January 13, 2006
If you like this e-zine please do a friend and me a big favor and pass it on.
If a friend did pass it on to you and you like the e-zine please sign up by visiting Thehooks Book page.
January 14, 2006
Issue #62
Weekly Publication
Table of Contents:
Carolina Panthers +3
Dr. D’s Thoughts And Ponders
Since the readers of Reno have been enjoying the information for free we thought that we would send this out to Thehooks Book customers. We are 12-7 with this pick.
Carolina +3 @ Chicago
On Sunday, the Carolina Panthers travel to the Windy City to take on a Bears team that hasn’t won a playoff game in 11 years.
Coming off a 5-11 season a year ago, the Bears turned it around this year winning the NFC North crown with a defense that ranked first in points and second overall. Their offense on the other hand was inconsistent to say the least especially in the passing game. Rookie Kyle Orton took over for Rex Grossman in the preseason when Grossman went down with a broken ankle. Though he helped lead the Bears to an 11-5 record, he was anything but consistent. The running game of the Bears on the other hand is top notch. Thomas Jones led a strong rushing attack behind an offensive line that helped him finish fifth in the league in rushing. But with an inconsistent offense, the Bears were thankful for such a solid defense, which in many games gave them more points than the offense did.
It took Carolina till the final week of the season to secure themselves a playoff spot. But don’t let the wild-card label fool you, this Panther team is battle tested. Remember, this is the team that in 2003 beat the Rams and the Eagles on the road en route to the Super Bowl where they eventually lost to the Patriots. This year, the road to the Super Bowl for the Panthers will not include any home games just like in 2003. Last week, they beat the Giants 23-0 on the road. They shut down the running game of Barber and pestered Manning all game.
For Carolina to be successful this weekend in Chicago, their game plan has to be similar to the one they had last week in New York. Their defense needs to step it up once again. They need to be able to shut down the rushing attack of Jones and they need to get consistent pressure on Grossman all game. Offensively, the Panthers need to stick to what they did last weekend and that was to play conservatively. They must be able to run the ball like they did (223 yards) as well as have Delhomme play within himself and his ability. Against the Giants, he kept it simple. Short passes to Smith and let the receivers and backs make the plays. If Delhomme is given time in the pocket by his line (sacked 8 times against the Bears in last meeting), he will be able to find the open receivers which will open up the running game as well.
I see the Panthers sticking to their game plan and beating the Bears this weekend. The Bears haven’t been to the playoffs since 2001 and the Panthers are in a familiar position, playing a playoff game on the road. Look for the Panthers to move on to the NFC championship.
Welcome to Thoughts And Ponders by Dr. D
Wonder what USC will be like next year since they have now lost Leinart, White and Bush. I’m sure they will still be a solid top 10 team. It’s called recruiting.
If you were the Texans, who would you choose: Young, Bush or Leinart?
If the Texans choose Bush, with such a weak offensive line, he will have to be a magician to do anything.
I would love to see the Packers and Texans trade picks and let Bush go to the Packers. Favre would stay around for one more year.
If the Texans want a quarterback, they should trade with the Packers because they will either get Leinart or Young at #3.
Where do you see Deangelo Williams going in this draft?
How about Chris Leak staying for his senior season?
How about the Panthers shutting out the Giants in the wild-card round?
My prediction for the Super Bowl team out of the NFC is the Panthers. Why you may ask? Because they are on the same road they had to travel in 2003. They will not play a home game in the playoffs and if you can’t remember what happened back in 2003, they beat the Rams and the Eagles on the road en route to the Super Bowl. This year, they will go Giants, Bears, and then probably the Seahawks en route to the big game.
Can you believe Carson Palmer going down on the second play of the game? What a blow to the moral of your team.
I’m a bit concerned about the Colts/Steelers game. I know the Colts are really good but they really haven’t played a meaningful game in almost a month…does the word “rusty” come in to play?
The red-hot Redskins could put a little scare in the Seahawks this weekend. Just a little scare.
It’s hard to go against the Patriots this week but this week could be the end of the Patriots reign for this year anyway.
Marcus Vick. What a dummy! Think anyone will take a chance in the draft on this disaster off the field?
With QB’s such as Brees and Palmer going down with big injuries, their back-ups Rivers and Kitna might be staying as back-ups.
Game of the Weekend: All of them. I believe every playoff game this weekend will be a good one.
Question of the Week: If you were a GM for an NFL football team, would you take a chance on drafting Marcus Vick in the first round?
This is Dr. D signing out from Thehooks book. Enjoy the weekend of good playoff football.
Just The Facts:
Thehooks has extended their contract with The BUZZ through March Madness. Reno listeners can tune in at 8 am on The BUZZ - 1270 am. Callers are wanted with good quality college basketball information.
No Free Picks this week.
Click to view our home page.