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Breaking Down The Jets & Giants Schedules Plus Predictions

It's not hard to comprehend why the NFL is the most popular and successful league on the face of the planet. As Colin Cowherd put it this morning, they treat their operation like a TV show - they build drama and anticipation like no other organization. MLB could stand to benefit from learning a thing or two from their pigskinned cousins. We witnessed the NFL's grasp on its fans with the frenzied free agency period and we're seeing it again now with the release of each team's schedule. As a diehard Giants fan, I cringed at the murderers' row lineup. As a curious and innocent bystander of the Jets, my lip curls like the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Here's my take on each team's matchups.

NEW YORK GIANTS 2012 SCHEDULE:

1 Dallas Cowboys - WED - September 5 at 830pm ET on NBC

The Cowgirls had their chances to take the division last year and couldn't. Call it dumb luck, poor coaching, or inadequate personnel. Romo's personal life has settled since his Jessica Simpson days and they added to key parts to their D. G-men lost Brandon Jacobs, which might come back to bite them if they don't find a complementary piece to the injury prone Bradshaw. Is DJ Ware the answer? Probably not. If Big Blue doesn't pick up a solid change of pace back in free agency or in the draft, they'll have to rely on Eli to throw like he did against SF in the NFC Championship. Note: He almost died in that game. With that said, Giants will be amped and usually play well in the opener.

RESULT: W RECORD: 1 - 0

2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers - SUN - September 16 at 100pm ET on FOX

The Bucs are the youngest team in the league and they haven't done much to add veteran leadership, maturity or stability in the offseason. However, after slipping up last year, who's to say they don't gel as a unit and surprise some teams? This could be a trap game for the Giants coming off an adrenaline-high of opening night. Luckily, for Big Blue they have more than enough time to come down, recharge and get the engines back to neutral thanks to Obama's speech pushing opening night up a day.

RESULT: W RECORD: 2 - 0

3 @ Carolina Panthers THU September 20 at 820pm ET on NFL Network

This was a tough one to look at. The Bucs aren't as physical as they used to be, but you'd have to think that having LeGarrette Blount pounding you in the face 20-30 times a game will take its toll. If the Giants get out to a big lead, the Bucs will abandon the run, which will ease the Monday/Tuesday soreness. I bring that up because this is a quick turnaround - 3 days to prep for Cam Newton. Throw in travel and it could be a long day for New York's D. If they double Steve Smith with safety over the top and shadow Newton, they should escape with a victory. But, knowing the Giants and their history with scrambling QBs, it could be a very frustrating day that sees a slew of 3rd and longs converted.

RESULT: W RECORD: 3 - 0

4 @ Philadelphia Eagles SUN September 30 at 820pm ET on NBC

This one could get ugly quick. Michael Vick scares the scat out of me. Although, minus 1/2 of 1 quarter in 2010, the Giants sort of look like they have a tenuous grasp on Vick. They're not shutting him down by any means, but relative to other squads, they can rattle him. I believe the Eagles are the team to watch (with the Skins being a very close second) in the East. They were close to winning the division last year after making a late run and had the Giants faltered, they would've made the playoffs and done some damage. Throw in the fact it's at Philly and a Sunday night game, which the Giants have historically sucked playing, we're looking at Giants possibly losing by double digits.

RESULT: L RECORD: 3 - 1

5 Cleveland Browns SUN October 7 at 100pm on CBS

Everyone's real quick to chalk this one up in on the W side of the docket but memories from the 2008 season in which the undefeated Giants got smoked by the hapless Browns in primetime still haunt me. Yes, the Browns are in a state of disarray, they lose their primary back, they don't get Manning or Tebow, and they have no-name talent. I could see the Giants getting off to a sluggish start after having their hats handed to them in Philly, but this is one of those games where they'll get down early and play behind most of the game only to pull it out in the last few minutes (see last year's game against the dreadful Dolphins).

RESULT: W RECORD: 4 - 1

6 @ San Francisco 49ers SUN October 14 at 415pm ET on FOX This could be the beginning of the end of the Giants' 2012 campaign. It closely mirrors last year's horrific stretch of knockdown, drag 'em out contests that will leave them battered, bruised, and... for the better? Yes, they were nearly eliminated from playoff contention (there was like a 25% chance they'd clinch a spot after last year's murderous four game slump), but one could argue it toughened them up down the stretch and provided a morale boost for their improbable run (I called it, btw). That said, the 49ers will be frothing at the bit to dismantle Big Blue. You want to talk BountyGate? Try BountyBonanza. I looked at this and I said, "Pass". It's like taking the SATs, skip the hard ones and focus on the easy ones. But, shutting down Brandon Jacobs and Mario Manningham while sticking it to Randy Moss? Wouldn't mind that as well.

RESULT: L RECORD: 4 - 2

7 Washington Redskins SUN October 21 at 100pm ET on FOX I mentioned this in my analysis of the first Eagles game; the Skins will be fun to watch if they pick RG3. I know he'll be a gigantic pain in the G-men's collective neck for a full on decade, but unlike McNabb, Cunningham, and Vick, I don't see myself cursing his name spitefully. It'll be more like courteous golf clapping when he breaks our hearts. I look forward to facing him mostly because I'm sick of us losing subpar QB after subpar QB - frickin' Rex Grossman and Todd Collins? Just embarrassing. For the record, I'll take getting swept by Washington every season if it means we win the Lombardi.

RESULT: W RECORD: 5-2

8 @ Dallas Cowboys SUN October 28 at 415pm ET on FOX Once in a while the Giants and Cowboys put on a show that isn't determined by crazy, freakshow plays. Sometimes they just play a great game that's back and forth and that gets ridiculous ratings for FOX. This will be on of those games. It'll air as an Instant Classic and I'll watch it despite the outcome.

RESULT: L RECORD: 5 - 3

9 Pittsburgh Steelers SUN November 4 at 415pm ET on CBS This one will be a heartbreaker. I feel like a lot of Giants fans will disagree with me on this one considering Big Ben's fragility, but I can see him limping around, narrowly dodging bullets, to find someone for an absolutely outlandish play that does the Giants in. It'll set up a long distance field goal to win the game and the Giants will have to face the same relentless scrutiny they always do at this point in the season. We'll later find out Roethlisberger broke his entire skeletal system or something.

RESULT: L RECORD: 5 - 4

10 @ Cincinnati Bengals SUN November 11 at 100pm ET on FOX I truly believe that the Giants thrive on the media and the public sh*tting on them. After having everyone come down on them hard for blowing it against Pittsburgh, they'll take out their frustration on the Bengals. It won't be easy, the Bengals are underrated. It'll look a lot like the previous week, but I think the fact that they have a bye week coming up will inspire them to pull out all the stops and play with reckless abandon. We see what they can do with that type of mentality, Justin Tuck said it himself last year.

RESULT: W RECORD: 6 - 4

11 BYE Week

12 Green Bay Packers SUN November 25 at 820pm ET on NBC

You'd have to imagine the schedule makers clapped and rubbed their hands together vigorously while sporting a mile wide grin when setting up this one. After scraping by the Bengals, the Giants will be re-energized while the Pack will be out for revenge. This could very well be the game of the year for the NFL, in what is developing into a nice little rivalry over the past five years. As for this contest, the Giants will get out to a healthy lead early but will ease up and let Green Bay back into the game. Unlike last time around, this one WILL go into OT, but Green Bay will benefit from the new rules. Could've gone either way.

RESULT: L RECORD: 6 - 5

13 @ Washington Redskins MON December 3 at 830pm ET on ESPN Remember what I said about RG3? This will be his coming out party. He might've shown flashes of brilliance in the first game, but this one will be a foreshadowing of what to expect for years to come. If only Al Michaels and John Madden were commentating and not frickin' Tirico, Jaws, and Jon Gruden. If there was an option to just listen to crowd noise, I'd select it.

RESULT: L RECORD: 6 - 6

14 New Orleans Saints SUN December 9 at 415pm ET on FOX Sweet sweet revenge. I'm extremely confident the Saints won't make the playoffs, but they'll play like a playoff team the entire year. I just don't think you can flourish under those conditions - losing a coach with a quarterback who's not happy with his contract situation. Mix that with the Giants being thoroughly pissed off about last year's debacle and you've got the makings of a blowout. Someone's gonna get hurt and that someone's gonna be wearing Black and Gold. Just don't pay anyone for it. Christ.

RESULT: W RECORD: 7 - 6

15 @ Atlanta Falcons SUN December 16 100pm ET on FOX

I'll probably regret this, but the Falcons simply do not scare me. Matty Ice doesn't scare me. Michael Turner doesn't scare me. Rowdy Roddy White and Julio down by the schoolyard Jones don't scare me. This is the point in the season when the Giants smell blood in the water and I can't see them letting up against Atlanta. They'll handle their biz.

RESULT: W RECORD: 8 - 6

16 @ Baltimore Ravens SUN December 23 100pm ET on FOX Despite what's going on with Ray Rice, the Ravens are a team destined for the Super Bowl. Despite what I've said about Joe Flacco, he's poised for his best season yet. Despite my opinion on Ray Lewis, the dude's a leader who can motivate just about anyone. If he can't, you won't be on his team. The Giants will play fierce and tight, but Baltimore will pull away late. The score won't reflect how close this one will be.

RESULT: L RECORD: 8 - 7

17 Philadelphia Eagles SUN December 30, 2012 100 H FOX

It all comes down to this. The Eagles sit atop the NFC East, the Cowboys are in if the Giants lose. The Redskins were 1-2 wins away from being in the race for the Wild Card. This reminds me of the last game from 2002. Giants win and they're in. They pull it out thanks to stellar performances from Tiki Barber and Jeremy Shockey (who will eventually hold them back from winning in the future). This time around, it's players like Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz putting the team on their shoulders to pull out the victory and the final playoff spot.

RESULT: W RECORD: 9 - 7

NFC PLAYOFF SEEDS

1 Packers
2 49ers
3 Eagles
4 Falcons
5 Bears
6 Giants

NFC WILD CARD
Giants at Eagles*
Bears* at Falcons

NFC DIVISIONAL
Bears at Packers*
Eagles at 49ers*

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
49ers* at Packers


NEW YORK JEST 2012 SCHEDULE:

1 Buffalo Bills Sun, 09/09 at 1:00 PM EDT on CBS

Big time season opener at home. Tebow gets his 20 plays, probably scores a TD running the ball. Sanchez plays well. Everything goes according to plan and everyone's honky-dory. Smiles everywhere, they get the back page. Talk shows revolve around Super Bowl.

RESULT: W RECORD: 1 - 0

2 @ Pittsburgh Steelers Sun, 09/16 at 4:15 PM EDT on CBS I'd like to think Holmes shows up and goes off for career high numbers. Steelers see red when they see Tebow and he's incredibly ineffective. Sanchez struggles down the stretch. People start pushing the panic button.

RESULT: L RECORD: 1 - 1

3 @ Miami Dolphins Sun, 09/23 at 1:00 PM EDT on CBS

That loss to the Dolphins in Miami at the end of last season was brutal and part of me thinks the Jets will call upon that while prepping for this game. Miami was also the site of Tebow's coming out party last year and the Jets will rely on him heavily.

RESULT: W RECORD: 2 - 1

4 San Francisco 49ers Sun, 09/30 at 1:00 PM EDT on FOX If you're a Jets fan, you're happy this one's at home. For everyone else, take some time to reconnect with friends and family, maybe donate some time at the soup kitchen, work on that project you've been putting off. This one's gonna be a field goal fest. Tebow won't be a factor. Sanchez won't make any huge mistakes but he won't make any plays.

RESULT: L RECORD: 2 - 2

5 Houston Texans Mon, 10/08 at 8:30 PM EDT on ESPN This is a put up or shut up game for Gang Green. Houston is poised to run rampant on the AFC South now that Indy's Manning-less and rebuilding under Luck. This should be a great contest that sees each team playing really well. Yes, there will be turnovers but mostly fumbles on exceptional plays by the defense. Tebow's okay, most likely has 1 amazing play that results in a score and involves Sanchez. It'll come down to the last drive but I think the Jets pull it out with a clutch field goal. Talk all next week focuses on which Jets team should fans believe.

RESULT: W RECORD: 3 - 2

6 Indianapolis Colts Sun, 10/14 at 1:00 PM EDT on CBS Many expect this to be a cakewalk, but Andrew Luck demonstrates why he'll be the next Peyton Manning with his best output of the season. It still won't be enough, but it'll put a scare into the Jets organization. Sanchez makes some bad throws, Tebow has one long drive that makes people question Sanchez's effectiveness. Of course, everyone starts jumping to conclusions despite the W.

RESULT: W RECORD: 4 - 2

7 @ New England Patriots Sun, 10/21 at 4:15 PM EDT on CBS

I feel like the Pats have both Sanchez's and Tebow's numbers. This one won't be close and will most likely be their most demoralizing loss of the season. 'Is this team for real?' Doubts abound. Neither Tebow nor Sanchez seem like the answer. 'Can they ever surpass the Pats?'

RESULT: L RECORD: 4 - 3

8 Miami Dolphins Sun, 10/28 at 1:00 PM EDT on CBS Well, at least, there's always the Dolphins. It won't be pretty but the Jets will get back on track. Sanchez bounces back with a decent game. Tebow actually has some nice throws, but also throws a pick that leads to a score, resulting in less time for the rest of the game.

RESULT: W RECORD: 5 - 3

9 Nov. 4: BYE week

10 @ Seattle Seahawks Sun, 11/11 at 4:05 PM EST on CBS

TRAP GAME. TRAP GAME. TRAP GAME. Those inconsistent and pesky Seahawks decide to come out and play lights out, embarrassing the Jets in the process. No one looks good in this one. EVERYONE FREAK OUT.

RESULT: L RECORD: 5 - 4

11 @ St. Louis Rams Sun, 11/18 at 1:00 PM EST on CBS This one will be closer than most think. The Rams D is still very tough despite losing Spags and Gregg Williams. Three and outs will be en vogue. Sanchez sputters, but Tebow provides a spark late to pull it out. Cue controversy. 'How can they keep doing this? They need to stick with one QB!' A win's a win, guys. RESULT: W RECORD: 6 - 4 12 - New England Patriots Thu, 11/22 at 8:20 PM EST on NBC Short weeks blow. They would've loved to give this one more than 3 days to prep. Despite that, the team actually produces one of their best outing of the season, looking better than they have in most wins. Has Tebow figured out the Pats? Slight edge to him if we were to grade.

RESULT: L RECORD: 6 - 5

13 Arizona Cardinals Sun, 12/02 at 1:00 PM EST on FOX

The loss to the Pats serves as a much needed morale boost. The team takes out their new-found confidence on the Cards in a blowout. Everyone looks like a Pro Bowler. Everything works. Playoff talk pervades.

RESULT: W RECORD: 7 - 5

14 @ Jacksonville Jaguars Sun, 12/09 at 1:00 PM EST on CBS

The schedule makers breathe life back into the Jets' season with back to back blowouts. But will it come back to bite the Jets with a fairly rough three game stretch on the horizon? Tebow GOES OFF in this one in his hometown - showing the team why they should've drafted him in the first place. No real controversy here as Sanchez plays well, too.

RESULT: W RECORD: 8 - 5

15 @ Tennessee Titans Mon, 12/17 at 8:30 PM EST on ESPN

Don't let the Titans fool you, especially on their home turf. They nearly made the playoffs last year and beat the Saints down in Nashville. My gut says the Jets get down early (a side effect of playing bad teams the past 2 weeks), but fight back thanks to Sanchez and some occasional sparks from Tebow. Chris Johnson goes off, though, causing many to question the run D.

RESULT: L RECORD: 8 - 6

16 San Diego Chargers Sun, 12/23 at 8:20 PM EST on NBC Sure, the Chargers will eliminated from the playoff race a while ago, but Rivers isn't a quitter. The Jets will rest on a two score lead and Philip will lead a furious comeback that is thwarted on the last drive.

RESULT: W RECORD: 9 - 6

17 @ Buffalo Bills Sun, 12/30 at 1:00 PM EST on CBS It all comes down to this. Win and the Jets are in the playoffs. The Bills love to play spoiler and they'll do an exceptional job here, pushing the game's outcome to the final minutes. The D comes up big as Tebow looks awful and Sanchez is so-so.

RESULT: W RECORD: 10 - 6

AFC PLAYOFF SEEDS

1 Ravens
2 Patriots
3 Texans
4 Broncos
5 Steelers
6 Jets

AFC WILD CARD
Jets* at Texans - After another playoff exit, Texans look to dump Schaub
Steelers at Broncos*

AFC DIVISIONAL
Broncos at Patriots*
Jets at Ravens*

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Patriots at Ravens*

SUPER BOWL
Ravens vs 49ers* - the Harbaugh Bowl everyone outside of Giants/Pats fans wanted last year.

Neal Lynch
https://twitter.com/#!/realcinch

All New Tri-State Sports Guys!!!!!

Tebow To The Jets Isn't The Worst Move Ever

As you know by now, the Jets traded a 4th round pick for Tim Tebow, which I think is a steal for the former 1st round selection and Heisman winner. Those in the game (players and coaches alike) have criticized God's quarterback for his throwing motion, for his faith, and for setting the game back about 80 years with his old-school single wing style offense. Religious zealots have latched on to him as a sign from the Big Man above. He had atrocious passing stats over his tenure in Denver, but you can't argue with his ability to win and to lead. Still, the Jets have a leader in place, so why bring him in?

As Skip Bayless has pointed out repeatedly on ESPN's First Take, the Broncos were an absolute joke before Tebow went on his streak. Worst stretch in franchise history. Then staunch Bronco supporters like Mark Schlereth point out Tebow lead the offense to a record-setting number of three and outs and was only bailed out by a rejuvenated defense and a lights out kicker.

Mike Francesa is currently lambasting the move, calling the Jets organization a "three ring circus". He'll sell tickets, jerseys, and bring media attention, but he won't win games. He believes they just threw Sanchez under the bus. He claims the Jets can't handle being second banana to the Giants. Big Blue's Super Bowl win was a "shot to the solar plexus". Losing Peyton Manning "took the wind out of their sails". They go all in on Sanchize, but that wasn't the kind of move that gets buzz. So, Tebow's on the block and they see an opportunity to nudge the Giants out of the spotlight. As a Giants fan and a former quarterback who loves to draw up new plays, I love this move.

Why? Because I love that the Jets organization actually cares what the Giants do. Most Giants fans will tell you, we could care less. If anything, I WANT the Jets to do well so we can either face them in the Super Bowl or at the very least, root for them when we get bounced from contention (even though Jets games are hard to watch).

More importantly though, I'm extremely curious to see how Tebow factors into the gameplan. The first thought is, the Wildcat is back. New Offensive Coordinator Tony Sparano used it with the Dolphins, and Tebow plays his best within the option style attack. But, how many plays can you really get out of that? 8-10? My gut says there's no way they can afford to have Tebow on the bench for 50-60 snaps. At the same time, they don't want Sanchez to get cold or to ruin his momentum. That's what makes this move exciting. We now get to see just how far the Jets can stretch his playing time.

Will they use Tebow as an H-back? Pass catching TE? With Tebow, I think you can really get creative. And I think Sanchez is the type of guy who will welcome Tim with open arms and will form an immediate bond with him. Their relationship will fuel the Jets' success. If they don't forge this 'holy' union by the time the regular season rolls around, then they need to trade Tebow. Otherwise, the squad falls apart.

At first glance, this is a horrible football move. Many are calling it a 'gimmick'. However, with great risk comes great reward. Either he comes in and complements Sanchez to help Gang Green get over that AFC Championship hump OR at the very least, they can dish Tebow before the season and get a value player or draft pick. In my mind, if they get everyone to buy in (like the Giants did on their championship runs in '07-'08 and '11-'12) they're a lock for the playoffs and the Super Bowl. If not, if that chemistry shows any signs of shakiness, you cut ties BEFORE the season.

In any case, you MUST avoid QB controversy. The media in NYC are voracious and they'll instigate and provoke and prod at every incompletion, every interception, every bad decision Sanchez makes. The key is to have foresight and think long term. "Sanchez is our starting quarterback. Tim is our slash back." Hate to use that term, but you really can't pigeonhole Tebow into one position. Worked for the Steelers in '94-'95, who says it can't work for the Jets?

I'll leave you with this - if the Patriots had signed Tebow, everyone would applaud Belichick for his shrewdness. Rex Ryan's no Belichick, but I'd like to think the coaching staff could collectively develop a role that works. At most, what do you lose? A 4th round pick? I'd take that in a heartbeat.

Neal Lynch
https://twitter.com/#!/realcinch

All New Tri-State Sports Guys