Tuesday, October 26, 2010

NFL 10 Week 7 Synopsis

This post is dedicated to Ken and Anita. But we'll get to that.

First I have to say that the Colts may be in trouble. It was announced that Tight End Dallas Clark hurt his wrist, and it was announced last Wednesday that he has to have surgery and rehab and is out for the season. He is not only one of the top NFL tight ends, but recievers. The threat that he is cannot be underestimated. That is why many teams double cover him with a corner and a linebacker and single cover Reggie Wayne. So the Colts offense is in trouble. Tami better step up, and their recievers better get healthy quick.

Rest of the League:
Steelers-Fins. The Miami D gave Pittsburgh fits as I knew they would. But early on Miami struggled in the Red Zone to get TDs and got field goals instead, which allowed Pitt to win in the end.

Falcons-Bengals. Ohh, the Bungles lost again. At least this time Palmer wasn't SO terrible. He was his usual underperforming QB, and not the awfulness he has been this season.

Ravens-Bills. Wow. Aparently the Ravens decided to play the first half with one arm tied behind their backs. Then exploded all over the Bills. Buffalo fought hard to stay in it, but Ray Lewis made an amazing strip in overtime to allow them to kick the game winner.

Chiefs-Jags. KC finally did what the Colts have not, won in the AFC South.

Browns-Saints. I'm not sure how, but the Browns dominated the Saints entirely. It was such a blow out, it wasn't much of a game. It seems that Brees has not been sleeping since the birth of his son Bowen, and so through balls at Browns linebacker Bowens all day.

Panthers-Niners. The Panthers got their first win against a San Fran team that couldn't beat the Girl Scouts (but could STILL beat my old high school team).

Titans-Eagles. Here's an idea. COVER KENNY BRITT. If they would have kept him from catching 3 easy TDs in the 4th quarter they would have won.

Buccs-Rams. Somehow a mediocre Tampa Bay has ended up at 4-2 like every other NFC team leaving their coach to claim to be the best team in the NFL.

Giants-Cowboys. Big win by Eli and the G-men. Big D may have a chance. They have gotten rid of their hated QB due to a broken clavical. Now all they need is to get a coach and get rid of Jerry Jones and they can save the season.

Seahawks-Cards. You know it is a bad NFL season when two teams that are pathetic this season are playing for the top of their division. It may be time to pack up and go home.

Patriots-Chargers. Ok, as bad as the Chargers are, this should prove that Tom "we suck" Brady is right, because they should have won by a lot more.

Redskins-Bears. If you love Defense as I do, you would have loved this game. I'm guessing that it set a record for most turnovers. It started with an AMAZING Bears pass rush that resulted in a pick-6. It was a great play. These two teams traded interceptions then traded fumbles, then traded interceptions again. But it was Cutler throwing to Hall 4 times that made the difference. Culter said in a post game interview that if they play the Skins again, he would still throw at Hall. Someone needs to tell him that the guys in black are his team, and he should try throwing at them. He will not become one of the game's greats by throwing Intercepts. After all, Brett Favre is the only one who can do that.

And now for why this is dedicated to Ken and Anita (besides the fact that when I look at a map of my viewers, I see one little green African country and smile).

Packers-Vikings. That's right. Aaron Rogers beat the pants of the future occupant of the Shady Acres Retirement Village. The Geezer finally got his elbow feeling better, only to injure his ankle, which has the NFL wondering if he will start Sunday. Childress might be forced to bench him to try to put in someone that can actually win. Way to go Packers. That W must feel good.

*add on*
I learned that Favre has two broken bones in his ankle. Someone didn't take his Boneva.

Monday, October 25, 2010

That's the way you want to play? Bring it.

Lately I've been stressed out, burned out, and insecure. I've been seeing the negative in everything, and complaining about all of it. I just haven't felt like myself.

Saturday, I had this amazing opportunity. My church organized a free yard sale in the poor section of the community. We didn't expect them to come to us. We didn't attach strings (like making them sit through a two hour presentation on the gospel before they could take anything). We just tried to show love without conditions. Because love can change the world.

While we were organizing this and after, one person kept making comments to me and to others about how I wasn't helping. He said this because while he was folding clothes, I was in my office working. While he was here Friday, I (on my only day off) went grocery shopping, did laundry, and went to pick up a guy who wanted to help but needed a ride and lived over a half hour away.

You see, my job is mainly a behind the scenes guy. As I write this, I am waiting for a sermon MP3 to format to load on the church website. So I did up front things, behind the scenes things, and was here in evenings when this guy wasn't. So when I was on this high, I was also low.

Well, yesterday, I had an epiphony. If you've never read the book Wild at Heart by John Eldridge, I highly recommend it. It is a personal favortie of mine. It is about restoring genuine masculinity as God intended it. It is about being a warrior, carrying on the fight. As you would imagine, this has become a defining imagery for me.

Anyway, one thing he talks about is that each man has a Wound. This Wound is the place where his heart has been pierced, and his strength has been stolen. (Women, reading and understanding this will help you understand the men around you.) Really, every man has the question on his heart. The question can be worded many ways, and in the same way, now words can fully express it. "Am I enough? Am I strong enough? Am I man enough? Do I have what it takes?"

In some way, this question has been answered "no." My dad was a large, physically impressive man in my childhood. He had a strength to match his great size. He had me work construction with him. I learned a lot of things that way. But I also got my Wound. Dad always wanted me to lift more than I could carry to help him. And he always wanted me to hurry faster. I would be moving as fast as I could burdened with a heavy load, and he would say "my dead grandmother can move faster than that."

What I learned was that because I was smaller and weaker, I was not enough. I had to work harder. Since then I have been trying to work harder, being the first to volunteer and trying to prove to everyone that I am not lazy.

That's what I realized yesterday. For six weeks, Satan had plunged his dagger into the weak spot in my armor AND I DIDN'T NOTICE. Once I realized that, it was as if a great burden was lifted from me. Now, I've got the dagger out, shield up, and I'm ready to do some beating down with my sword. I'm ticked. I'm angry. I'm ready for the fight.

On a related note, this is why I have a hard time accepting gifts, praise, or affection. I feel that I have to earn everything. And I feel that I can never work hard enough to earn anything. For example, my dad would yell at me all day, then tell my mom how hard that I worked and he is proud of me. That screwed me up.

When I fell away from God for a time, it was largely because I was trying to earn grace, which is a free gift from God, and I wouldn't accept anything free. That's why our free yard sale made a difference in the community. It was utterly free, without conditions or strings. So do something nice, something free, for someone that you care about. And if it is me, don't be offended if I struggle with accepting it. It is not a lack of gratitude. It is a lack of feeling worthy on my part. Don't mistake it for humilty either. Insecurity can be just as pride filled as anything.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

NFL 10 week 6 synopsis

Sorry I'm late. I've been swamped at work and have had no internet at home.

Well, the Colts won. They looked better this week, though still not great. 4 fumbles (lost 3). Manning should have had 3 INTs. Luckily, they were playing the Redskins.

The best thing was that the Colts suddenly had a running game for no aparent reason, at least until Addai re-injured his neck. But he had done enough by then.

Vinateri, after being their big scorer last week missed two this week. That just ain't normal.

The highlight was the D. They had poor tackling and let the skins stay in it too long, but Powers was a one man recking ball. The Colts aren't really known for their corners, but he just had one heck of a game. And this new safety Angerer (in since Sanders and Brackett are both injured) came in and did had some good plays. The D needs to work on tackling, but still came up with the big INT to win the game.

Hopefully the Colts will use their bye week to get healthy and fix their biggest problem, inconsistency.

Rest of the League:
Vikings-Cowboys. Stupid Romo. For the second week in a row, I was forced to root for the Cowboys and they let me down. I still keep hoping that a team will slobberknock that old Geezer around so badly that he'll leave mid season. In the mean time, Texas newspapers are showing the Cowboys season in their obits section.

Rams-Chargers. St. Louis is actually decent this season. San Deigo is not.

Steelers-Browns. Just like a few years ago leading to Super Bowl XL, the Steelers feel threatened by an Ohio team, they take out the key player to their offense.

Niners-Raiders. Wow. San Fran finally won a game. Amazing.

Saints-Buccs. Maybe NOrleans can turn their season around. I mean it was just TB, but still.

Seahawks-Bears. Ok, the Bears can't be that good. Either that, or Seattle finally showed up for a game this season.

Giants-Lions. Those poor Lions. Despite everything though, they were in this game to the end with their 3rd string QB. Maybe once they get a healthy QB back they can start winning some of these close games.

Texans-Cheifs. Looks like the Chiefs and Colts have something in common. They can't beat teams in the AFC South.

Fins-Packers. GB just can't finish. They just can't win these games. Someone on NFL network said they need the ghost of Reggie White to come back and show them how to win.

Pats-Ravens. Grr... The Ravens D just couldn't stop Tom "we suck" Brady enough. Branch kept catching balls, and then making big plays after the catch. One Pats fan was wearing a "Moss Who?" T-shirt. That pretty well sums it up.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

NFL 10 week 5 synopsis

Well, that sucked.

Let me set up this game. Indy played Kansas City, the only undefeated team left in the NFL. Who would have thought that the Colts play Chiefs in week 5, and the Colts were underdogs??!!!

If you know me, then you know I would rather play well and lose than to play poorly and win. Well, I did not get my wish. That game was AWFUL. Manning sucked. I've seen him play better and get 4 INTs. He under threw almost every throw. His completions were only half of his attempts, which is rare for Peyton. He had 1 INT, admittedly his fault, and 0 TDs. He was awful.

People are harping on the defense. They did a heck of a lot better than last week. It looked like the old "bend don't break" Colts D. What they do is hold the other team to field goals while the offense delivers touchdowns. This lets them build a lead, to which the opposing teams are forced to throw. That unleashes Freeney and Mathis. To be honest, Freeney kinda looked like he didn't want to be there, and Manning DEFINATELY looked like he didn't want to be there. It looked like some throw-away preseason game. They just didn't look like they were trying.

To make it worse, Addai was injured, leaving the Colts only with their 3rd string running back. As an Ohio State fan, it is difficult for me to admit that I was excited when they picked Mike Hart up from Michigan a few years back. He looked like he didn't know the game was supposed to be a throw away, and was excited for the opportunity to play. He ran for a TD in the 4th to put the game out of reach. This was the only TD by either team, as the Colts score was mainly from Adam Vinateri's right foot.

Just to tell you how bad this game was, the highlight real had three plays (in order): Manning's 3rd quarter INT, Manning throwing a 15 yarder for a first down to Reggie Wayne, and Mike Hart's TD run. The only news worthy thing about the game was that with KC's fall from undefeated, this is the first season without a 4-0 team since 1970. Congrats 79 Dolphins, you get to break out the champagne early this year.

Rest of the League:
I have to start with Monday night.

Jets-Vikings. I guess Randy Moss didn't help Minnesota beat the Jets like Tom "We Suck" Brady and the New England Pansies hoped. You kinda had to feel bad for Favre. You know that when it rains, his arthritis acts up. But seriously, Favre somehow injured his elbow during the bye week. Aparently Life Alert was called to his house because he fell in the tub. He pushed the button and said quote, "I've fallen and I can't get up." He didn't want to get up for that game either. When he had a chance at the end, despite sucking as bad as Peyton did Sunday, he did what he does best, threw an INT for a pick-6. He then started to CRY on the sidelines. Seriously, Geezer, man up.

Jags-Bills. Buffalo lost again. Big surprise.

Eagles-Niners. San Fran lost again. Big surprise. Headlines in Philly read, "Eagles win. Fans still threaten to murder Kolb, saying Vick would have won by more."

Buccs-Bengals. Ok, time to put in the back up. I'm done with Palmer.

Falcons-Browns. Another close one, at least for most of the game. The Falcons did score a TD in the end, but for most of it the Browns were right in it again.

Lions-Rams. The Lions finally got a big win, and maybe they can use this to build momentum that was lost when that game wimming TD was robbed from them.

Cards-Saints. Wow. The Cards are bad this year. I can't believe they won. The Saints are just so hot and cold, descriptive of basically the entire NFL this year.

Giants-Texans. Speaking of hot and cold, both of these teams started with high expectations. The Texans seemed to start with it and lose it, and the Giants seemed to have found it. I think its better to end strong than start strong. We'll just have to see what happens now.

Titans-Cowboys. Well, Big D tried to come back, but could not sustain it. They are just oer-hyped as usual. They never have lived up to the hype, and with Romo at QB, perhaps never will.

What do you think? Who is the best teams this year? Comment below.

Monday, October 4, 2010

NFL 10 week 4 synopsis

Can we say Upset Special? Let's start with UT vs. LSU. Yes college football. UT had LSU beat on a last-second goal line stand, except that they had 13 men on the field, and a game cannot end on a defensive penalty. LSU scored, game over.

Now to my Colts. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME? 59 yard field goal? That sucks. Once you get in a certain range, the kicker boots as hard as he can and hopes that it goes through the uprights. It did. Jerk. I missed the second half due to being at my Life Group. Now on the opening drive, the Colts had their way with the Jags D, but one their second they got a 3 and out. They were somewhat inconsistent. One thing was consistent, Marice Jones-Drew. He, as always, ran all over the Colt's D. The worst part is that they are 0-2 in the division.

Rest of the League:
Browns-Bengals. Sorry Kenny G. The Browns finally after weeks of devestatingly close losses, managed to pull one out.

Ravens-Steelers. Flacco managed to perform as needed, and the Ravens D just made one more big play then the Steel curtain.

Giants-Bears. Big Blue finally performed up to their potential and were as a nightmare for the Bears as the Colts were to them. They were as scary as having to change Brett Favre's diapper. Bet you were wonder how I was going to insult the Geezer on a bye week. Hey Favre how did it feel to watch TV? That's what you should see every week. Retire for good.

Rams-Seahawks. I know, no one cares, but still.

Flacons-Niners. San Fran almost pulled the upset, but couldn't seal the deal. Bet they're glad they got a new kicker.

Skins-Eagles. So, they can't win without Vick. Sad, really. Did anyone else notice Philly gave more love to McNabb than when he was their QB? I've always said no fans hate their own team more than Philly.

Texans-Raiders. The Texans after losing to Dallas last week allowed Oakland to do WAY too well compared to how they played weeks 1 and 2. Let's see if they can keep it up.

Needless to say I'm routing for Miami to again upset Tom "we suck" Brady. I wonder if he will say it again?

*Added after Monday night*
If Pats-Fins does not prove the importance of special teams, nothing will. Punt return for TD, blocked field goal, and blocked punt returned for TD. Take away those two TDs and add that field goal, and you have the Dolphins down by 4 most of the 4th quarter with the ability to win.