Randolph's Random Picks


Week 4

These are the  picks for the 2005 season. Bold represents the team selected to win. Games in red represent the Upset of the Week. At the bottom, The weekly and overall records for the season appear at the bottom. These picks are based purely on winners and losers with no consideration from the spread. The spread is only used to determine upsets for the Upset of the Week.

And you thought you had it tough when you had to serve one day of jury duty.

NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue spent his Wednesday in Washington D.C., called before the Senate Commerce Committee, to discuss two proposed Senate bills that would standardize drug policies across sports.

Much of the attention was on Major League Baseball, thanks to the league's slow reaction to installing a weak steroid policy and because a high-profile player, Rafael Palmiero, was caught breaking the rules after emphatically declared to the House Government reform Committee on March 17th while under oath that he never, ever used steroids.

While America's Pastime is put through the wringer, all pro sports are nervously sweating as proposed bills are being pushed by the House of Representatives and Senate. Under one of the proposed bills, a first-time offender who fails a test will serve a two-year suspension. A second offense would mean a lifetime ban from sports.

"There are some who will say Congress has no business in this issue," said Arizona senator John McCain. Count me as one of the some.

Doesn't Congress have anything better to do than regulate a form of entertainment? Last I checked, two hurricanes caused severe damage to Louisiana and Texas. Why don't they dedicate their time to getting help to evacuees and repairing damage. Heck, why don't they investigate why it took FEMA so long to arrive in Louisiana?

If they want to fight a war on drugs, why not start with the drug companies? The Federal Drug Association had to pull Vioxx from the market because it was killing those using it. And it wasn't the only prescription drug that was pulled due to health risks. There's also street drugs polluting poor neighborhoods. How about cleaning that up?

And if y'all Congressmen find the time, how about balancing the budget, ending homelessness, cleaning the environment, keeping the ban on automatic guns, monitoring homeland security, improving education, preserving endangered species, funding cures for cancer and AIDS, and the several dozen other issues that you've dragged your feet on?

Yes, I want an even playing field void of cheaters. But it should be a league's responsibility to do what needs to be done to keep sports fair. The NFL has been a leader in policing themselves with one of the best drug policies in pro sports. The current policy works. And in time the other leagues will come to an agreement with the players unions on drug policies that will make pro sports clean and fair. They can accomplish this without the government getting involved.

If politicians want to get involved in pro sports, go to the games. The Nationals and Redskins play nearby.

Houston at Cincinnati - W

OK, so let me get this straight. The Texans fire offensive coordinator Chris Palmer and replace him with offensive line assistant coach Joe Pendry. This is the same guy who helped coach a unit that gave up a league-high 49 sacks last year. How will Pendry improve the offense when his linemen were the biggest detriment? Nothing will hold back the Bengals' offense.

Denver at Jacksonville - L

Jimmy Smith's tightrope act along the sideline for the game-winning score was worthy of any circus production. With the Broncos' best corner, Champ Bailey, questionable this week Jacksonville's leading receiver won't have to resort to acrobatics to reach the endzone. The Jaguars dazzle Denver.

Philadelphia at Kansas City - W

Philly head coach Andy Reid will have someone other than linebacker Mark Simoneau or long-snapper Mike Bartrum handling the kicking duties for obvious reasons. Simoneau because he's just not good at it and Bartrum can't get back quick enough to kick after snapping the ball. Playing their true roles, Simoneau and Bartrum help the Eagles give the Chiefs the boot.

San Diego at New England - L

New England's Tom Brady needs a new layer of protection. Left tackle Matt Light will be out indefinitely after breaking a leg in Pittsburgh. Rookie Nick Kaczur is the immediate replacement to protect the quarterback's blind side, but he won't be alone. Brady should feel safe as he leads the Patriots past the Chargers.

Buffalo vs New Orleans - W

Special teams was the focal point for N'Orleans during practice this week. Fumbling the opening kickoff in two consecutive games is the reason for the emphasis. That means no triple reverse hook-and-ladder lateral play to start the game. If the Saints protect the ball, they will come out on top.

St. Louis at New York Giants - W

St. Louis throwing a lateral from the pocket? Come on, like the Rams throw any passes sideways. They keep going vertical, but keeping passer Marc Bulger vertical will be a problem as the Giants drop the Rams.

Detroit at Tampa Bay - W

This is like a revenge tour for T.B. They're getting the whole NFC North back for the years spent as the NFC Central doormat. Green Bay has gone down and the Lions are next on this list. The Buccaneers pound the Lions.

Indianapolis at Tennessee - W

Quarterback Peyton Manning to receiver Marvin Harrison are now the most prolific QB-to-WR tandem in NFL history. They'll add to that total in a Colts win over the Titans.

Seattle at Washington - L

Yes, the record says the Redskins are undefeated. But based on how they've come out on top in three games, they should be credited with 2.2 wins. A first whole loss comes at the hands of the Seahawks.

New York Jets at Baltimore - W

The good news is Jets QB Chad Pennington might not have a torn rotator cuff. The bad news is his rotator cuff wasn't torn before his three starts. His arm strength was non-existent. But at least Pennington knew what he was doing. His replacement, Brook Bollinger, won't know what hit him as the Ravens beat the tar out of the Jets.

Minnesota at Atlanta - W

When you don't have a go-to receiver, you share the ball. Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper spread the ball among eight receivers. But Culpepper was sacked seven times as well. Such production rarely happens when there's a lack of security in the pocket. Daunte won't have the time to stand and deliver with the Falcons pass rush coming after him.

Dallas at Oakland - L

Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp leads the team with one interception. What does that say about the secondary? The holes will be exposed as the Cowboys slip past Oakland for the Upset of the Week.

San Francisco vs Arizona - W

This game has a feel of "Survivor: NFL." Whichever team loses is left behind in Mexico. I always liked Josh McCown and I feel the back-up passer will lead the Cardinals past the Niners.

Green Bay at Carolina - Monday Night - W

After three weeks, 'Lina's uber-pass rusher Julius Peppers is yet to sack his first quarterback. He'll have his chances against a suspect Green Bay O-line. If Peppers doesn't get to the passer, some of his teammates will as the Panthers ground the Packers.

Bye: Chicago, Cleveland, Miami, Pittsburgh
Weekly Record: 10-4
Overall Record:
32-28

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