Iggy’s Baltimore Sports Report – September 5, 2016

Ravens:
preseason is now over, and the dust is starting to settle on the numerous roster moves. With the starting pieces set, one can’t help but notice the 4-0 preseason record. How does that translate. Simple: It doesn’t. In the last 15 seasons, 23 teams have finished the post season undefeated. Of those, about half made the playoffs. So, our odds are the same as everyone else at this point: 50/50. Yes, some teams have better parts and pieces making their odds better or worse. SI, has predicted the stealers to go to the Super Bowl this year, but keep in mind that they also predicted the Ravens to win it all last year, so their track record isn’t that great right now.


Recent moves include the cut and re-signing of Justin Forsett, and the addition of Devin Hester as KR. Generally speaking, the Ravens don’t look much different than any other season in recent memory. Questions on offense, questions on defense, and questions on Special Team. SI put us at 8-8, but I think we are better than average, and I will go with 10-6, but we will have to inflate our early season win total. With 3 of the final 4 games on the road in NE, pit, and Cin, we could end the season with a giant *thud* if we don’t build a lot of early season confidence.

Orioles:
The season is slipping away. The Orioles have sunk to 3rd place, 3 games out and tied for the 2nd wild card. Why? Starting pitching, which was holding together earlier in the season collapsed against Houston, and hasn’t recovered, with Tillman on the DL through the weekend. To top it all off, the O’s are homer happy, failing to produce runs that don’t go over the fence. My general observation is that if we don’t jump out early, the bats go to sleep. I see the playoff possibilities as questionable, and advancement doubtful.

Alouettes
Montreal (3-7) continue their bad start, and sit 3 games back..

Blast (MISL):
A combination of 2 events have led the Blast back into the MISL. First, the newly formed IPL failed to take off as hoped, with only 3 other teams following or joining the Blast. Secondly, new leadership of the MISL implemented the changes to league operations that Hale was demanding before he announced his departure from the league last Spring. In summary, the teams financial success is no longer tied to the league’s stability.

Chesapeake Bayhawks: (Home games at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium)
Denver defeated Ohio in Atlanta 19-18 for title.

Capitals (See website for more details):
Preseason starts at home on September 26 against the Hurricanes. Not even a preseason game in Baltimore this year after complaints about the ice on previous years trips.

Wizards (See website for more details):
Preseason starts October 4, regular season October 27.

D.C.United (See website for more details):
United (9-9-11) are in 6th place, 5 points behind Montreal for 5th.


What do you want to see in the Ravens report? What should be scrapped? Actually, never mind. No one is reading this anyway so you probably won’t know the difference. Send an email to iggy at tealdragon.net. Thanks!


Relevant Football Links


Iggy’s Predictions


“Past performance does not guarantee future success, but it sure is the way to bet!”

  • Week 1:
    • Ravens over Bills (+3.5), but take the points.
    • Denver (+3.5) over Panthers. Not sure it is wise to bet against Denver at home.
    • Atlanta over Tampa (+3.5). Battle for last?
    • Minnesota over Titans (+2.5). Vikings were 8-2 as the favorite last year.
    • Eagles over Browns (+3.5). It’s still the Browns.
    • Bengals over Jets (+2.5). Bengals were 11-2 as the favorite last year.
    • Raiders (+0.5) over Saints. Oakland was 7-4 as the underdog and the Saints were 2-5 as the favorite last season.
    • Chefs over Chargers (+7.5), but take the points. Chargers covered the spread 5 times last season.
    • Houston over Bears (+5.5), but take the points. Houston was 5-2 as the favorite last season.
    • Packers over Jags (+4.5). Only 4.5? Packers won first 5 games of the season last year as favorite.
    • Seattle over Miami (+10.5), but take the points. Too many points for season opener.
    • Giants over Dallas (+.5). NFC East Road team are a safer bet then the home team.
    • Colts (+3.5) over Detroit. Colts were 6-2 as the underdog last season.
    • Arizona over Pats (+5.5). No Brady? Waaa… NOT! NE was never an underdog last season!
    • pittsburgh over skins (+3.5). Where’s the option for mutually assured destruction?
    • LaRams over Niners (+2.5). SF could be a candidate for an 0-fer season.
    • Last Season: 164-103 SU, 37-130 ATS

Please send comments to Iggy at tealdragon.net