Assignments for Kickoff Weekend

Each week, our staffers are assigned 3 to 4 games to breakdown for our readers – something we like to call our Weekly Assignments. Some are shorter than others, but they’re all equally fantastic. We know the Steelers handled their business last night – let’s see what else is on tap for the remainder of Kickoff Weekend:

Chris Hayre (CH), Mark Rogers (MR), Pat Greissing (PG), Veronica James (VJ)

Jacksonville @ Indianapolis - Jim Caldwell’s coaching debut is a rousing success as Manning finds each of his top three targets (Wayne, Clark, Gonzalez) for touchdowns. Jack Del Rio’s seat starts to get a little warm. (CH)  Pick: Colts

Dallas @ Tampa Bay – Apparently Tampa is recession proof.   If you’re a running back or quarterback and need a job, they’ll probably consider you.  The Bucs start 2009 playing the QB carousel – first up on the ride, Big Byron Leftwich, with Josh Freeman and Josh Johnson waiting in the wings. At RB, you got the Caddy, Earnest Graham and free agent Derrick Ward. All three will play according to Coach Raheem Morris. Who plays the most? Who knows. Who cares! If you’re starting one of these guys on your fantasy team, you aren’t winning.  With the potential offensive ineptitude, look for the Dallas defense to take advantage with their attacking style.  They’ll force a couple turnovers and come out a winner. (MR) Pick: Cowboys

Minnesota @ Cleveland – Quinn or Anderson? It looks like Quinn but Mangini won’t say.  Doesn’t matter, Favre and AP get the Vikings off to a good start with an easy victory. (PG)  Pick: Vikings

NY Jets @ Houston – Rookie QB Mark Sanchez makes his debut for the Jets and is primed to look like a hero if backs Leon Washington and Thomas Jones show up ready to run. Given the fact Houston had one of the leagues worst rushing defenses, it shouldn’t be too daunting of a task. Rex Grossman is expected to start at QB if Schaub still has a bum ankle from his sprain during the Aug 31 preseason game. I’m no football coach, but I do know that Houston is better off starting an Egg McMuffin then Rex Grossman. (VJ) Pick: Jets

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Week 1 Staff Picks

Every Thursday, the staff at BumpAndRun.com will huddle up to predict the upcoming weekend of NFL games. While it may appear by our pictures that we’re clueless, don’t worry - one of us is destined to surprise you. Tennessee goes to the Steel City on Thursday so here are your Week 1 picks a day early: … Continue Reading

Bold Predictions for 2009 – Steelers are Repeat Defenders

September – the month when every team has hope, all fans have Super Bowl dreams and every pundit in America thinks they know how the upcoming NFL script will play out. By February, hope turns to despair and Super Bowl dreams become nightmares for all but one. As for the pundits, always wrong.  ALWAYS. Without further adieu, the 2009 NFL season according to yours truly:

Coach of the Year: Gary Kubiak, Texans – Houston makes the playoffs for the first time in franchise history as the offense thrives in the zone blocking scheme Kubiak helped make so famous in Denver.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Percy Harvin, Vikings - Favre and Harvin will make defenses pay if they continue to stack eight in the box.  Just lay off that Gator green, Percy. … Continue Reading

Quick Hit AFC Preview

AFC EAST

1. New England Patriots – It’s pretty simple – if Brady and Moss both stay healthy, no AFC East team will come within 4 games of the Pats. After dealing Richard Seymour to Oakland, it’s clear that getting younger on defense is a priority. But if you can put up 40 plus a game, does it really matter? Projected Record: 12-4

2. New York Jets – The 2009 Jets will be a poor man’s version of the 2008 Ravens. Play close, ugly games with a rookie quarterback  and see how each week shakes out. Sexy Rexy has already called out opposing players and put the Patriots on notice - how could you not want to play for this guy? Projected Record: 8-8

3. Miami Dolphins – A team very similar to the Falcons - won a lot of close games in 2008 with a 4th place schedule. Not only do the ‘Fins have to play the NFC South this season, but sprinkle in games against the Titans, Chargers and the Super Bowl Champs. Sparano is one hell of a coach, but the talent in South Beach is average at best. Projected Record: 8-8

4. Buffalo Bills – One of three teams this preseason that’s already canned their OC. Their offense was putrid in August  and even though they get T.O. back to start the regular season, they lose Beast Mode for the first three games. Oh, and they play the Patriots Week 1. Yuck. Projected Record: 6-10

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Quick Hit NFC Preview

NFC EAST

1. New York Giants – The defense will still crack heads and as hard as it is to say or believe, Eli Manning is a Super Bowl winning quarterback. Domenik Hixon and Hakeem Nicks play the role of Plaxico Buress just fine for Big Blue.  Projected Record: 10-6

2. Dallas Cowboys – New stadium, scoreboard issues, no T.O. – there’s quite a bit going on in Big D. By the end of the season, everyone in the NFL will know the name Felix Jones. But the Cowboys still can’t win a playoff game.  Projected Record: 9-7

3. Philadelphia Eagles – Loaded offensively, but the defense has taken one too many hits. The late Jim Johnson, Brian Dawkins (Broncos) and Stewart Bradley (IR) were arguably the three most important pieces to the ’08 D. Over/Under for Philly fans to start calling for Vick: Week 7.  Projected Record: 9-7

4. Washington Redskins – Jim Zorn better learn how to make on-the-fly adjustments real soon. ‘Skins started last season 6-2, ended 2-6. All it took was a little bit of game film for the league to catch up to JZ. I love Jason Campbell, but his downfall may ultimately be what he wasn’t given – a viable #2 receiver. Lace up, Malcolm Kelly.  Projected Record: 8-8

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