OK fellas, Big35Hurt is back in the saddle.  It’s been a tough 2 months, but I’ve rebounded and I’m ready to rock-n-roll again.  I just want to take a few minutes and thank everyone for sticking with the site while I was away.  When stricken with a serious illness like I was, it’s good to see that the site is still going strong. 

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Now, a few thoughts today regarding the games.  First, let’s talk about the Jets and the Colts.  The line is Colts -7.5   I can’t help but remember watching the week 16 game where the Jets were in a must win situation taking on the Colts who were merely “tuning up” for the playoffs before they pulled the starters and ruined a perfect season.  In that game, the jets offense sputtered as the Colts defense was flying around the field.  On offense, the Colts moved the ball with regularity and they were clearly a few TDs better than the Jets on that day when the starters were in the game.  So, with that said, I’m taking Indy and laying the 7.5!!!!!  before I move on, I do want to point out that Darrell Revis is simply the best CB in the game.  Move over Champ Bailey!!  Move over  Mr. Asomugha!!  Move of Mr. Newman!!  This kid is absolutely FOR REAL!!!  This year he played the best of the best on a weekly basis and he absolutely LOCKED THEM ALL DOWN EVERY TIME!!!! Take a look:

Andre Johnson 35yds

Randy Moss 24yds and 34yds (played twice)

Colston 33yds

T. O. 13yds and 31 yds (played twice)

Tori Holt 24 yds

Steve Smith (Carolina) 2 yds

A. Bryant 22 yds

Roddy White 33 yds

Reggie Wayne 33 yds

Ocho Cinco 0 yds and 28 yds (played twice)

NOBODY CAUGHT MORE THAN 35 YARDS IN A GAME AGAINST HIM!!!!!  I’M GOING TO SAY THAT THIS IS PROBABLY THE BEST YEAR FOR A CB IN THE HISTORY OF THE NFL!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Now, let’s talk about the Vikings and the Saints.  The line is New Orleans by 4.  Breaking the game down, I see the saints failing to run the ball at all against the stout front 7 of the Vikes.  Last week, New Orleans was able to run the ball effectively against the Cowboys and they avoided getting into 3rd and longs where Ware and Co could pin their ears back.  I don’t see that happening this week and that will put added pressure on the Saints Offensive Line.  I just don’t see them rising to the occasion and I look for a really big game by the Vikings pass rushers.  Last week Jeremy Shockey was involved in the passing game, but he also hurt his ankle.  In addition, his production will be limited as he’s asked to stay in and block  a lot this week.  The matchup between Brees and Favre will be one that everyone is looking at this week.  favre has been there before, while Brees has not.  That experience will be HUGE this week as Favre goes up against the 26th ranked pass defense in the NFL.  My verdict……take the points as the Vikings will win this one OUTRIGHT!!!!!

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On to the Madden Scene.  Am I not the only person that is a bit disappointed with the last patch?  It plays the flats a little better, but not much in my opinion.  There’s still way too many fumbles, and I am really sick of my receiver or RB breaking into the clear only to have what I call a “pulled muscle animation” kick in and slow him down.  That’s ridiculous…..

Alright guys, I hope that everyone had a good Turkey Day.  I’m back from a blogging lay-off and I have thoughts on a number of madden related topics and of course much more!!!  So, let’s get started….

OK, the first thing that I want to talke about this week is the performance of a few players.  I’m going to start at the running back position.  Let’s look at the FACT that Adrian Peterson is HANDS DOWN the BEST running back in the NFL.  So, I ask, why doesn’t he play like it in Madden?  I can name 4 RB’s right off the top of my head that are far and away better than ol’ AP in this year’s Madden.

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Michael Turner.  This guy is almost impossible to tackle 1 on 1 in this year’s game.  He’s a good RB, and he did go to my alma matre (Northern Illinois University), but, c’mon…this guy isn’t this tough!!!

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Cedric Benson. This cat was a BUST for 3 years.  Now, he’s had 1 good 1/2 season and he’s the NEW “Michael Turner”.  C’mon Madden Makers!!!!  This is ridiculous.  Try to tackle this guy since the last update.  It’s unreal.

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The 3rd RB that’s better than AP in this year’s Madden is Brian Westbrook. OK, I realize that speed kills in Madden.  I hear ya loud and clear.  So, I guess I’m just gonna let this one go…..

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The 4th RB that’s better than AP in Madden 10 is Ray Rice!!!  Now, in my opinion, RAY RICE is the BEST Madden Back in the game this year. he has the speed of Westbrook and the power of Turner.  It’s flat out ridiculous.  So, I must say, Mr Ian Cummings, you have FAILED miserably when it comes to running back player performance.  Shape up!!!!

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Next, I’d like to talk about this week’s MARQUEE NFL Game…..Tom Brady’s Pats against Drew Brees and the UNDEFEATED New Orleans Saints.  Does it get any better than this people!?!?!?  Mark my words….if the Saints win this game, we will have TWO UNDEFEATED 16-0 teams this year.  This is CRAZY!!  The Colts will go 16-0 (check their schedule)….and the Saints have all cupcakes left too after this week.

Now, as for this game, my money’s gonna be on the Patriots.  How can you pick against Tom Brady is a big game??  Look for Randy Moss to put on a show against an improving saints defense.

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OK guys…make sure you check out this week’s free weekly tip posted on our home page at MaddenPlayersClub.com   We show you how to create the DELAYED BUMP N RUN this year!!

OK guys, in this week’s edition of Big35Hurt’s Blog we’re gonna touch on topics such as NFL Confidence Pool Picks, Madden Player Ratings, the World Series, a “Beat the Bookie” Lock for this sunday and more…..

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First, we will talk about some much needed Madden Player Ratings changes…..

-Miles Austin-he is finally putting his speed and size to work for him.  He deserves a boost in ratings as this isn’t a “flash in the pan” that we’re seeing.  He’s gonna be LEGIT for years to come!!!

-Michael Turner and Beanie Wells need big drops in their carry rating after their fumbling problems all year.

-The Denver OLine deserves a HUGE boost across the board.  Kyle Orton doesn’t even get touched.  This group has been DOMINATING people this year.

Hopefully we’ll see a lot of changes like these in the next update.

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Here’s Big35Hurt’s Confidence Pool Picks…..check ‘em out!!

13- SD – will destroy Oakland

12-Da Bears – bounce back game against a horrible team

11-Indy – too tough at home

10-Saints – Look for a TON of points in this game!!!

9-Arizona – this team is peaking and the Panthers offense is fluttering big time!!!

8-Cowboys – look out folks, Dallas is getting healthy again…

7-Houston- can’t back Buffalo with their 2nd string QB against a hot Texans offense

6-Broncos – yes, you read it here, this team IS FOR REAL and they’ll prove it with a win at Baltimore.  Plus, the mind of Josh McDaniels has had 2 weeks to prep for this game after last week’s bye.

5-Vikings- Favre > Packers AGAIN!!!

4-Giants – too physical for Philly

3-Jags- Vince Young flat out sucks….nuff said…

2-Lions – Detroit beats St Louie in the toilet bowl!!!

1- Miami- they beat the Jets when the Jets had Kris Jenkins (now out for the yr again)…look for Miami to run it very effectively.

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OK, time to talk ’bout MLB baseball……have we seen enough yet guys?  Is it time for instant replay?  I sure think so.  This post season has just been a JOKE.  Speaking of MLB being a JOKE, why the hell are they still playing into November?  The quality of the games really takes a hit as they try to play in these conditions.  It’s just like early in the season when you have teams like Arizona playing in LA and then the Mets will be playing Philly….what sense does this make?  It’s time to institute instant replay.  It’s time to shorten Spring Training and start the season earlier and play in the warm weather cities as much as possible in the 1st month of the season.  let’s have some COMMON SENSE Mr Selig and company!!!!

Now, let’s talk World Series Baseball…..it’s pretty rare that we actually get the 2 best teams facing off in the World Series.  This year is the exception.  Philly and the Yanks are clearly the 2 best teams in the league.  I’m loving it!!!  I just hope that Ryan Howard and ARod show up before this thing is over.  I’m still takin’ Philly in 6 (as I’ve said all along).  I just think their offense is too consistent and too deep for NY. (Yes, I feel the Phils have a better lineup!!)

Hasn’t it been nice not having to hear about Barry Bonds and/or Roger Clemens all year long….thank god they’re gone….

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A few thoughts on college football…..Sam Bradford, you should have went pro!!!!  Now look at ya!!!  unreal…..why the heck would anyone stay in school if they’re a surefire 1st round pick?  That makes NO SENSE.  Get your $$$.  Secure your family!!!  Finish school later if you choose to.  There shouldn’t even be any consideration to the contrary.

Is Florida beatable?  The answer = YES.  Tim TeBow has poor mechanics and he drops the ball below his waist REGULARLY on his throws.  The ball can EASILY get knocked out.  Their D is awesome, and the thought of a team beating them after Urban Meyer has had a month to prepare just isn’t realistic.  Besides, TeBow just flat out wills his team to win games.  I do think that Bama has a very good shot at beating them in the SEC Title Game.

Lastly,  Boise?  Cincy? Iowa? these teams couldn’t beat a middle of the road SEC team.  The fact that there’s not a playoff system to take care of teams like this getting too much accolades is ridiculous.  I hope they all go undefeated.  then you’ll have like 4-5 teams with no losses.  The BCS sucks.  There should be an 8 team playoff.  This is probably the most unjust thing in the entire world of sports.  Nuff Said!!!

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OK, I gave you guys a winner last week and lined your pockets (I hope).  This week’s Big35Hurt’s Beat the Bookie LOCK OF THE WEEK in the NFL is the Denver Broncos +3.5 @ Baltimore.  The Ravens pass D is very SOFT.  Marshall and Royal should have a big day.  Josh McDaniels has had 2 weeks to come up with a solid gameplan.  Look for Denver to remain undefeated at 7-0 after the dust settles in Baltimore this week!!!!

Happy Halloween guys!!!   Treat the kids well!!!

Big35Hurt checks in with his thoughts about our FREE Weekly Tip, his NFL confidence pool picks for this week, the MLB Playoffs, the MPC 360 League (MPC 10), and lastly he gives out his NFL Betting LOCK of the Week..

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Let’s start out by talking about our FREE Weekly Tip on our home page at MaddenPlayersClub.com.  It’s the Gun Doubles –> Z Spot.  This play really has a ton of functionality.  This is a play where you simply come to the line of scrimmage and hike the ball. (NO adjustments needed).  The thing that makes this play really effective and also very functional is that it kills both man and zone D and also gives you a look into your opponents mind.  What I mean by this is that because this play has “auto-motion” you can watch the CB and tell immediately if it’s man or zone D.  If the CB comes with the WR then it’s man D, if he doesn’t it’s zone D.  Against man D, simply hit the RB out of the backfield for huge RAC Yards.  If it’s zone defense, then you have 2 reads, #1 the slot WR who’s route sits down under all zones, or if he’s manually defended then hit the B receiver who also sits down nicely in the seam of zones.  Lastly, here’s the MAIN reason why I like this play, I tend to call this play a few times on the first 2 drives of the game to get a feel of my opponent’s tendencies towards man and zone defenses.  Once I know HIS preferences, I can start attacking him in the proper way.  Whether we like to admit it or not, everyone either prefers man or zone defenses a little more than the other one.

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Next, I’m going to give you my confidence pool picks. I’m currently in 1st place overall in a pool that tallies overall performance.  There are 63 people in the pool.  I figured I may as well give you guys my winners too )

13-NE -BLOWOUT CITY!!

12-Indy -BLOWOUT CITY!!

11-GB -more of a vote AGAINST Cleveland than a vote for GB.

10-N.O. -Yes, they are seriously FOR REAL.

9-Philly -they’ll bounce back in a big way this week

8-J-E-T-S – another bounce back candidate.

7-SD -in a good spot on the road. Rivers will be HUGE today.

6-Pitt -The Vikings turn back into a pumpkin today just in time for Halloween.

5-Carolina -the Jeckle and Hyde show known as Jake Delhomme continues this week vs Buffalo

4-ATL -Dallas just isn’t very good.  I like Ryan’s ability to protect the ball better than Romo’s.

3-49ers -Defense beats Offense most of the time and that will be the case today.  Crabtree gets involved today too.

2-Da Bears -Cincy’s running  game fell apart against the leagues worst running D last week.  The loss of Odoms will hurt their D a ton too.

1- NYG -I took ‘em, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all if the Cards took this one.  Warner has been really good lately and the Giants vowed this week to blitz a lot more.  Look for Hightower to have like 25 catches today…lol

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OK, let’s talk a little baseball…..here’s some random thoughts……

Cole Hamels, are you hurt? what’s your deal? You sure have sucked this year.

Brad Lidge, are you baaaaack?  Sure looks like it.

Philly has the BATS to win it, but a lot is gonna depend on the arms of Lidge and Hamels is they’re gonna repeat.

Yanks….I sure hope that you guys don’t think that hitting solo HR’s is gonna be enough to beat the Phillies.  ARod is probably gonna come back to earth, so you’d better hope that someone on the team starts hitting with RISP or you may not even beat LAA.

Why doesn’t MLB announce their award winners during the playoffs or before them like every other sport does?  This is just another lost opportunity to promote their star power.  Nobody ever said that the MLB higher-Ups were “smart”.  How hard is it to count ballots? (Those of you that live in Florida please don’t respond to that comment)

So, who’s gonna win this thing?  Well, Big35Hurt’s taking the Phillies in 6 over either NY or LAA.  Count on it fellas!!!  World Series MVP Cliff Lee.

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Lastly, the MPC 360 Madden League (MPC 10) has kicked off this weekend and we’ve had some absolutely GREAT games. If you are interested in MPC 11 give me a shout in our forum or PM me.  It really surprised me that we have a 10 team league and NE, Philly, SD, and Minny all went unclaimed in the team selection process.

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For those of you that like to throw a buck or two down on NFL games…..here’s my LOCK of the week:

New Orleans -6 @ Miami

The Saints destroyed the hard trying Giants last week.  This game against Miami will be a walk in the park compared to last week’s opposition.  The Saints are the best team in the NFC and they’re going up against a team with an inexperienced QB (Chad Henne).  The aggressive Saints D will cause 3 turnovers and Henne surely isn’t equipped to lead them back from being down 2+ scores.  Lay the 6 points and CA$H in fella$!!!!

Here is the first entry of Big35Hurt’s Blog.  Let’s discuss the new roster update from October 15th put forth by EA Sports.  Here’s some of the ratings changes and here’s what I think about them.  Post in the comment section to give me YOUR VIEWS on this new update.  Here’s the ratings changes:

I’ll give you my random shots starting from top to bottom:

Rogers-Cromartie- 1 point bump up—I think this is well deserved.  He’s really becoming a fine player.  Should be an 87 or 88 in reality in my opinion.

Michael Turner- I don’t understand what he did to earn a bump up?

Foxworth and Washington- The Ravens CB’s deserved to get decreases.  Their pass D has been pretty bad this year ranking in the bottom quarter of the NFL!!!

Lee Evans- He’s been a non-factor for 2 years now.  Well deserved drop.

Jake Delhomme- This dude has been so bad they may as well drop his rating to about a 20…LOL

Cedric Benson- OK, I know he has had 5 very good games.  But what about the 50 mediocre games before this?  LOL  A 6 point rating increase is absolutely crazy.  He still doesn’t have breakaway speed.  I’m not saying he isn’t having a great year, I just think maybe a 3 point increase would be more warranted.

Jamal Lewis- Gets an increase?  he’s had 1 decent game….what a joke!!

Kyle Orton- another guy with a 6 point bump.  What the hell are they smokin’?  I knew something was “fishy” when the ratings guy for EA appeared on my screen wearing a Broncos jersey…LOL  5 solid games doesn’t deserve a 6 point increase.  Same theory as Benson…

Steve Slaton- 1 point decrease? He’s been equally as bad and benson has been good….

David Harris- glad to see my Michigan boy getting some due respect. GO BLUE!!!

Eagles ratings changes- I think they did a really good job increasing some guys and decreasing others. Very fair in my opinion.  I do think DeSean jackson deserves to get decreased though.  he’s way overrated in  madden.

Willie Parker- loses 1 point.  Should lose more.  He’s been terrible.  Now he’s probably lost his starting gig forever.

Kellen Winslow- upped him 1 point.  Should be about a 3 point increase.  He has been their entire offense thus far.  Wow is this team baaaaaaad!!!

OK guys…that’s my thoughts.  What’s yours?