NFL Week 3 Wrap-up

Lots of interesting stuff from this past week.

We've seen this before...

1. Michael Vick
I know people are touting Vick's return and saying he's better than he was while he was a Falcon. It's only 10 quarters of play, so let's curb that a bit. There are noticeable and encouraging differences from his days in the ATL. He's is more patient in the pocket. The fact that Vick is the most sacked QB in the NFL gives you a slight indication that he's more willing to stay in the pocket. He has regained most, if not all, of his explosiveness. And he's got the backing of his whole team. Long way he's come in a short time.

2. Cincinnati Bengals offense
Weren't a lot of experts predicting an outburst from the Bengals offense? Hasn't even materialized in the season's first three games. The Bengals have scored five, count 'em, five TDs. Kicker Mike Nugent, who has been perfect in the kicking department, has more field goals with eight. Nugent is the Bengals offense at this point. Carson Palmer has looked ordinary. Cedric Benson has yet to crack 100 yards in a game. Ochocinco and T.O. have 1 TD between them.

NFL Week 2 Recap

Just a few of the stories from the second week of the NFL season that jumped out and grabbed me.

Kolb gets the nod for week 3

1. The QB Carousel
It's turning all right. The Carolina Panthers have demoted Matt Moore for rookie Golden Domer Jimmy Clausen. The Philadelphia Eagles are going back to Kevin Kolb despite the fact that Michael Vick played well in both games. The Buffalo Bills are benching Trent Edwards for Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Oakland Raiders have not made an announcement yet if they're staying with Jason Campbell or turning to Bruce Gradkowski for next week's game.

Update: Reid fooled all of us. Well, I took him at his word when he said Kolb was the guy after Vick led the Eagles to a win over the Lions. He has named Vick as the starter.

2. Two early Super Bowl favorites are struggling at 0-2
The Dallas Cowboys were simply outplayed by the Chicago Bears Sunday. No other way to look at that game. After the week 1 debacle in Washington and the home loss to the Bears, the players held a "player's only" meeting. I question the offensive leadership here. There's no one player I can look at and confidently say he's the one guy.
The Minnesota Vikings could be 2-0 if the offense had shown up. And is it me or does Brett Favre look a little disinterested? He stated a reason he considered not playing this season is because of losing. Yes, I chuckled at that one.

Rackers celebrates his OT win

3. The Houston Texans
Everything appears in order for Gary Kubiak's team...except for the porous pass defense. Granted, they faced Peyton Manning in week 1, but allowing Donovan McNabb and the rather unimpressive receiving corps of the Washington Redskins to also accumulate over 400 yards of pass offense is difficult to comprehend. Still, they beat Indy, a thorn in their side, in week 1 and overcoming a 17-point deficit in week 2 speaks to the heart of this team. And they won with a field goal by Neil Rackers. Reminds me a tad of a team from last year that won it all. Explosive offense and opportunistic defense.

4. This year's Saints is not the Saints of 2009
The defense has been solid. It's the offense that has me confused. Where's the explosiveness? Have opponents already figured out Sean Payton and his play calling? Has Drew Brees already lost that "touch"? Have the Saints already lost that luster off of last season?

Lewis' postgame rant was not becoming
of a champ

5. Ray Lewis
I understand Lewis' frustration in the Ravens 15-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The rules for quarterback "protection" do seem ridiculous, but unless you hear the opposing QB actually whine and/or cry to officials, don't bring it up. Don't bring their paycheck into it either. And for the love of the NFL, do not compare the game of football to a war. Others (Kellen Winslow, Jr. just to name one) have been severely criticized for similar comparisons in the past. Football is a game, war is not. Sounds contrite, but it's true. Look, I'll listen to Ray Lewis talk at any time and that is coming from a guy that lives an hour from Cincy. Your beef, Mr. Lewis, is with the NFL, not your opponents.

6. San Francisco 49ers
Many experts thought the Niners would practically run away with this division. They're luck it's so poor or they could be two games behind. They did play New Orleans last night, but they did dig their our hole in that game with turnovers. QB Alex Smith did impress on the last drive, but what else?

7. The Undefeateds
Green Bay, Chicago, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Miami, Pittsburgh, Houston, Kansas City
Only two weeks in and only 25% percent of the teams are prefect. The biggest surprise to me is Kansas City. No offense at all. Half of their TDs (4) are either by the defense or special teams.

8. The Winless
Buffalo, Cleveland, Dallas, Minnesota, Detroit, Carolina, St. Louis, San Francisco
The 25% percent rears its ugly head here. The biggest surprise here has to be Dallas. Maybe I bought into the preseason hype too much. Two winnable games went by the wayside. Now, they venture to Houston.

NFL Week 1 Review

We know the scores. We know the winners and losers. What do we take away after the first week of the NFL season? Here's a few things that stood out.






Welker's return could propel the Pats.



1. The return of Wes Welker.

Hard to believe the last time we saw Welker in a regular season game, he was coming off the field with a wrecked knee. A lot of people thought Welker may not appear for the Patriots until later in the season. It's obvious that Welker has the healing powers of Wolverine. In his performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, Welker had 8 catches for 64 yards and a pair of TD.

2. Brett Favre misses Sidney Rice.
Without his "go-to guy", Favre struggled in the season opener. Visanthe Shiancoe may be that guy for now, but the Vikings need another receiver to take over the role and not Shiancoe. It's not that I don't think Shiancoe isn't good enough to be Favre's #1 option because he can. Shiancoe doesn't get enough air time unless he's talking. The Vikings actually need to integrate a running game. Are you listening, Brad Childress?

3. Arian Foster is good.
If there was one question people had about the Houston Texans offense coming into the season, it was at the running back position. For one week, Foster did more than provide an answer. He completely gashed the Indianapolis Colts defense to the tune of 231 yards and 3 TD.

4. Dallas continues to be it's own worst enemy.
Seriously? You can a play other than taking a knee at the end of a half with only 4 seconds left? And you're inside your own 40? Wade Phillips took some of the blame and passed a bit of it onto Tashard Choice saying that one Choice caught "the ball with 4 seconds left, you don’t need to make an extra yard or two". Should have left it when you shouldered the blame, Wade. Nothing like throwing a player under the bus.






Vick showed the NFL he can still play.



5. There is a QB controversy in Philly.

Andy Reid will avoid this to the bitter end. Kevin Kolb was knocked out due to a concussion and Michael Vick not only stepped in, he stepped up. We were privy to catching glimpses of what was once thought to be the most dynamic offensive weapon in the NFL in Vick. Despite dropping a 27-20 contest to Green Bay, Vick was the player of the game for both teams.

6. Alex Smith continues to struggle in San Fran.
Sometimes people forget that Pete Carroll is a defensive coach because of the offensive success during his days at USC. It was the Seahawks defense that made the 49ers look lethargic. Frank Gore went nowhere (17 carries, 38 yards) and Smith threw a pick-six to Marcus Trufant while posting numbers of 26-45, 225 yards and 2 INT.

7. The Jets offense is offensive.
1-for-11 on third down conversions. That one conversion was in the fourth. Six total first downs and one of those was due to a penalty. 176 total yards. Mark Sanchez was 10-21 with only 74 yards. I know the guy is in only his second season. Sanchez did appear to not allow enough time for plays to develop. It's hard not to when the Ravens are coming at you. Yes, the J-E-T-S played against a dominant defense...more dominant than their own.

8. The Chiefs are exciting...in the return game.
KC still has a ways to go from an offensive standpoint, but what about Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas? McCluster returned a punt 94 yards for a TD (a franchise record). In fact, the combo of McCluster and Arenas had 219 total return yards. The Chiefs offense had 197.

9. The Charles Johnson non-TD call.
Detroit could claim conspiracy here...or is the city of Detroit just jinxed? Remember the Armando Gallarraga non-perfect game? In the letter of the rule, the correct call was made. I don't like it because Megatron did have possession of the ball despite using the ball to prop up himself. This exact rule was visited in the off-season. I;m sure it will be again...soon.

10. Seven teams that made the playoffs last season lost their opener.
Cincinnati, Dallas, New York Jets, San Diego, Philadelphia, Indianapolis and Minnesota. Go a bit deeper. The losers in the both conference finals (Minnesota and New York) and the Super Bowl loser (Indianapolis) all lost.

Weird how this week went.

Thanksgiving Day NFL Recap

Happy Friday. I hope eveyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I also hope you could find a way to enjoy the NFL games yesterday. I know, not much excitement. But there was if you were Lions QB Duante Culpepper. Read on if you're not sure what I mean.

 Packers (7-4) 34, Lions (2-9) 12

During pregame, Culpepper was informed that he would not be starting, and that Matthew Stafford would. Culpepper did not appear to be too pleased with the team's decision. He did practice with the first team for the short week. Remember, Stafford suffered a separated shoulder during Sunday's 38-37 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Maybe, Culpepper would have been the better selection based on the game Stafford had. 20 of 43, 213 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT. One of Stafford's INT was a pick 6 by Packers CB Charles Woodson. Overall the Lions had five turnovers.

One last quick (maybe not so quick) note from the game. There's 2:51 left in the game and the score is 34-12, Green Bay. Detroit has the ball on their own 28. It's 2nd and 10 and Stafford completes a pass to backup TE Casey Fitzsimmons. Upon being tackled, it appears that Fitzsimmons fumbles the ball but the officials ruled that Fitzsimmons was down by contact.

I know...not so quick. Sorry. I have to say this next part though. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy (left) challenged the play. It was reversed and Geen Bay got the ball. I am massively irritated with McCarthy's decision to challenge that play. You're already winning 34-12 and there's less than three minutes left. What a heartless call by McCarthy. Happy Thanksgiving, Coach. You are no doubt, my Turkey of the Day. Congrats!

Some may say I'm off base. I say to you that you're as heartless as McCarthy. You already have the "W". What more do you need?

Game ball: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers: 28-39, 348 yards, 3 TD

NFL Week 11 Sunday Recap

The early games provided a lot more excitement than I originally thought. The Steelers dropped their second straight, losing in overtime to KC. Washington pushes Dallas to the lmit. A pass interference call proves pivotal in the Browns/Lions outcome. But both undefeated teams, stay undefeated.

A surprising Cincinnati loss in Oakland highlighted the late games. Cincy is now 0-10 lifetime in Oakland.

Indianapolis (10-0) 17
Baltimore (5-5) 15
Indy escapes to remain perfect
Game ball: Colts WR Pierre Garcon: 6 rec., 108 yds. (career high in both)

Dallas (7-3) 7
Washington (3-7) 6
4th quarter heroics for Cowboys
Game ball: Redskins RB Rock Cartwright: 13 car., 67 yds., 7 rec., 73 yds.

Detroit (2-8) 38
Cleveland (1-9) 37
Untimed down after defensive penalty spells doom for Browns
Game ball: Lions QB Matthew Stafford: 26-43, 422 yds., 5 TD, 2 INT

Green Bay (6-4) 30
San Francisco (4-6) 24
Packers survive Niners second half rally
Game ball: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers: 32-45, 344 yds., 2 TD

Jacksonville (6-4) 18
Buffalo (3-7) 15
Another last minute Jaguars score
Game ball: Bills WR Terrell Owens: 9 rec., 197 yds, TD

Kansas City (3-7) 27
Pittsburgh (6-4) 24/OT
Steelers lose second straight
Game ball: Chiefs RB Jamaal Chrles: 17 car., 58 yds., 2 rec., 8 yds., TD, 97 yd. KO ret TD

Minnesota (9-1) 35
Seattle (3-7) 9
Vikes in total control and pull Favre for 4th
Game ball: Vikings QB Brett Favre: 22-25, 213 yds., 4 TD

New York Giants (6-4) 34
Atlanta (5-5) 31/OT
Giants get back on track
Game ball: Giants TE Kevin Boss: 5 rec., 76 yds., 2 TD

New Orleans (10-0) 38
Tampa Bay (1-9) 7
Balanced Saints offense provides another win
Game ball: Saints RB Mike Bell: 13 car., 75 yds., 2 TD

Oakland (3-7) 20
Cincinnati (7-3) 17
Turnovers, missed opportunities haunt Cincy
Game ball: Raiders TE Zach Miller: 5 rec., 65 yds, TD

New England (7-3) 31
New York Jets (4-6) 14
Pats get revenge
Game ball: Patriots WR Wes Welker: 15 rec., 192 yds.

San Diego (7-3) 32
Denver (6-4) 3
Chargers rout Broncos to take over AFC West lead
Game ball: Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson: 20 ca., 73 yds., TD

Arizona (7-3) 21
St. Louis (1-9) 13
Another stout Rams effort falls short
Game ball: Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin: 8 rec., 103 yds., TD

Philadelphia (6-4) 24
Chicago (4-6) 20
Eagles road win enhances playoff spot
Game ball: Eagles RB LeSean McCoy: 20 car., 99 yds., TD

Williams Leads Way to Dolphins Win

The Miami Dolphins kept their playoff hopes running. And Ricky Williams (left) kept running, too. Williams had 22 carries for 119 yards and 2 TD. Williams also has a receiving TD to pace the Dolphins to a 24-17 over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night.

Williams had to be the centerpiece of the Dolphins offense with fellow RB Ronnie Brown out for the remainder of the season with a foot injury. And Williams must be that central figure for the remainder of this season. At 32, will Williams be able to take up the slack for the rest of the year?

There's no reason (or sign) that Williams can't. Thirty used to be looked at as the age when the game for running backs started to deteriorate. Not quite so anymore, but the position is primarily fielded by younger players. The main 30+ year old running back other than Williams is Thomas Jones of the New York Jets. He's 31 and he has 170 carries for 781 yards and 8 TD. Williams currently has 127 carries for 677 yards with 8 TD. Jones is 8th in rushing while Williams is now 10th after last night's game.

Even though Williams came into the league in 1999, he's truly only played eight and a half seasons. The New Orleans Saints traded their whole 1999 draft to get Williams. He played for three years and was dealt to Miami.

Williams played for two seasons in Miami when his "troubles" began. He did not play at all during the 2004 season. It was a "retirement" thing. Sort of. Williams came back for the 2005 season but was suspended for the first four games due to violation of the league's drug policy.

Williams would miss yet another entire season (2006) due to another violation of the drug policy. He played in the CFL for the Toronto Argonuats, but Williams did miss two months due to multiple injuries. It's almost like he missed half a season. Williams rejoined the Dolphins (again) in 2007, only to lose that season with a pectoral tear in his first game of the season. So in playing years, Williams is about 29 and a half.

Williams does have enough in the tank. He is known as a fitness nut and for keeping his body in excellent shape. And after watching the last handful of Dolphins games, he doesn't look like a player that's on a downward trend. Ricky is holding a slight resemblance the Ricky of 2002 when he led the NFL in rushing with 1,800+ yards.

One thing for sure, the Dolphins are looking to Williams to lead the way.

If you think about it, it's come full cycle for Ricky.

For all those years, Williams was looking to the Dolphins.

Ravens/Browns Wrapup

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So,last night's game was no more exciting than the Eagles-Redskins tilt. In fact, this game had even less happening. But I did manage to take away a thing or two from it.

1. With the exception of two plays, the Browns defense played well. Only a 44 yards pass fom Ravens QB Joe Flacco to WR Derrick Mason and the following Ray Rice TD run were the only plays that the Browns weren't in the game. Especially on Rice's TD run because Cleveland really only had 10 guys on the field. Cleveland held the Ravens almost 75 yards below their average and almost 9 points below their normal scoring.

2. It's a different story on the offensive side of the ball. QB Brady Quinn (left) only had 99 yards passing and the Browns offense only had 160 net yards of total offense. Concerns about Quinn's accuracy and the lack of a downfield passing attack were raised. ESPN's Mike Tirico accurately pointed out that Cleveland does not have the skill position players to possess such an attack. True.

3. Baltimore is once again alive in the playoff picture, but the Ravens are currently on the outside looking in as they currently sit 8th overall in the AFC. That's never a good place to be as a few things need to happen in order to make the postseason. All Baltimore can do is win...and the Ravens have a short week to prepare to host Indianapolis and then Pittsburgh. These next wo games should reveal the real Ravens of '09.

4. The last play of the game could prove to be a horrible memory for Cleveland fans. WR/KR and Pro-Bowler Joshua Cribbs was carted off the field and taken to a local hospital for evalution.

Game ball: Ravens RB Ray Rice - 104 total yards and TD

NFL Week 10 Recap and Ravens/Browns Preview

What a week!! The Bengals pull off the improbable sweep of the Steelers. The Rams push the Saints. Miami gets a FG with 0:14 remaining. Jacksonville does Miami 11 seconds better with a FG with 0:03 left. Green Bay upsets Dallas. A Broncos loss and a Chargers win means a tie in the AFC West. On to the recap...

Atlanta (5-4) 19
Carolina (4-5) 28
Panthers defend home field and keep a pulse for playoffs
Game ball: Panther QB Jake Delhomme - no stats to list but one, NO INT!

Tampa Bay (1-8) 23
Miami (4-5) 25
Dolphins overcome Bucs 14 point 4th quarter
Game ball: Dolphins RBs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams - 32 car., 204 yds., TD (combined)

Detroit (1-8) 10
Minnesota (8-1) 27
Vikes shove aside stubborn Lions for second time this season
Game ball: Vikings RB Adrian Peterson - 18 car., 133 yds., 2 TD

Jacksonville (5-4) 24
New York Jets (4-5) 22
Jets 4th quarter comeback falls short
Game ball: Jags RB Maurice Jones-Drew - 24 car., 123 yds., TD

Cincinnati (7-2) 18
Pittsburgh (6-3) 12
Defensive battle goes to Bengals
Game ball: Bengals defense - 226 net yds., 4 sacks

New Orleans (9-0) 28
St. Louis (1-8) 23
Host Rams prove to be a tough opponent for undefeated Saints
Game ball: Saints RB Reggie Bush - 6 car., 83 yds., TD; 2 rec., 15 yds., TD

Buffalo (3-6) 17
Tennessee (3-6) 41
Titans win third in a row behind QB Vince Young...sort of.
Game ball: Titans RB Chris Johnson - 26 car., 132 yds., 2 TD; 9 rec., 100 yds. Can anyone stop this guy?

Denver (6-3) 17
Washington (3-6) 27
Redskins pull off stunner as Broncos drop third in a row
Game ball: Redskins RB Ladell Betts - 26 car., 114 yds., TD

NFL Week 10: Bears/Niners Recap

 6  10

You hear it every week. "Take care of the ball and we'll win." Or something like it anyway. Then why do I have a sneaking, suspicion that the Bears coaches (offensively) aren't letting QB Jay Cutler (right) in on this small, but crucial piece of advice?

If you watched any of the game last evening, you might have come away with the same question. It's also possible that you came away with this question: What is Cutler thinking? That would be a good choice, too. Of course, Bears fans most likely had an explitive ot two added to it.

Bears QB Jay Cutler amassed over 300 yards passing but contributed 5 INT as the Bears fell to the San Francisco 49ers last night. The loss puts the Bears at 4-5 and in third place in the NFC North. With the win, San Francisco also moves to 4-5 and reside in second place in the NFC West.

NFL Monday Night Recap - Steelers/Broncos

28  10

After a rather slow and tedious first half, the Pittsburgh Steelers used their running attack in the second half to separate themselves from the Denver Broncos. The Steelers offense received a second half kickstart from their ground attack and turned the tables on Denver. The win keeps Pittsburgh tied with the Cincinnati Bengals atop the AFC Central at 6-2. Cincy currently owns the tiebreaker due to an earlier victory. Pittsburgh hosts the Bengals this week.

Meanwhile, Denver's second consecutive loss leaves them one game ahead of the San Diego Chargers in the AFC West. In two weeks, San Diego will visit Invesco for a crucial divisional matchup. First place could be on the line when they meet. The Broncos are also 6-2 and the Bolts are 5-3 after their win against the New York Giants on Sunday.

Some thoughts on last night's tilt.

1. A tale of two halves to say the least. Denver dominated the first half in every statistical category except the most important stat, the score. In fact, Pittsburgh did not have a single offensive play on the Broncos side of the field during the first half. But Pittsburgh reversed its fortune in the second half primarily on the legs of RB Rashard Mendenhall and his 155 total rushing yards. The Steelers running game had been a bit stagnant as of late but Mendenhall gashed the Broncos defense in the second half.

2. The Broncos were victims of their own mistakes. Broncos QB Kyle Orton tossed 3 INT with one of his picks being returned for a TD by S Tyrone Carter (left) and was the only TD either team scored in the first half. Oddly fact, the Steelers defense had accounted for the last three TDs the Steelers as a team had scored. Another odd thing. Carter was starting at safety due to S Ryan Clark being inactive. As many have heard, during the Steelers last Denver visit, Clark had his gall bladder and spleen removed to do complications of sickle cell trait. The trait is further complicated by altitude.

3. A sort stretch in the third quarter turned the game. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger dropped back to passed and had the ball stripped. Broncos LB Robert Ayers scooped up the ball and ran 54 yards for a Broncos TD. That made the score 10-7, Broncos. Most teams would have wanted to run a few plays just to get their heads back on straight. Not Ben and the Steelers offense. Roethlisberger led Pittsburgh on a 4 play, 80 yard drive that took all of 2:07. That quick scoring drive proved to be the difference in the game as the Steeler defense took over from there allowing only 27 rushing yards for the game.

4. Invesco is known as a difficult place to play. A sea of orange usually drapes the stands. Not last evening. A common phrase used in college sports is "the team travels well". It refers to a visiting team that has a large number of fans that attend their away games. The Steelers "travel well". In fact, it sounded like the crowd was more for Pittsburgh than Denver. I guess that happens when you win a Super Bowl...or six.

Next Monday, The Baltimore Ravens fly into Cleveland to challenge the Browns.

NFL Week 9 Recap and Steelers/Broncos Preview

Ahh! The last of the winless coming into this week is no longer winless! Congrats to Raheem Morris and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on their victory over Green Bay. I’m sure more are to come. Here’s the quick recap! Both undefeated teams had to play a bit of come from behind to keep their perfect records.

Kansas City (1-7) 21, Jacksonville (4-4) 24
Jags make their way to .500
Game ball: Jags QB David Garrard: 18-27, 264, TD

Washington (2-6) 17, Atlanta (5-3) 31
Falcons bounce back from Monday night loss
Game ball: Falcons RB Michael Turner: 18 car., 166 yds., 2 TD

Arizona (5-3) 41, Chicago (4-4) 21
Are these the Cards that were in the Super Bowl last year?
Game ball: Cardinals QB Kurt Warner: 22-31, 261 yds., 5 TD

Baltimore (4-4) 7, Cincinnati (6-2) 17
Bengals sweep season series from Ravens
Game ball: Bengals RB Cedric Benson: 34 car., 117 yds., TD

Houston (5-4) 17, Indianapolis (8-0) 20
Colts come from behind and hold off late rally and FG attempt.
Game ball: Colts TE Dallas Clark: 14 rec., 119 yds

Green Bay (4-4) 28, Tampa Bay (1-7) 38
Bucs pull off a stunner at home
Game ball: The whole Tampa Bay organization and their fans

Miami (3-5) 17, New England (6-2) 27
Can the Pats be slowed down?
Game ball: Patriots WR Randy Moss: 6 rec., 147 yds., TD

Detroit (1-7) 20, Seattle (3-5) 32
Seahawks overcome 17 pt. Lions 1st quarter
Game ball: Seahawks defense: 5 INT (TD)

Carolina (3-5) 20, New Orleans (8-0) 30
Saints another early deficit to stay perfect
Game ball: Saints WR Robert Meacham: 5 rec., 98 yds., TD

Tennessee (2-6) 34, San Francisco (3-5) 27
QB Vince Young wins second game as starter this season
Game ball: Titans RB Chris Johnson: 25 car., 135 yds., 2 TD

San Diego (5-3) 21, New York Giants (5-4) 20
Bolts shock Giants with TD in last half minute
Game ball: Chargers QB Philip Rivers: 24-36, 209 yds., 3 TD

Dallas (6-2) 20, Philadelphia (5-3) 16
Another Philly Phlop after a great game the week before
Game ball: Dallas defense: Philly offense held to 50 yards below their average and no big plays

Monday Night Preview

NFL Monday Night Wrap-Up-Falcons/Saints

27   35

Not that last night's game didn't lack a little excitement. In fact, the game had a little bit of everything...defensive touchdowns off turnovers, lots of offense and scoring, missed field goals from two pretty accurate kickers. Just a few things I took away from last night's Falcons/Saints clash.

1. I mentioned the turnovers. Considering that these two teams are considered playoff teams, there were too many turnovers. Falcons QB Matt Ryan threw 3 picks with one of those being returned 48 yard for a Saints TD by Jabari Greer. Saints QB Drew Brees threw a pick and fumbled which was scooped up and returned for a TD by Atlanta's Kroy Biermann. Saints RBs Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell also put the ball on the ground which were recovered bt the Falcons. That's seven total turnovers.

2. I questioned the "disappearance" of Falcons RB Michael Turner (right). He "appeared" last night with 20 carries for 151 yards and a TD...and this effort. That's the Michael Turner we saw in 2008!

3. Between the Falcons Jason Elam and the Saints John Carney, there were three missed filed goals. Elam missed two, a 34 yard try that banged off the left post and a 51 yard effort that missed miserably left at the end of the first half. He did connect from 25 and 40 yards. For the season, Elam is only 60% (6 of 10) on all FG attempts for the season. For his career, Elam is 81%. Carney missed an effort from 37 yards that was pushed to the right and is 73% for the season (8 of 11) and 82.4% for his career. And some people don't think kicking can make a difference. Elam hits all his tres and the game is that much closer.

4. All we know about Saints WR Marques Colston (left) is that he "is a beast." He was referred to as that on at least four occassions during last night's telecast. And he performed like one. All Brees had to do was put the ball within 5 yards of Colston and he came up with the reception. To Jon Gruden, I concur.

5. The most impressive stat of the night: The Saints had four drives of at least 80 yards. Simple math tells me that's at least 320 yards of offense. I did say the "bend, but don't break" defense of the Falcons would eventually catch up to them and it did against New Orleans. The Saints managed a redzone efficiency of 75% (3 for 4) and 100% (2 for 2) on goal-to-goal situations.

The loss by Atlanta now puts them three games behind New Orleans in the NFC South with a long road to go in order to win the division. It's not to early to think about their playoff possibilities. They do get New Orleans at home in week 14. Atlanta has three other tests ahead. They travel to the Meadowlands twice (week 11 for the Giants and week 15 for the Jets) and will play host to the Eagls in week 13. The Saints have the easiest remaining schedule in the league.

A long road, indeed.

NFL Week 8 Recap and Falcons/Saints Preview

Two of the three previous winless teams broke through with wins this week. The only other winles team, Tampa Bay, was off on a bye. The Bucs will get a crack this coming week against Green Bay. Good luck guys!

St. Louis 17 (1-7), Detroit 10 (1-6)
Rams leave the field of the winless
Game ball: Rams RB Steven Jackson: 22 car., 149 yds, TD. Jackson finally finds the endzone

Cleveland 6 (1-7), Chicago 30 (4-3)
Bears recover from Cincy disaster to defeat hapless Browns
Game ball: Bears RB Matt Forte: 26 car., 90 yds., 2 TD

Seattle 17 (2-5), Dallas 38 (5-2)
Cowboys offense beginning to click
Game ball: Cowboys QB Tony Romo: 21-36, 256 yds., 3 TD

Houston 31 (5-3), Buffalo 10 (3-5)
Texans at best record ever for franchise, but lose TE Daniels for eason (knee)
Game ball: Texans RB Ryan Moats: 23 car., 126 yds. 3 TD

Miami 30 (3-4), New York Jets 25 (4-4)
Dolphins use two KO ret TD from Ted Ginn, Jr. who'd lost starting job
Game ball: Ginn: KO returns of 100 and 101 yds for TDs sets record

San Francisco 14 (3-4), Indinapolis 18 (7-0)
Indy struggles agaist unfamiliar foe
Game ball: Colts WR Reggie Wayne: 12 rec., 147 yds, TD (game winning TD pass from RB Joseph Addai)

Denver 7 (6-1), Baltimore 30 (4-3)
Ravens blast formerly unbeaten Broncos
Game ball: Ravens CB Lardaruis Webb:returned 2nd half KO 95 yds for TD

New York Giants 17 (4-3), Philadelphia  40 (5-2)
Gaints D allows 40+ points for second time in three games
Game ball: Eagles QB Donovan McNabb: 17-23, 240 yds., 3 TD

Monday Night Wrap-up - Eagles/Redskins

27 V   17

I agree. That was not a game really worth watching, but we watched for one reason: to see if the Redskins offense could manufacture any type of game. In the end, the answer was no, but are we placing too much emphasis on the ‘Skins due to their status as being dysfunctional? We are. Here’s what I take away from the tilt.

1. The game, as a whole, was anything but a clean game. The Redskins will receive more scrutiny for the lack of execution (6 sacks, 4 turnovers, missed redzone chances), but Philly didn’t exactly run over Washington either. At times, the Eagles looked as if they were still in a contest against the Raiders (last week’s opponent). If not for DeSean Jackson (left), there may not have been any offense from the Eagles.

2. Both offenses were dealt serious setbacks in the game. First was Philadelphia losing RB Brian Westbrook due to a concussion. That is not an injury to take lightly and the Eagles didn’t. However, I can’t be the only one that thinks that Westbrook gets injured on a weekly basis. Look at the injury the ‘Skins were dealt. TE Chris Cooley, the team’s best offensive player, broke his ankle.

3. ESPN’s Steve Young said it best when he pointed out that Washington Redskins have “inherent, deeper problems”. Washington’s defense has pretty much help up its end of the bargain and that explains why we tilt are views to the offense. But don’t be fooled. One reason for the problems is due to the money Washington spends on free agents, they cannot “afford” a more talented overall roster. Sure, Albert Haynesworth is about the best defensive lineman in the NFL, but exactly how talented is the #4 WR?

4. Changing the “play caller” was not the difference, although the person calling the plays was recently calling bingo. That’s a story that will never stop. And Washington’s “front office”, if you can call it that, is doing nothing to steer our opinions elsewhere.

A lot of fans of the Eagles, Giants, and Cowboys are tickled that the Redskins are going through such a rough patch. That’s one less team their favorite has to worry about.

Technorati Tags: football

NFL Recap - Week 7 and Eagles/Redskins Preview

A quick look into the scores of Sunday's games including the awarding of game balls.

New England 35 (5-2)
Tampa Bay 7 (0-7)
England good to Patriots offense
Game ball: Pats WR Wes Welker (right) 10 rec., 107 yds, TD

Green Bay 31 (4-2)
Cleveland 3 (1-6)
Packers roll into Cleveland Stadium...and roll over Browns
Game ball: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers 15-20, 246 yds., 3 TD

San Francisco 21 (3-3)
Houston 24 (4-3)
Texans stave off late 49ers rally
Game ball: Texans TE Owen Daniels (right) 7 rec., 123 yds., TD

Minnesota 17 (6-1)
Pittsburgh 27 (5-2)
Steelers D scores twice as Favre fails to throw TD pass
Game ball: Steelers defense scoring 2 TD in 4th quarter

Indianapolis 42 (6-0)
St. Louis 6 (0-7)
Another standard Manning game
Game ball: Manning (right) 23-34, 235 yds., 3 TD

San Diego 37 (3-3)
Kansas City 7 (1-6)
Bolts bounce back with huge offensive output after Monday loss
Game ball: Chargers QB Philip Rivers 18-30, 268 yds., 3 TD

Buffalo 20 (3-4)
Carolina 9 (2-4)
Panthers Delhomme can't shake TO bug with 3 INT
Game ball: Panthers fans who attended a game the Panthers dominated...but still managed to lose

New York Jets 38 (4-3)

Oakland 0 (2-5)

Raiders cannot duplicate upset from last week

Game ball: Jets combo of RBs Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones (right) Combined: 45 car., 265 yds., 3 TD

Atlanta 21 (4-2)
Dallas 37 (4-2)
Cowboys defense forces 3 Falcons TO
Game ball: Cowboys WR Miles Austin 6 rec., 171 yds., 2 TD

Chicago 10 (3-3)
Cincinnati 45 (5-2)
Bengals Cedric Benson (right) gets his "revenge" as Cincy pounds Bears for 448 yds
Game ball: Bengals offense as a whole. Most point scored on Bears in 10 years. Benson, Palmer and Ochocinco all together

New Orleans 46 (6-0)
Miami 34 (2-4)
Saints overcome 21 point deficit and 3 INT from Brees
Game ball: Saints defense with 2 INT for TD

Arizona 24 (4-2)
New York Giants 17 (5-2)
Cards force four Giant turnovers and win on east coast
Game ball: Cardinals defense

Monday Night Preview

Philadelphia (3-2) @ Washington (2-4)

Eagles: So the Eagles get an extra day to prep for their division rival, the Redskins. Considering the way teh Eagles played in Oakland last week, head coach Andy Reid (left) must be thankful. Reid has been receving most of the crticism in the Eagles loss to Oakland because of all the passing plays (46 attempts) that were called. That won't change, but the Eagles do need to go after it on the ground more. QB Donovan McNabb's offensive line must keep the Redskins D off of him. McNabb does have "issues" if he's hit a lot or pressured a lot. Philly added a bit to their defense in acquiring Wil Witherspoon form St. Louis. They need the depth as LB Omar Gaither is the latest Eagle LB to be lost for the season. The defense's may concern primarily will be Redskins RB Clinton Portis. But they can't get to wrapped up on Portis or QB Jason Campbell, despite the "reviews", will strike.

Redskins: This week on the Young and the Redskins, former offensive coordinator and bingo caller Sherman Lewis will be calling the offensive plays tonight for the Redskins since head coach Jim Zorn (right) was stripped of his play calling duties by VP Vinnie Cerrato since he's the closest thing to a GM in Washington. Following that move, Cerrato was asked about Jim Zorn's future in ther nation's capital. Cerrato said that Zorn "...will be the head coach for the rest of the season and. hopefully, into the future." But it doesn't stop there! According to a story on nfl.com, QB Jason Campbell says about the Redskins, ""We've got more issues than you can think of. They're not going to be solved overnight, and they're not going to get solved in a short period of time." There were also rumors of T Chris Samuels having to retire due to a neck injury. Samuels has denied the retirement issue, but he will continue down the second advice road. Do you honstly think the Redskins can concentrate with all the distractions?

Monday NFL Week 6 Final and Notes

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Do you believe in the Denver Broncos now? Once again, Denver used a stiffling defense in the second half to overcome a halftime deficit and take a pivotal divisional game against the San Diego Chargers. The loss leaves San Diego 3 1/2 games behind the Broncos in the AFC West. Last year, the Chargers erased a four game deficit to win the division. But this is not the same Denver Broncos of a year ago. Once again, the Broncos were in the national spotlight and managed to deliver a win. Some quick notes.

1. The Broncos defensive unit features eight new starters from the 2008 version, including the NFL's leading sack man, Elvis Dumervil (left). Chargers QB Philip Rivers faced constant pressure in passing situations as Denver accumulated 5 sacks and plenty of hurried pass attempts. The Chargers could only muster one sack and Broncos QB Kyle Orton appeared to have plenty of time while in the pocket. The defense is quickly becoming Denver's calling card, especially in the second half of games. For the season, the Broncos defense has allowed only 10 second points (3 last night and 7 against Cincinnati in week 1).

2. There was possibly one positive for San Diego. RB LaDainian Tomlinson showed glimpses of his former self. LT managed 70 yards on 18 carries and 30 yards on 3 receptions. Rivers had a decent game going 20 of 33 for 274 yards and a TD. For the Broncos, the running game did amass 101 yards, but TE Tony Sheffler provided matchup headaches for the Bolts as he produced 6 catches for 101 yards with a TD. Don't look at Denver as just a defensive team. They can play a little offense, too.

3. But this night belonged to the special teams. Broncos WR Eddie Royal returned a kickoff 93 yards for a TD and a punt 71 yards for a TD. Since the merger, Royal is now 1 of 6 players to return a kickoff and a punt for TD in the same game. One of the other 6 is Chargers Darren Sproles. He also returned a punt for 77 yards and a TD in this game.

4. While I was watching the postgame, a couple of quotes from the analysts rang true. First, coach Jon Gruden. I've ribbed him for his constant referrals to Brett Favre. This week, he provided this: "...the Denver Broncos finish games." And ESPN's Steve Young, also in support of Josh McDaniels and his Patriots pedigree: "...better coached, better prepared...". McDaniels has brought the New England philosophy with him to Denver and it's working wonders for the franchise. But McDaniels summed it up best. In his postgame interview, he delivers what every coach says, but few deliver. "...we haven't done anything yet. We're gonna play every game to win it. That's how we prepare." That quotes sounds like he took it from his old boss.

5. The 50 th anniversary AFL uniforms.

Denver received a lot of "thumbs down" of their home 1960 throwback uniforms. While there was still the look of striped socks last night (left), the away unis are a bit better than the home (right). The yellow stripes on the pants? Ugh. But Broncos Eddie Royal was asked if he liked those socks. "We're 2-0 in 'em." Can't argue with that. The Chargers powder blues are as awesome as always. Until last night, the Chargers had won 9 straight contests in those powder blues.

6. Here's something you may not know. Kyle Orton is a winner. Considering all the controversy that surrounded Orton and Rex Grossman in Chicago and many wouldn't believe it. Orton is merely 27-12 as a starter. Do the math and he was 21-12 at the beginning of the season. To Chicago, Denver thanks you.

The Broncos will be on a bye next week while the Chargers travel to Arrowhead Stadium to battle the Kansas City Chiefs.

NFL Week 6 Recap

The early games provided more excitement than I'd originally thought with the Rams and Jags going into OT, a missed FG for a win, and another winless team is no longer winless. The late games also provided a major upset in Oakland, a nail biter at the Meadowlands, and a blowout of epic proportions.

  Houston 28 (3-3)
 Cincinnati 17 (4-2)

Bengals' Benson held in check as Texans Schaub lights up secondary. Bengals 1-2 at home. Where's the Jungle?
Game ball: Texans QB Matt Schaub - 28/40, 392 yds., 4 TD, INT

 Detroit 0 (1-5)
 Green Bay 26 (3-2)

Pack uses 14 point 1st quarter to set pace for win.
Game ball: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers - 29/37, 358 yds., 2 TD, INT. Still concerns about O line.

 St. Louis 20 (0-6)
 Jacksonville 23 (3-3) OT

Rams valiant in loss, but never see ball in OT.
Game ball: Jags RB Maurice Jones-Drew - 33 car., 133 yds., 3 TD. Pocket Hercules vital along with QB Garrard.

 Baltimore 31 (3-3)
 Minnesota 33 (6-0)

Ravens Hauschka misses 44 yd FG as time expires, Vikes still perfect.
Game ball: Ravens QB Joe Flacco - 28/43, 385 yds., 2 TD. Drove Ravens for chance to win, too.

 New York Giants 27 (5-1)
 New Orleans 48 (5-0)

Superdome a nightmare for Manning and the G-Men.
Game ball: Saints QB Drew Brees - 23/30, 369 yds., 4 TD. He's back!!

 Cleveland 14 (1-5)
 Pittsburgh 27 (4-2)

At least Browns' Anderson had more than 2 completions this week.
Game ball: Steelers passing attack - Big Ben: 400+ yds., Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes: 100+ yds

 Carolina 28 (2-3)
 Tampa Bay 21 (0-6)

Panthers finally find their running game.
Game ball: Panthers RBs DeAngelo Williams (30 car., 152 yds., 2 TD) and Jonathan Stewart (17 car., 110 yds., TD)

 Kansas City 14 (1-5)
 Washington 6 (2-4)

Late safety seals the deal for Chiefs and Todd Haley's 1st win. Another Riggins video on the way.
Game ball: Anyone who watched, including Riggins.

Philadelphia 9 (3-2)
Oakland 13 (2-4)

Eagles cannot overcome missed FGs or TOs.
Game ball: Raiders TE Zach Miller - 6 rec., 139 yds., TD. Also provided many good blocks for RB Justin Vargas.

Arizona 27 (3-2)
Seattle 3 (2-4)

Cards had 14 points before Seahawks even had a possession and Seattle never got close
Game ball: Cards WR Larry Fitzgerald - 13 rec., 100 yds., TD

Tennessee 0 (0-6)
New England 59 (4-2)

Titans dealt miserable loss by Brady and weather and give up 600+ yds to Patriots.
Game ball: Patriots QB Tom Brady - 29/34, 380 yds., 6 TD. Set record for 5 TD in a quater.

Buffalo 16 (2-4)
New York Jets 13 (3-3) OT

Sanchez looking more like a rookie with 5 INT (6 total).
Game ball: Jets RB Thomas Jones - 20 car., 203, TD. Jones sets personal and Jets record for rush yards in a game, Bills K Rian Lindell - hit game winning 47 yd FG in OT.

Chicago 14 (3-2)
Atlanta 21 (4-1)

Bears self-destruction: inability to score in red zone, turnovers and untimely penalties
Game ball: Falcons defense - again, bend, but don't break.

Injury Notes:
Bengals DE Antwan Odom (Achilles) and Seattle LB Lofa Tatupu (pectoral) are done for the season due to their injuries. Odom was the sack leader for the Bengals defense and Tatupu was the Seahawks 4th leading tackler (despite missing playing time) and a defensive captain.