After posting a hideous week four goose egg there is no place to go but up, hopefully. Close never matters in the prediction game instead it is exactness that breeds genius in the eyes of most. So the unfortunate close calls that left the board reflecting zero for the home team and three for the visitor might have left some questioning the competency of yours truly.
Another week brings about an opportunity for redemption, but with a soft schedule combined with a Dallas by its tough to fathom a comeback can be made. Dallas’ proposed big win turned into a big flop, Washington took an early lead against an uninspired Tampa Bay squad then regained it late, and the New York Football Giants couldn’t secure a turnover against a turnover prone Eagles team.
Week 5 brings a red hot Atlanta Falcons team into Washington, takes Philly to Steeler country, and brings the Dog Pound to NYC. How will last week’s failures and successes translate to a new set of opponents? Can the Redskins stop an Atlanta club that is averaging 31 points per game? Can the Eagles go into Pittsburgh and beat a well-rested Steelers club, and can the Giants handle b.i. against a reeling Browns team?
Well let’s see………………
Last Week Dallas lost to Chicago 34-18 in what will amount in a turnover fest. Now it is easy to say Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo’s five interceptions were the reason for Dallas’ debacle, and that would be correct. At some point Romo needed to exemplify leadership and have wide receiver Dez Bryant pulled from the game.
When the prediction that Dallas would prevail 23-16 was made, 53 passes to 14 rush attempts was not taken into consideration. Only in Dallas does inefficiency get rewarded by frequency. With the Cowboys facing the bye this week it is imperative they find balance, in their hiatus.
Dallas: Bye
The Washington Redskins defense held the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to 16 first downs, which was their lowest total allowed this season. However, they giveth and they taketh away as the Redskin defense still allowed two receivers to go over one hundred yards and allowed two plays of over 50 yards (65 yards and 50 yards). The Skins were able to achieve balance on offense 30 rushing attempts and 35 passing attempts, and it was this balance that allowed them to jump out to a 21-3 lead, and eventual 24-22 win.
Yet, the same problems that haunted Washington in previous games reared its ugly mug yet again Tampa Bay, which was expected when the prediction: Redskins – 26, Tampa Bay – 31 was given. The big yard gaining plays have been a consistent problem for the Redskin defense. Considering Tampa’s longest play from scrimmage prior to last Sunday’s contest was 41 yards it is safe to say they are not a vertical offense.
Meanwhile, arriving in Washington will be a 4-0 Falcon' team that many feel is the best in the NFC. What first looked to be a certain blowout should be a lot closer than expected. The Falcons struggle stopping the run, and rank 31st in yards per carry (5.2). The Redskins are the best running team in the NFL. The Skins rank first in rushing yards (702), rushing touchdowns (eight), and sit third in yards per carry department (5.2).
So expect Washington to keep the score close with the run, the problem comes when the Skins’ defense takes the field. They will have no answer for the trio of Roddy White, Julio Jones, and Tony Gonzalez, the three have combined for nine touchdowns thus far which is tops in the league for any wide receiver tight end combination.
Washington will keep this game close, and could pull it out, but could and should never equals does or did. Atlanta wins 38-34
The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants 19-17 in major part because they managed to hold onto the football and run the ball better than they have all season, to the tune of 191 yards. The key however was Philly holding on to the ball and specifically quarterback Michael Vick not turning the ball over. The lack of turnovers was not anticipated in the prediction of Giants – 33, Eagles – 16. Lost in all the ball preservation was how well the Eagles defense played holding the Giants to 57 yards rushing.
The Eagles defense has played well all season and should travel well to Pittsburgh. The question is can the Eagle offense, specifically Vick, not turn the ball over. The Steeler defense has not played well this season, but may be getting the jolt they need with the return of safety Troy Polamalu. The former USC Trojan has missed the last two contests because of a calf injury, but appears ready to go. The Steelers are coming off a bye week and have won four straight games when coming off of a bye.
Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been extremely efficient this season (one interception versus eight touchdowns) and is a ridiculous 45-13 at home in his career. Running back Rashard Mendenhall also makes his return to the line-up but should have little effect on the game after returning from a torn ACL. Expect Steeler defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau to put Vick in some problematic situations, and how the Eagles’ quarterback responds will decide the game.
Roethlisberger’s insane home record, the Steelers four game winning streak coming off of a bye, and the return of Polamalu should be enough to give Pittsburgh the win 23-13.
It is difficult to ascertain if the New York Giants 19-17 loss to the Eagles was about being out played or a lack of execution. Either way they should feast on a weak Cleveland Browns team. The Giants should face little opposition from Cleveland’s defense, which after nabbing five turnovers in week one have only three in as many games.
In the Browns two road games their defense has allowed 813 total yards and given up 57 points, simply put the Giants will continue this trend and win a fairly exciting game 41-27.