Month: January 2006 (Page 11 of 14)

Pittsburgh @ Indianapolis (-9.5)

We’ll never know what would have happened had Carson Palmer played the entire game against the Steelers. But injuries are a part of football and the Steelers aren’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Speaking of horses, the Colts have phoned it in the last month, so the question is – will they be ready to play? I think so. Indy’s D isn’t going to roll over like Cincy’s did, so the Steelers will have a tougher time finding running room. The bottom line is: if the Colts play well, they’ll win. And I think they’ll play well.

I’m sure there are some Steeler fans that want to call me crazy. So…call me crazy.

Washington @ Seattle (-9.5)

Unless Seattle lays an egg, they should be able to muster enough offense to get the win. The Redskins only managed 120 yards of total offense against the Bucs and are going to have a tough time sitting on a lead against an explosive Seattle attack. Plus, Washington has to fly cross-country for the game – no matter how many frequent flyer miles they get, that can’t help.

Am I right? Am I wrong? Tell me why.

Well, not fully, I guess, because my Browns failed to make the playoffs (and just stumbled through one of the ugliest front-office fiascos in sports history, but that’s old news, I guess), but I know how painful Sunday’s loss to the Steelers must have been.

Going into that game as a Bengals fan, you figure, worst case scenario, the team’s inexperience bites them in the tail and they get stomped by the Steelers. Sucks, but for once, the crutch “there’s always next year” actually means something. This team can score against anybody: Rudi Johnson running the ball; Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chris Perry catching the ball; and of course, Carson Palmer running the entire show.

I live about three hours north of Cincinnati, and I’m pretty certain that, had I stood in my driveway during the opening stages of the first quarter, I would’ve heard a faint but very distinct cry of “NOOOOOO!!!” echo from the south. That was when the world stopped for every Bengals fan in the country. Carson Palmer, on his back, a blow to the knee. A couple quarters later, the obvious is confirmed: a torn ACL. Later, various reports say he also tore the MCL.

But then Jon Kitna comes in and leads the team to a 17-14 halftime lead. Kitna, the TV announcers tell us, gets more reps than just about any other backup QB in the league each week, and it shows. Well, early on, it did. In the second half, Kitna was lost, scrambling like mad to buy extra time, pump faking every other time he dropped back to pass, seemingly unable to make a decision. The end result: a scoreless second half, and a devastating 31-17 loss.

But there is good news, as I told a despressed buddy of mine, a BIG Bengals fan, a few hours after the game: Palmer’s not a running back or a receiver, which means the injury shouldn’t really affect his long-term outlook. You can’t count on him for much of anything next year (recovery time could be as long as nine to 12 months), but it’s not like he tore his rotator cuff or damaged his elbow. Plus, we’re not talking about Michael Vick here. Whatever loss in mobility Palmer may experience will likely be negligible since he’s not a very mobile QB to begin with.

The future is still bright in Cincinnati, but all the “WHO DEY!” chants should probably be put on hold for a year. Unless Jon Kitna remembers how to play quarterback during the off season.

In a battle of defenses, the Redskins prevailed 17-10, behind two big plays: 1) an interception that set up a Clinton Portis touchdown and 2) a fumble return for a touchdown. Then they did what they always do – they sat on the lead and, this time, were just good enough to get the win.

The Patriots dominated the Jags 28-3, getting a good effort in all facets of the game. They look like a very tough out for their next opponent, but they’re going to have to do it on the road.

Earlier today, the Panthers ran roughshod on a banged up Giants squad, 23-0. The key was the defense’s ability to contain Tiki Barber. Then, once they had a lead (behind Steve Smith’s receiving and rushing TDs), they were able to pressure Eli Manning into several costly mistakes. Carolina also looks like a tough out.