The second half of this heated contest started much the same way as the first, with a 16-yard rush to the perimeter by Rashard Mendenhall, who made his fourth start replacing the injured Willy Parker. The Steelers followed it up with an end around to Mike Wallace, which was aided by a facemask penalty on defensive tackle Kevin Williams (incorrectly called on defensive back Karl Paymah). The Vikings gave more help in the form of a late hit by Benny Sapp, filling in for Pro Bowler Antoine Winfield, that gave Pittsburgh 15 more yards. But while the Vikes bent, they didn't break, holding Big Ben and the Steelers offense to another field goal.
Favre and Minnesota came back with a vengeance on their first second half drive, completing a fourth-down conversion to Sidney Rice for a big gain to get 1st-and-goal at the 2. The story of stingy defense continued, however, as the Pittsgurgh defense held the Vikings back, forcing a chip-shot field goal from kicker Ryan Longwell.
After a series of punts, things looked bright for the Steelers as Roethlisberger hit Holmes for long gain in which five or six Vikings missed tackles. But Mendenhall fumbled on the next play for the first turnover of the game. Favre moved the ball on the next drive, but his good throws were stymied by three consecutive penalties (including Steve Hutchinson's first penalty in 27 games). A miraculous tiptoe catch by SidneyRice preserved the drive, and after Adrian Peterson bulled his way down to the 10 the Vikings were set back again by a phantom tripping call that erased a Sidney Rice touchdown.
At 3rd-and-goal, the game was turned on its heels as Brett Favre was stripped and LaMarr Woodley took it back 77 yards for a score. Percy Harvin then reinvigorated Minnesota with a kickoff return for a touchdown, aided immensely by a horrible challenge from kicker Jeff Reed.
Roethlisberger was stripped by debutant Asher Allen, but the Vikes could not capitalize as the ball was fumbled out of bounds. On the next possession, Adrian Peterson created another highlight by crushing William Gay, but it proved all for naught as a Favre pass deflected off Chester Taylor's fingertips and was intercepted by linebacker Kieran Fox. In for Lawrence Timmons, Fox returned his first ever pick for six points and deflated the Vikings, who fall out of the ranks of the undefeated teams.
Vikings Verdict - Defense plays well, but needs consistency: The Minnesota defence has proved that they are legit by looking dominant often, but at times they don't look like it. They lack the killer instinct necessary to finish games, and too often allow opposing offenses to get back into the game. It showed against Baltimore last week and in the second half against the Steelers. That star-studded defense will need to step up their game, but most importantly, they need to stop playing Cover-2. For all its sacks, the vaunted Minnesota pass rush has had trouble gtting the quarterback when they rush only their four down linemen.
Meanwhile, Sidney Rice is looking like a Pro Bowl reciever. He finished the day with 11 catches for 136 yards, reaching the century mark in two consecutive games. He should have had more, as his touchdown pass was negated by a bogus tripping penalty, but no one can question the skill and athletic ability required to bring down his great catch on the sideline.
Steelers Verdict - Defense Saves Steelers, Preserves Win Streak: Two fourth-quarter TD's on interception returns lifted Pittsburgh over the Vikings to their fourth straight win, but there is still a great dea of room for improvement. Mike Wallace had a career day with several nice catches and two runs, but Hines Ward (who entered the game leading the league in receptions) had a measly one catch for three yards. Roethlisberger, who has completed 72% of his passes this season, was 14 for 26 for 175 yards and a lone score. Fortunately, he got it done when it counted, picking apart the Minnesota D on the one touchdown drive as well as those that ended in close field goals.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Vikings @ Steelers Halftime Report: Offenses Sputter Early, Few Points In Pittsburgh
In what has been labeled by most as a defensive struggle, the Vikings-Steelers matchup has lived up to its expectations. The offense was practically non-existent in the first half as both defenses dominated the line of scrimmage. Both offenses were mostly stifled throughout the first quarter, as Minnesota punted on all of their possessions in that span and the Steelers only come away with three points.
Despite starting the game with a first-down run by Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers then turned to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who came into this game (his first ever against Brett Favre) leading the NFL is passing yardage.
The Steelers reached the red zone first following a failed challenge by Vikings head coach Brad Childress and a wide receiver reverse by Mike Wallace. A suspect offensive pass interference penalty on tight end Heath Miller negated a short touchdown reception by Santonio Holmes, and the sack on Roethlisberger that followed forced Pittsburgh to settle for a field goal.
Mostly unable to run with Adrian Peterson, Minnesota continued its effective use of the West Coast offense employed by Childress, using short, underneath passes to Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice, and others. William Gay hesitated on a coverage, allowing Vikings wideout and first-round pick Percy Harvin to run up in sit in the hole, offering Favre an easy throwing lane for a 28-yard catch to put the Vikings in the red zone for the first time in the second quarter. After that, Peterson carried it the rest of the way as the Vikings pounded the ball into the endzone close to the goal line. That touchdown, which put the Vikings up 7-3, marked the largest margin any team has led the Steelers this season, which shows just how close all of Pittsburgh's games have been.
Minnesota seemed content to play for field position following the go-ahead TD as they punted with less than two minutes remaining and pinned Mike Tomlin's team down inside their own 10. While he moved the ball efficiently, Roethlisberger nearly threw two interceptions that were fortunately dropped by defenders Tyrell Johnson and E.J. Henderson. Immediately afterwards, he completed two straight passes over the middle to Mike Wallace, who came up big again and scored for Pittsburgh on a 40-yard reception to close out the half.
Minnesota only rushed four players on every play of Pittsburgh's final drive, playing a soft cover-2 defense that allowed Reoethlisberger to find his rhythm. It strongly resembled the last-minute collapse of the Vikings defense at the end of their last game against the Ravens. Something needs to be done about their lack of killer instinct on defense, for their winning streak looks perilously close to ending.
Despite starting the game with a first-down run by Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers then turned to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who came into this game (his first ever against Brett Favre) leading the NFL is passing yardage.
The Steelers reached the red zone first following a failed challenge by Vikings head coach Brad Childress and a wide receiver reverse by Mike Wallace. A suspect offensive pass interference penalty on tight end Heath Miller negated a short touchdown reception by Santonio Holmes, and the sack on Roethlisberger that followed forced Pittsburgh to settle for a field goal.
Mostly unable to run with Adrian Peterson, Minnesota continued its effective use of the West Coast offense employed by Childress, using short, underneath passes to Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice, and others. William Gay hesitated on a coverage, allowing Vikings wideout and first-round pick Percy Harvin to run up in sit in the hole, offering Favre an easy throwing lane for a 28-yard catch to put the Vikings in the red zone for the first time in the second quarter. After that, Peterson carried it the rest of the way as the Vikings pounded the ball into the endzone close to the goal line. That touchdown, which put the Vikings up 7-3, marked the largest margin any team has led the Steelers this season, which shows just how close all of Pittsburgh's games have been.
Minnesota seemed content to play for field position following the go-ahead TD as they punted with less than two minutes remaining and pinned Mike Tomlin's team down inside their own 10. While he moved the ball efficiently, Roethlisberger nearly threw two interceptions that were fortunately dropped by defenders Tyrell Johnson and E.J. Henderson. Immediately afterwards, he completed two straight passes over the middle to Mike Wallace, who came up big again and scored for Pittsburgh on a 40-yard reception to close out the half.
Minnesota only rushed four players on every play of Pittsburgh's final drive, playing a soft cover-2 defense that allowed Reoethlisberger to find his rhythm. It strongly resembled the last-minute collapse of the Vikings defense at the end of their last game against the Ravens. Something needs to be done about their lack of killer instinct on defense, for their winning streak looks perilously close to ending.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunday Storylines
G-Men Embarrassed By Saints (48-27 NO): There's no way to sugarcoat it; the New York Giants got steamrolled by Drew "Scarface" Brees and the Saints, spoiling Eli Manning's homecoming. This game essentially signalled a shift in my ranking of the top 5 teams. The 48-27 scoreline seemed somewhat flattering to the Giants offense, who scored a touchdown late against a Saints defense that looked like it had given up. New Orleans, meanwhile, had seven different players who scored.
Chiefs Pull Out First Win Against 'Skins (14-6 KC): Even at the risk of stroking my own ego, I have to point out that I picked Kansas City to win this game. To be fair, they had considerable help from an awful Washington team. Despite Clinton Portis averaging over 7 yards per carry on his way to a 109-yard performance on the ground, the Redskins offense could not score at all (to be honest, 78 of those yards came on a single run), and starting QB Jason Campbell was benched at halftime in favor of backup Todd Collins. You may remember that Collins led the Redskins to the playoffs several years ago, but don't expect that kind of a miracle this year. Washington is terrible, plain and simple. In the meantime, KC's attack was also anemic; Larry Johnson posted his season-high rushing performance with a paltry 78 yards (3.6 average), Matt Cassel was sacked five times, and most of their points came from Ryan Succop's four field goals.
Lions Fall To Packers In Division Clash (26-0 GB): The high from their first victory in almost two years (over the 'Skins, of course) has worn off, and the Lions are back to their losing ways. Without their two best players in Calvin Johnson and Matt Stafford, no one expected Detroit to stand a chance, but being shut out by Green Bay was still saddening. Backup QB Daunte Culpepper, filling in for Stafford, injured his hamstring and as replaced by Drew Stanton, who threw two picks as the Lions failed to produce a single point. The Packers looked anything but perfect, however; Aaron Rodgers was sacked five times by a lackluster Lions team, continuing Green Bay's woes (they came into the game allowing a league-high 20 sacks).
Panthers Run Over Bucs (28-21 CAR): Coming off a victory over the Redskins, the Carolina Panthers rushed all over the still-winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, gaining 267 yards on the ground. DeAngelo Williams rushed thirty times for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns, shouldering the load for Carolina along with fellow running back Johnathan Stewart. The game also saw Panthers defensive back Dante Wesley get ejected for a late hit on Bucs punt returner Clifton Smith, and the scuffle that followed set the tone for a tough, physical football game.
Pats Dominate Hapless Titans (59-0 NE): Tom Brady threw five touchdowns in the second quarter (becoming the first quarterback to ever do so in NFL history) and 6 for the game as New England absolutely owned Tennessee. When it seemed things couldn't have gotten any worse for Tennessee, they did as they go into the bye week getting hammered by New England in heavy snow. The scoreline at the half says it all: 45-0. The half sent flashbacks through my mind of the 52-7 rout the 2007 Patriots laid on the Washington Redskins, but that result pales in comparison to the debacle that Tennessee put up. After Brady threw his sixth TD to start the second half, backup Brian Hoyer came in after the Titans committed their fourth turnover by failing a desperate fourth down conversion. Stick a fork in the Titans; they're done.
On a side note, I've really been ragging on Washington lately. I've mentioned them (in a negative light, no less) on almost every headline. But what do you expect when you have inconsistent play, poor coaching, and worse management from the ownership?
Chiefs Pull Out First Win Against 'Skins (14-6 KC): Even at the risk of stroking my own ego, I have to point out that I picked Kansas City to win this game. To be fair, they had considerable help from an awful Washington team. Despite Clinton Portis averaging over 7 yards per carry on his way to a 109-yard performance on the ground, the Redskins offense could not score at all (to be honest, 78 of those yards came on a single run), and starting QB Jason Campbell was benched at halftime in favor of backup Todd Collins. You may remember that Collins led the Redskins to the playoffs several years ago, but don't expect that kind of a miracle this year. Washington is terrible, plain and simple. In the meantime, KC's attack was also anemic; Larry Johnson posted his season-high rushing performance with a paltry 78 yards (3.6 average), Matt Cassel was sacked five times, and most of their points came from Ryan Succop's four field goals.
Lions Fall To Packers In Division Clash (26-0 GB): The high from their first victory in almost two years (over the 'Skins, of course) has worn off, and the Lions are back to their losing ways. Without their two best players in Calvin Johnson and Matt Stafford, no one expected Detroit to stand a chance, but being shut out by Green Bay was still saddening. Backup QB Daunte Culpepper, filling in for Stafford, injured his hamstring and as replaced by Drew Stanton, who threw two picks as the Lions failed to produce a single point. The Packers looked anything but perfect, however; Aaron Rodgers was sacked five times by a lackluster Lions team, continuing Green Bay's woes (they came into the game allowing a league-high 20 sacks).
Panthers Run Over Bucs (28-21 CAR): Coming off a victory over the Redskins, the Carolina Panthers rushed all over the still-winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, gaining 267 yards on the ground. DeAngelo Williams rushed thirty times for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns, shouldering the load for Carolina along with fellow running back Johnathan Stewart. The game also saw Panthers defensive back Dante Wesley get ejected for a late hit on Bucs punt returner Clifton Smith, and the scuffle that followed set the tone for a tough, physical football game.
Pats Dominate Hapless Titans (59-0 NE): Tom Brady threw five touchdowns in the second quarter (becoming the first quarterback to ever do so in NFL history) and 6 for the game as New England absolutely owned Tennessee. When it seemed things couldn't have gotten any worse for Tennessee, they did as they go into the bye week getting hammered by New England in heavy snow. The scoreline at the half says it all: 45-0. The half sent flashbacks through my mind of the 52-7 rout the 2007 Patriots laid on the Washington Redskins, but that result pales in comparison to the debacle that Tennessee put up. After Brady threw his sixth TD to start the second half, backup Brian Hoyer came in after the Titans committed their fourth turnover by failing a desperate fourth down conversion. Stick a fork in the Titans; they're done.
On a side note, I've really been ragging on Washington lately. I've mentioned them (in a negative light, no less) on almost every headline. But what do you expect when you have inconsistent play, poor coaching, and worse management from the ownership?
Ravens @ Vikings Second Half & Recap: Favre Heroics Prevent Shocker After Wild Fourth Quarter
Brad Childress must have said something to the Vikings offense at halftime. Minnesota had twice as many runs as passes on first drive, prompting some to think that they were getting back to their team identity as a run-first team. Their next possession quickly exposed that as bull when Favre hit Sidney Rice on a short slant for a huge gain after the catch. Despite having first and goal inside the five, the Vikings passed three times and couldn't get into the end zone, settling for a Ryan Longwell field goal. A 39-yard pass interference penalty got the Vikings to first and goal inside the 5 during the third quarter, and the trend continued with another TD pass to Shiancoe after two failed runs.
Despite getting down 30-17 and averaging 1.1 yards per rush, the Ravens refused to quit, setting up the run with the pass. Ray Rice rushed well in the second half behind Flacco's arm, scoring Baltimore's first touchdown on a short scamper and later having a long run to set up their third score. To cap it all off, Rice went untouched into the endzone for the game-tying, 43-yard score after Flacco brought it closer with a bombed pass to Mark Clayton.
Vikings Verdict - First nine minutes made the difference: Despite starting hot with TD's on their first two possessions, the Minnesota offense fizzled out for the remainder of the first quarter and didn't look anywhere near as potent for the rest of the game despite getting two more scores. Adrian Peterson faced more of the same against the Ravens D, grinding out a tough game after not reaching the 100-yard benchmark since he gashed the hopeless Cleveland Browns. Sobering news may be in store for Vikings fans, though, as Peterson was shaken up on a tackle by a Ravens defender and Percy Harvin appeared to reinjure his sore left shoulder.
In the end, it was Brett Favre who carried the day again, essentially assuring the win with a deep shot to Sidney Rice that set up Longwell's game-winning field goal. But Baltimore did expose chinks in the Vikings' armor as the Minnesota defence collapsed in the fourth quarter, giving up 24 points and the lead. If that persists, it seems unlikely that their winning streak will persist much longer, especially if Peterson and Harvin end up missing time.
Ravens Verdict - Missed chances and big plays ail underachieving Ravens: The Ravens run defence still looks stout despite having allowed a 100-yard rusher in three consecutive games. Led by Ray Lewis and their ferocious front seven, Baltimore slowed down Adrian Peterson as well as any NFL defense can hope to do for three quarters before he broke open a 58-yard run with minutes to go. But their weakness over the past few years comes against the pass, where they have been repeatedly exposed by New England, Cincinnati, and now the Vikings. Their secondary is not lacking in star power with Ed Reed, Dawan Landry and Fabian Washington, but they need to fix their problems against the pass if they hope to survive against the pass-happy playoff-bound teams such as the Colts and Saints.
On offense, the Ravens looked magnificent through the air, but their line looked overmatched at times by the dominating Vikings defensive front. Jared Allen and Pat and Kevin Williams made Joe Flacco's day miserable, knocking him down repeatedly and stepping on his foot several times (an experience that hurts like hell, especially when the guy stepping on you weighs more than 260 pounds). Even though he had some great passes, Flacco looks like he misses mammoth offensive tackle Jared Gaither, who sustained a neck injury against the Bengals and missed this game.
Despite getting down 30-17 and averaging 1.1 yards per rush, the Ravens refused to quit, setting up the run with the pass. Ray Rice rushed well in the second half behind Flacco's arm, scoring Baltimore's first touchdown on a short scamper and later having a long run to set up their third score. To cap it all off, Rice went untouched into the endzone for the game-tying, 43-yard score after Flacco brought it closer with a bombed pass to Mark Clayton.
Vikings Verdict - First nine minutes made the difference: Despite starting hot with TD's on their first two possessions, the Minnesota offense fizzled out for the remainder of the first quarter and didn't look anywhere near as potent for the rest of the game despite getting two more scores. Adrian Peterson faced more of the same against the Ravens D, grinding out a tough game after not reaching the 100-yard benchmark since he gashed the hopeless Cleveland Browns. Sobering news may be in store for Vikings fans, though, as Peterson was shaken up on a tackle by a Ravens defender and Percy Harvin appeared to reinjure his sore left shoulder.
In the end, it was Brett Favre who carried the day again, essentially assuring the win with a deep shot to Sidney Rice that set up Longwell's game-winning field goal. But Baltimore did expose chinks in the Vikings' armor as the Minnesota defence collapsed in the fourth quarter, giving up 24 points and the lead. If that persists, it seems unlikely that their winning streak will persist much longer, especially if Peterson and Harvin end up missing time.
Ravens Verdict - Missed chances and big plays ail underachieving Ravens: The Ravens run defence still looks stout despite having allowed a 100-yard rusher in three consecutive games. Led by Ray Lewis and their ferocious front seven, Baltimore slowed down Adrian Peterson as well as any NFL defense can hope to do for three quarters before he broke open a 58-yard run with minutes to go. But their weakness over the past few years comes against the pass, where they have been repeatedly exposed by New England, Cincinnati, and now the Vikings. Their secondary is not lacking in star power with Ed Reed, Dawan Landry and Fabian Washington, but they need to fix their problems against the pass if they hope to survive against the pass-happy playoff-bound teams such as the Colts and Saints.
On offense, the Ravens looked magnificent through the air, but their line looked overmatched at times by the dominating Vikings defensive front. Jared Allen and Pat and Kevin Williams made Joe Flacco's day miserable, knocking him down repeatedly and stepping on his foot several times (an experience that hurts like hell, especially when the guy stepping on you weighs more than 260 pounds). Even though he had some great passes, Flacco looks like he misses mammoth offensive tackle Jared Gaither, who sustained a neck injury against the Bengals and missed this game.
Ravens @ Vikings Halftime Report
Most NFL teams dream about moving the ball as easily as the Vikings did on their first two drives; after Adrian Peterson had a 26-yard run on the second play from scrimmage, Brett Favre carried them the rest of the way with a pass to Sidney Rice and the opening score to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe. Their next drive produced more of the same, ending in a TD pass to Bernard Berrian. Meanwhile, the Ravens passed early and often as their first two possessions ended in three-and-outs.
The first nine minutes aside, the biggest plays of the first half were the ones that didn't happen. Derrick Mason was within inches of what would have been an easy touchdown (he was at least ten yards wide open) from Joe Flacco on a pattern that went 60 yards downfield. Later in the second quarter, instant replay overturned an incorrectly called play that was initially judged by referee Mike Carey to be a fumble when Flacco's arm was clearly going forward while he had possession. The "fumble" was then returned for a touchdown by Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson, but was wisely challenged by Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and proved to be an incomplete pass.
The Baltimore showed signs of life when the Minnesota defence let up after the two minute warning, driving down the field on a penalty-ridden drive that brought them into the red zone. The half ended on a positive note for the Ravens with a Steve Hauschka field goal.
In the other matchup of the week between two NFC heavyweights, the New Orleans Saints are currently leading the New York Giants by a score of 27-14, bolstered by three Drew Brees touchdown passes.
The first nine minutes aside, the biggest plays of the first half were the ones that didn't happen. Derrick Mason was within inches of what would have been an easy touchdown (he was at least ten yards wide open) from Joe Flacco on a pattern that went 60 yards downfield. Later in the second quarter, instant replay overturned an incorrectly called play that was initially judged by referee Mike Carey to be a fumble when Flacco's arm was clearly going forward while he had possession. The "fumble" was then returned for a touchdown by Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson, but was wisely challenged by Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and proved to be an incomplete pass.
The Baltimore showed signs of life when the Minnesota defence let up after the two minute warning, driving down the field on a penalty-ridden drive that brought them into the red zone. The half ended on a positive note for the Ravens with a Steve Hauschka field goal.
In the other matchup of the week between two NFC heavyweights, the New Orleans Saints are currently leading the New York Giants by a score of 27-14, bolstered by three Drew Brees touchdown passes.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Who's Hot & Who's Not
Many teams in the NFL could be presently labeled as "on fire", but there are two kinds of fire: there's the kind when your team appears to be the unstoppable force on their way to a title, and then there's the kind when your team is so bad you just wish the flames would swallow them up completely. Here's the lowdown on the 5 best and 5 worst teams in pro football (and their records through five weeks of play).
Runnin' Hot (ranked worst to best)
These teams are contenders. They have basically erased all doubts and firmly ensconced themselves amongst the NFL elite (at least for thi season). There are no also-rans here. They are the real deal, so it should come as little surprise that they are all undefeated.
5. Denver Broncos (5-0): Most probably had the Broncos written off before the season started (I know I did) due to the turbulent off-season they had. But the wind seems to have died in Denver, as rookie head coach Josh McDaniels has a firmer hold on the team than ever. They just upset McDaniels' former team and mentor in the Patriots and Bill Belichick, proving that they are not pretenders anymore. The Broncos are playing great defense in a 3-4 system despite not really having a dominant nose tackle, so credit goes to McDaniels and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan for assembling that team (particularly a defensive backfield that features Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins). In addition, Kyle Orton seems to have adopted the mantra of the Oakland Raiders ("Just win, baby" and not "Cheating is encouraged") and is now 18-2 at home in his career. His greatest asset is that he doesn't make mistakes, and his succinct management of the Denver offense seems very reminiscent of Brady and the Patriots during their Super Bowl victories in the last decade.
4. Minnesota Vikings (5-0): The Vikings can do most of the things that a Super Bowl caliber team can do. They can run the ball, stop the run and get after the quarterback. Their mammoth defensive line (featuring defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams) is playing stout defense as the two tackles are playing as stellar as ever, and former Pro Bowler Jared Allen is returning to the form that made him such a high-end signing when he came over from Kansas City. In addition to sporting arguably the best running back in football in Adrian Peterson, Minnesota finally have a quarterback who is used to high-pressure games. It seems to have rubbed off on the team, who played great in the heavily dramaticized Monday night game against the Packers.
3. Indianapolis Colts (5-0): The Colts may deserve a higher spot on this list (only the return of their key defensive starters will tell us that), but the fact is they live and die on the arm of Peyton Manning. As he rolled to his fifth straight 300-yard game (completing 36 of 44 passes for 309 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Titans), Manning proved that he is probably playing the best ball of his career and, in terms of importance to his team, already has my non-existent vote for MVP. The Colts might be even better now, as safety Bob Sanders and linebacker Gary Brackett practiced this week. The return of those two to the defense should make Indy even more formidable.
2. New Orleans Saints (4-0): The Saints must have most fantasy owners swooning by now. Drew Brees and the New Orleans offense have become the offensive juggernaut everyone thought they could be, and have shown in past weeks that they don't rely too heavily on their quarterback (putting them ahead of Peyton Manning and the Colts) as Mike Bell and others have ran them to victories. But the most important thing for the Saints is that the defense is finally doing their part instead of being a detriment to the team. New defensive coordinator Greg Williams and safety Darren Sharper (who already has five interceptions through four games) seem to have made the difference, and the Saints finally look they may be able to get over the playoff hump.
1. New York Giants (5-0): It's hard to argue with this pick. The G-Men are still playing fantastic football despite injuries to key players such as new acquisitions Chris Canty and Michael Boley. They have the deepest defensive line in all of football (sorry, Vikings) and a solid offense led by QB Eli Manning, who demonstrated his ability to play through the pain as he battled a heel injury. His performance is even more impressive given the young age of the receivers on the Giants roster, which include two rookies in Ramses Barden and first-round pick Hakeem Nicks (both of whom look set to replace Plaxico Burress in years to come).
I would love to see Super Bowl XXIV be a Manning Bowl; I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Crashed & Burning (ranked best to worst)
These teams are, in a word, bad. Just as the five best teams are all unbeaten, most (but not all) of the worst teams are winless. Here's the kicker: the Detroit Lions and St. Louis Rams are not on this list (they probably deserve to be, but they're old news).
5. Tennessee Titans (0-5): The Titans had the best record in the league last year at 13-3 before losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional playoff, so their fall from grace was both swift and unexpected. Their only significant loss was defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (who signed with the Redskins, who will be featured here as well), but their defense is a shadow of its former self. Admittedly, they're beaten up (Pro Bowler Cortland Finnegan missed another game as he sat out against the Colts), but their running game is not enough to get it done and needs some help from an anemic pass attack. Even so, QB Kerry Collins doesn't seem in danger of losing his job, which seems to point the finger at what has historically been the problem for Tennessee (the wide receivers).
4. Kansas City Chiefs (0-5): Unlike the rest of the teams that follow later in this list, I think I can see a glimmer of hope for the Chiefs. Yeah, sure, they're 0-5. But the nucleus of young talent necessary to build a good team is there. Personally, I don't think it was worth signing Matt Cassel to a $60 million contract this soon (it's too easy to look good in the Patriots offense), but he has showed flashes of the ability to be a franchise quarterback. The Chiefs also have a talented young defense that performed admirably against Dallas in spite of their stagnant offense, particularly their talent-laden defensive line that features 3 of their last 5 first round picks in Glenn Dorsey, Tamba Hali and Tyson Jackson. In short, it's not too late to give up on KC. They're a rebuilding team and they know it, which is more than can be said for the other teams on this list. Even so, with a running game that looks pitiful when Larry Johnson runs the ball, it will be rough going for the Chiefs to get their first win. Or perhaps not; Kansas City plays reeling Washington next week and, in a suprise upset, I pick the Chiefs to get their first win as long as they play with the effort and intensity that they showed against the Cowboys.
3. Washington Redskins (2-3): I smell something burning in D.C. I think it's Jim Zorn's seat as head coach. Record-wise, Washington is the best team on this list at 2-3, but they are still woeful both on and off the field. A loss to previously winless Carolina could probably spell doom for Zorn, but the real shocker was the loss to the Detroit Lions. How could you, Washington? You snapped Detroit's losing streak that was going on two years! Now you've given them hope, and you've given yourself the title of "The Team that Lost It" (at least as far as I'm concerned). Seriously, though, the one who has lost it is Redskins owner Daniel Snyder. How could anyone expect to win with a hastily assembled collection of veteran free agents from different backgrounds and different systems? All those free agent deals are basically the anchor weighing the 'Skins down, and now that they need draft picks to pick up some young guys, they don't have any. Mike Shanahan's shadow may be looming large over Washington, but so long as Snyder keeps running the draft for his team I don't see them getting better anytime soon.
2. Cleveland Browns (1-4): Oh, how the Browns try and try, but the fact remains that it's hard to turn around a perennial loser. Despite squeaking past the Buffalo Bills in what could be the lowest-scoring game of the season (the score at the final whistle was 6-3), the Browns remain in a state of disarray. They just traded their best offensive weapon (wideout Braylon Edwards) to the New York Jets for a 3rd-round pick, 5th-round pick and two special teamers, while their other #1 receiver (Donte Stallworth) is suspended without pay and serving house arrest for DUI manslaughter. "Man-Genius" hardly seems an appropriate moniker for head coach Eric Mangini (personally I think "Man-Jackass" might be more fitting), who has effectively alienated the team with his totalitarian regime, which included charging a player over $1700 for a $3 water bottle that was mistakenly not paid for. Worse yet, he is hardly a change from previous Browns coach Romeo Crennel (another former Patriots assistant for whom I had much more respect). At least Crennel was close with his players.
1. Oakland Raiders (1-4): How the hell did the Raiders beat Kansas City? The team that I saw get drubbed 44-7 by the New York Giants couldn't possibly have won a game. But it's true; the Raiders are 1-4 and, in my opinion (and I'm sure I'm not alone on this) the worst team in the league. You know a team is bad when their owner announces a fire sale of all but their top talent. Confused? That's basically what Al Davis has done. Reports say he has been making calls around the league offering to trade almost all but the Raiders' top young players. There are few ways to interpret this except as a sign that Oakland has given up on the season. The sad part is there isn't much talent to shop for in Oakland. Aside from rookie wide reciever Darrius Heyward-Bey (it's too early to let the hammer fall on him just yet) and running back Darren McFadden, the word is out on the Raiders. Jamarcus Russell looks bad, and by "bad" I mean awful. He doesn't seem to have much of a work ethic; he's consistently overweight and his footwork sucks, leading to missed throws and the lowest completion percentage of any quarterback in the NFL (and also the nickname "Off-the-Marcus", provided by ESPN writer Jason Whitlock). Basically, the Raiders have done too little, too late. While they are shopping their players for picks, they can reminisce about how they gave their first-round selection in 2011 for Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour, who probably won't want to return to the dismal Raiders after the one year on his contract expires. Oops.
Carolina and Tampa Bay narrowly avoided making this list. The Panthers beat the 'Skins yesterday so I felt their exclusion was warranted (although Jake Delhomme's ludicrous $42.5 million contract extension was most certainly not), while the Bucs are basically in the same boat as Kansas City and this blog only has room for one rebuilding franchise.
Runnin' Hot (ranked worst to best)
These teams are contenders. They have basically erased all doubts and firmly ensconced themselves amongst the NFL elite (at least for thi season). There are no also-rans here. They are the real deal, so it should come as little surprise that they are all undefeated.
5. Denver Broncos (5-0): Most probably had the Broncos written off before the season started (I know I did) due to the turbulent off-season they had. But the wind seems to have died in Denver, as rookie head coach Josh McDaniels has a firmer hold on the team than ever. They just upset McDaniels' former team and mentor in the Patriots and Bill Belichick, proving that they are not pretenders anymore. The Broncos are playing great defense in a 3-4 system despite not really having a dominant nose tackle, so credit goes to McDaniels and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan for assembling that team (particularly a defensive backfield that features Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins). In addition, Kyle Orton seems to have adopted the mantra of the Oakland Raiders ("Just win, baby" and not "Cheating is encouraged") and is now 18-2 at home in his career. His greatest asset is that he doesn't make mistakes, and his succinct management of the Denver offense seems very reminiscent of Brady and the Patriots during their Super Bowl victories in the last decade.
4. Minnesota Vikings (5-0): The Vikings can do most of the things that a Super Bowl caliber team can do. They can run the ball, stop the run and get after the quarterback. Their mammoth defensive line (featuring defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams) is playing stout defense as the two tackles are playing as stellar as ever, and former Pro Bowler Jared Allen is returning to the form that made him such a high-end signing when he came over from Kansas City. In addition to sporting arguably the best running back in football in Adrian Peterson, Minnesota finally have a quarterback who is used to high-pressure games. It seems to have rubbed off on the team, who played great in the heavily dramaticized Monday night game against the Packers.
3. Indianapolis Colts (5-0): The Colts may deserve a higher spot on this list (only the return of their key defensive starters will tell us that), but the fact is they live and die on the arm of Peyton Manning. As he rolled to his fifth straight 300-yard game (completing 36 of 44 passes for 309 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Titans), Manning proved that he is probably playing the best ball of his career and, in terms of importance to his team, already has my non-existent vote for MVP. The Colts might be even better now, as safety Bob Sanders and linebacker Gary Brackett practiced this week. The return of those two to the defense should make Indy even more formidable.
2. New Orleans Saints (4-0): The Saints must have most fantasy owners swooning by now. Drew Brees and the New Orleans offense have become the offensive juggernaut everyone thought they could be, and have shown in past weeks that they don't rely too heavily on their quarterback (putting them ahead of Peyton Manning and the Colts) as Mike Bell and others have ran them to victories. But the most important thing for the Saints is that the defense is finally doing their part instead of being a detriment to the team. New defensive coordinator Greg Williams and safety Darren Sharper (who already has five interceptions through four games) seem to have made the difference, and the Saints finally look they may be able to get over the playoff hump.
1. New York Giants (5-0): It's hard to argue with this pick. The G-Men are still playing fantastic football despite injuries to key players such as new acquisitions Chris Canty and Michael Boley. They have the deepest defensive line in all of football (sorry, Vikings) and a solid offense led by QB Eli Manning, who demonstrated his ability to play through the pain as he battled a heel injury. His performance is even more impressive given the young age of the receivers on the Giants roster, which include two rookies in Ramses Barden and first-round pick Hakeem Nicks (both of whom look set to replace Plaxico Burress in years to come).
I would love to see Super Bowl XXIV be a Manning Bowl; I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Crashed & Burning (ranked best to worst)
These teams are, in a word, bad. Just as the five best teams are all unbeaten, most (but not all) of the worst teams are winless. Here's the kicker: the Detroit Lions and St. Louis Rams are not on this list (they probably deserve to be, but they're old news).
5. Tennessee Titans (0-5): The Titans had the best record in the league last year at 13-3 before losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional playoff, so their fall from grace was both swift and unexpected. Their only significant loss was defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (who signed with the Redskins, who will be featured here as well), but their defense is a shadow of its former self. Admittedly, they're beaten up (Pro Bowler Cortland Finnegan missed another game as he sat out against the Colts), but their running game is not enough to get it done and needs some help from an anemic pass attack. Even so, QB Kerry Collins doesn't seem in danger of losing his job, which seems to point the finger at what has historically been the problem for Tennessee (the wide receivers).
4. Kansas City Chiefs (0-5): Unlike the rest of the teams that follow later in this list, I think I can see a glimmer of hope for the Chiefs. Yeah, sure, they're 0-5. But the nucleus of young talent necessary to build a good team is there. Personally, I don't think it was worth signing Matt Cassel to a $60 million contract this soon (it's too easy to look good in the Patriots offense), but he has showed flashes of the ability to be a franchise quarterback. The Chiefs also have a talented young defense that performed admirably against Dallas in spite of their stagnant offense, particularly their talent-laden defensive line that features 3 of their last 5 first round picks in Glenn Dorsey, Tamba Hali and Tyson Jackson. In short, it's not too late to give up on KC. They're a rebuilding team and they know it, which is more than can be said for the other teams on this list. Even so, with a running game that looks pitiful when Larry Johnson runs the ball, it will be rough going for the Chiefs to get their first win. Or perhaps not; Kansas City plays reeling Washington next week and, in a suprise upset, I pick the Chiefs to get their first win as long as they play with the effort and intensity that they showed against the Cowboys.
3. Washington Redskins (2-3): I smell something burning in D.C. I think it's Jim Zorn's seat as head coach. Record-wise, Washington is the best team on this list at 2-3, but they are still woeful both on and off the field. A loss to previously winless Carolina could probably spell doom for Zorn, but the real shocker was the loss to the Detroit Lions. How could you, Washington? You snapped Detroit's losing streak that was going on two years! Now you've given them hope, and you've given yourself the title of "The Team that Lost It" (at least as far as I'm concerned). Seriously, though, the one who has lost it is Redskins owner Daniel Snyder. How could anyone expect to win with a hastily assembled collection of veteran free agents from different backgrounds and different systems? All those free agent deals are basically the anchor weighing the 'Skins down, and now that they need draft picks to pick up some young guys, they don't have any. Mike Shanahan's shadow may be looming large over Washington, but so long as Snyder keeps running the draft for his team I don't see them getting better anytime soon.
2. Cleveland Browns (1-4): Oh, how the Browns try and try, but the fact remains that it's hard to turn around a perennial loser. Despite squeaking past the Buffalo Bills in what could be the lowest-scoring game of the season (the score at the final whistle was 6-3), the Browns remain in a state of disarray. They just traded their best offensive weapon (wideout Braylon Edwards) to the New York Jets for a 3rd-round pick, 5th-round pick and two special teamers, while their other #1 receiver (Donte Stallworth) is suspended without pay and serving house arrest for DUI manslaughter. "Man-Genius" hardly seems an appropriate moniker for head coach Eric Mangini (personally I think "Man-Jackass" might be more fitting), who has effectively alienated the team with his totalitarian regime, which included charging a player over $1700 for a $3 water bottle that was mistakenly not paid for. Worse yet, he is hardly a change from previous Browns coach Romeo Crennel (another former Patriots assistant for whom I had much more respect). At least Crennel was close with his players.
1. Oakland Raiders (1-4): How the hell did the Raiders beat Kansas City? The team that I saw get drubbed 44-7 by the New York Giants couldn't possibly have won a game. But it's true; the Raiders are 1-4 and, in my opinion (and I'm sure I'm not alone on this) the worst team in the league. You know a team is bad when their owner announces a fire sale of all but their top talent. Confused? That's basically what Al Davis has done. Reports say he has been making calls around the league offering to trade almost all but the Raiders' top young players. There are few ways to interpret this except as a sign that Oakland has given up on the season. The sad part is there isn't much talent to shop for in Oakland. Aside from rookie wide reciever Darrius Heyward-Bey (it's too early to let the hammer fall on him just yet) and running back Darren McFadden, the word is out on the Raiders. Jamarcus Russell looks bad, and by "bad" I mean awful. He doesn't seem to have much of a work ethic; he's consistently overweight and his footwork sucks, leading to missed throws and the lowest completion percentage of any quarterback in the NFL (and also the nickname "Off-the-Marcus", provided by ESPN writer Jason Whitlock). Basically, the Raiders have done too little, too late. While they are shopping their players for picks, they can reminisce about how they gave their first-round selection in 2011 for Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour, who probably won't want to return to the dismal Raiders after the one year on his contract expires. Oops.
Carolina and Tampa Bay narrowly avoided making this list. The Panthers beat the 'Skins yesterday so I felt their exclusion was warranted (although Jake Delhomme's ludicrous $42.5 million contract extension was most certainly not), while the Bucs are basically in the same boat as Kansas City and this blog only has room for one rebuilding franchise.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
The Quandary of College Football
There are so very many things to love about college football. The thrill of watching the game combined with a college atmosphere creates a unique experience that every football fan should treasure at least once. Not to mention, the games themselves are high-scoring, free-flowing, and dramatic, rampant with upsets and comebacks from every corner of the country. It is a break from the professionalism, discipline, and defense that marks the professional game and a delightful foray into the experience of college.
That being said, college football is far from the paradise of sport. The BCS ranking system is so muddled that Cincinnati Bearcats (currently ranked #8 in the country) is ranked ahead of a far more prestigous (and superior) school in the #9 Ohio State Buckeyes, not just traditionally but also presently. The Bucks are 4-1, their only loss coming to a USC team that has dominated the Big Ten (and college football in general) for decades. Don't get me wrong; Cincinnati are a great team (their dominant victory at Rutgers during the first week of the season proved as much), but to put them ahead of the Buckeyes because of a loss to USC when the Bearcats have yet to play a ranked opponent (their first such contest will be today against the University of South Florida) seems a mistake to me.
So befuddled are we by this system of college football rankings that President Barack Obama has proposed the installment of a national championship playoff. I personally love this idea, as it allows the broadcasters to get more big games between the best teams in the country (who otherwise would not likely get the opportunity to play one another) and allows all the teams an even shot at the National Championship instead of leaving it to voters to decide which team goes where.
Another problem exists in the college game that irrevocably set it apart from its professional counterpart: lack of parity. The NFL is steeped in collective bargaining agreements and regulations to keep control of its teams and players. No such restrictions are in place for the powerhouses of college football. Just like professional soccer in Europe, the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor. A school's program is only limited by what their athletic department is willing to spend. For schools like Ohio State and USC, the sky is the limit; for the not-so-wealthy schools, fielding a competitive team can be a seemingly insurmountable challenge.
But that makes the victory all the sweeter when the underdog team does rise to the top. And that is why we love college football.
That being said, college football is far from the paradise of sport. The BCS ranking system is so muddled that Cincinnati Bearcats (currently ranked #8 in the country) is ranked ahead of a far more prestigous (and superior) school in the #9 Ohio State Buckeyes, not just traditionally but also presently. The Bucks are 4-1, their only loss coming to a USC team that has dominated the Big Ten (and college football in general) for decades. Don't get me wrong; Cincinnati are a great team (their dominant victory at Rutgers during the first week of the season proved as much), but to put them ahead of the Buckeyes because of a loss to USC when the Bearcats have yet to play a ranked opponent (their first such contest will be today against the University of South Florida) seems a mistake to me.
So befuddled are we by this system of college football rankings that President Barack Obama has proposed the installment of a national championship playoff. I personally love this idea, as it allows the broadcasters to get more big games between the best teams in the country (who otherwise would not likely get the opportunity to play one another) and allows all the teams an even shot at the National Championship instead of leaving it to voters to decide which team goes where.
Another problem exists in the college game that irrevocably set it apart from its professional counterpart: lack of parity. The NFL is steeped in collective bargaining agreements and regulations to keep control of its teams and players. No such restrictions are in place for the powerhouses of college football. Just like professional soccer in Europe, the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor. A school's program is only limited by what their athletic department is willing to spend. For schools like Ohio State and USC, the sky is the limit; for the not-so-wealthy schools, fielding a competitive team can be a seemingly insurmountable challenge.
But that makes the victory all the sweeter when the underdog team does rise to the top. And that is why we love college football.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Beginning of Week 4 Marked By High Scores
As Week 4 has gotten underway, it is becoming a week of high-scoring affairs as three teams broke the 30-point mark and three others came dreadfully close. After being tied 21-21 with the suddenly high-flying Lions (who are probably still celebrating the end of their 19-game losing streak), the Bears rallied behind their reinvigorated running game and Jay Cutler to send Detroit plummeting back to earth with a 48-24 victory.
More sobering news for the Tennessee Titans: they drop to 0-4 in another division clash after getting pounded 37-17 by the AFC South's traditionally underachieving Jacksonville Jaguars. David Garrard shredded Tennessee's defense, completing 27 of 37 passes for 323 yards and 3 TD's. Plus, Maurice Jones-Drew was barely featured, rushing only six times for 14 yards (he did manage to get in for a score, though). Things would appear to be going from bad to worse in Nashville, and despite his stellar record as head coach I wouldn't be surprised if Jeff Fisher feels his seat getting warm (assuming, of course, that the Titans don't get better fast).
Staying in the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts continued to roll as the defeated the injury-plagued Seattle Seahawks. Peyton Manning passed for an average of 8.6 yards, double the yards-per-completion of opposing QB Seneca Wallace, who is still filling in for Matt Hasselbeck. Manning had another monster day, passing for 353 yards and two scores. At 3-0, Indy looks poised to make another playoff run in what looks to be a weak division as Tennessee, Jacksonville and Houston are all .500 or worse. Their star signal-caller also looks like he could easily win a record fourth (and second straight) MVP award. But even as Manning shined in the familiar spotlight, Colts defensive end Robert Mathis had a great performance, sacking Wallace 3 times and forcing two fumbles.
It seems fair to assume that a few other teams will continue the day's high-scoring ways, as the offensive juggernaut that is New Orleans has already put up 17 points against Rex Ryan's New York Jets (perhaps the Jets head coach has now bitten off more than he can chew). Other matchups in which to look for high scores could be the Cowboys and Broncos (look for Dallas to be putting up the points) and the Chargers against the Steelers (which I feel could easily be a shootout between two of the league's best passers in Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger. We'll find out soon enough.
More sobering news for the Tennessee Titans: they drop to 0-4 in another division clash after getting pounded 37-17 by the AFC South's traditionally underachieving Jacksonville Jaguars. David Garrard shredded Tennessee's defense, completing 27 of 37 passes for 323 yards and 3 TD's. Plus, Maurice Jones-Drew was barely featured, rushing only six times for 14 yards (he did manage to get in for a score, though). Things would appear to be going from bad to worse in Nashville, and despite his stellar record as head coach I wouldn't be surprised if Jeff Fisher feels his seat getting warm (assuming, of course, that the Titans don't get better fast).
Staying in the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts continued to roll as the defeated the injury-plagued Seattle Seahawks. Peyton Manning passed for an average of 8.6 yards, double the yards-per-completion of opposing QB Seneca Wallace, who is still filling in for Matt Hasselbeck. Manning had another monster day, passing for 353 yards and two scores. At 3-0, Indy looks poised to make another playoff run in what looks to be a weak division as Tennessee, Jacksonville and Houston are all .500 or worse. Their star signal-caller also looks like he could easily win a record fourth (and second straight) MVP award. But even as Manning shined in the familiar spotlight, Colts defensive end Robert Mathis had a great performance, sacking Wallace 3 times and forcing two fumbles.
It seems fair to assume that a few other teams will continue the day's high-scoring ways, as the offensive juggernaut that is New Orleans has already put up 17 points against Rex Ryan's New York Jets (perhaps the Jets head coach has now bitten off more than he can chew). Other matchups in which to look for high scores could be the Cowboys and Broncos (look for Dallas to be putting up the points) and the Chargers against the Steelers (which I feel could easily be a shootout between two of the league's best passers in Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger. We'll find out soon enough.
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