J.D. Stoecker

10.6.2010

It’s time to dust off the rust; it’s been a while since I’ve written an article. New football season, new website, and three of my friends flew to my house to convince me that I was the savior to the website and the football season after I heavily debated retirement… then when I decided to return to writing I pouted about not having all the resources I had last year. OK, enough Favre puns. Let’s talk football.

The story of the week is clearly Moss back to the Vikings but it’s already been so heavily covered that I would almost rather talk about the Tiger Woods affair or how good the movie Inception was, again, for the millionth time.

I’m “On to the next one,” as Mr. Sean Carter would say. So let’s talk Moss’ first game back in a purple uniform. It’s like getting to open a Christmas present early, the Moss-Revis rematch that we weren’t going to see until December is this coming Sunday. Revis is still nursing the hamstring injury which makes for a great excuse if he decides to play and gets burned for another one-handed TD. Gas has already been thrown on the fire for the rematch as “Revis Island” came out and said this about the first showdown between the two this season,

“In the second half, you could tell he was putting his foot on the brake. I mean, everybody knows that’s Randy. Sometimes he plays 100 percent, sometimes he doesn’t.”

After giving Moss  the nickname “The Slouch,” then getting burned by Moss a few days later I’m just not sure that calling him out again is the best move (unless he’s planning on using that injury as a crutch). This is the kind of situation where were all expecting a heavyweight title fight, in reality I think it will still be a great battle, but between Cromartie and Moss instead of Revis. I’m guessing his action will be limited until he’s a 100%. Speaking of Cromartie, does anyone want to give him credit for playing well this season after falling off after that Pro Bowl season? I’m going to take this opportunity to point out how much of a difference a defenses pass rush makes, Jets > Chargers. After the Merriman injury that defense has been relying on Rivers to outscore teams the actually trying to prevent them from scoring.

I digress; time to pick a side for this weekend. “The Moss Effect” is the new nickname I’m giving Randy, it’s for those of you who have a keen eye in the betting world. The Vikings chances to win the Super Bowl went up while the Patriots dropped off over this trade. Also, the line for this weekend’s game was just shaved by 2.5 points. It was originally the Jets (-6.5) and now it’s down to (-4). “The Moss Effect.” Boom.

I’m going to go ahead and ride the hot streak, now that the Jets have finally let “Manchize” or “Sanchize” or whatever his nickname may be play quarterback he’s done well. My favorite Sanchez stat this year: 0 turnovers. While on the other hand the Vikings and Favre are the opposite, tons of turnovers that have cost them games early this season. I think Favre will get frustrated early with the line not being able to protect him. Moss won’t be too productive because he hasn’t taken many snaps with Favre yet, but I do think we’ll see one great pass play from Favre to Moss that will make us all say “This is going to be a nightmare for defenses.” Jets (-4).