The Cowboys and Zeke Elliot won, but the total went under. Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images
Fight-is to take part in a violent struggle involving the exchange of physical contact or sometimes is used to describe a quarrel or argument.
To Fight: can also be used when campaigning determinedly for or against something, especially when trying to prove a point or show interest in a specific matter.
This week we saw both of these "fights" in the NFL.
In the mixed martial arts fight of the day, A.J Green attempted a chokehold on Jacksonville cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The two went to the ground where Green continued to deliver punches to the cornerback's helmet. Both were ejected for some reason when Ramsey didn't do nearly as much as Green did.
In the Cardinals vs. 49ers game, Carlos Hyde tried to stick up for his Quarterback after an unnecessary roughness call. Haason Reddick , Frostee Rucker and Hyde were all ejected from the game.
In the silliest fight of the weekend, Jameis Winston poked the back of Marshon Lattimore's helmet, resulting in the defensive back, shoving back Winston. Out of nowhere, Mike Evans comes flying in with a hit stick type creation, sending the players into a frenzy on the sideline. The most important factor here is Winston was out of the game with an apparent injury. Why is your play caller on the field starting fights?
In the other type of fight mentioned, we touch on the "fight" the Giants and others put up in their games this weekend. The average margin of victory this week was a dozen points. Eight of the thirteen games, were decided by double digits. The number would have been 10, but late scores by Baltimore and Miami helped the figure out.
So are teams "fighting" until the final whistle? In the Giants vs. Rams game, we saw New York give up fairly quickly. Two, turnovers converted into early touchdowns set the tone. What sticks out the most, has to be the 3rd and 33 score. A short Pass to Robert Woods broke out for a 52-yard travesty as the Giants Landon Collins took a horrid angle allowing the play to break open. Last time a thirty yard plus third down was converted? 1999. Shortly after, the levees broke completely, when Jared Goff hit Sammy Watkins with a 67-yard bomb again because of a bad play, this time a blown coverage by Eli Apple. The Giants never "fought" again in the game and gave up 51 points at home.
Play, action or Pass went 3-4-1 Week 9. We are now 10-9-2 for the year.
Rams-3 WIN
Jaguars -5.5 WIN
Cowboys/ Chiefs over 54 LOSS
Saints/ Buccaneers over 51 LOSS
Titans-3 PUSH
Saints Team Total over 28.5 WIN
Teasers: Sea/Colts - Sea/ Packers LOSS
In what could have been a winning week, The Seahawks squandered a fourpoint lead late in the 4th quarter, allowing the Redskins to strike on a four-play drive. Legion of whom?
From the cashier's window
Most bet Teams:
Eagles 80%
Raiders 77%
Saints 76%
Rams 73%
Seahawks 73%
The favorites took the week once again going 7-4-2 ATS and 9-4 straight up. What once was a world of barking dogs, the favorites have caught up quickly for the year and are now 60-63-6. In the last three Sundays, favorites are a combined 21-10-4 (68 %) ATS. One trend that did live on is that the four underdogs that covered all won the game outright. So when playing underdogs, play them outright also.
Largest underdog to cover: Redskins +8.5 (Moneyline+350)
As mentioned earlier, the Seahawks had a late 4 point lead and allowed Kirk Cousins to orchestrate a four-play drive to take the lead 17-14. Seattle kicker Blair Walsh also missed three field goals Sunday to add to the Seahawks debacle. For Seattle, this is a devastating blow to the momentum they were building up. The Redskins were missing four starters on the offensive line and three from the defensive front seven. Greg Manusky had the defensive unit ready, and they created pressure on Russell Wilson all game long.
Honorable mention: Colts +6 (Moneyline +210)
Largest Favorite to cover
Eagles -7
The Eagles once again showed why they are considered by many, to be the cream of the crop of the NFL. Philadelphia backers never had to sweat, as the Eagles came out early and the spread was never in doubt. As for Carson Wentz, he shined again vs. one of the NFL's top defenses. He only threw for 199 yards (4TD), but much had to do with the 31-9 halftime lead. The Eagles have now outscored opponents 64-9 in the first quarter this season, so look for chances to play them early in games.
Totals:
The over/under was 6-7 in Week 9 and 66-65-1 in 2017.
In another wild Primetime finish, over bettors were once again rewarded with a miracle. The game had a total of 43, and through three quarters with only 20 points on the board, over bettors were using their tickets as coasters. Things quickly changed and a pass interference call with 0:00 time on the clock, allowed the Packers to punch in a meaningless touchdown, driving the total across the magic number 43 (30-17).
Through 29 primetime games, the over is now 18-11 (62%)
SUPER BOWL ODDS
NE 4-1
Phi 6-1
Pit 7-1
KC 12-1
Sea 14-1
NO 15-1
Dal, LAR 16-1
Min 18-1
Jax, Car, Ten 30-1
Atl 35-1
Oak 45-1
For any questions or comments reach me at @JerryBoKnowz on twitter.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
Let’s be clear: the Astros didn’t lose their series to the Mariners just because the bullpen melted down late. They lost because the offense put them in that vulnerable position to begin with — and the decisions from the dugout didn’t help.
Houston’s bats were a no-show in Game 2 despite the win in extra innings, and it was a massive reason why their bullpen was stretched thin in the series finale. Game 3 starter, Luis F. Castillo, had more control issues than command, and handed out five walks. That should’ve been the Astros’ ticket to a win. Instead? Missed opportunities, weak contact, and a bullpen meltdown caused Houston to drop another series.
The middle of the lineup is a problem
Christian Walker has turned into a black hole in the cleanup spot. His .229 slugging percentage and .196 OBP are not typos — they’re proof that opposing pitchers can pitch around Yordan Alvarez with no fear. Walker ranks 12th-worst in baseball in OPS, and his lone RBI as a cleanup hitter is borderline unbelievable.
Isaac Paredes isn’t exactly lighting it up, either, slugging .255. If Walker wasn’t such a disaster, Paredes would likely be catching more heat. And then there’s Yainer Diaz, who’s been completely lost at the plate. The offensive struggles are deeper than one guy — they’re systemic.
The Astros currently rank dead last in MLB in slugging and doubles, plus they are second to last in OPS. Only two teams have hit fewer homers. That’s not a slump. That’s an identity crisis.
Espada’s decisions worsened the situation
Manager Joe Espada deserves his share of the blame for how the final game unfolded. With a bullpen already running on fumes, Espada pulled his best bats for defense, then rolled out minor-league caliber arms to protect a lead. If he had his full bullpen, fine. But he didn’t — and he knew it. He got greedy.
Instead of turning to Steven Okert to start the eighth after Luis Contreras survived the seventh, Espada went back to the well. That decision backfired, as it often does when a struggling pitcher has already done more than expected. Even more puzzling was the choice to use Contreras at all when Logan VanWey had just been called up. Why call him up if you’re not going to use him?
And why was Bennett Sousa in that game?
Abreu's pitch selection was asking for trouble
Bryan Abreu had multiple 0-2 counts. Inexplicably, he grooved high fastballs over the heart of the plate. Major league hitters don’t miss those very often.
Pitching strategy
Astros pitchers are consistently working deep into counts. They’re far too comfortable taking at-bats to 3-2, especially with runners on. That kind of approach balloons pitch counts, tires starters, and taxes relievers — all things this team can’t afford right now. And don't get us started on how many stolen bases they're allowing.
A Silver lining? Maybe one
Spencer Arrighetti’s fluke broken thumb is obviously unfortunate. But if you’re desperate for a silver lining, this could help limit his innings across the season and keep him fresher for the stretch run — assuming he returns to form quickly.
Bottom line
Yes, the bullpen blew it. But the offense put them in that position, and the coaching staff didn’t pull the right levers. The Astros are 5-7, but with the way they’ve played, it almost feels like they should be thankful it’s not worse. There’s time to turn it around — but it starts with accountability, and the bats doing their part.
We have so much more to cover. Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday!
*ChatGPT assisted.
___________________________
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!