Last night, as was the case a year to the day earlier, the Arizona Cardinals were victorious in the Thursday night game, improving upon an already impressive record.
Similarities largely end there. Last year was the 14th game for Arizona (their record stood at (11-3) after the Thursday night win), but having lost quarterback Carson Palmer to injury, were underdogs in that Thursday victory vs the St. Louis Rams.
Without Palmer and the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks close in the NFC West standings, most felt Arizona would be no more than a wild card team.
That turned out to be the case and despite a stellar (12-4) record, Arizona had to trek to Carolina where they lost a wild card round game to the (7-9) but NFC South champion, Panthers.
This year the Cards are (11-2) after beating the now (8-5) Minnesota Vikings by a field goal as 10 point favorites.
With Palmer healthy and a nice lead, not only over the now defending NFC champion Seahawks, but over all teams, but the (12-0) Panthers, Arizona is a viable contender to win it all.
If form holds and it rarely does, again the Cardinals would journey to Carolina for a post-season game.
This time instead of a “you can miss it” wild card round tilt between two non contenders, it would be for a Super Bowl berth from the NFC, in that conference’s title game.
For now, it is fairly safe to say the Panthers and Cardinals will earn first round byes and host divisional round games.
Last night I was truly fortunate to see the superb opening night performance of “Two Across” at St. Luke’s Theatre (308 West 46th Street).
The play stars Andrea McArdle and Kip Gilman. Their chemistry, delivering the crackling, highly humorous dialogue of playwright Jerry Mayer is something to behold.
Both performers are superb in their roles as “Janet” and “Josh.”
Ms. McArdle as a detrmined to “finish the task,” therapist and so much more, really hits the mark and home, as her transformation into vulnerability and being more open, is acted in beautiful fashion.
Alas, she is beautiful, likely, inside as well, as she graciously took time to pose for pictures after the performance.
Mr. Gilman completes the performance. He is funny and likable as a “Peter Pan” male, surely something to which I can relate. His sense of comedic timing is impeccable. He also was gracious and posed for pictures.
The performers truly bring out some of the best words and concepts as written by Mr. Mayer, that is present in today’s productions.
Crossword puzzles, metaphors, true humor and pathos abound. New York Times puzzle editor Will Shortz and the great Eva Marie Saint are cited, as the beautiful verbal volley of the characters, like the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) train they occupy, rolls on inexorably to its destination.
Major kudos go out to director Evelyn Rudie for “conducting” the great “ride.”
No real details concerning the story needed save this one. In the progression of talk between the characters a choice of “or not,” concerning certain events is given.
As far as seeing this play, it is my strong opinion an “or not” is out of the question. I strongly suggest seeing it. It was a great experience for me.
Kip Gilman and Andrea McArdle pictured above, each give fabulous performances in “2 Across.”
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Starting with the Green Bay Packers’ miracle win/cover at Detroit vs the Lions the losers in the previous week’s Thanksgiving Day games won while the winners of the three Thanksgiving Day games either lost and/or failed to cover the spread in week 13 of the NFL season.
I realized this too late at the half of the (Turkey day loser) Philadelphia Eagles win at New England vs the Patriots and the simultaneous (Turkey day winner) Carolina Panthers’ no cover win at New Orleans vs the Saints.
Before those two games on Sunday, an earlier tilt manifested in the San Francisco 49ers winning outright, as a one touchdown underdog in Chicago vs the Bears.
Chicago had beaten the Packers on Thanksgiving night.
Somebody knew something regarding the Monday night game as the Dallas Cowboys (Turkey day losers) bet from a 4 point to just a two and a fraction point underdog, won at Washington, vs the Redskins.
In summary: 5 games involving the six teams that played on Thanksgiving, all 5 resulting in “spread” wins if you took the Thanksgiving loser and bet vs the winner that day. Three were outright wins, by 8, 7 and at a point, 4 point underdogs.
Reading this one could say the adage “a day late and a dollar short” was rarely more applicable.
This is especially so NOT if you “read” the pattern early enough to cash bets, but if you by any means control or cut out gambling. Additionally taking the NFL with many grains of salt because alas, salt and miracle touchdown plays vs, can really “BURN.”
I post today not to praise and in fact, criticize all four NFC East teams but not to “bury” any of them either.
After the 13th week of play in the NFL, three NFC teams, the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Washington Redskins actually share the lead with (5-7) records.
The Dallas Cowboys are not out of it, with a (4-8) record.
Last week the New York Jets beat the Giants, the Eagles upset the New England Patriots, while last night the Cowboys upset the Redskins.
While the Giants lost for the third straight game, the Eagles and Cowboys bounced back from losses with wins.
The Redskins had beaten the Giants the week before but I believe had the worst week, losing at home to Dallas.
Recently I was most fortunate to see a riveting, incredibly fresh version of the great Arthur Miller play, “A View From the Bridge,” currently playing at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street).
This version with an all British cast directed by Belgium’s Ivo Van Hove, in his Broadway debut, differs from the original. Certainly it does so in the sense of getting to the crux of the story. This adds to the drama, as does the fact the play is presented with no intermission.
Additionally, there are many audience members on stage also adding to the incredible unfolding drama.
Mark Strong is beyond superb, in one of the best performances I have seen and that encompasses a fair share.
The British native’s Brooklyn accent as lead character “Eddie Carbone” would have fit right in at Ebbets Field (the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers when they were in Brooklyn).
The entire cast is great. Nicola Walker is moving as Eddie’s wife “Beatrice Carbone” while Michael Gould as a narrator/lawyer from whom “Eddie” sought advice adds to and moves along the play’s essence.
Arthur Miller and Mark Strong did meet in this life. Now from far away, Mr. Miller, who created such theatrical opportunities with his work, is applauding that this version “hit it out of sight,” with its opportunity. So good and so far, in fact, that it may reach Mr. Miller.
A View from the Bridge – Lyceum Theatre Broadway Tickets.
Click above for tickets and I strongly suggest doing so soon.
There is no doubt as to whom the four teams will be in the upcoming college football playoff.
The somewhat probable top seed and certainly the lone unbeaten team in the major college football nation is Clemson.
The team went (13-0) and ended a three plus loss skein vs the spread winning by 8 as a 6 point favorite vs North Carolina.
Alabama went (12-1) winning but not covering the spread as predicted here, vs Florida.
Apparently those who won vs Alabama this week were almost as lucky to win as those who won with them last week.
Michigan State pretty much on the “number” defeated a previously unbeaten Iowa team in the Big Ten title tilt. Kudos to Iowa ona fine season and I expect Michigan state to play better and be a viable threat to give the Big Ten another playoffs champion.
Oklahoma which went (11-1) is the fourth team and right now they appear more impressive than any team.
The Sooners (Oklahoma) overcame a loss to Texas in which I know they were big favorites, at least 17 points perhaps 21.
Yesterday on the day preceding a Big 12 team getting into the playoffs, unlike last year when they (either TCU or Baylor) “was” (i know it is “were” but you know we was robbed) robbed, Texas a 21 poin t underdog upset Baylor.
On a different topic, I saw an incredible play “A View From The Bridge,” go see it and stay tuned for my review.
Last week CBS commentator Gary Danielson, another who never stops talking, “tortured” Auburn bettors suggesting Auburn down 9 LET Alabama score with about three or less minutes to go.
The fact likely Heisman Trophy winner, Derrick Henry did score legitimately, I suppose made it worse.
This week Alabama a 17 point favorite vs Florida in the SEC title tilt will win but not cover.
Alabama 28 Florida 21 the same score, I believe of the first SEC title game in 1992.
Alabama then upset Miami University in the Sugar Bowl and claimed the national title.
Tomorrow the Patriots win but not cover.
Patriots 25 Eagles 17
I did not get WFAN radio’s Mike Francesa’s picks this week nor have knowledge of his third pick the week before.
As you read this, please remember I predicted a win and “cover” by the Green Bay Packers, so this is not the lament of one who lost money or pride on last night’s “miracle pass” GB win/cover/over at Detroit vs the Lions.
The plethora of late touchdowns and unbelievable spread and in this case, total affected games, are to the point of being ridiculous, if not “shady.”
Add to that not so pleasant aroma, the fact, Jim Nantz, who with the ultimate financial protection of hedge funds, need not bet, calling the miracle Rodgers (Aaron, a Biblical name) to Rodgers (Richard, not beautiful music for Lions nor under bettors) a “bleeping” “walk off” touchdown.
First, it was not as G.B. next knelt, not in prayer–we have enough of that phoniness, being phony when it is for winning and losing, but to not add further insult and kick the extra point. In other words it was NOT the last play of the game.
Also do we need that ridiculous term in football now?!! Sadly “It,” is a part of the lexicon in other sports (most cruelly baseball), where “walking” has nothing to do with it.
Forgive possible perception of vulgarity, if so it is not intended and apologies– but try this: Rhyme “it” with a bad word and start calling it a “walk off crap,” which the NFL, its crazy games and the utter insanity/masochism for those who bet, seriously inflicts.
Packers’ fine receiver Richard Rodgers pictured above.
A “caveat emptor”/advice for gamblers. While Richard Rodgers of the Packers deserves credit for a great play (still such great plays and it was a great play, are more the function of defensive ineptitude and this was a prime example) and it is a “high” to win like that– it is way more of a “low” to lose period, especially in that fashion.
Moreover 100 years from now the composer, Richard Rodgers (not the fine G.B. receiver with the same name) and more to the point, music and not sports, especially football, will be remembered.
Additionally, music is “painless” pleasure, gambling and for that matter drugs and drink will give doses of pain with its “pleasure.”
The NFC North will remain the same at the top this weekend.
Tonight the Packers a 3 point favorite, will win in Detroit vs the Lions.
Packers 29 Lions 17
On Sunday the Vikings in a game considered even, will win at home vs the two time defending NFC champion Seattle Seahawks .
Seattle exceeded the point spread with a late touchdown last week vs the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Not a good omen for Seattle.
Vikings 26 Seahawks 21.
My criticism of Steelers’ coach Mike Tomlin’s cowardly decision to kick a field goal has nothing to do with the spread.
Actually Steelers’ bettors applauded Tomlin’s decision. It just happened a “would be” (cue the great broadcast Marty Glickman, but the lines were not clear and there is horrible static, make that all powerful Jim Nantz) Seattle receiver broke a play for a touchdown that “covered” the spread (better to deal in other spreads such as those that cover bagels or bread.)
That receiver is more than a “would be.” He is Doug Baldwin.
Oh the human brain especially regarding sex, gambling and eating! Anyway the above pictured pumpkin spread on a bagel is as good as a late cover the spread touchdown. In the long run, it is much better. Heed the great Arnold Wexler’s words–“without gambling football is soccer.” Alas, that was not meant as praise though futbol/soccer is a great sport, not without its problems, but one without Bronxville (the town with nary a Chanukah light) resident Roger Goodell at its helm.
In the 2008 ALCS, David Price’s stellar relief pitching in the decisive 7th game helped the Tampa Bay Rays oust the defending World Series champion, Boston Red Sox.
Now at a great cost, even by today’s ridiculous money standards, the Red Sox have annexed Price. They paid a big price for a pitcher, with a woeful post season record.
On Monday, the defending NBA champion, Golden State Warriors raised their record to (19-0) with a close win at Utah vs the Jazz.
Tuesday’s New York Post reported the Jazz as the team winning the close game and raising the team’s record to (19-0).
Pittsburgh Steelers’ coach Mike Tomlin’s decision to go for a field goal and not the touchdown with three plus minutes left in last week’s loss at Seattle vs the Seahawks was the wrong one (not one hundred percent but at least say eighty), but of course CBS analyst Phil Simms agreed with the conservative decision.
I seem to remember the highly over rated, but still excellent coach Bill “Willie Boy” Parcells often going for first downs on fourth down situations with Simms as the Giants quarterback, especially in the 1986 title season.
Surely Simms applauded those decisions, but why oh why do all these analysts, even former quarterbacks, often applaud the conservative, wrong and in most cases losing decisions by coaches on fourth down situations?!!
Steelers’ coach Mike Tomlin pictured above, also elected to kick a field rather than go for the touchdown early in his team’s Super Bowl win vs the Arizona Cardinals after the 2008 season. That was a bad decision as well. I do not “result” nor second guess, I said it as it happened both last Sunday and in that Super Bowl.
