(photo from dallascowboys.com)

The battle of the Drew Bledsoe replacements ended with the New England Patriots narrowly defeating the Dallas Cowboys Sunday afternoon, 20-16. In what was expected to be a offensive fireworks show, the game ultimately ended up being an ugly defensive battle.

The Cowboys started with the game with the ball. But on the very first play from scrimmage, Dallas TE John Phillips was called for offensive holding. It was a sign of things to come for the Cowboys as later in their first drive QB Tony Romo would be intercepted by CB Kyle Arrington near mid-field.

Despite the great field position caused by the turnover, the New England offense was held to just a field goal by the Dallas Defense. A great DeMarcus Ware ankle sack on Tom Brady on third down resulted in the 41 yard FG by kicker Stephen Gostkowski. The Pats took the early lead, 3-0. (more…)

Now for the picks (there’s no system, no computer model, no clairvoyance, just good old fashioned guessing):

I like Carolina receiving 6.5 points against the Giants.  Carolina is my pick to win the NFC South.  I love their attitude, I love their personnel, and while I think the Giants will rebound this season, I can easily see Carolina winning in NY.

Loser pick:  There were 9 turnovers in the game, which practically makes it unpredicatable.  This is why you don’t bet on the NFL.

The second game I like are the Jets giving up 2.5 to the Ravens.  It’s not a secret that I do not like the Jets for the 2010 season as a Super Bowl contender.  So this won’t come as a surprise that I have them outright losing to the Ravens.  Take the money line, don’t take the money line.  Put a lock on it, don’t put a lock on it.  Either way.

Winner pick:  The big question is whether the Jets offense will be more productive against a weaker defense. Probably, because they couldn’t be much worse than they were against the Ravens.

This seems too good to be true.  Cincinnati getting 5.5 points against New England.  New England who has a variety of young players filling in due to injury.  A team that notoriously hides injuries has a list of 11 players either probable or questionable.  I like New England over the course of the season to win, but logic says to play Cincy.  That’s why I say avoid the game.  If it’s too good to be true, it is.  Other games that sound too good to be true are Dallas giving up only 3.5 to Washington, and San Diego giving up only 4.5 to the Chiefs.

I’ll keep tabs of my picks throughout the season and if I can be 10% better than a buffalo nickel, I’d be pretty satisfied.

This is a break even week, though I will be happy to mention that I told people not to throw good money after bad picks.  I’m 3-0 in my keep your money in your wallet picks!  Whoo!  Nothing ventured, nothing lost.

Dez Bryant was the first of the first round draft picks to sign his rookie contract and he is now out for the remainder of training camp with a high ankle sprain. The fact of the matter is that the players are playing football. A violent collision sport that is abundant with injuries. During the season when you look at an injury report, the players listed are only an abridged story (especially in New England).

Knowing the difference between pain and injury is a lesson taught in the earliest stages of competition (to include 5 year old girls softball). Apparently understanding the cause of injury is a lesson never imparted to some coaches.