A Thing of Beauty
One is a seasoned pro who collects hardware in the Lombardi line, forgoing the glitzy MVP variety. He is a standard by which others are measured and to which young players should aspire; the other is a rookie and budding star, athletic & energized, he still operates by the collegian concept that football is a one-man show and has the bruises to show it.
On Sunday both men took part in what may be the best short-sequence so far this NFL 2012 season, offensively speaking. The golden-age of the defensive-back, this is not.
With under two minutes in the game, Redskins’ rookie QB Rob Griffin lofted a perfect 30-yard rainbow to receiver Santana Moss who did his best imitation of a Willie Mays’ over-the-shoulder-catch and hauled it in for what looked to be the game-winning TD vs NYG.
Never one to back down from a challenge (it‘s in the genes), on the Giants’ next series, the reigning Super Bowl champion QB Eli Manning responded quicker than you can say Jack Robinson by connecting with speedy Victor Cruz on a 20 yard strike turned nicely into a 77 yard TD scamper in what Vic described post-game as a play they both “practice.” Practice makes perfect and this was pretty near perfection.
Both hook-ups were a thing of beauty, Eli & Vic’s a bit more voluptuous than the Skins‘ version which was quite fetching, just the same. Kudos.
Greased Pig-skin
A football is a football is a football, right? Not when it’s the official NFL ball it ain’t. Next time you turn on the game, take a gander at the pigskin in play. That shiny spheroid, made by Wilson, a subsidiary of Amer-Sports (Finland), in Ada, Ohio, is slicker than a greased pig. But if you’re looking for a justification for the sissy-fication of football by way of “sticky-gloves,” there you have it. Cha-ching!
Health(ier) Choice
Enjoy watching the game but suffer through a plethora of TV commercials & announcers that bore you silly? Here’s a solution. When it gets unbearable, flip-over to the League‘s “NFL Game Center” (NFLN / 1:00-4 EST). The colorful, game-board display shows every on-going contest with up-to-the-minute scores, audible announcing and is chock-full of the numbers you crave. If you‘re a scoreboard watcher, this is the place to be.
Cherry Picks Wk-8
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (5-2) (10-25 / NFLN / 8:20 EST)
If he doesn’t soon turn it down a notch or two, Tampa Coach Gregg Schiano is in danger of becoming Les Steckel II, ex-marine who steered Vikes to 3-13 record in ‘84 (and OC of ‘00 Bucs top offense). Tough talk won’t cut it if nobody’s listening. Upside, Bucs battle in every loss, QB Freeman’s rebounding while getting time (9-S) and specialist Barth can go long if close (57). But RB Blount is a rarity, top WR Jackson is ankled and run-stuff D (3d / 76 / David / Foster) will be tested by peaking Peterson (4.8). Vikings balanced defense (11R / 11P) tips the scale North in this slugfest of former division rivals.
Atlanta Falcons (6-0) @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-3) (10-28 / Fox / 1:00)
Count me among those feeling Falcons slightly more lucky than good. Atypical lack-luster defense supports the view. But Ryan’s distribution is impressive (3-30+ WR), TD / INT ratio solid and Turner’s run-game compliments. Home Eagles have better rank (7-O / 12-D) and with Vick looking threadbare I like him coming off the bye. Eagles win.
Washington Redskins (3-4) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3) (Fox / 1:00)
ATL, MIN, NYG and now PIT: baptism by fire. Though I’m no fan of Mike’s run-QB attack-plan, I give Rob credit for battling big boys with gusto. Hope DC isn’t looking ahead to CAR / bye. Griffin’s COMP % (70) and TD ratio (7-3) are good, while W-L (3-4) not bad for 1st-year. But when the QB is a top RB (7.3 / 468 / 6), trouble awaits in downfield pops and time lost in pocket-classroom. Skins can tackle (Fletcher / Riley / Wms / Hall) but deflect few passes (32). Troy is missed (calf) but Pitt still defends (2) while RB Dwyer has earned a start (if it works, don‘t fix). Ben’s like Brett, under-appreciated, takes a licking & keeps on ticking, a flair for dramatic and a nose for the end-zone. Steelers win.
New York Giants (5-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (3-3) (Fox / 4:25)
Raiders / Chiefs rivalry is regal (CBS / 4:05) but this is big bout in Wk-8. Cowboys made nice opening statement Wk-1 vs NYG (24-17) but very garbled since (SEA / CHI). Boys slip-by gloomy Cats while Giants ‘pull fat outta the fire’ vs DC. Where is the greatness? That would be the NBA (Heat / Lakers). Dallas run-attack doesn’t scare but Romo can still matriculate with cool WR corps and Giants’ D won’t say boo (24). Jerry wants this one bad, Garrett knows it and the Dallas defense should do its part (4). Cowboys win.
New Orleans Saints (2-4) @ Denver Broncos (3-3) (NBC / 8:20)
Resurrection Bowl. Saints have a ways to go (D-30/30; O-run (31)) but got their bounce back. Brees is breezy and tide may’ve turned vs TB. Gotta’ like Manning’s progress (ratio (14-4) & distribution) while reliable RB McGahee (4.3) could use a backfield bud. Denver D (11) should hamper Drew enough (10-P) while protected Peyton (10-S) lights-up the night. Broncos win.
San Francisco 49ers (5-2) @ Arizona Cardinals (4-3) (ESPN / 8:30)
Giants loss lingers for 49ers but Seattle win cauterizes the wound. Notable road victories (GB / Jets) and top-flight D (1) make San Fran a player but AZ win bolster’s case. Smith is sound and run-game serious (177) but mounting sacks (20) a concern. Cards quandary: quality wins (SEA / NE / PHI), troubling losses (BUF / STL) with biggest being Kolb who was fitting-in. QB Skelton needs size (6-6 / 244) as Arizona O-line is sieve (35-S) which doesn’t help the run-game (26). But John likes home crowd (6-0) and solid Cards’ D keeps it close (Daryl Washington: 62 / 6-S). May come down to kickers who’ve been shaky as of late but can be rangy: (AZ) Feely 61 / (SF) Ackers 63. 49ers are good.
Steven Keys
NFL Hunch Line
Photo Credit: WC.CC / “Cherries” / Hispalois / 7-2-2012
