Why is Football such a Big Part of Thanksgiving?

Houston Texans’ Running back Arian Foster hurdles Dallas Cowboys’ defender Mike Jenkins. Reliant Stadium. Houston, Tx. Sept. 26 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Happy Thanksgiving to all my favorite Gals and Pals. Today is a great one for football fans because we get Thanksgiving games!

Since the league began in 1920 there have been Thanksgiving games. Currently three NFL games are played- there are always games in Dallas and Detroit and an additional game with a rotating roster of opponents was added in 2006.

As if you needed another reason to love Thanksgiving!

The Thanksgiving football tradition started for the NFL as a promotion gimmick by the first owner of the Detroit Lions and the idea grew to include many teams during the 1920s and 1930s. When World War II broke out the NFL didn’t schedule any Thanksgiving games between 1941-1945. After the war was over the tradition was renewed with just the Green Bay Packers vs. the Lions until 1963.

The Dallas Cowboys joined the tradition in 1966 and since the Lions and Cowboys have been the traditional home teams for the Thanksgiving NFL games. It is also considered the official kick off of the red kettle campaign for the Salvation Army as it is featured during half time in Cowboys stadium.

In 2006 the NFL added a third game for Thanksgiving played at night and airing on the NFL network. This year the game will be played on NBC.

Now let’s looks at the three games.

Houston vs Detroit

Kickoff is at 12:30est on CBS

The Lions are in an eight Thanksgiving game losing streak. I have a feeling meeting up with the awesome Texans isn’t going to help the cause.

Looking at the numbers offensively the Lions look slightly better. Averaging 402 yards per game the Lions have almost 60 more yards passing per game than the Texans. This is largely due to WR Calvin Johnson who has over 1,000 yards this season.

But the running game which eats up time and makes defenses tired goes to the Texans. Arian Foster has had 249 carries and 962 yards and 10 touchdowns. Since he is averaging 96 yards per game I fully expect him to get to over 1,000 yards this season against the Lions.

Don’t expect the Lions to run the ball- which they barely do anyway- against a Texans D that only allows on average 86 rushing yards per game. Both teams are equally matched in the secondary so I expect the QBs to throw the ball- a lot. But the Texans have Foster and since the Lions allow 114 rushing yards per game I expect the Texans to put up some points.

Texans win this one.

Redskins vs Cowboys- RIVARLY ALERT

Kickoff is at 4:25pm on FOX

Talking about these two teams is painful because I’m an Eagles fan and well the Eagles are a hot mess.

But the NFL powers that be have decided to put the Redskins down in Dallas.

Offensively these two teams are polar opposites.

	Redskins	Cowboys
Total Yards per Game	380	367
Passing Yards per Game	215	284
Rush Yards per Game	165	83
Points Per Game	26	21
Third Down Conversion %	30	40
Time of Possession	1844	1926

The Redskins with the combination of RG3 and Alfred Morris have over 1,400 yards rushing between the two. The Cowboys have no running game and must rely on throwing the ball- a lot. Probably too much- but this could work to the Cowboys advantage this game because the Redskins average 289 yards of passing per game.

But the Cowboys average 107 rushing yards per game.

See what I mean about both teams really being equally matched?

Whichever squad capitalizes on its strengths- RGIII and Morris get into a good groove for running or Tony Romo and crew get the ball down field will determine the win.

And since I personally do not like either team I’m going to give the win to the home team- Cowboys by 3.

Patriots vs. Jets- RIVARLY GAME ALERT

Kickoff 8:20est on NBC

On paper this is an easy game to discuss. The Jets are terrible- terrible, terrible, terrible.

Since the Jets allow 142 rushing yards per game and the Patriots average 143 rushing yards per game Tom Brady and crew should have this game in the bag on the ground. When you add in the Patriots 289 passing yards compared to anemic Jets of less than 200 passing yards per game there really shouldn’t be a concern.

But why do I have a bad feeling about this?

Perhaps it is because Rob Gronkowski who has 748 yards this season is out with a broken forearm that he never should have gotten because there was no reason for him to be on the field for the 59^th point. The Patriots were up 59 points against the Colts measly 24. No sense at all.

If the Patriots focus on the running game – especially Stevan Ridley who has 842 yards this season- and they will win the game.

Related articles

• Thanksgiving football schedule 2012: Texans get their own holiday spotlight (houston.sbnation.com)
• Football-predicting turkey picks Detroit over Houston (khou.com)
• The History Behind The Thanksgiving Day Game (slapioneer.wordpress.com)

Week Four NFL Sunday Football Day Previews

Can Tom Brady and the Patriots get a win in Buffalo? (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Its NFL Sunday Gals and Pal and here is the slate of games to be on the lookout for. This is a bit of a quieter week, not a lot of anticipated matchup between equally matched opponents but this is a league that often comes with surprises. I mean who would have thought that New England and Green Bay would be 1-3 and Arizona undefeated?

Here are the games I’m tuning into:

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills

Last year when the Patriots headed to Buffalo they came back with a big L and QB wunderkind Tom Brady threw four interceptions. Of course later that season Brady led the Pats to a Super Bowl appearance but this is not the same New England team with Josh McDaniels offense that so far isn’t really working.

Now I know many of you are thinking but it was officiating that cost New England the win last week on the road in Baltimore- that is a bit true but looking at the numbers the Patriots have only converted 42% third down plays and only have four sacks on average. Brady has a completion rate of 67% which is pretty good.

But comparing the numbers the Patriots only have 109 rushing yards per game compared to the Bills’ 178 yards- they are leading the league is rushing. For total rushing yards for the season the Bill have almost 230 more than their opponents. The addition of Mario Williams has added depth and with the return of Fred Jackson the Bills might have a shot at making the Patriots 1-4.

I am picking the Patriots to win- but I think it is going to be closer than Patriots fans want.

San Francisco 49ers at New York Jets

The 49ers got the wind knocked out of their sails after their loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week after opening the season with impressive wins against Green Bay and Detroit. West Coast teams that play 1:00 east coast games typically do not do well. Of course the 49ers were really smart and headed out early to get used to the time change. And they get the added bonus of playing a Jets team that is a lot of talk but no action.

The Jets are 1-1 for the season losing 10-27 at Pittsburgh and then winning by a field goal at Miami last week- and Miami is terrible this year. Plus defensive leader Darrelle Revis is out with ACL issues- probably for the entire season. That is a big blow because this Jets team is in desperate need of leadership on any side of the ball.

Looking at the numbers 49ers only have 5 more total yards per game than the Jets, but the real difference is in the rush yards per game- 49ers have 141, 7^th in the league compared to the Jets’ 100. Also the Jets have only stopped 44% of opponents third down plays and allow an average of 25 points per game. Now with the Revis injury look for that number to go up.

If the Jets are going to win then they need to work on the run. If they can’t figure that out it won’t be close

San Fran gets the win in this contest.

New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers

Talk about two teams needing a W right now. New Orleans is still winless and unless they figure out a way to beat a Green Bay team that is still upset about the Monday Night Massacre that finally pushed the NFL to get rid of the replacement refs on the road.

Yeah that’s a tall order for Drew Brees and crew. The Saints offensively have more yards per game- almost 75 more in fact- than the Packers. The Saints are also 6^th in the league for passing yards.

Green Bay is 26^th in the league for yards, 21^st in the league for passing yards and 27th in the league for rushing yards. The offense is only 5 yards per carry.

I think Green Bay still has the edge- it’s a home game after an emotional loss on the road. But if the Saints can figure out how to defend they could finally get a win.

Did I mention that may predicted these two teams would be in the playoffs this year?

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles

This is the game I’m most excited about.

Great divisional matchup between two clubs that are really going though some growing pains. The Giants really need a win since they have already loss one game in the NFC East to the Dallas Cowboys.

The Eagles are rushing 130 yards per game- and it should be higher considering that hello the Eagles have the best running back LeSean McCoy. McCoy has already rushed for 261 yards this season.

Giants are second in the league in passing yards and third for total yards- you can’t discount the combination of Eli Manning and Victor Cruz- and this is just the type of game that can bring out the Salsa in the end zone.

Key for the Eagles to fly high over the Giants- using the beat up secondary of the Giants and get the ball in the hands of DeSean Jackson and the return of Jeremy Maclin could be enough to get the win.

I am not picking a winner because I’m an Eagles fan and my dad is a Giants fan- yeah I don’t know how our relationship survives this either- my little sister is a Cowboys fan for God’s sake and our step-dad is a Redskins fan so we have the entire NFC East covered in the Hernandez/Rice/Graves family.

Happy Football Sunday Gals and Pals. Which match ups are you on the lookout for?

Related articles

• NFL Preview – New England (1-2) at Buffalo (2-1) (ET) (kansascity.com)
• Giants vs. Eagles: Philadelphia scouting report (bigblueview.com)

A Letter from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

Roger Goodell at the 2010 NFL Draft. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during Super Bowl XLIII, Feb. 1, 2009, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Look what I got in my in-box today. I do have to say that while it is commendable for the NFL to admit that the replacement refs were a failure it is a little bit too late- just ask the Patriots and Packers.

This entire mess was about money- don’t let them kid you about that. I, like so many football fans, am happy that finally the focus can be on the players and not the calls of the game.

Until one of the regular refs botches a call- it will happen.

“To NFL Fans:

The National Football League is at its best when the focus is on the players and the action on the field, not on labor negotiations.

All of us who love the sport appreciate the skills and dedication of the players and coaches. That is why we are focused not just on what happens on the field but what our game will be like in another decade or two. The NFL has always tried to look ahead, to innovate, and to constantly improve in all we do.

We recognize that some decisions may be difficult to accept in the passion of the moment, but my most important responsibility is to improve the game for this generation and the next.

I believe in accountability, not excuses. And I regret we were not able to secure an agreement sooner in the process and avoid the unfortunate distractions to the game. You deserve better.

As a lifelong fan, this wasn’t an easy process for anyone involved. I particularly want to commend the replacement officials for taking on an unenviable task and doing it with focus and dedication in the most adverse of circumstances.

Our new agreement gives long-term stability to an important aspect of our game, officiating. More important, with this agreement, officiating will be better in the long run. While the financial issues received the most attention, these negotiations were much more about long-term reforms. For example, beginning with the 2013 season, the NFL will have the option of hiring a number of officials on a full-time basis to work year-round, including on the field. In addition, the NFL will have the option to retain additional officials for training and development purposes, and may assign those additional officials to work NFL games.

We are moving forward with the finest officials in sports back on the field. It’s time to put the focus where it belongs – on the clubs and players and our magnificent game, with a special thanks to our fans for their passion.”

Roger Goodell

Related articles

• Roger Goodell: ‘That’s the beauty of sports’ (espn.go.com)
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The NFL responds to the MNF Seahawks non touchdown

The Shield Sides with the Refs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

NFL supports decision to not overturn Seahawks’ touchdown – NFL.com.

Well the NFL is siding with the replacement refs on this one.
According to this statement the NFL is sticking with the simulations catch which in a tie breaker goes to the offense.

But when I watch the video of the play all I see is M.D. Jennings catching the ball.  Golden Tate‘s hands were under the ball but only touched the ball after Jennings had full possession of the ball until the end of the play.

Here is the lesson- one Jennings should have batted the ball away- that is defense 101.  The replacement refs really messed this up by missing the block in the back from Tate and then reviewing the play and not overturning the ruling on the field.

Roger Godell what are you doing to my favorite sport? In your time as commish you have dealt with a player lock out, the Bounty-Gate scandal, and now this Ref lockout.  None of these issue have made the league stronger.
I would love to know you feelings Gals and Pals.

Related articles

• Replace the Replacement Refs NOW! (sportsgalpal.wordpress.com)
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Replace the Replacement Refs NOW!

Reaction around the league through Tweeter

Well Mr. Godell it finally happened.  After the worries from the preseason, the extra time outs given, and officials looking terrified to throw flags your replacement refs have finally done it. They cost a team a game.

And not just any team but the Green Bay Packers just a season away from holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy in triumph- a trophy named after one of their legendary coaches. A fan base so into their team that the Packers are community owned.  A group of people so nuts about their team some are naked in December while watching players do the Lambo Leap in 10 degree temperatures.

Godell you’ve got a huge mess on your hands.  And soon maybe even blood.

For all you Gals and Pals not understanding what I’m talking about a brief history lesson.

In June, the NFL and the NFL Referees Association did not agree on terms for a new collective bargaining agreement resulting in the current lock out of regular NFL game officials.  Thus the replacement ref debacle is born.

These “officials” are from low-level college and high school ranks- none have officiated in the Division I college football ranks because many of the Division I conferences have barred their officials from working NFL games during the lockout because often former and current NFL refs are officiating supervisors.

The big issue keeping the two sides from meeting, money of course as the officials want NFL changes to full-time refs that everyone is fairly compensated. Currently there are 17 officiating crews- one for each team and an alternate.  The NFL wants 20.  The NFL also wants to convert the refs pensions into 401ks and offer annual compensation increases between 5 and 11 percent.   The refs want their pension plans, to remain part-time, and roughly and additional four million dollars a year more in pay.

Four millions dollars to a league that produces billions in revenue is like finding $20 bucks in your pocket on laundry day.

According to the NFL Players Association which had its own labor dispute with the league last year they side with the replacement officials.

Last night proved that the players are on the right side.

In a statement the Players Association said:

“It is lost on us as to how you allow a Commissioner to cavalierly issue suspensions and fines in the name of player health and safety yet permit the wholesale removal of the officials that you trained and entrusted to maintain that very health and safety.  If has been reported that the two sides are apart by approximately $60,000 per team.  We note that your Commissioner has fined an individual player as much in the name of “safety.”   Your actions are looking more and more like simple greed… You cannot simply switch to a group of cheaper officials and fulfill your legal, moral, and duty obligations to us and our fans.”

Last night’s Monday Night Football game between the Packers and the Seattle Seahawks proves this.  Here is what happened:

The play that launched a zillion tweets

The players line up for the ball.  Safety M.D. Jennings of the Packers grabbed it first.  He came down with it and pinned it against his body.  Thus an interception for the Packers- but not so fast, Golden Tate, Seattle Wide-out, had a hand on it too.

Here is where the replacement refs messed up.  While the entire stadium, viewing audience, sidelines, and the official closest to the pile (who put his arm up to signal the interception or touchback) saw the interception, another official ran in and put up his hands for a touchdown.  The official closest to the pile suddenly agrees throwing his hands up too.

Really- touchdown decisions by committee?

That four million dollars that is keeping the real refs off the field seems like pennies now.  Especially for the Packers who are 1-2 for the season.

 

Related articles

• Packers vs. Seahawks: The Replacement Officials Finally Broke the NFL (bleacherreport.com)
• Chris Burke: Replacement refs botch Packers-Seahawks ending (nfl.si.com)

Bears and Packers Meet Up Tonight

English: Jay Cutler of the Chicago Bears warming up before a game. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

No matter if you say Da Bears or Go Pack Go this game is always a good match up due to the history of these programs. This will be the 185^th meeting between these two teams. It is the longest running NFL rivalry.

Both teams played Sunday with very different results.

The Bears played against the very youth filled Colts and won 41-21. Highlights from that game include what seems to be an improved offense– of course the ball was taken away five times, but QB Jay Cutler passed for 333 yards and Brandon Marshall has become his favorite target. Marshall had 119 yards, and scored a touchdown. For years this was a defense first team but it appears that the offense is ready to come out and show what it can do. I am not holding my breath however as this offense last year was converted only 33% of third downs last season. Plus the o-line allowed the QB to be sacked 49 times.

Green Bay on the other had is typically a monster when it come to offense. Last season Packers had a 48% third down conversion percentage. They only threw eight interceptions compared to the Bears 20. But Green Bay is coming of a lost at home to the 49ers. And Green Bay’s defense is suspect- they had problems with it last season and I think it is going to be worse.

According to the AP Pro32 power rankings, after the 49er loss the Packers fell two games behind the Bears. And these divisional rivals do not get another chance at each other until December.

So who is going to win?

Right now Green Bay is a 6 point favorite. I tend to agree. You can’t look at last week’s win over a very young Colts team as a sign of a championship run. And Packers you should look at the fact that the 49ers came to your house and well we know the outcome. Still the Packers have the edge here, look for the Packers to win.

Related articles

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