Trav's Thoughts

We're making the justification here in the pacific northwest that if the Seahawks can continue to win in the NFC West, then they should win the division and make the playoffs. Right now, they are not one of the better teams in the NFL as they were shut out in Pittsburgh. They couldn't move the ball on the ground or in the air. And if they are banking on a 9-7 or 8-8 record being good enough to win the NFC West, then they best beware because Arizona and SF are a couple of injuries away from being just good enough.

Well, Mr Eli played a little bit like Mr Peyton in the 2nd half as the Giants came on late to beat the Jets. I still think that the Jets made a mistake at the end of the first half by settling for the FG without even trying for the TD.

Both Washington and Detroit continue to trip me up every week. Maybe these are two teams that I should only pick when they are at home.

I don't think I should pick New Orleans to win anymore. Despite the talent on that team and the promise of last season, they are playing like the old 'Aints. And to Mr Silverman I say, you should really re-evaluate your grading system if you still think that the Raiders deserve an F but the Saint's don't.

The 49ers defense is really playing well right now. If they could just figure out something on offense, they'd be ok. The positive thing for SF right now is that Baltimore is also so inept offensively that they only lead 6-0, despite the fact that SF only has one first down in the entire first half.

But now in the second half, even though Baltimore has seemed in control, Dilfer makes a couple of good throws to get SF in the end zone and give the 49ers a little life. Unfortunately, it's going to take more than a couple of big plays. There seems to be a lack of basic plays to pick up 3rd and short, and so unless there is a surprise big play, the 49ers continue to stall and punt and rely on their defense and special teams.

Let's talk insult to injury for a moment. It is a delay of game penalty this season to spike the ball. Baltimore's receiver Derek Mason caught a pass and injured his leg on the play. In what appeared to be frustration for the injury, he slammed the ball down. The letter of the rule was applied and a flag was thrown. That's a tough penalty. It's the right call, but it's tough to take the 5 yard penalty on top of the injury.

The Angels aren't even a speed bump for Boston as the Sawx sweep. And now the Yankees are already down 2-0 as they try to avoid the sweep. If the Yankees don't come back to win, many will blame Alex Rodriguez and his inability to hit in the post season. That's in respone to the huge contract. But lest he take more than his share of the blame, just remember that none of the other Yankees are hitting either.

Well gang, it's time for me to close this out. The 49ers just lost to Baltimore. Don't forget to tune in to Turnbaby Talks at 8pm EST.

Later!