On the surface, trading your former
3
rd overall draft pick 19 games into his career seems like
perhaps the dumbest, lamest, most nonsensical, most irrational trade
that an NFL team could ever make. While the Trent Richardson trade
may seem like a steal for the Colts upon first observation (and
second observation and third observation) this trade may not be as
lopsided as you may believe. Yes, Cleveland just made their 3
rd
overall selection (a pick they traded up for) completely null and
void. And yes, this is an upgrade for the Colts over incumbent
starter Ahmad Bradshaw. However, I believe that this trade was the
right move for the lowly Cleveland Browns.
The Browns are going nowhere and they
are going nowhere at the speed of light. They have a 29 year old 2nd
year QB who is more than likely also on the same track as fellow
draft-mate Trent Richardson. They have a surprisingly stout defense
that has zero help from the offensive side of the ball. They finished
5-11 last year and have sputtered out the gate this year to an 0-2
start. You could argue that T-Rich was their only offensive weapon.
But what's the point of having a weapon if you don't have any ammo?
Cleveland sold T-Rich while he still
has value; and they got a 1st round draft pick out of it.
There is no denying that Trent Richardson has all of the tools to be
a superstar running back in the National Football League. But will he
ever find the blueprint to put the tools together and live up to his
potential? The Browns are betting 'no'. There's been a lot of talk
about how Richardson's numbers should be taken with a grain of salt
because every week defenses load-up with 8 or 9 men in the box. I
don't believe in that theory, look at Maurice Jones Drew in
Jacksonville. Their offense is arguably even worse than Cleveland's
and he ran for over 1600 yards in 2011 and 4.8 yards per attempt in
the few games he played in 2012; compared to the paltry 3.6 yards per
attempt that Mr. Richardson averaged last year. So don't feed me that
crap about defenses loading up the box, that comes with the territory
of being an elite back in the NFL.
Do I think the Browns are tanking this
season after 2 games? Yes I do. Do I think the Browns would have
tanked anyway? You're damn right I do. And do I think Willis McGahee
will fill in and do as good/maybe better than T-Rich did? Yes, yes,
yes.
Week 3 Predictions
After all of that being said, I fully
expect the Football Gods to unleash their wrath upon the Browns for
daring to tank so early into the season. I foresee a total backfire
this week and the BROWNS upset the Vikings at home.
In an obvious pick, I like the SEAHAWKS
over the Jaguars; but in a closer game than you'd expect. If you're
playing the line(set at -19.5), take the Jags in this game. Seattle
is coming off an emotional divisional win at home and may be looking
past the Jags. I expect Jacksonville to keep it close but Seattle
gets settled in and pulls out the victory.
Indianapolis has the unfavorable task
of going into San Francisco to take on a pissed off 49ers team. Even
with the acquisition of Richardson, I expect the 49ERS to channel
their inner Bobby Boucher and pretend that the Colts are the
Seahawks, leading to a blow out win over the Colts.
The Giants are favored by -1.5 over
the Panthers even though they're playing in Carolina. I expect the
GIANTS to pick off Cam Newton at least twice and for New York to get
it's first win of the year.
I think SAN DIEGO brings their
offensive hot streak into Tennessee and lights up the scoreboard
against a good Titans defense, but Tennessee makes a late push to
bring this game within a field goal. Chargers roll.
Tampa Bay goes into New England to face
the struggling Patriots offense in Foxboro this week. My guess is
that if the Pats get Gronk in time for this one, Brady finds his favorite
target more than a few times and the PATRIOTS take care of business at home, per usual.
Ray Rice is questionable for the
underdog Ravens(-2), playing at home against the Houston Texans. I
think Rice plays hurt but it isn't enough for the Ravens to protect
their house from a gritty TEXANS team.
Dallas against St. Louis is a very
interesting Week 3 matchup. Both teams are coming off of tough losses
in games where a few plays decided the game. If the RAMS defensive
front can get enough pressure on Romo and the 'Boys, I expect them to
make enough plays to surprise the Cowboys at home.
I expect NEW ORLEANS to defend their
home turf against the pass heavy Cardinals. A few Carson Palmer
interceptions and this game has potential to get ugly.
Cincinnati is playing Green Bay in
Cincy this week and the PACKERS are favored by a field goal. I say
the Bengals come out flat and the Packers pick up a nice road win
this week.
The Atlanta Falcons travel to Miami to
face the undefeated Dolphins in their home opener this week. Atlants
has some holes on their O-Line this week which is a matchup nightmare
against the Dolphins defensive front. Jordan says the DOLPHINS get
pressure on Matty Ice all game long and win their home opener.
Buffalo goes into MetLife Stadium to
take on the Jets in an AFC East matchup this week. Jordan says the
Jets defense eats rookie EJ Manuel alive and the JETS win at home.
The Windy City Bears head over to
Pittsburgh this Sunday night to take on a winless Steelers team.
Jordan says that Jay Cutler outshines Big Ben under the lights and
the BEARS leave the Steelers searching for their first win.
The Washington and Detroit line is at a
push right now, but I don't think this game will be that close. The
REDSKINS are hungry for their first win and RG3 has his break out
performance this week at home.
And finally the Denver Broncos are
taking on the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football this week. The
Broncos are favored at 15.5 points right now. This game has upset
potential to me. Terrelle Pryor isn't an elite passer yet but the kid
has wheels. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that the RAIDERS
surprise Peyton and the Broncos in Denver.
