I HATE JOSH MCDANIELS!

This idiot destroyed the future of the Denver Broncos. I'm blowing up this blog after they trade Jay Cutler for junk in return.

Eleven People and a Bird

Some days are so surreal the memories last a lifetime. Super Sunday was super. Football was only a small fraction of the moment. Some days will go down forever as a "Top Ten Day" of your life. Last Sunday was.

95 million people in the US watched the Arizona Cardinals come close but far away from an improbable Super Bowl victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game had a fantastic finish the rest was a blur.

Why was this day a Top Tener? It was the other 10 people and a bird I spent the day with.

The day started off a little overcast. I've been struggling with a virus that won't let go. It sucks me dry of energy but today the virus and I had a cease-fire. Joanie was a good saint and went to church on time while I recuperated with Michael at home. The recuperation went great thanks to some entertainment namely "Lost". I got Michael caught up against his wishes but at least now I can talk to him about it. I hope it doesn't ruin the bar for him.

I made a cameo appearance in Sacrament meeting to say the prayer then I went back to the Pre-game pre-party. Michael had the pre game show to watch while I was gone but soon it was back to Lost to finish it up. But soon the time table called for preparations to begin. I was in charge of the main entree and that meant starting hours in advance. My entree was a pizza worthy of a Super Bowl party. The dough took an hour alone to make from scratch. That dough soon became the edible container for pounds of ingredients: cheese stuff in the crust, pizza sauce with real garlic sliced into it, pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, all under to umbrella of pounds of mozzarella cheese. The pizza was slowly cooked to puff up the crust and bring out the flavors. At this point it was 4 O'clock but where was everyone?

We had three people and a bird but no one else. Our stomachs were crying for food so we dug in. Soon kick off was about to happen. The Cardinals deferred and the Steelers had the ball but soon thereafter Joan's father and brother showed up. In addition Joan's friends KP, Liz, & Kristin showed up. Everyone grabbed a slice of pizza and started enjoying the game. Next came my mom, Eric and Amanda. We were bursting at the seams with people and food to eat. Amanda soon there after made two great chip dips to satisfy those who didn't get enough pizza. The room had everything going on. People smiling, eating and watching the game or commercials for others. At the end of the first half Harrison took an interception 100 yards to paydirt and that signaled my next cooking endeavor.

Next on the list was the cherry on top or in our case Italian puff pastries filled with rich vanilla ice cream smothered in semi-sweet chocolate sauce mixed with toasted Italian hazelnuts. This took quit a doing to do the preparing before halftime ended. The pastries took 35 minutes to cook. Around the beginning of the 4th quarter everyone had their share of Italian heaven. When everyone was satisfied it was time to strap your seat belts on and enjoy the final act to this Super Bowl.

The room was split between Steeler and Cardinal fans. The only question would be who would cheer the loudest at the end? The game went back in forth but finally with 2:35 left Roethlisburger drove the Steelers to capture an unprecedented sixth Super Bowl title.

Soon afterwards the party-goers streamed out and it was just Joanie and I. Joanie is my cherry and she gave me another top ten day when we were married. This Super Sunday couldn't have been any better!

Week 17 PICK

You may notice its PICK not pickS this week. There's only one game that will count: DENVER BRONCOS at San Diego Chargers.

The Broncos will be blown out and the game will be comfortably in the Chargers hands leading into the 4th quarter. The Broncos have NO running backs. Tatum Bell will be selling cell phones again next week after cleaning his locker out. The Broncos best running option is Jay Cutler but the Chargers will be aware of that after last week.

Once again the Broncos offense and consequently best defense rely on Cutler's right shoulder. Cutler may get over 500 yards passing but the Broncos will sprinkle in some turnovers which will quickly put the Broncos playing catch up the rest of the game.

This not the game the Broncos wanted to be playing for all the marbles. San Diego feels cheated and has tons of new life after the last two weeks of results. Both teams might be nervous at first but soon after the home crowd lifts up its team the game will be over.


Over and out until 2009 for the Broncos.

Just a tip: draft well on defense

Week Six Picks

Bengals @ Jets

The Bengals have nothing to play for and have another player suspended player. Jets win.

Raiders @ Saints

The Raiders are coming off their bye week while the Saints are coming off an emotional loss. The Raiders mess will spill on to the field. Saints Win.

Ravens @ Colts

Peyton has a few dings in his armor and it plays directly into the Ravens defense. Ravens win on the road.

Rams @ Washington

The Rams are a mess with less talent than the Raiders. Washington will crush them.

Dolphins @ Texans

This is a tough call. The Texans are coming off a horrible loss and the Dolphins are coming off an upset. This one could go either way but I'll take the Texans to finally win at home.

Bears @ Falcons

This is also a tough call. I'll take the Bears to stop the Falcons running game. Bears win.

Lions @ Vikings

The U-Hauls are already on the road. Vikings win.

Panthers @ Buccaneers

Garcia is back taking the snaps but I like the physical nature of the Panthers. Panthers win.

Packers @ Seahawks

Both teams have seen better days. In the battle of the Green hues Packers win.

Cowboys @ Cardinals

Can the Cardinals beat the Cowboys at their Jiffy Pop Popcorn stadium? The Cardinals are definitely better at home and the Cowboys are coming in with lots of questions in the secondary. The problem is the teams that give the Cowboys are physical teams which the Cardinals are not known for. For this reason I'll take the Cowboys in a barnburner.

Eagles @ 49ers

No Brian Westbrook and a trip across the country. I think the 49ers are underrated. The Eagles need a lot of pass rushing but I'll take the 49ers.

Patriots @ Chargers

The Patriots would be doing the Broncos a huge favor by beating the Chargers on the road and that without Tom Brady. The Chargers are basically playing for their season here at home. The problem I see for the Chargers is that Chris Chambers is out. He's made a huge difference in the passing game since the Dolphins gave him up for a song. Also Merriman's replacement is already out meaning they have third string linebacker. San Diego hasn't been good on defense this year. The big battle will be Cromartie on Moss. I'll take the Patriots in an upset.

Giants @ Browns

If the Browns thought the Cowboys were tough wait until they play the Giants. The Browns were spoiled with Prime Time football games this year. What a waste. Giants stay undefeated.

Jaguars @ Denver Broncos

Winning this game goes a long way to cementing a playoff birth for the Broncos. The Jaguars looked flat against the Steelers defense and they are lucky they are not coming to Denver late in the season. Denver will still be one sided on offense and that side took a few blows in player injuries last week. Luckily Eddie Royal will be playing. I think the Broncos learned a lot from last years game and that physical edge will be not so strong as it was last year. Broncos win in a tight game.

Week Five Picks

Chiefs @ Panthers

The Panthers will be too physical for the Chiefs away from Arrowhead. Another losing streak begins Panthers win.

Chargers @ Dolphins

Amazingly enough the Dolphins have won the last six games against the the Chargers but that ends in this game. Chargers win.

Colts @ Texans

The gap isn't so big between these two teams but after the bye week the Colts should come out on top.

Seahawks @ Giants

Seattle doesn't travel well to the east coast. The Giants stood their ground and suspended Plax. The Giants pass rush should be enough in this game. Giants win.

Falcons @ Packers

If Aaron Rodgers starts I'll take the Packers.

Bears @ Lions

I think I saw the Uhauls at the Lions practice facility. The Lions have already moved on from this season. The Bears will keep their momentum going in their win.

Bills @ Cardinals

I'll take the upset on this one. The Cardinals are favored by 1. Warner may get his yards but the Bills are a more complete team.

Patriots @ 49ers

The Patriots are favored by 3 points. I can see an upset brewing. The Patriots have been gashed in the running game. But Belichick has had an extra week to prepare for this. I'm sure he watched LOTS of videos in the two weeks. I'll take the Patriots in a hard fought game.

Bengals @ Cowboys

If I had known Palmer wasn't playing last week I would have taken the Browns. The Cowboys are going to lose two in a row at home unless Wade wants to get "fired with cause". Cowboys win.

Vikings @ Saints

The underachieving Vikings travel to the Saints who are trying to not underachieve. Peterson should be able to get his yards and control the clock. Brees has been throwing the football great this season and that might be enough to get the win. Saints win.

Titans @ Ravens

Two great defenses in this game but the Titans have more experience. Maybe they'll even throw out Vince Young on a few plays. Titans win.

Redskins @ Eagles

The Redskins must be feeling really good about themselves. Their season might now be complete after beating the Cowboys in Dallas. That said the Eagles get a lot of their weapons back. Eagles win.

Steelers @ Jaguars

The Steelers are already starting to get beat down on offense. The Jags are beat up in the secondary. As long as the Jags keep everything in front of them they should be able to wear down the Steelers. Jags win.

Buccaneers @ Denver Broncos

I've been debating this game all week. One thing is sure: this game will be determined by turnovers. The Bucs having been winning their last few games by getting turnovers but Griese is also throwing many. The Broncos do have the advantage of knowing the key offensive minds for Tampa. Shanahan knows exactly what Griese is capable of and Bill Bates the Broncos QB coach spent three years with Gruden in Tampa. For most of the week I thought the Bucs would force enough turnovers to win but I think now the Broncos at home will rebound and do better securing the ball. Look for the Broncos to pick on Ronde Barber who has been getting beat all year long. I'm happy to say Broncos win.






Well we hurt each other then we do it again

Week Four Picks

Welcome to week four. The week of the byes that don't cost anything. The good news is I don't have to pick a Patriots game because they've been burning me but I do have to pick a Browns game.

Cardinals @ Jets

The Cardinals have never played well traveling to the East Coast. Last week was a perfect example. The Jets need a win and should open up the offense for Favre. Jets win.

Vikings @ Titans

Two similar teams. Both run well, stop the run, and have old journeyman QBs. The Titans are at home and that may be enough from an underachieving Vikings team. Titans win.

49ers @ Saints

This game should be close. The Saints are banged up and the 49ers are getting good production from Frank Gore but Drew Brees should still be able to throw enough yards to get the win.

Falcons @ Panthers

Matt Ryan on the road. Carolina at home where they don't play too well. However the Panthers are healthy enough to be able to win this one.

Browns @ Bengals

The battle of Ohio. What a yucky game. Could be Brady Quinn's first chance to play in the NFL. Look for it if the Browns are down at the half. Palmer is battling shoulder and ankle injuries but should have enough to win this ugly game.

Packers @ Bucs

The battle of the Bays. Tampa's win last week was lightning in a bottle. They had a few opportunistic turnovers but had to throw it 67 times. That's too one sided to beat the Packers. As long as the Packers can handle the heat they should win this one.
Texans @ Jaguars

Bills @ Rams

This Bills are starting to get some recognition and have a great young QB. They should easily beat the Rams on the road who are dealing with some in house fighting.

Chargers @ Raiders

The Raiders should get embarrassed by the Chargers just like they were in week one against the Broncos. Rivers is throwing the ball too well not to.

Redskins @ Cowboys

Another NFC East rivarly game. The Cowboys are mowing over their oppositon and don't need much motivation to beat the Redskins. They just need to keep an eye or maybe several on Moss. Cowboys win.

Eagles @ Bears

The Eagles are coming in with their anual injuries to McNabb and Westbrook. But the Eagles have enough talent and coaching to beat the Bears on the road. The Bears are also dealing with injuries. Eagles win.

Ravens @ Steelers

The Steelers got worked over by the Eagles defense and the Ravens could work them over too. I don't see the Steelers losing two in a row and this one at home. They'll need a better game plan and exicution to win this one.

Texans @ Jags

The Texans haven't been playing well but have a history of beating the Jags. But the Jags running game should win this game.

Denver Broncos @ Chiefs

The Broncos haven't won two years in a row at Arrowhead since the 70's. Most players on both teams were not even born then. This is certainly the best chance of breaking that streak. The Broncos are undefeated and the Chiefs are still looking for a W. Looks like a trap game but the Chiefs haven't won in 12 games and the Broncos will make it 13.







Your skins white but you think your a brother
Some days are better than others.

Smoke and Mirrors

The Denver Broncos are 3-1 heading into this weekend, but they could just as easily be 1-3. After the first game they've been winning using smoke and mirrors. The Broncos have been putting up huge numbers on offense but that is misleading. The vast majority of yards has come in the passing game. The Broncos running game has been sub par and has been hidden by the passing game. While usually teams run to set up the pass the Broncos have been passing to set up the run.

The NFL season is now one quarter over with. By this time teams can see the opposition's weaknesses and use this to exploit them. The Broncos won't be able to pass enough to win games. The Patriots did it last year but they had a much better defense.

The Broncos defense is still a big work in progress and it goes all back to the defensive line. A great defensive tackle in the draft would have been great but the Broncos got Ryan Clady instead. Clady has proven to be very valuable and will set up the offense for years to come. The Broncos did the best they could for the defensive line but it still looks horrible on passing downs. The major problem has been no push in the center of the pocket. The ends haven't played great but the other teams QB is given an extra half second because the front of the pocket is not being pushed in. The Broncos have to find other ways of getting to the quarterback instead of faking the blitz. They need to actually blitz and get to the QB.

The Broncos are playing the two most important games that will define their season. Two games at home against the Bucs and Jags. The Broncos aren't good enough to win the division yet. They have to play for a wild card spot. Right now they are playing against the teams from the AFC South for a Wild Card spot. Beating the Jags is worth 2 games in that regard giving them the tie breaker if they have the same record with the Jags. One thing is for sure the Chargers won't make it easy for the Broncos on the last game of the year in San Diego.




the heart is a bloom shoots up from the stony ground