NFL open thread, week 11
posted at 10:00 am on November 22, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Last week was definitely unpleasant for this prognosticator. I went 3-3 for the third week in a row, only with a big assist from Bill Belichick, but the Steelers couldn’t score a TD against the Cincinnati Bengals and got swept in the season series. Now they’re 6-3 and one game behind in the won-lost record but really two games behind since the Bengals own the tiebreaker. Both teams play relative pushovers today. The Bengals go to Oakland, while Pittsburgh goes to Kansas City. I’ll pick the Steelers over the Chiefs 31-10 in what should be a rebound game.
Oh, and during the week, I decided to take a long shot and apply for a press pass to a Steelers home game … and got politely denied, as I’d expected. Bummer. I think next year I’ll make it a mission to find a field pass for a Steelers game at Heinz Field. We’ll see how that works out. Hopefully, it will work out better than my picks have the last three weeks. I’m now 36-17, which should be the Bengals winning score over the Raiders, and here are a few more to anger and annoy:
- Indianapolis at Baltimore – The Ravens play tough at home, but they could barely handle the Browns on the road. Indianapolis should have lost their first game to the Patriots, but Belichick’s gamble allowed them to mostly run the ball and score a TD to win the game. I think the Colts are too tough mentally for the Ravens, who have slid into mediocrity this season. Colts over Ravens, 28-17.
- Seattle at Minnesota – Brett Favre should have no problems with Seattle, and neither should Adrian Peterson. Expect a lot of scoring from the Vikings and next to none from the Seahawks — probably 38-10.
- Atlanta at New York Giants – The Giants break their 4-game losing streak today, mainly because Atlanta is turning into a one-dimensional offense. 24-13, Giants at home. (And this time Lucy will NOT move the ball, I predict.)
- Tennessee at Houston – Tennessee has turned around 180 degrees since starting Vince Young. They play better, they look better, and they have a 3-game winning streak. Houston only plays .500 at home but are coming off a bye after a tough loss to Indy. I’ll say this may be the toughest game of the week, but Houston wins a squeaker at home, 27-24.
- Cleveland at Detroit – Not just the Futility Bowl of the Week, but the Futility Bowl of the Season. Two 1-8 teams square off against each other in a game CBS must have carried after losing a bet with Fox. Detroit is playing at home, and unlike Cleveland, Detroit has played tough at times against good competition. Expect Detroit to win their second game of the season, 17-3.
Update: Cleveland at Detroit, not Dallas. Sorry about that!
Blowback
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Go Steelers !!!!!!
CWforFreedom on November 22, 2009 at 10:02 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAudm4_1lBY
MirCat on November 22, 2009 at 10:03 AM
BadgerHawk on November 22, 2009 at 10:05 AM
No wonder you were denied a press pass; players don’t get ‘em.
- The Cat
MirCat on November 22, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Is it Cleveland at Dallas. Or Cleveland at Detroit?
AlreadyKnownAs on November 22, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Ed, you meant Cleveland at DETROIT.
therightscoop on November 22, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Prepare to be crushed, Steelers. KC is going to win the last 7 games of the season, finish with a 9-7 record and grab a wild card spot. From there, they will steam-roll all opposition in the playoffs and win the Super Bowl.
Wolftech on November 22, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Will the Colts and Saits go 10-0?
Holger on November 22, 2009 at 10:12 AM
The Obamas and the NFL bring you this holiday message-You Tube
I improved on the Thanksgiving NFL commercial. If I had real skills, the One would have dropped the ball. The original commercial is all about the One right to the end.
No Niks on November 22, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Could be a trap game for the Saints, but I think they are too well-coached. However, one of their best D players didn’t make the trip to Tampa, and RB Reggie Bush also stayed home. His knee started to swell in the middle of the week and Payton said why risk further injury?
Not connected to the actual game, but for those who missed it, it was confirmed a couple of days ago that Drew Brees’ mother Mina committed suicide last summer while visiting Colorado (drug overdose). She was a lawyer in Austin TX and she and Drew became estranged after he refused to hire her as his agent; she later used his picture without his permission when she ran for political office. 3 days before she died the Texas AG had subpoenaed her business records.
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Doesn’t the NFL understand that Ed has “sporting experience”?
Rovin on November 22, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Just a thought, Ed, call Rush. He likes you and knows a few folks up there.
TXUS on November 22, 2009 at 10:29 AM
come on bronchorns
blatantblue on November 22, 2009 at 10:30 AM
West Coast Sporting Report:
My 49ers will defeat the Packers in Green Bay “Morrisseylessly” today, 28-23.
That is all……….
Rovin on November 22, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Holmgren is interested in CLeveland.
artist on November 22, 2009 at 10:36 AM
FIFY
Rovin on November 22, 2009 at 10:37 AM
As I mentioned last week I wangled a Field Photo pass 20 years ago at the old Foxboro Stadium for a game between New England and the Saints. But that was only because a good friend of mine was a reporter for a major newspaper and had 2 press passes to each and every game, one for the press box and the other for the sidelines. I’m sure security regs are much tougher these days.
But, as TXUS said, Rush may be able to help you out.
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 10:43 AM
I needs to get me some of that Obama money, like they gets in Detroit. With Time Warner cable I get 1 early game which is Cleveberg and Detriot….what a titanic struggle this will be. Goin’ with the Loins in that one.
My Colts will gallop by the Raisens like they always do.
ohiorebel on November 22, 2009 at 10:47 AM
What’s going to be fun at the Titans-Texans game is all the Houston fans who’ll be taunting Bud Adams by giving him the finger. It will happen, in the thousands.
TXUS on November 22, 2009 at 10:48 AM
I assume nothing anymore.
Er, BTW, eh… um, if you should get more than one press pass I’d like to volunteer my services to assist you… er, ahem. Qualifications? Um– did I mention I like the Steelers?
Scott P on November 22, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Ed, I’m afraid you’re giving the Chiefs a little too much credit.
uncivilized on November 22, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Redskins over Cowboys.
No, I’m not joking either.
darwin on November 22, 2009 at 10:58 AM
shouldn’t it be the Bengals heading this thread…not the sorry steelers?
tomas on November 22, 2009 at 11:00 AM
A couple of interesting games….Colts/Ravens and Cards/Rams. Both visiting teams used to be that city’s franchise years ago….Baltimore Colts and St. Louis Cardinals.
Anyway, Go Bolts!!!!
repvoter on November 22, 2009 at 11:04 AM
No. The Steelers are his favorite team. You don’t make the rules. And to call the Steelers sorry exhibits some serious football ignorance.
CWforFreedom on November 22, 2009 at 11:07 AM
They are sorry…quit hugging. This is football.
tomas on November 22, 2009 at 11:10 AM
They are kinda sorry at the moment, but sadly I must still shun you.
*turns back*
Scott P on November 22, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Please STOP picking the GIants, it has been poison!
Willie on November 22, 2009 at 11:17 AM
If the bengals lose at Oakland today I will say I’m sorry and shave my bald head.
tomas on November 22, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Who dey! Who dey! Who dey think gonna bet dem Bengals?
Noooooooobody!!!
ChefJeff on November 22, 2009 at 11:30 AM
darwin on November 22, 2009 at 10:58 AM
I’m with you, bro! Hope they embarrass the Cowpatties in the Jerry Jones Dome. Go Skins!!!
And GEAUX SAINTS! Saints AND Colts both continue their undefeated ways.
bryan2369 on November 22, 2009 at 11:32 AM
The Bengals are strong. Their defense is the biggest surprise …kudos to them. In fact last week the Bengal offense did not score a TD and they still won. The Bengals won the two games against the Steelers. They did so by a margin of 9 points combined. Wins are wins. These two teams are not far apart.
Good article on the Steelers to date.
http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2009/11/19/1164060/a-reason-for-every-super-bowl
CWforFreedom on November 22, 2009 at 11:34 AM
So far the Texans and the Broncos.
CWforFreedom on November 22, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Heh, well certainly not Oakland anyways…
Ozprey on November 22, 2009 at 11:36 AM
“Mister, what’s that on your uniform?”
“A press pass…”
“A PRESS PASS! You’re all worthless and weak. NO DROP AND GIVE ME 20!”
Khun Joe on November 22, 2009 at 11:38 AM
That’s karma biting you on the a$$ for being a Cowboy hater. :-)
Oh no you didn’t!!!!!!!!!
conservnut on November 22, 2009 at 11:40 AM
GO CHIEFS!!! It’s tough being a chiefs fan.
nazo311 on November 22, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Would love to see a Super Bowl with the Bengals vs the Saints. That would decide the whole “Who Dat” VS “Who Dey” battle once and for all.
The “Who Dat” phrase originated in New Orleans in the late 1800s-the Saints didn’t “officially” use it as a slogan until the early 1980s, even though it was the informal rally cry when the team was formed in 1967.
“Who Dey” first came into vogue in Cincy in 1981.
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Who Dat? Where Y’at?
bryan2369 on November 22, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Speaking of Who Dat? Check this out from Wikipedia:
“Who Dat?” became a familiar joke with soldiers during World War II.
Back in WWII, US fighter squadron pilots would often fly under radio silence. But things get lonely up there in the cockpit, so after a while there’d be a crackle of static as someone keyed his mike. Then a disembodied voice would reply, “Who dat?” An answer would come, “Who dat say who dat?” And another, “Who dat say who dat say who dat?” After a few rounds of this, the squadron commander would grab his microphone and yell, “Cut it out, you guys!” A few moments of silence. Then… “Who dat?”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Dat%3F
Lulz for all!
bryan2369 on November 22, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Colts are thin in the defensive secondary due to injuries. Luckily the Ravins don’t have much of an ariel attack.
tommyboy on November 22, 2009 at 12:42 PM
GO BIRDS!
Fishy.Gov on November 22, 2009 at 12:47 PM
It’s funny, last MNF we had the old Browns (Ravens, or as I love calling them the Bravens) and the new Browns, and now we’ve got the old Baltimore team vs the new Baltimore team. It’ll be a much better game than the MNF debaucle, that’s for sure.
bryan2369 on November 22, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Geaux Saints!!!
joedoe on November 22, 2009 at 12:54 PM
It is a good thing the Oregon Ducks are flying high, otherwise it would really be a drag for this Seattle fan. I don’t have much hope for the game today against the Vikings. Until Seattle fixes their O-line and their D-line learns how to pressure the QB, they aren’t going anywhere. Ever since Steve Hutchinson left in a snit several years ago, the Hawks O-line has steadily gone down hill.
A week from Thursday, Oregon vs. Oregon State. The winner goes to the Rose Bowl. That has never happened before. I am glad the game is in Eugene. Go Ducks.
Mallard T. Drake on November 22, 2009 at 12:58 PM
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!
bryan2369 on November 22, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Wolftech on November 22, 2009 at 10:08 AM
that’s great, but who are the Chefs??
mrfixit on November 22, 2009 at 1:03 PM
3 and out for the cowpatties. Randle-El fair catches, shocker.
bryan2369 on November 22, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Colts TD on their first drive. 85 yards in 7 plays. Dallas Clark is the best TE in the NFL>
tommyboy on November 22, 2009 at 1:08 PM
LOL. In 1989 when I was able to get a sideline pass for the Pats vs the Saints at Foxboro, us photographers were being constantly told to “take a knee” so we wouldn’t block the views of the people behind us on the sides. And sometimes the “requests” were somewhat nasty-especially later in the game, when the Saints were blowing the doors off the Pats. By then everyone in the stands was VERY drunk.
At one point while on my knees I glanced over along the sideline and just to my right were the fanciest pair of alligator shoes I had ever seen. When I glanced up to see who owned them, I saw the glaring face of team owner Victor “Razor” Kiam. I slithered away rather quickly.
Funny how things work out-the new Pats stadium is named after one of his razor competitors.
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 1:15 PM
Agreed. DC is a beast at TE.
bryan2369 on November 22, 2009 at 1:15 PM
If things keep up, the Skins-Dallas match could be a body bag game reminiscent of Skins-Philly from many moons ago.
bryan2369 on November 22, 2009 at 1:23 PM
Go Texans! Stomp the lying Bud Adams’s Titans.
Johan Klaus on November 22, 2009 at 1:29 PM
Skins score first! 3-0!
bryan2369 on November 22, 2009 at 1:46 PM
The Lions are getting rolled by the Browns 24-3. And there’s still time left in the FIRST QUARTER! Ugh.
Silver lining: the game is blacked out in the Detroit area! Woohoo! Instead, I get to enjoy watching Indy play Baltimore.
theblogprof on November 22, 2009 at 1:48 PM
Ray Lewis just got punked by Joseph Addai. He’s just coasting on his reputation. Little tread left on the tires.
tommyboy on November 22, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Saints having a slow start-10 to 7 nearing the half.
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Watch out, Ol Bud will give you the two finger salute.
:-)
conservnut on November 22, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Saints open the second half with a drive and a TD. 17-7 New Orleans with 12 minutes to go in the 3rd.
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 2:59 PM
Saints march again-now 24-7.
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Shocker…KC 17, Pittsburgh 17.
Looks like the Saints are cruising now, with 4 minutes left in the 3rd they are up 31-7.
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 3:25 PM
Jason Garrett (OffC) should by fired by the Cowboys. Being shut out by the Deadskins??? I’m fed up.
WannabeAnglican on November 22, 2009 at 3:35 PM
KC 24, Pittsburgh 24
Basically all over in Tampa Bay…score is New Orleans 38, Bucs 7, with 10 minutes left.
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 3:47 PM
WHO DAT?
joedoe on November 22, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Colts stay undefeated after a very tough win. The depleted secondary almost did them in but Bracket came up with a game winning pick on the Ravens 10 yard line.
tommyboy on November 22, 2009 at 4:07 PM
KC and Pitt going to OT.
Atlanta came roaring back to tie the Giants. Also going to OT.
New Orleans wins 38-7 to go to 10-0. Who Dat!
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Big Ben goes out and Pitt must rely on Charlie Batch to win for them.
tommyboy on November 22, 2009 at 4:11 PM
PLEEEEAZE let this be true! . . . (after big KC OT run)
WannabeAnglican on November 22, 2009 at 4:17 PM
YESSSS! YESSSS! YEEEEESSSSSSSSSS!
WannabeAnglican on November 22, 2009 at 4:18 PM
27-24 Chiefs.
Told You.
Wolftech on November 22, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Looks like Pitt’s playoff chances are more endangered than the spotted owl.
tommyboy on November 22, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Bwahahahahahah..cough Bwahahahahahahah
Beto Ochoa on November 22, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Black Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Oh, I still think the Steelers make the playoffs, but no homefield. One can always wish though.
WannabeAnglican on November 22, 2009 at 4:21 PM
Giants win in OT. That puts a big nail in Atlanta’s chances of catching the Saints in the NFC South.
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 4:22 PM
Lions QB Stafford is a man. What heroics!
WannabeAnglican on November 22, 2009 at 4:24 PM
Patriots draw first blood. Brady lost a fumble, but then the Pats picked off an errant pass and ran it back. 7-0 early on.
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 4:36 PM
Seems like we won this game in spite of the Ginger Imbecile.
Didn’t get to actually watch it live, but it seemed like the run was working all day, yet still foolishly kept going to the air? Garrett gets too pass happy, and is too stubborn for his own good (hoping if you keep trying the same things eventually they will work).
This leads to him being very predictable. Last year the Ravens D called him out on it, and looks like he hasn’t changed. How many times did we run a delayed draw today? Did he constantly telegraph passing plays by going out of the gun? I’m also guessing there was a fascination with slow developing deep pass routes? It’s the same week in and week out.
Sure, it looked like he had a nice run a few weeks back where the offense was outstanding (thanks in part to the emergence of Miles Austin), but now teams are planning for him. The Ginger Jackassis a detriment to this team. He needs to go!
Oh, and so does Wade Phillips (Coach Creampuff), and Roy Williams (WRINO — wide reciever in name only).
red winger on November 22, 2009 at 4:38 PM
Ed……I’m SO sorry :)
FontanaConservative on November 22, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Yeah, not much talk about it, but the Steelers pretty much need to win-out now to make the playoffs, and that’s not going to happen. Their lousy divisional and conference record will cost them in the tie breakers if it comes to that.
Anyway, We had a “Heidi” moment here in Central PA at the end of overtime. The Cheifs had the ball on their own 35 yard line, and the network inexplicably switched to the pre-game yakking at the Jets game. By they time they fixed it, the Chiefs had the ball on the Steelers’ 5 yard line…great work CBS.
forest on November 22, 2009 at 4:43 PM
I called it! Saints and Colts stay undefeated! Too bad the Skins blew it. With the score, I thought it was the Nats playing the Rangers, LOL.
bryan2369 on November 22, 2009 at 4:46 PM
That is a common glitch. They had to switch everyone in the NY and New England markets over so as not to miss the start of NE-Jets. Obviously they thought you were part of the NY market.
Pats score again-Brady to Moss.
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 4:53 PM
I’m sorry, what was that?
jack herman on November 22, 2009 at 4:55 PM
I think this may be my first ever post on HA, though I’ve been registered for a long time. All I can say is YAY CHIEFS!! It is most definitely hard being a Chiefs fan!
Researcher...MO on November 22, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Holy Moly!
The Bengals just scored a TD with only rushing plays!
I can’t remember the last time that ever happened.
HU DEY!!!
CPT. Charles on November 22, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Uh-oh, the Patriots are “running up the score” again…21-0
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 5:09 PM
As much as I would hate to see it I think the Steelers can win out IF they win at Baltimore next week. That is a big IF, however. The Ravens would so love to stick a knife in Pittsburgh, and they are very able to do it. That game will be huge.
WannabeAnglican on November 22, 2009 at 5:20 PM
*sob*
Scott P on November 22, 2009 at 5:24 PM
My COLTS pull out a squeaker. 3 TO’s,one a redzone fumble!
PTN 39 on November 22, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Total yards for the Jets in the first half-just over 30.
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 5:30 PM
LOL.
The Steelers have a mediocre offense. Ben needs the most time in the pocket of any quarterback in the league without it he’ll keep taking sacks until he gets put out of the game. This is not the first time this has happened. I remember the Titans using him for a tackling dummy awhile back. He is the Steelers best asset and biggest liability. If the offense goes 3 and out long enough even a average offense is going to able to put up points against that defense. Remember the season the Ravens had after their Superbowl win?)
Theworldisnotenough on November 22, 2009 at 5:45 PM
Too bad you missed the comeback…
Khun Joe on November 22, 2009 at 5:54 PM
The booth guys for Bengals game suck a$$.
The only time they ‘come to life’ is when they’re talking about the Raiders are doing something.
$hit, they just ‘head-bonked’ Palmer. [How many fingers do you see, Palmer?]
CPT. Charles on November 22, 2009 at 6:07 PM
OK if I am dreaming please do not wake me up; Saints 10-0! With all the shite going on with our country, a man child pres, the chosen one, congress getting ready to ram Health care down our up our body parts, I do have the Saints to look forward to!
WHO DAT!
Teleycoman on November 22, 2009 at 6:12 PM
Hmmph, Bengals are doing their best not to win against Oakland.
WannabeAnglican on November 22, 2009 at 6:46 PM
Nice guess on the Vikes/Seahags game.
Final 35-9
Thank the Gods, it’s great to be a Vikings fan!
Markvike on November 22, 2009 at 6:59 PM
Oakland against Miami in a playoff game years ago. Somewhere around the third quarter, Lamonica had just thrown another one in the endzone for a go ahead TD. From around the 5 yd line, Larry Csonka carried the ball every play to score a TD and retake the lead.
I can’t even remember who won that game, but Csonka was incredible…..and tired.
Rovin on November 22, 2009 at 7:04 PM
Ed, did you pay the Bengals to throw this game??
WannabeAnglican on November 22, 2009 at 7:12 PM
Looks like the Bungles are trying to make it a clean sweep for the AFC North today.
forest on November 22, 2009 at 7:20 PM
Patriots win, 31-14. Next stop New Orleans, a week from Monday night, to play the 10-0 New Orleans Saints.
BTW Phil Simms from C-BS spent nearly the entire game defending the Coach going for it last week on 4th down. Got kinda old after the 6th or 7th time.
Del Dolemonte on November 22, 2009 at 7:26 PM
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