Quick Picks

It's Sunday morning at 10:30am, I just want to quickly predict the winners of Sunday's and Monday night's games. I know better at this point to pick scores, so I'll just pick winners.

Cincinnati to beat Baltimore

Buffalo to beat Carolina

Tampa Bay to beat Chicago

Minnesota to beat Cleveland

Kansas City to beat New England

San Diego to beat Washington

Tennessee to beat San Francisco

Houston to beat St. Louis (oh yes I did)

Jacksonville to beat Arizona

Oakland to beat Miami

Green Bay to beat Philadelphia (oh yes I did)

New York Giants to beat Seattle (oh yes I did)

New York Jets to beat New Orleans

Indianapolis to beat Pittsburgh (gonna be tight tho)

GO UNDERDOGS!!!

Week Twelve

SO... What do you say about a game that almost everyone in sports is dubbing "Game Of The Week". There's about a million and a half things I could say, But I will K.I.S.S..

The Bucs and The Bears have the best 2 defenses n the NFL, and they are about to go at it to determine who really has the best defense. It wont be easy for either side for several reasons, but may be easy in some respects. Here's porque:

Chicago leads the all time series 33-17, but out of the last 11 times we've met, the Bucs have won 8 of those. Last time we met was last season, and we beat the Bears 19-7... The defense looked spectacular in that game as well! The Bears have a powerhouse defense this year, and a few key players on offense. Here is who I would like to keep my eye in this week:
Lance Briggs... Linebacker from Haites!!! This boy is QB hungry, so much so that he will stop at nothing to sack a QB, bat down a pass or even intercept it. He's big, he's quick, and within a couple of years, he will be Urlacher-esque. Kyle Orton is a squirmy little bastard that might cause some trouble. I mean, this guy has a piss poor rating as a QB, but he's a scrambler and hard to catch. He seems to play the game like a vet of 10 years as far as his way of thinking, but during execution can make some sloppy mistakes. Cornerback Charles Tillman.... He would look so much better in Red and Pewter! He's a stud at his position, and gives my boy Ronde a run for his money. Center Olin Kreutz is a quick and big dude who is the reason any Bear back looks good running up the middle. Don't let good offensive line talent fool you! Defensive End Adewale Ogunleye.. (pronounced Oh Gun Lee Eye) is still a Dolphin in my opinion, and I'm sure the Fins still wish the same! Quick, again, big and strong, it is hard to get past this fool. He and Brian Urlacher compliment each other well, and it's going to be a tough game for The Bucs offense.

As far as the Bucs are concerned, we have been seeing better performance out of Chris Simms week by week. I still don't like him. His helmet looks like it's three sizes to big for him. Cadillac Williams got over a hundred yards last week, and will hopefully do the same this week... I wont hold my breath. ALSO... The Bucs' offense has scored more points in the last 2 weeks then they did all last year! Unfortunately the Bucs' defense has given up WAY too many points to undercompensate. Oh well, I believe hole-heartedly my boys will pull through. I will say that this game will be so damn boring offensively at 6-3, or pretty damn exciting at 42-40!! I pick the Bucs to win this one, and cover the spread (they're favored by three).
WE SHALL SEE!!!

Tons Of Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope everyone is doing well and reading this post in good health. I have a trillion things to give thanks to and for, but today's post is going to focus on my friends and family.

On Labor Day this year, my life literally changed. I lost my truck to a SOB who didn't honor his payment arrangement I had made with him because I fell behind. When I lost my truck, I lost my job because I was a courier. When I lost my job, I lost some trust and respect from some of my "friends" because it took so long to get back on my feet. Here and now on Thanksgiving Day, I look back at the last couple of months and realize who my friends are, and who are not. I also realize that my personality and way of life is, at times, abrasive and hard to understand and tolerate, which makes it difficult to be my friend. The following people are who I would like to give priceless Thank You's too, because these are the people in my life who make it worthwhile.

My roommate/bandmate Steve Giglio. My bandmate Chris Rawlings and his wife Laura. My ex girlfriends Sara Ewing and Katie Jacobson (KJ as most call her, who is still my GOOD friend, Sara and I have parted ways for what seems to be for good). My friend and former roommates Scott Hayworth and Shane Hayworth. My parents and their spouses: Ginger Adams and my step dad Mike, Jerry Willingham and my step mom Pam. The afore mentioned are those who didn't abandon me or give up on me, and stood by my side when I didn't have a car, a place to live or a job. Steve and Sara always offered to take me places, lent me their cars and never once made me feel bad about it. Chris and his wife Laura took me in and gave me a place to live, and fed me for several weeks when times were tough. All of my parental units constantly gave me the emotional support I needed at the right times. So did Steve, Sara, Chris & Laura, Scott and Shane. It has been a true test of friendship, and these people have made me realize that friends don't come around often, and when they do... You had better embrace them. Katie (KJ) and I didn't talk for two months because I am an abrasive and stubborn dickhead with far too much pride for his own good. When I called her for the first time in several months, she still talked to me and let me know that she was still there for me when I need her. THAT, my friends, is something that still amazes me. Everybody you just read about has done more for me than I could ever put in words....





Just like the following people as well:

VERY HONORABLE mentions go to the following people: Matt and Marissa Beals, Mary Ellen and Terry Beals, Mark Beals, Joe and Carol Giglio, Jay Giglio and his (hopefully) wife to be Carrie, Nichole Chavez, Stacie Curtis (soon to be Dukas), Jeff Markham, Kelly Prater, Gary Luther, Paul Villalba... folks... The list could go on for more, but I want to make points very clear: The just recently mentioned have done more for me than I could ever find words to thank them for, just as did the people one paragraph ago. I always took advantage of the friends I never realized I had, and just recently learned what it means to be lifelong and unconditional friends. I pray to God everyday, about different things usually, but one very repetitive prayer I have, is that everyone could have, at least, one friend like the bunches that I have. There is not enough money in the world that could ever replace my friends, nor will there ever be.





In my past, and perhaps in my present, and more than likely in my future... I have disappointed, pissed off, saddened and angered a lot of people. I want to take this moment and plead with anyone who falls into this category, and beg you to understand that none of anything was ever intentional. I am completely aware that I can be abrasive, insecure, rude, hateful and moody. I never want to bring anyone down on purpose. I feel badly for any bridge I have burned, soul I have tainted (shutup Chris), feelings I have hurt and egos I have crushed. I am a difficult person to love, like or get along with. I also pray to God everyday that will change, and that those of you in my life guide me in the right direction. I love everyone of you with all of my heart and I thank you very much for being my friends, sticking by my side and supporting me in everything I do, right or wrong.

OK... For those of you who think this shadows a suicide note... You couldn't be more wrong!! Its the people I mentioned in this posting, and tons of others I didn't who make living worthwhile! There is nothing in this world that could ever make me wish I wanted to die. All of you make my life too good for that! You all make me realize that the smallest things in life are the grandest. You also make me realize that when times get tough... It isn't that bad. IT COULD BE MUCH WORSE AND IS FOR MILLIONS OF PEOPLE.

Anyway, everyone I mentioned in this posting, and everyone I didn't... Thank you so much for everything. I could never repay what you've done for me, what you've given to me and what you do for me on a daily basis. I love you all very much. Thanks again. :)

2 In A Row!!

Of course I'm talking about wins, but more importantly, I am talking about two weeks of Buccaneer football where I was on the edge of my seat at Final. I LOVE football for this very reason. I don't care who you are or what team from whatever era you are, but that's why football games take 60 minutes. You NEVER know what will happen from one minute to the next. This point was proven in the 2002 season when the Bucs and Colts faced off on Monday night, the Bucs going into the half with a SIZEABLE lead, and never scoring again... In the meantime Manning was driving his colts to a victory over the Bucs when most people thought for certain the Colts hadn't a chance.

The unfortunate part of yesterday's win was the sloppy playing. The Bucs played horribly yesterday, giving up tons of yards, abandoning the running game at the worst possible times, and some key mistakes made by the offense. The only fortunate thing about our victory was the Falcons played Worse.

The next three weeks are critical for the Buccaneers. We play Chicago next weekend. That's the 2 best defenses in the league facing off, so I will bet the score will be something like 6-3, or better yet, 45-44!!! I cant see this as being a "normal" scoring game (normal used lightly, of course). The week after that, you would think would be easy, we have the Saints in Baton Rouge. Yeah... You think it may be easy, but didn't we also thing the 49ers would be easy too?? The week following the Aints, we have what is probably our game of the year against Carolina. If things go the way everyone expects them too (or in my case...HOPES), then Tampa and Carolina will still be tied for first place in the NFC South at 9-3. BIG IF mind you! That being the case, Tampa better hope and pray that their strongest players (i.e. Cadillac, Bo Brooks, Simeon, Ronde, etc) are ALL healthy!!

Anyway, tonight the Vikings and Packers square off on MNF. I am excited to watch this rivalry play, it's always a good match up. I will talk to you again tomorrow, and you know I cant leave without bidding you my signature farewell...... WE SHALL SEE. :)

WOW!

OK, this is a day late, simply because I didn't want the adrenaline to over-power this posting. The Bucs won an EXCITING game over the Redskins on Sunday, and until late Monday night, I thought it would serve as my game of the week. That was until I watched the Cowboys have an equally exciting finish to their game Monday night.

The Bucs finally showed they had a somewhat worthy offense, and I will have to hand it to Chris Simms, he played very well. The game ended with a one pint victory for the Bucs, however, very controversial victory. With less then one minute left in the game, the Bucs scored a touchdown to bring them within one point of tying the game. The first extra point attempt resulted in a false start, and moved the Bucs back five yards. The second attempt resulted in a blocked kick, only because the Skins were offsides. So, the THIRD and final attempt was decided to be a 2-point conversion. Sims gave the ball to the A-Train, and he scored (?) the conversion to give the Bucs a one point lead to win the game. I watched the replay, at every possible angle that Fox would show, and I never saw that football cross the plane. It falls back on that "Well, the Bucs got screwed in this game by that one ref, so I'll take it" category. A 'W' is a 'W', right?? Well, for the Bucs, you better believe we'll take what we can get!

College was also a fun weekend. We are down to the noteworthy teams of Texas and So-Cal to be the only undefeated teams left, and it will be an exciting weekend coming up, both for college and NFL.

I will do some analysis later in the week.

I hope everyone is doing well. For those of you who know me, give me a call tomorrow. Steve and I are having our first official house party this coming Saturday, so please feel free to come. Call me or e-mail me for details!

Another Birthday!

Today it's Marissa, wife of very good friend Matt, and also one of my greatest and longest friends (nah, she's not that long, but the bond sure has been!)
Happy Birthday Missy, I love you!!

BTW, she just turned 29 (again).

Week Ten

Washington leads the all time series between these teams 7-5. These two teams are fairly matched with wins and losses, and this season, it seems that both teams are fairly matched with skills (or lack thereof!) Anyway, coming off of a 2 game losing streak, this will be no easy match for the Bucs.

First of all, our QB situation (you know, the same one we've had for YEARS) needs to be resolved ASAP. From what I understand, Simms will still start this Sunday. Why do we trade away a draft pick for a backup QB? Why wont Rattay get his fair shake at this team? Sure, he was pretty sorry in San Fran, but so was his offensive line. He's got a much better offensive line here in Tampa, so I think Gruden needs to make a risk move. Hell, not like Simms isn't already a risk move.

The Redskins I fear this week are as follows: Chris Samuels is first. The reason I say Samuels is fearful for this week's game is because he will be the one matched up with Simeon Rice, and Samuels has no problem stopping people of Rice's caliber. This, of course, assuming Rice doesn't get sent to bed without dinner because he misses a damn team meeting. #2 would be Cornelius Griffen. There is hope for the Bucs against this defensive tackle simply because he's injured. He has not been ruled out of this week's matchup, however, even if he does play, he will have limited ability. #3 - Santana Moss. Do I really need to explain why? #4 - Lemar Marshall, linebacker. With Simms' non scrambling ass as QB, he will see a lot of turf. #5 is a sleeper player... Chris Cooley. This is a tight end who has a pretty good ability of pass completion, run blocking and piledriving that football downfield from a screen pass. He's a sleeper, because he somehow ends up with the ball when you don't expect it. I fear for the Bucs this week.

Five Bucs I will keep my eye on this weekend are as follows: Michael Clayton (if he plays). Not taking away the super stud abilities of Cadillac, but Clayton has stepped up and really proven worthy of his position at RB. #2 - TE Dave Moore. Another proven worthy of his position. Hell of a blocker, catcher and runner.... He can really put the hurt on someone if he sees fit. #3 - Ronde Barber. He is having a Pro Bowl year, and I cant wait to count the sacks this Safety makes this weekend. #4 - Derrick Brooks. #5 - Mike Alstott. I wont comment on the latter two, everyone knows why. :)

Either way, I still fear for the Bucs this week. They really have to step up and in to win against an equal record team. I will never predict a loss for the Bucs, so here goes:
Bucs 21
Wash 18

We Shall See.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Just wanted my blog world to know it's a good man's birthday today! I love you Dad... make it a good one! BTW... He just turned 29 (again).

Early Picks

It's early in the week, not all of the official lines on the football games are out just yet, but I am going to pick my winners on the top(again, in my opinion) NCAA games for Saturday.

Game 1: Northwestern At Ohio State
Northwestern proved last weekend over Iowa that they can play good and mean football. They came back in the last several minutes of the game to win it, which is why Ohio State should be cautious. I don't think they will need to be TOO cautious, however, because they are coming off of their fourth straight win after this past weekend's beating of Illinois. Troy Smith and Antonio Pittman are a couple of studs that should be feared. Even so, this week I pick Northwestern to beat Ohio State: 34-32

Game 2: Florida State at Clemson
Florida State's QB Drew Weatherford is pretty good, he can certainly throw and connect with his stud receivers Davis and Reid. However, I don't think it will be enough to beat Clemson. I know you think I am crazy right now, as do I, but I just have a good feeling about Clemson this week. I know they have a worse record, but I don't think that will play a part this week. The whipping they gave Duke was extraordinary, and that Whitehurst never ceases to amaze me. Here's my prediction:
Clemson over Florida State: 35-28

Game 3: LSU at Alabama
Spot Swapper! I predict LSU and Bama will swap the #4 & #5 spots this week! JaMarcus Russel... Future Buc (I hope) is amazing as he connects with Dwayne Bowe. What a pair! I also am amazed by Joseph Addai... He's very slippery! Bama is a good defensive team however, and they may give the Tigers a hard time. Hell, they are still one of the few undefeated teams, but I think it's their time this weekend. I cant wait to see this one. LSU: 31 Bama: 24

Game 4: Kansas at Texas
Heh.... Kansas will have a hard time controlling the Quarter/Running Back Vince young. Billy Pittman may be too fast for the Jayhawk defense. HOWEVER.... Jayhawks have good in their defense, as well as their QB Brian Luke, RB Clark Green and WR Mark Simmons. This will be an exciting match nonetheless. Texas will more than likely kill them also... 48-21.

Other game of interest for me:
Texas A&M at Oklahoma: A&M: 33 OU: 26 (My money says A&M turns over the ball a lot because they cant distinguish the difference in these jerseys)

Well, anyway, like I always say.... We Shall See.

Good Riddance....

You SORRY excuse for an athlete. That's right Folks, Terrell Owens has finally run his idiotic mouth so much that his own team doesn't want him anymore. They will owe him in excess of 800K dollars, but they don't give two squirts of shit about it. Loud mouth gone = Team gets better.

What an asshole. He doesn't like his contract anymore, so he talks shit about his QB and the rest of his team. Come on people... Is TO really that great??

NOPE.


He's 25% through his 4 game suspension, and he will be deactivated immediately afterward. Any guesses on who will pick him up after this season. All of my money is on this team right here:

The San Fidelphia NOBODIES. That's right, absolutely NO ONE gives a shit about that trash talking, No good Lance Morgan of the NFL. I have no further point except this:

Later TO! Idiot.

OUCH....AGAIN!

Yep... I HATE Chris Simms. So... You're the son of a hall-of-famer QB.. That does NOT make you good. CHRIS SIMMS..... YOU SUCK JACK ASS. The Bucs got their asses handed to them..... 34-14. Chris Simms, SOMEHOW, posts decent numbers. Take a look at the scoreboard.... numbers don't mean shit when your handed a loss as bad as that one. Carolina played a damn good game. They are a damn good team. NOW, Carolina and Atlanta are tied for 1st place in our division at 6-2. The Bucs are now 5-3. We have to host Washington next week, and you wanna talk about a HUNGRY TEAM!!!! Yep..... Redskins are hungry. I don't expect to lose THAT bad next week, however, a tough game is fully expected.

Anyway... My predictions thus far have been WAY off (BTW... It's currently 416pm). I will get back to everyone manana. I hope the other teams I picked to win do well. We shall see.

Week Nine

OK, it's been three weeks since I have been able to post, and a LOT of football I could write about, but I will skip it all and come to the present day.

Carolina visits Tampa for a crucial divisional game this week. The overall series is lead by Carolina 5-4. Last time the two teams met, Carolina stomped the Bucs 37-20. Right now, the division is a three way tie for the lead between both teams and the Atlanta Falcons. All teams are 5-2. Here are five reasons the Bucs have to be nervous: Linebacker Dan Morgan is one. If the Bucs start Chris Simms instead of Rattay then it will be a sackfest back there. #2: CB Ken Lucas. Another tackle happy defender, and a damn quick one at that. #3: RB Deshaun Foster. One might say I have to worry more about Stephen Davis, which might be true, but DeShaun Foster is like Mike Alstott (ha! He wishes!), coming in on option plays, and really producing a lot of yards. #4 - RB and kick returner Rod Smart. This is the idiot who wore the "He Hate Me" jersey in the XFL! OK, idiot or not, this dude is quick. Since the Bucs just LOVE to illegally block in the back during kick returns (usually when they receive, but we still manage to block when we kick... You got me?) it wont be a good idea to get any penalties when we put the ball in Hate's hand. #5 - Our QB situation. Not DelHomme, but we have more to fear from our own QB's! I have to face facts, even if Brad Johnson DID have a good year in '02, we really haven't had a good QB since Doug Williams!

Five reasons the Panthers have to be nervous: #1: DEFENSE. Our defense is still the best out there, even though last week's loss to the Forty Giners proved otherwise. #2 - CADILLAC! #3 - Hungry team that wants back in first place. #4 - Bucs are playing on home grass and finally.... Joey Galloway. He's about the only offense other than Cadillac and Alstott that we have. His completion percentage grows every week, as does his average. Alex Smith is a nice compliment for Galloway as well.

Week Nine has a lot of good and crucial games. I will call the following as winners:
Bucs beat Panthers 17-14.
Miami over Atlanta: 21-12
Cincinnati over Baltimore: 24-18
Detroit over Minnesota: 21-20
Jacksonville over Houston: 35-21
Kansas City over Oakland: 28-24
San Diego over NY Jets: 23-17
Cleveland over Tennessee: 16-10
Chicago beating New Orleans: 24-14
NY Giants killing San Fran: 31-13
Seattle over Arizona: 21-14
Pittsburgh over Green Bay: 24-23
Washington beating Philadelphia: 157-3 (that would be awesome)
and Monday night:
Indianapolis maintaining their undefeated status by beating New England 38-24.

We shall see! Oh, and with Cadillac playing today, I call 152 yards for him as well. He needs to catch up, and he's a lot better than last week on the leg injuries. I know most of my predictions are wheels off, but we will see!