Neale McMaster – Page 2 – Ouse Valley Football

2016 Captains Named

Michael Dilley All News, Senior Football 2016 Captains, BAFANL, Chris Parr, Danny Cousins, Darren Hill, Gareth Pullen, Neale McMaster, Ross Hubbard

Linebacker Gareth Pullen, Cornerback Chris Parr, Wide Receiver Ross Hubbard and Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins have been named Captains for the 2016 season.

Defensive Captains Pullen and Parr are vastly experienced players and joined the Eagles in their inception, with Pullen being named 2015 Defensive MVP. Offensive Captains Hubbard and Cousins meanwhile are both second-year players with the Eagles, Cousins being named 2015 Rookie of the Year.

Commenting on the appointments, Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster said:

Since our inception in 2013 our coaching staff have picked the captains based on commitment, personality and leadership abilities, and this year marks the first time the players have voted for the club captains themselves.

I’m absolutely delighted with the choices. I think these guys are clear leaders in the locker room, and people the players can look up to. They lead the players not just by performance, but by example.

I’m also very proud of each of these four players, who have really developed themselves as well as their game over the last two years, and I feel confident will be able to leave their mark on the team.

Defensive Coordinator Darren Hill added:

This is just reward for the tremendous effort they have put in both on and off the field and I have no doubt the players have made the right choice.

The first game of the season takes place on Sunday 10th April (1.30pm) when the Eagles travel to face the Sandwell Steelers. The first home game of the year is against the Nottingham Caesars two weeks later, kicking off at midday.

Keep up-to-date with the latest news, squad details and events with out new mobile app for iOS and Android:

McMaster on “terrific” February camp

22 Feb

Michael Dilley All News, Senior Football BAFANL, Camp, Eagles, Kent Exiles, Neale McMaster

Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster was very pleased with how the team has come together during this off-season’s training camps so far.

The second non-residential camp of the winter took place in Bedford this past weekend, and was attended by over 50 players across the two days.

Commenting on the sessions, McMaster said:

Offensively, I thought we had a terrific second camp, not just in terms of installing plays, but coming together as a team and a family.

We’ve spent a lot of time together as an offense over the past two camps – over 36 hours – and I really started to notice a difference on Sunday evening’s practice.

We’ve developed the offense and guys have picked it up so quickly, we’ve made the leap now from correcting basic playbook knowledge to correcting technique and minor details, and that normally doesn’t happen until later in the season so it’s pleasing to see that happening so early.

In particular I’ve been impressed with how well our senior players have taken to mentoring our younger rookies, and how much our rookies have progressed in a few camps.

That kind of bond is what makes championship teams, and I’m hoping to see a big performance from our offense in what should be a good test against the Kent Exiles on Sunday.

This weekend the team welcome Kent Exiles to Bedford International Athletics Stadium for a controlled scrimmage, which gives rookies and first-year players valuable game day experience, and an opportunity to embed what has been learnt during the pre-season so far.

As a result of this weekend’s scrimmage there is no practice for the senior team on Sunday. Youth Team training will take place at BIAS on Sunday afternoon between 1 and 3pm.

Coaches delighted with first camp

22 Jan

Michael Dilley All News, Senior Football BAFANL, Cambridge University Pythons, Camp, Darren Hill, Eagles, Neale McMaster

The Eagles Senior coaches have hailed the first camp of 2016 pre-season schedule as a huge success.

More than 50 players attended the weekend-long mini-camp, which consisted of a combination of installations, walk throughs, targeted practice sessions and film reviews.

Commenting on the weekend, Defensive Coordinator Darren Hill said:

“Our first ever training camp was a tremendous success. We got our returning players quickly back up to speed, demonstrated to our rookies the standards expected to play football for OVE and embedded a huge amount of both scheme and technique”.

Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster believes the team is further ahead of where he expected them to be.

“Given that was our first camp, I was delighted with both the enthusiasm and the progress,” he said.

“To be so far along so early in the season is terrific, and it gives us a great platform to build on”.

This weekend the team travel to Cambridge for a scrimmage with the Cambridge University Pythons, and the coaches are looking forward to giving rookies and first-year players exposure to game days, and returning players a chance to knock some rust off ahead of the new season.

“The scrimmage against Cambridge Uni will really cement the plays we have installed and give our rookies much-needed game-like experience,” said McMaster.

Coach Hill added:

“Everyone is looking forward to our scrimmage against Cambridge Uni as a means of solidifying the huge steps we have taken already, as we look towards another challenging schedule in 2016”.

As a result of this weekend’s scrimmage there is no practice for the senior team on Sunday. Youth Team training will take place at Bedford International Athletics Stadium on Sunday afternoon between 1 and 3pm.

Flag football coming to Bedford

08 Jan

Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football Bedford Blackhawks, Bedfordshire, Flag Football, Jake Cooper, Jed Parisi, Neale McMaster

The Eagles are delighted to announce the addition of a flag team to the Eagles family, following a merger with the recently-formed Bedfordshire Broncos.

The flag team will be known as the Bedford Blackhawks, and is one of hopefully many partnerships that will help continue to grow football in the Beds, Bucks and Northants area.

Flag football is the fastest growing format of the game in Great Britain, encompassing schools, colleges, universities and community football.

Flag is non-contact version of American Football where tackles are made by pulling a flag off an opposing player. The game retains the same principles as the contact form, but in a 5v5 non-contact arena with a maximum of 12 players per squad, and is a tremendous way to increase passing and catching fundamentals.

Speaking on behalf of the Blackhawks, Jake Cooper commented:

I am delighted that we have been able to complete this merger. Ouse Valley Football set their standards high which is an ethos we look to apply to ourselves. I’m sure with the guidance of the Eagles we will prosper from this movement, and I am looking forward to working with the club to build something we can all be proud of.

Eagles Chairman Neale McMaster added:

When the club was founded we had some big goals on an initial five-year plan, and today we complete a major one by adding an adult flag football team to the club. The Blackhawks will be competing in the league in 2016 thanks in large part to the hard work of Jake as well as Jed Parisi, and will be run from the existing committee structure with the addition of Jake as the Flag Football Representative.

The Ouse Valley Eagles were formed in 2013 following a merger between the Milton Keynes Pathfinders and Bedfordshire Blue Raiders, and now consist of three teams:

Ouse Valley Eagles – Adult Kitted – Age 18+
Bedford Blackhawks – Adult Flag – Age 16+
Bedford Blackhawks – Youth Kitted – Age 14-16 (U17)

The club is always on the lookout for new players, coaches and sponsors. If you would be interested in joining the club in any capacity please do not hesitate to get in touch.

As well as on ovfootball.com, you can stay up-to-date with all the latest news and events on our Facebook page (facebook.com/ovfootball) or via Twitter (@ovfootball).

2015 AGM Minutes

16 Nov

Michael Dilley All News AGM, Bedford Blackhawks, BIAS, Gareth Pullen, Jack Judge, Jenny Chilton, Mark Chilton, Michael Dilley, Neale McMaster, Nick Chapman, Paul Smyth

The 2015 Club Annual General Meeting took place yesterday (Sunday 15th November) at Bedford International Athletics Stadium (BIAS).

The meeting covered a review of the club’s financial position for 2015, a review of the club’s performance on and off the field during the year, an exciting announcement regarding the future of Youth and Flag football in the region, a walk through of the results of the Annual Survey and a discussion around the us of team buses to away games in the future.

Also covered were proposed changes to the Club Constitution and the all-important election of a new committee for the 2016 season which saw the following people appointed:

– Vice Chairman: Mark Chilton
– Treasurer: Nick Chapman
– Gameday Manager: Paul Smyth
– Secretary: Jenny Chilton
– Ordinary Member: Michael Dilley
– Ordinary Member: Jack Judge
– Ordinary Member: Gareth Pullen

To download the the public version of the AGM presentation please click on the link: 2015-AGM-v1.4-Public.pptx

Pullen vs McMaster: The Results

10 Nov

Michael Dilley All News, Features Gareth Pullen, Head to Head, Neale McMaster, NFL, Predictions

In our eighth Head to Head of the season Defensive MVP Gareth “Tish” Pullen took on Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster. Here’s how they got on…

Browns 10 Bengals 31

PULLEN: Bengals to romp home to victory and remain undefeated. As the only team with the same 53 men on the roster since September’s cuts, the Bengals are winning the right way.
Result: Cincy romped to victory alright. 1-0.

MCMASTER: This shouldn’t be a tough decision, with the undefeated Bengals taking on the 2-6 Brownies, but I have a niggling feeling this game could be close. All it takes is Johnny Football to have screamer and it’s all in Andy Dalton’s hands, and I still don’t trust him yet. Of course, Johnny hasn’t done that since his A&M days, so it’s over to the Red Rifle himself. Bengals by 2 scores, but I just have feeling the bubble is about to burst here for Cincinnati.
Result: If you weren’t sure who Nellie thought would win this the first time you read it through, you weren’t the only one. 1-0.

Dolphins 17 Bills 33

PULLEN: Miami have had quite a resurgence and although they lost last week I feel they will still take the injury-riddled Bills.
Result: FAIL. And this week, where our Scotsmen have only predicted three games differently, this could already come back to haunt Tish. 1-1.

MCMASTER: This is a brutal game to call, looking at the newly resurgent Dolphins vs the Bills, who have been treading water waiting for Tyrod Taylor to come back. I’m taking the home field advantage here, and taking the Bills. That’s about it, hoping Tyrod brings enough of a boost from the distinct averageness that is EJ Manuel, Bills by a score.
Result: If in doubt, go for home field advantage. 60% of the time, it works every time. 2-0.

Packers 29 Panthers 37

PULLEN: My head says Green Bay who will be looking to bounce back from the Denver loss but my defensive heart backs Luke Kuechly and the vaunted Panthers D. Panthers will sneak it with a field goal.
Result: Tish and his defensive heart are back in the game, and now it’s all eyes on the Giants at Tampa Bay. 2-1.

MCMASTER: Another undefeated tries to defend it’s record here, and I think it may well do that. It’s going to come down to Packers passing attack against the Panthers secondary. I fancy the secondary here. Everything in my being tells me to go with Packers, but I’m ignoring that, and going with Carolina. Panthers by a score.
Result: Bang on. No messing. 3-0.

Rams 18 Vikings 21

PULLEN: St. Louis are going to run all over the Vikings, Gurley is going to go OFF on that D. Vikings are a good side but the Rams are on their way up.
Result: So close and yet so far for Tish. 2-2.

MCMASTER: This could be a great game, watching Adrian Peterson go up against the next great back in Todd Gurley. I think Gurley wins that battle, and that leads to the win. The Rams defense is awesome, and I think that could well be the difference. Nick Foles is shaky at best, but I still think Rams by two scores.
Result: It’s the first trip up for the big man. Fortunately for him though he’s not alone. 3-1.

Redskins 10 Patriots 27

PULLEN: Redskins? They still playing? I expect this game to be over at the end of the 1st quarter. Patriots to treat Washington the same way Dan Snyder (Washington Owner) treats those protesting his team’s name, with no respect whatsoever and whip them by 35+ points.
Result: They didn’t win by 35+ points but you’d say it was over as a contest by the end of the first. 3-2.

MCMASTER: The only game being played here is how quickly the Pats can get to 40 points, and will they bother to get the 50 Burger. Pats by a mile. YOU LIKE THAT Kirk Cousins?!
Result: The Pats the very definition of winning without needing to get out of second gear. Nellie goes to 4-1.

Titans 34 Saints 28

PULLEN: Saints riding high after an Offensive masterclass last week will roll over a floundering Titans who sacked their Head Coach this week and are in disarray. Saints put this one to bed early.
Result: Saints put it to bed early? How about the Titans win it in overtime? 3-3.

MCMASTER: So Ken Whisenhunt is gone, no word on if Mariota is back playing this week, and in general the 1-6 Titans are in turmoil. On the other hand they are going up against a defense that conceded nearly 50 points last week (only saved by Tish’s Giants being even more woeful). I think Drew Brees wins this game for the Saints, and they take the match-up by three scores.
Result: He predicted a big win for the hosts, and got it wrong big time. 4-2.

Jaguars 23 Jets 28

PULLEN: A bouncing back Jax will be feeling confident after seeing an embarrassing Jets performance last week, the problem, the Jets had a great D who will have been soundly reprimanded by their defensive coaching staff and will be Jaguar hunting. Jets win.
Result: They threatened to make it interesting for a while but the Jags eventually remembered that they’re the Jags, and that’s enough to take Tish to 4-3.

MCMASTER: I must admit, I’m developing a bit of a fondness for the Jags. Don’t get me wrong, they’re useless, but their push to grow the sport over hear endears them to me. On the other side of things, the Jets will have got the biggest rollicking of their lives after getting destroyed by the mighty Raiders last week, and will be looking to take it on someone. Jets win by a score.
Result: The Jags do what the Jags do. 5-2.

Raiders 35 Steelers 38

PULLEN: Pittsburgh reeling after the gruesome injury to poor Le’veon Bell and a Raiders side no longer the joke that they were, Silver and Black attack and beat the Steelers.
Result: The Steelers get the job done even without Big Ben, largely thanks to DeAngelo Williams. 4-4.

MCMASTER: As a die-hard Raiders fan it killed me to pick against them the first time we did these articles, and I’ll be honest I’m concerned about going away to Pittsburgh this week. Our away form isn’t great, but the Steelers looked poor last week, and we did just destroy the #2 defense in the nation last week. Hello bandwagon, give me a second, I’m jumping on. Raiders win by 2 scores. #jinxed.
Result: Jinxed indeed Mr McMaster, jinxed indeed. 5-3.

Falcons 16 49ers 17

PULLEN: Falcons/49ers? Toilet Bowl anyone? Falcons to scrape a meaningless win being battled between two meaningless teams. Plus 49ers cut Hynes and put him on practice squad, they don’t get the love at the moment.
Result: Tish got everything right apart from who’d actually win, which is quite important in this game. 4-5.

MCMASTER: Atlanta get to enjoy a little trip out to the West Coast this week, beast San Fran, then head home, it’s essentially a long weekend away. Blaine Gabbert isn’t gonna put up a fight. Falcons by four scores.
Result: Shall we just gloss over this and move on? Yes, let’s do that. 5-4.

Giants 32 Buccaneers 18

PULLEN: My Giants, my gallant, fantastic, NFC East leading Giants. Cruelly cheated by a very lucky Saints side who snuck the win in the last five seconds. Not this week, Eli rallies the troops and the D put on their big boy pants and dominate a Bucs side who just turn up and bumble along each Sunday. Giants win, GO BIG BLUE!!!
Result: As much as I wish it wasn’t the case, Tish calls it and he’s back to .500. 5-5.

MCMASTER: These teams are only separated by one game, yet New York tops their division, whilst Tampa is bottom of theirs. Believe when I say this speaks more for how bad the Giants’ division is than anything else. Last week’s lost will have hurt New York, and Tampa’s win last week behind a decent Jameis Winston will have buoyed them. It’s the kind of game Eli should win, but I think last week took too much out them. Tampa wins in the last quarter by a score.
Result: Nellie gets his third result wrong in a row to allow Tish to draw level. 5-5.

Broncos 24 Colts 27

PULLEN: Although Peyton “God-damn” Manning has struggled this year, the addition of Vernon Davies will give the Forehead a great target in the redzone. Colts, again, are a team in turmoil who haven’t lit it up of late. Peyton the the Donkeys with the win off the back of a very strong D.
Result: Not entirely sure where it came from, but somehow the Colts got it done. Tish drops to 5-6.

MCMASTER: Peyton coming home, Broncos D is Hall of Fame good, Colts struggling badly see’s this only go one way. Broncos by two scores.
Result: Nellie is in absolute free fall here. He’s having a mare. 5-6.

Eagles 33 Cowboys 27

PULLEN: Eagles-Cowboys? Can they both lose please? The Eagles experiment is still a season from fruition and having now seen what La’el Collins can do (you see the double block against the Seahawks?) I can see McFadden rumbling along behind that human bulldozer for strong yardage. Cowgirls grab the W.
Result: It doesn’t matter what the Cowboys do, they always find a way to lose. In a way it’s an impressive trait, if you think about it. 5-7.

MCMASTER: No-one is a winner in this game, they are both brutal to watch, although La’el Collins is a personal favourite. Dallas are at home, so I think they win. Don’t watch this game if you like football!
Result: McMaster manages to drop his fifth straight game. 5-7, and it’s all down to Monday Night Football…

Bears 22 Chargers 19

PULLEN: Only the 13 games this week? Wow, better make this one count. In the battle of the most hated QBs in the league (both talk trash and have THAT look about them) I am giving the edge to Cutler’s Bears. Alshon Jeffrey went off last week and in no small part to some great passes thrown by Jay. I haven’t seen the same from Rivers who has struggled with a poor supporting cast who are getting more and more damaged and banged up. Bears take it.
Result: The Bears sneak it and double agent Tish claims the win on behalf of the players with a final score of 6-7.

MCMASTER: SD have placed half their skill position on IR this week, which in the most obvious statement ever, isn’t going to help their situation. It’s bottom of the AFC West (not the Raiders woohoo!!!) against the 2-5 Bears. Jay Cutler is gonna do what he does (play brilliant in spells, plays brutal in other), and that’ll keep the Chargers in the game. Go for it, Bolts by a score, I’ve talked myself into it.
Result: He talked himself into it and talked himself out of the game with, wait for it, a sixth wrong prediction in a row. Unbelievable Jeff. McMaster can only McMastermind a 5-8 defeat on this occasion.

As a result of this week’s scores the Players have edged into the lead against the Coaches and Staff by 67-49 to 66-50. Be sure to check back on Thursday for this week’s predictions.

Did any of this week’s results in the NFL surprise you? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet.

Previous Results

Wide Receiver Chris Cowley 6-10 vs Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 6-10
Tight End Jack Judge 11-5 vs Head Coach Will White 13-3
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins 8-7 vs Vice Chairman Mark Chilton 9-6
Running Back Matt Duffin 10-4 vs Running Back Coach Neil Duffy 10-4
Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher 6-8 vs Treasurer Michael Dilley 8-6
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 11-3 vs Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning 8-6
Offensive Lineman John Rudgard 9-5 vs Special Teams Coordinator Gary Villiers 77

Head to Head: Pullen vs McMaster

05 Nov

Michael Dilley All News, Features Gareth Pullen, Head to Head, Neale McMaster, NFL, Predictions

If there’s one thing sure to split opinion quickly it’s the age-old battle of who knows more about the NFL, the players or the staff?

To try and resolve the issue once and for all players take on coaches and backroom staff one on one to see who really knows their stuff.

The concept is pretty simple: each week one Eagles player and one staff member will go head to head predicting the outcome of the weekend’s NFL games, and by the end of the season the true power houses will emerge.

Heading into this week where Defensive MVP Gareth Pullen meets Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster, the scores are neck and neck at 61-42 to 61-42.

Let’s see what the weekend has in store…

Browns @ Bengals (Thursday Night Football)

PULLEN: Bengals to romp home to victory and remain undefeated. As the only team with the same 53 men on the roster since September’s cuts, the Bengals are winning the right way.

Dolphins @ Bills

PULLEN: Miami have had quite a resurgence and although they lost last week I feel they will still take the injury-riddled Bills.

Packers @ Panthers

PULLEN: My head says Green Bay who will be looking to bounce back from the Denver loss but my defensive heart backs Luke Kuechly and the vaunted Panthers D. Panthers will sneak it with a field goal.

Rams @ Vikings

PULLEN: St. Louis are going to run all over the Vikings, Gurley is going to go OFF on that D. Vikings are a good side but the Rams are on their way up.

Redskins @ Patriots

MCMASTER: The only game being played here is how quickly the Pats can get to 40 points, and will they bother to get the 50 Burger. Pats by a mile. YOU LIKE THAT Kirk Cousins?!

Titans @ Saints

PULLEN: Saints riding high after an Offensive masterclass last week will roll over a floundering Titans who sacked their Head Coach this week and are in disarray. Saints put this one to bed early.

Jaguars @ Jets

Raiders @ Steelers

PULLEN: Pittsburgh reeling after the gruesome injury to poor Le’veon Bell and a Raiders side no longer the joke that they were, Silver and Black attack and beat the Steelers.

Falcons @ 49ers

Giants @ Buccaneers

Broncos @ Colts

MCMASTER: Peyton coming home, Broncos D is Hall of Fame good, Colts struggling badly see’s this only go one way. Broncos by two scores.

Eagles @ Cowboys (Sunday Night Football)

Bears @ Chargers (Monday Night Football)

Summary

Match	Pullen	McMaster
Browns @ Bengals (TNF)	Bengals	Bengals
Dolphins @ Bills	Dolphins	Bills
Packers @ Panthers	Panthers	Panthers
Rams @ Vikings	Rams	Rams
Redskins @ Patriots	Patriots	Patriots
Titans @ Saints	Saints	Saints
Jaguars @ Jets	Jets	Jets
Raiders @ Steelers	Raiders	Raiders
Falcons @ 49ers	Falcons	Falcons
Giants @ Buccaneers	Giants	Buccaneers
Broncos @ Colts	Broncos	Broncos
Eagles @ Cowboys (SNF)	Cowboys	Cowboys
Bears @ Chargers (MNF)	Bears	Chargers

Previous Results

Wide Receiver Chris Cowley 6-10 vs Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 6-10
Tight End Jack Judge 11-5 vs Head Coach Will White 13-3
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins 8-7 vs Vice Chairman Mark Chilton 9-6
Running Back Matt Duffin 10-4 vs Running Back Coach Neil Duffy 10-4
Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher 6-8 vs Treasurer Michael Dilley 8-6
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 11-3 vs Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning 8-6
Lineman of the Year John Rudgard 9-5 vs Special Teams Coordinator Gary Villiers 7-7

You can let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on.

Cowley v McMaster: The Results

22 Sep

Michael Dilley All News, Features Chris Cowley, Head to Head, Neale McMaster, NFL, Predictions

In our first Head to Head of the season Club Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster took on Wide Receiver Chris Cowley. Here’s how they got on…

Broncos 31 Chiefs 24 (Thursday Night Football)

COWLEY: Off to a flyer correctly backing the Broncos in this divisional encounter, and although his prediction of four TD passes and 300+ yards passing for Peyton Manning was a little off, we’ll take it. 1-0.

MCMASTER: Oh Nellie. He feared the worst for Peyton heading into this game, and whether he’s right or not remains to be seen. All that matter for now is he backed the Chiefs, and he was wrong. 0-1.

Patriots 40 Bills 32

COWLEY: Went with his heart and backed the Bills and demonstrated that you should never bet against Tom Brady and the Patriots, who always find a way to win (legally of course). 1-1.

MCMASTER: This game had “blow-out” written all over it until the fourth quarter when Buffalo threatened to stage an incredible comeback but you know, the Bills. Nellie said the Pats would win a close one, and he was right. 1-1.

Texans 17 Panthers 24

COWLEY: Chris couldn’t see the Texans going 0-2 and backed Houston over Cam and co, but he should have known better as Houston are not firing on all cylinders to say the least. 1-2.

MCMASTER: He said he’d rather hike up a hill than watch this one, and backed the Texans. No word on how the hill was yet but we’ll be sure to let you know once we hear. 1-2.

Cardinals 48 Bears 23

COWLEY: Our man out wide is predicting big things for Carson Palmer and the Cards this year, and on the evidence of this big road win against the Bears (who lost Jay Cutler to injury) is anything to go by he may not be far off. 2-2.

MCMASTER: He expected the Cards to comfortably win the game, and he was right. 2-2.

Chargers 19 Bengals 24

COWLEY: He wanted to get behind the Bengals but didn’t. Oops. 2-3.

MCMASTER: Coach went with the pragmatic “if in doubt, go for the home team” rule here, and it paid off. 3-2.

Titans 14 Browns 28

COWLEY: Very few people predicted the Browns to get the win in this one, including Cowley. 2-4.

MCMASTER: He described this one as a “no contest” and said the Titans would win by three scores. No further comment required. 3-3.

Lions 16 Vikings 26

COWLEY on Adrian Peterson: “I don’t think he will be back to pre-ban form until at least midway through October”. 134 yards rushing, 192 total yards later, it looks like AP is ahead of schedule. 2-5.

MCMASTER: Correctly predicted it would be a two-score game, incorrectly predicted that the Lions would be on the right side of it. 3-4.

Buccaneers 26 Saints 19

COWLEY: He’s a Saints fan, of course he predicted a Saints win. The Bucs were awful in Week 1, how could it not be a Saints win? Everyone predicted a Saints win. The Bucs win, and Cowley drops to 2-6.

MCMASTER: He said he’d rather go on another hike than sit through this one, described it as an “easy call” and predicted the Saints to win by three scores. The big man’s on a roll. 3-5.

Falcons 24 Giants 20

COWLEY: He tried to hedge his bets predicting this one, and said it could go either way in a close game. He wasn’t wrong, but he backed the wrong horse and gets his fifth prediction in a row wrong. 2-7.

MCMASTER: Went with QB power and the Falcons in a close one. This one probably wasn’t on Eli, but the Giant’s lack of ability to manage the clock continues to baffle. 4-5.

49ers 18 Steelers 43

COWLEY: He thought it would be close but other than that Cowley was bang on. Big Ben just doesn’t take “no” for an answer. 3-7.

MCMASTER: Oh boy I think Nellie would love to have this pick again, having predicted a 49ers win “by two scores” on the road in Pittsburgh. 4-6.

Rams 10 Redskins 24

COWLEY: “I can see them easily strolling past a recovering Redskins team” said Cowley. In truth, so could most people including I suspect a lot of Washington fans. No matter, he’s down to 3-8 and needs to be 100% from here on in to get to .500.

MCMASTER: “The Rams beat the Seahawks last week and the Redskins are easily the most laughable and ridiculous team in the league right now, certainly off-the-field. Enough said. Rams win by three scores.” Enough said indeed. 4-7.

Dolphins 20 Jaguars 23

COWLEY: It may have been game Chris “couldn’t care less about of the week”, but that apathy lead to predicting a Dolphins win in this clash of London-bound teams. Cowley’s slide continues. 3-9.

MCMASTER: Nellie said that Ryan Tannehill and the Miami offense needed to improve and improve quickly, but still backed them to beat the Jags by two scores. Ouch. 4-8.

Ravens 33 Raiders 37

COWLEY: He’s back in the game, and it looks like the Raiders have found someone other than the Browns they can beat. 4-9.

MCMASTER: The die hard Raiders fan predicted a Ravens win and didn’t think losing Terrell Suggs would be an issue in the game. Will he live this one down in a hurry? Hopefully not. 4-9.

Cowboys 20 Eagles 10

COWLEY: Oh Chris, it was all going so well and then you predicted DeMarco Murray would be the difference maker. Two rushing yards from thirteen carries later America’s Team is 2-0 and you’re at 4-10.

MCMASTER: Correctly backed the Cowboys in “another close game, and definitely one to watch”. It was one to watch alright, but not one for the purists. Nellie moves to 5-9.

Seahawks 17 Packers 27 (Sunday Night Football)

COWLEY: Are the Seahawks on the decline? Cowley thinks the Legion of Boom may well be, and on the evidence of this performance it’s difficult to argue. 5-10.

MCMASTER: You’d have got very good money on the Hawks starting the season 0-2 but that’s exactly where they sit after tough losses to the Rams and now Green Bay. Nellie called this one, and it’s all down to Monday Night Football. 6-9.

Colts 7 Jets 20 (Monday Night Football)

COWLEY: Ahead of Monday Night Football Mr Cowley said this is a different Jets this year. He’s not wrong, they’re 2-0 and Cowley’s 6-10 for the week.

MCMASTER: “I can’t ever pick the Jets to win, I just can’t. Andrew Luck won’t be that bad again”, said McMaster ahead of this one. Think again. 6-10.

So there we have it. Both guys finish the week 6 and 10, and it’s all to play for between the Players and the Staff next week where TE/DE Jack Judge takes on Head Coach Will White.

Did any of Week 2’s results in the NFL surprise you? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet.

Head to Head: Cowley v McMaster

17 Sep

Michael Dilley All News, Features Chris Cowley, Head to Head, Neale McMaster, NFL, Predictions

If there’s one thing sure to split opinion quickly it’s the age-old battle of who knows more about the NFL, the players or the staff?

We’ve decided to try and resolve the issue once and for by having the players take on coaches and backroom staff to try and decide once and for all who really knows their stuff.

In week one, it’s Wide Receiver Chris Cowley taking Club Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster.

Let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on:

Broncos @ Chiefs (Thursday Night Football – Sky Sports 1 HD, Friday 01:25)

COWLEY: It’s GD Peyton Manning! He has a bad game and they still win? Peyton will bounce back, throw four TDs and 300+ yards and Alex Smith won’t be able to keep up with that, especially with the Broncos D on him. Broncos win.

MCMASTER: I already fear the worst for Peyton Manning. This extra season may be too much for him, and he struggled last week albeit against a terrific Ravens defense. The Chiefs on the other hand had a big win against JJ Watt and the Texans last week, and I expect that will continue against another very stout defense. Chiefs win by a score.

Patriots @ Bills (Sky Sports 2 HD, Sunday 17:30)

COWLEY: This may be the match which costs me the Head to Head and it’s totally me going with my heart. They say never bet against the Patriots but I hate the Pats, I hate Tom Brady and, well, I always have a soft spot for the Bills – four Super Bowl games and no trophies? One day Buffalo, one day. Bills win.

MCMASTER: Both teams are coming off a victory, but I see Tom Brady’s experience seeing him through. The Bills got a shock win against the Colts last week and really got in Andrew Lucks’ face throughout the first half, but Tyrod Taylor surely can’t keep up performances like last week. It will be a much, much tighter game than many would expect. Patriots win by a field goal.

Texans @ Panthers

COWLEY: Yes both teams have good defences, the Panthers have the better QB and a game changer in Cam Newton but I don’t think I can see Houston going 0-2. Texans win.

MCMASTER: I’d rather go for a hike up a hill than watch this game. The Panthers got the win last week, but were underwhelming on offense to say the least, and their defensive star Luke Kuechly is possibly out with a concussion. The Texans on the other hand have zero identity on offense, but a tremendous defensive line. I’m picking one of the Texans DL to get a score this week, hopefully big Vince! Texans win by two scores.

Cardinals @ Bears

COWLEY: The Cards have been an up and coming force last year and I believe would have been a Super Bowl contender if they had Carson Palmer all year instead of losing him for a few games due to injury. Good O, Great D and awesome Special Teams – Super Bowl bound this year is my guess. Cardinals win.

MCMASTER: The Bears looked competitive for a few quarters last week against the Packers, then Jay Cutler threw an interception (shock horror!) and it unravelled from there. The Cardinals look impressive with Carson Palmer looking like he did with the Bengals years ago. The running back isn’t a huge loss for this team, and I expect them to comfortably win this game. Cardinals win by two scores.

Chargers @ Bengals

COWLEY: This one was a toss up. I like Andy Dalton as a QB and I think he has what it takes to win games. They have a number of options to throw to including the amazing AJ Green and they have guys who can run the ball, and on the flip side the same could be said about the Chargers with Rivers, Woodhead and numerous good WRs. Even though I’d like to bet Bengals to annoy Jack Rice I think Chargers will seal it. Chargers win.

MCMASTER: The second really tough to call game, I’m going with the home team as having the advantage here. It’s going to be an offensive battle, with Phillip Rivers going against Andy Dalton. The deciding factor for me was the RBs: Cincinnati’s are better by a long way, and I think that’ll help the Bengals get the W against a pretty good Chargers side. Bengals win by one score.

Titans @ Browns

COWLEY: With a phenomenal performance in his first ever NFL game I do believe the former Ducks QB will work his magic yet again against one of the worst teams in this year’s NFL. Titans win.

MCMASTER: I couldn’t get this pick down quick enough, but then again, I’d pick almost every team to beat the Browns. They looked awful last week against New York, whilst the Titans looked so good they could play their backups in the 4th quarter. I think Johnny Football will look better this week, and Mariota will look a bit more human against a much better defense than Tampa, but it’s still a no-contest. Titans win by three scores.

Lions @ Vikings

COWLEY: Even though the Vikings have got their formidable AP back I don’t think he will be back to pre-ban form until at least midway through October, and with little other threats in the offence I believe the Lions D will get them the W. Lions win.

MCMASTER: Both teams are coming off losses, but Detroit looked much better against the Chargers than the Vikings did against the 49ers. The Lions really pushed San Diego, and I fancy will romp away with this one too. The Vikings were in the hunt for the win away in San Fran right up until kickoff, and Adrian Peterson needs to be better than last week. I’m calling Ameer Abdullah to have a BIG week too! Lions win by two scores.

Buccaneers @ Saints

COWLEY: As a Saints fan I’ll never expect the Bucs to win, but with the #1 pick of this year’s draft behind the helm of the offence I don’t see them out scoring future Hall of Famer Drew Brees, who’s gunning for his 400th TD of his career. Saints win.

MCMASTER: Get my boots, I’m off on a hike again. The Buccaneers looked like they are playing for the number 1 pick again, with a dismal outing last week. Jameis’ first pass in the NFL was a Pick 6 ( that’ll be a quiz question in a few years time). He’ll get better, but not soon enough. I literally have no idea who the Saints are anymore except Drew Brees, but I think we’d beat the Bucs at the moment, so it’s an easy call. Saints win by three scores.

Falcons @ Giants

COWLEY: Unlucky to lose against the Cowboys, but the Giants should have made more of the chances given to them by those easy picks. If they could do that and their O-line can protect Eli from the Falcons lack of talent in the pass rush I see them sealing this but either way going to be a close game. Giants win.

MCMASTER: This is my second most undecided game, and I went with QB power. Matt Ryan isn’t trending upwards anymore, he’s at his peak now, but Eli is heading down. That’s what sealed it for me. Will be a close one though. Falcons win. Just.

49ers @ Steelers

COWLEY: The Steelers were unlucky to lose against the Patriots, they seemed strong and back to full force. I see them containing Kaeper”pick” and Vernon Davis but struggling to slow down breakout draft pick Hyde. The game will be close but Big Ben will find a way to win. Steelers win.

MCMASTER: Jimmy T to get the W again! The 49ers were rolling against the Vikings, and Carlos Hyde looked like a superstar in Week 1. I suspect the passing game will be more the focus this week, but that’s more than enough to see them past the Steelers. Pittsburgh had a notably absent defense on Thursday night (literally, no-one covered the best TE in the league on some snaps). Long season for the yellow and black. 49ers win by two scores.

Rams @ Redskins

COWLEY: The Rams have seemed to be building year after year and getting stronger, now with former Eagles QB Foles in the driving seat of a exciting attacking selection I can see them easily strolling past a recovering Redskins Team. Rams win.

MCMASTER: The Rams beat the Seahawks last week and the Redskins are easily the most laughable and ridiculous team in the league right now, certainly off-the-field. Enough said. Rams win by three scores.

Dolphins @ Jaguars

COWLEY: The NFL Game I couldn’t care less about of the week. I just pick The Dolphins due to them having the more experienced QB and some defensive talent. Dolphins win.

MCMASTER: Tannehill was underwhelming at best last week against a worse-than-average Redskins team. I fancy he just had an off-week, but he needs to improve and quickly. Special Teams will not be there every week to bail you out! The Jags lost to a completely uninspiring Panthers organisation. The rebuilding continues in Jacksonville. Dolphins win by two scores.

Ravens @ Raiders

COWLEY: Like the Browns these last few years, it has become a question of who can the Raiders actually win against (other then the Browns) but this year they have picked up a bit of talent, the Ravens have come out slow this year, and I don’t see them picking up steam for a few weeks yet. Picking up an injury to T.Suggs is going to have a negative impact to this team. Raiders win.

MCMASTER: As a diehard Raiders fan, I’m used to seeing some pretty bad scorelines, but to be down 33-0 in the 3rd quarter, and be talking to Christian Ponder in Week 1 is a bad sign even for us. Yet another long season for us I think. The Ravens on the other hand looked lost on offense, and dominant on defense in the loss to the Broncos. Losing Terrell Suggs wont be an issue in the game. Ravens win.

Cowboys @ Eagles (Sky Sports 2 HD, Sunday 21:15)

COWLEY: Dream Team, The Incredeagles etc – this team always has a lot of hype surrounding it, and with good reason as they always play exciting football and have a huge stars in their teams (where do they get the cap room?). Versus “don’t you ever count me out” Romo, not the greatest QB in terms of ability, but he has that certain something that gets his Cowboys the W. Dez out and Demarco coming back with some bad blood (que Taylor Swift) is the deciding factor for me. Eagles win.

MCMASTER: Big division game that could have play-off consequences already. I’m a massive Chip Kelley fan, but I still don’t think the offense has bedded in yet, and the QB is Sam Bradford. I’ve seen wet newspapers that can stand up longer than him. Romo is clutch, even without Dez Bryant. Another close game, and definitely one to watch. Cowboys win by a score.

Seahawks at Packers (Sky Sports 2 HD, Monday 00:30)

COWLEY: Back-to-back Super Bowl appearances is impressive this day and age with the salary cap and players always wanting to be the highest paid in their position, but the scales may have tipped last week with the Legion of Boom looking weak and Marshawn not running at his best. Green Bay are always guaranteed to either push you or trounce you, and seem to be back with a bite with Clay Matthews looking to have a new lease of life in the NFL. Packers win.

MCMASTER: Two of the last three games Seattle have played have come down to an onside kick, one of them against Green Bay. They aren’t as strong as they once were, and are relying a bit much on no-name guys, BUT, Green Bay has one of the worst run defenses in the league (see Matt Forte last week). I prefer the Pack at home, but by a gnat’s crotchet. Packers win. Just.

Colts @ Jets (Monday Night Football – Sky Sports 2 HD, Tuesday 01:30)

COWLEY: The Colts put on a very lacklustre performance last week and their offence looked anything but threatening. Even with the most reliable QB to come out of the draft in recent years they couldn’t seem to get anything going, but they’re playing the Jets right? THE JETS! – would have been the response you’d usually expect but not this year, with Chris Ivory, Brandon Marshall and Ryan Fitzpatrick on the offensive side of a team which has struggled for years to get things going I see the tide turning Green. Jets win.

MCMASTER: I can’t ever pick the Jets to win, I just can’t. Andrew Luck won’t be that bad again, and hopefully the rest of the Colts can pick their game up too. Colts to win by two scores.

Summary

Match	Cowley	McMaster
Broncos @ Chiefs (TNF)	Broncos	Chiefs
Patriots @ Bills	Bills	Patriots
Texans @ Panthers	Texans	Texans
Cardinals @ Bears	Cardinals	Cardinals
Chargers @ Bengals	Chargers	Bengals
Titans @ Browns	Titans	Titans
Lions @ Vikings	Lions	Lions
Buccaneers @ Saints	Saints	Saints
Falcons @ Giants	Giants	Falcons
49ers @ Steelers	Steelers	49ers
Rams @ Redskins	Rams	Rams
Dolphins @ Jaguars	Dophins	Dolphins
Ravens @ Raiders	Raiders	Ravens
Cowboys @ Eagles	Eagles	Cowboys
Seahawks @ Packers (SNF)	Packers	Packers
Jets @ Colts (MNF)	Jets	Colts

Tag: Neale McMaster