Priced Out of the Citi – Page 15

Rosstradamus Ramble—Week 2

Week 2 is in the books. We’re starting to learn some things but for the most part, it’s another case of, “I can’t explain that.”

The Jets throttled the Jaguars, which I expected. Mark Sanchez played alright; he was disinterested at times, focused and accurate when he had to be. His go-to guy was tight end Dustin Keller, which shouldn’t surprise anyone since it’s early in the season. Keller had a stretch of 3 games early in 2010 in which he totaled 17 catches for 241 yards and 5 touchdowns. He did not catch a touchdown the rest of the season. So far in 2011, he has 11 grabs for 162 yards and a pair of scores. Perhaps Sanchez and the coaching staff should maintain the connection between the two. I’m not sure

Mike Tomlin: Leaders Do Not Conform

After being throttled by division rival Baltimore Ravens in week 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers rebounded by shutting out the Seattle Seahawks 24-0.

On the first drive of the game, Seattle defensive back Brandon Browner was called for pass interference on the Steelers’ Mike Wallace. The resulting 39 yards mark-off put the ball at the one yard line but Pittsburgh failed to come away with any points, getting stopped cold on fourth and goal from the one. However, they would not be stopped in their next three possessions, scoring a pair of touchdowns and a 20-yard field by kicker Shaun Suisham.

“I just told the team this is the same team that got blasted last week in

Inside The Numbers — Michael Floyd

Under the lights Saturday night in Ann Arbor, Michigan, while an exciting unfolded between Notre Dame and Michigan, I watched the heroics of Wolverines quarterback Denard Robinson. But something was lost in transition.

The Fighting Irish have seen their fair share of top receivers—Tim Brown, Raghib ‘Rocket’ Ismail and Golden Tate—make their mark in South Bend, but it’s current senior Michael Floyd who will leave Notre Dame leading the school in every receiving category in the record books.

“It’s amazing that someone as physically big as he is looks like he has that extra burst,” said Rocket Ismail. “It’s pretty impressive to see.” That physical presence is due to Floyd’s immense size of 6’3” and 225 pounds, which allows him to monster over most defenders, who pale in comparison to his elite size.

The luck

Scout’s Notebook: Alabama-Penn State

SCOUT’S NOTEBOOK

Many Penn State fans were hoping for the best in last week’s rematch between the Nittany Lions and the Crimson Tide at Beaver Stadium. But as expected, Joe Paterno’s crew lacked the firepower to seriously compete with the SEC powerhouse in the 27-11 loss at Beaver Stadium.

A.J. Wins the QB Duel

While Alabama has already figured out who its starting quarterback is, Penn State is currently stuck playing musical chairs with Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin. The former is a true sophomore who still lacks the instincts to properly play the position, while McGloin is fiery, but lacks the physical talent possessed by his fellow signal caller.

Bolden got first dibs and was successful in leading his team downfield, setting up a 43-yard Evan Lewis field

Rosstradamus Ramble—Week 1

The Giants lost to the Redskins, 28-14, and you shouldn’t be surprised. Sure, you can chalk it up to injuries if you want, but that’s too easy. The team did nothing to improve during the off-season; why should anyone expect the results to change? Eli Manning played poorly, going 18-32 for 268 yards with an interception and no touchdown passes. His performance was devoid of spirit. As a team, the Giants were a pathetic 1-10 on third down conversions, and the running back tandem of Bradshaw and Jacobs ran 19 times for 73 yards behind an offensive line that was shaky at best. That line also yielded four sacks. Eight penalties didn’t help, nor did the banged-up secondary. Rex Grossman played well, but at some point I thought the Giants would actually, ya know, cover Fred Davis…or hit a long pass…or convert a 3^rd down. Injuries are part

Rosstradamus Playoff Predictions

Below are the predictions of Rosstradamus, great-great grandson of Nostradamus. Enjoy, and remember…the Crystal Ball never lies.

AFC East AFC North AFC South AFC West | NFC East | NFC North NFC South NFC West | Playoff Predictions

AFC Playoffs

Wild Card Round: Pittsburgh over NY Jets, Houston over Baltimore.
Divisional Round: San Diego over Houston, New England over Pittsburgh
AFC Championship: San Diego over New England

NFC Playoffs

Wild Card: Dallas over St. Louis Atlanta over Tampa Bay

Divisional: Green Bay over Dallas Atlanta over Phildelphia

NFC Championship: Green Bay over Atlanta
SUPER BOWL: Green Bay over San Diego

Rosstradamus NFC West Preview

Below are the predictions of Rosstradamus, great-great grandson of Nostradamus. As a tribute to the former seer, each team is given a fitting quote from his quatrains. Enjoy, and remember…the Crystal Ball never lies.

AFC East AFC North AFC South AFC West | NFC East | NFC North NFC South NFC West | Playoff Predictions

St. Louis Rams (9-7): He, who during the struggle with steel in the deed of war, will have carried off the prize from on greater than he?

This isn’t the toughest division in the league…OK, it stinks. But the Rams are headed in the right direction and have a quarterback ready to take a big step forward.

Offense: Will Sam Bradford maintain the momentum

Rosstradamus NFC South Preview

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Atlanta Falcons (11-5): The shining deed of the old one exalted anew…

The Falcons had their playoff hopes dashed by the eventual champs. The reasons were clear and they’ve done all they can to address them.

Offense: How much of a difference will Julio Jones make? Can Michael Turner maintain his heavy workload?

Crystal Ball Says: The Falcons gave up quite a bit to move

John Mackey Watch: Jake Stoneburner

In 2011, Ohio State Buckeyes junior Jake Stoneburner was named to the watch list for the John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s best tight end.

Under the brutally intense heat in its home opener, the Buckeyes junior tight end set a new school record by hauling in three touchdown passes from first year starting quarterback Joe Bauserman. Stoneburner responded to his record setting day by first saying he was happy that the team won and joking, “I’m also happy about scoring three times.” He was sure to immediately comment on the quarterback play of Bauserman, “Joe played a great game. He was out there looking for me and we connected three times.”

The whirlwind off-season for the Scarlet and Gray saw plenty of changes, from its head coach leaving as well as its star quarterback. However, Stoneburner, one of the mainstays is still here in

Rosstradamus NFC North Preview

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Green Bay Packers (12-4): There will be a King…And for a long time will he flourish.

Green Bay won the Super Bowl last season despite suffering numerous injuries. Now, they get those players back. Math’s easy.

Offense: Will Aaron Rodgers continue to ascend the ranks of the QB elite? Will Ryan Grant fit in after returning from injury?

Crystal Ball Says: Rodgers