It’s funny how in 4 months of negotiations, nothing was able to get accomplished and both sides took a “we won’t compromise” stance. But it only takes 48 hours after the worst blown call in recent history to finally get a deal. I would like to be the first blog to congratulate the NFL for gaining your reputation back, and here’s hoping for a good rest of the season! Everybody’s been ranting about the refs since Sunday, but I want to be sure to get my 2 cents in as well. After Sunday’s game, I was prepared for a Ref Rant. Worst calls of the first 3 weeks. Giving the 49ers 2 extra challenges, giving the Seahawks a 4^th timeout in Week 1, marching off a 27 yd Unsportmanlike Conduct penalty, somehow not calling a helmet to helmet hit on Heyward-Bey (he’s laying there unconscious for 11 minutes, gee, I wonder if that’s a penalty or not?), the tons of blatant fumbles that had to go in for review, the inconsistency of pass interference in every single game, the Saints fan ref almost getting to work the Saints game, and the guy who told LeShawn McCoy to do better because he was on his fantasy team! Not to mention the scrums and fights that occurred without the order of the normal refs. But the final play of Monday Night’s Game was the most bizarre ending I have ever seen! And I’ve been religiously watching football for 12 years. The fact that 2 refs simultaneously called 2 different outcomes (one Interception, one TD) is ridiculous, they didn’t even communicate about it. Golden Tate wasn’t even the one who caught the “Fail Mary,” in fact, you can even see his arm come off the ball after the “Inaccurate Reception” as he’s falling to the ground. You can blame the refs for misinterpreting the rule, but it even went to the replay booth and was not overturned. That’s the real travesty with this play/game. Thank god the real refs are back, but the last play called by the replacement refs will still live in people’s memories for years to come.

True Story behind Monday’s Game

Packers fans can complain all they want about the call going awry, but the entire game should not have come down to that one play anyway. First off, the Packers had the 2^nd most prolific passing offense last year, their QB won an MVP. Are you telling me that you can’t get 2 yards on a 2 point conversion to make it 14-7 instead of 12-7? If you can’t get 2 yards, you don’t deserve to win. Second of all, you’re playing a team that didn’t even make the playoffs last year, and you can only score 12 points? Atrocious is an understatement on how the Packer’s offensive line played. They gave up 8 sacks in the first half alone! The Packers were a Super Bowl favorite for a lot of people, there’s absolutely no reason to be in a position where the Seahawks can win it on only their second TD. The Packers need to take SOME accountability for that loss, any decent offense that night and this is a non-issue.

New Idea:

Instead of a flag in Seattle that says “12^th Man,” they should throw up one that says ”13^th Man,” since obviously the refs did more to win that game than the fans…

The 2^nd Most Exciting Game Nobody Saw

After Week 1, FMQB talked about the amazing Vikings Jaguars game that nobody saw. Well Week 3 had another game that got shoved under the radar (I also only saw highlights). In a game between the Titans and Lions, there were 85 points scored and crazy plays all around. Nate Washington had the catch of the year, literally over the back of a Lions defender who came up looking around for the ball (it was in Washington’s hands 15 yds up the field at that point). There was Part 2 of the Music City Miracle, on a crazy punt return, lateral across the field, and an untouched Titan returning said punt for the TD. Then a Hail Mary on the last play by the Lions backup QB. The 4^th and 1 debacle was kind of anti-climactic. If you look at that play, it’s like 3 Lions actually thought the ball was being hiked while the other 8 stand still. But overall, absolutely crazy game!

FMQB is Heading to Vegas!

FMQB’s Uncle and 1 of 7 faithful readers was heading to Las Vegas and wanted to do some sports betting. This is a win-win situation for me, as I get to show off my knowledge, and let’s face it, it’s not my money to lose!!! He wanted 3 to 4 upsets that could potentially win. I gave him Arizona (win), the underdog of the Cincinnati Washington game (was Cincinnati, and win), the Buccaneers (lost to the Cowboys, BUT they cover the spread), and the doozie of them all, the Seahawks over the Packers!

C’Mon Greg Schiano!

A week after the controversial move to dive at the legs of the Giants, the Buccaneers line of scrimmage again as Tony Romo kneeled to end the game. C’Mon Greg Schiano! Also, C’Mon NFL, how is this any different than the bounty stuff, how can you preach player safety and allow this to be ok?

Parity in the NFL:

Last years’ playoff teams are:

In the NFC, 5 of the 6 teams that made the playoffs would be out if the playoffs started today.

In the AFC, 3 of the 6 teams would be out.

Last years playoff teams are barely .500

AFC- 10-8

NFC- 9-9

Parity in the NFL #2:

For several years, the NFC West (Rams, Seahawks, Cardinals, 49ers) were essentially the laughing stock of the league. In a 5 year span, an 8-8 and a 7-9 team made it into the playoffs (both teams won their first game surprisingly). While the NFC East (Cowboys, Giants, Eagles, Redskins) has traditionally been one of the toughest divisions to play in. Two of the last four Super Bowl Winners have come from this division, and each team has been in the playoffs in the last 3 years. But it seems to have switched, all of a sudden the NFC West is tearing it up, and even with three 2-1 teams in the NFC East, does anybody actually think the flaky play of the Cowboys and Eagles will last? The worm has turned.

Stat of the Week #1:

Among the Top 5 QB’s in Passer rating are Kevin Kolb, Andy Dalton, and Christian Ponder

Stat of the Week #2:

C.J. Spiller still leads the league with a whopping 9.2 yds per carry even with 3 full weeks of play

Stat of the Week #3:

Toby Gerhart leads all RB’s in fumbles, which he accrued in 4:42 of real game time

Stat of the Week #4:

The 2 teams that have scored the least amount of points also have 2 wins each. The team that has scored the most amount of points? Only 1 win. Shows what defense can do for you.

Stat of the Week #5:

The Packers have already lost the same amount of games they lost all of last year

Angry Stat of the Week #6:

After the Packers crazy loss on Monday night, the NFL offices had 70,000 voicemails when they came in Tuesday. That means that more people called the NFL than can fit into 16 different NFL Stadiums!!! On a side note: what massive server system must the NFL have to be able to store 70,000 voicemails?!?!

Standings Change:

From here on out, the Green Bay Packers will be credited by FMQB with a Phantom Win. 2-1 is a pretty good start guys!!!

Like the Texans Need Help:

The Texans are atop most people’s power rankings as the best team in the league. Doesn’t help the rest of the league that they play in the worst division in football right now. They are already up 2 games in their division (after only 3 games), like they needed a headstart anyway. Welcome to home field advantage in the playoffs.

MVP Prediction:

Eli Manning is on pace to break the passing yards record…Going to make an early prediction that Eli is this year’s MVP. Without Brees, Manning, Rodgers, or Brady putting up strong numbers, it’s Eli’s to lose. Wouldn’t be surprised if RGIII is in the mix though. Impressive for a rookie.

Quote of the Week #1:

“Once I heard that a deal was going to be made, I got so excited I got down on the floor and started doing pushups!” Ed Hochuli

Quote of the Week #2:

“The replacement refs affecting the outcome of the NFL games is bad enough, but once it starts messing with the outcome of fantasy football that’s where it crosses the line for me” FMQB

Quote of the Week #3:

“I want you to give me a few upsets I can bet on this week, and stay away from the Vikings” Uncle Mike…enough said

Quote of the Week #4:

“Yup” Aaron Rodgers (his answer to every question in the press conference)

Quote and Crazy Realization of the Week:

Down 31-11, FMQB said “With any other team, you would say ‘Wow the Broncos are horrible,’ but with Peyton Manning, you just feel like they’ll still be in the game.” Sure enough Manning scored 2 quick TD’s and had a shot to win the game. Crazy realization that happened two days later? Last year Tim Tebow did this countless times but pulled off the wins. Did John Elway just ditch the QB who would have finished off those comebacks?

Awesome Fantasy Stat of the Week:

During the Broncos last minute “Stanford Band” play, Eric Decker (my team) got credit for the first 13yds of the play while Demaryius Thomas got credited with a fumble when Tamme couldn’t handle his pitch (-2 for my opponent). That play was a 3 point swing in my favor! Still lost the matchup though…

Funniest Moment of Week 4:

The regular referees stepping out onto the field for last night’s game received a standing ovation, and hugs from the players.

Ref Prediction:

By Week 6, the refs will make a judgement call that affects the outcome of a game, and everybody will want the replacement refs back…

*It has been 5 days since our last arrest…

Last 2 arrests have actually been Falcons

Short column this week, and I’m technically Friday AFTERNOON Quarterback this week…AAAAHHHHHH

Interesting Results after week 2:

Teams with 2-0 records: 6.

Teams with 1-1 records: 20.

Teams with 0-2 records: 6. There’s only one 0-2 team in the NFC — New Orleans.
The difference between undefeated and winless? Arizona is 2-0 and only has a +6 point differential. Cleveland is 0-2, and only has a -8 point differential

Also, Philadelphia and Kansas City have scored the same amount of points (41).

Luckiest team in Football

The luckiest team in football doesn’t have a player named “Luck,” nor a horseshoe as a part of their logo. The Eagles have been a turnover machine this year, with 9 turnovers in 2 games. Yet are still somehow 2-0, even eeking out a win over the Ravens. The Eagles need to majorly turn this around if they want a shot at the Super Bowl.

Rams Stat of the Week:

Sam Bradford has the 3^rd highest passer rating in the NFL

Stat of the Week #2:

The NFC West (dubbed the worst division in football for the past 5 years) went 4-0 on Sunday

Stat of the week #3:

Alex Smith is #2 in passer rating. Brady is #12, Stafford is #27, Brees #28. What happened to the franchise QB’s this year?!?!

Stat of the Week #4:

Kevin Kolb, Blaine Gabbert, Christian Ponder, Sam Bradford, and Russell Wilson all have a higher passer rating than 2 of the 6 quarterbacks who have thrown for 5000yds in a season

Stat of the Week #5:

Christian Ponder LEADS THE LEAGUE in completion percentage

Stat of the Week #6:

Clay Matthews is on pace for a whopping 48 sacks this year!

Stat of the Week #7:

The Kansas City Chiefs (who they are apparently showing games on repeat to prisoners because they are “torturing the city”) lead the AFC in total yards from scrimmage.

Quote of the Week:

“Greg Schiano has coached two games in the NFL, and it has taken him only that short time to convince the world he is a jackass.” – TMQ

I don’t have a “strong” opinion on what happened between the Bucs and Giants, but Shiano’s justification for it was “you play hard until the clock hits zero.” When not 90 minutes earlier, with 2 seconds left in the half, Eli Manning took a knee and the defensive line stood up. The clock still had 2 seconds on it, why not play hard Greg? Not the best sportsmanship.

Interesting tidbit, apparently Manning came to the line and said “We’re taking a knee.”

Thursday Night Game

FFMQB and I went to a sports bar to watch the Giants vs Panthers game. On Wednesday night, I actually said that the Panthers would win, mainly because the Giants were playing with the equivalent of the replacement refs to the NFL…talk about stepping it up. If I had a comparison, I would compare last night’s Giants to the Patriots in the early 2000s, who could plug a WR in at cornerback and have the best defense in the NFL. The Giants really proved that they can hold it together, on a short week, with their biggest offensive stars out of the game. On a side note, the Giants did so well, the bar we were at was watching America’s Funniest Sports Bloopers by the end of the 2^nd quarter.

Weekly Rant and RGIII Quota

Well Robert Griffin the third, I was impressed and a fan of yours, but you held my respect for one whole week. After the Rams game, RGIII claimed he took “cheap shots” from the Rams, and defenders would come up to him and say “We’re going to hit you every play.” Apparently that’s “not what the NFL is about” and he pretty much insinuated that he had a bounty placed on him…Are you freakin kidding me? That is what the NFL is about! The Rams were never flagged for a late hit, or roughing the passer. After Week 1, ESPN replayed a mic’d up sound clip of a Jets’ defender telling a WR that they were going to hit him every play. I didn’t hear any bounty talk after that one! RGIII called the Rams “dirty, and unprofessional.” Go call the Whaaaambulance and come back to the Redcheeks (my nickname for the Redskins from here on out) when you’re done being a baby.

To read this ridiculous article, go here http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8402278/washington-redskins-robert-griffin-iii-says-took-cheap-shots-st-louis-rams

Josh Morgan, worst play of the year:

Luckily I’m a Rams fan, and will not be posting death threats here, because I personally loved what you did. But you just had the single most stupidest and selfish play in the last 5 years of the NFL. You turned a 42 yd game tying field goal into a 63 yard impossible one. The best part about it, it happened not 4 feet away from Mike Shanahan.

This many days…

I was driving to work today, and drove by a sign that said “It has been 3576 days since our last accident.” In the spirit of the NFL, FMQB will now be running the following counter:

It has been 3 days since our last Arrest…

Games of the Week

Houston at Denver: This will be the game of the week to watch

New England at Baltimore: Rematch of the AFC Championship last year, after this week, one of these teams will be 1-2.

 

Upset of the Week
St. Louis at Chicago: The Rams have a legitimate shot at upsetting the Bears on Sunday, even in Chicago. This should also be a very interesting game.

Philadelphia at Arizona: I would consider this an upset, but watch out for the Cardinals against Philly. A battle of 2-0 teams, and Kevin Kolb with a chip on his shoulder should make for an interesting game in the desert.

Griffining

Just throwing it out there, the “Griffining” phase didn’t last past the Tuesday after it happened…called it!

 

Wow, what a first week! There’s no better feeling for a football fan to realize that football is finally back after 7 long months! Everybody is back to square one, and depressing seasons of past are long forgotten. For some of us, there is still excitement, and others are already coming to the realization that this will be a LONG season.

 

Grffining Rant

Ok, I’m starting off the season with a rant. Why does everybody feel like they see someone in a certain pose that it all of a sudden becomes a national craze? Planking was just ridiculous, but was the first example of this, so not that annoying. I’ll admit, Tebowing was hilarious. But mostly because it was a legit pose from an unlikely SUPERstar and somebody everybody rooted for. But now people are trying to take every one time pose and turn it into a craze. Last year, when Brady lost the Super Bowl and bowed his head in his hands, people did that for about 3 days and it was over with. All of a sudden, RGIII does his infamous move, and everybody has to pick that up too! Guarantee that lasts about 2 weeks (not before at least one person does a TD dance that involves Griffining). This is just getting stupid people…Side note, Von Miller Tebowing after his late game sack was hilarious!

 

The Best Game that got Zero Coverage

With the excitement of Week 1 across the league, one game’s highlights got swept underneath the rug. Well I would like to be the one person to talk about the game of the year! Nobody talked about it because of the teams that played, Vikings and Jaguars. But I guarantee if it were Packers vs Patriots, Sportscenter would have blown up! I had the excitement of going on opening weekend, and the honor of taking Chris (our German friend and 1 of FMQB’s loyal 7 readers) to his first NFL game to see his favorite team. Adrian Peterson was a game time decision, you should have heard the Metrodome roar when at the end of the starting lineups they announced him! Vikes started out flat as the Jags seemed to be able to put together decent drives. After their first score, the Vikings somehow blocked the extra point (key for later in the game). And at the very end of the first half, Peterson finally punched it in to get them on the board. Second half was a back and forth battle, and the Vikings took the lead by 4 in the 4th quarter. Then Blaine Gabbart had about 90 seconds to go the distance and score. On a third down, he heaved one deep towards the endzone we were at, and miraculously connecting on a 40 yd bomb to Cecil Shorts. The entire place deflated, you could hear a pin drop, as the Vikings seemingly gave it up with only 20 seconds left. But after a good return and two quick passes (all with no timeouts), the Vikings had a long 55 yarder to take it into OT, and nailed it! In OT, the Vikings scored a FG on the first possession, allowing the new OT rules to take place for the first time in NFL history. This added an entire new point of excitement to the game, with the Vikings needing a “4 and out” if you will. Well the defense held, and once again the Metrodome absolutely exploded! It was definitely the loudest stadium I had ever been in, and even not being a Vikings fan, it gave me the chills.

 

Losing Teams With Nothing to Worry About

Giants- Even with a poor performance, we are talking about the defending Champs. Even though I didn’t pick the Giants to make the playoffs, they still have a shot, and will put together a strong performance the rest of the year.

Saints- Even with Bountygate and an atrocious defense, the Sinners have the offense to stay competitive in every game.

Packers- Thursday night was a key example of why the Packers shouldn’t panic. Although the stats of the offense weren’t overly impressive, the Defense came up absolutely huge with 4 INT’s and 7 sacks.

Seahawks- Yes, the Seahawks lost to the lowly Cardinals, but they had a shot at winning it (even with the replacement refs’ 4th Timeout). I still have high hopes for Russell Wilson, and think the Seahawks will make a run at the playoffs.

Steelers- Steelers have a legit shot at starting 0-2, and their defense showed weaknesses, but with Big Ben at the helm, they’re guaranteed at least 8 wins.

 

Winning Teams that Shouldn’t Hold Their Breath

Vikings- Sorry Vikings fans, but Week 1 is the only time you will get excited about your team. Fact of the matter is, they barelybeat the Jaguars at home. They also have a legit shot at starting the season 2-0, but wouldn’t doubt if they go 0-6 in the division.

Cardinals- The revolving QB carousel is still at it. After Skelton got the start week 1, it was Kolb who won the game for the Redbirds. Apparently Skelton is ok to play Sunday, but now Kolb is getting the start. Nice win, but this crazy QB nonsense will not work.

Buccaneers- I may regret saying this later when the Buccaneers are the surprise team of the season, but I was totally shocked at Sunday’s outcome. I’m a Greg Shiano fan, always was one when he was at Rutgers, but it’s his first NFL gig for a team that lost its last 12 games last year. They actually did make quite a few pickups in free agency, starting to wonder if they’ll make a run now…

 

Second Rant: Vilma

I have a major beef with Jonathan Vilma right now. He was facing a year long suspension due to his role in the Bounty scandal. Vilma ended up being the most vocal and putting up a HUGE fight against Goodell and the NFL in order to get reinstated. Last week the players were “temporarily reinstated” while the judge could figure out what to do. Vilma was overjoyed, cocky on Twitter, and what happens? He IMMEDIATELY get place on the PUP list so he can rehab his knee injury! What the hell man?!?! Now you’re out for the next 6 weeks anyway and if the judge comes back and says the NFL has the right to suspend you, you have to miss another 16 games. Why not use the suspension to heal up, you’ll end up getting an extra half season of pay if you do. I guess I get it, if Vilma is 100% innocent, he would want to fight it so his name isn’t smeared. Still just seems really weird to me.

 

Stat of the Week #1

Robert Griffin III leads the league in passer rating

 

Stat of the Week #2

CJ Spiller had a whopping 12.1 yds per attempt

 

Stat of the Week #3

A running back is leading the league in receptions

 

Stat of the Week #4

Only 6 teams in the AFC won a game in Week 1

 

Stat of the Week #5

Since starting last season 13-0, the Packers are 2-3 including 2 home losses

 

Stat of the Week #6

After being dead last in the league in Rushing Defense last year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers held the Panthers to 10 yds rushing

 

Suprising Stat

At the start of his 17^th season, Ray Lewis just recorded his 41^st sack of his career (wouldn’t anybody assume that number to be way higher?)

 

Surprises of Week 1:

Jets– Sure they were playing the Bills,  but I think the biggest surprise of the week was the league leading 48 points put up by the New York Jets. After the 1^st and 2^nd string offense failed to score even one TD in the preseason, where did this come from?!?!

 

Redskins- People thought that RGIII would be good, but not this good! He went into New Orleans, and put up 40 points on the road, in his first professional game. I had the Redskins pegged for a rough season, but the league will have to watch out for RGIII for weeks to come!

 

Cowboys- Keep in mind, I picked the Cowboys to win the division (even after coming in 3^rd place last year), but they looked extremely sharp on Wednesday night. They defeated the defending Super Bowl Champs on the road, and in decisive fashion. Even this took me a bit off-guard. I’m sticking with the Cowboys and a deep playoff run. Romo’s timing is perfect, and their window will close within the next 3-4 years.

 

Broncos- I felt like we opened up a time capsule as we watched Peyton Manning trounce all over the Steelers with the no-huddle offense, and man was that fun to see! Broncos have one of the toughest schedules this year, but they got off to a great start against a strong opponent. It was a pleasant surprise to see them start the season off strong.

 

Cam Newton- Had a decent game of throwing, but the Bucs completely shut him down on rushing and scoring…I actually only threw this in here to hit my weekly Cam Newton quota! Thinking of switching it this year to an RGIII quota?

 

John Madden Rant

We all love John Madden, mainly because of the crazy things he says. Well this week he came out and said that RGIII was the best player in the league…Ok, before people get too caught up, HE’S PLAYED ONE GAME in his entire career. You’re really telling me he’s better than Tom Brady? Peyton Manning? Adrian Peterson? Calvin Johnson? C’mon Man.

 

Quote of the Week

“It would be cool to see the Vikings score on this end” FFMQB (Female Friday Morning Quarterback)

“It would be cool to see the Vikings score at all!!!” Chris

 

If the Playoffs Started Today:

It amused me to see that ESPN has already calculated all of the playoff tiebreaking procedures after only one week! If the playoffs were to start today, Dallas and Baltimore would be the #1 seeds. Arizona would be the #2 seed! Also surprisingly, the Giants are #15 and the Packers are dead last in the NFL (well, they were before Thursday’s win).

 

Houston and Baltimore are the only 2 teams that are alone at the top of their division. Not 2 teams you want to be a game behind after only the first week.

 

The Packers and Giants are the only 2 teams that are alone at the bottom of their division. NFC North and East are 2 divisions you don’t want to be a game behind only after one week.

 

Take a look at Jacksonville’s wacky tiebreaker procedure:

Wins tie break over Buffalo, Cleveland and Oakland based on best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed. Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Miami (Buffalo wins tie break over Miami based on best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed). Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Kansas City (Oakland wins tie break over Kansas City based on best net points in all games). Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Cincinnati (Cleveland wins tie break over Cincinnati and Pittsburgh based on best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed). Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Pittsburgh (Cleveland wins tie break over Cincinnati and Pittsburgh based on best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed). Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Tennessee (Jacksonville wins tie break over Tennessee and Indianapolis based on best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed). Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Indianapolis (Jacksonville wins tie break over Tennessee and Indianapolis based on best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed).

Who takes the time to do this after Week 1!!!

 

For the Record:

I know I’m in a battle of the blogs, and my 7 readers doesn’t hold up to Sports Illustrated’s Peter King (Monday Morning Quarterback), or ESPN’s Gregg Easterbrook (Tuesday Morning Quarterback). Gregg Easterbrook’s humor and insight was my inspiration to make FMQB, but I have a beef. This week, out of the blue, TMQ referred to the Ravens as the “Nevermores.” This is the first time I’ve seen him use that nickname, which I had an entire column dedicated to last year! Just saying….