Before I get to the picks…I’m still reeling from this afternoon. I can barely handle when people mention the game, let alone those little ‘Greatest Moments in NBA History’ bumpers on NBA TV that shows the lob and the celebration. But as I opened the door to the locker room and saw Ron Harper and Rasheed Wallace I knew exactly what was going on. Sure enough I looked on the bottom ticker ‘Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers – 2000 Western Conference Finals Game 7’. My immediate reaction was disgust and I bolted as far from the TV’s as I could. But I could still hear the game. I looked back and they were still in a timeout. The next time I looked, Kobe was taking a dribble into the lane. I already knew what was coming and it still hurt.
For those that don’t know..dribble, lob to Shaq, dunk. Crowd goes crazy, Shaq opens his mouth, raises his arms. Everyone is going nuts and the stake was driven into the Blazers. As I write this I shake my head. Seeing the actual play all over again in its proper context is 20x more devastating than seeing it in slow motion or on a commercial or in a bumper. It brought back all those memories. The complete and utter shock and then devastation I felt for a week. I couldn’t go to school the next day.
Being a Blazer Fan during a time when sports mattered too much wasn’t the best choice. When I was four I was introduced to the heartbreak of the Detroit series thanks to VHS tapes. I had to watch as unknown guys like Vinnie Johnson and Bobby Hansen made names for themselves in the Finals against the Blazers. My heart was broken as my favorite player demolished my favorite team. I could probably go on for days. The sick part about it is watching the 2000 game actually lifted my spirits up about our situation now. How? Because it can’t get any worse than that collapse.
On to the picks;
Patriots over BILLS
I feel for Buffalo. They are about to be the best 0-3 team in the league. They weren’t ready last week to get a win in Pittsburgh and they for sure aren’t ready to get a W in Foxboro.
JETS over Dolphins
After Trent Green’s abysmal performance at home against a questionable Dallas secondary, I refuse to take him at the Meadowlands. The Jets played like crap and still were a couple dropped passes from taking that game to OT.
EAGLES over Lions
This is Donovan’s last stand. He’s been questioned all summer, he’s been questioned the last two weeks and now everyone is on his back about his comments. It is now or never for Mr. McNabb. As much as I like the Lions they feel like too trendy of a pick here and I’m not sure they are ready to get a big win in Philly yet. Remember this is a team last week who turned the ball over 5 times at home against Minnesota, forced 5 turnovers and won in OT. I’m pumping my brakes on the Detroit hype.
STEELERS over Niners
San Francisco has gutted out two wins and hasn’t looked very impressive in doing so. Pittsburgh has had two pretty dominant wins but hasn’t looked extra impressive in doing so. The Niners aren’t quite good enough offensively to outlast the Steelers in Pittsburgh. I think this will be an ugly one and the Steelers will outlast them.
Chargers over PACKERS
I went back and forth on this one but I think this is the week that the Chargers bounce back. If it goes the other way I won’t be surprised and will be kicking myself but I just have a feeling with everyone on the Packer bandwagon and with all the pressure on San Diego they will get it done. They can’t open the season 0-3 right? LT has to bounce back eventually right? Right?
CHIEFS over Vikings
Larry Johnson has to get back on track and Kansas City should benefit from a raucous crowd at Arrowhead. The Vikings aren’t renowned for playing well outside of the dome and with their QB situation (Tavaris Jackson or Kelly Holcomb) I’m not sure I want to pick them winning this road game.
Rams over BUCCANEERS
The Rams have to win a game at some point right?
RAVENS over Cardinals
Maybe I think too highly of the Ravens D but I don’t think Leinart will be able to overcome their pressure on the road. We all saw how bad he looked in San Francisco and last week they barely pulled it out. McNair will be back in the saddle, McGahee will be looking to prove something and hopefully Brian Billick won’t make a dumb playcall.
Colts over TEXANS
Sorry Houston, no Andre Johnson means no chance in hell I could justify picking them over the defending Super Bowl champs.
RAIDERS over Browns
Oakland should at least have one win, this week they’ll pick up their first. I refuse to even acknowledge last week’s fluke by Cleveland. If they prove me wrong again I will give them their just due. But I think an Oakland team that has an underrated defense and a serviceable offense will get the W at home. Remember this is the same team that took the Broncos to the limit in Denver last week people.
Bengals over SEAHAWKS
Have to go with the Bengals in this one. Their offense is sick and their defense is absolutely pissed off. They are the laughing stock of the NFL and have been living in hiding for the past six days. Maybe it is just me but I have zero confidence in the Seahawks. They slept through a game with the Cardinals. We’ll see if they show up in time for this one. Too much O on Cincy’s side.
BRONCOS over Jaguars
Jacksonville has looked lackluster in their opening two games. The Broncos have looked good but haven’t had the corresponding results, having to pull out two nail-biters. This is the week they finally get an easy win. Jacksonville doesn’t have enough to keep up with them.
FALCONS over Panthers
Upset. I can easily see Julius Peppers having about 9121 sacks as Joey Harrington limps off. But I’m going to say the Falcons get their shit together and win as the Bad Panthers show up for too long and can’t comeback. I mean its feasible they blew a 14 point lead to the Texans at home right?
(I already regret this. Where’s Ron Simmons?)
REDSKINS over Giants
Too much is going wrong with the G-Men to take them on the road.
Cowboys over BEARS
I’m hoping Romo stumbled onto CMT when they turned their network into Carrie Music Television and played her music video over and over again. Why? So he can remember how dumb he is. And so he could focus on finding a way to kill the Bears. The Cowboys should win. As long as they don’t make mistakes they’ll get the W. Obvious statement? Yes. But very true, Romo has got to find a way.
SAINTS over Titans
New Orleans + Monday Night Football = Trouble.