NFL Fan in England Predicts NFL 2009 Week 9 – It’s JacMac time

The Iggles WRs Jackson and Macklin will be geared up for a huge Week 9 output

It has been a while I admit but it’s time to get back to the crystal ball gazing lark and give some NFL predictions.

Plenty of juicy matchups for week 9 in the 2009 NFL season, but my personal favourite is the Philadelphia Eagles against the Dallas Cowboys.

 

Everyone loves a bruising NFL East battle, and this one looks set to be a humdinger.

 

My prediction for the top performers in Week 9 goes to the Iggles WR pairing of Jeremy Macklin and DeSean Jackson.

 

I am going for Macklin and Jackson combining for 200 yards and two touchdowns in a monster win.

 

Not so long ago the Eagles had strength pretty much everywhere apart from WR. They went and got TO and got all the way to the Superbowl.

 

Now they have invested big in two remarkably similar types of players on the outside, but ones that could dominate for many years and become the new Fitzgerald and Boldin or Stallworth or Swann (providing they pick up some Vince Lombardi trophies in the next five years).

 

After three weeks of predicting I was 28-20. Now for the business of the day…. 

 

Redskins @ Falcons - The Redskins officially suck. Yes this is a technical sporting term for teams who cannot reach 3 touchdowns against the Chiefs or Lions. Matt Ryan looks to have a big day, along with Michael Turner the Falcons low gravity work mule. I will be shocked if the Skins get 2 touchdowns, even though I expect Fred Davis the TE to have over 70 yards receiving - Falcons to win 37-13

 

Cardinals @ Bears – “They are who we thought they were.” The immortal words from former Cardinals head coach Dennis Green after a meltdown against Da Bearz a few years ago. This time I see the Cardinals stepping up and Kurt Warner atoning for his debacle last week. Look for both teams failing to establish the run, and the game becoming a shootout. Arizona to hang on with some Fitzgerald heroics – Cardinals to win 27-24

 

Ravens @ Bengals – Gotta love this game. The Ravens want revenge from the upset earlier in the season. Ray Lewis will be all over Bengals RB Cedric Benson so look for Carson Palmer to find seams in the passing game, as long has he throws to the polar opposite end of the field as Ravens All-Pro safety Ed Reed. I’ll take a bit of magic from Cincy WR Chris Henry – Bengals with the upset 24-20

 

Texans @ Colts – This is the opportunity for Houston to show that they are finally ‘for real’. If they can win this game they become contenders for the AFC. Peyton Manning will be aware that the Texans will be playing like men possessed and will try to exploit the aggression of the Houston D. Monster game from Reggie Wayne AGAIN I suspect – Colts win a close one 33-27

 

Chiefs @ Jaguars – This is not exactly the game you would show if you wanted to introduce someone to the joys of the NFL. KC are pretty awful, but they may get a spark from recently promoted running back Jamal Charles. The Jags rb Maurice Jones-Drew simply HAS to get more carries. The man had under 10 carries last week but he got two rushing tds of over 75 yards a pop. Wat has he got to do to get the rock? – Jaguars to win 29-17

 

Dolphins @ Patriots – Wow – this is gonna be a barn burner. Wildcat v The Emperor. Sounds like a trendy DJ battle. I love me some AFC East action and whilst I would love to see the Dolphins get the second win against the Pats I just can’t see past Chad Henne, and his lack of explosiveness. Ricky Williams can have another big game if he comes in to keep Ronnie Brown fresh. It wont matter as the Pats will have too much class – Pats to win 31-24

 

Packers @ Buccaneers – Ouch, ouch, ouch, the words that will come out of the mouth of Josh Freeman after he picks himself up off the floor for the tenth time. This is gonna be a car wreck. Pack to win 34-9

 

Panthers @ Saints – Saints will be tested more than a lot of people think. Don’t be fooled by Jake Delhomme’s errant arm, he has a supporting cast that can run all over teams. Ok I’ll do it here and now, sound the alarm this is my UPSET SPECIAL. Panthers can run and keep Drew Brees off the field – Panthers to eek by 23-21  

 

Lions @ Seahawks - Two words – Matt Hasslebeck – ‘Hawks win 27-10

 

Chargers @ Giants – The Giants grasp on the 2009 playoffs is currently slippier than the plastic sheets covering the carpet in a pornographic cinema in Soho. The Chargers, like a 4 x 400m relay team, seem to put their worst performances first, and then just get better. If the Giants fail to get the W here their season could fall apart. I would love to predict a Giants loss, but I just can’t – Giants to win 19-17

 

Titans @ 49ers - One team has one win, and one team has faded after a false dawn. This again is not gonna be a beauty contest in terms of class, but I do like to see Frank Gore and Chris Johnson battling to see who is the better back on the day. Alex Smith – yuk! – Titans to keep rolling 23-20

 

Cowboys @ Eagles – My game of the week by a country mile. Romo v McNabb is worthy of being an NFC Championship matchup. I think the Vikings will have something to say about that, but it is possible. As you can see above I think the Eagles WRs are a classy young bunch that can do damage against the unfamiliar Cowboys secondary. Ill expect some turnovers and some hard hits, but the edge goes to the home team and the Eagles fans – Eagles to win 33-24

 

Steelers @ Broncos – Big fat balls – we don’t get to see MNF here in England so why should I waste my time predicting this game. I wont even see tv highlights until the Friday. This will be a great game. Josh McDaniels started the season looking like the men in white coats needed to cart him away. Now he is wearing a white coat, but it is as a scientist, who has found a formula for success. Steelers will bring the Broncos back to earth though – Steelers to win 31-21

 

Any thoughts ??

 

What the hell is going on with NFL tv coverage in the UK?

Nick Halling (left) is the NFL presenter in the UK – Aren’t we lucky! (pic from www.cheddarheads.co.uk)

Only a year ago NFL fans in the United Kingdom were treated to so much live NFL football it was probably better to live in Birmingham, England than Birmingham, Alabama if you wanted non-stop live action in your living room.

 

We had the choice of two live games at the 1pm EST Sunday kickoff and two live games for the 4pm/4.15pm EST Sunday kickoff (all via satellite channel Sky Sports), live Sunday Night football and live Monday Night football (on terrestrial station Channel 5) and the likes of regular showings of NFL Network’s Total Access every few days and America’s Game each week (also both Sky Sports).

 

We also had live Saturday Night games, all the Thanksgiving  games and all the NFL playoffs live.

 

Now we have only one game 1pm EST Sunday and 1 game 4pm EST on Sunday (on Sky Sports), live Sunday Night football (on Channel 5), NFL Game Day (once a week) NFL Total Access a lot less frequently and a repeat of the America’s Game shows that everyone has seen twice over at least (also both Sky Sports).

 

UK fans have gained a new NFL magazine show, aired each Saturday morning. Despite the presenters being smug and just not my cup of tea, the highlights on the show are fantastic and succinct and the effort to get new fans to follow the NFL in the UK should be applauded.

 

What we in the UK have completely lost however is goddam MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL. We have also been fed some bullshit in the last two weeks from Sky Sports that they have had to significantly cut back the coverage of NFL Total Access (which is broadcast 24 hours AFTER its live in the US of A) because American advertisers are so aggressive with their sponsorship they are making the show uneditable for a UK audience.

 

Sky Sports NFL presenter Nick Halling was nervously smiling as his co-presenter Kevin ‘Monarkkks’ Cadle was forced to read out the ‘legal bit’ as to why Sky Sports were cutting the NFL Total Access airings Monday to Thursday.  

 

As a viewer and a Sky Sports subscriber I was not laughing. I am bitter about the coverage of LIVE NFL football being scaled back, as Monday Night Football this season (2009) seems to have been one classic match after the other as we reach the half-way point of the NFL regular season.

 

The guy in charge of the NFL in the UK Alistair Kirkwood should resign for his appalling handling of the live NFL coverage in the UK.

 

Mad? I’m hotter than the devil wearing five duffel coats chewing on a bag of Birds Eye chilli peppers whilst descending into the pits of hell on a fireball.

 

There are bigger things to worry about in the world I know, but depriving a UK audience from the joy of Monday Night Football is like taking the oxygen away from an ill patient in hospital. Eventually that patient will either get better and get on with their life, forgetting the past and looking for a new life, or they will wither and die, gasping for one last breath.

 

After such a great job was done to promote the NFL at Wembley just over a week ago, it seems a huge waste to keep cutting down the live NFL coverage in the UK.

 

Someone talk to the MNF people and get them to bring it back to this side of the pond. We love MNF and life is not the same without it.

 

What are YOUR thoughts on this? As a fan in the USA or in the rest of Europe what sort of coverage do you get?

NFL London Road Trip Part 14 – My namesake scores a late touchdown at Wembley

It was a blowout when the New England Patriots beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Wembley Stadium in London just over a week ago.

The Buccs looked ugly, and I tend to agree with the guy from the Florida Tuskers UFL team (the 4 team league set up this Autumn) that said they could beat Tampa Bay.

I imagine one guy who was sure glad to be part of the on-field mobbing was Patriots running back Laurence Maroney. Maroney spent 2008 injured and was not expected to be a huge ‘playa’ in 2009.

Maroney has defied his critics and is performing well in a crowded New England backfield. With Sammy Morris injured Maroney made sure he looked good in London, and his late touchdown was a just reward for his efforts.

I was lucky enough to capture his score into the Patriots painted end zone. He took two attempts to score but he looked very happy. I managed to catch his celebratory hip hit jump after the score as well as his walk back to the sideline.

Enjoy.

NFL London Roadtrip Part 12 – NFL in London is priceless, as are my memories

It wasn’t a close game, and in fact it never was going to be, as the New England Patriots bossed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from start to finish at Wembley Stadium in London, England.

Still, six total touchdowns, no rain, and a masterclass from Tom Brady was well worth the entrance fee, and the slick Patriots offense had all of the fans from across Europe hypnotised.

It was fun to see #24 Cadillac Williams and #34 Earnest Graham warm up in front of me

I was sad not to see Randy Moss score a touchdown, but I did enjoy seeing the likes of Buccaneers RB Carnell ’Cadillac’ Williams warming up in front of me, as well as witnessing Junior (oh the irony) Seau suit up and go after Josh Freeman as late as the fourth quarter.

He may be in his 40s but #55 Junior Seau still knows how to play football

The big questions now being asked are Can London host MORE than just one NFL regular season game? and in the future could there be enough interest for England to have its very own NFL franchise?

Judging by the knowledgable fans (yes here in England we do know the difference between the Wishbone and the Wildcat, and we can spot someone who has just been found guilty of illegal motion) I think that it is possible to sustain an NFL franchise here.

I can't wait to come back to London to see NFL football in 2010

84,000 fans made their pilgrimage to Wembley from across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and many countries across Europe. I saw people from Germany, Italy and Finland just as a start.

If Roger Goodell needs any more proof that there are dedicated and loyal NFL fans in England then I do not know what to suggest.

Thankyou Roger and thankyou to all of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organisation, including the fans in Florida. You sacrificed a home game to enable passionate NFL fans from Europe to witness real NFL football in the flesh, and we are forever grateful.

We all went home happy after seeing Tom Brady strut his stuff at Wembley

Roll on 2010 – with maybe two NFL games in London. Can I put a bid in for the Redskins to come over please!

NFL London Road Trip Part 12 – The Patriots crush the Buccaneers in London

Brandon Merriweather’s two interceptions in the first half of the first quarter (including one he ran back for the first score of the game) were enough alone to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the New England Patriots decided to give the London NFL fans a show none the less.

Sam Aiken #88 is congratulated by Patriots team mates after his first ever NFL touchdown thrown by Tom Brady

The 2009 Wembley NFL crowd saw Tom Brady throw three touchdowns, one to WR Wes Welker, one to WR Sam Aiken (his first ever NFL touchdown) and one to tight end Ben Watson.

The Buccaneers managed just one score themselves, in hurry-up time at the end of the first half, Josh Johnson passing to WR Antonio Bryant.

Time-Out New England Patriots - Future Hall of Fame WR Randy Moss #81 takes a breather

The final scoring play of the game was a Laurence Maroney rushing touchdown that I managed to capture on film.

Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski kicks one of his five extra points in London

New England Patriots 35 – 7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers was the final score. Here is the NFL gamebook from London.

Watching NFL football live at Wembley Stadium in London on a sunday evening is pure heaven

NFL London Road Trip Part 11 – Its NFL live in London time – yaaaaaaay

After a year, and a memorable encounter between the San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints in the memory bank, it was time to settle down and witness the three time Superbowl champion New England Patriots play the one time Superbowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Not in my living room, not at Ray Jay or Foxboro, but here in England, yes here in England. The third consecutive year the NFL have graced Wembley Stadium and London with a regular season american football game.

It is downright weird to to think that we drove on the M42 and M40 motorway, did not catch a plane, or get on a cruise ship, travelled about 10 tube stops and there we were at a regular season NFL game.

Brandom Merriweather returned this interception for the first touchdown - I just about captured the play

Huddle up Tom Brady is gonna call a play!

Tom Brady grabs a gulp of Gatorzade before taking the field at Wembley

 

The Buccaneers offense discusses a play call during a tv timeout - note the magic sky camera !

NFL London Road Trip Part 10 – Calvin Harris, Toni Braxton and Katherine Jenkins – not for me

The three pre-game acts for the NFL International game in London between the Patriots and the Buccaneers were to say the least unable to float my boat.

Calvin Harris may have got all the girls, but I can name about 100 acts I would rather have seen do the pre-game musical extravaganza. Someone like The Killers, Kings of Leon or even some Kanye West or a bit of boom boom pow from the Black Eyed Peas. 

Toni Braxton (blast from the past) did the USA national anthem, but it was not that memorable, and Katherine Jenkins suitably warbled through God Save the Queen.

Not that I could see him very well but it was Welsh Boxing world champion Joe Calzaghe who was the Tampa Bay honorary captain who was involved in the coin toss.

We were now just minutes from kickoff…..

Calvin Harris strutted his stuff at Wembley prior to the NFL game

 

Some military people unfurled this giant Buccs flag - it looked great

My wife and I were concerened the Tampa Bay Buccanners cheerleaders were all going back to Florida with colds

 

Wearing a #1 Buccs shirt boxer Joe Calzaghe helped with the coin toss - joined by the team captains

NFL London Road Trip Part 9 – I don’t believe it Tom Brady is warming up in front of my eyes

After adjusting to the sensory experience of the marvels of Wembley Stadium it was time to spot the players from the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warming up for this regular season NFL game in London.

As is the tradition at all NFL games it is the kickers, punters, long snappers, holders and then the kick and punt returners that take the field first, and Wembley was no exception. It was quite fun to see Steven Gotskowski warm up, but I have to admit it wasn’t what I really wanted to see.

That sight came after the offensive teams hit the field to warm up, and a giant cheer warmed the stadium as the starters began to remove the travel cobwebs and get the blood pumping through their masculine North American shoulders.

It was then, through my zoom lens, that I spotted the most famous NFL player of the last 10 years, two time Superbowl MVP, three time Superbowl winner and four time Superbowl starting quarterback for the New England Patriots – Mr Tom Brady. It was worth the ticket fee alone just to say ‘I was there when Tom Brady came to England’.

Tom 'the second coming' Brady warms up at Wembley Stadium, London

#83 Wes Welker looks on as Tom Brady drops back to pass

#81 Randy Moss chills out with Brady before the game in London

Patriots offense v Patriots defense in Wembley warm-ups

NFL London Road Trip Part 8 – Time to find my NFL seats in Wembley Stadium

With seats purchased in section 522 at Wembley Stadium, and my personal but irrational fear of heights, I had to stare at some random blokes arse in front of me as I ascended escalator after escalator before arriving at the entrance to the seated area.

Arriving and finding that I was 24 rows up from the small window into the Stadium I decided that I would do the typical tourist thing and just gawp in awe of the 85,000 seats in front of me, the holy Wembley Stadium grass resplendent in its new gridiron shaped map, complete with two stunning painted end zones, depicting the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers official NFL typeface. I love seeing the NFL logo on the 50 yard  line.

There is nothing like Wembley Stadium after an NFL makeover

 

Each endzone at Wembley had huge inflatable helmets - I was nearest the Tampa Bay side of the field

Unfortunately I had to wear a Jason Campbell top at Wembley - thanks to the security man for taking my pic

 

NFL London Road Trip Part 7 – Final look in the NFL Tailgate tents

Following the rather hurried trip past the Superbowl rings last Sunday inside the Hall of Fame tent at Wembley Stadium my wife and I then were handed some 3D glasses and proceeded to be seated in amongst approximately 500 seats layed out cinema style.

The NFL were showing off some of their 3D footage, including a regular season game between the Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers, plus some clips of the New England Patriots Superbowl win over the Carolina Panthers.

To see Jamarcus Russell throw an interception from 10 different angles in 3D was strangely hypnotizing, and jaw droppingly amazing at the same time.

Following this performance we went back to the NFL tents for one last look at the NFL merchandise prizes available.

Below are some of the other signed items available to win, donated by NFL teams this season…

Carolina Panther QB Jake Delhomme may be having a torrid season but at least he donated a signed shirt

 

Philadelphia Eagles shutdown CB Asante Samuel signed his shirt too

#1 overall pick in 2009 NFL Draft - Detroit Lions Matthew Stafford signed one of his balls

#1 pick in the 2008 NFL draft Miami Dolphins OT Jake Long has a very small signature for such a big person

Baltimore Ravens stud safety Ed Reed signed this ball

After seeing all those ace items it was time to get inside Wembley Stadium for some live NFL football