It might be the worst thing that happens in almost every sport in the world. It is something that is universally reviled. It is something that every fan and non-fan alike despises from the bottom of their hearts. And it happened on prime time during Monday Night Football.
Not one, but two New York Giants players faked injuries.
I feel like spitting on the ground after writing that sentence, that’s how much it pisses me off.
Everybody gets on soccer players for diving to get a foul or a penalty. Basketball players are almost their equals at flopping. Sometimes even hockey players will go down or hold their wrist if someone’s stick gets a little to close them. But aren’t Tackle football players supposed to be beyond this cheap tactic?
Just because their team couldn’t stop the winless Rams from charging down the field with their no-huddle offence, both Deon Grant and Jacquian Williams hit the ground and started clutching at imaginary cramps to stop play. Try watching the video and not shaking your head in disgust. It’s harder to do than you think.
You can even hear a smattering of boos – and the Giants were at home.
So what’s my solution? How about you have to take timeout every time somebody from your team goes down? Or how about you have to sit out five plays instead of one if you have to be looked at on the field by trainers? Either way would certainly weed out this type of cheap tactic and keep the game flowing better.
Onto the picks for Week 3.
The home teams are in CAPs and the lines are from 5Dimes
CINCINNATI -2.5 over San Francisco
It feels like the Niners were lucky to get into overtime with the Cowboys – and that was at home.
New England -9 over BUFFALO
As much as you can love the Bills for being so great in the first two weeks, let’s remember that they played two teams nowhere near the Pats’ calibre.
PHILADELPHIA (-7.5) over New York Giants
It looks like Mike Vick is playing and the Giants are pretty banged up.
Miami +1.5 over CLEVELAND
Colt McCoy has been pretty decent so far this season, but Daniel Thomas was dynamite in his debut last week.
TENNESSEE -7.5 over Denver
The Broncos are another banged up team and the passing game can only work if it has good enough receivers, not Tim Tebow.
Detroit -3.5 over MINNESOTA
What do you believe in more: The Lions offence being as good as advertised or Donovan McNabb being able to actually lead a team?
Jacksonville +3.5 over CAROLINA
Back in the first mock drafts, Cam Newton was battling Blaine Gabbert for the top slot. Now, they’re both starting in Week 3 for their teams.
SAN DIEGO -15 over Kansas City
Poor Chiefs. You can’t make this line high enough after all the injuries they’ve suffered.
New York Jets -3.5 over OAKLAND
Travelling from coast to coast doesn’t affect eastern teams nearly as much as their Pacific rivals.
Baltimore -3.5 over ST. LOUIS
The Ravens were shocked on the road last week, but it’s easy to envision them rebounding in the St. Louis’ dome.
Atlanta (pick) over TAMPA BAY
The Falcons may have gotten a bit lucky against the Eagles last week, but can you say the Bucs are better than Philly’s dream team?
Green Bay -3.5 over CHICAGO
A rematch of last year’s NFC title game. Somehow, the Bears are protecting Jay Cutler even less than they did last season.
Pittsburgh -11.5 over INDIANAPOLIS
Just when you start to feel sad for the Colts, you remember that this team was one of the most dominant teams of the past decade.
Washington (+5) over DALLAS
Could you possibly take the Cowboys knowing that four out of their five key offensive players are either out or banged up? And the Skins always play them tough.
Last week: 8-7-1
This season: 14-17-1