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"Uncertain Principles" features the miscellaneous ramblings of a physicist at a small liberal arts college. Physics, politics, pop culture, and occasional conversations with his dog.

Chad Orzel "Prof. Orzel gives the impression of an everyday guy who just happens to have a vast but hidden knowledge of physics." (anonymous student evaluation comment)

Emmy, the Queen of Niskayuna Emmy is a German Shepherd mix, and the Queen of Niskayuna. She likes treats, walks, chasing bunnies, and quantum physics.

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« links for 2008-10-14 | Main | Innumeracy on Parade »

Correlation Equals Causation, NFL Style

Category: Football
Posted on: October 14, 2008 8:37 AM, by Chad Orzel

Going into last night's game, my New York Football Giants were 4-0, leading the NFL in a whole bunch of statistical categories. SteelyKid watched at least part of every one of those games with me.

Last night, just before kick-off, Kate took SteelyKid upstairs for a late-evening feeding. After eating, she dropped off to sleep fast enough that Kate just set her down in the crib, where she slept for a good four hours. And the Giants got thumped by the 1-3 Cleveland Browns, with Eli Manning throwing three interceptions, one run back for a touchdown.

I think the lesson here is clear...

... namely that the Giants' defensive secondary is ordinary at best, and if you can keep their defensive line off the QB, they can be picked apart pretty easily. Also, that Manning is at his best when he feels free to spread the ball around to whoever is open-- two of last night's INT's were thrown in the direction of Plaxico Burress, the Giants' version of Terrell Owens, who was suspended last weekend, and looked to be getting the ball thrown his way a lot to soothe his ego.

Comments

# 1 | Ian Durham | October 14, 2008 5:19 PM

You're a better man than me. I would have immediately blamed it on some karmic realignment and been burning offerings to the football gods. Then again, I'm a Bills fan...

# 2 | Robert V Sobczak | October 14, 2008 8:50 PM

The media also plays a role. Whenever a team is anointed the winner so ceremoniously prior to playing the game, players on both sides read their press clippings. Bottom line: Coughlin's Giants are more disciplined and better coached. They'll figure out any deficiencies and correct them. That's the true sign of a great team, emphasis on "organization".

# 3 | Kevin | October 14, 2008 11:09 PM

As a Browns fan, I was happy to see them win a game by a strong margin. Coming against a 4-0 team that won last years Super Bowl adds to the fun. Living, as I do, in southern Ohio means getting told over and over that those same Giants barely got by the hapless Bengals. The season still has a long way to go!

# 4 | Mad Hussein LOLscientist, FCD | October 15, 2008 1:08 PM

Speaking of SteelyKid: More pictures, please!

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