NFL Live Blog: Giants/Cowboys season opener.

Coming to you LIVE (well as I write this, it's live, by the time you read it it will be later, but you get the drift) from a farmhouse located somewhere near Elkton, SD....

It's the NFL Season Kickoff Live Blog



(too much?  yeah, I guess so)

Tonight's match up features last year's Super Bowl Champions, The Giants of New York (New York Giants!  Madagascar, witness?) against the Dallas Cowboys.

On hand tonight, we have my brother Chuck, his wife Cheryl, and our children.  Could make for some fun conversation.  Also... I've got my g-mail account open, and I'm waiting for comments from the peanut gallery (that means you...the 3 or 4 people who read this blog).

NY Giant Superbowl greats are bringing out the Lombardi trophies the team has won to the delight of the fans.

Let's break this game down a bit, shall we?

We've got the Tom Coughlin led Giants, against Jason Garrett's Cowboys.  Coughlin looks like your neighbor's Grandpa, he's still spry, and you don't dare go on his lawn.  Jason Garret reminds me of Ron Howard.  I know it's a cliche to compare him to another redhead, but I can't help it.  Opie Cunningham faces off with the old dude from down the street who may have killed someone in the
 war.

The QB battle tonight is another contrast in styles.  You have Tony Romo of the Cowboys, who seems to put up good numbers every year, but never really goes anywhere, and has a reputation for choking under pressure...and being a bit injury prone.  On the other side, we've got Eli Manning, who is most famous for being Peyton's kid brother.  Eli rarely wows you with amazing plays, but he's usually pretty smart and comes up big in the clutch, and he's won 2 Super Bowls, and he's NEVER hurt. 

To be honest, I wouldn't want either of them qb-ing my fantasy team, but that's me.

Queen Latifah did a pretty solid job singing the National Anthem.  Remember when she was a rapper? 

Giants start off with the ball, and try a deep play action pass on the first play.

 

Giants go 3 and out, and will have to punt.  My wife just called and I'm attempting to blog and talk at the same time... this is hard.

 

Dallas also goes 3 and out...and we start the season with a couple of punts.  Commercial break.

 

My nephew came in the room, and played Switchfoot's "Meant to Live" for a minute there.  That was a wild minute...stereo, football game, wife on the phone, blog on the laptop...

 

Eli just hit Victor Cruz on a beautiful pass down the left sideline.  Nice gain there. 

 

Seriously, how old is Al Michaels?  He did the Miracle on Ice game, back in 1980!  It's 2012, and he's still going strong.  Chris Collinsworth is my favorite color guy for NFL games. 

 

Eli's slowly moving the G-men down the field here.  The Giants fumble on a sweep play...rookie RB Wilson dropped it when he was hit and the Cowboys recover.  My brother Chuck likes Tom Coughlin.  I agree, Coughlin is a good coach. 

 

Let's see what Romo can do here.  Big time false start on #77 of the Cowboys...Smith.  I don't blame him though, that Giants D-Line is nasty. 

 

On 3rd and 4 Romo completes a pass to someone, but my other nephew was in front of the screen and I couldn't see who it was.  This is a real professional operation we've got going here.  I love it.

 

A brief interruption in the action here, as we lost power to the television and cable box.  Honestly, like 2 seconds after I typed what a professional operation is going on here.  Not sure what happened, but the Giants fans were cheering, and they went to commercial.

 

Giants have the ball now, and Eli immediately hits Hakeem Nicks on a quick play action play.  I really like Nicks, very good wideout.  After a couple runs by Ahmad Bradshaw, the Giants face a 3rd and 2 and Manning completes a short pass to Victor Cruz.  Manning did a nice job recovering a terrible snap there.  End of the first quarter... 0-0.

 

My 2nd son is pumped, because we just checked our fantasy football league and he's leading everyone in scoring with 11 points.  It's his first year. 

 

As I type that, Eli gets sacked by the Cowboys.  Nice pressure by DeMarcus Ware.  On 3rd and long, Eli is pressured, and has to throw it away...another punt.  Nearly a great special teams play there, but the ball crosses the goal line.

 

Just caught sight of Kevin Gilbride on the Giants sideline.  Not a fan.  That man ruined my Chargers for years.  He's done a nice job as the OC of the Giants, though. 

 

In the meantime, Dallas is moving the ball down the field.  A nice pass to Dez Bryant, and a scramble by Romo.

 

Giants intercept the ball and nearly return it for a TD. Causing son #2 to beg me repeatedly to check the fantasy scoreboard (He has the Giants defense).  A couple of runs by Bradshaw, one outside, and one inside, go nowhere and it's 3rd and goal.  Eli in shotgun:  throws over the middle, incomplete.  Victor Cruz wanted pass interference on that play, and it looked like he a legit beef.  Tynes kicks the FG to start the scoring.

 

Giants 3  Cowboys 0

 

Text from "Timmah":  On the bright side, I have only heard "replacement refs" once.

Very true.

 

The Cowboys get called for another false start... it's their 3rd or 4th one.  They then run a draw play and Jason Pierre Paul just swallowed it up.  That guy is a beast.  I remember when he was coming out in the draft...they kept saying what a freak athlete he was, and he's shown it in the NFL.  On 3rd and long the 'Boys come up short on a pass completion...nice tackling by the Giants secondary.

 

I just realized, that I've written a ton of stuff, and we're in a 3-0 game.  Eli takes the field again.  Nice to see that Al and Chris are wearing matching outfits tonight.  That's important.  For what, I'm not certain... I guess it shows they're a team.  Because if they aren't dressed alike... you know they could be... competing or... showing each other up, or ... I don't know...why do they need to dress alike?  Answer me that?

 

Here's how boring this game has become, my brother and I have been discussing movies that we've watched and fell asleep during.  My claim to fame is "Die Hard with Avengance" and Chuck's was "Mission Impossible".  The Giants have to punt again. 

 

Eli and Deion Sanders are in the commercial for direct tv's season ticket package.  Where do they come up with these pairings?  A current qb... who's won two Superbowl's, and an old cornerback who hasn't played in years...yeah, let's put them in a commercial together...

 

2 minute warning, and it's still 3-0. 

 

Dallas is threatening to score, and of course we have another timeout.  And I get to hear that IE9 Song...Again.  Who loves their Internet browser?  And who loves Internet Explorer? 

 

Touchdown Cowboys on a pass from Romo to WR Kevin Ogletree.  PAT is good, and it's 7-3 Cowboys.  1:01 to go in the first half.

 

 See if Eli can do anything in the last minute.  Cruz drops an easy pass on the first play.  On 2nd down, De Marcus Ware brings down Eli...He is really good.  leading to a 3rd and 16.  The Giants run a draw as the clock runs out on the first half. 

Halftime:  Cowboys 7 Giants 3

Commercial for the Voice:  which leads to the question... Real?  or not so Real?  Anyone who has seen the Voice knows of what I speak. 

Snack Break!

Dallas starts with the ball in the 2nd half, with a nice little swing pass to Demarco Murray for 9 yards.  And Romo hits Ogletree on a deep ball for a Touchdown!  Nice pass...nice play.  This Ogletree looks like a player, don't remember him from before this season.

Cowboys 14 Giants 3

Very surprised to see Dallas come out and score on the opening drive of the 2nd half.  Nice job of play calling by Opie Cunningham.  The Giants defense looked off balance that entire drive.

Comment from Kelly: 
Baby Khloe is sleeping through this game...and how you may ask?  Has her Daddy not done a good job in bringing her up as a Giants fan?  No...it is because her Daddy is 20 miles away watching the game at Cubby's and she can't hear him yelling at the G-men.

Eli Manning hits a beautiful deep pass to Hixon for 39 yards.  Bradshaw takes the ball around the left side for a touchdown.  PAT is good.

Cowboys 14 Giants 10

This game is actually turning out to be pretty exciting now.  Chuck says the first half was a "malaise".  I agree.  Good word.

Demarco Murray makes a beautiful move in the backfield, make a couple tacklers miss, and turns up a 48 yard gain.  A nice scramble by Romo makes it first and goal for the Cowboys.  On 2nd down Romo gets sacked... Pierre-Paul had the initial pressure, as I said before...that guy is a Beast.  On 3rd down Romo tries the Ogletree plan again...and it's broken up, Dallas settles for a FG.

Cowboys 17 Giants 10 (all of a sudden the offenses are in control)

Roughing the passer is called on the Cowboys.  It wasn't egregious, but he did go to the head with his hands.  Refs had to call it.  I've got to say, these replacement officials are doing a pretty good job.  A few mistakes here and there, but nothing too bad.

Anthony Spencer gets a sack on 3rd down, and the Giants make the first punt of the 2nd half.  Dallas will take over on their 17 yard line.

Chuck and Son #1 are having a riveting discussion on video games...  Miles Austin made a gorgeous catch on a dangerous throw by Romo for a first down.  And I just tried to sign Ogletree to my fantasy football team, and another player had grabbed him...exactly one minute before I made my request.

Dallas is moving into scoring range.  Murray makes a nice run down to the 13 yard line.  Tackled by Dez Bryant, his own teammate (basically).  Dallas gets called for an illegal hands to the face penalty, ouch.  That will push them back 10 yards.  Now at the 23 yard line.  Romo is pressured out of the pocket, and Dallas gets called for holding.  Now another 10 yards back.

On first and 30.... Romo completes a 34 yard TD pass to Miles Austin.  What the heck were the Giants doing?  Dallas extends the lead.

Cowboys 24 Giants 10  5:51 to go in the game.

Ahmad Bradshaw takes a simple draw play for a big gain into Dallas territory, I got a feeling Eli isn't done yet.  Doesn't mean they'll come back and win, but he's got some moxie. 

4th and 2, a Cowboy stop will pretty much assure a victory.  Dallas calls a timeout.  What do you run here if you are Kevin Gilbride?  If it was the old Giants with Brandon Jacobs... you'd just power it up there.  I'm thinking they will probably throw it...but Eli isn't mobile.  Like if you have Romo or someone who can scramble  you could call a pass on some sort of a roll out...

Giants come out in shotgun, and Eli completes a pass to Victor Cruz, but Dallas had jumped offside, anyway.  First down.  Eli JUST misses Hixon on a pass down the seam...that was a TD.  Just led him a bit too much.

3rd and 6 from the Dallas 18 yard line.  Eli hits Cruz at the 13.  4th and 1, and Bradshaw gains the first down in the no huddle.  1st and goal.  Touchdown pass to Marcellus Bennett.  Flag on the play.  Pass Interference on the Defense.  I told you Eli wasn't done!

Cowboys 24  Giants 17  2:36  to go

The Giants kick away, and Dallas returns to the 26 yard line.  So, if you're Jason Garrett, do you run it?  Do you pass it?  I think you run on first down.  And they do, for a short gain.  2:26 to go.  2nd and long.  Timeout Giants. 

Demarco Murray makes a nice gain, and the Giants call another timeout, their last.  It's 3rd and short with 2:17 to go.  Murray makes a run outside to the left for a first down, but there is a penalty flag on the play, and the Giants are claiming holding.  It is holding, on Jason Witten.  It's now 3rd and 12.

Romo in Shotgun... and hits Ogletree for a first down.  2:00 warning.  Dallas has a first down, and the Giants are out of time outs.  The Cowboys go into "Victory" formation, and will kneel down a couple times, and that will be it.

Pretty exciting second half, and a nice game to start the season with.

I'm getting excited for Monday night, and the Chargers/Raiders showdown.

Hey Carson Palmer... you know who's coming for you?  Antwan Barnes.

 



NFL Kickoff Blog starts at 7:30 pm Central

I'll be doing a live blog of tonight's Giants/Cowboys game tonight.

Here is the plan... I'll have my gmail account account open:  coacharming@gmail.com

And if you have a comment, snide remark, or snarky opinion....send it to me...preferrably in the chat option or whatever.... and then I'll include it in the live blog.

I will publish and post the blog at the conclusion of the game.

Oh yeah, I nearly forgot... Carson Palmer?  Shaun Phillips is coming for you, on Monday night.

Hey Carson, you looking forward to this?

Top 5 NFL Team Uniforms

For the 5 Worst Uniforms, click the link.

Once again,

This is looking at the whole uniform: pants, jersey, and helmet in concert. How does everything look together?

Here’s what I used for criteria: my opinion. While I know that is lacking on specifics and details, it is the truth, and it's good enough for me... hey, it's my blog.

5.  Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals uniforms are sweet.  Especially when you compare them to what they used to wear.  Here's how you know you have had a good idea.  Imitation by several teams, like the Vikings and Falcons quickly changed to uniforms that if not exactly copy...mimic what the Cardinals did with theirs.

A few things to mention.  I do NOT like the Cardinals alternate black uniforms.  They don't look right.  The reason these uniforms look sharp is because of the bright Red.  You take that away and replace it with Black, and it just looks blah.

A quick suggestion for the Cardinals... for your "alternate" uniforms.  Red Helmets.  You may think a Red Cardinal on a Red Helmet would looks weird, but it really doesn't.   So, get rid of the Black Jerseys... and strap on Red Helmets.

4.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Probably the greatest uniform transformation of all time.  There is not one thing, not one single thing, about the old Tampa uniforms that was better than the new version.
The color scheme:  From the old Orange, Red, and White to Red, Pewter, and Black.

The logo:  From the Gay Pirate to Skull and Crossed Swords hanging on a flag, hung on a sword.

The helmet:  From This  to  This.

Do you remember the Buccaneers before the change in 1995?  They went from a joke, a farce, and someone that no one feared into a legitimate contender.  Almost immediately.  Never has the fate of a franchise changed more drastically.  The Buccaneers changed the image and the perception of their team in one fell swoop.  (Hiring Tony Dungy didn't hurt, either.)  This is why uniforms are important.  Players play feel better about themselves when they look good.  They feel better, they play better.

3.  New York Giants

Simple.  Clean.  Elegant.

To be honest, I never thought there was anything wrong with the Giants Uniform in the Bill Parcells era.  Those were pretty good looking.  They weren't Top 5 in the league, but they looked good.

Here is where just a slight, subtle adjustment, can make a huge difference.  The helmet has changed both in color and logo.  The "new" helmets are brighter and more colorful than the old ones.  Technically, they are both blue with a red stripe, but the change is definitely for the better.

The logo went from GIANTS to NY.  Again, the difference is slight, but I like it.  Two Color scheme on the logo from one.  And something about the lowercase lettering looks cooler too.  I just like what they did here.  More colorful.  More modern.  And still, simple and easy.

And I love the Gray pants.  How many teams do that?  One.  The Giants.  It sets them apart.  It makes them different.  These would have been my second favorite except for a major uniform overhaul in the past off season by the....

2.  Buffalo Bills

I'm going to be honest here, I've been waiting for this change.  The past few years whenever I saw the Bills on television I would text my brother and say something along these lines, "I really wish the Bills would go back to their throwback uniforms, they look better than these things."

The Bills uniforms were awful.  The Red helmets look like something from the 80's.  They weren't terrible, but mixed in with all the color in the uniform...  There's no contrast.  They're all Blue and Red, it hurt the eyes.  Another thing I didn't like about them is the weird shoulder square thing.  It's more notable on the white uniforms, but it's even there on the blue ones?  What the heck?  And if you have a Blue shoulder thing on the white uniforms, shouldn't you have a White shoulder thing on the Blue ones?  

Buffalo General Manger Buddy Nix, used to be the Assistant GM to the San Diego Chargers.  He took a page out of his old team's book.  He changed the uniforms so that it looked like the throwback uniforms, but had their own charm.  They pay homage to the bills of old, without exactly copying it and looking like they belong in a museum like like the Jets did.  Straight out of the Chargers playbook.  Going back to the white helmets?  Check.  Going back to an old color scheme?  check.  Well done, Bills, well done.  

1.  San Diego Chargers -The Hands Down best looking uniforms in the league.

"Home"

I'm fully prepared for the cries of "Homer!" and "That's your favorite team, of course you like them the best!"    Listen, it's not my fault that my favorite team also has the best looking uniforms in the league.  It's just the way it is.  If I were a Packers fan, I would not be claiming we had the best looking uniforms in the league.  Because they don't.  If I were a Bears fan, I would not think the Bears had the best uniforms either, because even though they are fine, traditional, and classic... they aren't cool.  The Chargers uniforms are cool.

"Away"

This is why I have included photos of each of the three styles, Home, Away, and Alternate.  Look closely at each of these photos.  And then think back to the five worst uniforms, as recorded yesterday.  Do the Chargers uniforms do anything like those teams?  

Are they:

Trying too hard to be audacious, like the Broncos uniforms?

Relics of the past like the Jets uniforms?

Racially and culturally inappropriate, as well as poorly colored, like the Redskins?

Plain, bland, boring and ugly like the Browns uniforms?

Wimpy, new age colored, and adorned with a silly looking mascot?

"Alternate"

Let me answer each of those questions with one answer, "NO".  Here is how nice looking the Charger uniforms are, first of all imagine a little kid... 6, 7, 8 years old... and put him in a room full of NFL jerseys and let him pick the one he likes the most  (we have to imagine he knows nothing about football, and has no favorite team or anything.... just picking on which jersey he likes the best).  More than likely he's coming out of there with the one that has Lightning Bolts on it.  What would you pick.... one with a bird on it?

I was watching a pre-season game of the Chargers this summer, and my wife looked up from the computer and says, "When you picked them as your favorite team, did you do it because their uniforms look so cool"?  Honestly, it played a role.  I was 10 years old.  This was basically pre-espn, and I'd never heard of them.  (Remember the NFL didn't dominate the culture of the nation in those days, as it does now.)  I saw this cool looking team, throwing the ball all over the field, putting up tons of points.  (Dan Fouts and the Air Coryell era Chargers)

Listen, as a Chargers fan, they've never won the Super Bowl.  They may never win the Super Bowl (Particularly the way the current version of the team is playing).  Can't you just admit that their uniforms look good?  It's not like saying they're the best team.  Just the best dressed.  Is there anything wrong with that?  Not in my opinion.  Of course, Chiefs, Broncos, and Raiders fans are excused from giving the Chargers any credit whatsoever, and that's alright because it's obvious by your choice of team that you have made worse decisions in the past.  (tee-hee)

I was texting back and forth with a friend (Steelers fan) this summer, and we were busting on each others teams a little, and he said something like "The Steelers would beat the Chargers" and I replied back with, "I don't doubt it, but the Chargers still have the best looking uniforms."  To which he replied, "True.  Even I won't argue that point."

So there you go.  My completely unscientific, and completely biased opinion on who looks the best.