By Ed Morrone
After three straight losses (each one more embarrassing than its predecessor), I am absolutely, 100 percent confident that the Eagles will not lose this week. No, that’s not a renewed sense of confidence instilled in my team; rather, I can make this statement simply because the Birds have a bye this week. Thank the good Lord up above for that one. In other news, high rollers Dave Diamond and Ryan McCord have left the Chronicle to go pick games out in Vegas. Last I heard, they were cruising around in Hummers and sifting through ladies and $200 bottles of Dom Perignon like the Maloof brothers. With that being said, here are five things I learned from Week 8:
1) Not to dwell on the Eagles, but they just signed former Giants cornerback Will Peterson. Upon his signing, Peterson dropped his first name and is now going by William James. Wow. I ask you these questions: is this my life now? Are the teams I root for seriously this big of a joke?
2) No matter how good you think Tom Brady is…he’s even better than that. This guy simply refuses to lose. Seventy-five percent of NFL fans couldn’t name another starter on New England’s offense, but it still doesn’t matter. If you love football and don’t have the utmost respect for Tom Brady, then please commit yourself to the nearest mental institution.
3) My hatred for Michael Vick continues to grow with each week. Every time he wins against a good team (last week at Cincinnati), every NFL begins to kiss his behind more and more. Folks, he is not a good quarterback. In fact, he is very overrated. Atlanta is a good team because of their defense and running game-yes, Vick is a part of this running game, but that doesn’t make him a good quarterback. He has seven touchdown passes in the last two games-pretty impressive against a poor Bengals secondary and a Pittsburgh team that is in absolute disarray. Get back to me after the Falcons play Baltimore on Nov. 19.
4) I’m going to go ahead and say that while the Chicago Bears are a very good football team in a very weak conference, let’s not start comparing them to the 1985 squad that brought us the Super Bowl Shuffle. Aside from demolishing Seattle on Oct. 1, the Bears have beaten the Packers, Lions, Vikings, Bills, 49ers and Cardinals (because Arizona had its usual meltdown). Not exactly the cream of the crop. If they played Indianapolis or New England right now, you know who my money would be on.
5) I was finally right about something – solid Browns pick over the Jets. C’mon, Jets fans, you’ve gotta beat the Brownies first before you stamp your ticket for January!
GAME OF THE WEEK
Indianapolis (7-0) +3 at New England (6-1): This one easily stands alone by itself. Seriously, has there been a better NFL rivalry over the past five years? As much as I praised Brady before and as much as he has owned Manning in the past, I just can’t see New England’s defense stopping Peyton’s bunch. Tallying four sacks and four interceptions against Minnesota is one thing, but Indy’s offense seems to be better despite the loss of Edgerrin James. Would it surprise me if Brady pulled it out? Absolutely not. To be honest, I just can’t wait to watch this one. Pick: Colts
THE RESTAtlanta (5-2) -5 at Detroit (1-6): This one has Michael Vick letdown game written all over it. I don’t care if I am biased and it is the Lions-I’m 14 games behind Dave, what do I have left to lose? Pick: Lions
Cincinnati (4-3) +3 at Baltimore (5-2): The Ravens are again showing that with a defense that good, all they need is a field general (Steve McNair) to lead them to success. Still, Cincy can tie for first in the NFC North with a win and Chad Johnson and company usually step up for the big games. Pick: Bengals
Dallas (4-3) -3 at Washington (2-5): Sure, Dallas trounced the Panthers in Carolina. Still, I’m not a Tony Romo fan, and as a young quarterback he’s going to get worse before he gets better. Pick: Redskins
Green Bay (3-4) +3 at Buffalo (2-5): How about Brett Favre and the Pack putting together a nice little streak? I’ll always root for Favre, but I think the Bills take it at home. Pick: Bills
Kansas City (4-3) +2.5 at St. Louis (4-3): Every time I endorse St. Louis as my pick to win the NFC West, they fall flat on their faces. Both teams are still right in the thick of their divisions, and both can put points on the board. Should be an entertaining one. Pick: Rams
Miami (1-6) +13.5 at Chicago (7-0): I’ve already exhausted the whole “Bears playing crappy teams at home” issue. Not interested. Pick: Bears
New Orleans (5-2) -1 at Tampa Bay (2-5): New Orleans and its high-flying offense (and a gimpy Reggie Bush) will be angry after getting trounced at home by Baltimore. The Bucs aren’t playing the Eagles, so no miracle wins this week. Pick: Saints
Tennessee (2-5) +10 at Jacksonville (4-3): Jacksonville is without a doubt better off with David Garrard in at quarterback. Pick: Jaguars
Minnesota (4-3) -5 at San Francisco (2-5): Even the league’s most boring offense shouldn’t have a problem beating the Niners by a touchdown. Pick: Vikings
Cleveland (2-5) +12.5 at San Diego (5-2): I picked Cleveland right once…I’ll quit while I’m ahead thank you very much. Pick: Chargers
Denver (5-2) +2.5 at Pittsburgh (2-5): Despite how bad Ben Roethlisberger has (four interceptions against Oakland?!?!) played and how good the Broncos can be, I feel the need to pick Pittsburgh. This is the time of the year they tend to get hot. With the playoffs already a huge long shot, a home loss here ends their season. Pick: Steelers
Oakland (2-5) +8 at Seattle (4-3): Warren Sapp said the Raiders, the team with the biggest egos in football, wouldn’t let the two straight wins go to their head. Yeah, right, and I’m also dating Jessica Alba. Please. Pick: Seahawks
Houston (2-5) +13 at N.Y. Giants (5-2): It pains me to admit it, but the G-Men are probably the second best team in the NFC at this point. Ugh. Pick: Giants