'Hits' from the Pipe - Game 5
The
Stillers roll into Cincy this weekend, fresh off a loss that was unlike any other loss I can remember. The offense had a pretty decent game considering our QB was starting his first game in a decade. What was more annoying was the fact that the D could not stop the run, the pass, the big plays, the small plays, nothin'. What a horrible feeling it was to have a team continually gain yardage when all we needed was just one punt. Putting another loss behind us and focusing on this critical divisional game is a must for this D to step up and put a team like the Bengal's in their place - Dead Last.I Must Be Smokin' Something�
The O comes out with a nice balance of pass, then run. Maddox is very efficient and gets the Stillers ahead 14-0 in the first quarter with a couple of TD passes to Plex. The running game becomes more effective in the 2nd quarter with Bettis and Amos getting plenty of touches and lots of clock time leading to another 10 points by halftime. The Offense comes out a little more conservative, obviously, in the 2nd half but quickly turns to the passing game again for points, giving the Stillers a big lead. The run game finally gets a chance to close out the game with Haynes getting some scrap work ala RJ Bowers in the Cleve '01 game. A 40+ point outing leaves little doubt in the minds (Trap) of those remaining doubters. Maddox is for real, and this O can put up points.
The D comes out hard, and puts immediate pressure on the Bengal O line while playing press coverage on the Bungal WRs. The fact that the team has an early lead allows our coaching staff to be more comfortable with being more aggressive than usual, and timely turnovers take the futile confidence away from a sorry Bengal team. The D sets up the O for some easy strikes. The constant pressure and disruption created by the D forces the Bengals to pass more than they like, taking away their best player, #28. The result is a couple of 1st half scores, and some garbage points.
And, the special teams don't screw up for once.
This 'stuff' is illegal in most states.
Stillers 44 - Bengals20
A Smack Upside the Head�
The Bengals open the game with a kickoff return. On the following possession, starting at the Stiller 16 (thank you special teams), Maddox is intercepted on a fluttering out pattern to Plex who watches the Dback intercept the ball before he reacts. The Bengal's then score on a run off right tackle (whiff-flail-flop) and Dillon has the Bengals up 14-0.
With an early lead Dick sends the pressure early and often. The running game is ineffective early, and our new QB throws his 2nd INT in the half. The Stillers go into the halftime down an ugly 17-3.
The somewhat frenzied crowd (at least 60% of them who are actually Bengal fans) keeps the Bengals hungry as the team can finally see a win in the crosshairs. The Stiller O makes the game interesting by responding with a couple of scores, but in very NO Saint like fashion, the Stillers cannot stop the cutback running of Dillon and the ticker-tape parade begins as the Bengals win their first game in '02.
Now that was a baaaad 'trip'.
Stillers 17 - Bengals 31
Ouch.
Okay, Put the Pipe Down�
Now, back to reality.
I must say the first scenario is much more realistic and appealing than the other. I see a Stiller team that will come out a little more aggressive than our other games simply because the passing attack of the Bengals is not that 'scary'. The focus needs to be on Dillon, and this D knows how to stop the run. A. Brooks passing and a pussy-ass scheme allowed Duce to be so successful last week. That won't happen this week.
I'm sure Maddox will come out and throw another nice game for the Stillers, but it will be the resurgence of the running attack that will keep this O from putting up 40+ points. A solid game from our QB will still leave doubters about how good he really is, but give 'em time they'll come around soon enough.
Stillers 31- Bengals 13
The Vegas Pipeline�
Before I give you some of my plays for week 6, let me give some of you fellow gamblers some advice. Bet 'straight-up' and stay away from the parlays. Especially the 3 or 4 teamers. My philosophy is, most knowledgeable NFL fans can at least pick 50%+ or higher on most games. You just have to know which games to stay away from and bet the rest. After it's all over, you should be on top or at least even.
So, here we go�
Sure 'Hits'
Some games I'd bet my left nut on.
Take the Saints (-1) over the Redskins.
The Saints are favored by 1 or 1.5 (I have it as a pick 'em which is whoever you bet is -1). Over/Under is 45.5.
I am pretty certain the Saints can beat a Skin team that has very little front 7 speed (aside from Lavar) to stop their bread and butter Duce-man. The Skin's will score points, but I gotta believe that the Saints should pull this one out pretty easy.
If I had to I'd play the over on this game, but I stay away from over/unders unless they seem too easy a bet.
Take the Bills (-7.5) over the Texans.
The Bills have one of the best Offenses in the game right now, and they are clicking. The Texans suck, and have admitted that they are going to play conservative so they don't get their franchise QB killed with such a poor O line. Don�t touch the 44.5 over/under.
Ya gotta like the 49ers (-3.5) over the Seahawks Monday night.
The Niners found their offense last week, and their rushing attack is solid. The Seahawks are not a bad team, but they are not a good team either. I am surprised that this line is this low, I would have guessed the Niners to be favored by about 8.
Some 'Promising' Plays
The following are some other picks that I like, but I wouldn't bet my nuts on 'em.
I like the Stillers (-6.5) over the Bengals.
Usually I stay away from betting the Stillers. Gamblers Rule #1 - Never bet with your heart. But, this seems like an easy play for the Stillers. We should come out and win this game easily. The over/under is 40.5. I'd play the over here if I had to, but stay away from it if you can.
I'll take the Chiefs (+3.5) over the Chargers.
The Chiefs offense is for real. Seau and Harrison are hurting. Having two of your best players hobbled when you have to stop Priest Holmes and Tony Gonzales is not a good sign for the Bolts. I'll take the points. A 46.5 over/under is too 'high' to try and play.
Take the Bucs (-7) over the Browns.
The Browns are not playing that great right now, and the Bucs D is unreal. I don�t see the Browns O doing much in this game. The Bucs O is coming around; and their D will probably outscore the Brown O. I'd also consider playing the under on the 36.5 over/under.
I like the Jags (-2.5) over the Titans
The Jags are also playing good football, and the Titans are not. It will probably be a close game, but I see the Jags passing game putting the Titans away and covering the spread. A 43.5 over/under is too hard to make a call on.
I like the Dolphins (+3.5) against the Broncos.
This should be a Sunday Night Thriller. Two AFC contenders will battle it out in a close game. So, take the points, I woulda figured the Dolphins to be favorites here. I see the Dolphin pass D against Griese being the difference here. Ricky Williams is a Stud. Over/under is 40.5, that seems to close to call.
Don�t Touch with a 10-Foot�uh�Pipe�
Packers vs. Patriots (-4.5). Which Patriot team will show up this week? It's not worth my money to find out.
Panthers vs. Cowboys (-2.5). The Cowboys are very unpredictable this season, and I'm not to certain the Panthers are for real.
Ravens vs. Colts (-6). I kinda like the Colts here with Slasher Lewis out, but I'd consider playing the under on 42.5.
Lions vs. Vikings (-4.5). The Lions look like they are turning it around, and the Vikes are hurting. Lions, maybe?
Falcons vs. Giants (-6). Vick is out; the Giants are another inconsistent team that I hate to bet on or against.
So, bet the 'Sure Hits', add a couple of 'Promising Plays' and go laughing to the bank on Tuesday.
Go Stillers.
Later.
Still Pipe