Randolph's Random Picks

Week 2

These are the picks for the 2003 season. The bold represents the team selected to win. Games in red represent the Upset of the Week. At the bottom, The weekly and overall records for the season appear at the bottom. These picks are based purely on winners and losers with no consideration from the spread. The spread is only used to determine upsets for the Upset of the Week.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was deep in his own territory facing the Baltimore Ravens. He takes the snap and surveys the field. Unable to find an open receiver and feeling the pressure, Vick abandons the pocket and takes a few steps forward to scramble. Seeing a linebacker in front of him, he plants and turns towards his right in an attempt to get away from the nearby defender. Unfortunately the 'backer had momentum and caught Vick behind. During the tackle, the linebacker rolled on Vick's legs, fracturing his right fibula. Vick watched the season opener from the sidelines in a wheelchair. He won't play a game no earlier than mid-October.

The story is similar to the experience had by New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington. Playing the Giants in a preseason game, he rolled to his right trying to get away from a pass rusher. Pennington threw the ball away, but was still tackled from behind. Finding himself falling face-forward, Pennington used his hands to break his fall. He might had reduced the impact his body took on the fall, but Pennington's left wrist paid the price, fracturing a bone and sidelining the young passer for up to 10 weeks.

Witnessing two young rising stars injured in meaningless games got the old debate going about whether the preseason is too long. Normally the banter is paid no mind but this time the league is taking the chatter more seriously. Recently NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said that the league will bring up the issue in the upcoming league meetings and is considering the possibility of reducing the number of preseason games to two games.

If you hear the sound of old, metal hinges creaking, you're not alone. It's the NFL's Pandora's box opening. Defining sides of the argument isn't clear cut. Owners and coaches are split on whether to keep things the same or make changes. And there's also the question of if the league goes through with reducing the preseason, what happens next? Do they trim two preseason games and leave it at that, or will they exchange two preseason games for two regular season games, making for an 19-week schedule with 18 meaningful games played per team?

Some coaches want to leave well enough alone, preferring to use the four games to evaluate players that will fill out the bottom of the roster. Other head men believe they could get by with just two games and better use training camp practices to find players that will help the team. Owners have their own reasons. Preseason games bring a financial windfall as money made from tickets and concessions go directly into their pockets. The exchange idea probably is appealing to some of the men that sign the checks because they still get dough. But other owners find it more valuable to protect their investments (a.k.a. players) by trimming the two dress rehearsals and getting two regular season games in return.

The whole point of reducing the preseason seems fueled by protecting the marquee players and saving them for the regular season. But there's no guarantee that less preseason games will reduce serious injuries. It comes with the territory in a physical sport. Rod Woodson, Michael Irvin, and Jamal Anderson know all too well that sometimes you don't always play into the 16th game.

Neither does just two preseason games ensure individual safety. Vick was hurt in the second preseason game. Ki-Jana Carter was untouched on his very first preseason carry in the first preseason game and tore up his knee. Training camp might be to get players in shape, but seasons end during these practices as well. Baltimore's Jamal Lewis knows all too well since he tore ligaments in his knee during a training camp practice.

Players admit that training camp and preseason games are necessary evils; they don't like it totally, but know the work is needed. If it's player safety that the league is driven by, then cut two preseason games, period. Injuries are still going to happen, but if two less games bring the league a little more peace of mind, then it shouldn't be too hard to do what's best for the players.

My ego got bruised as I stumbled to a 7-9 start. With proper treatment and a solid tape job, I should bounce back to mid-season form.

Washington at Atlanta - L

You know you're important when the owner of the team wheels you to the sideline to watch a game. That's the treatment Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick received from Arthur Blank. Now how phat is that? Did Vick arrive to the stadium in Blank's limo or helicopter? Was he able to call Blank's secretary for services? Vick has it good right now, but the line is drawn when he needs help going to the bathroom. In Vick's place, quarterback Doug Johnson and the rest of the Falcons will drop the Redskins.

Cleveland at Baltimore - L

The scouting reports proved true with Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller. He lacked accuracy in college and it continued in his first pro game as he completed less that 50 percent of his passes. It could go up to half his passes completed if you count the interception he threw. The going won't get any easier as the Browns bounce Baltimore.

Detroit at Green Bay - W

The Ghosts of Green Bay apparently were exorcised when Atlanta walked into Lambeau Field and punked the Pack in the playoffs. Much like the Angels in the Outfield from Disney's movie, the G.G.B.s subtly assisted the Packers in times of need to get them over the top in games. Without them, they are an ordinary team at home. Inspired by the loss, the Packers play a spirited game and lay the Lions to rest.

Tennessee at Indianapolis - L

As long as the big three of Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, and Edgerrin James are playing for Indy, I would had never thought they could win a defensive game. Apparently head coach Tony Dungy has the players to make his defense run. Beating Cleveland is one thing. Taking out a physical Tennessee team is another story. Speed is nice, but the lack of size will be the difference as the Titans squash the Colts.

Buffalo at Jacksonville - W

Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe should go put his arm around the shoulders of Jacksonville's Mark Brunell and let him know that being traded could be a good thing. If Brunell asks how, then Bledsoe is in trouble. Hard to make a convincing argument after two playoff-less seasons on a rebuilding team. Fortunately the future looks bright for Drew and the Bills as they dim the lights on the Jaguars.

Pittsburgh at Kansas City - W

Well I'll be. KC has a defense! They get great practice going against the offense during practice so they should be able to control Pittsburgh's O. The D turns in another fine performance as the Chiefs show the Steelers their mettle.

Houston at New Orleans - L

In what might be the most amazing stat from this past weekend, the Texans offensive line did not give up a single sack in their win over a usually pass-rush happy Miami team. The whole line is immediately the top candidates for Comeback Player of the Year. They will hold fort again as the Texans storm the Superdome and defeat the Saints in the Upset of the Week.

Miami at New York Jets - W

The Dolphins need to take a page out of Arnold Schwarzenegger's campaign book. The toughest gubernatorial candidate in California was recently hit with an egg during a campaign appearance. Arnold kept walking like he didn't feel it. Miami, now that you have egg on your face from losing your home opener to Houston, it's time to make scrambled eggs. The Dolphins cook the Jets as well and eats them for lunch.

San Francisco at St. Louis - L

Is it any surprise that Rams quarterback Kurt Warner suffered a concussion during St. Louis' loss to the New York Giants? It's one thing to run the ball poorly like the 'Lou did, but 13 rushing attempts in a game will doom any passer. A similar approach leads to a 49ers team that tees off on whoever is standing behind center as San Fran puts the Rams under.

Seattle at Arizona - W

In the course of two years, the Cardinals lost their leading rusher, his back-up, the starting quarterback, and their best receiver. They might had found a gem in wide out Anquan Boldin who broke a team opening day rookie record with 217 yards receiving. And they want to keep him as the third receiver. Only in Arizona. For their stupidity, they will get pasted by the Seahawks.

Carolina at Tampa Bay - L

Football is not an old man's game. 'Lina head coach John Fox remembered that at halftime and made the switch from quarterback Rodney Peete to Jake Delhomme in the second half and it paid off as Delhomme led the Panthers to a come from behind win. The move works two ways. One, Delhomme is better than Peete. Secondly, he's more durable, as T.B. potentially could break Peete in half. Delhomme takes the lumps in a Buccaneers beating.

Cincinnati at Oakland - W

It's unfair to say this early in the season that it is the same old Bengals. The old Bengals would had lost wearing black jerseys and white pants. No matter what Cincinnati wears, the Raiders will dress them down.

New England at Philadelphia - L

The effect on N.E. was obvious last week. Playing against Lawyer Milloy, who was a teammate just days ago, was emotional for the team. No telling if the Patriots go through the same emotional experience as wide receiver Sean Morry plays for Philadelphia. Without emotional ties holding them down, the Eagles bring the Patriots to tears.

Denver at San Diego - L

If Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer maintains the consistency from last week, he will throw 48 interceptions! Not likely, but two picks this week is very possible. Thanks to Plummer's helping hand, the Chargers trounce the Broncos.

Chicago at Minnesota - W

If you want to see a good Chicago performance, buy the DVD. The Vikings will bring the curtain down on the Bears.

Dallas at New York Giants - Monday Night - L

There will be brighter days for the Cowboys. Unfortunately this is a night game in New York against a divisional rival so the Boys be screwed. The Giants throw a wrench in the Dallas rebuilding project.

Weekly Record: 7-9

Overall Record: 14-18