Join us in welcoming...

On this glorious Thursday afternoon, 3rd and Long is proud to introduce the newest contributor to our blog…Matt Mosley. For the vast minority of you who don’t know who Matt is, let me tell you a little about him.

Many call Matt Mosley the pride of Kaufman, Texas. He graduated from Baylor University with degrees in Speech Communication and History. After graduating, Mosley attended Baylor Law School. That didn’t last long. He “dropped” out to pursue a career in journalism. Mosley spent seven years with the Dallas Morning News before ESPN.com came calling. He was the founder of the now defunct “Hashmarks” NFL blog on ESPN.com.


Recently, ESPN.com revamped their blog network and in what I see as a promotion, Mosley was appointed head of the NFC East.


In addition to his blogger duties, Mosley is the star of 103.3 FM ESPN Radio in Dallas. He currently resides in Lake Highlands with his wife Meredith, daughter Parker and chocolate Labrador Trooper Taylor.

Mosley has graciously agreed to contribute to 3rd and Long weekly during the NFL season. We will be picking three NFL games head-to-head against the spread each week. As for what’s on the line…that’ll be announced later.

So without further ado, on to our picks…


Washington Redskins @ New York Giants (-3.5)

Mosley: The New York Giants have too much riding on this game to flop. They will ride the wave of adoration from their fans and win. I'm a huge Jim Zorn fan, but not on this night.

3rd and Long: I just have a feeling that the Giants will have a post-Super Bowl let down tonight. The significance of the loss of Osi will be seen. Jim Zorn will come out aggressive and exploit the Giants' secondary. Look for Chris Cooley to have a big game as the Redskins go to Giants Stadium and win outright.

Mosley: Giants -3.5
3rd and Long: Redskins +3.5


Dallas Cowboys (-5) @ Cleveland Browns

Mosley: The Cowboys simply have too many weapons for the Browns' weak secondary to slow down. Who cares if the Boys don't have a No. 3 receiver. They won't need one. Terence Newman will have a pick and the Cows will roll.

3rd and Long: The Cowboys will be ready when 3:15 Sunday rolls around. The playoff loss to the Giants is still on their minds. The 'Boys will come out throwing and try to get a big lead fast and run with Marion Barber after that. The Browns will not be ready for a team of this caliber. Cowboys easy.

Mosley: Cowboys -5
3rd and Long: Cowboys -5


Cincinnati Bengals (-1.5) @ Baltimore Ravens

Mosley: For some reason, the Bengals and Ravens always seem to meet in the first week. I think the Ravens will come out and play hard for John Harbaugh in his first game. Scared about Joe Flacco at quarterback, but Baltimore will score a defensive TD to win.

3rd and Long: The public is all over the Bengals in this game and that's probably because of the huge question mark the Ravens have at quarterback. I haven't seen Joe Flacco as anybody's rookie of the year pick. The Bengals are better at every offensive position except maybe running back. You would think the Bengals would be more than a 1.5 point favorite. I just think Vegas has something up their sleeve on this one. I say the Ravens win and Matt Stover is the game's MVP.

Mosley: Ravens +1.5
3rd and Long: Ravens +1.5

That wraps ups the first edition of "Mosley vs. 3rd and Long." I will be tracking our records and at the end the season, we will crown a champion.

Peace,

3rd and Long