Monday Night Football - San Diego 19, Indianapolis 9
Admittedly, I did not see this one coming. But I'm willing to bet I was not the only one taken aback by this result.
The Colts have been on an absolute tear as of late, having won three straight games, and in a very impressive manner, to boot. It looked like they were emerging as one of the truly elite teams in the AFC, if not the league.
But the mighty Colts were held to a mere 9 points on Monday Night. The Chargers were able to pound the ball down the throats of the Colts defense with a suddenly resurgent running game, and the San Diego defense was just incredible, frustrating a normally explosive and prolific Colts offense, and making them look quite pedestrian.
Philip Rivers, after the game, seemed quite critical of the Colts in general, and Andrew Luck in particular. In a postgame interview, he claimed that the Colts probably had forgotten who they were playing this week, and he took a specific swipe at Luck, and how busy he seemed all week with promos.
Indeed, there was a feeling that maybe the Colts, looking towards next weekend's showdown with the undefeated Denver Broncos, were looking past their opponents.
Hopefully, that's the last time that happens.
Week 7 Predictions
The big showdown is between the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts were red hot, but will now try to rebound after a disappointing loss to the Chargers in Luck's first ever appearance on Monday Night Football.
The Colts are something else at home. They are tough. But then again, so are the Broncos. Nobody seems able to really stop this Denver offense, so I expect the Broncos to be able to put up some points in this one.
The thing, Indy can score some points, too. And the Broncos defense is hardly gaining attention for it's dominance, like the Denver offense is. I have a feeling this is going to be another high scoring shootout, and I admit to thinking that it could go either way.
But, I have to pick a winner. So let me go ahead and say that the Broncos should be crafty enough to find a way to win yet again, and remain undefeated for at least one more week.
I like the Seahawks squeaking one out at Arizona on Thursday. The Dolphins should get back on track at home against Buffalo. The San Diego Chargers should win at Jacksonville and send the Jaguars to 0-7, but not easily. I think the Bengals fall to the Lions in Detroit. The Jets will fall to a resurgent New England squad in a tight game. Atlanta will begin to put things right again with a solid win against their division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. the Panthers will defeat St. Louis, while the Cowboys will lose in Philadelphia in a tight divisional game. I like the Bears over Washington. The Packers beat back the Browns at Lambeau Field, and the Chiefs remain perfect after hosting the self-destructing Houston Texans at Arrowhead.
On Monday Night Football, I will pick the Giants finally getting their first victory of the season over the Minnesota Vikings.
Upsets? I think the Steelers might just surprise the Ravens, and win their second game in a row. I also like the Titans over the 49ers (I know I probably pick against San Francisco too often, but I like what Tennessee has been doing this season - they seem to be in every game).
Bob Costas Gives His Take on the "Redskins" Name
During halftime of the Sunday Night Football game between Dallas and Washington, Bob Costas weighed in on the controversy that has been gathering steam lately, and said that the Redskins name is "undeniably" a slur. I have weighed on this matter myself in the past, but let Bob Costas's words stand on their own here. Here is the entirety of what he said on the subject, taken from:
"Bob Costas says Redskins’ team name is offensive during halftime essay on NBC" by Frank Schwab of Shutdown Corner, October 13, 2013:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/bob-costas-during-halftime-nbc-sunday-night-football-022727321--nfl.html;_ylt=A2KLOzIQFl1S9TgAC3RNbK5_
"With Washington playing Dallas here tonight, it seems like an appropriate time to acknowledge the ongoing controversy about the name “Redskins.”
"Let's start here. There is no reason to believe that owner Daniel Snyder, or any official or player from his team, harbors animus toward Native Americans or wishes to disrespect them. This is undoubtedly also true of the vast majority of those who don't think twice about the longstanding moniker. And in fact, as best can be determined, even a majority of Native Americans say they are not offended.
"But, having stipulated that, there’s still a distinction to be made. Objections to names like “Braves,” “Chiefs,” “Warriors,” and the like strike many of us as political correctness run amok. These nicknames honor, rather than demean. They are pretty much the same as “Vikings,” “Patriots,” or even “Cowboys.” And names like “Blackhawks,” “Seminoles,” and “Chippewas,” while potentially more problematic, can still be okay provided the symbols are appropriately respectful - which is where the Cleveland Indians with the combination of their name and “Chief Wahoo” logo have sometimes run into trouble.
"A number of teams, mostly in the college ranks, have changed their names in response to objections. The Stanford Cardinal and the Dartmouth Big Green were each once the Indians; the St. John's Redmen have become the Red Storm, and the Miami of Ohio Redskins - that's right, Redskins - are now the Red Hawks.
"Still, the NFL franchise that represents the nation's capital has maintained its name. But think for a moment about the term “Redskins,” and how it truly differs from all the others. Ask yourself what the equivalent would be, if directed toward African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, or members of any other ethnic group.
"When considered that way, “Redskins” can't possibly honor a heritage, or noble character trait, nor can it possibly be considered a neutral term. It’s an insult, a slur, no matter how benign the present-day intent. It is fair to say that for a long time now, and certainly in 2013, no offense has been intended. But, if you take a step back, isn't it clear to see how offense “might” legitimately be taken?"
"Bob Costas says Redskins’ team name is offensive during halftime essay on NBC" by Frank Schwab of Shutdown Corner, October 13, 2013:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/bob-costas-during-halftime-nbc-sunday-night-football-022727321--nfl.html;_ylt=A2KLOzIQFl1S9TgAC3RNbK5_
"Bob Costas: Redskins Name Undeniably a ‘Slur’: NBC Sports anchor parses name controversy during 'Sunday Night Football'" by Cynthia Littleton, Editor-in-chief: TV for Variety:
http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/bob-costas-redskins-name-undeniably-a-slur-1200722753/
Bob Costas Says Redskins Name Is 'An Insult, A Slur' During NBC's 'Sunday Night Football' (VIDEO) The Huffington Post | By Chris Greenberg
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/14/bob-costas-redskins-name-insult-nbc-halftime_n_4095266.html
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