Dave's NFL WILD CARDS of the Week

I couldn't go the week without posting...

Dave's (blam!)
WILD CARDS (clank!)
of the Week (snap!)

Let's do this... Four Games, four mediocre to good teams... onward.

First, in Houston, I'm going Bungles to cover +3 and take the game outright. Upset City!

Next, in the Big Easy of New Orleans, I have the Saints -10.5 in a landslide. In fact, I'm also taking the OVER of 59.0 points. It's going to be a laugher, gents.

Next, in New Jersey, I'm going Falcons to take +3 at the Giants. Two unpredictable teams, but also a situation where the G-Men are expected to win. You know what that means... those mental minded Big Blue will lay an egg.

Lastly, we go to Denver, where the only thing high right now is the altitude for the game. The Broncos have hit on very hard times, and rumors circulated that Brady Quinn could take Tebow's place at quarterback if the game gets out of hand. In light of this, I'm still picking Denver +9.0 in a reasonably low scoring game.

There's your Wild Card picks. Enjoy the games, all.

Wow, nearly one year gone??

My goodness!

It's so good to have you all back. Where have I been? Honestly, where? It's time for some more

Dave's (BLAM!)
LOCKS (snap!)
of the Week (clomp)

I've been very busy of late, compiling great radio programs on the Dave in the City Podcast . I've been taking my lumps with bad predictions: remember the Cardinals and the World Series? That was me. Remember the blown 17 point lead in the NBA Playoffs for the Thunder against Dallas? That was me. I haven't had a great streak of late.

Maybe this time we can get it back and get it roooolling. I'll start with the big Northeastern Showdown in Gillette. Pats are a whopping 9.5 point favorite, but I think Big Blue comes up big and stays in it. Giants +9.5

And now! We're introducing some COLLEGE ACTION deep in the south. LSU vs Alabama, and with the Tigers on the road, we think they're an easy +4.5 cover. Take the Tiger's Roar over the Crimson's tide.

And lastly, the big one for Philly: Bears/Eagles. Am I crazy or do I think Bears +4.5 is going to work? It's true the Eagles have made a nice surge of late and their defense looked dominant a week ago vs. Dallas, but I'm calling for the BEARS +7.5! I think we're going to see some shuffling this weekend....

on

Dave's (smash!)
LOCKS (zoom!)
of the Week (crinkle)

Your picks: NYG +9.5, LSU +4.5, CHI +7.5

The *other* New York Team...

Last night I got to see the first football game (and no, soccer does not count!) at the new Meadowlands Stadium. Giants... Jets... a clash between two NY institutions.

So you look into this game (which featured a *nasty* hit to Eli Manning! Oof!) and start to wonder about the Jets. This is the team a lot of people, and I mean a LOT, picked to do big things this year. Can you believe everyone forgot about the Giants?

I don't know about you, but I think the Giants looked like the team ready to make a big post-season run. The Giants looked like they were hungry and ready (not that the Jets weren't but the G-Men seemed poised and ready for the challenge [well, for preseason]). The Giants looked experienced. The Giants acted as if they were there before.

And while it was pre-season it seemed like Big Blue dominated Gang Green in the First half, and ultimately, the game, which the Giants won 31-16. Jets fans seem to be shrugging this off, but I won't.

All along I thought the G-Men were getting overlooked. First, by the SUPREMELY Overrated Redskins who suddenly became a Super Bowl team because they added one over the hill QB. Next, understandably, by the Eagles, who I also think are pretty darn good and could have a nice season with Kolb and Co. Lastly, and predictably, by the Cowboys, who by all means *should* be a favorite to win it all.

Yet, it seems to me like the Giants might be a team that could get it done. I was in Las Vegas last week and saw they were 15/1 favorites to win it all. At one point they were 20/1 and 25/1 favorites. Kind of crazy to do this for a team with an improving defense plus two nice pickups from the Titans to augment said defense, they being Bullock and Antrelle Rolle.

Nuts! The Jets get all the hype but it seems like the Giants are a more sound team. Offensively? Ok, they're still limited. The Running game may never be good again post-EWF. The Giants are still looking to find their playmakers. Fair enough. But the Giants may be the sleeper of sleepers: a team multiple pundits predict to wallow nondescriptly that *instead* becomes the team to beat in the NFC East.

We shall see. The division seems to be weaker than in years past, which means its as wide open as it's ever been.

Dave in the City Transcript: Segment 4

Welcome back, "In the City." I'm Dave Medina.

This is it! The last of 2008. What a great year we had, here in sports. Now for the year in review... Most guys do countdowns, but who are we to judge? Instead, we'd like to offer you the moment of each month.

January

First, in January, how about the Giants playoff run? It was capped off by a thrilling game in Super Bowl XLII. Who could forget the big pass from Eli Manning to David Tyree?

The "other" Catch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-aKfTK2LiM


February

February was the month the NBA declared "WE ARE BACK!" It was punctuated by a spectacular Slam Dunk contest. First we had Gerald Green jump up to the hoop and blow out the candle!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYIgGyDkTQQ

Then, in an unforgettable show, Dwight Howard donned his cape and threw down like SUPERMAN... literally!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO3c8EaxsxQ&feature=channel


March

The NCAA Mens Basketball tournament was one to remember, but how about the way Kansas DOMINATED #1 UNC in the Final Four? Technically, this happened in April, but it was an amazing performance by the Jayhawks. Believe it or not, UNC actually made a huge comeback, cutting the lead to less than ten points before Kansas launched one final flurry to put the Tarheels away, 84-66.

But obviously, the highlight of the game was this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZdL9PxKQ8E


April

The Mens Basketball national championship was particularly good. Mario Chalmers of Kansas tied the game on a 3 pointer with 2 seconds to go in regulation. Kansas and Memphis played a back and forth game that went to overtime. In the OT, Kansas pulled away and won the national championship.

Here's a look at that clutch 3 pointer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_H4RO4VXmY


May

May was a big month for Horse Racing. Big Brown furiously came from behind to win the 2008 Kentucky Derby in a bid to win the Triple Crown.

Here's the big race from May: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBeoZUsnXdc

Sadly two things transpired. One, Big Brown suffered a chip in his hoof which kept him from winning the Preakness Stakes later that summer. Thus, Big Brown's bid was bombed. Secondly, another entrant of the Kentucky Derby, Eight Belles, broke both ankles during the race and had to be euthanized.

June

Welp, who could forget it? It was the Lakers facing the Celtics for the NBA Title, renewing rivalries of years past. The Celtics imposed their will and wouldn't let up, even in Game 4 when the Lakers blew a 20+ point lead. A fantastic finish for the Celtics and Kevin Garnett, but also a bitter end to an otherwise very impressive Lakers campaign.

Games 4 and 6 are very tough to take, so I REFUSE to post any footage. Instead, I present the KG interview after the Celtics clinched the title: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyjOy7fRzs0

I'll be honest: It was great to see Garnett display so much pure emotion that night.


July

All Star Game graced Yankee Stadium for the last time, in "old" Yankee Stadium's final season. First, Josh Hamilton set the new single round record for Home Runs in the Home Run Derby. Then, the AL and NL went to extra innings, featuring great plays all around. The AL won the event in the 15th inning when Michael Young hit a sacrificy fly to score Justin Morneau from 3rd base.

It was a great week for baseball!

Hamilton monster shot at HR Derby: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdy7ZoNR-jM&feature=related


August

In the Beijing Olympics, Michael Phelps took the swimming world by storm and swam to a record 8 Gold Medals. It was a show of brilliance that will be remembered for years to come. However, Phelps would have been finished if not for a furious comeback by one Jason Lezak in the Freestyle Relay against France.

In addition, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin claimed several events in Womens Gymnastics. Liukin earned the honor of All Around Individual Champion, taking the Gold in the event. Johnson earned a gold herself in the Balance Beam competition.

Unfortunately, NBC forced out all the known evidence that Bela Karolyi bear hugged Bob Costas after Liukin's performance. What a bummer.

September

The Rays, forever known as the laughing stocks of MLB, rose up to the summit and beat the mighty Yankees and Red Sox to take the AL East crown. Do you believe in Miracles?? YES!!

The Rays were a great team in 2008, as Evan Longoria, Scott Kazmir, B.J. Upton, and the rest powerd the Rays to a 97-65 record. Needless to say, it was the Rays all time franchise record for wins.

Rays clinch a playoff berth: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080920&content_id=3514963&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Tampa Bay would go on to storm past the White Sox in the LDS, then beat out the Red Sox in Game 7 of the ALCS to make the World Series.


October

Phillies Fever! The losingest franchise in baseball, The Phillies, made 2008 *their* year by winning the World Series. In a minor upset, the Phils beat out the Tampa Bay Rays to win it all. The Phils took it in 5, which was halted by weather partially through the game and resumed the next night.

Who knew the Phillies had it in them?

Here's the clinching out recorded by closer Brad Lidge to clinch the title: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2008_10_27_tbamlb_phimlb_1&mode=wrap


November

Texas Tech pulled an astounding win over in Lubbock, TX. On the Tech's last play from scrimmage the Red Raiders pulled ahead with a long touchdown pass from Graham Harrell to Michael Crabtree. The Red Raiders would go on to upset the then #1 Texas Longhorns, the biggest win in Texas Tech's franchise history.

Here's the Game Winning TD by Crabtree: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaN_ce47MOY


December

Alabama... Florida... the SEC Championship... The #1 ranked Crimson Tide's perfect season was ended in Atlanta when the Gators kept pace with Alabama and then pulled away. However, the Tide played a great game and earned numerous brownie points in the loss. The Gators would move on to a berth in the BCS Championship game.

Here are some highlights from the SEC Champsionship game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oRla-8LMOk&feature=related

2008 was full of surprises, excitiment and joy. It had its moments of truth, sadness, and hardship, but it was another good year that proved that there is no greater thrill than that of victory, and no harder agony than one of defeat in the world of sports.

So we end the year here in sports and "In the City" wondering what will 2009 bring? Will there be other great moments, and similar joy. Could there be more bitter defeats in the running. What awaits us in this new year?

It's been fun everyone, and again, thanks for stopping by. "Dave in the City" is a production of LOCKS of the Week Radio in association with Blogger.com. The Associate Producers are Andrew Jacobsen and Jacob Rosales, with special thanks to Arvin Darilag and Tony Jimenez.

Our information and subjects come courtesy of multiple sources, including ESPN.com, MLB.com, NFL.com, NBA.com, NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, and sports Sports Illustrated. Technical assistance provided by TEAC, Audacity, Winamp, and Yousendit.com.

The Executive Producer of LOCKS of the Week Radio is Dave Medina.

This is Dave, speaking for "Dave in the City." Merry Christmas everyone! We'll be back January 5, 2009. Have a great and happy holiday season, have a wonderful New Year... and I'll see YOU next yearrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

YOUR WEEKEND FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Well, its all over. Tomorrow will be our first Saturday since late August that there will be NO football on TV. Yikes! I mean, I have no clue what I’m going to do all day. Seriously…what do people do when there is no football on Saturdays? Do people actually go places on Saturday? That’s crazy! Maybe I can get some Christmas shopping done. Ugh! Anyways…

Without any college games there is a lack of compelling matchups this weekend to really focus on. Still, I’ll try to drum out a few.

SUNDAY

Bucs/Falcons – Ok. I will admit it…I am openly rooting for the Falcons now. I have doubted them all season, but this is a very solid football team. I watched their game against the Saints last weekend and I was really impressed even though they lost. Matt Ryan has been amazing as a rookie. A win on Sunday and this team could be headed for the playoffs. Oh yeah…plus I hate the Bucs. Always have…can’t explain it. Go Falcons!!!

Lions/Colts – Last year at this team, the big debate around the NFL was “could a team really go undefeated through the regular season?” Yep…the Patriots did it (only, of course, to lose in the Super Bowl). THIS YEAR, the big question in the NFL is “could a team really go through a season without getting at least ONE win?” Yep..looks like it very well could happen. Poor Lions. This is what happens when you stick with a crappy GM (Matt Millen) for years and years for no logical reason (take note, SF Giants).

Steelers/Ravens – How surprising have the Ravens been? I thought the defense was getting too old and starting a rookie QB who played in I-AA College football last year was certainly going to be a recipe for disaster this year. Not so! Who would have guessed they would be playing the Steelers in December for the division lead? Not me. Expect this to be a low scoring, very physical football game.

Giants/Cowboys – Talk about two teams with tons of distractions. Geez. This could be the last stand for the Cowboys. A loss here could very well get very close to eliminating them from the playoffs. Meanwhile the Giants are trying to secure the #1 seed in the NFC. Games between these two always seem to be fun. Good game to end the weekend with.

So there you go. Sorry about missing last week (I had lots going on…my bad), but I did find you 4 good games to keep your eyes on this weekend. Enjoy the weekend everyone…

Oh…yeah…We are having a Christmas party on Saturday night. All my readers are invited. See you there, drink in hand…

Andrew Jacobsen

Is anybody going to beat the Giants?

A lot of folks might think I'd be writing about the Titans, but I think the Giants are the team to beat in the NFL. The New York Giants are the most impressive team so far in '08. After 11 weeks, they lost only a single game to the Cleveland Browns.

Going into today's game against Baltimore, I was sure the Giants were ready for a big let down game. The Giants were coming off an emotional, rugged, hard earned, albeit defensively lacking, win at Philadelphia. I thought the Ravens defense against the run was stellar. Shows what I know: third stringer Ahmad Bradshaw alone rushed for 95 yards! Brandon Jacobs scored two touchdowns and ran for 73 yards. The Giants as a team rushed for 207 total yards. Goodness gracious great Earth, Wind, and Fire!

I don't think Joe Flacco is a bad quarterback for the Ravens, but boy did the Giants pass rush make him look silly. The signature moment in today's game was when Aaron Ross returned a Flacco interception 53 yards for a score to put the game away.

I still can't believe, in a year rampant with mediocrity, that the Giants have played so well, so hard, and so consistently. Not only that, but the Giants do all this against stiff competition. You try playing the Steelers, Cowboys, Eagles, and Ravens all in a row and come out 4-0. It's as if the Giants are on a mission to prove last year was not a fluke.

Well let me come out and say: mission accomplished!

---

Meanwhile, in the Music City, the Titans did a good job coming from behind, but I noticed in highlights that on two of Collins' touchdown passes, Justin Gage was WIDE OPEN. There wasn't a defender within 20 yards of him.

To be honest, both the Giants and Titans have played their fair share of cupcakes. A big test for the Titans will be the Jets next week, just as the Ravens were a big test for the G-Men. The Titans' big gauntlet is coming up. First the Jets at home, then in the last two weeks of the season they play Pittsburgh and Indy back to back.

Color me skeptical, but Tennessee's lack of wins against quality opponents sways me as a non-believer. The Giants, after playing some easy teams, imposed their will over the last month. I've been waiting for them to lay an egg versus a big-time team. I'm still waiting...

I think the debate will continue until both teams settle it on the field.

...in the Super Bowl!

New York City... SUPER GIANTS!

PITTSBURGH-- Who needs a terrible towel when you have a terrific front four?

"3-4 THIS!!!" said the New York Football Giants, crushing the Steelers offensive line when it counted most, during the fourth quarter. The running game was weak for Pittsburgh. Essentially, the Steelers brought a paper knife to a gunfight, and the Giants defeated the Steelers in an odd one, 21-14.

Worse than this, Ben Roethlisberger threw four interceptions, which led to several Giants field goals. Only ONCE, did the Giants score a touchdown. Outside of that, it was the field goals, and a very awkward safety off a bad snap to the punter. The ball fluttered past the "Orlovsky Zone" and went for a safety. It was so baffling, even the computerized box score reported "undefined."

"Baffling" basically sums up Sunday evening. The game had hard hits, lots of turnovers, and was not one for the faint of heart, but wouldn't you know, the Giants' defense carried the G-Men to a win.

Most striking about Sunday's big matchup was that, the game asked more questions than it answered. Just how good are Pittsburgh's special teams? How did the Giants fare so poorly in the Red Zone? Could the Steelers' offensive line be overrated?

Who between these two teams is legitimate? Perhaps neither of them are. After all, it didn't seem like either team executed much offensively. Still, somebody had to win, and on this night it was the New York Giants. Well earned victory for the Giants, and well timed, with some tough games coming up.

It was an exciting moment for football, but the mystery continues: Who are the best teams in the NFL? Tonight's Monday Night Football between Indy and Tennessee will give us some more... revealing clues. Come solve with us, won't you?

Week 7: Dave's CLIFFS NOTES of the Week!

105 miles to Los Angeles, on 4 hours of sleep, it's 11pm, and I'm wearing sun glasses.

Let's hit it!

Dave's (vroom!)
LOCKS (honnnk!)
of the Week (screech!)

Dave's LOCKS of the Week
Week 7
(on a "Mission from God")

Time for an abridged edition of our beloved LOCKS. Let's do this thing!

To the picks!!

To the Meadowlands first... oh baby I've been waiting all week for this. The Giants are seeking blood and revenge for their loss in Cleveland. The 49ers are toast. The Giants (-10.5) will find their groove back. Give the points to the Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-men and see them knock the EUREKA out of the Niners.

To Arrowhead Stadium next... Kan-sas City baby! You know... I'm wondering if the Titans are going to drop the ball on the road... ah let's just take the points and give KC (+8.0) the cover. No idea why, It's late and I'm tired. If this really happens, I'll be dancing on Haley Street!

To HOUSTON last! A big contribution to 0-fer watch was that great Texans/Dolphins game last week. What will the Texans do for an encore? Well let me tell you, both teams have HORRIBLE turnover ratios and pt. differentials. These teams are evenly matched. How in the hell is Houston favored by 9? That's ridiculous. Lions cover (+9.0), easy.

That concludes

Dave's ("sure to go 0-3")
LOCKS (clunk!)
of the WEEK (wobble, wobble)


Recap: Giants (-10.5) cover at home, Chiefs (+8.0) cover at home, Lions (+9.0) cover at Houston