Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Bledsoe takes ‘season for giving’ literally

Sal DeFilippo

Thursday, Dec. 23, 1999 | 11:06 a.m.

Sal DeFilippo's pro football picks column appears Friday. Reach him at sal@vegas.com or 259-4076.

If Christmas truly is a time for giving, then Drew Bledsoe has personified the holiday spirit. In fact, I'm convinced this guy is Santa Claus.

I've never seen anyone gift-wrap a game the way jolly ol' St. Pick did against lowly Philly last week.

Bledsoe's four interceptions and a fumble were part of New England's seven-turnover debacle in a 24-9 loss to the Eagles that eliminated the Patriots from playoff contention.

That marks 15 throws to the guys in the other jerseys in Bledsoe's last six games. Talk about spreading holiday cheer.

Bledsoe's recent demise also can be traced to his insistence on sitting in the pocket for at least eight seconds before deciding whether to throw an interception, or wait to be sacked and fumble. Cowboys finish bull rides in the amount of time Bledsoe spends trying to survey defenses. He's the only quarterback that could get flagged for delay of game during a play.

In fairness, Bledsoe probably is trying to make plays happen that aren't there, and taking too much time in the process. But he hardly resembles -- statistically, anyway -- the QB who led his team to a Super Bowl only three seasons ago.

And maybe he doesn't really resemble Kris Kringle, either. But the two have at least one thing in common: Both will certainly have plenty of time to relax at home in January.

For the record

Best bet Buffalo returned an on-side for a late touchdown to cover against Arizona, but I'll take it. For the week, I was 8-7 against the number.

Top of the line: 7-7-1.

Against the spread: 94-112-7.

Over/unders: 111-99-3.

Straight-up: 121-92.

Top of the line

CAROLINA -3 1/2 at Pittsburgh, under 43 1/2 -- The Steelers have won only once at home all season -- a 13-9 Monday night win over Atlanta which ended with the Falcons failing to score on the final play from the Pittsburgh 5-yard line. One thing the Steelers have learned -- Kordell Stewart is much more exciting at wide receiver. Carolina 24, Pittsburgh 10.

Other games

DALLAS -9 at New Orleans, under 38 1/2 -- Despite trailing Detroit and Minnesota in the wild-card race -- both are 8-6 -- and being tied with Carolina and the New York Giants at 7-7, the Cowboys somehow are assured of making the post-season with wins in their final two games. Considering the way the Saints have given up, they're halfway home already. Dallas 25, New Orleans 12.

DETROIT -4 1/2 vs. Denver, over 43 1/2 -- The Lions' players probably are upset with the NFL schedule-makers, having to work both on Thanksgiving and now Christmas Day. But a win here could lock them into some extra games in January, whereas Denver only has to give Brian Griese more experience. Detroit 34, Denver 26.

NEW YORK GIANTS +2 1/2 vs. Minnesota, under 43 -- The Vikings went from a record 556 points last year to a team that is capable of putting itself into a third-and-50 situation on offense, as was the case in the first quarter of Monday night's game with Green Bay. That's not likely to happen again, but neither is Minnesota covering. The Vikings are 2-10-2 against the number. New York Giants 19, Minnesota 13.

BUFFALO -3 at New England, over 37 1/2 -- The way New England is playing, you get the feeling Pete Carroll would like to call the league office and use a coach's challenge, hoping to reverse about the last 10 weeks or so. The Patsies pack it in again. Buffalo 27, New England 12.

ARIZONA +2 1/2 at Atlanta, over 40 -- The Cardinals were hoping to make a trip to Atlanta this season, but not for about another month. Perhaps they'll play as if this was their Super Bowl -- in the NFC East, they're still alive, technically, anyway. Arizona 24, Atlanta 19.

JACKSONVILLE -3 at Tennessee, under 39 -- The Titans are the only team to have beaten the Jaguars this season, posting a 20-19 win in a downpour in Jacksonville. In the rematch, the Jaguars pull out some stunts they'd been saving for a not-so-rainy day. Jacksonville 24, Tennessee 10.

CHICAGO +10 at St. Louis, under 47 -- Here's where it will be interesting to see just what kind of approach the Rams will take before the playoffs. With no reason to play, it's easy to see an energetic Cade McNown and Marcus Robinson stealing a win. They at least should keep it closer then expected. St. Louis 21, Chicago 19.

CINCINNATI +7 at Baltimore, over 46 -- The first meeting between these team produced a wild 34-31 finish. The Ravens are playing much better in recent weeks, but expect similar silliness this time around as well. Baltimore 34, Cincinnati 31.

INDIANAPOLIS -13 1/2 at Cleveland, under 41 1/2 -- Since their bye week is next weekend, the Browns officially will be, at the conclusion of Sunday's game, the first team to finish the 1999 season. At least they managed to win more games than they did shoving matches with NFL officials. Indianapolis 33, Cleveland 8.

SEATTLE -3 vs. Kansas City, over 42 1/2 -- Maybe when Seattle ends up 8-8 and out of the playoffs, I'll wake up and stop picking them to snap their losing streak. Of course at that point, I wouldn't have to pick them any more, anyway. Seattle 28, Kansas City 19.

SAN DIEGO +3 vs. Oakland, under 38 -- The Raiders topped the Chargers 28-9 earlier this year, recording a rare rout in this series in recent years. A closer affair this time around. San Diego 17, Oakland 14.

GREEN BAY +3 1/2 vs. Tampa Bay, under 37 -- Don't let a 45-0 aberration fool you -- the Buccaneers still have one of the strongest defenses in the league, and they'll prove it against the rival Packers, but won't cover. Tampa Bay 13, Green Bay 10.

WASHINGTON -7 at San Francisco, over 47 -- The Redskins can clinch their first playoff berth in seven years with a win at San Francisco. Washington will be hurt by the absence of Stephen Davis, but not nearly as much as the 49ers have been hurt by the absence of Steven Young. Washington 35, San Francisco 13.

NEW YORK JETS +4 at Miami, under 37 -- The Dolphins escaped last week's field-goal kicking contest with a 4-3 win over San Diego, but this week, they'll actually need to score some of those tricky touchdowns. Dan Marino, who has crushed the Jets throughout his career, shows again why his career is essentially over. New York Jets 20, Miami 14.