BECKHAM YES OR NO FOR DALLAS?

By Mark Halpern

     The Dallas Cowboys are 8-3 on the season and two games behind the Eagles for the NFC East division race. The Cowboys have been doing the work on both sides of the ball. The defense is one of the main reasons the Cowboys are in the spot they are in. That is not saying that the Offense isn’t doing its job. The Offense since Dak has come back from that thumb injury in the first game is ranking near the top of all offensive categories. The question on the table is, does Dallas need to sign Odell Beckham Jr?

     It’s hard to say no, as Odell would make any team better for several reasons. The guy is another Diva football player, and the league has had its fair share of names like Terrell Owens, Dez Bryant (who needs to sign a one-day deal and retire as a Cowboy), Amari Cooper, and I can go on and on. However, the guys I just named all have one thing in common: they have all been on the Dallas team and have caused drama regarding how often the ball is thrown to them (sound familiar.) Odell did this throughout his time in Cleveland, and eventually, they had enough and allowed him to leave, and then he went to the Rams, and they won the Super Bowl. Is that all because of Beckham? Well, Yes and no.

   On the positive side, everyone knows Odell is a very talented receiver and would command the coverage of a #1 cornerback. This note makes Cowboys fans drool, knowing that Cee Dee Lamb might not have the top corner on him. Cee Dee Lamb is the #1 wide receiver in Dallas and will not give up that moniker even with the signing of Odell, and I believe that Jerry Jones will make that clear. So you have Cee Dee at the #1, and you are bringing on Odell. Does he take the #2 spot? No, that won’t happen, either. Gallup has made it clear he has returned to form after the same injury as Odell (ACL Tear) and is playing at a very high caliber. So Odell would come on to the team, and we would think he is the #3 ahead of James Washington, who will return by the end of the season as neither of them has played a down all season. We know Odell is comfortable being a combo player like Deebo Samuel of the 49ers, and so is Cee Dee. Let’s not forget we have Zeke and Pollard in the backfield, and the combos of offensive plays with these five would be the most dangerous offensive talent in football. I think the way he was used in the Rams offense will be close to what he would be in Dallas, which is the slot-wide receiver. This would give so many options for Dak Prescott, and with the time he is getting from his offensive line, this is a no-brainer of a decision.

     Now with every up, there are even more downs, and Odell brings drama baggage. During his time in N.Y., CLE, and LAR, his demands for the ball caused problems in all three teams he has been on. As I said above, T.O. and Dez did that, so Dallas is used to it, but do you want to mess up a good thing? Odell also hasn’t stepped on a field and practiced at all really with any team. So he will need time to acclimate to team life, team practices, and the playbook.

     Is it easy to get him 10-12 easy plays to know to get started? Sure, but going to take time to learn it all. Odell has done well when he gets the receptions he wants and is one of the best in the game when fully healthy. We don’t know how healthy he is. This becomes a problem because of the salary he wants. I wouldn’t pay him $20 million to see him in one game, maybe two. However, any team that he is going to will be getting him playoff ready because that is where he is going to make a difference. The hardest thing Odell has to do is get on the same page as Dak because a player like Odell will have no problem calling Dak out for not throwing his way to not having sync with him. Dak doesn’t need this, and neither does the Cowboy organization.

   So on one side, I want Odell, and the Cowboys, if they are going to do this, have to get him now and get him ready to play the pivotal game against the Eagles on Christmas Eve this year. Odell could be the difference that makes Dallas win the division if he comes in with a positive attitude. If he comes in the same old Odell, it could ruin the chemistry this talented Cowboys team already has. The Cowboys need another strong receiver, and he is it. If Dallas signs him, I have predicted he will own the most remarkable catch for the Cowboys and the most outstanding catch against them. This decision comes down to Jerry and Stephen, and we will have to deal with whatever decision they make, and that is how the old man sees it.

Pack To The Future

By : Mike Rifkin

During Sunday night’s loss to the Eagles, Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers left the game with a rib injury. In relief of Rodgers, former first round pick Jordan Love was 6-9 for 113 yards and a touchdown. Love connected with rookie Christian Watson on a 63 yard touchdown pass, giving Watson six touchdowns in his last three games. 

The Packers now have a record of 4-8 and their playoff hopes are very slim. In 2020 the Packers traded their first round pick (30th overall) and fourth round pick to move up to the 26th pick to select Love. Love has played in nine games and only started one. In those nine games Love has a 58.1 completion percentage, 411 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. 

The Packers have been very lucky to go from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers, essentially having two quarterbacks over the last 25 plus years. Now it might be time to see what the future holds with Jordan Love, Rodgers is 38 years old, but with the recent drama between himself and the organization it might be best if the two sides split up. Prior to this season Rodgers won back to back league MVP’S, but this offseason the Packers traded star receiver Davante Adams and the offense hasn’t been the same. It might be time the Packers shut Rodgers down and just play Love for the rest of the season. 

I’m not sure if Rodgers wants to keep playing or retire or host Jeopardy. I don’t believe he will or should be the Packers quarterback in 2023. The Packers need to see what they have in Jordan Love and Rodgers can either retire or go play for a team that has a chance to win a Super Bowl. There are a few teams that could use the future hall of famer, but if he wants to call it a career that’s his call I just can’t see him playing in Green Bay next season.

Goalie Interference

By : Mike Rifkin 

Prior to the 2015-16 season the NHL incorporated challenges (like the NFL ) for two specific plays offsides and Goaltender Interference. While both were interesting when they first came into play, now they come marred with controversy and fans questioning both. Offsides is pretty clear cut, but goalie interference is where fans get confused. 

Goaltender interference is defined as when an opposing player initiates contact with a goalie, whether intentionally or unintentionally and therefore impairing the goalie’s ability to move freely. 

During last Wednesday’s Devils Maple Leafs game, the Devils had two goals taken away on goalie interference challenges. On one play Tomas Tatar ran over goalie Matt Murray who was out to play the puck. The other one was on a shot from the point but the refs deemed the presence of Nathan Bastian in the crease disrupted Murray from making the save. In Friday’s Bruins Hurricanes game the Bruins originally had a goal waved off, but after they challenged the call was overturned. Last year in Game one of the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs the Rangers lost a goal when Kappo Kakko looked like he got pushed into the goalie, but the refs overturned the goal and the Penguins eventually won the game. 

So the question becomes how can we fix the rule itself, because all the fans want is consistency. Maybe have the crease become a trapezoid area for skaters, unless the puck is loose. Have the Situation Room in Toronto handle the calls. I know the refs are paid to make the calls, but the Situation Room can piece together all the images in one video to determine whether it’s a goal or not. I think the coaches challenge has confused people even more to a certain extent. I also would like for each television network to get the same shots the Situation Room has, just so the fans understand what is going on. At the end of the day everyone wants the calls to be correct, but at the same time having the calls explained would also benefit the game a lot. 

On A Roll

By : Mike Rifkin

Last year when the Dolphins and Texans matched up, it jump started Miami’s seven game winning streak. The two teams combined for nine turnovers, but Miami found a way to win a 17-9 game. Both quarterbacks who started that game are not the starters for this game. Last year Jacoby Brissett started against the Texans, this time it’s Tua Tagovailoa. Tua, who heard his name brought up while the Dolphins were pursuing then Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. All Tua has done has played MVP caliber football so far this season. 

The Dolphins are coming off a 39-17 win over the Browns. Tua Tagovailoa was 25-32 for 285 yards and three touchdowns.The Dolphins were also able to really run the football for the first time this season rushing for 195 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. Jeff Wilson ran for 117 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. 

The Texans are coming off a 23-10 loss to the Washington Commanders. Quarterback Davis Mills was 19-33 for 169 yards no touchdowns and two interceptions. Mills was also sacked five times. Head Coach Lovie Smith has announced Kyle Allen will make the start. Last year with the Washington Football Team Kyle Allen started two games and had a 63.2 completion percentage, 120 yards and a touchdown. In 24 career games Allen has a 63.1 completion percentage 4,318 yards 24 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. The Texans are last in total offense and are 30th in total defense. 

Can Miami continue their winning ways and keep Tua undefeated in games he starts and finishes or can Kyle Allen spark the Texans to the major upset victory.  In their history the Dolphins are 2-8 against the Texans.

Week 12: Packers at Eagles 

By : Ross Mazin

The Packers make a trip to the Linc for Sunday Night Football. This should be a good matchup. 

The Packers are coming off a 27-17  loss to the Titans last week. Aaron Rodgers was 24 for 39 for 227 yards. He had 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. Aaron Jones had 12 carries for 40 yards and Christian Watson came off of his first three touchdown game, with another two against the Titans.. 

The Eagles are coming off a 17-16 win over the Colts last weekend. Jalen Hurts was 18 for 25 for 190 yards. He had 1 touchdown and no interceptions. Hurts also ran for 86 yards and a touchdown. 

The Eagles defense is top five in yards allowed, sacks and turnover differential. It might be another difficult day for Mr. Rodgers and company on offense. 

My prediction is Eagles 33-Packers 12

Week 12: Jets Vs Bears Preview 

By : Ross Mazin

The Jets take on the Bears Sunday afternoon at MetLife. This should be an interesting game. Both teams are coming off losses and are looking to bounce back. 

The Jets are coming off an awful loss at the hands of the Patriots. The defense was really good holding New England to three points The Jets defense sacked Mac Jones six times as well.. Zach Wilson wasn’t good at all. Zach Wilson was 9-22  for 77 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. But could have been picked off three times. The Jets were able to muster TWO yards of total offense in the second half. After Wilson’s awful start and what happened during the postgame the Jets have announced that Mike White will start this week and Joe Flacco will serve as the backup. Mike White, who played in four games for the Jets last season had a 66.7 completion percentage 953 yards, five touchdowns and eight interceptions. 

.The Bears are coming off a loss at the hands of the Falcons. Justin Fields 14-21 for 153 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Fields also rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown. Fields also suffered a shoulder injury during the game and is a game time decision. If I was in the Bears front office I don’t think I would play Fields because h has shown glimpses of becoming a franchise quarterback the past few weeks, why waste that in a game that really doesn’t matter for them? If Fields cannot play Trevor Simiean, who used to play for the Jets would start. David Montgomery had 67 yards rushing and a touchdown as well. 

Two teams who are looking to bounce back after tough losses last week. I expect a good game Sunday. 

My prediction is Jets 15- Bears 3

Thanksgiving Showdown

By : Mike Rifkin

In recent years, there has been a third Thanksgiving game added to the slate, and 2022 is no different. Two teams with their eyes on the playoffs will meet as the New England Patriots take on the Minnesota Vikings in Minnesota. 

The Patriots are coming off a 10-3 win over the New York Jets. They won the game with five seconds left in the fourth quarter, when Marcus Jones returned a punt 84 yards to break the 3-3 tie. The Patriot defense held the Jets to six first downs, 103 total yards (2 in the second half) and three points. They sacked Zach Wilson four times, 1.5 of them came from Matthew Judon who leads the NFL with 13 on the season. 

In the win Mac Jones was 23-27 for 246 yards and was sacked six times. The Patriots ran the ball for 99 yards and averaged 3.8 yards per carry including Damien Harris averaging 8.1 yards per carry. New England now sits with a record of 6-4 on the season. 

The Vikings on the other hand got absolutely smoked by the Cowboys 40-3. The loss snapped the Vikings seven game winning streak. Kirk Cousins threw for 105 yards and was sacked seven times. Justin Jefferson was held to three catches and 33 yards. The Cowboys averaged 6.5 yards per play totaling 458 yards for the game. Tony Pollard had 189 total yards and two touchdowns in the Cowboys win. The Vikings were due for one of these games, but their saving grace is that nobody in the NFC North is close to them right now. 

Two playoff hopefuls meet in a very important game on Thanksgiving night. Will the Patriots push their win streak to three or will the Vikings right the ship after getting blasted on Sunday.

Back To Detroit

By Lawrence Lang

As the city of Buffalo was getting hammered with the length of one Devin Singletary 5’5ft of snow. The Bills had their game relocated to Detroit Michigan at Ford’s Field where the Detroit Lions play for their Sunday matchup against Cleveland Browns. The Bills would end their two game skid with a 31-23 win. Josh Allen went 18/27 197 Yards and one Touchdown, Singletary would have 18 carries for 86 yards and one Touchdown and Stefon Diggs would have four receptions for 48 yards and one touchdown. All of Diggs’s numbers came after he had a conversation with coach Sean McDermott on the sidelines. Overall this was a nice bounce back win for the Bills that they needed this win because of how the AFC East is starting to shape up to be one of the better divisions in the league Miami Dolphins are in first with a 7-3 record Bills are 7-3 and with the New England Patriots win over the New York Jets, both are  6-4 The Bills will look to start a new streak as we enter the last seven weeks of the season. 

The Bills will return to Detroit again as they will take on the Lions in a Thursday afternoon Thanksgiving game. The Lions come off a 31-18 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium Jared Goff was 17/26 165 yards 0 Touchdowns – 0 INTS. Running Back Jamaal Williams had himself a game as well with 17 carries for 64 yards and three touchdowns His long being 15 yards. Lions Defense also got two sacks and two Interceptions on New York Giants Quarterback Daniel Jones. The Lions are now on a three game winning streak and find themselves at 4-6 and are sitting 2nd in the NFC North only behind the 8-2 Minnesota Vikings. 

Thursday’s game should be good as both teams are looking to continue their winning ways. A win for the Bills would keep them still one game head of the Jets and Patriots and with the Dolphins on a bye would but them back at the top of the AFC East. For the Lions it would show the team still have a shot at a Wild Card even though it looks like its outside looking in but could match their total games they won from the 2020 season where they went 5-11. There is hope for this Lions team and with a win on Thursday against a Bills Team that’s been struggling to hold games and win don’t be surprised if the Lions play Thanksgiving Spoiler and feast on some Buffalo. 

Three Key Factors for the Bills.

  1. Josh Allen: Allen needs to start limiting his turnovers. Two weeks ago we saw it against the Vikings where in OT he threw a game ending Interception where he had no play. If Allen can get back to playing his brand of Football. He just has to limit his turnovers.
  2. Bills Run Game: For the Bills Run game its plain and simple if Devin Singletary and James Cook can get rolling as the one two combo as they are the Bills offense should easily roll against the Lions. Josh Allen can also use his legs.
  3. Bills Defense: The Bills Defense has been 50/50 this year they will play two good games then have a bad game then will have a sub par game. The Defense needs to find consistency and repeat good games after good games Von Miller, Ed Oliver and Jordan Poyer should bring The Defense to get everyone on the same page because with the playoffs on the horizon your defense needs to be inline cause that’s when business picks up.   Last week the Bills had one sack and forced only one turnover. 

For prediction I have the Bills winning 27-13 but do seeing the game being close until the second half when the Bills wake up and smell the roses and it will be a much needed back to back win for the Bills. If the Lions find a way to win this game they might become a real factor in the Wild Card but it will also give this young team a ton of confidence.

49ers at Cardinals Preview

By : Mike Rifkin

A NFC West clash will take place Monday night in Mexico City, as the 49ers take on the Cardinals for the first time this season. Last season the Cardinals swept the season series, the Cardinals have swept the 49ers three times since 2017 and head coach Kyle Shannahan is 3-7 against Arizona as the 49ers head coach. In last seasons sweep both teams had a different quarterback start both games. 

The 49ers are coming off a win against 22-16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers last week. Jimmy Garoppolo and Christain McCaffrey both had a rushing touchdown. In five games against the Cardinals Garoppolo has a 70.7 completion percentage averages 318.0 yards per game, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions. In his only start against Arizona last year Garoppolo was 28-40 for 326 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, but was sacked five times. 

The Cardinals are coming off a 27-17 win over the Rams last week. Colt Mccoy, who played in place of an injured Kyler Murray was 26-37 for 238 yards and a touchdown. Running Back James Conner also ran for two touchdowns. Conner had three rushing touchdowns in the two meetings against the 49ers last season. DeAndre Hopkins has been a pain for the 49ers since arriving in Arizona, Hopkins has 28 catches for 286 yards and a touchdown. Kyler Murray has eight total touchdowns in five games in his career against San Francisco. 

Can San Francisco make it three consecutive wins by beating a team that has really haunted them? Or can Arizona hold onto their slim playoff hopes by continuing their dominance against a divisional foe.

Week 11: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers

By Ross Mazin

The Kansas City Chiefs face off Sunday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. This is a highly anticipated matchup between the top two teams in the AFC West. 

The Chiefs are coming off a  27-17 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. Patrick Mahomes was 26 for 35 for 331 yards, 4 touchdowns and 1 interception. Isaiah Pachecho had 16 Carries. He also rushed for 82 yards. Kadarius Toney six touches for 90 yards and a touchdown in his Chiefs debut. He will have to have a bigger role as the Chiefs will enter this game without JuJu Smith – Schuster and Mecole Hardman. 

The Chargers are coming off a 22-16  loss against the 49ers last week. Justin Herbert was 21 for 35 for 196 yards. He had one touchdown and one interception. Austin Ekeler had 6 carries for 24 yards. He also had seven catches for 39 yards. The Chargers offense might get receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams back from injury as both have practiced this week.

The two teams played in week two, a 27-24 Chiefs victory. Justin Herbert went 33-48 for 334 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He also took a brutal shot to the ribs and hasn’t really looked the same since. Patrick Mahomes was 24-35 for 235 yards and two touchdowns. The key play was in the fourth quarter with the Chargers at the Chiefs 1 yard line, in a tied game and Justin Herbert was intercepted by rookie Jaylen Watson who returned it all the way for a touchdown to give the Chiefs the lead for good. 

I expect relatively high scoring game. My prediction is Chiefs 30- Chargers 28