread on HA?
Y’all just want to torment me and my Titans. We. Haven’t. Won. A. Game. Gah! GRRRR! I heard that Fisher is gonna play Vince Young today, not sure if he’s ready..
Well, I still have my VOLS!! My beloved Orange (& Black?) whopped Spurier last night!
TN Mom on November 1, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Missed the most important early game, Denver at Baltimore. Both coming off a bye, I’m for the Bronco’s going 7 & 0! Come on Big D!
Fynxbell on November 1, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Guess this thread’s the wrong place to ask a question this morning – between sparse commenting and no one reading the thread before they comment.
So I’ll “google” the game times and check the thread later
C-ya!
cane_loader on November 1, 2009 at 11:58 AM
From what I’ve read, that wasn’t Fisher’s idea. That decision was made by an eighty five year old billionaire owner named Bud Adams. Starting to go into a Raiders type death spiral.
a capella on November 1, 2009 at 11:59 AM
I’m not a football fan but gave the vikings a 14 pt win. Hubby and Son aren’t happy about it. They still are mad at me when I said Farve would throw a pick and lose the championship game a few years back. They said it was just luck that he did that. I like teasing them about what’s going to happen in a game but they don’t like when my predictions come true. I’ll be wandering the net during that football game. It might get ulgy if the vikes win.
Brat4life on November 1, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Noon I think. I know we won’t get it here, hubby has to watch it on the direct tv football channel.
Brat4life on November 1, 2009 at 12:02 PM
I hope so. I love watching Kyle Orton look good while his predecessor stumbles.
a capella on November 1, 2009 at 12:02 PM
If we get a win today it won’t matter if it was Bud or his wife, Nancy… I just need a WIN!
TN Mom on November 1, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Hmmmm no answer to the question as to how the Vikes TD that did not count was based on a bad call….. too typical.
CWforFreedom on November 1, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Fox pushed it back to the late game, which means 3:15 pm Central Standard.
steveegg on November 1, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Fisher’s a good guy. I’d like to see them win, but having an owner decide starting skill positions isn’t healthy in the long haul. Al Davis is a good example.
I did enjoy watching Spurrier get his ass handed to him last night.
a capella on November 1, 2009 at 12:08 PM
The Vols really spanked “Darth Visor” last night…
ladyingray on November 1, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Thanks for letting me know. It’s going to be a long day today. LOL
Brat4life on November 1, 2009 at 12:18 PM
Titans disrespected the Terrible Towel . Now they pay the price.
CWforFreedom on November 1, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Atlanta has traditionally played the Saints tough, but this game is in the Big Easy, so they will have the ‘Dome crowd on their side. And overlooked in all the fuss over their high-powered offense is that they now have a great defense.
And they also now seem to have another thing-depth. When defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis had to leave the game last week with a sprained knee, he was replaced by Anthony Hargrove-who then went out and had 2 sacks.
Del Dolemonte on November 1, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Comment time check…
steveegg on November 1, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Brett Favre showing early signs of head trauma will believe he is still playing for the Green Bay Packers and throw 3 completions/interceptions.
Green Bay 27
Vikings 10
KF Peters on November 1, 2009 at 12:38 PM
Sanjoboy on November 1, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Hey Brett, Break a leg!
bagadeez04 on November 1, 2009 at 12:44 PM
There’s a lot of Bret hate in GB!!!
ladyingray on November 1, 2009 at 1:03 PM
He ain’t exactly a favorite in Jet’s nation either….
Jerome Horwitz on November 1, 2009 at 1:12 PM
I’m always with the Giants (philadelphia teams are despised just about as much as Texas teams) this week with the Packers and o/t the Yankees!!! (see ref to Philadelphia teams)
Willie on November 1, 2009 at 1:16 PM
Go Cardinals!
MeAlice on November 1, 2009 at 1:28 PM
ROTFLMAO
Geochelone on November 1, 2009 at 1:29 PM
LT & Jaws on Sports Center. . . LT wins!
Willie on November 1, 2009 at 1:33 PM
I’ve decided not to care until Rush gets his team. Damn left wing NFL.
Jeff from WI on November 1, 2009 at 1:42 PM
Go Cowboys! Let’s hope the good Tony Romo shows up.
txag92 on November 1, 2009 at 1:43 PM
Ed, I feel an overwhelming need to point out that Eli and the Giants could be poised to lose their 3rd game in a row (Saints, Cardinals, and possibly today).
Too bad both teams can’t end today with a loss, but oh well.
Let’s go Big D!
red winger on November 1, 2009 at 1:47 PM
I’ve decided not to care until Rush gets his team. Damn left wing NFL.
Jeff from WI on November 1, 2009 at 1:42 PM
Did you see Rush on Chris Wallace’s show today. Love Rush, it was a very good interview
Willie on November 1, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Jeff from WI:
I also love the fact that Wallace poked the WH in the eye by interviewing Rush. Great move
Willie on November 1, 2009 at 1:52 PM
Ed!? No mention of THE big matchup – Denver at Baltimore.
Must win situation for Baltimore and they draw the stingiest defense in the NFL. Can Joe Flacco rise above the herd? Can anyone score a second half TD against these wild horses?
Den 24, Bal 14
Go Broncos!
Ace ODale on November 1, 2009 at 2:05 PM
What’s going on here……am I watching the Jets, or the Steelers again ???
It’s almost like I can’t remember the last time I saw my team wearing green.
Jerome Horwitz on November 1, 2009 at 2:06 PM
ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!!! (NYG/PHI)
Willie on November 1, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Better than 24 of 31 for 271 yards, 3 TDs & 0 picks??? Nothing like getting a little greedy.
LFRGary on November 1, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Jeebus,the Giants are getting their arses handed to them by the Eagles so far. The game is every bit as lopsided as the early score would indicate. No clue on the Jets yet, since we’re blacked out yet again so people can be treated to the Bills game. (*spits*)
Jazz Shaw on November 1, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Great game, Jazz-Jets are up 3-0 in the second quarter. The Fish were just driving, but the Jets sacked the QB for a big loss. They look fired up today.
Del Dolemonte on November 1, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Unlike all the whiney announcers I’ve been hearing at every stinkin game today, I hope the Lambeau crowd BOOOs brett mercilessly. So much that they make him do this again. BOO HOO HOOOOOO.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1HMbvwOf3I
oakpack on November 1, 2009 at 2:57 PM
Go niners!
AlaskaLady on November 1, 2009 at 3:00 PM
With 4 seconds left in the first half, it’s Jets 3, Miami 3.
Del Dolemonte on November 1, 2009 at 3:23 PM
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