Pyle of List

Every Monday, our very own DLamp will be taking a look at what just happened the day before in the NFL, and looking ahead to the Monday night game(s).

I’m sure you’ve read about Chad Ochocinco and all the pure emotion he left on the field in San Diego yesterday. But I think it’s too important to pass up just because it’s already been done.

We, as fans, often forget that these players are people under the jerseys and helmets. I know I am guilty of such forgetfulness. Watching Chad cry openly, in front of thousands of fans in attendance and millions watching at home was a stern reminder.

We have a lot of fun with NFL players. We poke fun at them, exagerate characteristics, and curse them when they screw our fantasy teams. But at the end of the day they go home to friends and family, just like us normal folks. And Chris Henry’s untimely death is a reminder that those close to us can be taken away in an instant.

So this holiday season, make sure you take the time to enjoy those loved ones around you. Cherish the time you guys have together, and keep them close to you.

Basically, act like Brady Quinn in a public bath house.

…what?

What got into the Browns?

Grated, it was against the Chiefs, another terrible team, but the offense actual looked decent. I know, right? But Jerome Harrison ran for 286 yards and 3 TDs while Josh Cribbs took two kickoffs to the house. Everyone seems pretty sure that Mangini won’t be back next year, and he shouldn’t, but he at least deserves some credit (enjoy the steak knives!) for keeping his team fired up when their season is already in the crapper. Then again, these wins are only going to cost them draft slots, so maybe he’s still not doing the right thing.

How sad was Saturday?

Very. I don’t know why, but I have really been pulling for the Saints this year. And to see them lose to Dallas really hurt. Now, I am not a Dallas hater. I know there are a lot of people out there who do hate ‘Merica’s Teams, but I am not one of them. But as I sat in a cantina watching the game on Saturday (thanks, NFL Network, for not being offered to cable users!) I started to hate their fans. The guys sitting behind me were calling for PI on every play, and were generally being obnoxious. So when Dallas went up 14-0, I gave up and left. I just couldn’t take it anymore. So, Cowboys, congrats on the big win. Saints, I’m sorry to see it end. And Cowboy fans, get it together. You’re turning into Raiders fans. And no one wants that.

Is JP Losman the new Joey Harrington?

The reason I use Joey’s picture when talking about failure in the NFL is because, to me, he’s the perfect example of it. Not only was he not good at playing QB, but he was known for his piano playing skills. Piano! I don’t know if I can think of a hobby that is less NFL than tickling the ivory keys. Now that JP Losman has QB’d in the UFL, he also has that stench of failure on him. So naturally he would get signed by the Raiders. But, lo and behold, he actually got to play in a real life NFL game this past week. And it was standard Joey P. Losman stats: 0 for 1, 0 yards, 0 impact on game. But you know what’s even more embarrassing? Losing to a team that rolls out Losman, JaMarcus Russell, and Charlie Batch to play QB for them. Nice job, Broncos.

Is Indy listening to the Ghost of Christmas Past?

Under Tony Dungy, the Colts were known for resting key players once they locked up home field in the playoffs. This year, their first without Dungy at the helm, everyone wondered if they would shrug off that tradition and keep their feet on the pedal. Well, if this week was any indication, they are indeed going for it. Peyton, Wayne, and Addai played the entire game against Jacksonville even though it didn’t really matter (Colts already have the #1 seed locked up). Will this hold up over the final two weeks? Who knows, but I like it. Let’s see if these guys can do like the Pats and go 16-0. Let’s push ourselves to be the absolute best we can be. And let’s keep fantasy owners from having to rush to the waiver wire for a new QB for their championship game.

Who is right where they want to be?

Obviously, every team would like to have their division wrapped up at this point. But there is something to be said for being on the cusp: the element of surprise. The last few Super Bowls have always had that surprise team, a team that finished outside of the top two in it’s conference. And you just know that teams like the Eagles, Cardinals, and Ravens would all love to sneak their way into that big dance, because once you get there, all bets are off.

Fantasy Question of the Week

What’s it like to get knocked out of the playoffs in two leagues by the same player?

I would know, but it almost happened. In both leagues I’m still in, the other guy had Phillip Rivers. I don’t know if I’ve ever rooted against a singe player that hard (fitting that it was a grade A asshole like Rivers). I ended up losing in one league (very QB heavy scoring, and Rivers had a monster game) but pulling it out in the other (thank you, MJD!).

Un-Perfect Season Watch ‘09!

Each week we will hilight the lowliest of the NFL landscape. Why? Because it’s fun to laugh and point at other people’s misfortune.

Bottom of the barrel (teams that failed to score an offensive TD in the past week): Bears

1. Rams
2. Bucs
3. Lions
4. Browns
5. Chiefs
6. Redskins
7. Bears
8. Bills
9. Raiders
10. Seahawks

Monday Night Sneak (Preview) Attack

NYG @ Wash - The Redskins have really been playing inspired football lately. The offense has come to life, believe it or not, ever since they installed that wacky playcalling tree. And the defense has quietly been pretty good all year. And they’re at home. Really tough to pick against them, but I’m going to. Despite all the heart they’ve shown, the Giants have more to play for tonight, and will come out fired up and take this game to stay in the playoff hunt.

2009 Sneak attack record: 11-4