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In the most not talked about booth move since Willie came out of the boooooth and got hit by a car, I'm surprised Joe Lombardi's move from the sidelines didn't get more press than it did. The Lions went 11-5 and nearly won a playoff game with Lombardi on the sidelines last season, so yeah, there's no black-and-white right or wrong here, but what took me by surprise is that this move didn't happen sooner because it's supposedly what Lombardi wanted for some time. Why not let him move up as soon as he wanted to? In conjunction with technology these days, as opposed to in my day, I would think the dude calling the shots should have the best view of the field, free from distraction. Lombardi admitted it helped while downplaying other possible benefits:
"The biggest thing for me is it's less hectic," he said. "You don't have to feel the guys pouting if you're not throwing the ball to them, or whatever emotions are going on down there. You're just kind of away from them. It's a little quieter."Lombardi said he was less exhausted after the game, too, due to the calmness of the environment compared to the field-level experience.Lombardi said he was less exhausted after the game, too, due to the calmness of the environment compared to the field-level experience.
Lombardi said he was less exhausted after the game, too, due to the calmness of the environment compared to the field-level experience.
With the Lions using tablets to look at aerial views of the game between drives, Lombardi said there wasn't much benefit to him seeing things from a bird's-eye view. While he acknowledged it's possible to notice a weakness in the defense a play sooner, the extra knowledge can backfire as teams frequently alter their defensive calls.
The extra knowledge can backfire? A man of knowledge increases strength. Lombardi's offense has been weak. Lombardi, coaches, Stafford, and fans can downplay the change all they want, but there's no denying that anytime you can have extra knowledge and a guy named Jim Bob Cooter on the sideline, you're better for it. But I get it, most coaches prefer to be on the sideline so they can yell and scream and be in the action, and for direct communication with the quarterback. I'm a video game guy, though, so when you're hitting the reset button, the booth for Lombardi seemed like a smart move.
No reset button here. Since the tweets worked so well last week, and I'm a little 'stitious, let's give them a try again this week:
49ERS (+6.5) over Seahawks
Renton Police say Seahawks Fred Jackson was going too fast, not drag-racing Marshawn Lynch as reported by TMZ Sports https://t.co/V7Ry4qBrBj
— KING 5 News (@KING5Seattle) October 21, 2015
JAGUARS (+5.5) over Bills
Bills QB Tyrod Taylor (knee) and WR Sammy Watkins (ankle) have been ruled OUT of Sunday's game vs Jaguars. pic.twitter.com/jaNCywpPGG
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 22, 2015
LIONS (+2.5) over Vikings
Donuts are yummy, but not good for world class athletes.
The #Vikings have a Donut Club and we want in! Presented by @Chrysler. #Chrysler200 https://t.co/jZXz2yCtB9
— AtTheBuzzer (@TheBuzzerOnFOX) October 21, 2015
Falcons (-3.5) over TITANS
Okay, I will, because you said so:
the line on falcons-titans has already moved to atl -5. no mariota, the titans have a terrible defense, falcons off long break. take atlanta
— Charles McDonald (@McDraft2) October 22, 2015
COLTS (-4.5) over Saints
Colts fake punt, TECMO remix. https://t.co/2OFcdZti7n
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) October 19, 2015
Steelers (-2) over CHIEFS
So Mike Tomlin won't throw Landry Jones a parade. But 8 teams have used started multiple QBs, and #Steelers only one with winning record
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) October 20, 2015
Browns (+5.5) over RAMS
Woof.
Thursday afternoon = uniform reveal time! pic.twitter.com/qmrSe2v1J0
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 22, 2015
DOLPHINS (-4.5) over Texans
Dolphins HC Dan Campbell is 3.5 months older than Texans punter Shane Lechler. They were roommates at Texas A&M.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) October 22, 2015
Jets (+9) over PATRIOTS
Wish I could embed this solid game week smack talk:
As part of Throwback Thursday, the Patriots' official Twitter account tweeted: "This seems relevant. #TBT" with a picture attached of the infamous play. The tweet was deleted later Thursday.
The "Butt Fumble" play took place in a Thanksgiving night game in 2012, when then-quarterback Mark Sanchez, on an aborted play, ran into the rear end of guard Brandon Moore. Sanchez fumbled, and it was returned for a touchdown by the Patriots, who won a blowout on Thanksgiving night, 49-19.
Buccaneers (+3.5) over REDSKINS
Puke. Tweet.
CHARGERS (-4) over Raiders
My thoughts exactly when I heard this last Sunday:
Nantz just said whaaaat - Philip Rivers is expecting his 8th child?!?! A few more he will have a starting lineup..
— Danielle Santoro (@DanielleSantoro) October 18, 2015
Cowboys (+3.5) over GIANTS
.@DezBryant's new baby monkey 'Dallas' is SO DANG CUTE. pic.twitter.com/eU2rKqGWOz
— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 22, 2015
PANTHERS (-3.5) over Eagles
Pay my fine, Cam?
Cam Newton wants to fine you for your bad predictions https://t.co/nO8BA1sgXa
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 21, 2015
Ravens (+7.5) over CARDINALS
Revenge of The Smith. READ: https://t.co/B25CxR5NbY pic.twitter.com/I9LDU8cPHW
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 22, 2015
LAST WEEK: 8-5-1
STANDINGS:
From the comments: JonnieT falls out of the top 10 with a rough 3-8-1 and is at 43-41. Scriggl falls to 42-47 (I'm coming for you!) Elfuego51 is 36-53.
If picking all of the games against the spread isn't your thing, let me know if you're interested in starting a midseason FourPlay Football league. You pick 4 games each week with a teased spread, +14 in your favor. It's a Detroit-based start up so be a part of something local. Also, ask me about becoming a Guru (to replace me)!