Who knew the Giants were going to win the World Series at the All-Star break? Or that Madison Bumgarner would put himself up there with there with Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth, Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson, and Mariano Rivera as the greatest pitchers in World Series history? That's just it...you never know...
As for football this year...I'm in Vegas, and I wouldn't make any bets at this point except week-to-week. Sleeper bet...Jets will win this week-end. Michael Vick should never be bet against in football...Surprises:
Dallas - The Cowboys are 6-1 and have come a long way from last year. Rod Marinelli has turned the defense into a strength instead of weakness. Dallas upgraded the offensive line, and are relying on the running game more, to the point that Tony Romo no longer feels he has to win every game.
Buffalo - The Bills are 3-1 since benching E.J. Manuel in favor of Kyle Orton and Sammy Watkins gives them a legitimate deep threat. The rushing defense is 8th in the league, and Buffalo is one win away from matching last year's total.
Disappointments:
Atlanta - The Falcons have lost 19 of the last 25 games and seem to come up a new way to lose every week, and yesterday was no exception. A delay-of-game penalty ON THE DEFENSE gave Detroit a second chance to kick a game-winning field goal.
Cincinnati - I know they're leading their division, but they haven't beaten a winning team outside the division, not a good thing come playoff time. They've given up 3 more points than they're scored, and are 22nd in the league in defense.
until Buffalo can beat the Patriots I don't see any real surprises from them. Dallas is a surprise. I'm surprised Romo hasn't imploded yet. Atlanta isn't a surprise . they do dumb things like getting rid of that animal Harvey Dahl. their offensive line hasn't been the same since. they got rid of John Abraham and he went to the pro bowl the following season playing for Arizona . They brought in a jerk like Ray Edwards and had to kick him off the team for a bad attitude . the list is long with Atlanta
And Buffalo being the 5 seed in the AFC, no doubt.
I think you are jumping the gun on the Dallas defense. It is a byproduct of their offense, imo. Dallas is sucking the air out of the game clock which means that suspect defense is spending way less time on the field and is fully rested when they do go out there and they constantly playing with the lead, which helps greatly.
I don't think Demarco Murray is going to hold up with the record setting pace he is on re: number of carries and his replacements are no where near his skill level. RB's just cant hold up for any length of time getting hit that much. Just a question of when.
I think the Philly offense will really pressure the Dallas D so I look forward to those games. Philly should be at 100% health by then so they should be excellent games, starting on T-giving day.
But yes, Dallas being 6-1 is def a surprise to all.
ust look at the playoff participants each year over the past decade. Half the teams are new each year. There is tremendous turnover in the teams that qualify for the playoffs. It's hard to maintain continued success as football is now a year to year business. But its what the NFL wants. A few great teams, a few lousy teams and everyone else in that 7-9, 8-8 or 9-7 mix fighting for the final playoff spots. Parity (or mediocrity) keeps fans interested throughout.
That's why what Peyton did for the Colts and now Denver and what Brady does for the Patriots is beyond remarkable. Those two immortals don't let their teams have down years.
It's way too early for any final prognostication. Teams that go deep in the playoffs and perhaps win the SB are those playing great in December not October. Obviously, 1/2 way through Dallas is a major surprise. I thought they'd be mediocre at best. Their defense is playing beyond any one's expectations. But again, we've seen this script before. November/December is where Romo/Cowboys struggle. At this point (especially if they beat Washington tonight), they'd have to have a major (even for Romo) collapse to not get into the playoffs. Atlanta was horrible last year, so they are again, horrible. I am not surprised. Houston is playing a little better than I had anticipated. Detroit's defense has really stepped it up and is carrying the team in the absence of Calvin Johnson. Seattle has been somewhat of a disappointment, but again, coming off a SB win, and loosing several players, it may not be that surprising. I like the 49er's to finish very strong, especially when they get a few of their key defensive players back.
The next month (sort of like Saturday at a Golf tournament) is when teams begin to make a move. Those teams who believe they are playoff contenders will put themselves in great position entering December to make a postseason run.
Should be interesting..... May the football Gods shine brightly on the Black and Gold
Who knew the Giants were going to win the World Series at the All-Star break? Or that Madison Bumgarner would put himself up there with there with Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth, Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson, and Mariano Rivera as the greatest pitchers in World Series history? That's just it...you never know...
As for football this year...I'm in Vegas, and I wouldn't make any bets at this point except week-to-week. Sleeper bet...Jets will win this week-end. Michael Vick should never be bet against in football...