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Thursday, December 28, 2006
Eagles will finish off Falcons
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Let me start by saying it’s not over.
It’s never over.
When Jim Mora can lose to the Browns, Lions and Chris Weinke and somehow spin the league’s most dysfunctional offense into, “We have the fourth-most wins in the NFC [over three seasons],” it’s absolutely never over.
Yes, there are at least three scenarios in which the Falcons can make the playoffs:
They defeat the Eagles, while the Giants, Packers and Panthers all lose or tie.
They tie the Eagles, while the Giants, Packers, Panthers and Rams all lose.
Billy Knight: NBA executive of the year.
Knight would be the slight favorite.
Two years ago, the Falcons played their final game in Philadelphia. That was for the NFC championship.
On Sunday, Mora likely coaches the season’s final game in Philadelphia again. This is for his parking space.
Or the Nobel. I get those confused sometimes, and the speech the other day had me thinking, “Schweitzer.”
There are two problems Sunday. First, the duh: The Falcons aren’t very good. Second, they’re playing a team with something to play for. The Eagles can clinch a division. Also, they’re breathing.
The line is 7 1/2. By what, the second quarter?
Spin this: Eagles cover.
Semi-Pros
Bol du Poulet: Overconfidence in a bowl game shouldn’t be a problem for Georgia against Virginia Tech. The Bulldogs floated into the Georgia Dome last January and got smacked by West Virginia. This time, they face a defense that allowed only two touchdowns in the past six games. Maybe I’m putting too much stock in the Matthew Stafford turnaround. But: Take the 2 1/2, and Dogs in an upset.
Gator: If you’re a Georgia Tech fan, what’s worse? That you’re about to finish with three straight losses, or that after being slapped by the NCAA you still had three players (all seniors, including a starting quarterback) academically ineligible for a bowl game? West Virginia is giving 11. Too much. But Jackets go down.
Sugar: Hate to interrupt the continuing canonizing of Charlie Weis. But Notre Dame is about to break an NCAA record with nine straight bowl losses (two under Weis). But then, the saying is, “Cheer, Cheer for Old Notre Dame,” not new. LSU covers 9.
Orange: Nothing says BCS like Louisville-Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl. Cards win, but Wake will keep it closer than 10.
Rose: Michigan was jobbed by the BCS, but here’s the only motivation it needs: It still has a shot at the AP title. Take the 1, but Wolverines beat Southern Cal.
Music City: When asked by a cop last week if he had drugs in the car, Clemson cornerback Duane Coleman said, “We done smoked it.” A thought: Make presidential candidates to get high before a debate, in the name of honesty. Tigers win, but take Kentucky and 9 1/2.
Semi-Cons
Giants at Redskins: There are a lot of things you can say about Tom Coughlin. Never thought dumb would be one of them. He dumps offensive coordinator (John Hufnagel) for the last game but gives play-calling duties to five-time loser Kevin Gilbride instead of taking over himself. Guess he’s got an offer on the house already. Skins in an upset (grab the 2 1/2).
Lions at Cowboys: So Carrie Underwood is dating Tony Romo. I guess she’s still looking at game tape from November. Dallas wins, but take Detroit and 12 1/2.
Rams at Vikings: If the NFL loves parity so much, this must be their crowning achievement: The NFC’s final wild-card entry may end up being a team that recently lost five straight and seven of eight. The Rams have three things going for them: Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson and scheduling. St. Louis covers 2 1/2.
Steelers at Bengals: The Bengals’ playoff chances suddenly hinge on the Jets losing to the Raiders. The good news is they hold tiebreaker advantages over San Quentin and Leavenworth. Cincy wins, but take Pitt and 6.
Packers at Bears: The Bears are looking forward to smothering the Packers’ playoff chances. They reaffirmed this by announcing Rex Grossman might be pulled early. (Attention, remaining Brett Favre fan(s): Your boy is 0-6 against winning teams this year.) Bears cover 2 1/2.
Regress reportLast week: Um, that would be the week after two weeks ago.
Shut up: I know what you meant.
Season to date: 99-67 straight up, 76-88-2 against the spread.
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