NFL Week 3 Wrap-up

Brett Favre added to his resume of improbable comebacks, Tennessee Titans are still trying to find their way, and the Dallas Cowboys finally get victory in their new stadium. Oh I did not forget the LOSING STREAK is finally over for the Detroit Lions, as they beat the Washington Redskins for their first victory in nearly two years. Taking look at my predictions, I did not do that well. I picked 10 out of 16 games correct, but I hope to improve with my picks with the upcoming games this week. Score under Prediction is what I expected but the final score is the actual result of the game.

= Correct Pick

= Incorrect Pick

1. Atlanta Falcons VS New England Patriots Prediction: Winner: New England 24-21

Game Result: Final Score: 26-10

New England rarely loses two games in a row and they won with ground attack in this game.

2. Carolina Panthers VS Dallas Cowboys Prediction: Winner: Dallas 27-24

Game Result: Final Score: 21-7

Carolina falls to 0-3 and Dallas gets first home win with over 200 yards on the ground.

3. Chicago Bears VS Seattle Seahawks Prediction: Winner: Chicago 17-10

Game Result: Final Score: 25-19

Devin Hester is turning into a good receiver and was important to the victory over the Seahawks.

4. Cleveland Browns VS Baltimore Ravens Prediction: Winner: Baltimore 21-7

Game Result: Final Score: 34-3

Baltimore offense is a great complement to their tough defense. Cleveland has a lot of work ahead of them.

5. Denver Broncos VS Oakland Raiders Prediction: Winner: Oakland 24-21

Game Result: Final Score: 23-3

Jamarcus Russell is one year away from being consider a bust He has not looked nowhere near the QB that

the Raiders thought they were drafting. This is first game that I thought Denver actually looked good.

6. Green Bay Packers VS Saint Louis Rams Prediction: Winner: Green Bay 31-14

Game Result: Final Score: 36-17

A very good showing of the offense as Green Bay dismantled the Rams' defense.

7. Indianapolis Colts VS Arizona Cardinals Prediction: Winner: Arizona 28-21

Game Result: Final Score: 31-10

I thought this would be a closer game but Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne proved to be too much for Arizona.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars VS Houston Texans Prediction: Winner: Houston 17-10

Game Result: Final Score: 31-24

Jacksonville got much needed win and Maurice Jones-Drew led the way with 3 rushing touchdowns.

9. Kansas City Chiefs VS Philadelphia Eagles Prediction: Winner: 31-14

Game Result: Final Score: 34-14

Kevin Kolb was great in this game. He is only quarterback to have over 300 yards passing in first two

starts. Michael Vick ran for seven yards and played in first regular season game in over 2 years.

10. Miami Dolphins VS San Diego Chargers Prediction: Winner: San Diego 21-14

Game Result: Final Score: 23-13

Chad Pennington suffers a shoulder injury that may be career threatening. 5 yard touchdown run by QB Philip Rivers was only offensive touchdown. San Diego rode kicker Nate Kaeding's leg to victory with 3 field goals. The defense helped the scoring cause with a pick returned for a touchdown.

11. New Orleans Saints VS Buffalo Bills Prediction: Winner New Orleans 35 -21

Game Result: Final Score: 27-7

Drew Brees did not throw a touchdown, but a good running game and defense earns them a victory. T.O. has no catches for the first time in over 180 games.

12. New York Giants VS Tampa Bay Buccaneers Prediction: Winner: New York 21-14

Game Result: Final Score: 24-0

A defensive gem on the part of the Giants, but it was an even more dismal display of offense by Tampa Bay.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers VS Cincinnati Bengals Prediction: Winner: Pittsburgh 21-7

Game Result: Final Score: 23-20

This was a great game by both teams. Bengals prove that they can play with contenders and win. They are perhaps a

a fluke catch away from starting the season 3-0.

14. San Francisco 49ers VS Minnesota Vikings Prediction: Winner: Minnesota 21-14

Game Result: Final Score: 27-24

The best pass thrown all season was thrown by Brett Favre to win the game. A very hard fought game without

the heroics of Favre this game would have been the 49ers easily.

15. Tennessee Titans VS New York Jets Prediction: Winner: Tennessee 24-14

Game Result: Final Score: 24-17

I was wrong. I actually thought Titans would get a victory here. Rex Ryan really has that defense looking like a

championship caliber unit. The rookie Mark Sanchez played hard nose football and did what it took to win.

16. Washington Redskins VS Detroit Lions Prediction: Winner: Washington 21-14

Game Result: Final Score: 19-14

The streak is over, and the Detroit Lions looked real good defeating the Redskins. I question the last play of the game for the Redskins. Why not just throw the Hail Mary and see what happen instead of trying to catch it short and use laterals. The goal line stand that held Washington Redskins out of the end zone was absolutely awesome. A great win for the Lions and by all means very necessary.

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NFL Week 3 Predictions

Atlanta Falcons VS New England Patriots Winner: New England 24-21

An interesting game because New England usually does not lose back to back games. Tom Brady and company should get back on track with this game. Matt Ryan is showing that his rookie season was no fluke and that he is the real deal. The new acquisition in Tony Gonzalez should greatly affect the outcome of this game because he is good Red Zone target for Matt Ryan. Patriots run defense is suspect and the running game for Atlanta could easily exploit their weakness. Michael Turner must have a breakout game to make this game competitive, because it will open up passing game for Matt Ryan. I still give the upper hand to Patriots because I expect the real Tom Brady to show up.

Carolina Panthers VS Dallas Cowboys Winner: Dallas 27-24

Cowboys were one play away from beating the Giants last week or better yet few less turnovers by the squad would have meant victory. Quarterback Tony Romo should get back on track although he would have to avoid Julius Peppers and defense of the Panthers. Their must be a big game out of Felix Jones since Marion Barber will be out. Steve Smith and Jake Delhomme must have great game to win. Delhomme can ill afford throwing picks as he did the first week of the season. Steve Smith will need a few touchdown grabs to give the Panthers a chance.

Chicago Bears VS Seattle Seahawks Winner: Chicago 17-10

Chicago is about defense and Jay Cutler playing like he can on a consistent basis. It is difficult to know which Cutler will show up for the game but, the one that led the Bears to victory over the Steelers last week is needed. Seattle's run defense has been atrocious and that will translate to Chicago leading in Time of Possession which is key element of their game plan. Runningback Forte should have better game as he finds holes in Seattle's defense. Chicago will more than likely have to contain the scrambling ability of backup QB Seneca Wallace since QB Matt Hasselbeck in all likelihood will not play in the game.

Cleveland Browns VS Baltimore Ravens Winner: Baltimore 21-7

Baltimore Ravens all the way in this game. The offense has emerged to complement a very stingy defense that has been a Ravens' calling card for years. Browns have no identity and Quinn might not be the quarterback everyone thought he was. It is for certain if Quinn has a bad outing this week expect Derek Anderson to start the following week. Ray Lewis will have his team ready as always.

Denver Broncos VS Oakland Raiders Winner: Oakland 24-21

The Raiders have a good defense and Denver is winning with a lot of luck. Their luck runs out this week. QB Jamarcus Russell must make better reads as he still shows little progression in his NFL career. He is supposed to be a franchise player but at the moment, he is far from fulfilling the franchise player role. In order for Oakland to win, the running game must come up big. Runningback Darin McFadden must live up to the hype regarding his ability when coming out of college.

Green Bay Packers VS Saint Louis Rams Winner: Green Bay 31-14

Green Bay did not manage the clock well last week and this week the clock should not be a factor. Scoring should come in abundance for the Packers. Steven Jackson can do a lot of damage when he gets the ball and defense of Green Bay must play a lot better to stop him. A high scoring affair favors Green Bay because they have offensive weapons such as Donald Driver and Greg Jennings to put points on the board. The running game for Green Bay have been a non-factor this season; therefore, Aaron Rogers must have a good game passing to lead his team to victory.

Indianapolis Colts VS Arizona Cardinals Winner: Arizona 28-21

This is an interesting game, because of the offensive units that will take the field. Indianapolis is never out of the game as long as Peyton Manning has time on the clock as he proved in the previous week. There will be a lot of scoring in this game and look for Kurt Warner to have good game. A good game if they keep Dwight Freeney blocked. A task is easily said than done. Colts have found it difficult to run the ball, and against high powered offense of the Cardinals they will need the run to control the clock.

Jacksonville Jaguars VS Houston Texans Winner: Houston 17-10

Houston Runningback Steve Slaton should pick his game up in this game. He will definitely make QB Matt Schaub job easier when passing to one of best wide receivers in the league, Andre Johnson. Houston's defense must contain Jaguars' Maurice Jones-Drew, because he has managed to save some of his best games for the Houston Texans.

Kansas City Chiefs VS Philadelphia Eagles Winner: 31-14

The headline here is of course Michael Vick returning to play his first regular season game in two years. I expect the Eagles to get back to their winning ways this week. Passing attack should be a big part of the offense despite not having Donovan McNabb under center. Backup Kevin Kolb has decent passing numbers, but his interceptions hurt the team last week. I do not expect a repeat performance.

Miami Dolphins VS San Diego Chargers Winner: San Diego 21-14

I expect San Diego to rebound from their lost to the Ravens last week; therefore, QB Philip Rivers should have another big day for winning cause this week. The all purpose back Darren Sproles will keep the Dolphin's defense on their heels. San Diego should expect a heavy dose of the Wildcat with Ronnie Brown leading the way. The use of QB Pat White will allow them to throw from the Wildcat formation but thus far, it has been the Ronnie Brown show out of the Wildcat formation. Linebacker Joey Porter will apply the pressure to Rivers to throw off his rhythm. LaDainian Tomlinson will not be in the backfield for the Chargers and his scoring in the Red Zone will be deeply missed by the Chargers.

New Orleans Saints VS Buffalo Bills Winner New Orleans 35 -21

Drew Brews throws long, short, and for many touchdowns is what to expect out of this game. They continue their winning ways along with their high scoring antics.

New York Giants VS Tampa Bay Buccaneers Winner: New York 21-14

The Giants saw what they needed to see in last week game and that was the emergence of their young receivers. If wide receivers Mario Manningham and Steve Smith have a game like last week Giants racks up another win. QB Eli Manning is a cool customer and will lead this squad to victory. Tampa Bay defense is terrible this year and that is highly unusual for squad who hallmark has been great defense. Tampa Bay's QB Byron Leftwich will have his hands full avoiding the fierce pass rush of the Giants.

Pittsburgh Steelers VS Cincinnati Bengals Winner: Pittsburgh 21-7

Steelers played a great game, but lost and well this week they are playing the Bengals. Roethlisberger should easily pick apart the defense. The greatest concern for the Steelers is getting the running game on track. Big Ben has been throwing a lot more than expected from a Pittsburgh team. Pittsburgh must protect Big Ben or they will be a defense that will be lurking to clean his clock. Carlson Palmer must show that he is back to his old Pro Bowl passing ways in order to win the game.

San Francisco 49ers VS Minnesota Vikings Winner: Minnesota 21-14

This maybe the game of week, because of the two runningbacks featured in the game. Adrian Peterson for the Vikings has been described by QB Brett Favre "The best runningback he ever played with." Peterson definitely exciting to watch and against the 49ers defense, look for shredding to take place. On the other side of the ball, Frank Gore have return to form that makes him a threat to take it to the house on any carry. Vikings I consider have a better defensive unit, and it may just be difference in the game.

Tennessee Titans VS New York Jets Winner: Tennessee 24-14

Tennessee may just be the best 0-2 squad in the league. I look for them to finally get a win this week. Mark Sanchez has been great thus far, and if the Titans' defense does not show up expects the Titans to fall to 0-3. Jets defense must contain Titans' runningback Chris Johnson. Johnson runs and catches ball well and it allows him to be a receiving target out of the backfield. Johnson has the speed and moves to score on every carry. He will be a factor that will allow the Titans to get their first victory of the season.

Washington Redskins VS Detroit Lions Winner: Washington 21-14

Some experts are picking the Lions to win, but I think Jason Campbell and the Redskins can give Lions their 20^th straight loss. Redskins' offense has been terrible, but they will turn it around this week. Rookie QB Matthew Stafford will have to wait for his first NFL victory. Redskins' defense is good against the pass which spells trouble for the rookie QB.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not So Super Fight: Bernard Hopkins VS Roy Jones

Two fighters who have storied careers will finally fight in rematch that has been 16 years in the making. Roy Jones won first meeting that took place in 1993 to claim the Middleweight crown. The rematch is planned for 2010, but for fans I must say this fight is almost 10 years too late. Both fighters are passed their prime, and if I had to choose a fighter to win it would be Bernard Hopkins. Hopkins proved that despite his age he can still beat top flight competition such as his win over WBC and WBO Middleweight Champion Kelly Pavlik in a non-title defense fight.

Roy Jones ruled the sport of boxing and put strong emphasis on ruled because his last few fights he has not been the Roy Jones whom was considered the best pound for pound fighter ever. I hope he shows that flash of greatness that made boxers fear him when he stepped into the ring. If he fight like his last few fights expect Hopkins to show why he earned the nickname "Executioner" by destroying Jones.

It will be a crowd pleasing fight, and when they fight fans will watch, but I know like many other fans of the "Sweet Science", they would have like to seen this Super Fight take place when both fighters was on top of the sport. Boxing fans make the best of it, because it should be an interesting fight when it happens. Two icons, Hopkins and Jones in fight that would have been super awhile ago; however, it will be just a fight of two icons passed their prime that will draw a crowd.

Perfect Storm Brewing at the U

Miami Hurricanes football program once struck fear in opposing teams, but that was almost two decades ago when the current coach Randy Shannon was player at the U. Hurricanes have been a light shower compared to great teams of the past; however, this year, the forecast has spotted a Hurricane team that is building a monstrous momentum that may touchdown right in the middle of a BCS Bowl.

Hurricanes must have a perfect storm of a season to get the opportunity but a perfect season may not be enough. If Miami is able to run the table they would be very deserving of a shot at a National Title. The team plays the Hokies of Virginia Tech Saturday at 3:30 in Bladensburg, Virginia and the following week they play Oklahoma Sooners. Both games will be tough and must win games for the Canes They are playing contenders; therefore, if they get the job done on the field then it would be a travesty not see them face that other Florida team led by Heisman winner Tim Tebow.

The Canes victorious rise back to a national power begins with the quarterback who depicts himself as QB who refuses to lose and he is sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris. Harris must maintain that refuse to lose attitude to keep his team out of the loss column. He is poised beyond words when he is in the pocket and thus far, shows that he is an emerging star at QB position in college. Many expect for him to compete for the Heisman if he can maintain his team winning ways. He has a shot, but I look for history to be repeated with Tebow taking his second Heisman award.

The offensive unit of Miami by far will be the best unit of the two teams to take the field on Saturday. Virginia Tech offense in one word is inept. Tech's quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been unspectacular this year. He has not run the ball well which have always been major part of his game. He has never been a great passer that immediately makes Tech rely on their running game. It gets worse, because Taylor is a major component in the Hokies' running game and that to as mentioned earlier is suffering. Defense is highlight of this team. The speedsters that they have at various positions will have to control the game if they are to win against the Hurricanes.

Miami defense mainstay has always been speed, and this year there is no exception to that rule. If Tech decides to let Taylor run instead of stay in the pocket, then there should be a concern for Canes' defense; however, Hokies have elected for Taylor to stay in pocket and hurt his team with his sub par throwing ability. It is in the stats not just my thoughts; he is completing less than 50% of his passes. The defense of Miami should concentrate their efforts in stopping the run and not let the Hokies control the clock.

Virginia Tech needs pressure on top of pressure to rattle the unshakeable Harris. I look for two touchdown victory for the Canes. 28-14 is a modest prediction, but I don't expect the defense to throttle down Canes' high octane offensive unit. The secondary of Tech will be tested, because Harris spreads the ball around among his wide receivers. He completes over 65% of his passes, and from a yardage receiving standpoint, the wide receiver Travis Benjamin have done the most for the team.

Miami is the talk of college football world and taken it by storm, but the team will have to be perfect to reach the BCS Bowl. Fans keep your eye on the Perfect storm brewing but will it have enough force to bring back a college program that was known for complete domination of squads, it just might be possible. For now, they need to win more games before I am totally sold on regaining the swagger of school simply known as the U.

Give the Boxing Fans What They Want to See

Floyd "Money" Mayweather, Jr. won his match against Juan Manuel Marquez in his return to a sport that he dominated before retiring. His return and great showing looks as if he return will be marked by more dominance. Manny Pacquio may have something to say about being most dominant boxer in the sport. Manny Pacquio next fight is against Miguel Cotto on November 14, 2009 MGM Grand, Las Vegas Nevada.

Boxing world awaits the head on collision of these two titans who can lay claim to best pound for pound fighter. This fight needs to happen and I hope the boxing red tape does not hold this fight up. Pacquio must get passed Cotto, but it difficult not look ahead in future and wanting a "Money" Mayweather Jr. versus Pacquio. Pacquio has proven that he is in league of his own by beating Hatton and a De la Hoya passed his prime. Pacquio have fought all that have come his way and won.

Mayweather, Jr. have not had any serious challengers in awhile. Many that came his way that was supposed to end the "Money" reign have been convincingly proven wrong. Mayweather, Jr. have won fights and made them look easy against world contenders but it is difficult to actually think this would be the case in a fight against Pacquio.

By far, a Mayweather Jr. versus Pacquio fight, it would be considered the fight of the decade. Pacquio has a chin and he can flat out box. Mayweather Jr. speed is beyond incredible and his ringmanship is worth every penny paid by the fans on Pay Per View. This fight would definitely be biggest payday both fighters had ever seen or ever will see. The fight would be one that promoters only dream about. The promoters who ever they maybe do not keep the boxing fans waiting too long, because this is fight that everybody wants to see.

Jets Talks the Talk and Wins

New York Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez was off to a slow start but how he and the Jets finished is all that counts. The New England Patriots high flying passing attack with Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and Joey Galloway was grounded. It was due in part to the pressure Jets applied on Tom Brady. Brady's rhythm was off the whole game.

Sanchez throws for the only touchdown of game that went to tight end Dustin Keller from 9 yards out. The real story of the game was the Jets' defense. It kept the Patriots from scoring a touchdown. It is a very difficult task to keep the Patriots from scoring touchdowns, but the Jets' defense made it look easy.

If Jets play consistently like they played today look for Sanchez to rack up more victories during his rookie season. He was poised in the pocket making very accurate throws. Runningback Leon Washington, "Mr. Do everything" for the Jets put them in good field position with a few of his elusive returns.

Jets win the game 16-9. It has been 9 years since Jets have been able to beat the Patriots at home and it was done at the hands of a rookie and great defense. The comments made by Jets earlier in the week were words that easily rang loud in the ears of the Patriots, but, they proved, they could talk the talk and win.

 

Other Notable Games:

QB Jay Cutler and the Bears bounce back with a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers by the score of 17-14.

QB Joe Flacco leads Baltimore Ravens to victory over the San Diego Chargers despite 400 yard passing performance by Philip Rivers. The final score for the game was 31-26.

Drew Brees continue to put up Madden like numbers in the Saints victory over Philadelphia Eagles. Brees passes for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in a 48-22 victory.

Huskies do not Rollover for the #3 Trojans

Washington Huskies was not having any of the nonsense that an intruder would come to their home field and get a victory. It did not matter if they were named USC Trojans the best Pac 10 since forever. They bit down hard on the Trojans who was without their starting quarterback Matt Barkley. The Trojans follows a new tradition of winning a big game in the previous week to lose the following week. Last year Oregon State had the Trojans number and now the Huskies follow with their twist on Trojans new found tradition.

Trojans on an emotional high after last week victory over the Ohio State forgot to show up for game against the Huskies and the poor performance of quarterback Aaron Corp did not help the Trojans. Corp could only manage 110 yards passing and was picked off once. USC's offensive unit could only muster 13 points and that is not going to beat most college football teams. Huskies did not allow many third conversions by the Trojans, along with 3 turnovers, and penalties were the main ingredients to the recipe for a Trojans' loss.

The- Huskies would not be tamed, and they reminded everyone games are won on field and not what is on paper. Many of the experts never gave the Huskies a chance to beat the Trojans. Huskies proved experts wrong with their inspirational play. Washington's quarterback Jake Locker put his team in a position to win by scoring on a 4 yard run; but more importantly, he led the drive that would put kicker Erik Folk in position to kick the game winning field goal. Erik Folk on the day kicked three field goals. The last field goal was from 22 yards out that sealed the Trojans' fate. A final score of 16-13 never looked better to Washington, because it was their first Pac-10 victory since going winless the previous year.

Huskies deserve the victory because they executed plays and played defense; however, Trojans helped Washington's cause with miscues penalties and more. Huskies came into the game with nothing to lose and they provided the heart needed to win as they did. Trojans BCS chance looks little gloomy, but it helps they lost early instead of later in the season. It likely means that USC might have to wait until next year to make a run at BCS Championship. It is difficult to put the Trojans in the same league with the likes of Florida Gators and Texas Longhorns, the teams I pick to play for the BCS title. For now, the Huskies got a much needed victory over a Pac-10 opponent and a ranked team. They showed the Trojans that would not just rollover for them.