NFL November Thoughts
I collected pieces from the sports betting weekend. A professional handicapper told me about an old betting angle that started in the 1970s that relates to the midpoint of the NFL season. According to him, people bet on any team that starts the season 2-6 or worse for the rest of the year, and against any team that starts 6-2 or better. This is not a formula for reaching 80% winners the rest of the way, but for sports betting grinders. I don’t do that, but I can see the reasoning behind the angle. You go against public perception, which means, in theory, you get a few extra points every week, as teams that have 2-6 are probably big dogs the rest of the way, while currently strong teams like the Colts and the Broncos will receive the respect of punters. I just thought I’d pass that betting angle.
The Terrell Owens saga is ridiculous. A spoiled and troublesome superstar keeps backstabbing her teammates and talking about ME ME ME, so the coach kicks him off the team. A pat on the back to Andy Reid for making that decision. Football is not about ME, it is about teamwork, working hard and working together. Owens was suspended for Sunday night’s 17-10 loss at Washington, and he will remain suspended for three more games without pay. After that, the Eagles plan to deactivate him for the rest of the season. Does anyone remember the televised speech that Owens gave earlier in the preseason, trying to explain his actions? I was embarrassing. Let’s just hope Owens and his agent aren’t dumb enough to go back on TV to try to make his case.
Athletes wear out their stamp all the time in sports, and most move on to another team for a few years where they often wear out their stamp again. Lost in the shuffle of the Owens saga, something similar happened in the NFL four years ago. Early in the 2001 season, Patriots All-Pro WR Terry Glenn was being a problem child, skipping practices and complaining about a variety of issues. Coach Bill Belichick enforced the law and suspended Glenn. At the time it was a surprise, as New England lacked offensive speed. However, the team proved they were better without Glenn, rebounding from an 0-2 start and secondary shenanigans by winning the Super Bowl, all without Glenn.
In Cleveland, first-year coach Romeo Crennel has the Browns playing hard. A defensive expert, Cleveland’s defense is allowing 17 points per game after allowing 24 per game last season. The offense is still short on talent and plays a grueling, conservative style. Note that the Browns are 7-1 “under” on the total.
The 3-5 Raiders have had a tough schedule and some bitter losses, losing at home to KC by 6 when a late series was stopped, and in Philadelphia by 3. Sunday’s shocking 27-23 loss at Kansas City on the last play it was easily the hardest to take. “This is the bitterest loss possible,” Oakland quarterback Kerry Collins said afterward. It’s the kind of loss that could break a team’s back. Watch for any finger pointing or complaints from Oakland players in the coming weeks, especially Randy Moss, who hasn’t spoken to the press since early September, which is probably a blessing.