Arsenal FC hosts Aston Villa in a matchup that sees a Premier League title aspirant welcome in a top four contender. In other words, there is a whole lot on the line this Sunday, when Unai Emery visits his former club (Emiliano Martinez too). This also happens to be one of the later kickoffs this weekend, so that means by the time it rolls around, a lot of relevant results … [Read more...] about Arsenal FC at Aston Villa Starting XI Predictions
AFC
Arsenal vs Aston Villa Team News: Timber, Cash, Ramsey
As the next edition of the Unai Emery Cup approaches, there is much more team news to discuss for Aston Villa than Arsenal. With the Gunners, the only issue is Jurrien Timber, and at what point does he make his return? Versus the Villans, who will be sweating on the fitness of Matty Cash and Jacob Ramsey. Both are likely sidelined for Sunday. … [Read more...] about Arsenal vs Aston Villa Team News: Timber, Cash, Ramsey
Jets are Geno Smith’s team; for better or worse
The New York Jets lackluster play is more frustrating than normal because this team has shown that they have talent. Behind all of the penalties, turnovers, and play calls that will make your head spin is a team that has managed to keep every game close. This is a team that was actually beating up on the Green Bay Packers 21-3 at one point. … [Read more...] about Jets are Geno Smith’s team; for better or worse
Cincinnati Bengals: your new Super Bowl favorite
It seems early to already be down to just one undefeated team in the AFC, but the Bengals are playing like they could maintain that storyline well into November. They’re led by a defense who is hungry for more. Aside from the Ravens making a game of it late during the fourth quarter, the Bengals have been almost untouchable. That defense is suffocating opposing quarterbacks … [Read more...] about Cincinnati Bengals: your new Super Bowl favorite
NFL passing emphasis, rushing decline: by the numbers
It’s happening. The day has finally come where the play calling in the NFL resembles my own play calling from back when I first started playing Madden. First and 10? Streak to the endzone. Second and four? Streak to the endzone. Third and short? Streak to the endzone. Okay, it might not be that drastic. But if it hasn’t been apparent in the past decade or so leading up to … [Read more...] about NFL passing emphasis, rushing decline: by the numbers
The Numbers Behind the Bears’ Domination of the Titans
In 2000, the Tennessee Titans pulled off the famous “Music City Miracle”. In 2012, the Bears stormed into Nashville and put on a performance that from this day forth should be known as the “Music City Massacre” (I’m trademarking this). If they hadn’t done so already, the Bear’s firmly placed their names amongst the NFC’s elite with their 51-20 shellacking of the … [Read more...] about The Numbers Behind the Bears’ Domination of the Titans
Chicago Bears Season Outlook: 3rd Quarter
The Bears have taken full advantage of facing the weakest strength of schedule in team history over the first 5 games of the season. They’ve rode their dominating defense to a 4-1 record and now stand alone at the top of the NFC North after the Minnesota Vikings fell to the Washington Redskins this past weekend. In my first 2 installments of “Quarter Previews” (1, 2), I … [Read more...] about Chicago Bears Season Outlook: 3rd Quarter
Indianapolis Colts make heartbreaking but necessary decision to release Peyton Manning
Nobody -- nobody -- wanted it to end this way. Not you or me. Not Indianapolis Colts fans, who are sure to be divided -- many of them irate -- about the franchise's decision to part ways with Peyton Manning. Not Manning himself. Not owner Jim Irsay, who undoubtedly will be the recipient of the aforementioned fan ire. Not Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz, who was among … [Read more...] about Indianapolis Colts make heartbreaking but necessary decision to release Peyton Manning
Detroit Lions 2011 Season: Game by Game Breakdown
I am tired of tv pundits and radio talk show hosts throwing around win totals and predictions without going into detail before throwing out their opinions. Sometimes a reaction from the audience seems to be more important than giving an informed take on things. In my previous Lions blog, I went into the high hopes surrounding the Lions for this upcoming season. What follows … [Read more...] about Detroit Lions 2011 Season: Game by Game Breakdown
Indianapolis Colts Fall to New York Jets in Playoff Opener
And just as quickly as the Indianapolis Colts had risen, they have now fallen. The Colts, who rode a four-game winning streak to the third seed in the AFC playoffs, fell 17-16 to the No. 6-seeded New York Jets in Saturday's wild card matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium when Jets kicker Nick Folk hit a 32-yard field goal as the clock wound down to zero. Just when everyone thought … [Read more...] about Indianapolis Colts Fall to New York Jets in Playoff Opener