Macca

Not the "official" video of Godsmack's 'Whiskey Hangover' but nonetheless, an interesting one! Macca 13.9

TV games ... no game tomorrow Monday 5.00am Cleveland at NY Jets (OneHD) 5.00am Indianapolis at Kansas City (Fox3) 8.05am Arizona at Seattle (Fox3) 8.25am Pittsburgh at Green Bay (OneHD) 12.30pm Chicago at Philadelphia (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm Atlanta at San Francisco (ESPN) All the week 16 games Disappointing that the Saints/Panthers game isn't on the box. The Pats/Ravens match-up is another game which would hold high interest. As some of you are no doubt aware, if Dallas win their earlier game against Washington, the Eagles might rest their starters, as their game against Chicago would have no relevance (if Dallas win, the Eagles going to 9 wins or remaining on 8 wins has the same impact because they'd still have to defeat the Cowboys in week 17 to win the NFC East) Hope that makes sense! Tips ... New Orleans Denver Miami

The points tally in the comp ... 6 - Strafford 5 - cowboy from hell 4 - pantaloons, Macca 2 - Gorgoroth 1 - DemonDave 0 - 45HG, Norm Smith's Curse, Arrow, bananas 1 point on offer for week 16 with 3 points up for grabs in week 17. Those who can't win can still get a "podium" finish! Week 16 games (the Thursday night games are done) Is anyone going to pick Dallas?

The scenes in the rooms were great. Like to see more of that sort of stuff - that sort of connection goes down well with a large percentage of supporters. Footy does it quite well and there's no reason why cricket can't do the same. A much better effort from England in their 2nd innings and they might have found a decent cricketer in Ben Stokes. To make a century under the circumstances is a good sign for England. He bowls with good velocity as well. Well done to our trio of centurions in this Test. Seven 100's from our blokes in 3 Tests is good going (we had only scored a total of 8 centuries in the preceding 12 Tests) The next 2 Tests might be a bit closer but we've won the prize! Test Match Special Podcast ... Australia regain the Ashes (includes interviews with both captains)

Good point 'cfh'. Apparently Romo has a bit of a license to change calls but regardless of all that, his receiver (Beasley) did let him down on that last interception. This, from 'MMQB' explains yesterday's play calling from Dallas a bit further ... The Big D Blame Game

You beauty!

Got every right to be happy there, Gorgoroth - big win against a big opponent. Plus, you picked up a vital point in the comp! But how 'bout those Cowboys Packers!! What a win - great 2nd half by the Pack and Flynn did an excellent job. 26-3 down it looked all over. Tony Romo helped, of course - these interceptions he has are almost predictable now. If Rodgers gets back, Green Bay have a chance. What a crazy League. Bengals losing now means the Ravens control their own destiny if they can win out (in terms of winning the division) Just as long as Baltimore win tomorrow, 'Strafford' - after that, I hope your blokes can hang on. Arizona and Miami keep hangin' around and a number of the big guns had some big wins. The Vikes had a huge win without AP - they could be more than nuisance value in the last 2 weeks. KC racked up 56 points on the road - Wow! The Chiefs have the same win/loss record as Denver - maybe the AFC West isn't quite done yet hey? The Panthers have a chance to go the top of the NFC South next week if they can beat the Saints at home. It's all happening! The last 2 weeks looks like being a frantic finish.

Test Match Special Podcast ... England staring down the barrel of defeat ... and from the "Mirror" online ... The Ashes: England humiliated on the third day by a ruthless Australian side

Once again, the TV games ... Monday 5.00am New England at Miami (Fox2) 5.00am Houston at Indianapolis (OneHD) 8.25am Green Bay at Dallas (Fox2) 8.25am Arizona at Tennessee (OneHD) 12.30pm Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm Baltimore at Detroit (ESPN) All the other week 15 games

I might describe it in a slightly different way but I get your drift It's been an amazing turnaround if, as expected, we go on and win this Test to go 3-0 up (thus securing the Ashes) Sport occasionally throws up these sort of victories. There are a lot of factors at play but nearly all those factors have been in our favour. The cracks on the wicket are another big factor now. We got our runs before the cracks appeared the way they have. As it is turning out, it has been another very important toss to win.

It's going to be tough for England to get out of this if we can restrict them to under 320 tomorrow. They'd need to get a lot more than that to draw level in this match. They'd probably need a lead of 60+. Batting last on this wicket could prove a difficult assignment. The cracks on the wicket will almost certainly get worse as the match goes on ... and one or 2 of those cracks are right in the line of the stumps. Bell is the stumbling block but if wickets keep falling at the other end, he may end up succumbing before he gets a big score. He's a class player and we might be best served to keeping him as quiet as possible. Couple of poor shots from Cook and Pietersen today. Cook's shot was a bit out of character but KP is making a habit of his mode of dismissal. His was an awful shot, given the circumstances. All in all, it's advantage Australia. Test Match Special - England under pressure again (includes an interview with Craig McDermott)

Yeah, you'd reckon that the Panthers will at least get a wild-card spot and so to the 49ers. San Francisco have a lot of weapons and might be coming into their best form. A lot might depend on Kaepernick - when he's on, they look a really good team. Carolina are more than capable on their day. But the problem with the NFC is the huge home field advantage that Seattle and New Orleans have. Upsets occur though and not many were giving the Chargers a chance today. As they say ... "Any Given Sunday"

Yep, Chargers now back in the mix (sort of) Their last 2 are both at home (vs Oakland and vs KC) Miami edge them on the tie-break. Baltimore have the advantage within the conference (right now) Denver losing opens a door - the Pats can claim the 1 seed (but they might have to win out)

Top effort from Smith and possibly a match winning one. He batted with real authority. If Pup goes on for another 3-4 years then the next captain* might be someone who is the right age, right now. The selectors will most probably want to make the next appointment one that could do the job for 4-5 years - history tells us that's how we've traditionally appointed our captains. Smith is at least at the right age. However, the next captain may be someone who is not currently in the team. Steve's cricket is improving at a very good rate and this current innings will help to establish him as a more permanent player within the side. It's also a bit tricky trying to judge Smith's tactical awareness and leadership qualities. If he's given some more responsibilities, then that could be a pointer. I wonder if he's capable of batting higher in the order? His technique is improving - he's much more solid in defence than when he first came into the side. If we were to rule out those who might be ineligible, then there's not a lot of other choices if we peer into the future. Another batsman with obvious captaincy capabilities might burst onto the scene though. You just never know. Warner is the right age but he's got a fair bit to prove (outside his current batting prowess) As for today's play, apart from Smith's fine effort, Johnson continues to impress. His innings was very intelligent and an important knock given the circumstances. Only saw highlights of Warner's innings but a fair bit of Haddin's innings - both of them keep producing the goods. Brad especially, is in great form and is batting as well as ever. Australia's day. *Assuming the next captain is a batsman.

The 3,4,5 and 6 seeds in the NFC are probably going to have to go through New Orleans and Seattle. Big ask for a road team to win at either venue. The NFC Championship match-up looks almost set but stranger things have happened. Last year I was convinced that the Pats and Broncos would meet for the AFC Championship but the Ravens shot that theory down! What I'm waiting for or maybe hoping for is a team outside the Saints and Seahawks to get hot. Might be Philadelphia - they're now 8 and 5 (and they've won their last 5) No big scalps but they're no.1 for rushing yards. If they get in they might cause some headaches. Baltimore in the AFC are the other team that could create some issues if they secure a spot. And have a guess who the back-up is for Kirk Cousins? ... Rex Grossman! Out of the early games, I'd much rather be watching any of the games involving San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago or Philadelphia. The Colts probably won't move from the 4 seed and Houston are just terrible. There's 9 road teams who are favourites this week - a lot of match-ups where it's good team @ average/poor team. I can see a few teams slipping up which could open up the play-off race. Weather is now a factor as well. St Louis would be most pleased Washington are in a bit of a mess but they might lift for the Dallas game in week 16. They'd like nothing better than to derail the Cowboys season. ... bleacher report - power rankings for week 15

TV games ... Friday 12.30pm San Diego at Denver (ESPN) Monday 5.00am New England at Miami (Fox2) 5.00am Houston at Indianapolis (OneHD) 8.25am Green Bay at Dallas (Fox2) 8.25am Arizona at Tennessee (OneHD) 12.30pm Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm Baltimore at Detroit (ESPN) All the other week 15 games Tips Arizona Seattle San Francisco

From Cricinfo ... McDermott says bouncer barrage will continue With regards to Johnson, McDermott went on to say ...

Your Vikes have played quite well in the last 6 weeks - just can't convert it to wins. By contrast, the Packers have been mostly awful ... miraculously, we're only a half game back. I have absolutely no idea how our division will end up In the rest of the League, there's still a bit to play out with regards to seedings and wild cards. Seattle and the Saints should end up being the 1 and 2 seeds respectively in the NFC whilst the 49ers and the Panthers would be favoured to pick up the wild cards. Denver should hold onto the 1 seed in the AFC. The Colts will probably be the 4 seed and KC should be the wild-card 5 seed. However, anything can happen in this League. The Pats will miss Gronk big time and they're now in danger of losing the 2 seed. If the Bengals can draw level on wins, they'll hold the advantage against New England in the tie-break. The snow game in Philadelphia was amazing - here are the highlights for those haven't seen them already ... Lions @ Eagles

Bit tricky trying to tip 3 road winners in the completed games this week - there were only 2 road winners! At first glance it looks a lot easier this week. The points tally ... 6 - Strafford 5 - cowboy from hell 4 - pantaloons 3 - Macca 1 - DemonDave, Gorgoroth 0 - 45HG, Norm Smith's Curse, Arrow, bananas ... week 15 games

It will be a nice problem to have when Cummins, Pattinson and Starc are all fit and raring to go. Bird has a bit to offer as well.

Our cricket has improved dramatically. We seem totally switched on and there's a real purpose to just about everything we've done so far. It's been quite a revelation to a lot of fans - these are the best kind of wins. As for England, I'm not sure they can right the ship enough to challenge. What do they do about Johnson? The wheel has turned and the Aussies will be going in for the kill. And yep, win the toss and bat!

From the 'Mirror' online ... England have been utterly outplayed - and the truth is that it could be too late to salvage the Ashes Test Match Special Podcast ... England defeated by 218 runs (includes interviews with both captains) The predicted forecast for the first 3 days in Perth ... hot, dry and 36 degrees.

Unchanged line-up, dl. Sounds a little boring but it's not just because of the "Don't change a winning side" default mode. Team harmony and that 'all conquering' attitude that a team can suddenly have are also very important. We're playing well as a team and even one change could disrupt things a little. I also share the thoughts of a few other posters that Lyon could well be suited to the Perth track because of the bounce that he achieves. "Roo" Yardley is a half decent comparison although Bruce spun his off spinners with his middle finger. As you no doubt remember, Yardley got good bounce and had a stellar year in the mid 80's where he took 35 odd wickets in 6 Tests. Nathan also possibly needs to know that his position is a bit more secure. On top of all that, he leads the team song! The up and comers might have to bide their time for now. We play Pakistan in Abu Dhabi/Dubai (?) for 3 Tests in October and then India are here in the summer of 2014/15 for four Tests. Ideal opportunity to blood a new player or 2 in those series. I reckon the guts of this team will tour South Africa now that we've turned things around. If we win in Perth, the selectors might decide to experiment but that might involve giving the quicks a game off (each) None of them would be putting up their hand though. Sore spots and aches and pains can be put aside when you're winning. Winners are grinners

Once again, the TV games ... Monday 5.00am Kansas City at Washington (OneHD) 5.00am Indianapolis at Cincinnati (Fox2) 8.05am Tennessee at Denver (Fox2) 8.25am Seattle at San Francisco (OneHD) 12.30pm Carolina at New Orleans (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm Dallas at Chicago (ESPN) ... all the other week 14 games and ... The ESPN 2013 NFL Power Rankings: Week 14

Happy to go with the old adage "Never change a winning side" dl. It's been so long since we've had some real stability in the make-up of the side. Winning does change the thinking. If England can keep us out in the field well into tomorrow, one of the quicks might become doubtful for Perth. Clarke would be aware of that however, and will no doubt use the fast bowlers with that in mind. We get another one soon and the rest might fall sooner rather than later.