Football Season and the NFC South

Going into training camp, and knowing very little about each team, I've decided to go through each NFC South team's schedule week by week and give out picks for the games. I'm won't claim to be an expert in the matter, but I'd like to think my analysis is at least some what accurate. I won't be going through the preseason, and these will all be baring injuries to major players. So, in alphabetical order, here's what I've come up with.

Atlanta Falcons
1 Miami - Miami was a surprise team last year, much like the Falcons. They also benefited from a relatively easy schedule. Will Miami be as good as 2008? No. Will they win this game? No.
2 Carolina - Carolina is always a tough game, and the return of Julius Peppers, despite his trade request, helps Carolina bring back 21 out of 22 starters. That said, I think the NFC South will be very tough at home, just like last year. I'll take the Falcons to go to 2-0.
3 @ New England - Both these teams might be playing with something to prove. Atlanta wants to prove 2008 wasn't a fluke, and New England wants to show Tom Brady still has the goods. I don't think Brady will be 100% until mid-season, but I think New England will be able to win this one at home.
4 BYE WEEK - A week 4 bye, just about the crappiest one there is. I'm just saying.
5 @ San Francisco - Atlanta comes off the bye vs. San Francisco, a team that seems to finally be coming together. Atlanta, rested and ready, takes this game before entering a very rough stretch.
6 Chicago - Chicago will most likely win the NFC North this season, mainly because they finally have a good QB. They'll be itching for revenge after last season's last second win by Atlanta, but Atlanta will find a way to pull this one out again.
7 @ Dallas - Dallas may have a stronger core without TO, but they also won't have anyone to keep the safety from jumping from receiver to receiver. This game will be tight, but I think Atlanta finds a way to win.
8 @ New Orleans - Old foes meet again, the Falcons and the Saints will hookup in a Big-12 like shoot-out. Who wins? It's the NFC South, which always favors the home team.
9 Washington - In the middle of a 7 game stretch vs the NFC South and NFC East, the Redskins come to town. I think the Redskins have a lot of potential, but how will Jason Campbell feel about Washington trying to pick up Jay Cutler and Matt Cassel? Team dysfunction gives it to Atlanta by a nose.
10 @ Carolina - The Falcons will have been holding on by the skin of their teeth at this point, and the Panthers will be coming of three much easier weeks. Take Carolina by 7.
11 @ NY Giants - How will the Giants fair without Plaxico Burress? Good question. Better question, how will they feel about hosting the Falcons after a bye? This might be the Falcons only double digit loss.
12 Tampa Bay - The Bucs are in a rebuilding mode, and without Gruden or Kiffin, don't expect this team to be anywhere near as good as they have been in the past. Atlanta should win.
13 Philadelphia - Atlanta wants revenge for last season's bad call loss in Philly. Philadelphia will be fighting for the NFC East crown. In a game that could swing either way, Atlanta will lose a heart breaker.
14 New Orleans - Having lost 3 of 4, Atlanta will come out hungry and fast against the Saints. as the season winds down, Atlanta gets their 8th win.
15 @ NY Jets - Mark Sanchez will be playing at this point, if he doesn't start the season for the Jets. He won't be as successful as Ryan or Flacco, and the Falcons win to guarantee their first ever back to back winning seasons.
16 Buffalo - The good news for Buffalo, they got TO. The bad news for Buffalo, they got TO. Falcons win again.
17 @ Tampa Bay - I said I think the NFC South will be tough at home, and I meant it. but the Bucs won't win this one as the Falcons match last seasons win total.

Season Record: 11-5

Carolina Panthers
1 Philadelphia - I expect Carolina to be good, but they won't be any better than their weakest link. That link is Jake Delhomme. The Panthers two-headed rushing attack carries them in this game, but for how long?
2 @ Atlanta - It's no secret that Atlanta and Carolina don't like each other. These may be two teams, passing in the night. Not what I think, this is the beginning of a great rivalry. Atlanta in a squeaker.
3 @ Dallas - I don't think Dallas will be near as good this year without TO. However, I also don't think they'll lose their first Monday Night game in their new stadium. Heart breaker for the Panthers.
4 BYE WEEK - I said it for Atlanta and I'll say it for Carolina. What a crappy bye week.
5 Washington - A week of for the game against Washington, and the Panthers will be happy to have it. In a relatively tight game, the Panthers get back to .500.
6 @ Tampa Bay - You've almost got to feel sorry for Tampa Bay. this season is likely to show how far they've fallen. Don't be surprised if Carolina wins in a laugher.
7 Buffalo - Buffalo has one very good receiver, an average QB, and a lot of role players. not a recipe for a winner. Take the Panthers for 3 in a row.
8 @ Arizona - I wasn't happy last year when Atlanta drew Arizona in the opening round, I think they're capable of lighting up any secondary on any Sunday. Fitzgerald will catch the game winner.
9 @ New Orleans - Three straight road games and 5 of their first seven. Carolina got no help from the schedule makers. New Orleans by less than a Touchdown.
10 Atlanta - Coming home, Carolina will be anger about 2 straight losses and about being .500 again. Atlanta will be the target of their anger as the Panthers win.
11 Miami - Miami got by on luck and a weak schedule. It's easy to have one when you have the other, but don't expect the Dolphins to have either. Carolina wins.
12 @ NY Jets - Mark Sanchez isn't as good as so many people believe he is. He won't lead the Jets to the playoffs this year, and he won't win this game.
13 Tampa Bay - The last thing the league wants is the Panthers rolling, but that's what they're going to get. Tampa Bay might just get steamrolled in this one.
14 @ New England - Just as the Panthers get rolling, they have to go to Foxboro. In December. They do like to run the ball, which will keep it close, but the Patriots will be rolling by this point and take the game at home.
15 Minnesota - This should be a match up of top 5 running attacks and top 5 defenses. The winner will be the team that doesn't break, and I'll take the Panthers to pull it off.
16 @ NY Giants - The Panthers will be in the thick of the battle for the South, the Giants in the battle for the East. Which team holds? The Panthers lose another cold weather game.
17 New Orleans - Last season, the Panthers had to win their last game against New Orleans to win the South. This season, they'll need it just to have a shot at the title, they win but fall just shy of the crown.

Season Record - 10-6

New Orleans Saints
1 Detroit - How many straight games will the Lions lose? Going back to 2006, this game will put them at 18.
2 @ Philadelphia - Philadelphia will be coming off a tough loss to open the season at Carolina. The come home angry, but still battle to beat the Saints.
3 @ Buffalo - Buffalo will not have much luck against the NFC South. Including my last to predictions, this will be 0-3 against them.
4 NY Jets - I expect Sanchez to start the season as the start for the Jets. I also expect the Jets to lose this game in New Orleans.
5 BYE WEEK - The Saints get to wait a whole week longer for their bye, it still sucks, though.
6 NY Giants - I don't think the Giants will be as good without Plax. And I also think New Orleans uses their Dome to their advantage in this win.
7 @ Miami - Coming off an impressive win against the Giants, the Saints start rolling and throw all over the field against the Dolphins.
8 Atlanta - New Orleans hates Atlanta, and really hates hosting them on MNF. In a high scoring affair, the Saints get the ball last, score last, and win.
9 Carolina - Coming in with 5 straight wins, the Saints are firing on all cylinders as they keep rocking and rolling along.
10 @ St. Louis - The Rams used to be the greatest show on turf, but the Saints may just be the greatest show indoors. This will put them to 7 straight.
11 @ Tampa Bay - Do teams look ahead in the NFL? 4 tough games coming up in what should have been an easy ways. The Saints slip up, however, and drop one to the Bucs.
12 New England - For as bad as Buffalo will be against the NFC South, New England will be that good. Even the Superdome isn't enough to slow down a rolling Patriots team.
13 @ Washington - Washington got Haynesworth for games like this, but the Saints just won't be denied. Bush breaks a long one as the Saints get back to their winning ways.
14 @ Atlanta - New Orleans will be happy to be getting near the end of this rough stretch, but Atlanta will feel the same way as they win and make the Saints losers of 3 out of 4.
15 Dallas - Hosting Dallas, the Saints are really looking to win again to hold onto the NFC South lead. They do it, in another tight game.
16 Tampa Bay - If not for Tampa Bay earlier, New Orleans would have been on a heck of a roll for New England. Time for payback as the Saints run it up.
17 @ Carolina - A win means the Saints win the NFC South. A loss means they need help. Looks like they'll need help.

Season Record - 11-5

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1 Dallas - Tampa Bay is rebuilding, granted the Falcons were last year as well, but the Bucs won't be the Falcons. This loss marks the beginning of a long season.
2 @ Buffalo - The Bucs are the first team to play the Bills in the South, and need a win if you look at what's ahead on their schedule. I don't think they'll get it.
3 NY Giants - I don't expect this game to be close as the Bucs fall to 0-3.
4 @ Washington - Another week, another game, another NFC East team, another loss.
5 @ Philadelphia - Philadelphia makes sure the NFC East sweeps the Bucs as they win as well.
6 Carolina - Starting NFC South play isn't exactly the best way to remedy the Bucs losing ways as they fall to the Panthers.
7 New England - New England won't play around as they dispatch the Bucs early in an ugly game.
8 BYE WEEK - The Best bye week among NFC South teams, and the Bucs will need it.
9 Green Bay - Coming off the by, a few things go right for Tampa Bay as they surprise Green Bay.
10 @ Miami - Miami won't be bad, but don't expect a playoff run out of them. Tampa won't be good, but manage a little momentum in their second win.
11 New Orleans - A little mini roll plus New Orleans thinking about New England helps the Bucs surprise the Saints.
12 @ Atlanta - After 3 straight wins, the Bucs have a little confidence brewing. To bad Atlanta will knock that back down.
13 @ Carolina - Carolina already beat Tampa in Tampa, and does the same thing in Charlotte.
14 NY Jets - A battle of franchise QBs as TB plays the NY Jets. In a slightly sloppy game, I expect the Bucs to slip by.
15 @ Seattle - Seattle has a QB near the end of his career, Tampa Bay one just starting. Youth unseats experience as the Bucs win again.
16 @ New Orleans - New Orleans is mad about the earlier loss, and fighting hard to win the NFC South. Neither bodes well for the team from Tampa.
17 Atlanta - Atlanta will almost be a lock for the playoffs at this point, but a win will help their cause as they mercifully end the Tampa Bay season.

Season Record - 5-11

So those are my picks, dependent upon tie breakers, I see the final standings as follows:

T-1 Atlanta Falcons 11-5
T-1 New Orleans Saints 11-5
3 Carolina Panthers 10-6
4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11

Soccer Matches and Disappointment

On Sunday, I watched the US vs Brazil soccer match for the Confederation Cup. Unlike the majority of Americans, I think soccer is an exciting sport to watch and I fully understand why it is the number one sport in the world. The match was thrilling with the US taking an early 2-0 lead, and by halftime I was nerve racked and shaking. I was really wondering if the US was finally to make a splash on the global soccer scene.

But, of course, it all came unraveled. To say I didn't see it coming would be a lie. When Brazil scored less than a minute into the second half, I no longer was hoping the US would hold, but was waiting for the moment when we would fall. That moment came, and I suddenly felt all the air go out of me. The US was so close but just couldn't hang on. All the passion, all the urgency that had been on the surface in the first half was buried in the second. The entire team looked flat. There were an uncountable number of times US players stopped and stared as balls rolled away from them. In short, what was lacking in the Second half was heart.

I want the US to do well, and I'm hoping we qualify for the World Cup next year. I honesty believe that, if we play with the urgency, passion, and heart we showed in the first half versus Brazil, we can play with any team on the planet.

The major plus I had from watching this match was some great company that watched it with me, and they too felt the dejection of defeat before schooling me in air hockey.

The Rule of Three

As of now, everyone knows about the deaths of three icons this past week: Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson. The death of these three icons brings to light once again what is known by many as The Rule of Three. Namely, that things always happen in threes. When you think about it, however, there are many things that seam to lend credence to this theory. Not just in occurrences, but in the way humans function. A letter consists of three parts: Opening, Body, and Closing. Most good jokes function the same way: Setup, Reinforcement, and Punch-line. Goldilocks encountered three bears, Snow White had three visits from here evil step mother, Jack climbed the beanstalk three times. Three is everywhere.

Three is not limited to writing, however. In photography, the rule of thirds is taught for lining up a shot. If a series of movies is being made, it is most common to make a trilogy. On top of that one, the third movie is almost always considered a bad compared to the first to. In music, the third album is supposed to be the most difficult to make. It almost makes it seem that three is some kind of special number.

All of this makes you wonder, what does the rule of three have in store for us next? Three more celebrity deaths (don't want to sound bad, but I can think of two off the top of my head that wouldn't surprise me)? Maybe three bits of good luck sprinkled together. Who knows what it will be or when it will come.

Of course, the most telling example of the rule the three: The answer to life, the universe, and everything (three parts there) is 42. Not only is 42 a multiple of three, but it's the two numbers surrounding 3.

We've got a Mac, let's put Windows on it!

Yes, this was the decision at my office recently with a shiny, brand new MacBook Air. Since the laptop is a loaner, it was decided that it would be easier for the users if it just had windows on it. Forget the fact that we spent over $1500 for a Mac, then bought Mac specific software for a few hundred dollars more. Forget that the broadband card is designed for a Mac and not for Windows. What was really important was that we have a light-weight, portable laptop to be checked out when necessary.

Are you ready for the hypocrisy? The only people allowed to check out our new WinBook Air (made that up on the fly) will be people that already have laptops of their own. I'll say that again, the only people authorized to leave the building with this new laptop on their person are people that already have their own laptops. Here's how this came to be, someone was going on a trip to another country. They wanted to be able to check their work email while they were away. The System Department's suggestion "Take your laptop, we already put all the necessary programs on it for you to not only check your email, but to work remotely." Well that wasn't going to work. Why? Because the laptop was too heavy. Apparently, the laptops whopping 6.4 pounds was just to much to be carried around. So instead, we had to spec notebooks that were "light-weight". My initial suggestion was an Asus Eee PC. Everything seemed fine until the issue of price came up. A max price of under $500?! That would never work. I was told money was not an object and to find something else.

So the search began again. The key was that it needed to be both light-weight, have a decent screen size, and cost at least $1000. I only made one of those items up. In my second round of laptops, I submit the MacBook Air as a joke. I figured it would never fly. But oh, I was so wrong. We ended up getting a top of the line MacBook Air. And do you know how much it weighs? A gargantuan 3 pounds. So, in order to please someone and give them a 3 pound lighter beg, we spent upwards of $2000, and then had to put Windows on the machine anyway. The lesson to be learned from all this? I have no idea, I just know that sometimes it's better just to shred money, because we're pretty much throwing it away.

iPhone 3.0: Something I've noticed

I, like many technology geeks, am the proud owner of an iPhone 3G. Last night, when I got home from work, I downloaded and installed the latest upgrade for my phone, taking it from 2.2.1 to 3.0. The download was much faster than previous upgrades, and the install was quick and painless. I've had no problems since I upgraded, and have, in fact, had a delightful result. In the building where I work, I'm on the 22nd floor. I'm in the middle of downtown Atlanta, but apparently, the height of my building had been a problem with my connection. Instead of 3G, I was almost always on EDGE while at work. This was very annoying, as I was without a service I had and still was paying for. Today, however, I have yet to drop to an EDGE connection. Not once. I've never had a day before where this happened. It seems that something in the update fixed my connection issues. While I like being able to copy and paste, having a landscape keyboard in most apps, and being able to perform a search from just about anywhere in my phone, I'd have to say keeping a 3G connection is definitely my favorite thing about this upgrade so far.

Iranian Elections, Protests, and Riots

It's been a long time since I posted in here, and I figured why not start again today with the major news story of the day.

Of course, I'm referring to the Elections and subsequent protests and riots in Iran's capital city of Tehran. The results leave a lot of questions in my eyes. I can accept that the incumbent won while garnering nearly 63% of the vote. What I find odd is that the results were reported within an hour of the polls closing, despite 80% voter turnout in a country that performs it's elections with paper ballots. Are you telling me that approximately 50 million votes were counted, by hand, in less than a day? Seriously? I've got a couple sayings that go with that: I was born at night, but not last night or, the one I prefer, momma raised ugly children not stupid.

In my high school we did elections by paper and they still took a couple of days to sort through. That was with a few thousand students voting at a set time. But 50 million people voting in different locations at different times and you finished your count in less than a day? No, it just isn't plausible to me.

I may not like Ahmedinejad, but if he really won the majority vote in Iran, then he is who the people of that country have chosen to represent them. But if not, if this election is rigged, as it at least appears to be to me, then the Iranian Revolution of 1979 has been rendered moot and the country has fallen into the throes of a dictatorship once again.

Opening Day

Today is the first day of the MLB season...at least technically speaking. There are only 2 games on tap for today, the Dodgers at the Giants (a game the Giants won 3-1, I might add), and the Braves at the Phillies. And so we again get to see a start to the MLB season that does not feature a full slate of games. This is something I don't really understand. I know that baseball figures they'll get higher ratings in those one or two games that start the season by themselves, and I'm sure the ratings are good. But really, it doesn't seem to me that it's as effective a strategy as a full slate of games. If you're an Indians fan, do you really care that the Giants beat the Dodgers for the first win of the 2009 season? Or if you follow the Rockies, will you really be enthralled by a game pitting the Braves against the Phillies? It just seems, to me, that a full slate of games would make a lot more sense to start the MLB season. In fact, since inter-league play is apparently here to stay, why not use it to start the season? Make opening day games that will really get some people's attention. Pit the Yankees versus the Mets, the Cubs and the White Sox, the Giants and the A's. We've got to be able to do better than two games in which two of the teams didn't even make the playoffs last years. Hell, if you're going to make opening day an event of such exclusiveness, why not have just one game, let the two teams from the previous year's World Series go at it. Anything has got to be better than putting four teams out there in which one is guaranteed not to make the playoffs. I'm sure baseball thought this was a good idea at the time, but at the time, I'm sure a lot of things seem like a good idea.

There's a reason baseball is not as popular as it once was, and while the steroid era is seen as the main reason, the truth is that management is the really cause. Management has allowed the hollowed grounds of one of America's great games to become tarnished, be it through steroids or salary inflation or just the cost of going to games. I look at it this way, anything that will cost a family of four over $75 dollars to do, and that's with some of the worst seats in almost any ballpark, is a bad business model. Here's a good example, the Mets, like the Yankees, are opening a brand new stadium this season. The cheapest available season tickets for the Mets this season run at a cost of $2025 for one ticket, $4050 for two, plus a $25 delivery fee. Guessing that most people don't want to go to a game alone, this means that it will cost $4075 for season tickets in the upper deck. That doesn't include tax and already you're right at $50 a game for 2 people. No food, no drink, no transportation, $50 dollars a game. That's outrageous! And it's a wonder why baseball is having such a money crisis right now. I'm not even going to touch player salaries or team payrolls or bringing in a salary cap. That's an issue that many people have discussed before and I have no real reason to hash into the same tired old debate.

Baseball isn't a bad game, it's a good game. No, it's a great game. It's the people running it that are bringing in all the problems right now. At least, that's how I see it.