East Coast Bias

NFL Picks - Week 11

2009-11-20T12:22:00.000-05:00

This post is sponsored by Sportsbetting.com, our favorite online sportsbook.

Back to a full slate of games this week after the bye weeks end. By this point in the season, we feel like we know just enough about all the teams so that we get ourselves into trouble with these picks.

Brien (23-26-1)
I should have known the Broncos-Redskins game last week was a classic WTF line.

Cincinnati (-9.5) over OAKLAND - I'm a believer in the Bengals, finally.

Arizona (-9) over ST. LOUIS - The Cardinals take care of business against terrible teams.

MINNESOTA (-10.5) over Seattle - I hope this isn't the week Favre starts his collapse.

San Diego (-3) over DENVER - Two teams headed in opposite directions

GREEN BAY (-6.5) over San Francisco - OK, so maybe the Packers are pretty decent

Jason (25-25-0)

A 5-0 week really helps get things back on track.

DETROIT (-3.5) over Cleveland - Both of these teams are quite bad, but Cleveland is the only one of the two who has given up completely.

NY GIANTS (-6.5) over Atlanta - The Giants are coming off their bye, which means Eli's foot is as good as it's going to get.

Arizona (-9) over ST. LOUIS - There are no moral victories in football. Arizona will take St. Louis seriously after they scared the Saints.

New Orleans (-11) over TAMPA BAY - Likewise, New Orleans will take Tampa seriously.

San Diego (-3) over DENVER - Chris Simms?

Jeremy (20-30-0)
Resigned to not making it back to .500 on the season.

Indianapolis (-1) over BALTIMORE - Yes, the Ravens D looked excellent on Monday night, but is this a trap line or something?

Washington (+11) over DALLAS - I've been burnt all season long betting the 'Skins, but the 'Skins have now played six consecutive quarters of excellent football. Miles Austin vs. Redskins secondary scares me, though.

TAMPA BAY (+11) over New Orleans - The Bucs have been playing significantly better since Josh Freeman took the reins and the Saints played way down to the level of competition last week.

San Diego (-3) over DENVER - "Free Fallin'" is going to be the official anthem of the last 10 games of the Broncos season. Anybody remember last year's 6-2 Redskins? Exactly...

Cincinnati (-9.5) over OAKLAND - The Raiders defense is stout, but I'm going to assume that the Raiders put up 10 points or less, making it an easy decision that the Bengals can score 20 or more.

Magic 8 Ball (21-29-0)

Indianapolis (-1) over BALTIMORE - "No." (Ravens won't beat the spread)
Washington (+11) over DALLAS - "My answer is no." (Cowboys won't beat the spread)
New Orleans (-11) over TAMPA BAY - "No." (Bucs won't beat the spread)
DENVER (-3) over San Diego - "Signs point to yes." (Broncos will beat the spread)
OAKLAND (+9.5) over Cincinnati - "Signs point to yes." (Raiders will beat the spread)

Russell (24-25-1)
So first place only lasted a week, but at least I didn't go 0-5 to beat myself.

Pittsburgh (-10) over KANSAS CITY - The Chiefs' wins are over the Skins and the Raiders, neither of which occurred at home.

Arizona (-9) over ST LOUIS - I don't think the Rams can play well against 2 good teams in a row.

San Diego (-3) over DENVER - I wanted to pick this the other way, but just couldn't find a single reason to do so other than the WTF line.

DETROIT (-3.5) over Cleveland - A terrible offense on a short week going on the road...

NY GIANTS (-6.5) over Atlanta - The G-Men stop their free fall, benefiting from a bye and an injured Michael Turner.

Recap
Brien: CIN, ARI, MIN, SD, GB
Jason: ARI, DET, NO, NYG, SD
Jeremy: CIN, IND, SD, TB, WAS

Russell: ARI, DET, NYG, PIT, SD

Classic Postgame Presser

2009-11-18T14:04:00.006-05:00

This care of ECB reader Jim, a loyal reader since Day 1 of ECB, a law school buddy of mine, a long-suffering St. Louis Cardinals (football) and Rams fan, and an alum of Miami University...

We have an early candidate for postgame presser of the year folks! Take a look at Miami Head Coach Charlie Coles field a question from a Lexington sportswriter after the Kentucky-Miami game on Monday night seeking a response as to how unranked and underdog Miami "let the game get away" to fourth-ranked Kentucky, home of the present "Jesus in Nikes" John Wall...

Let's see...

Thick Southern drawl... check.
Incredulous facial expressions... check.
Calling out the opposing head coach... check.
Sarcasm level of 12 on scale of 1 to 10... check.
Certain ramblings making no sense... check.
Mocking newspaper writer for a stupid question... check.
Proving a point... check.

If Coors Light opened up their commercials to coaches of other sports, I think we'd have a candidate for a great commercial here.

“Sportsmanship”

2009-11-17T16:31:00.001-05:00

About ten thousand times during the last Maryland basketball game, Comcast SportsNet played a commercial about sportsmanship sponsored by the “Foundation for a Better Life.”

You can watch the video above, but the gist of it is that a basketball player tips a ball as it goes out of bounds, but the ref doesn’t see it. During the time out, the player tells his coach that he tipped the ball and then goes to tell the referee. The tag line is “Sportsmanship – Pass It On.”

Is that not the stupidest thing you’ve ever heard? Are you not appalled that some stupid ethical foundation would suggest such a thing? Would you not punch your teammate in the face for merely suggesting such an idea?

Here’s the thing: the rules of basketball are founded on the idea that referees call the game how they see it. Players have no role in calling the game. I don’t even think an official would reverse a call in the example shown above. It’s just ridiculous to suggest that players should make calls against themselves in a game with referees.

Someone who would tell a referee that he tipped the ball would also probably do a lot of other stupid things:

Turn himself into the police for speeding
Tell his girlfriend whenever he has lewd thoughts about another woman
Submit an amended tax return because he forgot to claim the $10 check his grandmother sent for his birthday as income
Diligently repay all money taken from the “Take a Penny” dish

This “Foundation for a Better Life” is apparently a group that creates ads for behavioral values it wants to see advanced. It is entirely funded by some oil tycoon’s kid – I was shocked to find out that there was no oddball religious backing. Most of the ads are pointless and silly, but not actively stupid like the sportsmanship one.

Good sportsmanship is losing gracefully, not trying to make sure that no bad calls go in your favor.

Belichick Pays Manning Enormous Compliment, Slights Own D

2009-11-15T23:53:00.005-05:00

With 2:08 remaining in the 4th quarter, up 6, 34-28, Bill Belichick decided to go for it on 4th and 2. Thanks to a bobble, Kevin Faulk's reception was spotted short of the marker. Without any time outs, New England could not challenge and Peyton Manning was a mere 30 yards away from winning the game with a full 2:00 left and a time out. Obviously, the Colts won.

Some might say that Belichick's decision to go for it reflects his arrogance, but I think he made the right move. His defense was gassed, and he simply KNEW Manning would take the Colts down the field with two full minutes. He could not risk giving the ball back, and the Patriots short passing game is the most reliable in football. If Faulk makes a clean catch, the Patriots kneel and win. He didn't, and Belichick was made to look the fool.

Belichick did the equivalent of walking Alex Rodriguez with the bases loaded in a two-run game. No quarterback has inspired such legitimate fear. The only real question is whether the disrespect he showed his own defense will have repercussions for the remainder of the season. He essentially told his team that they could not stop Manning, especially with no time outs to change personnel.

And Bill, next time leave your headset on until after you fail to block the extra point or run the ensuing kickoff back for a touchdown. Don't send the message that all hope is lost with 13 seconds left down a point.

NFL's Most Annoying Fans - NFC North

2009-11-15T11:40:00.004-05:00

Quick Reaction:

Let's see... borderline morbidly obese... check... wearing a tacky gimmick to prove how much of a fan you are... check... booing wildly the quarterback who ached and bled and fought for you for years and brought you back to relevance... check. Now for the things in Packers fans favor... they come out and fill Lambeau for EVERY home game in the most wicked weather conditions in the NFL, they've made the gameday experience at Lambeau one of the "can't-miss" events to attend for any sports fan, and they actually own part of the team.

Detroit Lions

Quick Reaction:

If the task of these posts was to grade Lions fans, I think they'd at best get an Incomplete right now. That said, I post the above video for your enjoyment. Who doesn't love a drunk girl at a football game getting cuffed by the cops and dragged off sobbing after she tries wildly to throw a haymaker at somebody else in her section?

Chicago Bears:

Quick Reaction:

Chicago lives and breathes by the Bears as they say goodbye to beautiful Chicago late summer weather and bear down for the horrible winter ahead. Their fans have stuck with the team through the woeful post-Super Bowl shuffle years through the horrible 90s. Cade McNown, Rashaan Salaam, Curtis Enis... the Bears drafts of the 90s almost make me feel like the Redskins made good decisions. Almost. They have fans in every city and town but they don't permeate and multiply and feel the need to make themselves immediately apparent, like Steelers fans.

Minnesota Vikings:

Quick Reaction:
Outside of Minnesota, nobody really hears about Vikings fans. We see them dressed up in their horrible costumes to attend games, but they have little to no reputation around the league in any particular direction (annoying or not). They are coddled by the Metrodome and don't have to attend games in the brutal Minneapolis winter, that much is clear. Vikings fans are just kind of there. They don't arouse really any sort of reaction from anybody.

The Big Winner:
Congratulations Cheeseheads... in what I'm sure will be a controversial selection, you are the most annoying fanbase in the NFC North. You own the team and you come out in droves and you make Lambeau Field great. But your persistent need to not only be great fans of your team but to let everybody else in the world know just what great fans you are makes you the most annoying fans in the NFC North. Oh, and boo Ted Thompson, not Brett Favre next time.

Coming up in the next two weeks... the divisions many people have been waiting for... the AFC East and NFC East (I have to recuse from the NFC East selection but arguably the four fanbases in the NFC East would rank 1 through 4 if you had to rank all teams in level of fanbase annoyingness)

College Football Picks - Week 11

2009-11-13T18:07:00.000-05:00

This week is all about the best teams surviving against lesser opposition.

CINCINNATI (-9) over West Virginia - The Bearcats won't have a late meltdown this week, after letting UConn back in the game. Let's remember what the score was in the 3rd quarter of that game.

Iowa (+17) over OHIO ST - Everyone in the world thinks OSU will pound the Hawkeyes in this game, and they may be right. But let's remember that Iowa's defense is what the team is built around, not Stanzi. Plus the backup will have actually prepared to play this week, and the coaches have had a chance to modify the offense to suit his skills and inexperience. I still think OSU will win, but I'm taking the points.

DUKE (+12.5) over Ga Tech - The Jackets' pass defense has looked vulnerable at times this year, and it would be hard to underestimate how huge this game is for Duke football, even after the loss to UNC last week. I still deep down have confidence in GT but I'm betting the other way. I'd take a solid 10 pt win.

Stanford (+10.5) over USC - Two years ago, Stanford stunned the world with a victory at the Coliseum. This weekend, two programs are headed in different directions, at least momentarily. USC is rebuilding and the Cardinal just beat a team that pounded USC. The Trojans may still get their win, but we may see something more similar to the 14-9 score from last week at ASU.

Alabama (-12) over MISS ST - With the division clinched, I think a loose, confident Tide pounds the Bulldogs.

Utah (+19.5) over TCU - I know the Horned Frogs are good, but that is a huge spread playing a team whose only loss was at Oregon. And yes, TCU blew out BYU on the road, but 19.5 pts against the second-best team in the league?

Last Week: 2-4-1
Season: 34-37-1

NFL Picks - Week 10

2009-11-13T08:46:00.002-05:00

This post is sponsored by Sportsbetting.com. Please use them for all your online sports betting needs.

Everyone got torn apart pretty good last week with their picks (the Magic 8 Ball was the league leader last week) - the only news to come out of that is that somehow Russell took advantage of two consecutive 0-5 weeks from Brien to take the lead. Moral of the story - don't have kids and expect to be successful gambling. Last week of byes and first week of Thursday night football games means that your picks need to be in to your favorite "odds-making associate" a little earlier this week.

Brien (21-23-1)
OK, this week hopefully I'll get at least one pick correct.

Denver (-3.5) over WASHINGTON - I still think the Broncos are decent, and the Redskins really aren't.

Philadelphia (+1) over SAN DIEGO - Tough loss to Dallas last week, but I think the Eagles bounce back.

Dallas (-2.5) over GREEN BAY - It's time to admit that we were all wrong about the Packers this year.

ARIZONA (-8.5) over Seattle - I still think the Seahawks really suck, even though they blew out the Lions last week.

New England (+3) over INDIANAPOLIS - The Colts aren't going to go undefeated, and this seems like an obvious place for them to lose.

Jason (20-25-0)

I am here. In my work pool, the winner had SIX correct picks. What a great week for Vegas.

WASHINGTON (+3.5) over Denver - Ok, the Skins are pretty bad. They do play defense though. Denver can't run the ball and is relying on Kyle Orton to beat a decent defense after flying east. I guess I'll take a chance.

Baltimore (-10.5) over CLEVELAND - I think the Ravens are an every other week team at this point. Cleveland can't hurt them in their big weak spot - the secondary.

MINNESOTA (-16.5) over Detroit - Without hesitation.

Kansas City (+2) over OAKLAND - What's the catch?

Cincinnati (+7) over PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh has to win this game to avoid going down the tiebreaker to Cincy. Cincy has to win this game to be legitimate.

Jeremy (18-27-0)
I beat Brien in picks. He beat me at fantasy. Stupid Chris Johnson....

Denver (-3.5) over WASHINGTON - This could very well be a trap line. Denver's offense has looked atrocious the past few weeks and the 'Skins D can be pretty stout. However, with Portis and Cooley out and Campbell under center, I just don't see where the Redskins' points come from.

PITTSBURGH (-7) over Cincinnati - Revenge factor, at Heinz Field, huge division implications, Cincinnati barely eeked out a win on their home turf earlier this year - I think Benson gets bottled up and the Steelers tool on the Bengals.

Kansas City (+2) over OAKLAND - The Larry Johnson distraction is gone, Matt Cassel has Chambers to balance out Bowe, and the Raiders are an all-around horrible team. I'll take the Chefs.

New Orleans (-13.5) over ST. LOUIS - Let's put it this way - one of my two fantasy teams has Drew Brees and Marques Colston. I really like my odds this week.

New England (+3) over INDIANAPOLIS - Anytime a healthy Tom Brady is getting points with a healthy Wes Welker and a healthy Randy Moss, I'm generally going to take the points, especially given that Indy's offense hasn't been as prolific at scoring this season.

Magic 8 Ball (17-29-0)

WASHINGTON (+3.5) over Denver - "Signs point to yes." (Redskins will beat the spread)
Cincinnati (+7) over PITTSBURGH - "Don't count on it." (Steelers won't beat the spread)
Kansas City (+2) over OAKLAND - "My answer is no." (Raiders won't beat the spread)
New Orleans (-13.5) over ST. LOUIS - "No." (Rams won't beat the spread)
New England (+3) over INDIANAPOLIS - "My answer is no." (Colts won't beat the spread)

Russell (22-22-1)
First place! I'd like to thank our sponsors, my team, my family for supporting me in this endeavour, and most of all, Brien for going 0-10 the last two weeks to allow me to catch up.

Baltimore (-10.5) over CLEVELAND - The old Browns over the new Browns. The Ravens will look like the team that pounded the Broncos a couple weeks ago.

Dallas (-2.5) over GREEN BAY - The Pack have serious O Line issues, and just managed to lose in Tampa.

New Orleans (-13.5) over ST LOUIS - Does this need an explanation?

Denver (-3.5) over WASHINGTON - The Broncos aren't this bad, even on a short week traveling to the East. If the Skins could be the tonic for the Lions, I'm sure a decent Broncos team can find something to feel good about in Washington.

ARIZONA (-8.5) over Seattle - The Cardinals are starting to figure things out and look like the NFC Champs again.

Recap
Brien: DEN, PHI, DAL, ARI, NE
Jason: BAL, CIN, KC, MIN, WAS
Jeremy: DEN, KC, NE, NO, PIT

Russell: ARI, BAL, DAL, DEN, NO

NFL's Most Annoying Fans - AFC North

2009-11-08T14:41:00.006-05:00

This is the fifth in a running feature at ECB. We'll be rating NFL Fanbases by annoyingness and picking a winner for each division. After that, we'll select wild card teams, and have ourselves a little playoff. If you have suggestions for upcoming divisions or wildcard selections, send them to eastcoastbiasblog@gmail.com. So far we have given you the AFC West, the NFC West, the AFC South, and the NFC South. Who will join the Raiders, Cardinals, Jaguars, and Panthers fans as the most annoying fans in their division? This week we present the NFC South.

Note, I have to handle this week's selection to give a degree of neutrality to the proceedings. Brien is a Steelers fan, J-Red is a Ravens fan, and they'd undoubtedly pick the other if they had the ability to do this week's poll. I have a feeling the runner-up this week may well be a wildcard selection.

Cincinnati Bengals

Quick Reaction:
Yeah, I had to find the safe-for-work picture. The fact that this alone happens in the stands at Paul Brown Stadium by somewhat attractive girls (and trust me, I've seen the not-safe-for-work version - they're real, and they're spectacular) gives them the nod for having decent fans. Hey, when the product on the field sucks year after year after year, you have to entertain yourself somehow. Good for Bengals fans to have something to cheer about this year.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Quick Reaction:
Steelers fans are annoying as fuck. They're EVERYWHERE. Seriously, I would venture to guess that every city in this country has a Steelers bar somewhere for Pittsburgh fans to congregate on Sundays. But, that's the counter - Steelers fans know their football, they're about as far from bandwagon fans as you can find, and they live and die by the Steelers. You get the feeling that it almost means more to Steelers fans than any other fanbase when their team wins the Super Bowl. That doesn't excuse them from being obnoxious, from thinking that the Terrible Towels are some unique invention by Myron Cope, and from in general being guilty of not shutting the hell up. I nominate the Steelers for a wildcard selection. But they're not going to win this division.

Baltimore Ravens

Quick Reaction:
I will carve out one subset from this group - the members of the Baltimore Marching Ravens who were formerly members of the Baltimore Marching Colts and who were the subject of the ESPN documentary The Band That Wouldn't Die. Aside from that, Ravens fans are obnoxious in so many ways, I can barely get into it in my limited time here. I'll save most of it for the playoffs. But camouflage pants, the Essex/Dundalk/Glen Burnie accent, refusing to let the fact that the Indianapolis Colts took the Baltimore Colts' statistics die, the fact that they have blind hatred for Redskins fans even though Redskins fans couldn't give half a good goddamn about Ravens fans or their team, the fact that they treat their one Super Bowl victory/appearance in 13 seasons of existence as if they have the tradition of the Pittsburgh Steelers - yeah... Ravens fans... you win. Just look at the guys in the picture above - like the Village People in purple. And unfortunately that's not all that unusual at all in the 500-level on Russell Street on an NFL Sunday.

Cleveland Browns

Quick Reaction:
Grown men who chew dog bones and dress up like dogs. This is pretty annoying. However, they've suffered through more indignity than just about any other fanbase. Getting their hearts torn out by John Elway and Ernest Byner in the 80s, losing their franchise in the 90s, and getting a "franchise" back in the 2000's that is an NFL organization only in the loosest sense of the word. Add this to the fact that Cleveland has been torn to shreds by the economy, the fact that Browns fans sit through some of the shittiest weather of any NFL team, and the fact that you don't hear Cleveland in any of the same breath as NFL teams who are in danger of blackouts and you know what Browns fans - keep dressing up - do whatever you need to do.

THE BIG WINNER:
In the closest competition we've had so far, the nod goes to the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers could very well be a wildcard selection when we get down to the end. However, on the gestalt, Steelers fans at least can both talk the talk and walk the walk. They may well be obnoxious, but they have more reason to be obnoxious than Ravens fans. And on the scale of fan IQ, the average Steelers fan is going to score well ahead of the average Ravens fan.

NFL Picks - Week 9

2009-11-06T20:16:00.002-05:00

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A big bye week around the NFL leads to havoc for fantasy football owners and less games to choose from on the Board. Vegas continues to make life difficult with some very big spreads.

Brien (21-18-1)

An 0-5 week, ouch. Good thing I built up such a big lead on everyone else. I'm also glad I didn't actually bet those picks at my online sportsbook, although I do plan to do some sports betting online with these picks.

Baltimore (-3) over CINCINNATI - I'm really still not a believer in the Bengals. And last week the Ravens showed that when they're on, they're very tough to beat.

Detroit (+10) over SEATTLE - The Seahawks aren't good enough to give 10 points to anyone.

INDIANAPOLIS (-9) over Houston - The Colts are the quietest 7-0 team I've ever seen.

NY GIANTS (-4.5) over San Diego - This is close to a must-win for the Giants after dropping 3 straight.

PHILADELPHIA (-3) over Dallas - The Eagles look really good.

Jason (19-21-0)

I hope I can get some positive traction since Brien seems to refuse to run away with this.

PHILADELPHIA (-3) over Dallas - There is just too much dissension in Dallas for a tough road trip.

NY GIANTS (-4.5) over San Diego - The Chargers are simply mediocre.

Pittsburgh (-3) over Denver - I think the Ravens planted a lot of seeds of doubt in Denver last week.

NEW ENGLAND (-10.5) over Miami - Brady is catching fire.

Baltimore (-3) over CINCINNATI - Their backs are still against the wall. A season sweep by the Bengals ends the Ravens playoff hopes.

Jeremy (16-24-0)

Hoping Brien pays as much attention to his fantasy team this week as he did his picks last week... Let me try to snap my losing streak by going with all home teams.

CINCINNATI (+3) over Baltimore - A HUGE game for the NFC North. Ravens looked terrific last week, but Carson Palmer is no Kyle Orton.

INDIANAPOLIS (-9) over Houston - Look for the Colts to get out ahead early and for Schaub to have to throw the ball.

CHICAGO (-3) over Arizona - The Bears have fattened up some on some easy opponents, but Kurt Warner v. 2009 is beginning to look dangerously like Kurt Warner v. 2006.

SEATTLE (-10) over Detroit - Detroit has to travel west and this is a team that handed St. Louis a win last week. I'll give up the heavy dose of points.

SAN FRANCISCO (-4.5) over Tennessee - Kind of surprised this line is this low. I guess Vegas just doesn't trust Alex Smith yet. Can't really blame them.

Magic 8 Ball (14-26-0)
CINCINNATI (+3) over Baltimore - "Signs point to yes." (Bengals will beat the spread)

Houston (+9) over INDIANAPOLIS - "Don't count on it." (Colts won't beat the spread)
Arizona (+3) over CHICAGO - "No." (Bears won't beat the spread)
Detroit (+10) over SEATTLE - "My answer is no." (Seahawks won't beat the spread)
SAN FRANCISCO (-4.5) over Tennessee - "My sources say yes." (49ers will beat the spread)

Russell (19-20-1)
It's not often you can go 1-4 and still gain ground. Here's hoping we all do better this week.

Green Bay (-9.5) over TAMPA BAY - The Bucs are almost as bad as they were when they wore the orange unis.

SEATTLE (-10) over Detroit - If the Lions can lose to the Rams, they can definitely lose in Seattle by 10.

SAN FRAN (-4.5) over Tenn - One week is not enough to make me think the Titans are decent again.

ATLANTA (-10) over Washington - Picking against the Skins has been pretty consistently a good idea this year.

Houston (+9) over INDIANAPOLIS - The Colts have a minimal home field advantage in their new stadium and the loss of Sanders is huge. Also, the Texans are quietly a decent team.

Recap
Brien: PHI, NYG, IND, DET, BAL
Jason: PHI, NYG, PIT, NE, BAL
Jeremy: CHI, CIN, IND, SEA, SF

Russell: GB, ATL, SF, SEA, HOU

Again, a big thanks to Sportsbetting.com for sponsoring our bad gambling advice. If you plan to test our picks, we would appreciate you using the best sportsbook online.

College Football Picks - Week 10

2009-11-04T19:22:00.003-05:00

I feel the need to take this opportunity to gripe about this week's schedule. The Thursday night games are N Illinois vs directional Michigan, Temple and Miami OH, and VT at ECU. Did MLB bribe ESPN to show crappy games during Game 7 of the World Series because MLB needs the extra ad revenue since savvy sports watchers would have been flipping between games? Then, we get Boise AGAIN on Friday. If the Broncos don't make the BCS, it won't be because of a lack of exposure. I count at least 4 nationally televised games already, and I'd bet we'll all see their game vs Nevada too. And Saturday's lineup features a whopping 2 games between top 25 teams...

Virginia Tech (-13) over ECU - The Hokies will bounce back from last week's debacle.

ALABAMA (-7.5) over Lsu - It won't take many points to cover when LSU's inept offense struggles against one of the nation's best D's. Remember the Florida at LSU game, 13-3?

PENN ST (-4) over THE Osu - The Buckeyes have been overrated all year, and PSU has the talent to expose them.

NC ST (-6.5) over Maryland - The Terps have covered in 2 straight road losses. Even though State lost to Duke, I still think they're better and will beat MD by more than 4.

Oklahoma (-5.5) over NEBRASKA - Rivalry or not, the relevant stat is 8. That's the number of turnovers Nebraska had against Iowa State's stifling defense in Lincoln. What's going to happen when OU rolls into town?

Oregon (-6.5) over STANFORD - The Cardinal are a decent team, but as long as Oregon stays focused, they win this easily.

Florida State (+8.5) over CLEMSON - The Noles have enough offense to keep this close.

Last week: 4-5
Season: 32-33

NFL's Most Annoying Fans - NFC South

2009-10-31T13:18:00.005-04:00

This is the third in a running feature at ECB. We'll be rating NFL Fanbases by annoyingness and picking a winner for each division. After that, we'll select wild card teams, and have ourselves a little playoff. If you have suggestions for upcoming divisions or wildcard selections, send them to eastcoastbiasblog@gmail.com. This is thehe latest in our review of the worst fans of each division. So far we have given you the AFC West, the NFC West, and the AFC South. Who will join the Raiders, Cardinals, and Jaguars fans as the most annoying fans in their division? This week we present the NFC South.

New Orleans Saints

Quick Reaction:
Next time you watch a Saints game on TV, look at those folks in the upper deck at the Superdome? They're probably spending almost all of their discretionary income on Saints tickets given how depressed the New Orleans economy has been since Katrina. Still, to these people, season tickets to the Saints = love for their city. These folks are probably among the NFL's best fans.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quick Reaction:
My friends who have visited games in Tampa tell me that the Buccaneers easily must have one of the highest quotas of hot female fans of any team in the NFL. I couldn't find a picture through Google Images to do justice. But I have on good authority that the article of clothing of choice of many female Buccaneers fan is a halter top jersey. I also have on good authority that most Bucs fans don't come into Raymond James until at least midway through the first quarter. Factors agaisnt most annoying fans, factors for least annoying fans. A toss-up.

Carolina Panthers

Quick Reaction:
Unlike Bucs fans, the redneck quotient of Carolina Panthers fans is one of the highest in the NFL. These fans have run like rats from a sinking ship from their team since recent failure after a trip to the Super Bowl just five years ago. North Carolina is a NASCAR state and a college basketball state. About the only college football team that is very well supported by fans native to the state is NC State. The Panthers are largely ignored now.

Atlanta Falcons

Quick Reaction:
Falcons fans have not truly been tested since the Vick incident, as the team was fortunate enough to stumble upon Matt Ryan. Atlanta fans continue to make the Georgia Dome one of the loudest venues for NFL football and continue to support their team, even buying new jerseys every two years because that's about the schedule the Falcons have seemed to adopt for rolling out new duds. I wish I could fault them for their love of Jerry Glanville and having Hammer on the sidelines back in the 1991 playoffs, but I think the statute of limitations has tolled on that one.

The Big Winner
Carolina Panthers - proving, like Jacksonville, that Paul Tagliabue picked the totally wrong markets to expand into back in the 1990s. Not even two of their cheerleaders being busted for having hot lesbian sex in a bathroom can save the Panthers fans from the dubious honor of being the most annoying fans in the AFC South.

NFL Picks - Week 8

2009-10-30T15:31:00.004-04:00

Before we get to our normal picks post, we'd like to give a huge MAZEL TOV (well, at least that comes from Jeremy, the resident member of the Tribe), to Brien, whose wife gave birth to son #2 on Wednesday, October 28. We do note with sadness that Brien did not follow our advice and name his second son "Comcast" or "Curley" which would have been the natural progression for him. Brien... seven boys more and you have your own baseball team. And to our readers... please click on our advertising links on the side, as Brien really needs some diaper money now.

On to the picks!!!

Brien (21-13-1)
~~Excused absence this week.~~
Update 7:25AM Sunday: I'll get my quick picks in, just so no one questions my victory later for skipping a week. Without too much analysis, I'm just going to take the tried and true strategy of picking with Denver (6-0 ATS) and against St. Louis (2-5), Miami (2-4), Carolina (1-5), and Tennessee (1-5)

Denver (+3) over BALTIMORE
DETROIT (-4) over St. Louis
NY JETS (-3) over Miami
ARIZONA (-10) over Carolina
Jacksonville (+3) over TENNESSEE

Jason (17-18-0)

Wait, Lisa was pregnant? She sure didn't look pregnant last football sea.....oh.

Miami (+3.5) over NY JETS - I thought Miami was going to come back strong after being the forgotten team early. Being unable to hold back the Saints does not make me wrong.

ARIZONA (-10) over Carolina - With a mid-game QB change.

Oakland (+16.5) over SAN DIEGO - Phillip Rivers. 16.5 points.

NEW ORLEANS (-10) Atlanta - I think Atlanta will hang in for the first half before it slips away.

INDIANAPOLIS (-12) San Francisco - There's a reason Alex Smith has never stayed the starter long.

Jeremy (14-21-0)
At this point a blind man online playing Texas Hold Em with the volume turned off would have better luck than I have had picking games this year.

Denver (+3.5) over BALTIMORE - They're unbeaten and getting points. I can't pick against Denver in this scenario, even on the road.

Minnesota (+3) over GREEN BAY - The WTF line of the week. The fans at Lambeau really, really want this win. Unfortunately the Packer's O-line isn't good enough to give Aaron Rodgers enough time to make it happen.

ARIZONA (-10) over Carolina - You think Vegas is pissed off about losing money? If Vegas hadn't been bleeding money this season, this line would be about -7 or -8. Even so, I'm taking the Cardinals at home. And time for one of our reader researchers - Panthers have two points at halftime in two games already this year. When was the last time a team had scored two points at halftime twice in a season?

New York Giants (pk) over PHILADELPHIA - I was not impressed with the way Philly played on Monday night in DC at all. A short week to prepare for a good Giants team and the possibility of no Westbrook makes me less impressed.

CHICAGO (-13) over Cleveland - If any team in the league has given up worse than the 'Skins, it's the Cleveland Browns.

And your bonus pick.... Bye (pk) over WASHINGTON - There's nothing more I can say.

Magic 8 Ball (11-24-0)

BALTIMORE (+3.5) over Denver - "Yes." (Ravens will beat the spread)
GREEN BAY (-3) over Minnesota - "Signs point to yes." (Packers will beat the spread)
Carolina (+10) over ARIZONA - "Don't count on it." (Cardinals won't beat the spread)
PHILADELPHIA (pk) over New York Giants - "Yes." (Eagles will beat the spread)
Cleveland (+13) over CHICAGO - "No." (Bears won't beat the spread)

Russell (18-16-1)
I clearly need to keep better track of things. Maybe I should start looking at Facebook so I know when my friends are having children. Or maybe this is what happens when you're trying to finish your dissertation. Goodbye, friends and social life.

NY Giants (pk) over PHILADELPHIA - The last weeks of Iggle football have been a loss to the Raiders, and a victory over the hapless Skins in which Philly did not run a single play in the red zone, and went 3-and-out twice on Skins turnovers deep in Washington territory. Plus Westbrook has a concussion. Meanwhile, the Giants pounded Oakland, and lost to the defending NFC Champs (even if they are the Cards).

Minnesota (+3) over GREEN BAY - Favre is giving points at Lambeau?? Green Bay has looked better since the bye week, but their opponents were Detroit and Cleveland. Let's keep things in perspective.

Jax (+3) over TENNESSEE - Has anyone looked worse than the Titans this year? Starting Vince isn't going to help.

ARIZONA (-10) over Carolina - With Jake averaging 3+ turnovers per game, you have to like Arizona at home.

NEW ORLEANS (-10) over Atlanta - The Saints in the Superdome are a lot better than the Saints on the road.

Recap
Brien: DEN, DET, ARI, NYJ, JAX
Jason: ARI, IND, MIA, NO, OAK
Jeremy: ARI, CHI, DEN, MIN, NYG
Russell: ARI, NYG, JAX, MIN, NO

College Football Picks - Week 9

2009-10-28T21:10:00.002-04:00

Last week, I guess I was just hoping for excitement and picked a bunch of underdogs to keep things close or give us some upsets. Instead, I got a 1-6 week for my trouble. So I'm back to .500, and refocusing for better results. Too bad the slate of games this week is pretty poor again...

West Virginia (-3) over SOUTH FLORIDA - USF is still overrated from their victory over FSU. FSU just isn't very good on a consistent basis, and we saw that Cincinnati was fully capable of beating USF soundly in Florida. I don't see why WVU can't do the same.

UCONN (-7.5) over Rutgers - I'm sticking with the "Rutgers is terrible" line whenever they play decent teams.

Cincinnati (-14.5) over SYRACUSE - Paulus and a new coach have not made the Orange an overnight powerhouse, even in the Big East. I still have the Bearcats in the BCS.

Georgia Tech (-11.5) over VANDERBILT - The Commodores went to OT with Army. The Jackets should roll with no problem.

Georgia (+15) over FLORIDA - The Gators have not been impressive enough lately to merit this large a spread at the Cocktail Party.

NAVY (-6.5) over Temple - I know Temple is better than they have been, but Navy beat an ACC team last week. The Owls aren't that good.

Michigan (-7) over ILLINOIS - The Illini barely squeaked past Indiana, but they're still no good.

Texas (-9) over OKLA ST - The Cowboys just aren't the same without Bryant, their best player. Texas will be focused, knowing this is their last tough game until the Big 12 championship... Wait, who's winning the Big 12 North? Last tough game until the National Championship.

OREGON (+3.5) over Usc - In a huge game in the Pac-10, with implications for the national title picture, I like the Ducks in Autzen to confuse and rattle Barkley. USC's "big" victories this year have been over teams that aren't as good as they looked or were ranked (Ohio St, Cal, ND). The Ducks have figured things out since starting slow.

Last week: 1-6
Season: 28-28

Redskins Head Coach Zorn Is Demoralized and Must Be Fired

2009-10-26T23:10:00.006-04:00

I don't think Jim Zorn reacted the way Vinny Cerrato, Danny Snyder and the Redskins had hoped. The team said all the right things after Zorn was named the "head coach for this year, maybe longer", but his demeanor reveals that his reprieve is not appreciated.

In tonight's game against Philadelphia, Zorn spent most of the game looking defeated. He moped a bit. Major game-changing events like penalties assessed against the wrong team and turnovers did not seem to faze him. Perhaps he was staying medium, but realistically Zorn has checked out.

The Washington Post said it best. If the Skins turn it around, people will give credit to the new playcaller. If the Skins continue to fail, they'll blame Zorn and not the offensive line. There is no scenario in which the Redskins can improve as the season progresses and Zorn can take some credit in it. He's a lame duck, and Portis and crew know it.

They've lost Portis, as evidenced by his body language tonight. They'll lose the rest soon.

And Jon Gruden should be corrected on air for these two comments:

"Randle-El is one of the more sure-handed punt returners in the league."

"There's no question Fred Davis is an outstanding pass receiver."

Redskins' Coach Zorn, GM Cerrato Go All In to Save Their Jobs

2009-10-24T19:00:00.004-04:00

There is almost never anything positive to say about the Redskins' management the past decade, but this week Danny Snyder toadie Vinny Cerrato actually did something right. By giving head coach Jim Zorn the season-long vote of confidence, Cerrato and Snyder sent a clear message to the players to stop looking over their shoulders. They also sent the message that NO job is safe after the season.

Every player, from Jason Campbell to Clinton Portis, is on the chopping block now. Since Cerrato has linked himself to Zorn, they are likely both gone after this season absent a startling show of motivation and strategy. New GM and new head coach means no job is safe. Just look at the Cleveland Jets when Mangini took over, or the Dallas Jets when Parcells took over. Big name guys like to bring in people they trust.

Will the Redskins win more than 6 games this season? Almost certainly not. Still, Cerrato's move is the best talent evaluation tool he had remaining. Every player must play his best the rest of the way. With some breaks, maybe Cerrato keeps his job. That's all a Redskins hater like me can hope to see.

Paul Tagliabue was Wrong About Jacksonville

2009-10-24T08:33:00.001-04:00

One of the greatest pleasures in life is saying “I told you so,” even if it’s 16 years later and the target is retired. So here goes: Paul Tagliabue, you were wrong about Jacksonville, and I told you so.

In 1993, when the NFL decided to expand from 28 to 30 teams, five finalists were selected: Charlotte, St. Louis, Baltimore, Memphis, and Jacksonville. Everyone assumed that the two winners would be Charlotte and either St. Louis or Baltimore, but Paul Tagliabue’s love for the “Sun Belt” led the NFL to award the second team to Jacksonville amid widespread criticism.

How’s that decision looking now, Paul? The Jaguars haven’t sold out any of their 3 home games this year. In fact, they haven’t cracked the 50,000 mark in attendance for a stadium that seats 76,877. The Jaguars also can’t find anyone to buy the naming rights to the stadium after their deal with Alltel expired.

As for the other 3 finalists, they all have teams now (except Memphis, but the Titans in Nashville get lots of support from Memphis). The Rams, Ravens, and Titans all have passionate fans who pack the stadium week after week while Jacksonville seems less and less interested in having a team each year.

If Tagliabue had picked St. Louis, the Rams might never have moved from LA. If he had picked Baltimore, the Browns might have stayed in Cleveland, and the 32nd team would have gone to LA. So basically, Tagliabue’s decision led to the NFL having a team in Jacksonville instead of Los Angeles. Great job, hall of famer.

NFL Picks - Week 7

2009-10-23T23:54:00.001-04:00

A tough week for most of us last week - some very unexpected results on the field. About the only pick we all got right was the Chiefs getting points against the Redskins. Vegas probably lost a lot of money on that one. On to the picks...

Odds from Doc's Sports

Brien (18-12-0)
4-1 again. This is when the statisticians bring up regression to the mean, and with good reason.

San Diego (-4.5) over KANSAS CITY - I realize the Chargers have underachieved a bit this year, but their losses are DEN, @PIT, and BAL. Plus, the Chiefs are putrid.

CINCINNATI (-1.5) over Chicago - The Bengals are probably a bit overrated, but I like them to bounce back here.

San Francisco (+3) over HOUSTON - I just have a feeling the 49ers are better than Vegas has realized so far.

New Orleans (-6) over MIAMI - The Saints pasted the Giants last week. I think they can handle the Dolphins.

Atlanta (+4) over DALLAS - The Cowboys are coming off a bye, but it really feels like they are losing momentum this year while the Falcons are gaining it.

Jason (15-15-0)

Doing my part to prove that nobody gets rich betting on the NFL, unless they're convincing others that they know a trick to betting on the NFL.

TAMPA BAY (+14.5) over New England - The trip to London should throw both teams off, which I'm hopeful keeps the score down.

MIAMI (+6) over New Orleans - I think Miami is actually finding a stride and New Orleans might face a road letdown after last week's big win.

PITTSBURGH (-4) over Minnesota - The Ravens hurt Minnesota's defense, and this is Minny's first outdoor game of the year.

WASHINGTON (+7) over Philadelphia - This is a WTF line, and I'm jumping on it.

San Diego (-4.5) over KANSAS CITY - Arrowhead is a tough place to play, but unless San Diego is giving up, this is a place to make a stand.

Jeremy (11-19-0)
Holy crap - I go shooting off about my 4-1 week and follow it up with 1-4. Now I need to go above .500 pretty much every remaining week just to finish at respectability. This is not good. I blame Vinny Cerrato. To switch it up, I'm going to pick all road teams this week:

San Diego (-4.5) over KANSAS CITY - Arrowhead is not kind to divisional opponents but I watched an entire Kansas City Chiefs game on Sunday. They are dreadful.

Minnesota (+4) over PITTSBURGH - And Heinz field isn't kind to any opponents, but a wet track on Sunday could surely favor Brett Favre and his receiving corps, although the Steelers' secondary is much more stout than the Ravens'.

Atlanta (+4) over DALLAS - Atlanta looked pretty good against Chicago. Granted, a short week to prepare, but the Cowboys are pretty damn dysfunctional right now.

Indianapolis (-13) over ST. LOUIS - St. Louis looked better with Bulger under center, but Indianapolis has way, way, way too many weapons to keep this one close.

Philadelphia (-7) over WASHINGTON - So much that I could say about this game and why I suspect it will be a truly epic fail by the Redskins. Suffice it to say, I'd take the Eagles at way more than seven playing in Lincoln Financial Field @ Landover.

Magic 8 Ball (9-21-0)
It may be time to retire the Magic 8 Ball this season. 9-21 is really, really, really hard to accomplish, actually.

KANSAS CITY (+4) over San Diego - "Yes." (Chiefs will beat the spread)
Minnesota (+4) over PITTSBURGH - "Don't count on it." (Steelers won't beat the spread)
Atlanta (+4) over DALLAS - "My answer is no." (Cowboys won't beat the spread)
Indianapolis (-13) over ST. LOUIS - "My answer is no." (Rams won't beat the spread)
WASHINGTON (+7) over Philadelphia - "Signs point to yes." (Redskins will beat the spread)

Russell (14-16-0)
I'd just like to point out that if Sanchez only throws 4 INTs last week, I had a winning week. And by the way, "PLAYOFFS? PLAYOFFS?" in response to Richard Seymour. Thanks, Jim Mora.

Indy (-13) over STL - The Rams are bad. Don't be fooled by last week, the Jags are bad too.

Green Bay (-9) over CLEVELAND - The Browns are still the Browns.

San Francisco (+3) over HOUSTON - After the embarrassment two weeks ago, with players showboating in ridiculous situations, how do you think that bye week went for the 49ers? Would you want Mike Singletary in your face for 2 full weeks about the same terrible performance? Didn't think so. Plus Gore should be back.

New England (-14.5) over TAMPA BAY - Last week's 59-0 slaughter was probably against a better team than the Bucs.

Philadelphia (-7) over WASHINGTON - First, the Skins are awful. Second, if you like Zorn, you're not going to be inspired to make him look bad by playing better for the new play-caller. Did we mention the Skins' play-caller was calling BINGO 2 weeks ago? This is the NFL...

Recap
Brien: SD, CIN, SF, NO, ATL
Jason: MIA, PIT, SD, TB, WAS
Jeremy: ATL, IND, MIN, PHI, SD
Russell: IND, GB, SF, NE, PHI

For NFL handicapping advice from people who actually know what they're talking about, check out Doc's Sports.

College Football Picks - Week 8

2009-10-23T23:29:00.003-04:00

Kind of a quiet week in college football, but those are the ones that sneak up on you and ruin your season. So the good teams need to stay focused against lesser opposition.

VIRGINIA (+5) over Georgia Tech - Tech is 0-8 since 1990 at Charlottesville, and UVA will play hard. They still control their own destiny in the ACC. UVA also won at Atlanta vs the option last year, so you can't expect the GT offense to confuse them too much.

UConn (+7.5) over WEST VIRGINIA - When one of your teammates is stabbed to death, and the team decides to play, you can expect their very best effort. The Huskies weren't bad to start with.

MICHIGAN (+4) over Penn State - When was the last time PSU won in Ann Arbor? I think it's been a while, and this Michigan is fully capable of upholding that tradition.

KANSAS (+8) over Oklahoma - I expect a flat performance from the Sooners. They have 3 losses at this point in the season for the first time in ages, and Bradford's done for the year. What do they have left to play for?

Arkansas (+6.5) over OLE MISS - First, Ole Miss hasn't looked good all year, and Arkansas is pumped up after beating Florida for 59 minutes. In addition, there's the Houston Nutt issue, and then the fight song has to be distracting this week. Apparently "the South will rise again" is part of Ole Miss' fight song. I don't have a problem with most things Southern, but that seems to me to be a little much, especially in Mississippi of all places.

MICHIGAN STATE (-1.5) over Iowa - The dream finally ends for the Hawkeyes, though they still may win the Big 11.

BYU (+2.5) over Tcu - Let's all remember that BYU was good enough to beat Oklahoma when Bradford was healthy entering the game. TCU's strength is defense, and BYU has already dealt with OU's, which is pretty good too. BYU wins in the 4th as the altitude saps the Frogs.

That's right, it's a 'dogs weekend. Not the Dawgs, they have a bye.

Last week: 5-2
Season: 27-22

Maryland's Vasquez Named Most Entertaining in Hoops

2009-10-23T21:38:00.002-04:00

At least Maryland again tops one list...

See the list, and 2 through 16, here.

Ben Roethlisberger Sexual Assault Victim Survives Summary Judgment

2009-10-23T08:33:00.004-04:00

The story on ESPN.

"I'm here to fix deine cable. Ich bin expert."

"You can imagine where it goes from here."

"She fixes the cable?"

This morning a Nevada judge ruled against Ben Roethlisberger in his efforts to have the claims that he sexually assaulted a Harrah's casino employee dismissed. The standard at this stage, known as the "summary judgment" stage, is very tough. Roethlisberger had to prove that even if all the evidence was taken in the light most favorable to the victim she still wouldn't not have enough to win her case. So at this level her credibility is not a factor - her allegations are presumed to be true.

The bad news for Roethlisberger is that the case rolls on, which can only lead to more embarrassment for him.

NFL’s Most Annoying Fans – AFC South

2009-10-23T08:14:00.001-04:00

Indianapolis Colts

Quick Reaction: Colts fans somehow have the weakest reputation of any Midwestern fan base (other than the Rams). This is almost certainly due to a lack of history, dome play, and Indy being a second-tier city.

The most annoying feature of Colts fans is their unwillingness to listen to any criticism of Peyton Manning. Most fan bases are a bit in the tank for their signal caller, but Colts fans love Pey-Pey a bit too much.

Houston Texans

Quick Reaction: There’s always something a little annoying about expansion team fans. You always question what they were doing before the team arrived. Were they Cowboys fans? College Football? Astros?

Expansion fans haven’t suffered together as a fan base for years, they have no shared experience, and everything still has that new car smell (even after 7 years).

Jacksonville Jaguars

Quick Reaction: If you can’t sell out your stadium, I’m not sure if that qualifies you as annoying or just non-existent.

Tennessee Titans

Quick Reaction: Titans fans come across as relatively normal people, except they probably would spend far too much time telling you how the Grand Ole Opry is a great tourist attraction.

Even though they’re still a relatively new team, I feel like the Titans developed an identity very quickly, which can help to make their fans less annoying (or sometimes more annoying).

The Big Winner

Jacksonville Jaguars – I considered giving them a pass because there aren’t enough of them to be annoying, but I’m sure there are tons of people walking around Jacksonville wearing Jaguars jerseys who can’t bother themselves to buy a ticket to a game that isn’t sold out. And when you get down to it, that’s one of the most annoying things a “fan” can do.

Steve Phillips - New Meaning to "Slumpbuster"

2009-10-21T12:07:00.006-04:00

So by now we've all heard the allegations of Steve Phillips having had an affair with a 22-year-old production assistant and that said production assistant went all fatal attraction on his family, friending his son on Facebook and sending his wife letters describing birthmarks on his nether regions. If you didn't hear this yet, please consider ECB your breaking news source.

Well, ECB and numerous others have obtained a picture of the 22-year-old sure-to-be hot piece of tail who Steve Phillips was willing to risk career and family for:

Ummmm, really? I guess this must have just been a bad picture. I mean, you know that somebody worth millions is going to make the affair that jeopardizes career and family really worthwhile, right?

Wow. Click on the pictures for enlarged images just to be sure it's as bad as you think (and shield your eyes as you do). And to think Mets fans thought Phillips' most troubling display of past poor decision making was trading Jason Bay and signing Mo Vaughn, Robby Alomar, Bobby Bonilla, Mike Bordick, Kenny Rogers, and Ricky Henderson to huge contracts on the downside of their careers. And to think sports fans in general though Phillips' most troubling display of past poor decision making was taking a starring role in the Sportscenter series of mock press conferences to preview the upcoming baseball season, one of the worst regular features on Sportscenter since the Who's Now series.

Steve Phillips........ I really don't know what to say........ aside from the fact that if you really were in such a bad slump at home with the wife, Buck Showalter might have been a more attractive slumpbuster.

Splashing Cold Water on 'Skins Fans

2009-10-19T15:55:00.005-04:00

A popular sentiment amongst Redskins fans all day long on sports talk radio has been that somehow if we can force Dan Snyder to sell the team, things will get better. After all, people reason, he must be in reasonably dire financial straits given how he's been hemorrhaging money with his Six Flags investment, his Johnny Rockets investment, and his investment in Valkyrie and other sundry Tom Cruise flicks.

To those who think that suddenly buying one less Clinton Portis jersey or giving up their 2 season tickets might somehow push Dan Snyder over the brink and into financial destitute, I urge you to do one thing:

1) Go to Google Maps. Or, if you prefer, Google Earth
2) Type in 11732 River Road, Potomac Maryland 20854 (note, this is not his address but due to a quirk in Google, this is the address to type in to get a good view)
3) If in Google Maps, click "satellite view"
4) Look for the insanely huge house that is all the way down the access road right over top of the Potomac River.
5) Zoom in. No, that gigantic house that is right along River Road... that's not the "residence." Keep scrolling back, down the 1/2-mile long driveway, until you get to the house with the helicopter landing pad in back along the River.

Look... I found Waldo... dressed up and playing football coach!!

Now, we of course have no way of knowing how heavily mortgaged the residence is, but according to tax records, the house sits on a total of 13.53 acres over two tax parcels, and is appraised at a total of $14,921,950. In 2001, Dan bought the house for $8,640,000.00. He's made a tidy profit of just under $6.3 million on his house, alone.

Redskins fans, Daniel Snyder isn't going anywhere. Maybe he'll lie awake tonight, sleepless, and wander amongst the 100 rooms of his residence. Maybe his donation to B'Nai Israel Congregation will be a little bit less this year. But make no mistake - he's not going to be selling off the Redskins, no matter how much of a dent you think you can put in his pocket.

How the Mighty (Terps) Have Fallen

2009-10-19T12:30:00.002-04:00

Less than a decade ago, Maryland was representing the ACC in the Orange Bowl against Spurrier's Gators. There were 3 straight 10-win seasons, and bowl destructions of Tennessee and West Virginia.

This year, the Maryland football program has reached a new low in the Friedgen era. We are 6 point underdogs at Duke. That's right, 3-3 Duke is favored over the Terps. The Blue Devils have victories over Army, NC State, and NC Central, not very impressive. Their losses are to VT, Kansas and FCS Richmond. But guess what, that's one more victory over an FBS opponent than MD has. And but for an OT victory over James Madison, MD's losses would be much worse. They're already more numerous.

Assuming (generously) a 3 pt home-field advantage in Durham, that means Vegas thinks the Blue Devils are 3 pts better on a neutral site. Sadly, you could make an argument for more, after MD's last ACC road trip was 35-10 at the half, and MD hasn't beaten anyone by more than 3 pts all year.

There's been a lot of talk on this blog about keeping the appropriate expectations for a school that is not really a football powerhouse. My expectations are that we should always be favored against teams that are 6-41 the previous 4 seasons and have lost to an FCS opponent this year. My expectations are that we should at least win 1 of 2 vs any Sun Belt team, and that we should consistently pound FCS opposition. My expectations are that we should not give up defensive TD's in close games on a consistent basis. My expectations are that when linemen graduate, there will be reasonably talented players waiting to take their places. My expectations are that the team will play hard on both sides of the ball for 60 minutes, every single game. My expectations are not being met. Cast the blame where you may.

The Most Wonderful Weekend of the Year

2009-10-19T08:55:00.003-04:00

Halloween is quite possibly my second-favorite holiday all year. You can gorge yourself (relatively) guilt free into a diabetic coma, girls dress in provocative (read - slutty) costumes because it is socially acceptable, and it's just all around a good time. This year Halloween is on the weekend, which makes it even better. But for some of us, it's an even sweeter holiday weekend this season.
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2009 Maryland Terrapins Schedule
Saturday, September 5 - @ California
Saturday, September 12 - James Madison
Saturday, September 19 - Middle Tennessee State
Saturday, September 26 - Rutgers
Saturday, October 3 - Clemson
Saturday, October 10 - @ Wake Forest
Saturday, October 17 - Virginia
Saturday, October 24 - @ Duke
Saturday, October 31 - Open Date
Saturday, November 7 - @ NC State
Saturday, November 14- Virginia Tech
Saturday, November 21 - @ Florida State
Saturday, November 28 - Boston College
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Ohhhhh, excellent, Halloween spares me the bitterness of another horrifying Terrapins defeat. But wait, what's that you say... it gets better???

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2009-2010 Washington Redskins Schedule
Sunday, September 13 - @ New York Giants
Sunday, September 20 - vs. St. Louis Rams
Sunday, September 27 - @ Detroit Lions
Sunday, October 4 - vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday, October 11 - @ Carolina Panthers
Sunday, October 18 - vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Monday, October 26 - vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday, November 1 - BYE WEEK
Sunday, November 8 - @ Atlanta Falcons
Sunday, November 15 - vs. Denver Broncos
Sunday, November 22 - @ Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, November 29 - @ Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday, December 6 - vs. New Orleans Saints
Sunday, December 13 - @ Oakland Raiders
Monday, December 21 - vs. New York Giants
Sunday, December 27 - vs Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, January 3 - @ San Diego Chargers
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Halloween weekend 2009, my friends. Those of us who are unfortunate enough to love both the Terps and the Redskins will be spared the misery of watching the teams that we love take yet another gut punch.