PIECE OF ‘POUND’ CAKE
CALL it the unintended consequence of being too correct.
Last week, it said here the Jets made the wrong move at quarterback. That Todd Bowles, after letting Ryan Fitzpatrick sweat out the decision for one night, should have given the veteran one more chance to try to save his career. Instead, Bowles went with Geno Smith, which was the reason for the Ravens pick.
Of course, Smith would get hurt and Fitzpatrick (along with some interceptions collected by his team, for a change) led the Jets to victory and a cover. Now Fitzpatrick is the starter again after calling out his coach, general manager and owner for not believing in him. Never mind it might be hard for him to convince another coach, GM or owner to sign him; this renegade, bleep-’em-all stunt could be seen as the catalyst if the Fitzpatrick and the Jets go on a good run and get back into contention.
Good on Smith for his kind reaction to Joe Namath’s original tweet saying if Smith was healthy enough to stand on the sideline, he could have played. Jets fans always will love him, but when Broadway Joe was out injured, he stood on the Jets sidelines wearing a white fur coat!
So what does this all mean for JetsBrowns on Sunday in the Dawg Pound? The expectation here is for a close game, with the 0-7 Browns smelling their first win. They have played hard and had some ingame success despite endless injuries.
Now quarterback Josh McCown returns, which will bring back the deep ball to Terrelle Pryor. running back Isaiah Crowell and tight end Gary Barnidge can make plays, and look for spot use of sixth-string QB
Kevin Hogan, who rushed for 104 yards last week.
Fitzpatrick may pull out the “W” here, but the Browns with the points is the way to go. The pick: Browns, +3.
Bengals (-3) over Redskins (in London): The Redskins were deciding Thursday whether Josh Norman (concussion) will make the trip across the pond. Even if he does and is able to play, it likely would mean he won’t be 100 percent and would likely mean a huge day for the Bengals’ A.J. Green.
FALCONS (-3) over Packers: Falcons are treading on a repeat of last season, when they started 5-0 and then lost eight of the last 11. They have lost two in a row after a stout four-game winning streak. Coach Dan Quinn needs to stop the bleeding now, and the Packers come in with a banged-up defense as linebacker Clay Matthews and corners Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins missed Wednesday’s practice.
Lions (+21/2) over TEXANS: Yes, the Texans are 4-0 at home and 0-4 with four blowout losses on the road. And, yes, the Lions’ current three-game winning streak was all accomplished at home. But Brock Osweiler looks to be regressing while Matthew Stafford is in the conversation for MVP. (By the way, still wondering how Osweiler was charged with a fumble in Denver when he threw the ball about 10 yards).
SAINTS (+3) over Seahawks: On Sunday night in the 6-6 debacle at Arizona, the Seahawks didn’t run a play past the 50 until mid fourth quarter. And if not for Tanner McEvoy’s blocked punt, they might not have run any at all. Seattle is averaging 12 points per game on the road and aren’t equipped to match points with Drew Brees.
Patriots (-51/2) over BILLS: One part revenge for the Patriots, who lost 16-0 to the Bills in Tom Brady’s final game out. One part LeSean McCoy’s hamstring injury. And one part Rex Ryan — things usually go from very good to very bad with him. There’s no in between.
Raiders (PK) over BUCCANEERS: The Raiders are 4-0 on the East Coast at 1 p.m. already, and have won six of their last seven overall on the road. The Buccaneers have lost seven of their last 10 at home.
Chiefs (-21/2) over COLTS: Hardest game on the board by far. The teams have almost the same yardage differential (Chiefs minus-24 yards, Colts minus-27), but the Chiefs have turned that into 4-2 while the Colts are 3-4.
Chargers (+4½) over BRONCOS: After their big win in Atlanta, Chargers have real shot to go from 1-4 to the playoffs. Will take Philip Rivers all day over Trevor Siemian. More of the same from two weeks ago, when Chargers beat Broncos 21-13.
PANTHERS (-3) over Cardinals: Panthers are fresh off a bye, while the Cardinals had to travel far after playing five brutal quarters against the Seahawks on Sunday night. Even at 1-5 Carolina’s not out of it in the NFC South.
Eagles (+4) over COWBOYS: Eagles have won their last three trips to AT&T Stadium. The bye might dull the Cowboys, who are on a five-game winning streak, while the Eagles’ defense should gain momentum after creating four turnovers and holding the Vikings to 10 points. MONDAY NIGHT Vikings (-5) over BEARS: Chicago has some guys who can harass Sam Bradford if the Vikings don’t get their battered offensive line straightened out. But on the other side there’s the Vikings’ fantastic defense against rusty Jay Cutler. Like the sound of that! BEST BETS: Raiders, Lions, Eagles LOCK OF THE WEEK: Raiders (Locks 3-4 in 2016) LAST WEEK: 9-6 overall, 2-1 Best Bets THURSDAY: Titans (W)