NFL week 15 open thread
posted at 10:00 am on December 20, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
And then there was one. Who would have guessed that the Saints would lose their first game before the Colts? Indy has played so many games from behind that almost every week sportswriters have begun writing in fourth quarters about Peyton’s first stumble, only to delete the lead and rewrite it. The Cowboys managed to solve New Orleans, and maybe give some hope to the Minnesota Vikings that they can gain the NFC home-field advantage in the playoffs this year.
Unfortunately, my Steelers are almost certainly out of the post-season, although Indy helped a bit by outlasting Jacksonville on Thursday. Green Bay comes to Pittsburgh today, and they’re improving while the Steelers are … well, not. I’m sticking with the Steelers at home, but they’d better find a way to get to Aaron Rodgers today if they want to win. Steelers win at home, 17-10.
Last week I went 5-1, but I wound up jinxing the Giants again. I’m now 53-25 for the season. Here are my picks for this week:
- Minnesota at Carolina – Minnesota is perfect at home, but they’re also 4-2 on the road. The Panthers are 3-3 at home. Vikings over Panthers, 31-17.
- Cincinnati at San Diego – This should be a good game between two playoff-bound teams. Cincinnati came up short last week against Minnesota, and they’re going to have trouble with the Chargers, who are playing excellent football now. San Diego should win at home, 28-24.
- Miami at Tennessee – This should be another good game. Vince Young is dinged up, and Miami still has a shot at the playoffs. Miami can counter the Titan running game, and should beat them, 35-24.
- Giants at Washington – The Giants have played poorly at night, and the Redskins are playing at home. This may come down to which team makes the fewest mistakes. I’ll have to pick the Redskins, 23-17, which of course means I’m rooting for the Giants, if you believe Jazz Shaw’s jinx talk.
- Atlanta at the Jets – A hmmmm game. Atlanta’s a poor road team, but the Jets are only .500 at home. They’re getting Sanchez back this week, and that should lift them to a 26-21 win and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Blowback
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Who dat?
lol
artist on December 20, 2009 at 10:03 AM
The Steelers game is on in our area. Do I have to watch?
Scott P on December 20, 2009 at 10:04 AM
GOOOOOO VIKES!
deidre on December 20, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Bwahahahahaha,
Now they know. That was SWEET!
conservnut on December 20, 2009 at 10:06 AM
By the way Ed, no thanks necessary. Not that you would anyway, hater.
conservnut on December 20, 2009 at 10:09 AM
I’d say the Saints are better off. They got that monkey off their back before the playoffs.
RBMN on December 20, 2009 at 10:09 AM
I didn’t know the Saints lost last night, wow.
I’m all about Da Bears tho.
Even tho every time Cutler throws a pass I expect an INT.
B Man on December 20, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Washington is going to beat the Giants?????? Just the fact that I get to watch the game means they won’t win.
Cindy Munford on December 20, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Perfection is overrated….ask the Pats.
Sanjoboy on December 20, 2009 at 10:19 AM
San Francisco over Philly, 334-0.
BallisticBob on December 20, 2009 at 10:22 AM
As always, Go Pack!
Mr. D on December 20, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Favre/Palin 2012!!
abobo on December 20, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Too cold!
abobo on December 20, 2009 at 10:27 AM
I love an optimist.
Cindy Munford on December 20, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Poor Saints. 13-1 is such a horrible record.
CookeyD on December 20, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Mike Tomlin told me that December would be Hell or some such thing and it turns out that he has been right so far. This is more depressing than the post Super Bowl 8-8 season that was Cowher’s last.
myrenovations on December 20, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Favre/Palin 2012!!
abobo on December 20, 2009 at 10:26 AM
heh
artist on December 20, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Couldn’t believe my eyes last night watching a team I barely recognized as the Cowboys play an aggressive, nearly flawless game. I hope we’re seeing them morph into playoff mode but somehow I think it was just an aberrant performance.
I do agree with RBMN that it was good for the Saints to get the undefeated monkey off their back. I still think they’ll make the Big Dance this year.
TXUS on December 20, 2009 at 10:28 AM
I gotta feeling that they’re going to join the 18-1 club! And no I don’t mean the one that only includes the Pats!
abobo on December 20, 2009 at 10:30 AM
I think you are right. But I am still looking for Del and Caneloader this morning so I can rub it in a little.
:-)
conservnut on December 20, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Nothing makes great ribs, or ribbing, like a good rub!
abobo on December 20, 2009 at 10:33 AM
The Saints’ defense is looking horrible the last few games.
I don’t see them stopping the Vikes.
artist on December 20, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Now don’t blow it Vikings! The Cowboys gave you a nice gift.
gophergirl on December 20, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Now don’t blow it Vikings! The Cowboys gave you a nice gift.
gophergirl on December 20, 2009 at 10:35 AM
They need another Saints’ loss for homefield advantage.
And they have to win out.
artist on December 20, 2009 at 10:37 AM
I know that but it’s more attainable now than it was before they lost. 1 game to make up is a lot easier than 2.
gophergirl on December 20, 2009 at 10:38 AM
I know that but it’s more attainable now than it was before they lost. 1 game to make up is a lot easier than 2.
gophergirl on December 20, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Agreed.
But their remaining games are against Tampa and Carolina.
I don’t see it. But you never know!
artist on December 20, 2009 at 10:40 AM
Isn’t this spelled “lede”?
LastRick on December 20, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Im pulling for the Eagles!
becki51758 on December 20, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Go Cowboys.
Spirit of 1776 on December 20, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Dallas showed:
(1) New England was believed to be better than they were, and (2)Minnesota, even if they do not have home field, and make it to New Orleans and play well, has a chance.
Danny on December 20, 2009 at 10:51 AM
I just bet simplesimon $5k that the Cowboys would beat the Saints; he took the bet.
The early games suck, most of those teams are already done. Here’s to hoping the Steelers game is broadcast in my area.
Go Steelers, Go Vikes.
Bishop on December 20, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Since this is an open thread, what do you guys think about putting 3 million protesters at the Capitol bldg to shut down the SOTU?
artist on December 20, 2009 at 10:57 AM
My 49ers defeat the Eagles 27-17 behind another seven turn-overs by the tenacious Niner defense.
Go Niners!
Rovin on December 20, 2009 at 10:58 AM
WE DAT, WE DAT, WE DAT SAID WE GONNA BEAT THEM SAINTS
Romo haters, was that a big game?
ReaganConservative3 on December 20, 2009 at 10:59 AM
The fix is in!
When NFL sportswriters suddenly start hinting that one of the 2 undefeated teams might not even get to the Super Bowl (and they’re not talking about Indy) you know it’s Favre’s year.
The Saints are the unexpected monkey wrench in his Farewell Tour, so have to be eliminated. Last night was the beginning of the end!
/s
Del Dolemonte on December 20, 2009 at 11:03 AM
It has been YEARS since the Cowboys played like that! It was a great game to watch…I hope they can hold on to it!
Yellowdog12 on December 20, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Hey Ed,
I’ll make ya a bet that my Niners finish the regular season with a better record than your Steelers. (We’re both at 6-7)
If I lose, I’ll send ya the first and original Bud Bowl-One poster.
If you lose, pick something.
Rovin on December 20, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Hey now, every NFL QB can have a big game every now and again. Taunt us when yours has a good season.
myrenovations on December 20, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Hey, Conservnut?
Was that you last night turning green and holding your face in your hands as Brees damn near won it anyway at the end?? :-D
That was me hollering, ‘Laces OUT, Laces, OUT!!!” right before Cowboys bounced the field goal off the upright and the whole place going nuts.
We had some Dallas fans and they turned pale and started mumbling during that last Saints drive.
Can’t believe I’m happy this morning and saying that it was a good loss, but I am. Dallas played perfect and New Orleans was banged up and Brees getting hit every play, but almost won despite. That was some hard-core football. Any time you lose a game like that, you can’t be too upset because both teams left it all on the field. I actually left the tavern with a smile. Heckuva a good run – 13-0 !!!
Romo won’t have a game like that again this season, so I hope he enjoyed it.
cane_loader on December 20, 2009 at 11:41 AM
The ‘boys still have problems in the 4th quarter when most games are won or lost. The good teams like Indy have been terrific in the 4th.
docdave on December 20, 2009 at 11:45 AM
The Cowboys’ defensive line won the game for them by blitzing the hell out of Brees.
But at the end, the Cowboys finally froze. It was like watching the teen-age girl cowering in the bathroom as the psycho batters down the door. If Brees had had 60 more seconds he would have won.
cane_loader on December 20, 2009 at 11:47 AM
PACKERS! On a roll and nuthin would be sweeter than to see the Viqueens go 0-3 over their final three games, then lose in first round of playoffs. Of course the Packs need to keep their A game in operation, not muddle through like they did against da bears last week.
Webrider on December 20, 2009 at 11:55 AM
I agree, but this “If” talk reminds me a little of that poltroon who occupies the White House. The next thing, you know, you’ll be talking about wins saved or created.
TXUS on December 20, 2009 at 11:56 AM
I can sell you ocean front land in South Dakota, Ed ;-)
Richard Romano on December 20, 2009 at 11:57 AM
TXUS – LOL!
No, I said the Cowboys played a great game.
But what we saw was the SAint barely there for 3-1/2 quarters and the Cowboys on all cylinders.
Great win for them!
But not a bad loss for N.O.
I revise my stat – Brees could’ve won with 20 more seconds!
:-D
cane_loader on December 20, 2009 at 11:59 AM
It is one of those painful things in life that you have to do as a Steelers fans.
CWforFreedom on December 20, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Here’s to a successful conclusion of “Raider Hader” in Denver. GO BRONCO’S!
Fynxbell on December 20, 2009 at 12:00 PM
lol, TXUS,
The Saints created a win for Dallas and so they are 14-0 !!
/Barry world
cane_loader on December 20, 2009 at 12:01 PM
I would like to thank the NFL for not broaddcasting that game last night, or the Thursday game, unless you are willing to shell out for NFL Live.
You jackalopes could sell a lot of advertising for people who wanted to watch an undefeated team try to stay undefeated, but now, you had to lock the game out.
Bishop on December 20, 2009 at 12:01 PM
OK, now I have to check the TV guide to see what games I’ve got in my area…
cane_loader on December 20, 2009 at 12:01 PM
49ers-Eagles, Packers-Steelers, Dolphins-Titans.
Hmm – haven’t seen the 49ers much this year.
What do folks think about that one?
cane_loader on December 20, 2009 at 12:05 PM
More time doesn’t help when you’ve fumbled the ball away.
Spirit of 1776 on December 20, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Bishop,
You’re right – that sucked and blew!
I had to send my almost-80 y.o. Dad down to a ghetto sports bar in L.A. just to see the game.
Here I was 2,000 miles away, working the phone like Tony Montana threatening the bar staff to take good care of my folks.
I told them that if they didn’t I was going to bring my redneck WhoDat friends and shoot all of their big-screen TVs-
cane_loader on December 20, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Spirit of 1776
More time would have allowed a couple more Pierre Thomas runs and taken some blitz pressure off Brees and at the end Pierre was unstoppable, though he was invisible for most of the game.
If Thomas had been a factor, N.O. would have won. I do wonder why Payton disappeared him.
cane_loader on December 20, 2009 at 12:11 PM
No.
No timeouts and 7 points down, there are not going to be any runs. If there were, the D is pinning their ears back and coming anyway. It certainly wasn’t going to take blitz pressure off Brees. Not without timeouts.
The Saints didn’t play bad, they just got out played by a team with a lot of talent. What I’m curious to see is if they close the door and win their next 2 to go 15-1. If they do, still think they are a contender. If they drop one, or drop intensity, I think Minny will represent.
Spirit of 1776 on December 20, 2009 at 12:15 PM
No, in Barry World, the Saints are 14-0 because they saved a win for Dallas, not created it.
TXUS on December 20, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Well, I do wish I had the game on tape to watch it again. It seemed to me that Payton mismanaged the running game to the point that Dallas was able to count on being able to blitz that much. I kept hollering for some play-action to Thomas/Bush and there really wasn’t much of it.
As far as Minnesota vs. N.O. as contenders, I’m not dissing the Vikes. But what I saw of Favre against Warner reminded me of how Favre loses his cool with INTs and the N.O. defense has had their share this year. I’ve watched Favre since he was a rookie and the wheels have come off his wagon more than a few times in that situation.
Minnesota definitely will sink or swim based on Favre reacting well to his picks.
cane_loader on December 20, 2009 at 12:20 PM
TXUS,
you are correct!
cane_loader on December 20, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Well, off the get something done in this beautiful weather. Happy viewing!
cane_loader on December 20, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Go chiefs crush the browncow.
bessex on December 20, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Yeah. I think if Harvin misses one of the playoff games Minnesota’s probably going to lose also.
NO is a good story, though, I’m kind of pulling for them. I’ve always liked Brees back to the Chargers, so it’s nice to see him and Payton get an offense rolling like they do.
To your other point, I’m not surprised that they didn’t run more considering the Cowboys moved the ball down the field, not at will, but consistently. Probably feeling the pressure to score quickly after the boys hit 24.
Spirit of 1776 on December 20, 2009 at 12:27 PM
You cannot be serious. The guy is only in his 3rd full year of starting in the NFL, and his record is 36 wins and 17 losses in regular season, and while they lost both playoff games he has started, he played well enough for them to win (except for the botched snap which has nothing to do with his play as QB)
Not sure who you like, and maybe you are a Colts or Pats fan and have the luxury of having Manning or Brady, or maybe you are a skins or egals fan and just hate the Cowboys, but to say Romo has never had a good season is simply ludicrous and uninformed.
WHO DAT!
ReaganConservative3 on December 20, 2009 at 12:37 PM
You’re totally right on that one, I give him a good, solid B+!!!!
abobo on December 20, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Riiiiiiiiiiight.
Dallas dominates what’s supposed to be the best team in the NFC in their home stadium for 3 1/2 quarters, then the Saints FINALLY manage to make some headway against the defense…..
but it’s too little too late.
Which just goes to show:
Every Dallas loss confirms every bad thing you think about the Cowboys.
And every Dallas win proves exactly……….nothing.
manofaiki on December 20, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Bwahahahaha,
Woulda, shoulda, coulda!
You lost cajun! deal with it.
:-)
conservnut on December 20, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Romo had a good game, but really his last several have been good. They didn’t always win but his numbers were good.
Here is the ranking list. Romo is number 8 in the NFL.
conservnut on December 20, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Nick Folk (the Cowboys’ kicker) has got to go. Worst record in the NFL, I read, and given the easy field goal he missed last night, I understand why.
Cowboys had everything to win; New Orleans had nothing to lose. New Orleans will get home field advantage no matter what. And a whole bunch of their defense is out so they weren’t at 100% last night.
But the Cowboys showed more spark and skill than they have shown any other time this year. I’m guardedly optimistic that they’ll make the playoffs. But they have a way of really screwing up, so who knows.
Jimbo3 on December 20, 2009 at 2:28 PM
As in “hmmmmm, should I watch the second half, or go shovel snow”
The way the Jets are playing, either choice is gonna leave me in pain….
Jerome Horwitz on December 20, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Seattle has a nice easy game set up for today. The hapless Bucs come to town. As poorly as the Hawks season has gone, this should be a nice stroll.
I’m packing my poncho as there is rain in the forecast. Not complaining though after having watched the first half of the Jets/Falcons game. I’ll take warm and rain over cold and wind every time.
Go Hawks!
Mallard T. Drake on December 20, 2009 at 2:41 PM
Chargers 28
The Bangles 17
My Guess.
Geochelone on December 20, 2009 at 3:27 PM
That’s funny. I vowed never to watch the Chargers again and since then they have won 8 in a row. I tune in on the radio so I don’t hex them.
Geochelone on December 20, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Jets fans throwing snowballs at the Falcons while play is going on, real classy.
clearbluesky on December 20, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Yeah, I’m sure that has never happened in the history of sports before……
I knew I should have shoveled snow instead of watching this mess.
Jerome Horwitz on December 20, 2009 at 3:59 PM
Cutler’s 23rd INT is 7 points for the Ravens!
HEEEEEEEAP!
This might be an ugly game. And what’s up with Raven’s former coach, Brian Billick doing color commentary? Could be a bit embarrassing, eh coach?
And oh yeah, GO CHARGERS!!
JohnnyD on December 20, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Can’t believe the Steelers still have a path to the playoffs, but they do thanks to the teams ahead of them losing today. Guess we’ll see how the 4:00pm Den, Bal and Pit games go.
forest on December 20, 2009 at 4:32 PM
INT #24!!
Poor Cutler….
JohnnyD on December 20, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Flacco to HEEEEAP again.
Another 7 points from the INT.
GO Green Bay!!
JohnnyD on December 20, 2009 at 4:39 PM
My Cardinals almost let their game get away from them, but woke up at the end. Now its time for the Eagles to beat the 49ers so we can clinch the NFC West.
MeAlice on December 20, 2009 at 4:49 PM
Well, maybe SD will figure out that taking Cincy’s CB’s lightly is a bad idea.
But not too quickly, I hope.
CPT. Charles on December 20, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Is there a football game on this afternoon?
Last night there was a FOOTBALL GAME.
Romo played like did during the first 3/4 of the 2007 season, and Ware made Brees into his own personal squeeze toy
so, the Cowboys win out, win the NFC East, and……..
Janos Hunyadi on December 20, 2009 at 4:56 PM
Agreed, along with Roy Williams. For the money we are paying him he should catch more than 50% of the passes that hit his hands. And if they got rid of Wade Phillips it wouldn’t hurt my feelings any.
conservnut on December 20, 2009 at 5:04 PM
Yeah, that was fun to watch. Especially when we didn’t even know until game time if he would play.
conservnut on December 20, 2009 at 5:06 PM
The Cheatriots used every purloined signal and trick play in their (stolen) playbook and beat the Bills in Buffalo, 17-10.
After the game, coach Bill Bellicheat was asked if the Jets and Miami still concerned him. He decked the reporter who asked the question, then stormed off as he mumbled “Grow Fins”….
Del Dolemonte on December 20, 2009 at 5:12 PM
WTF? You stop da Bears on the goal line and you try to run it up the middle 3X only to punt it away and allow da Bears to score? What a dumb ass thing to do!!
Wait, did Billick call that series? Sure seems like he did….
JohnnyD on December 20, 2009 at 5:13 PM
I’m one of 3 people in America that want him to stay. I think the slot is explosive because of Williams. He isn’t as productive as I would like…but I think his presence helps, especially with his size. I don’t think Hurd or Ogleetree can do better [yet] – Hurd dropped 2 back to back endzone passes vs. Denver, iirc, and Creighton got dropped from starting lineup for a reason.
Spirit of 1776 on December 20, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Teh 49ers gettin’ mugged out there!! Someone call Will Smith!
abobo on December 20, 2009 at 5:30 PM
If Denver loses to Oakland, the AFC playoff situation is going to be wide open. This could get interesting.
forest on December 20, 2009 at 6:01 PM
Boy is it getting hard to keep up with da Bears turnovers! My sympathies to the Chicago fans.
JohnnyD on December 20, 2009 at 6:20 PM
Yeah, i’m sure it has, so what? It’s still a classless thing to do.
clearbluesky on December 20, 2009 at 6:22 PM
thank you Fox for going to the Pittsburgh game. Lets hope Green Bay can hold off the Steelers for the win.
JohnnyD on December 20, 2009 at 7:13 PM
A meaningless game for the Packers yet they’re still playing to win.
lowandslow on December 20, 2009 at 7:16 PM
San Diego won at home, 27-24.
Better luck next time Ed. You were a bit off. /s
Geochelone on December 20, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Steelers get a miraculous amount of help today, and they’re looking to blow another double digit second half lead.
I reckon if you play a 3-4, better to not have practice squad guys playing end.
forest on December 20, 2009 at 7:29 PM
WTF Tomlin? An onside kick when you are ahead only by 2???
ladyingray on December 20, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Dumbest decision ever.
deidre on December 20, 2009 at 7:34 PM
Ben’s got more time than a jack rabbit against a turtle!
Com’ on Green Bay…Rush the bastard!!!
JohnnyD on December 20, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Not so sure about that ladies. Seems the Steelers should have known where the 10 yd threshold was. Touching the ball before it was the dumbass decision.
JohnnyD on December 20, 2009 at 7:44 PM
Wow, touchdown Steelers with no time left. Has to be best game of the weekend
firepilot on December 20, 2009 at 7:47 PM
NO Way!! How the hell????
JohnnyD on December 20, 2009 at 7:47 PM
Why the heck was Green Bay using a 3 man pass rush? Stupid.
WannabeAnglican on December 20, 2009 at 7:48 PM
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