Scott Garceau: History Lesson And Predictions
Not how Mr. Harbaugh drew it up but get off the ledge Ravens fans I say the guys in Purple likely win their next two and in the end will be in the thick of it in the AFC North. I was on record saying I didn't think they'd win in Denver, will admit I didn't see a Bronco's 49 coming. It would have been 56 if Denver's brain-dead Danny Trevathan didn't start his "look at me" TD celebration on the 2 yard line. I'd give him a 1-game STUPID suspension.
Peyton Manning became the first NFL quarterback to throw 7 TD passes in a game in over 50 years. Only 5 others have done the 7 for 6 performance, the last was the Vikings Joe Kapp in September of 1969. Like Manning, Kapp had his career day against a Baltimore team that had knocked him out of the playoffs the previous season and a Baltimore team that was coming off a Super Bowl appearance.
The Baltimore Colts were upset by Joe Namath and the Jets in Super Bowl III earlier that year. Bubba Smith, Mike Curtis, Jerry Logan, Rick Volk and friends were on the wrong end as Kapp went 28 of 43 for 449 yards and 7 TD's.
Unlike Manning, Kapp didn't play the entire game, 2 Vikings back-up quarterbacks played, if not Kapp might have done more damage.
How about this, former Eagles quarterback Adrian Burk the 2nd QB to throw for 7 TD's was there working as a game official the day Joe Kapp dropped 7 on the Colts. I guess QB's in the 50's didn't make 100-million, so they had to work when their football glory days were over. I've got a feeling Manning won't be a back judge the next time a guy tosses 7 touchdowns.
Crystal ball time, there's nothing concrete about these predictions just one man's best guess at the winners.
AFC North-- Pittsburgh (Lot of love for Cincinnati, Ravens in the mix. Hunch Steelers off the radar bounce-back)
AFC South- Houston (Colts have more at QB, Texans better all-around)
AFC East- New England (Boring! Pats not great but better than rest)
AFC West-Denver (Guess Chiefs win battle for 2nd place)
AFC Wildcards- Cincinnati, Baltimore
NFC North- Green Bay (Go with the QB. 4 decent teams, all but Detroit could win division)
NFC South- Atlanta (Saints better but scary D, Buc's could contend)
NFC East- NY Giants (Toughest division to call, Redskins likely make playoffs)
NFC West- San Francisco (Seattle will make it tough, Rams on the rise)
NFC Wildcards-Seattle, Washington
AFC Champ- Denver
NFC Champ- Atlanta
Super Bowl Champ- Atlanta maybe? (It's cold outside! Young arm of Ryan gets the edge over Manning.)
