Hello readers! The week that we've all been waiting for since last Febuary has arrived! The week where every team starts out at 0-0 will begin very soon. In this post I'll talk about: the Grits Blitz and my picks for the first week of the 2020 NFL season. Let's get to work!
NFL Storytime
So for those who followed my posts last year would realize that I did not just the picks to the games that week but also a look back into NFL history. With such topics like the Immaculate Reception to the 2000 Ravens, I was sure to offer a variety of topics to look into.
I thought I'd return this year with some more of these stories from the NFL's past. The title could use some work but I felt it was a decent title for now. These stories are sort of a "honorable mention" in that they were topics that I felt that were decent but not integral in the annals of NFL history. This week I'll talk about the famous "Grits Blitz."
For the first 12 years of their existence, the Atlanta Falcons were losers and often in the bottom of the NFC standings. That would start to change when the Falcons hired a coach from Perrysburg, Ohio. His name was Jerry Glanville. He was hired in 1977 to be the Atlanta Falcons defensive backs coach and would bring along a kind of defense that would rival that of the 1985 Bears.
He would introduce to Atlanta the Grits Blitz, a kind of defense that would send as many players as possible to blitz. It was a sort of precursor to what Buddy Ryan would bring to Chicago with those great team's in the 1980's. The Bears along with the 2000 Ravens are among the greatest defenses in NFL history. The 1977 Falcons hold records for points allowed per game with 9.2, yards per play with 3.7, yards allowed per game with 231.6, and 3.42 turnovers per game. For persepective the 2000 Ravens have allowed only 10.3 points per game.
This defense isn't nearly talked about as much as the 2000 Ravens or 1985 Bears. It's for many reasons. Like most of their history, the Falcons have either had a great offense or a great defense, never both. The 1977 Falcons offense would only score 179 points or 12.8 points per game. The most that the offense would score was 20 in a 21-20 loss to the Saints. The rest of the NFC West (including the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints) would score 200+ points that season.
With an inept offense and a defense for the ages, the Falcons would finish 1977 with a 7-7 record. Their next season would be their best in franchise history thus far with a 9-7 record and the franchise's first playoff victory against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC wild card. They would lose the week after to the Dallas Cowboys. While they wouldn't post consecutive winning seasons until 2009, the franchise made some strides with playoff appearances in 1980 and 1982. They would lose to the Cowboys in the Divisional in 1980 and to the Vikings in the first round in 1982.
What lesson can be learned from the Grits Blitz? That sometimes the greatest of all time in a veil. Sadly in the NFL, if you don't win championships, you're not regarded as the best of the best. Sad but true but it is fun to look at history and admire those who don't get enough love like the 1977 Falcons. Video is not my own but it does go more in depth about the Grits Blitz.
How the Picks Work + History
This season will be the 7th season of me doing picks. I started doing a blog when I first signed up with Wordpress back in 2012. I did a blog on NFL picks from 2012 to 2014. I returned to doing picks with Blogger back in 2017. Since 2017 I've done picks with Cardinal Viking, my former roommate. In 2017 he won, in 2018 it was a tie, finally last season I won. Perhaps 2020 will continue to bring me good luck.
In terms of rules, there are very few rules: picks must be done before the first week's game happens (either Thursday, Saturday or Sunday). Meaning, that you should trust your gut a bit more than normal in this case. Another rule is that if a game ends in a tie, it will count as a tie (who even picks a game to tie anyway). Another rule is that there is no money put down on it, it is purely for fun and bragging rights.
Week 1 Picks
Week 1 of the NFL regular season starts in Kansas City, Missouri and finishes in Denver, Colorado. There will be a Thursday night game, nine early games, three late games, a Sunday night game and two Monday night games. CBS will have the single game while FOX will have the double header this week. No teams are on a bye this week. Let's get to the picks!
Note: TW is me, CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate
Houston @ Kansas City (NBC): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
The season kicks off with a rematch of the AFC Divsional playoff last year. With the loss of DeAndre Hopkins in the offseason, I don't know how this version of the Texans can compete with the Chiefs, let alone stay with them. Typically the team that plays in the kickoff game that wins is the home team so there's that as well.
Las Vegas @ Carolina (CBS): TW: Raiders; CV: Panthers
Before anyone asks I did put Las Vegas first go around. The game itself doesn't bode well for the Panthers who lost a lot of talent in the offseason. Teddy Bridgewater is good but can he handle a Raiders defense that is trying to be better, I would think so but unfortunately Carolina's defense is not that great either. I'll take the Raiders.
Indianapolis @ Jacksonville (CBS): TW: Colts; CV: Jaguars
The first game in the Philip Rivers era begins in earnest. I feel good with the Colts in the game due to their offensive talent overall than the Jaguars. Probably going to be a rough season in Jacksonville.
Miami @ New England (CBS): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
The Post-Brady era begins in New England. The Patriots will have a decent test to show how good Cam Newton could be in a situation like this. Miami has improved since last year but I feel Belichek will keep their offense at bay long enough to get a dub.
Philadelphia @ Washington (FOX): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles
The Eagles vs... The Football Team! Jokes aside, the injury riddled Eagles should pull a win out of their ass against a Washington team that is still trying to look for an identity. The score could be low but I feel the Carson Wentz-led Eagles will find a way to win. Can't face that embarrassment by losing to a team with the nickname "Football Team."
Seattle @ Atlanta (FOX): TW: Seahawks; CV: Falcons
The Seahawks made some noise with an improved defense in the offseason. We shall see how well this defense gets tested as the Falcons do have some weapons of their own on offense that can make any defense look silly. The game will be close but ultimately the Seahawks will pull it off, maybe from a late interception.
Green Bay @ Minnesota (FOX): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
Division games are pivotal and the winner of this game and the rematch later in the season will determine who will win the division. Yeah it could be decided that early. The game could be a defensive, low scoring affair but even the Packers defense could crack with their inept rush-defense. Dalvin Cook be salivating at the chance to eat this defense alive.
NY Jets @ Buffalo (CBS): TW: Bills; CV: Bills
I have the Bills winning the division this year in the AFC East. How well they can play against their own division will be huge in deciding how far they can go. Don't let me down Buffalo or the Bills Mafia will get angry... or they'll just throw people over tables... they do that regardless. Nevermind.
The Browns shored up some problems in the offseason but they run into a buzzsaw in the Ravens in this one. Baltimore should get a victory in this game based on ball control and tight defense. I feel Baker Mayfield will have a rebound year but how well can he improve from a sophomore slump.
Chicago @ Detroit (FOX): TW: Lions; CV: Lions
Honestly both teams are terrible. Who do I think is less terrible? I'd go on a whim and say the Lions because of their offense and their prototype Patriots defense. I'd be surprised if this game literally ends in a tie. I've been fooled before.
LA Chargers @ Cincinnati (CBS): TW: Bengals; CV: Chargers
The Joe Burrow era begins. He will make his debut in this game and we shall see how good this kid can play against a fairly decent defense. He does have some help in offense. The question for me is how well can the Chargers offense can play without Philip Rivers under center. I'd take the underdog Bengals.
Arizona @ San Francisco (FOX): TW: 49ers; CV: Cardinals
Kyler Murray will have a better year with DeAndre Hopkins and an upright Larry Fitzgerald. There's no question I feel this game can put up quite the number of points. The question I have is can the Cardinals keep up with the 49ers who have a great running attack. Balance is the key and I feel the 49ers have the tools to get a win.
Tampa Bay @ New Orleans (FOX): TW: Saints; CV: Buccaneers
The marquee game of the week will be a dandy. Its Tom Brady vs Drew Brees. Honestly this game will make defensive coordinators scrambling on how to stop the opposing quarterback. I feel the game will come down to who has the ball last and who can make key turnovers. The Bucs will need time to gel together as a team but this will be close. I'll take the Saints.
Dallas @ LA Rams (NBC): TW: Cowboys; CV: Rams
The Rams get to move into a new home but unfortunately there won't be fans in the stands to see it and take in the spectacle. Dallas looks to be the favorite in the game and honestly I don't see any reason why they shouldn't. Mike McCarthy will make his Cowboys coaching debut. Anything can happen but I'll take the safe bet and take Dallas based on a better overall team than the Rams.
Pittsburgh @ NY Giants (ESPN): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers
The game could be fun to watch as both teams have good offenses. What sets them apart is how well the Steelers play on defense. The Giants could be decent this season but I can't trust them against a Steelers team that could make some noise this season with Ben "Popeye" Roethlisberger returning. Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit will be calling the game which could be interesting.
The week wraps up with a game out west in Denver. The Titans look to build off of their success of last year but I question how well their offense can handle a better Broncos defense this go around. Game could be close but I like to think the Broncos overall will be better than last year.
I will see you all next Monday or Tuesday for the Week 1 recap post. We shall see how well the week goes for those teams involved this week. Week 1 is the roughest week for picks because of how random the season is. Nevertheless, see you all next week! Enjoy the games.
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