2007 NFL Pick-em: Week 9

[Travis Hoffman]

Originally Posted by Kyle

So it seems people think that Indy is going to win over the Pats this weekend.
From watching the Pats play they have had no difficulties against any team so far this year, but Indy has had to fight for every W they have so far, its going to be Pats all the way this year.

You didn't watch the Cleveland-New England game did you?

Having absolutely "no" difficulties is a mischaracterization of that particular game.

Cleveland gave them quite a test. Four Cleveland turnovers, most self-imposed, hurt Cleveland more than New England hurt them.

Derek Anderson threw an endzone INT deep in New England territory as the Browns were driving for an early TD that would have given them the lead.

Kellen Winslow fumble was returned for a TD with less than a minute left to pad New England's score by 7 after the Browns narrowed it (again) to a 10 point deficit.

Cleveland was the first team to hold New England scoreless for a quarter.

Cleveland was the first team not to give up a TD to the Patriots on their opening drive.

Cleveland held the Patriots to 3 offensive TD's, undoubtedly their lowest total of the year to date.

Cleveland racked up 353 yards of offense despite the turnovers.

Cleveland only lost the time of possession battle by 5 minutes.

And this was IN New England.

Really the difference in the game was the Browns turnovers. The Browns cut the lead to 10 points twice in the 2nd half. The game could easily have swung the other way had the Browns protected the ball. The Browns had the New England crowd out of it for much of the game. In the end, the superior talent of the Patriots won out, but it was FAR from a cakewalk, and it is evidence that the Browns are a team that should NOT be taken lightly.


All that being said, go Colts.

Sunday:
Cincinnatiat Buffalo
San Francisco at Atlanta
Denverat Detroit
Green Bay at Kansas City
San Diego at Minnesota
Jacksonvilleat New Orleans
Washington at New York Jets
Carolina at Tennessee
Arizona at Tampa Bay
Seattle at Cleveland - Win at least 2 of 3 against Seattle, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and I'll believe you're for real. Til then, stop with the penalties, play defense, and keep your helmets on. And keep being one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the league.
Houston at Oakland
New England at Indianapolis - Boston fans need some bad sports news to prevent excessive cranial expansion. Hopefully compounded by Boston College losing and the Celtics tanking....
Dallas at Philadelphia

Monday:
Baltimore at Pittsburgh - It pains me to do this. I'd be ecstatic if I were wrong.