10.13.2006

Gage's Picks of Shame - Week 6 (plus Bengals Rundown)

Posting might be a little slow this weekend, not only are trout and I both heading out of town but my internet went down at camp Gage last night, meaning this post is 100% on company time. Hooray for my Friday slacker ass.
Before the picks which will surely lead to another losing week, I'd like to discuss the Bengals. I really hope they used their bye week to it's full advantage. Without sounding too much like a Yankees or Red Sox fan and knock on a 3-1 team, they have me a little worried. A quick rundown...
QB: Carson is everybody's favorite player. He's the franchise and he will be fine. But he's still knocking the rust off, hopefully week six is when he'll finally open it up against your grandma's Bucs' defense.
RB: Rudi. Solid. He really should be everybody's favorite player. Always runs hard, never complains. I do worry that Jeremi Johnson is going to get frustrated because he has to go out for the TE on the hurry-up offense.
WR: Chad is the most exciting reciever in the league and TJ has the best hands in the league. Whoops, Chris Henry has the lowest alcohol tolerance in the league. Kelly Washinton is the worst dancer in the league. I'm conflicted.
OL: Banged up, not good. The strengh of the team last year becomes one of it's weak points. Who knew that the ugliest man I've ever seen could be so important? One word every fan hates to hear about their O-line: "shuffling"
DL: I can't complain here. Not the most talented in the league, but they seem to give it their all every week. Sam Adams has been a good change of pace. The QB pressure has been awful, but I don't know if that's the D-line's fault. More of a scheme thing.
LB: Injuries again. Here's hoping Pollock has a full recovery just for his own sake. But, let's see, the leading tackler from last year and the number one draft pick from last year, both gone for the season. That takes its toll. And as loud as I scream every time Landon Johnson (Boilermaker) makes a tackle it doesn't seem to help. Tough situation.
DB: Tory James gets burned now and then, but he's old. Joseph is coming on and Deltha is still solid. The defense defintely needs Dexter Jackson back. He seems to be willing to tackle a running back (earth to Kevin K.) and that way Madeiu Williams (STUD) might not have to lead the team in tackles.
So there you have it. Tampa should be an easy week coming off the bye, but this is the NFL so you never know. I'm looking for an improvement in the run defense and a more consistent pass rush. Othere than that it should be a fun one.

The picks...
Buffalo (-1) over Detroit
Seems like a team on the rise vs. a team counting on Jon Kitna.

Chicago (-10.5) over Arizona
Back on the bandwagon. It's impossible to pick against this team right now, especially with a crap opponent.

New Orleans (+3) over Philidephia
Go get 'em Drew! I told you I wasn't picking against the Saints at home the rest of the season.

Baltimore (-3) over Carolina
The QB/RB combos are tied here so I think the Baltimore defense will make the difference. Chris McAllister can cover Steve Smith.

Pittsburgh (-7) over Kansas City
At 1-3 this is an absolute must win game for the reigning chumps. 2-3 is manageable, 1-4 in possibly the toughest division in footbal could cause Roethlisberger to start going in for elective surgeries just to get off the field.

Lots of favorites this week, I'm tired of drooling over huge point spreads and taking the dog. Here's hoping to get back into the black. I'm now at exactly .500 on the season after my worst week yet, which depresses me to no end. I really thought I had a clue.

Last Week: 1-3-1
Season: 12-12-1
Last 3 Weeks: 5-9-1

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

It had to have killed you to type such nice things about Da Bears. You know, with your hatred for all things Chicago. Remember that guy you almost got in a fight with last weekend for being a Bears fan...that was nice.

Anonymous said...

Gage has been surprisingly pro-Bears this year.

I think he's setting them up as his back-up team once the Bengals lose all of their Get Out of Jail Free cards.