NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 7 New Articles Added 11/6/06

Hache Man · Oct 16, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 10/14/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 10/14/06)

Bengals stumble in Week 6

posted: October 16, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers

This was the type of game that the Bengals had to win to be considered one of the elite teams in the AFC.

Yes, Tampa Bay's defense came to play on Sunday. But Cincinnati's offense was nowhere near where it should be coming off a bye week. Of course, part of the reason for this is the revolving door from center through the left side of the offensive line. LT Levi Jones left this game and he obviously is not back to full health. This time around, Cincinnati moved Eric Steinbach back to his natural left guard spot from center, where he began the game as the starter. Meanwhile, rookie Andrew Whitworth moved from left guard to left tackle, a position he played in college. This allows Eric Ghiaciuc to move back into the starting center spot while Rich Braham gets healthy. Occasionally, the Bengals used an unbalanced line by bringing in OT Stacy Andrews as a tight end to provide more bulk at the point of attack. All this movement has not been good for offensive production and needs to get fixed in a hurry or the Bengals' outstanding weapons will not be able to be fully utilized.
The Bengals' run defense was better this week, but still not good enough. In a bit of a surprise, starting MLB Brian Simmons didn't play. Their top three linebackers (Simmons, Odell Thurman and David Pollack) from last year have all missed time. Their run defense does well for a while and then will make an incorrect read and allow a long run. The run defense needs to demonstrate better consistency with their run fits; they do not have the horses on their defensive line to control the line of scrimmage. This will be Cincinnati's Achilles' heel all season.
This team still makes too many mental mistakes and commits too many unnecessary penalties. Their penalties -- illegal formations, false starts, roughing the passer -- are self-inflicted. This needs to change.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens trusted their cornerbacks to slow down Carolina's wide receivers. Three hundred sixty-five yards through the air later, they were wrong. Very wrong.
On the positive side, after Steve McNair was lost due to a concussion, Kyle Boller came in and performed very well. He stretched the field, made plays with his feet, showed off his outstanding arm and injected some energy into a stagnant offense. Mark Clayton's two touchdowns off deflections were very fluky and Boller did throw an interception, but McNair has thrown four picks in his last five quarters. Those turnovers have to stop. I would assume that McNair's job is safe after the bye if he is healthy, but it is worth talking about. Todd Heap was also a complete beast in this game.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Everything the Steelers touched on Sunday turned to gold. They are not ready to roll over and play dead quite yet. They took the Chiefs out to the wood shed yesterday and beat an inferior team badly, which is exactly what playoff-caliber teams do.
Ben Roethlisberger was on fire and throwing strikes all over the field. The offense showed great balance with near flawless execution. The wide receivers played outstanding and all four of the top guys contributed in a big way. The running game was consistent, physical and explosive. Willie Parker looked great and Najeh Davenport pitched in. This group just abused an overrated Chiefs defense.
The contributions of first round pick Santonio Holmes were particularly promising. He looked like a different player than he has at any other point this season. They used him in a variety of ways -- deep passes, short throws, direct snaps and as a returner -- and he flourished.
On defense, Troy Polamalu was everywhere. If he is still nursing a shoulder injury, he had me fooled. The defensive line played great, controlled the line of scrimmage, and the front seven eliminated Larry Johnson from the game.
You wouldn't have known that Pittsburgh was battling a lot of key injuries. This game allowed several of the banged up bodies to exit the game early, while depth players got valuable live action. The Super Bowl champs are not dead yet.

Some not-so-outstanding notes:
Starting FB Dan Kreider was taken off on a cart with an ankle injury and from first appearance, it didn't look good. Pittsburgh relies on Kreider, who is one of the very best pure-blocking fullbacks in the league. He is an underrated and substantial part of their offense. Right now, there isn't a suitable fullback on the roster to take over for Kreider and this loss will be felt in the running game and in pass protection.
It hasn't been a trend with this football team, but the fumbling will not go unnoticed by Bill Cowher and his staff. Pittsburgh was fortunate enough to get most of the loose balls back, but they easily could have gone the other way. CB Bryant McFadden was called for several pass interference calls. He should be playing quite a bit the rest of the year and these penalties will haunt this team in close games if he doesn't get it corrected. He plays hard and has some fine attributes, but he is still a work in progress.

Hache Man · Oct 16, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Monday, October 16, 2006
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Bears look to keep rolling

By Scouts, Inc.





<TABLE class=text11 cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width=552 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="100%">Why To Watch
The Bears take their act to the Valley of the Sun, as Arizona fans get a chance to watch an elite team play football. Chicago is the most complete team in the NFL.

Arizona quarterback Matt Leinart was very solid in his first start, tossing a pair of touchdown passes, and showing leadership and grit in running a two-minute drill to get in position to tie the game. Arizona has found ways to lose close games, but the promising rookie quarterback looks to have a bright future working with Arizona's bevy of offensive weapons, which should make Dennis Green smile.

When the Bears have the ball
Rushing: Thomas Jones gained an impressive five yards per carry on his way to a 109-yard day, while Cedric Benson added another 48 yards on 14 carries, including a pair of touchdowns. Chicago's running game was especially impressive, considering the Bills' defense had completely shut down the Vikings running game a week earlier. Chicago is extremely dangerous when its run game is going.
Arizona had not been stout all season, ranking 27th in the NFL against the run, but it did hold Larry Johnson and Kansas City's rushing attack to only 39 total yards this week. Arizona will need a tremendous defensive effort to contain the Bears' one-two punch in the run game. While it is dangerous to bring an extra defender down to play the run, the Cardinals must make Chicago one dimensional to have a chance at slowing down this potent Bears' offense.

Passing: Rex Grossman was very effective throwing the ball once again, connecting with Bernard Berrian for a 62-yard score, as well as another shorter touchdown pass. That combination has been lethal for the Bears, but Grossman has done an excellent job of utilizing all of his receivers each week. The Cardinals are forced to defend the vertical speed of Berrian and rookie Rasheed Davis, as well as the consistency of veteran Muhsin Muhammad and tight end Desmond Clark.
Arizona will work to make the Bears one dimensional, but the Cardinals are also very suspect defending the pass, ranking 25th in the league and yielding 231 yards per game. Look for the Cardinals to bring zone coverage dogs and blitzes for additional pressure, without getting locked into man coverage to avoid poor coverage matchups giving up big plays in the pass game.

When the Cardinals have the ball
Rushing: Many observers are disappointed in Edgerrin James' production since his arrival in Arizona, but the problem is the horrible performance of the Cardinals' offensive line. As huge as this line is, it is extremely ineffective at maintaining blocks in the run game, regularly getting beat at the point of attack by quicker, more athletic defenders. The unit will face a tremendous challenge this week, going up against a dominant defensive front seven of the Bears. Arizona's linemen will struggle against the quickness of DT Tommie Harris and the high motor of NG Ian Scott or Tank Johnson, and they have no chance of stopping the speedy and athletic Bears' linebackers -- Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. If James can get past the line of scrimmage, the Cardinals' big receivers do an excellent job of downfield blocking.

Passing: The first quarter of quarterback Matt Leinart's initial NFL start was very impressive. Leinart led the Cardinals on nice drives, throwing a pair of touchdowns and looking in control until crunch time. Leinart forced a pass late against a veteran corner, throwing an interception. After losing the lead in the fourth quarter, Leinart showed maturity in the two-minute drill, driving his team in position to attempt a field goal to tie the game. This week, the rookie will face an outstanding Bears' defense that will bring constant pressure and disguise coverages to test Leinart. Look for Chicago to bring a barrage of aggressive blitzes for pressure, as well as various drops in coverage, looking to snare passes with the ball hawking linebackers and secondary. The Cardinals' offensive line has struggled in protection each week and will have to battle on every play against the Bears' athletic front four. Arizona will have to move Leinart around, changing his launch points and utilizing play action, bootleg and waggle passes to keep Chicago guessing.

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Hache Man · Oct 16, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Monday, October 16, 2006
Take 2: Bears vs. Cardinals

By Scouts, Inc.





<TABLE class=text11 cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=9>Chicago at Arizona Matchups</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>QB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>RB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>WR</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>OL</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>DL</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>LB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>DB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>ST</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>Coach</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>Overall</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=62>

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</TD><TD align=middle width=62>
EVEN</TD><TD align=middle width=62>

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</TD><TD align=middle width=62>
EVEN</TD><TD align=middle width=62>
EVEN</TD><TD align=middle width=62>

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Earlier this week, our scouts filed their advance scouting report on this week's matchup between the Bears and Cardinals. Now they're back with a second look.

This dominant Chicago defense starts upfront with its athletic defensive line. The Bears' front will create matchup problems across the board against Arizona's offensive line. Big Leonard Davis cannot handle the athleticism of Alex Brown or the quickness of rookie Mark Anderson.
Protecting the left-handed Leinart's backside is ROT Oliver Ross, who will face the challenge of either Adewale Ogunleye or Israel Idonije. Tommie Harris, Tank Johnson and the return of Ian Scott will cause plenty of problems inside. This Arizona offensive line has struggled to protect the quarterback, giving up 17 sacks, and on Monday night will face possibly the best defensive front in football.
? The defensive front's ability to supply pressure without having to bring the linebackers will pose some serious coverage problems for Leinart. Arizona will be without exceptional wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald due to a hamstring injury, which could hamstring the Cardinals' passing attack.
Expect Arizona to throw quick three-step passes and quick receiver screens to get the ball on the perimeter quickly, taking the pressure off Leinart. Chicago will be able to disguise various zone coverages, attempting to confuse the quarterback while keeping the talented Cardinals' receivers in front of the ball hawking secondary and linebackers. This group of Chicago defenders has the speed and experience to give Leinart tough reads, forcing him to either hold the ball or throw into tight coverage, creating turnovers.
? Arizona had high hopes of a balanced offense when they signed Pro Bowl running back Edgerrin James. So far, the offensive line performance has limited James' production and the Cardinals' rushing offense is next to last in the NFL averaging a paltry 70 yards per game.
If they want to have a chance, the Cardinals must call downhill runs straight at Chicago, using they're size advantage and minimizing the superior speed and athleticism of the Bears' defensive front seven. Expect to see the aggressive Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs smothering James, getting to the ball carrier before Cardinals' blockers can get to the linebackers.
? It is not shocking to anyone that Chicago is fielding a dominant defense, but the balanced and explosive offense sure has been a bit of a surprise. Young, untested Rex Grossman was the man that Lovie Smith and general manager Jerry Angelo wanted to lead this team, yet as insurance they signed proven veteran quarterback Brian Griese in the offseason.
After five consecutive weeks of outstanding performances and leadership, everyone in Chicago is pleased with Grossman at quarterback. Grossman has tossed 10 touchdowns compared to only three interceptions. He has completed 61 percent of his passes for 1,243 yards, and a quarterback rating of 100.8.
? Chicago has reversed its offensive attack, now ranking as one of the top passing teams in the NFL, averaging 247 yards per game, while gaining 109.4 yards rushing per game. This combination has produced the highest scoring offense in the NFL after five games, putting up an average of 31.2 points per game. Stopping this balanced offense is quite a tall order for a Cardinals' defense ranked 25th in the league in points allowed per game.
Arizona will avoid single coverage matchups against the explosive Bernard Berrian, keeping safety help over the top. To create pressure and keep Grossman from getting into a rhythm, Arizona will send linebackers in a zone blitz scheme, keeping zone coverage behind the various combinations of defenders rushing the passer.
? The offensive talent is not limited to receivers Muhsin Muhammad, Berrian and tight end Desmond Clark, but also includes a pair of talented running backs in Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson. Benson saw some extended action and responded by scoring two touchdowns and gaining 48 rushing yards, while Jones gained 110 yards. This is a formidable one-two punch in the run game to keep defenses honest and make the play action passing game even more dangerous.
Three of Arizona's top four tacklers are secondary players, which is generally not good, especially defending the run. The key for the Cardinals will be movement upfront, so look for the defensive line to stunt, getting on the edge of the Bears' offensive linemen and penetrating the line of scrimmage, while allowing the linebackers free access to make tackles.

Special Teams
Arizona usually fields excellent coverage teams, but that has not necessarily been the case this season. The Cardinals have given up over 12 yards per punt return, as well as almost 24 yards per kick return. Punter Scott Player is only netting 32 yards on his punts.
The Cardinals' special teams must do a better job in coverage to win the field position battle against the Bears' explosive return men. Kicker Neil Rackers has the leg to make long field goals, getting Arizona much needed points against the high scoring Chicago team. Bears' kicker Robbie Gould has been perfect this season, making 17 field goals and 15 extra points, while punter Brad Maynard has dropped eight punts inside the opponents' 20. Chicago also has two excellent weapons in Devin Hester, who had an 84-yard punt return for a touchdown at Lambeau Field, and Rashied Davis, who took a kick off back during the preseason, showing his dangerous return skills. The Bears' coverage teams must beware of Arizona's little Troy Walters, who has the quickness and change of direction ability to be dangerous on punt returns, and J.J. Arrington, who runs hard returning kick offs. A special teams score would be the kind of boost that could give the Cardinals momentum.

Matchups
? Chicago MLB Brian Urlacher vs. Arizona RB Edgerrin James
? Chicago DT Tommie Harris vs. Arizona OGs Reggie Wells and Milford Brown
? Arizona CB Eric Green vs. Chicago WR Bernard Berrian
? Arizona SS Adrian Wilson vs. Chicago TE Desmond Clark
? Chicago DEs Alex Brown and Mark Anderson vs. Arizona LOT Leonard Davis

Scouts' Edge
Chicago rolls into Arizona playing outstanding football in all phases of the game to face a Cardinals' team that has somewhat self destructed late in several games. On paper, this Bears' team should dominate Arizona, as the Cardinals have lost an excellent receiver, has a terrible offensive line and is starting a rookie quarterback. The undefeated Bears will remain that way, upping their record to 6-0.

Prediction: Bears 27, Cardinals 13

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Hache Man · Oct 17, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 10 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 10 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Updated: Oct. 16, 2006

Whispers from around the NFL

Pro Football Weekly





<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
? Although he still gives up a few too many completions, CB Quentin Jammer is playing the best football of his career for the Chargers. His confidence, a return to a more physical approach and San Diego's improved pass rush are key reasons why he's playing so well.
? We've likely seen the last of Ahman Green as the Packers' exclusive workhorse. Green saw 25 touches per week through three games and promptly landed on the inactive list for two straight weeks with hamstring injuries to both legs. With backups Vernand Morency and Noah Herron running well in his stead in Weeks 4 and 5, the Packers are looking to decrease Green's workload and will mix the two substitutes in regularly.
? We're hearing that not only is Broncos DE Courtney Brown done for the season after being placed on injured reserve last week, but he faces an uphill battle to even return to football after another serious knee surgery.
? The Eagles might make a move soon with DT Sam Rayburn, who has been buried on the bench this season after showing flashes in the past. They could either trade him before the Oct. 17 deadline or release him. D-tackles are hard to find, so there most certainly would be a job for the hardworking Rayburn.
? Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told the media that FS Marcus Coleman would be released following his four-game suspension, but sources think Coleman might be back at some point considering rookie Pat Watkins' recent struggles as a starter.
? When the Cowboys released WR Skyler Green before the season, it appeared the fourth-rounder could be written off as a bust. However, re-signed to the practice squad and turned into a running back, Green has earned recent praise from Bill Parcells as a do-everything guy who could help the team.
? The clock is ticking on Eagles DE Jerome McDougle. Though he'll hold on to his job as Darren Howard's backup this season, McDougle must show something soon to avoid sealing his fate for 2007. He has shown little of the pass-rushing ability he was regarded to have coming out of college.
? Keep an eye on Redskins P Derrick Frost. He has been limited somewhat by a calf injury and has been inconsistent. Though the team worked out Sean Landeta last week, team sources say that was more of a favor to a local (Baltimore) resident. More likely, the team might look at someone like Todd Sauerbrun, who was recently released by the Broncos.
? Thought to be a temporary replacement until rookie Rocky McIntosh was ready, Redskins LB Warrick Holdman actually has been one of the team's more consistent defenders after a subpar '05 season. McIntosh might not get a chance to start until next season.
<TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Derrick Blaylock</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>

Running back
N.Y. Jets

Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=5>2006 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Att</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>25</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>1.8</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
? If RB Curtis Martin miraculously is able to prove to the Jets that he still can carry the ball, we hear the team would look to move a runner from its crowded backfield -- most likely Derrick Blaylock, who has fallen out of favor with the coaching staff.
? Word is the main reason why the Jets cut DB Derrick Strait, just two weeks after he served as a starting safety, is that they didn't trust his ability to play cornerback and needed a corner with David Barrett dinged up. That's why the Jets immediately put in a claim for veteran CB Hank Poteat as soon as he was released by the Patriots.
? Word is pressure is beginning to mount on head coach Nick Saban with each successive defeat by the disappointing Dolphins. The lack of contributions from this year's draft class is leading critics to point out that Saban has yet to develop any of his draft picks into Pro Bowl-caliber players. While his first draft class (in '05) has netted some starters, Saban's Dolphins have yet to have a breakout player.
? Sources in Tampa tell us SS Jermaine Phillips was pulled from the Saints' game in Week 5 because he was playing so poorly. While Phillips still may hold on to his starting job, we hear backup Kalvin Pearson can expect to see more playing time. We're told Pearson is a sound tackler and heavy hitter -- something the Bucs' defense has lacked this season. Our sources also indicated Jon Gruden could implement a rotation system at safety between Phillips, Pearson and starting FS Will Allen like the Bucs had last year with Phillips, Allen and ex-Buc Dexter Jackson.
? We're told Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden has become so frustrated with his underperforming defense that he uncharacteristically called out four players -- DTs Anthony McFarland and Ellis Wyms and DEs Dewayne White and Simeon Rice -- at a press conference the day after the Bucs' 24-21 loss to the Saints. Gruden, who normally doesn't name individual players when they perform poorly, was frustrated with his D-linemen because they weren't getting enough pressure on the quarterback.
? Though CB Ken Lucas has reclaimed his starting spot for now, we hear the Panthers are still impressed with rookie CB Richard Marshall, who returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown in Week 5.
? Rookie RB DeAngelo Williams sat out the Panthers' Week 6 tilt in Baltimore with a sprained ankle, but our sources in Charlotte tell us Williams could be more seriously hurt than the team has indicated and that he could miss another game or two.
? We hear the Falcons, who ranked dead last in red-zone touchdown percentage entering Week 6, will try to remedy their drought by incorporating more fade routes in their passing game like QB Michael Vick used to throw to WR Brian Finneran, who's out for the season with a knee injury. WRs Michael Jenkins (6-foot-4) and Ashley Lelie (6-foot-3) have long frames similar to Finneran's, which are ideal for a fade route or jump ball in the end zone.
? Sources in New Orleans tell us that while the season-ending knee injury to starting SS Roman Harper will hurt the rookie's development, it shouldn't slow down the Saints' overachieving defense. Veteran Omar Stoutmire, who lost his starting spot to Harper in training camp, will replace Harper. And the Saints signed free agent Jay Bellamy to serve as Stoutmire's backup. We hear Bellamy, who started 67 straight games for New Orleans from 2001 until injuring his shoulder last season, was the team's final cut as it whittled its roster down to 53 before the season started. We're told head coach Sean Payton is very comfortable with Bellamy's knowledge of the defense and ability to step in and contribute right away.
? After bringing in a number of wide receivers for workouts, the Vikings signed Bethel Johnson with the hope that he can provide a change of pace with his shifty quickness. We're told he will likely cost Billy McMullen playing time on offense and should replace a disappointing Artose Pinner on kick returns.
? The Packers' offensive line has taken to its zone run-blocking scheme much better in recent weeks, behind improved play from their rookie guards. While that may open up some play-action opportunities downfield, we're told the team still can't afford to let Brett Favre take seven-step drops because of protection problems.
? We hear that Greg Jennings' even-keeled temperament and professional approach to the game have enabled him to make a consistent and immediate impact. His decent speed and average size didn't attract first-round attention, but he has great hands and no fear across the middle, offering a skill set that is not unlike the one veteran teammate Donald Driver brings to the table.
? The last thing the Lions needed was another wide receiver on their active roster, but when ORG Damien Woody was placed on injured reserve, they signed WR Devale Ellis from the practice squad. The team lauds Ellis' speed and his play in practice, which contrasts starkly, on both fronts, with what they've gotten out of 2005 first-rounder Mike Williams.
? As if injuries to their offensive line, secondary and LB corps weren't enough, the bug caught the Lions' defensive line this week with the loss of NT Shaun Cody (dislocated toe) for 4-6 weeks. The Lions will miss Cody's speed and ability to make teams pay for doubling UT Shaun Rogers. Don't be surprised to see them shift DLE Cory Redding inside and bring backup DE Kalimba Edwards in to line up on the edge.
? While the Texans were intrigued with TE Bennie Joppru's potential, they needed a fullback, and that drove the decision to cut the oft-injured but athletic Michigan product. Vonta Leach replaced Joppru on the roster.
? A source close to the Bengals says RB Chris Perry (knee, ankle) is expected to be activated from the physically-unable-to-perform list in Week 7 when the Bengals host Carolina. Perry is said to be eager to return to action.
? Browns S Brodney Pool, pressed into service at cornerback in Week 5, generally held his own vs. Panthers WR Keyshawn Johnson. Though Pool's long-term future still appears to be at safety, we hear he has at least proved to the coaches that he can hold up against bigger receivers.
? There's talk that the Browns could look at making some moves at offensive guard if the running game does not improve. If that happens, Lennie Friedman could get a chance at one of the OG spots. The way we hear it, OLG Joe Andruzzi and ORG Cosey Coleman have disappointed this year.
<TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Jamal Lewis</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>

Running back
Baltimore Ravens

Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=5>2006 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Att</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>97</TD><TD>352</TD><TD>3.6</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
? RB Jamal Lewis' struggles have led to speculation about how long he'll keep the starting job in Baltimore. Head coach Brian Billick is loyal to veterans, but if Lewis doesn't pick up his play, we're told the Ravens could revisit the RB situation. The way we hear it, veteran Mike Anderson would likely get first crack at Lewis' job, as the team likes what Musa Smith has done on passing downs. Anderson's play has steadily improved after a so-so training camp.
? Steelers RB Najeh Davenport will have a bigger role in the offense in the weeks to come as the team looks for someone to spell Willie Parker.
? Browns WR Joshua Cribbs could get more snaps on offense in the next few weeks, especially if WR Dennis Northcutt misses any time with his rib injury. However, head coach Romeo Crennel has indicated he views Cribbs as a special-teamer first and a receiver second.
? As good as Broncos Pro Bowl CB Champ Bailey is at shadowing receivers, those in Denver seem to appreciate his run support and tackling ability just as much. Entering Week 6, Bailey trailed only LBs Al Wilson and Ian Gold in tackles for the Broncos. And it's not as if those tackles are coming from completions made in front of him, because opposing passers have made a habit of avoiding his side of the field most of the year. Sources indicate Bailey takes great pride in "getting in the game when the opposition is trying to take him out."
? Word out of Denver is that the Broncos made the decision to cut P Todd Sauerbrun last week based 60 percent on how disappointed they were in his suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy and 40 percent on how well his replacement, Paul Ernster, played in his absence during the four-week suspension. Ernster also was a better kickoff specialist than Sauerbrun, who seemed to waste his best punts in practice.
? Entering Week 6, 14 of the Chargers' Nate Kaeding's 24 kickoffs were handled inside the opponent's 5-yard line. Only 17 went beyond the 5-yard line last season, when he suffered from a bad back.
? Communication in a young secondary has been an issue for the Raiders, and so has stopping the run. Poor tackling is partly to blame, but they are not getting the push from the defensive line like they had hoped for, and overpursuing has also been a problem in terms of the opponent exploiting cutback lanes.
? Putting too much air under the ball has been a real problem for Raiders young QB Andrew Walter, who has been sought out by Randy Moss on the sideline on more than one occasion just to "get on the same page," according to Walter.
? Don't be surprised to see the Raiders pull the plug on the "Langston Walker is a right tackle" experiment. Walker, who played at left guard last season before being moved back outside upon Art Shell's arrival as coach, has been beaten pretty regularly on the edge. Rookie Paul McQuistan, a natural tackle who lost his ORG job to Kevin Boothe in Week 3, would likely be first in line to replace him if a move is made.
? Word is Rams defensive coordinator Jim Haslett is very pleased with the adjustment being made by former first-round pick Jimmy Kennedy, who has moved from the "three-technique" DT position to nose tackle this season. Kennedy had one of the best games of his career in the Week 5 win over Green Bay (six tackles and a forced fumble) despite playing with a broken right hand. Kennedy broke his hand two plays into the season.
? We hear Rams special-teams ace Paul Smith, who had surgery early last week to repair damage around his left eye, will probably be out of action for three weeks. Smith had the surgery after being involved in a bone-crushing collision on kickoff coverage against the Lions in Week 4.
? We hear WR Larry Fitzgerald, who was initially expected to be out 2-5 weeks with a hamstring injury, was walking around with no signs of a limp last week and will probably do everything in his power to return for the Cardinals' next two games vs. the Raiders and Packers, a pair of weak opponents against whom he figures to put up big numbers if he's able to play.
? Is Cardinals QB Kurt Warner really ready to retire at the age of 35? We hear that, while he has come to grips with the reality that his days are indeed numbered at this stage in his career, the $3 million remaining on his contract with the Cardinals after this season could be hard to resist after all is said and done.
? It was hardly a surprise to our sources in the desert that the Cardinals used a nice chunk of their considerable cap money last week to extend the contract of DT Darnell Dockett, who was re-signed through 2011 and will reportedly receive $7 million in bonuses in a deal that could potentially earn him almost $22.5 million. Dockett has played at a high level so far this season and remains a committed soldier under Dennis Green. Another Cardinal player who we hear will definitely not be re-signed is disappointing OLT Leonard Davis, who appears to have finally worn out his welcome and is expected to be free to test the free-agent market next offseason.
? Don't be surprised if Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander sits out another game due to his injured foot. The reigning league MVP was initially expected to miss 4-6 weeks with the injury, and we hear he didn't practice at all last week, even though he told the local media that he could have suited up against the Rams if it were a playoff game.
? Look for the Niners to go after former Pro Bowl S Troy Vincent, who was recently released by Buffalo, to bolster their undermanned secondary. We hear the fact the team would be willing to offer Vincent plenty of playing time could be an attractive selling point for a player who vice president of player personnel Scot McCloughan said could receive feelers from about half of the league's teams. ? With Colts WR Brandon Stokley having problems staying healthy this season, we hear the team might strongly consider signing veteran WR Ricky Proehl, who spent the last three seasons with the Panthers. We also hear that, while the Colts believe PK Adam Vinatieri is finally fully recovered from the groin injury that forced him to miss three games, the team is keeping recently released PK Martin Gramatica's phone number on speed dial.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Oct 17, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 11 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 11 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Leinart gives Arizona hope

posted: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry

Watching Monday Night Football, the mystery hit me again. How could Matt Leinart have fallen so far in the draft? Part of it was circumstance: Many of the teams with the top-10 picks were set at QB. But, after watching how he almost beat the Bears last night, you think the Lions wouldn't be happy with him right now? The Raiders? The Bills?

Before April's draft, I blogged at how shocked I was that Leinart's stock was slipping. Smart NFL types talk about how arm strength is overrated, yet that was the rap against Leinart. In 2005, he was the slam-dunk top pick. In 2006, despite being a few seconds away from another national championship, his arm was somehow straight off an 11-year-old Chad Pennington. What moronic thinking.
Oh yeah, another knock on him was that he was too into Hollywood and wouldn't focus enough on football. Well, guess who missed a good chunk of training camp and still almost beat the best defense the NFL has seen since the '00 Ravens?
Leinart would have been excused had he not come through last night. The Cardinals had blown a 20-point lead at home, and all three Bears touchdowns had come from defense or special teams. After starting the night with two touchdown passes, equaling the total the Bears had given up all year, Leinart and the Cardinals offense had no rhythm. Then Chicago's Devin Hester took a punt back with just under three minutes left, and the Bears were up 24-23.
Sure, Leinart struggled at times. Obviously the entire Cardinals' team and coaching staff did. But completing five of six passes, Leinart easily moved the Cardinals from their own 38 to the Bears' 24. Then, Arizona mind-numbingly went dry. Instead of staying on the attack with a minute left and trying to make it an easier kick for Neil Rackers, who'd missed a long field goal that could have tied the game last week, the Cardinals ran twice for one yard. Rackers missed a 40-yard try.
Instead of getting his first game-winning drive against what many believe is the NFL's best team, Leinart is 0-2 as a starter. Somehow a guy who, as much as anything else, is known for winning has now quarterbacked a team that blew a 20-point lead at home in less than a half, despite receiving six turnovers. But I really wonder how many active QBs could have pulled off that drive as a rookie against a defense as terrific as the Bears. Only Peyton Manning, probably. Somehow, despite one of the biggest chokes in sports history, Arizona has hope.
Random Stuff
? Talk is heating up that the Pats are interested in [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4262"]Randy Moss[/URL]. I doubt anything will go down before today's 4 p.m. trading deadline, but Doug Gabriel made a push for Moss in today's Boston Herald.
"He'd be a perfect fit in this offense," Gabriel said. "He loves to work. If Randy were here, every other receiver would want to pick up their games 110 percent. It wouldn't just be a small push. It would be a big push."
Even though Bill Belichick was non-committal in addressing Moss - "I wouldn't say we're actively trying to do anything, but if the opportunity was there, we would definitely look into it" - I'm not convinced Moss is the receiver he really would want. People look at New England's success with Corey Dillon as a parallel, but Dillon put up Pro Bowl numbers on terrible teams. He generally played hard. Moss put up All Pro numbers on good offensive teams and bragged about not playing hard.
Given that he's also been known to get alligator arms over the middle, given that he's never been known as a leader, and given that it'll take time to get in sync with Tom Brady, I'm not sure why trading for Moss and his salary is much of an upgrade over Deion Branch, who helped the Pats to a pair of Super Bowl titles. But Moss would be an upgrade over what the Pats have now. ? [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5456"]Koren Robinson[/URL] today is expected to plead not guilty to charges stemming from his Aug. 16 arrest.

Hache Man · Oct 17, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 11 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 11 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Great teams find ways to win

posted: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals

While most observers might think the Chicago Bears are not an elite NFL team after failing to score an offensive touchdown in their Monday night win over the Cardinals, I beg to differ.

Championship-caliber teams find, and often create, ways to win games. The level of confidence in your team and teammates must be extremely high to overcome adversity and mistakes that send most teams home analyzing how they lost rather than how they achieved victory. Observers often start to label this phenomenon as a team of destiny, but in fact it is an attitude and an atmosphere of belief and confidence created by the coaches and leadership of the team.

Urlacher

The unlikely nature of the Bears' 24-23 win over Arizona on Monday night is a perfect example of a team operating in this atmosphere of success and playing with the belief that it will win. The heart and soul of the Bears, Brian Urlacher, followed the belief of head coach Lovie Smith and helped lead his teammates to the win as they overcame the horrific performance of QB Rex Grossman, who turned the ball over six times with four interceptions and two fumbles.

After the Chicago offense was stuffed by an aggressive Arizona defense, the Bears' defense turned it up a several notches late in the game. Following Urlacher's lead, the Bears created two fumbles, returning both for scores, and an 83-yard Devin Hester punt return for the winning touchdown with just under three minutes left. It was almost as if Urlacher decided Grossman couldn't get it done on this night, so he took over with his intensity and playmaking in the final 16 minutes. How does this occur? It is a byproduct of a talented team playing with great confidence that expects to win.
Arizona is a team on the other end of the spectrum, one that hopes to play well enough to win yet lacks the confidence to avoid losing. Head coach Dennis Green has a chance to change that attitude and the atmosphere that has clouded this dismal franchise over the decades. This Cardinals team has a bad offensive line but quality skill position players that rookie QB Matt Leinart will be able to lead in a positive direction and eventually win.
Chicago, though, is an elite team. The Bears' offensive performance does not agree with that analysis, but the proof is in Monday night's result. Chicago found a way to win without scoring an offensive touchdown and while facing a 20-point, second-half deficit on the road. A true measure of a quality football team is when a balanced group overcomes problems in one area to create other ways to win. After Leinart successfully drove his team to two first-quarter touchdowns, the Bears defense hunkered down and limited Arizona to field goals even after being on a short field due to the Bears six turnovers. Then, during crunch time, the Monsters of the Midway turned up the intensity and became an offensive defensive unit, creating touchdowns on two fumbles late in the game.
While many will find huge fault with Grossman's performance -- and rightly so, as he was horrible by all measures -- I will go on record saying this victory and the method in which it was achieved will go further toward making the Bears a championship team. Chicago will have many areas to evaluate and improve on during the bye week, as opposed to becoming complacent, resting on its laurels and beginning to believe the pundits and fans who want to make reservations for Miami. Chicago just proved it can go on the road and find a way to win when playing poorly. This lesson is huge and will keep this team humble as well as increasing its internal confidence. This is an elite team with the heart of a champion that can both dominate teams and create ways to win when not playing well.

Hache Man · Oct 17, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 11 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 11 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Let's face it: This team is cursed

posted: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Arizona Cardinals

Alfred Hitchcock could not have scripted a better story. Unbelievable. Surreal. Cursed. Just a few words to emphasize what happened on Monday Night Football. I mean, where do we start?

The Arizona Cardinals set all kinds of NFL records, but the wrong kind -- most carries for a running back who did not average at least two yards per rush; first team to lose consecutive games after leading by at least 14 points at the end of the first quarter in each; first team to blow a 20-point lead without allowing an offensive touchdown.

Leinart

The Cardinals began the game spreading the Chicago Bears' defense out and creating passing lanes for quarterback Matt Leinart to get the ball to playmaking wide receiver Anquan Boldin and running lanes for Edgerrin James. Leinart looked phenomenal in his second start, leading two first-quarter touchdown drives, but the offense sputtered in the second half and Arizona could not hold on. The Cardinals played much better than the Bears, but in true Cardinals fashion, they found a way to lose.

The Cardinals jumped on the Bears early and took advantage of the fact Chicago wasn't blitzing. Bears MLB Brian Urlacher finished the first half with only two tackles, but by the end of the game, after Chicago had adjusted, he finished with 11 tackles.
The Bears climbed back into the game because of lack of focus and discipline on the part of the Cardinals. Some of you may have heard the commentators make note of the Cardinals playing conservatively on offense and not finishing the game. Offensive coordinator Keith Rowen must learn to use the weapons he has and continually attack opposing defenses by passing the ball, as opposed to using the traditional method of running the ball late in games to help move the chains and keep the clock running. The Cardinals are just not strong in that area.
I would not say the Cardinals began to play conservatively, but they did get away from what got them the lead. The Cardinals are just plain better throwing the football than they are running, and their attempts to finish games by running out the clock and controlling the ball just do not work. The Cardinals have not been able to get anything going with their run game all season, and that weakness was exploited on a national stage Monday.
Arizona used more two-tight end formations late in the game to help create more dominance up front, but their two best blocking tight ends actually don't block very well. TE Fred Wakefield is a converted defensive end who has been a failed project at defensive tackle, defensive end, offensive tackle and now blocking tight end. TE Leonard Pope has been struggling with his blocking due to his height. Pope stands 6-foot-8 and struggles to get leverage against opposing defenders. The Cardinals tried to use Wakefield and Pope on the edges in the run game, to help protect the corners, but neither held up well and too often let defenders penetrate and stop RB James in the backfield.
The Cardinals' defense played very well, and there is no reason to put any blame on them. They forced six turnovers and held the Bears to three offensive points. The defense has been playing very well, and because they were able to create pressure on the Bears' QB Rex Grossman, they kept him rattled all night long. Safety Adrian Wilson's blitzing ability has been outstanding, and that was a significant factor in rattling the Bears' offense.
The Cardinals' energy on defense was contagious, and early on the offense seemed to feed off it. But week after week, they cannot find ways to close the deal. When that happens, you let teams back in the game and lose games you should win.
Simply put, the Cardinals just choked. When a team gets away from its bread and butter and starts trying to do things it is not sound at doing, it makes it hard to build confidence and sustain momentum.
I am convinced the Cardinals are cursed, and I do not think there is a spell that can break this curse. The coaches cannot execute the plays that are called. That is left up to the players. The coaches cannot block. That is left up to the players. The coaches cannot protect the ball. That is left up to the players Yes, there is plenty of blame to go around, but when it comes down to it, the players have to make the plays, and that is where I press the relief valve for the coaching staff. I am shocked and stunned and don't know what to say. Where does it stop? When does it end? Cardinals' fans, I wish I could tell you relief is on the way, but even with all the positives in the play of Leinart, the Cardinals seem destined eventually to find a way to tarnish the lone bright star in the Cardinals' organization

Hache Man · Oct 17, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 11 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 11 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Updated: Oct. 17, 2006, 4:15 PM ET
QB rankings: Week 6

By Gary Horton
Scouts Inc.





<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>So who's the best QB in the NFL right now? Who's the worst? And who's in between? Scouts Inc.'s Gary Horton ranks all the QBs 1-32.
<TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=420 border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=4>QB rankings</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=30>Rank</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=80>Player</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=45>Team</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=245>Comment</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>1. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Donovan McNabb[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Eagles </TD><TD>In typical Philadelphia fashion, Donovan McNabb spread the ball around to eight different receivers and was in total command of this explosive offense, but it wasn't enough in New Orleans vs. a hot Saints team. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>2. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Peyton Manning[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Colts </TD><TD>Coming off a bye week, he should have a good day against a fading Redskins defense on Sunday. With the run game getting untracked, this is a now a complete offense. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>3. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Carson Palmer[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Bengals </TD><TD>This is not the same offense we are used to seeing. Poor pass protection, lots of penalties, mental mistakes and a lack of consistency ruined a good day by Palmer in loss to Bucs. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>4. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Tom Brady[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Patriots </TD><TD>He spent the bye week trying to get in sync with his new receivers in order to give this passing game a vertical element that has been missing. Still, he remains the best clutch QB in the game. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>5. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Drew Brees[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Saints </TD><TD>Brees continues to be a model of consistency, completing his first nine passes and his last 11 -- including all eight completions on the decisive drive -- in the Saints' win over Philadelphia. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>6. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Matt Hasselbeck[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Seahawks </TD><TD>He had a "clean" day in the win at St. Louis, throwing three TDs and no INTs and doing a great job in the two-minute drill. He also found a new offensive weapon in WR Deion Branch. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>7. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Marc Bulger[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Rams </TD><TD>When he has time to throw, he's great. But Seattle sacked him six times on Sunday and he has been sacked 19 times in six games. Still, Bulger's numbers are excellent. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>8. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Philip Rivers[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Chargers </TD><TD>He had his best game so far in a win over the 49ers, throwing for 334 yards, two TDs with no interceptions and a passer rating of 116.8. When defenses load up to stop LaDainian Tomlinson and the run, Rivers makes them pay. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>9. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Rex Grossman[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Bears </TD><TD>Played his worst game of the season and was lucky to get out of Arizona with a win. His six turnovers (four interceptions and two fumbles) were not very impressive against a much-maligned Cardinals defense that played hard. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>10. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Eli Manning[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Giants </TD><TD>Tiki Barber had a huge game running the ball at Atlanta and it took the pressure off Manning, who had a solid day (180 yards with two INTs and two TDs) and made some clutch throws. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>11. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=65>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=65>[SIZE=-2]Jake Delhomme[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Panthers </TD><TD>He took advantage of a healthy Steve Smith (who draws a lot of double coverage) and liberal use of three-wide receiver sets to throw for 365 yards and two TDs against a good Baltimore secondary. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>12. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Ben Roethlisberger[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Steelers </TD><TD>He came in with a 41.7 pass rating for the season, but was nearly perfect and had a 153.8 rating in Sunday's win over Kansas City. He made excellent decisions and played with the poise we are used to seeing from him. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>13. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Brett Favre[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Packers </TD><TD>Nobody needed the bye week more than Favre, but until he gets a running game around him he'll have to carry this offense, and that's when he forces too many passes. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>14. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Michael Vick[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Falcons </TD><TD>Another inconsistent passing game that produced only 154 yds and no TDs. While he was harassed all day by the Giants' defense and sacked seven times, the non-explosive passing game averaged just 3.1 yards per pass. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>15. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Matt Leinart[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Cardinals </TD><TD>He deserved a win on MNF versus Chicago and he looked like a veteran with unbelievable poise. He took care of the football, showed good movement, made good decisions, made accurate throws and carried out an excellent game plan in a bitter loss. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>16. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Alex Smith[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>49ers </TD><TD>Although he took a physical beating and was sacked five times by the Chargers, he still put up respectable numbers, throwing for 214 yards with two TDs and one INT. He gets better each week. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>17. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Brad Johnson[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Vikings </TD><TD>At his age, Johnson welcomed the bye week. In addition to the extra rest, he and his coaches spent the time trying to figure out how to stretch the offense, create more big plays and add a vertical element in their passing game. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>18. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Steve McNair[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Ravens </TD><TD>McNair was knocked out of the game early versus Carolina with a neck strain and concussion, but he will be back after the bye week. In his place, Kyle Boller was respectable with 226 yards and two TDs without any solid reps in practice, but McNair is still the guy. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>19. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Drew Bledsoe[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Cowboys </TD><TD>He had a solid game in the win over Houston, posting a 101.5 QB rating and connecting with Terrell Owens on three TDs. When the run game goes, the passing game opens up, and Bledsoe found good matchups. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>20. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]David Carr[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Texans </TD><TD>After four excellent weeks and a great QB rating, he came back down to earth versus Dallas, throwing two INTs and posting a 42.4 rating. No running game and a receiver who struggles to separate puts a lot of pressure on Carr. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>21. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Chad Pennington[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Jets </TD><TD>Too many third-and-long situations led to "must" throws, and while his arm strength is still suspect, he throws a very catchable ball and hooked up all day with WR Laveranues Coles in the win over Miami. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>22. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Damon Huard[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Chiefs </TD><TD>After three good weeks, Huard came back to earth against the tough Steelers' defense. He went from a 102 passer rating to a 51.8 on Sunday. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>23. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Jake Plummer[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Broncos </TD><TD>Another ho-hum game by a struggling offense that has scored only five TDs in five games. The Broncos only passed for 35 yards after the first quarter versus a porous Raiders defense. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>24. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Byron Leftwich[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Jaguars </TD><TD>He has been acceptable through five games with an 82.0 passer rating and seven TDs, along with five INTs. The Jaguars need more explosive plays from Leftwich and his big receivers. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>25. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Bruce Gradkowski[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Buccaneers </TD><TD>He didn't post great passing numbers in a win over Cincinnati, but he made some plays with his feet, buying time for his receivers to get open. His last drive to win the game showed his growing poise. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>26. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Mark Brunell[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Redskins </TD><TD>Another inconsistent day for Brunell and this passing game in an embarrassing loss to Tennessee. He doesn't stretch the field and most of the productive passing plays are short passes that depend on YAC (yards after catch). </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>27. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]J.P. Losman[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Bills </TD><TD>He can show flashes of brilliance but he can also show inconsistency. He threw for two TDs in a loss to Detroit, but he also threw an interception and was sacked five times. He's committed five costly turnovers in the Bills' five games. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>28. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Vince Young[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Titans </TD><TD>His numbers were not great (85.6 passer rating) but he showed poise in the huddle and excellent toughness in a win over Washington. He finally looked like an NFL QB, and you get the feeling that his confidence is growing. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>29. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Jon Kitna[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Lions </TD><TD>He found his best playmaker, WR Roy Williams, 10 times for 161 yds and a TD. More importantly, he didn't make a lot of mistakes in the Lions' first win of the season. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>30. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Joey Harrington[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Dolphins </TD><TD>Harrington got hot in the fourth quarter, throwing for 199 yards and a TD, but it was too little, too late in a loss to the Jets. It didn't help that his receivers dropped at least six passes. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>31. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Charlie Frye[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Browns </TD><TD>Offensive numbers are not pretty despite his young playmakers, TE Kellen Winslow and WR Braylon Edwards. Frye gets hit too much and the play calling is too conservative. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>32. </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>

</TD></TR><TR><TD width=2></TD><TD width=80>[SIZE=-2]Andrew Walter[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD>Raiders </TD><TD>He has no chance with an offensive line that can't pass protect, an undisciplined offense that had eight false start penalties and skill players who go through the motions. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Oct 17, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 11 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 11 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Saints continue to impress

posted: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons

Saints head coach Sean Payton continues to amaze me in his ability to design plays and attack defenses, while creating individual mismatches the Saints can attack and exploit. One of the major keys in game planning is the ability of the playcaller to really understand his personnel as far as strengths and weakness, and then utilize that strength against the weaknesses of the defenses. Another key characteristic of Peyton has been his ability to change the mindset of an organization that now believes it can win on a weekly basis. QB [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5479"]Drew Brees[/URL] is an extension of Payton and has the ability to incorporate the game plan and take what the defense is giving him and play mistake-free football.

The Saints have the ability to strike from anywhere on field with its explosive playmakers. The combination of wide receivers [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3646"]Joe Horn[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=8001"]Marques Colston[/URL] along with [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7751"]Reggie Bush[/URL] and Deuce McAlister puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenses.

Not to go unnoticed has been the performance of the Saints' offensive line. The Saints are averaging 354.2 yards a game in total offense. The one glaring statistic that jumps out at me is that Brees has only been sacked six times in six games. Offensive line coach Doug Marrone has done an outstanding job of molding this unit of both veterans and youngsters into one of the teams most consistent groups.

Who are these guys? LT [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7189"]Jammal Brown[/URL] has the potential to be a Pro Bowl player in future years. LG [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4929"]Jamar Nesbit[/URL] is an experienced player who has position versatility along the offensive line but was considered a backup player before the season even started. OC [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6357"]Jeff Faine[/URL] was a another castoff by the Browns who's offensive line continues struggled. Rookie fourth-round pick RG [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7857"]Jahri Evans[/URL] was great find by their personnel department and the investment in RT [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6373"]Jon Stinchcomb[/URL], who has missed a lot of time over his career based on durability issues, is starting to pay off in a big way. Conversely, all five linemen have started all six games heading into the Saints' bye this week.

Random thought's about this past weekend's games in the NFC South

" What happen to the Falcons' run defense against the Giants? Heading into the game, the Falcons' run defense was allowing just 69.3 yards per game. [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3937"]Tiki Barber[/URL] rushed 26 times for 189 yards and the Giants finished the game with 259 yards on the ground. The Falcons face a Pittsburgh offense this week that hammered a pretty good Chiefs defense last weekend. The Falcons defensive line is beat up, so defensive coordinator Ed Donatell better get it figured out and quick or it could be another ugly day in the Georgia Dome this weekend.

" The pressure is starting to fall on the shoulders of the Falcons offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and the Falcons passing attack. QB [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5448"]Michael Vick[/URL] continues to struggle when teams force him to attack through the air while staying in the pocket. Vick has been sacked 18 times in five games. Knapp must find a way to improve the Falcons passing attack that is averaging 114 yards per game.

" [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5521"]Steve Smith[/URL] is healthy and that's not good news for the rest of the NFC South. Smith totally changes the ways defenses attack the Panthers' offensive schemes. He finished the game last week with eight catches for 189 yards and one touchdown against a very good Ravens secondary on paper. Also, [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4555"]Jake Delhomme[/URL] is starting to play with more confidence in the Panthers passing game.

" Carolina DE [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5888"]Julius Peppers[/URL] is the best defensive end in the NFL, period. He is absolute scheme changer that is playing lights out as far as his production. He must be accounted for within the offensive scheme on every offensive situation throughout the game.

" Look for the Buccaneers to continue to rely on RB Carnell Williams to take pressure off rookie quarterback [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7943"]Bruce Gradkowski[/URL]. Gradkowski struggled last week in his performance but showed outstanding poise in directing a 54-yard game wining drive against the Bengals. Also, the Buccaneers defense got back its swagger and did a very good job in containing RB [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5548"]Rudi Johnson[/URL].a

Hache Man · Oct 17, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 11 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 11 New Articles Added 10/16/06)

Fassel out as Ravens' coordinator

posted: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Baltimore Ravens

Ravens head coach Brian Billick removed Jim Fassel as his offensive coordinator Tuesday morning. Billick will now do the gameday play calling. Fassel replaced Matt Cavanaugh as the Ravens' offensive coordinator, but their offense has remained stagnant. They have a Super Bowl caliber defense and some legitimate weapons on the offensive side of the ball, but they are at the bottom of the league in almost every offensive category. Making the move on Baltimore's bye week obviously makes a lot of sense because it will give the players and staff an extra week to get in sync.

So what will change? Billick was Dennis Green's offensive coordinator in Minnesota in the Chris Carter, high-flying offense days for the Vikings. Don't expect the Ravens' offense to turn into that, but they should take more shots deep downfield, something they have done very little of so far this season. Derrick Mason had no catches in Baltimore's loss to Carolina this week. He is far too good of a wide receiver to not catch a pass. The Ravens' weapons will be utilized more efficiently.

Hache Man · Oct 18, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 6 New Articles Added 10/17/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 6 New Articles Added 10/17/06)

Wednesday, October 18, 2006
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Patriots will lean on RB duo

By Scouts, Inc.





<TABLE class=text11 cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width=552 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="100%">Why To Watch
This divisional matchup is extremely important for both teams. If the Bills can bounce back at home with a win over the Patriots, it will keep their hopes alive for a playoff spot. The Patriots need a win to keep pace with some of the better AFC teams such as the Broncos, Chargers, Colts and Jaguars. Because the AFC East is so weak, New England is working to position itself for the best playoff slot possible.

Buffalo matched up well in Week 1 and had a chance to win in the fourth quarter. The problem for the Bills is they have struggled the past two weeks and Bill Belichick and company are coming off a bye week healthy and well-prepared.

When the Patriots have the ball
Rushing: New England's ground attack has been impressive in most of the team's four victories. In their lone loss, the Patriots were held to only 50 yards vs. the Broncos. New England has shown the ability to establish an effective rushing attack with Laurence Maroney and Corey Dillon. The Patriots have been somewhat balanced on offense, averaging 139 yards rushing per game.
Buffalo's defense has been inconsistent stopping the run. The Bills give up an average of 117 yards rushing per game, and they've struggled the past two weeks, yielding 135 yards and 156 yards, respectively. Look for the Patriots to pound the ball between the tackles and mix in the play-action pass. Buffalo may take some chances with eight-man fronts and run blitzes to slow down Maroney and Dillon.

Passing: The Patriots' passing attack has been efficient in 2006. Quarterback Tom Brady does not have the same weapons he's had in the past, but he's gotten the most out of his personnel. New England tight end Ben Watson is the team's leading receiver with 16 grabs. Watson will line up in several different spots on the field (tight end, flexed out and split out wide). Wide receivers Reche Caldwell, Doug Gabriel and Troy Brown have been reliable targets.
New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has done a nice job of moving the chains with short and intermediate routes. Brady has a subpar 54 percent completion percentage, but he's been smart with eight touchdown passes and only three interceptions.The key to the Pats' passing game is protecting Brady. They have given up only five sacks in five games.

When the Bills have the ball
Rushing: Buffalo feature back Willis McGahee was averaging well over four yards per carry before struggling the last two weeks against the Bears and Lions. It appears teams are loading up vs. Buffalo's ground attack to put the game in quarterback J.P. Losman's hands. The Patriots have been tough vs. the run, giving up only 86 yards per game. The Patriots' defensive line is one of the best in the league featuring Vince Wilfork anchoring the middle. Defensive ends Ty Warren, Richard Seymour and backup Jarvis Green have also been playing very well. Bills offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild may get some creative ideas from the Patriots' loss to Denver, when New England gave up 144 yards on the ground. The Bills do not have the same offensive scheme as Denver, but they will adjust their game plan accordingly. Buffalo will try to establish a ground attack to keep some pressure off the developing Losman.

Passing: Losman had been efficient through Week 4. The past two weeks have been a struggle as he has been sacked eight times and thrown four interceptions. Buffalo averages a modest 160 yards per game in the air and may have to force the air attack more vs. the tough Patriot defense. New England has shown some weakness in coverage, giving up 222 yards passing per game. Although New England defensive coordinator Dean Pees rarely blitzes to pressure the quarterback, the Patriots have given up only four touchdown passes in five games. Buffalo receiver Lee Evans has been Losman's favorite target (36 catches), but he has only one touchdown. The Bills rely heavily on their wide receivers and rarely get the ball to their tight ends (only seven receptions through Week 6). Look for the Bills to work play-action and the short passing game to take the pressure off the offensive line.

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Hache Man · Oct 18, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 6 New Articles Added 10/17/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 6 New Articles Added 10/17/06)

Wednesday, October 18, 2006
<TABLE style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>

</TD><TD vAlign=top>

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Scouting Matchups: Week 7

By Scouts, Inc.




<TABLE class=text11 cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width=552 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="100%"><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=162 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" colSpan=2>

</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=3> </TD><TD width=156>Only Insiders get access to all of Scouts Inc.'s, in-depth NFL coverage, as well as insight from ESPN's stable of football analysts.
? Take the Insider tour
? Become an Insider
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>NFL advance scouts watch games in person, studying everything from personnel packages to play-calling signals, and on film, looking at individual players, as well as a team's various schemes and recent trends. The goal? Provide their coaching staff with the best possible means of preparation during the week of practice. Scouts Inc. does the same thing, compiling the best advance scouting reports available and delivering them to you by Tuesday afternoon on ESPN.com Insider. On Friday, after breaking down more game film, Scouts Inc. files an updated report with a deeper look at each game, spotlighting key individual matchups and trends and predicting the final score.

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD width=100>Matchup</TD><TD>Scouting</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=2>SUNDAY OCTOBER 22, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Philadelphia
at
Tampa Bay
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Eagles at Buccaneers
The Eagles can ill afford to lose two consecutive games, while the Buccaneers won their first regular-season game last week. Look for Bucs head coach Jon Gruden to spread the field to create better inside running lanes for RB Cadillac Williams while also incorporating individual mismatches they can attack through the air. Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is one of the most innovative and aggressive coaches in the league and will design pressure packages that attack and confuse the young QB Bruce Gradkowski.

Eagles head coach Andy Reid will look to spread the ball around in the passing game by using a lot of movement to create mismatches out on the perimeter. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin will rely on his four-man rush to contain QB Donovan McNabb, while being physical out on the perimeter to disrupt the rhythm and timing of the Eagles' passing game.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Jacksonville
at
Houston
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Jaguars at Texans
The Texans are going to be out to prove that last week's loss to the Cowboys was not a setback in their plan to be competitive. Jacksonville has had a week off after a convincing win over the Jets and is as healthy as it has been in some time. The Jags have lost two players for the season in LB Mike Peterson and DE Reggie Hayward. Although they seem to have found adequate replacements for Hayward, it remains to be seen if they can replace Peterson's production.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Pittsburgh
at
Atlanta
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Steelers at Falcons
Atlanta allowed 24 unanswered points last week to the Giants at home after leading for much of the game and were abused on the ground by Tiki Barber. Late in the game, due to injury, Atlanta was playing without three of its starting defensive linemen -- Rod Coleman (turf toe), Patrick Kerney (hamstring) and John Abraham (groin). The status of these three is unclear at this point, but this is obviously crucial.

To the complete contrary, the Super Bowl champs completely dismantled Kansas City in every facet of the game. The Steelers play great when their backs are against the wall and should come out flying again in Atlanta, although they have yet to win on the road this season. Pittsburgh has not lost to Atlanta since 1970.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

New England
at
Buffalo
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Patriots at Bills
This divisional matchup is extremely important for both teams. If the Bills can bounce back at home with a win over the Patriots, it will keep their hopes alive for a playoff spot. The Patriots need a win to keep pace with some of the better AFC teams such as the Broncos, Chargers, Colts and Jaguars. Because the AFC East is so weak, New England is working to position itself for the best playoff slot possible.

Buffalo matched up well in Week 1 and had a chance to win in the fourth quarter. The problem for the Bills is they have struggled the past two weeks and Bill Belichick and company are coming off a bye week healthy and well-prepared.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Carolina
at
Cincinnati
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Panthers at Bengals
This is a critical game for the Cincinnati Bengals organization, as they host a Carolina Panthers team that will be very difficult for the Bengals to matchup with. The Bengals' offense is moving the ball, but not scoring points, while the Panthers defense is led by the best defensive player in the NFL in LDE Julius Peppers.

The Bengals offensive line must find a way to control the Panthers' front seven by utilizing RB Rudi Johnson. Panthers' offensive coordinator Dan Henning will continue to rely on the Panthers' power running game against a Bengals' run defense that is allowing 140.4 yards per game. Head coach Marvin Lewis and defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan must find a way to contain a healthy Steve Smith.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Green Bay
at
Miami
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Packers at Dolphins
Green Bay will get a cold reception from a very frustrated Miami team. Nick Saban is leading a team that opened the season with ambitions of winning the division and being playoff bound, yet finds itself desperate to earn a second victory. The Packers needed the bye to heal up and regroup. These are two teams that need a win and that should lead to an exciting game.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Detroit
at
NY Jets
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Lions at Jets
This is a matchup between two struggling teams. The Jets evened their record in Week 6 with a divisional win over Miami, but they're not exactly firing on all cylinders. The Lions got their first win in Week 6 at home against an average Buffalo team.

New York can keep their wild-card hopes alive by beating the Lions and taking care of business against the struggling Browns next week. Detroit played better last week, but it has already dug a big hole for itself in the NFC North.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

San Diego
at
Kansas City
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Chargers at Chiefs
The Chiefs' playoff hopes will be on the line this week as they can ill afford to fall any further down the ladder in the AFC West. Though Tony Gonzalez has not been as active in the passing game of late, this game will feature two of the better pass catchers in the NFL at tight end. The Chiefs played terribly in Week 6, but Arrowhead is one of the most hostile environments in which to win.

Now that the Chargers have opened up their offense, you could make a case for them being the second-best team in the NFL behind the Chicago Bears. Neither team is running the ball as effectively as it would like. The team that can get its run game on track first will have the upper hand.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Denver
at
Cleveland
Sun 4:05 PM ET</TD><TD>Broncos at Browns
The Broncos have won four in a row and are starting to re-establish themselves as one of the top teams in the AFC. Cleveland is coming off its bye week, and an extra week of practice should be useful. The Broncos' defensive line is almost entirely ex-Browns and this group will be fired up to return to Cleveland.

Through the first five games, Denver's offense has scored only five touchdowns, but the defense has allowed just one touchdown. The Broncos are allowing some yardage, but the closer to the goal line the offense gets, the tougher this defense becomes. No one has been getting in the end zone against Denver.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Minnesota
at
Seattle
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Vikings at Seahawks
After squeaking by Detroit without scoring a touchdown in the opener and getting thumped on the road by Chicago, the defending NFC champions started to get their offense in gear last week. The Seahawks were impressive in the second half, rallying for a win in St. Louis.

It won't be easy for Seattle to maintain that momentum, as it is facing a Vikings' defense ranked fifth in the NFL. Minnesota's defense has been outstanding, covering for average special teams and a vanilla offense that has only scored four touchdowns in five games. The Vikings' offense is lead by a Super Bowl winning quarterback in Brad Johnson, while Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck aims to get another shot at the title.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Arizona
at
Oakland
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Cardinals at Raiders
This is a game between two teams desperately in need of a win to regain some confidence in their individual organizations. The Arizona Cardinals have been a major disappointment this season, getting off to a 1-5 start.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Washington
at
Indianapolis
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Redskins at Colts
The Colts are one of only two undefeated teams in the NFL and have one of the most explosive offensives in the league. The Colts are led by quarterback Peyton Manning, who is always entertaining to watch with the group of receivers he has to work with.

Manning and company are coming off a bye and should be fresh to host the Redskins, who are on a roller coaster ride this season. This could be the week the Redskins decide to show up and play well. This is a must-win for the Redskins, as the try to keep pace with the other teams in the NFC East.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=2>MONDAY OCTOBER 23, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

NY Giants
at
Dallas
Mon 8:30 PM ET</TD><TD>Giants at Cowboys
This should be a tough NFC East divisional game, with these two teams playing for second place in the division on Monday night. If the Giants can get a win on the road against the Cowboys, they could easily be 6-2 at the midway point of the season, as their next two games are against weaker opponents. A victory would give them three divisional wins and a huge advantage in any tie breaking scenario.
? Complete advance scouting report
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Oct 18, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 6 New Articles Added 10/17/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 6 New Articles Added 10/17/06)

Oct. 18, 2006, 4:06 PM
Carroll: McNair, Alexander, Green

By Will Carroll
ESPN Fantasy Games





<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
The quest to learn more about the relationship between injuries and the NFL takes some interesting twists. A reader e-mailed asking whether some teams are just more physical than others. After seeing the Texans come out of Sunday's game with almost their entire roster on the injury report, I can understand why some people might think that, but is there any evidence? Using the injury database built by Pro Football Prospectus that covers the last 10 years, the answer is ... maybe. Injuries do tend to come in bunches, but teams themselves don't appear to have any discernible, consistent effect. One AFC exec I spoke to about it pointed to Denver; he suggested their zone-blocking scheme should show a pattern. While Denver does seem to cause slightly more injuries than other teams over the 10-year period, it's not so apparent that the Broncos are actually the cause. One would expect to see knee injuries, but instead it's mostly muscular problems. I think there's something here, but thus far I haven't found the pattern yet. There's nothing provable, aside from the realization that there's likely a tipping point at which medical staffs become overwhelmed and injury prevention breaks down. If you have ideas, be sure to drop me an e-mail or stop by my Friday chat.
Lots of injuries this week, so let's get to it:
The bye week couldn't come at a better time for Steve McNair. He had his head and neck injured in a violent, strangely constructed QB sandwich between two Panthers. McNair's head was hit and at the same time forced down (chin towards chest, or hyperflexion). Ending up with both a concussion and a sore neck -- and an abrasion where the face mask hit his neck -- McNair looked groggy and unstable walking off the field. He was holding his nose, leading one trainer I know to tell me that he'd been hit so hard that his sinuses drained. If John Madden can say "slobberknocker," can I say "snotknocker"? Concussions are always interesting and tough to hold to any timetable, but the bye week gives McNair a chance to get back before the next game. Watch for him to be back at practice when the Ravens come back to gauge any limitations.
Shaun Alexander is making progress, but his foot still hasn't healed enough to get back into games. Recent bone scans are reported to show a continued nonunion -- what's being called a "small crack" -- in the fourth metatarsal. He'll need both complete healing and a stable union before he'll be cleared to practice. The stability is the key here. Alexander needs to be able to cut or at least round the corners. I think the healing pace is normal, but I'm concerned about the psychological effect on Alexander. Running backs often unconsciously limit themselves from doing things they can do after an injury. ACL rehabbers often tend to run "straight ahead," limiting the cutting that they don't have confidence in. The first time you see Alexander plant on that foot and accelerate, you'll know this episode is behind him. I'm just not sure when that will be.
Bye weeks can be a godsend to many teams. Ahman Green went through a full practice on Monday and will have his limitations removed later this week. While he's not 100 percent, he's close enough that barring a setback, Green is going to return to his feature role. Even so, the Packers are likely to take some carries from Green in order to keep him healthy and to continue developing Noah Herron. Green's hamstring problem is something that can recur, though the bye week rest gave him a (no pun intended) leg up on staying healthy the rest of the way. Remember, the hamstring injury is likely related to last year's quad tendon strain and that history isn't going anywhere.
Remember way back when we all thought the Bengals were the class of their division and a team ready to go deep into the playoffs? What was that, two weeks ago? Time flies in the fickle world of fantasy football, a place where "what have you done for me lately" is the motto chiseled into memory. I thought that Rudi Johnson had a chance to become an elite back, on par with Tiki Barber or Edgerrin James, but we're learning that the offensive line has more to do with RB points than many thought. Sure, James is the test case in Arizona, moving from a great line in Indy to a not-so-great one in Glendale, but it's not like the Colts backs have set the world on fire either. So when Levi Jones goes down, adding to the problems of a reshuffled Bengals line, you definitely have to wonder what that does to Johnson or Carson Palmer's backside. Looking at the play-by-play log, Johnson had only one play running behind left tackle after losing Jones, a gain of just one yard. Prior to that, Johnson only ran left twice, so the effect might be minimized, though I'll leave the heavy game analysis to KC Joyner. Jones will need his knee scoped and should miss the better part of a month on average.
So the story is finally coming out. Laveranues Coles injured his hand during that wacky lateral play against the Colts and has played through it. We still don't know what the injury was exactly, though his reaction and the mechanism of injury suggest some form of dislocation. Despite this, it's easy to look at his results over the past couple weeks and say that it doesn't matter. Yes, it's worth knowing about and worrying about, but it's not affecting his play. We have to note the injury and the risk of exacerbation more than we need to worry about its effect on his current production. Coles is proving that he can be effective despite injuries this season and yes, that is also a skill.
The PUP list sounds cute and cuddly, but it's not. It can be a friend to many teams who get players back and get roster relief while they're waiting. Curtis Martin is making progress and has stayed in "game shape," according to one source, while on the PUP. In the next week or so, Eric Mangini and his staff will take a good look at Martin to see if he'll be able to play. Don't expect him to be an immediate solution at RB for the Jets. Even if activated, it's unlikely that Martin will return to the feature role and may even be inactive for a while. The same holds true for Luke McCown. His return is far less important with the emergence of Bruce Gradkowski in Tampa. The same holds true for Chris Perry, who has had physical woes in Cincy. It's important to remember that a team has three weeks before having to make a roster decision on a PUP player, so none of these should have an immediate fantasy impact.
It's never good to face Peyton Manning with a beaten-down secondary. The Redskins got Shawn Springs back in a limited role, but still felt like they could improve themselves by signing Troy Vincent. Vincent, you'll remember, was placed on the Injured Reserve by the Bills, then released at his request. Both Springs and Vincent could help cover any limitation that Carlos Rogers has this week. Rogers broke this thumb and had screws inserted Monday to stabilize it. Get this -- he's expected to play on Sunday. That's the kind of thing you only see in pro football, the type of response that makes you shake your head in a combination of amazement and mocking derision.
Everyone wants edge rushers. In the NFL, finding an edge rusher is like finding gold or having Danni Boatwright sit next to you on a plane. Maybe not that good, but close. The Falcons have two edge rushers, but both are hurt, something that can devastate a defense. John Abraham played last week, but was limited and didn't respond well, his groin tightening up as he neared his 20 play limit set by the coaching staff. Abraham is likely to be limited again this week, dulling his impact on the edge. At the other end of the defense, Patrick Kerney is not only picking up the extra blockers that Abraham usually gets met with, he's injured as well, leaving the game with a moderate hamstring strain. Add in a mix to Rod Coleman up the middle as well as the continued wait for Ed Hartwell's return and you can see that the Falcons' D-line is in a bit of an injury morass. If you read this as a good thing for Willie Parker, you're exactly right.
If you've seen Steve Smith lately, you'll know that he looks healthy now. He's running free and clearly separating from the DBs covering him. Last week, I finally saw the burst that we saw last season. (Admittedly, I only saw highlights of Smith in Week 5, so I could be a week late to this party.) Smith's hamstrings remain some concern, but he's proven healthy, and health is a skill. DeAngelo Williams isn't as lucky. The Panthers confirmed that Williams has a high ankle sprain and will miss around a month. Even then, the high ankle sprain has a high level of recurrence and can even go chronic on a player. For a speed player like Williams, this could be a devastating injury if he's not allowed to heal completely. Bumps and Bruises: I'm watching Jags RB Maurice Jones-Drew. He's been playing like we were told Reggie Bush would, but he missed practice Monday. No word on what the injury is. ... The Colts continue to discuss the Corey Simon case, insisting there is no differential diagnosis, while Simon's teammates continue to wonder why the Colts are so insistent about not paying him. ... It looks like Robert Ferguson is done for the season. The foot injury that shelved him was discovered to be a Lisfranc fracture, a more serious problem than originally thought. ... Deuce McAllister had some hamstring cramping during Sunday's game. Keep an eye on this -- muscle pulls following knee surgery are common. Why? Increased weight lifting and workouts during rehab can rebalance muscles and change the gait. ... Jerramy Stevens didn't play this week due to continued concerns about the stability of his knee post-surgery. Stevens reported that the knee "felt odd" after practicing, and the last-second decision to keep him out could recur. ... Adam Vinatieri and the Colts insist he'll play this week. I'm at a point where I'll believe it when I see it.
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Hache Man · Oct 18, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 6 New Articles Added 10/17/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 6 New Articles Added 10/17/06)

Updated: Oct. 18, 2006, 12:07 PM ET
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Altanta offense not passing test

By KC Joyner
ESPN Insider
Archive




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The Atlanta Falcons are averaging 234 rushing yards per game. They are on pace to break the NFL record for most rushing yards in a season by nearly 600 yards. Despite this record-breaking pace, the Falcons rank 24th in the league in scoring, averaging just over 16 points per game.
The big reason Atlanta is struggling to score is the ineptitude of its passing game. One would think that all of this rushing success would open up the aerial attack for the Falcons, but that simply isn't the case. Michael Vick has a passer rating of 66.0 and is completing barely 50 percent of his passes.
Vick's metrics so far partially illustrate the Falcons' passing problems:
<TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=414 border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=9>Michael Vick</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>Depth</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>Att</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>Comp</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>Yds</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>TD</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>INT</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>Pen</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>P.Yds</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>YPA</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=42>Short </TD><TD width=42>61 </TD><TD width=42>44 </TD><TD width=42>331 </TD><TD width=42>3 </TD><TD width=42>1 </TD><TD width=42>1 </TD><TD width=42>5 </TD><TD width=42>5.5 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=42>Medium </TD><TD width=42>33 </TD><TD width=42>13 </TD><TD width=42>246 </TD><TD width=42>0 </TD><TD width=42>2 </TD><TD width=42>0 </TD><TD width=42>0 </TD><TD width=42>7.5 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=42>Deep </TD><TD width=42>19 </TD><TD width=42>2 </TD><TD width=42>99 </TD><TD width=42>0 </TD><TD width=42>0 </TD><TD width=42>2 </TD><TD width=42>39 </TD><TD width=42>7.3 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=42>Total </TD><TD width=42>113 </TD><TD width=42>59 </TD><TD width=42>676 </TD><TD width=42>3 </TD><TD width=42>3 </TD><TD width=42>3 </TD><TD width=42>44 </TD><TD width=42>6.4 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The short pass yards per attempt is mediocre. The medium and deep pass metrics are simply abysmal, and would have ranked at or near the bottom of the league in 2005. His total yards per attempt is actually lower than Andrew Walter or Kerry Collins in that category.
To be fair, it isn't solely Vick's fault that the medium and deep pass metrics are so bad. One of the metrics I track is how far downfield a receiver was when he dropped the pass. As the chart below shows, the Falcons' drops this year have been very damaging:
<TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=4>Wide Receivers</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=43>Depth</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=43>Drops</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=43>Yds</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=43>YPA</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=43>Short </TD><TD width=43>6 </TD><TD width=43>26 </TD><TD width=43>5.9 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=43>Medium </TD><TD width=43>8 </TD><TD width=43>107 </TD><TD width=43>10.7 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=43>Deep </TD><TD width=43>5 </TD><TD width=43>148 </TD><TD width=43>15.1 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=43>Total </TD><TD width=43>19 </TD><TD width=43>281 </TD><TD width=43>8.9 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The column on the far right calculates what Vick's yards per attempt would be if his receivers had caught all of the dropped passes. Admittedly, no team will never go through a season without some dropped passes, and eight of the dropped passes were caused partially by Vick's inaccuracy.
Even taking those factors into account, this chart does illustrate the inability of Atlanta's receivers to consistently hold on to vertical passes.
Having said that, I am still amazed at how Vick is immune to criticism. His passer rating is lower than Daunte Culpepper's and Drew Bledsoe's, and is only slightly higher than Jake Plummer's. Culpepper has been benched. Both Bledsoe and Plummer have been on the hot seat all year, yet there is no mention of Vick's ever being benched.
This is odd because backup Matt Schaub has more experience than either Tony Romo or Jay Cutler. Schaub is also a better fit for the West Coast offense that Falcons offensive coordinator Greg Knapp would like to run.
The question I have is, what does Vick have to do before he receives some of the blame for this offensive drought? The Falcons have the best running game in the NFL and a Pro Bowl caliber tight end.
They have invested No.1 draft picks at the wide receiver position two of the past three years, and they acquired one of the best vertical receiving threats in pro football in Ashley Lelie. Atlanta also has retooled the offense to take full advantage of Vick's running skills. The end result is a unit that has scored 14 points or less in three of its five games this year. When this much money, time and effort is invested in a player and the results are so mediocre, it is clear something is wrong and a change should be considered. If this offense doesn't start putting up some points soon, the Falcons should give Schaub a shot at kick-starting things before it is too late.
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Hache Man · Oct 18, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 6 New Articles Added 10/17/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 6 New Articles Added 10/17/06)

Colts look to upgrade run defense

posted: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In a last-minute effort to upgrade their run defense, the Indianapolis Colts traded a second-round draft pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for defensive tackle Anthony McFarland. McFarland was a first-round pick for the Bucs in 1999 out of LSU. Initially, McFarland teamed with Warren Sapp to make one of the better DT combinations in the NFL under head coach Tony Dungy.

After signing a new contract in August of 2003, McFarland seemed to start coasting and hasn't been a major factor for over a year now. When he is running on all cylinders, McFarland can be a disruptive force in the middle, having the size and strength to clog things up as well as the quickness and agility to penetrate and cause havoc in the backfield. Due to McFarland's lack of fire, as well as some durability issues, the Bucs had planned on moving Ellis Wyms in as the starter and benching McFarland, hoping to light a spark under him.

This trade will give Indianapolis more strength in the middle of its defensive line and it shouldn't take long for McFarland to become a factor as he has already played in Dungy's defensive scheme. Returning to the head coach who drafted him could give McFarland new life as well as help the Colts' run defense. Teams have been running over Indianapolis' front seven because of its lack of size. Allowing teams to move the ball on the ground has caused Peyton Manning and the Colts' offense to sit on the bench when they need to be on the field scoring touchdowns.

Hopefully, Dungy knows what he is getting into and is able to revive McFarland's career. Sometimes a change of scenery can spark a player and cause him to rededicate himself. It is a gamble, but with the Colts' need for a run stopper and hopes to get deeper into the playoffs, and into the Super Bowl, probably worth the risk. Only time will tell.

Hache Man · Oct 19, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

Thursday, October 19, 2006
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Scouting Matchups: Week 7

By Scouts, Inc.




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</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=3> </TD><TD width=156>Only Insiders get access to all of Scouts Inc.'s, in-depth NFL coverage, as well as insight from ESPN's stable of football analysts.
? Take the Insider tour
? Become an Insider
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>NFL advance scouts watch games in person, studying everything from personnel packages to play-calling signals, and on film, looking at individual players, as well as a team's various schemes and recent trends. The goal? Provide their coaching staff with the best possible means of preparation during the week of practice. Scouts Inc. does the same thing, compiling the best advance scouting reports available and delivering them to you by Tuesday afternoon on ESPN.com Insider. On Friday, after breaking down more game film, Scouts Inc. files an updated report with a deeper look at each game, spotlighting key individual matchups and trends and predicting the final score.

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD width=100>Matchup</TD><TD>Scouting</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=2>SUNDAY OCTOBER 22, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Philadelphia
at
Tampa Bay
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Eagles at Buccaneers
The Eagles can ill afford to lose two consecutive games, while the Buccaneers won their first regular-season game last week. Look for Bucs head coach Jon Gruden to spread the field to create better inside running lanes for RB Cadillac Williams while also incorporating individual mismatches they can attack through the air. Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is one of the most innovative and aggressive coaches in the league and will design pressure packages that attack and confuse the young QB Bruce Gradkowski.

Eagles head coach Andy Reid will look to spread the ball around in the passing game by using a lot of movement to create mismatches out on the perimeter. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin will rely on his four-man rush to contain QB Donovan McNabb, while being physical out on the perimeter to disrupt the rhythm and timing of the Eagles' passing game.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Eagles on the rebound

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Jacksonville
at
Houston
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Jaguars at Texans
The Texans are going to be out to prove that last week's loss to the Cowboys was not a setback in their plan to be competitive. Jacksonville has had a week off after a convincing win over the Jets and is as healthy as it has been in some time. The Jags have lost two players for the season in LB Mike Peterson and DE Reggie Hayward. Although they seem to have found adequate replacements for Hayward, it remains to be seen if they can replace Peterson's production.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Jags should have room to run

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Pittsburgh
at
Atlanta
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Steelers at Falcons
Atlanta allowed 24 unanswered points last week to the Giants at home after leading for much of the game and were abused on the ground by Tiki Barber. Late in the game, due to injury, Atlanta was playing without three of its starting defensive linemen -- Rod Coleman (turf toe), Patrick Kerney (hamstring) and John Abraham (groin). The status of these three is unclear at this point, but this is obviously crucial.

To the complete contrary, the Super Bowl champs completely dismantled Kansas City in every facet of the game. The Steelers play great when their backs are against the wall and should come out flying again in Atlanta, although they have yet to win on the road this season. Pittsburgh has not lost to Atlanta since 1970.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Depleted D-line hindering Falcons

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New England
at
Buffalo
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Patriots at Bills
This divisional matchup is extremely important for both teams. If the Bills can bounce back at home with a win over the Patriots, it will keep their hopes alive for a playoff spot. The Patriots need a win to keep pace with some of the better AFC teams such as the Broncos, Chargers, Colts and Jaguars. Because the AFC East is so weak, New England is working to position itself for the best playoff slot possible.

Buffalo matched up well in Week 1 and had a chance to win in the fourth quarter. The problem for the Bills is they have struggled the past two weeks and Bill Belichick and company are coming off a bye week healthy and well-prepared.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Pats to unleash tight ends

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Carolina
at
Cincinnati
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Panthers at Bengals
This is a critical game for the Cincinnati Bengals organization, as they host a Carolina Panthers team that will be very difficult for the Bengals to matchup with. The Bengals' offense is moving the ball, but not scoring points, while the Panthers defense is led by the best defensive player in the NFL in LDE Julius Peppers.

The Bengals offensive line must find a way to control the Panthers' front seven by utilizing RB Rudi Johnson. Panthers' offensive coordinator Dan Henning will continue to rely on the Panthers' power running game against a Bengals' run defense that is allowing 140.4 yards per game. Head coach Marvin Lewis and defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan must find a way to contain a healthy Steve Smith.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Teams heading in opposite directions clash

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Green Bay
at
Miami
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Packers at Dolphins
Green Bay will get a cold reception from a very frustrated Miami team. Nick Saban is leading a team that opened the season with ambitions of winning the division and being playoff bound, yet finds itself desperate to earn a second victory. The Packers needed the bye to heal up and regroup. These are two teams that need a win and that should lead to an exciting game.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Dolphins defense should spark Miami win

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Detroit
at
NY Jets
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Lions at Jets
This is a matchup between two struggling teams. The Jets evened their record in Week 6 with a divisional win over Miami, but they're not exactly firing on all cylinders. The Lions got their first win in Week 6 at home against an average Buffalo team.

New York can keep their wild-card hopes alive by beating the Lions and taking care of business against the struggling Browns next week. Detroit played better last week, but it has already dug a big hole for itself in the NFC North.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Lions look for two in a row

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San Diego
at
Kansas City
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Chargers at Chiefs
The Chiefs' playoff hopes will be on the line this week as they can ill afford to fall any further down the ladder in the AFC West. Though Tony Gonzalez has not been as active in the passing game of late, this game will feature two of the better pass catchers in the NFL at tight end. The Chiefs played terribly in Week 6, but Arrowhead is one of the most hostile environments in which to win.

Now that the Chargers have opened up their offense, you could make a case for them being the second-best team in the NFL behind the Chicago Bears. Neither team is running the ball as effectively as it would like. The team that can get its run game on track first will have the upper hand.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Chiefs must trust Huard

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Denver
at
Cleveland
Sun 4:05 PM ET</TD><TD>Broncos at Browns
The Broncos have won four in a row and are starting to re-establish themselves as one of the top teams in the AFC. Cleveland is coming off its bye week, and an extra week of practice should be useful. The Broncos' defensive line is almost entirely ex-Browns and this group will be fired up to return to Cleveland.

Through the first five games, Denver's offense has scored only five touchdowns, but the defense has allowed just one touchdown. The Broncos are allowing some yardage, but the closer to the goal line the offense gets, the tougher this defense becomes. No one has been getting in the end zone against Denver.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Conservative approach working for Denver

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Minnesota
at
Seattle
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Vikings at Seahawks
After squeaking by Detroit without scoring a touchdown in the opener and getting thumped on the road by Chicago, the defending NFC champions started to get their offense in gear last week. The Seahawks were impressive in the second half, rallying for a win in St. Louis.

It won't be easy for Seattle to maintain that momentum, as it is facing a Vikings' defense ranked fifth in the NFL. Minnesota's defense has been outstanding, covering for average special teams and a vanilla offense that has only scored four touchdowns in five games. The Vikings' offense is lead by a Super Bowl winning quarterback in Brad Johnson, while Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck aims to get another shot at the title.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Two stingy defenses battle in Seattle

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Arizona
at
Oakland
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Cardinals at Raiders
This is a game between two teams desperately in need of a win to regain some confidence in their individual organizations. The Arizona Cardinals have been a major disappointment this season, getting off to a 1-5 start.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Cardinals must bounce back

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Washington
at
Indianapolis
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Redskins at Colts
The Colts are one of only two undefeated teams in the NFL and have one of the most explosive offensives in the league. The Colts are led by quarterback Peyton Manning, who is always entertaining to watch with the group of receivers he has to work with.

Manning and company are coming off a bye and should be fresh to host the Redskins, who are on a roller coaster ride this season. This could be the week the Redskins decide to show up and play well. This is a must-win for the Redskins, as the try to keep pace with the other teams in the NFC East.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Redskins must find consistency

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=2>MONDAY OCTOBER 23, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

NY Giants
at
Dallas
Mon 8:30 PM ET</TD><TD>Giants at Cowboys
This should be a tough NFC East divisional game, with these two teams playing for second place in the division on Monday night. If the Giants can get a win on the road against the Cowboys, they could easily be 6-2 at the midway point of the season, as their next two games are against weaker opponents. A victory would give them three divisional wins and a huge advantage in any tie breaking scenario.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Giants must pressure Bledsoe </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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Hache Man · Oct 19, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

Updated: Oct. 19, 2006, 5:25 PM ET
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Altanta offense not passing test

By KC Joyner
ESPN Insider
Archive




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The Atlanta Falcons are averaging 234 rushing yards per game. They are on pace to break the NFL record for most rushing yards in a season by nearly 600 yards. Despite this record-breaking pace, the Falcons rank 24th in the league in scoring, averaging just over 16 points per game.
The big reason Atlanta is struggling to score is the ineptitude of its passing game. One would think that all of this rushing success would open up the aerial attack for the Falcons, but that simply isn't the case. Michael Vick has a passer rating of 66.0 and is completing barely 50 percent of his passes.
Vick's metrics so far partially illustrate the Falcons' passing problems:
<TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=414 border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=9>Michael Vick</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>Depth</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>Att</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>Comp</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>Yds</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>TD</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>INT</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>Pen</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>P.Yds</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=42>YPA</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=42>Short </TD><TD width=42>61 </TD><TD width=42>44 </TD><TD width=42>331 </TD><TD width=42>3 </TD><TD width=42>1 </TD><TD width=42>1 </TD><TD width=42>5 </TD><TD width=42>5.5 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=42>Medium </TD><TD width=42>33 </TD><TD width=42>13 </TD><TD width=42>246 </TD><TD width=42>0 </TD><TD width=42>2 </TD><TD width=42>0 </TD><TD width=42>0 </TD><TD width=42>7.5 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=42>Deep </TD><TD width=42>19 </TD><TD width=42>2 </TD><TD width=42>99 </TD><TD width=42>0 </TD><TD width=42>0 </TD><TD width=42>2 </TD><TD width=42>39 </TD><TD width=42>7.3 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=42>Total </TD><TD width=42>113 </TD><TD width=42>59 </TD><TD width=42>676 </TD><TD width=42>3 </TD><TD width=42>3 </TD><TD width=42>3 </TD><TD width=42>44 </TD><TD width=42>6.4 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The short pass yards per attempt is mediocre. The medium and deep pass metrics are simply abysmal, and would have ranked at or near the bottom of the league in 2005. His total yards per attempt is actually lower than Andrew Walter or Kerry Collins in that category.
To be fair, it isn't solely Vick's fault that the medium and deep pass metrics are so bad. One of the metrics I track is how far downfield a receiver was when he dropped the pass. As the chart below shows, the Falcons' drops this year have been very damaging:
<TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=4>Wide Receivers</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=43>Depth</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=43>Drops</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=43>Yds</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=43>YPA</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=43>Short </TD><TD width=43>6 </TD><TD width=43>26 </TD><TD width=43>5.9 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=43>Medium </TD><TD width=43>8 </TD><TD width=43>107 </TD><TD width=43>10.7 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=43>Deep </TD><TD width=43>5 </TD><TD width=43>148 </TD><TD width=43>15.1 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=43>Total </TD><TD width=43>19 </TD><TD width=43>281 </TD><TD width=43>8.9 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The column on the far right calculates what Vick's yards per attempt would be if his receivers had caught all of the dropped passes. Admittedly, no team will never go through a season without some dropped passes, and eight of the dropped passes were caused partially by Vick's inaccuracy.
Even taking those factors into account, this chart does illustrate the inability of Atlanta's receivers to consistently hold on to vertical passes.
Having said that, I am still amazed at how Vick is immune to criticism. His passer rating is lower than Daunte Culpepper's and Drew Bledsoe's, and is only slightly higher than Jake Plummer's. Culpepper has been benched. Both Bledsoe and Plummer have been on the hot seat all year, yet there is no mention of Vick's ever being benched.
This is odd because backup Matt Schaub has more experience than either Tony Romo or Jay Cutler. Schaub is also a better fit for the West Coast offense that Falcons offensive coordinator Greg Knapp would like to run.
The question I have is, what does Vick have to do before he receives some of the blame for this offensive drought? The Falcons have the best running game in the NFL and a Pro Bowl caliber tight end.
They have invested No.1 draft picks at the wide receiver position two of the past three years, and they acquired one of the best vertical receiving threats in pro football in Ashley Lelie. Atlanta also has retooled the offense to take full advantage of Vick's running skills. The end result is a unit that has scored 14 points or less in three of its five games this year. When this much money, time and effort is invested in a player and the results are so mediocre, it is clear something is wrong and a change should be considered. If this offense doesn't start putting up some points soon, the Falcons should give Schaub a shot at kick-starting things before it is too late.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Oct 19, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

Unlikely sack leaders

posted: Thursday, October 19, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry

You go through the NFL's sack leaders, and for a second it looks familiar. Julius Peppers. Then, Mark Anderson from Chicago. Not a well-known name, but hey, someone from the Bears has to be on the list. Then Shaun Phillips from the Chargers? Trent Cole from the Eagles? Say what? Each has six sacks this year. Impressive, considering that neither were even supposed to start, much less be anywhere near the leaders in sacks.

Both Phillips and Cole were going to be rotational players off the bench this year until injuries moved them to the starting lineup. Phillips got in because Steve Foley got shot (still seems weird to type that) and Cole was moved up because of Jevon Kearse?s sprained knee.
There's no doubt that each guy benefits from playing with so many other good defensive players, and from coaches -- Wade Phillips and Jim Johnson - who disguise blitzes well. But here they are, in the top five in sacks.
Nicknamed "The Other Guy" because of a Norm Chow interview in which he blanked on Phillips' name and referred to him as such, Phillips is best friends with Luis Castillo and Shawne Merriman, even sharing a house with the former and working out every day with the latter. If the 6-2, 258 pounder from Purdue keeps up this type of production - it's unlikely he'll end up leading the Chargers in sacks, but then again who knows - it's tough to see the Chargers bringing Foley back.
In 15 games last year, Cole had five sacks and 38 tackles. So far in '06, he's got six and 20. In every way, the second-year end from University of Cincinnati is having a career year. But what's weird about the 6-3, 270-pounder's season is that in many ways it's been marked by two penalties that have changed games. Against the Giants, the Xenia, Ohio, native was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that moved New York kicker Jay Feely 15-yards closer and helped force overtime in an eventual Eagles loss. And in the fourth quarter last week against the Saints, Cole got what should have been his seventh sack of the year, but it was called back because the Eagles had 12-men on the field. It was on third-down, and allowed the Saints to keep driving and eventually kick the game-winning field goal. Even so, both Cole and Phillips have done a lot to replace players who were deemed irreplaceable.

Hache Man · Oct 19, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

posted: Thursday, October 19, 2006 | Print Entry

Losing safety Mike Brown for the season is going to be a big blow to the Bears. First, he's a leader. Second, he's a playmaker. Third, because he's getting older there is no guarantee he will be back in future years, and that would be a major blow to the team.

The only good news for the Bears is they kept 10 defensive backs on the roster, so they will have options. Second-round pick Danieal Manning is solid. Chris Harris remains injured, so Todd Johnson will have to fill in after the bye week. They also have Brandon McGowan on the physically unable to perform list, but he was suspended for a week for conduct and won't be available this week.
Panthers problems: The Panthers expect cornerback Reggie Howard won't return for the remainder of the season. Howard left the team Thursday for personal reasons, flying back to deal with family matters in Memphis. He's a fourth cornerback and can be a valuable insurance policy in case of injury. Though they could bring him back, he could end up going on a retired reserve list in about 10 days, and that would be it for him for the season.
Jack Del Rio didn't get any better news Thursday on the injury front. Defensive tackle Marcus Stroud remains doubtful with an ankle injury. Wide receiver Matt Jones is doubtful with a hamstring injury. Taking Stroud, Reggie Hayward and Mike Peterson out of that talented defense makes it less of a top unit, which could be a problem in future weeks. No Green light for QB: Chiefs coach Herman Edwards made it sound as though it will take a couple more weeks for Trent Green to return to the lineup. He's starting to throw the football, but he's not close to being cleared by doctors because of his concussion problems. Green was hurt in the opening week of the season. He could miss as much as half of the season because of the concussion, an injury that kills Kansas City's chance to be a playoff contender.

Hache Man · Oct 19, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

International games up for debate

posted: Thursday, October 19, 2006 | Print Entry

The NFL is ready to go international again after an owners' committee agreed Wednesday via a conference call to take their recommendations and findings to all 32 teams next week at the league meetings in New Orleans.

The primary issue is whether to play one or two regular-season games in 2007 in Canada, England, Germany and/or Mexico.
The competitive issues have been a focus of discussions: If the league decides to go with two games, it would mean a team would lose one home game every 16 years as opposed to one every 32 years under a one regular-season game set-up. Any team that would play internationally would likely have a home game the week before and a bye the following week. Teams on the East Coast would be designated for the London or Germany sites, teams in the Midwest for Canada and teams on the West Coast and in the Southwest would get the Mexico assignment.
The 49ers and Cardinals played a regular-season game before more than 100,000 fans in Mexico City last year and it was termed a success by most of those who were affected.
The Patriots and Seahawks will play a preseason game next August in Beijing -- site of the 2008 Olympic Games -- but there is no discussion about going to Asian countries or Australia for a regular-season game because of the toll it would have on players and coaches.
<CENTER>* * *</CENTER>
When Steelers Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu was snatched Sunday by his mane, it was a legal play by the Chiefs' Larry Johnson. The penalty on the play came because Johnson "yanked" Polamalu up from the ground after the tackle. In other words, you can yank 'em down by the hair but you can't yank 'em up. Johnson claims his hand got entangled in Polamalu's hair.
So it was a highlight for the ages and a good laugh for all. But the play probably will prompt the NFL's competition committee to review and discuss its policy that any hair that protrudes from a player's helmet is considered part of the uniform.
Why discuss the rule? Polamalu's head was torqued pretty significantly by Johnson, who ironically almost suffered a serious neck injury the week before on a face-masking penalty in Arizona. The competition committee always reviews plays that raise the issue of player safety, even though Polamalu was not injured.
In the past, the league has rejected regulating the length of players' hair, despite the concerns of some owners.
Players have reacted according to their own whims. When Ricky Williams' dreadlocks were yanked a couple of years ago without penalty, Edgerrin James cut his to helmet length the very next week.
<CENTER>* * *</CENTER>

Falcons owner Arthur Blank (shoulder) appeared on the team's in-house injury report on Wednesday. He underwent surgery for a torn rotator cuff earlier in the morning in what could be called a "football" injury. Well, sort of.
Blank was a bystander on the team's practice field in training camp when a fight started between linebacker Edgerton Hartwell and fullback Fred McCrary. Blank, standing a few feet away, did something he regrets. "My first instinct when you see two friends get into a fight was to break it up," said Blank on Wednesday night. "By the time I told myself, 'Wait, you're a 65-year-old man,' it was too late. I got knocked down and landed on my shoulder."

Hache Man · Oct 19, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

Oct. 19, 2006, 10:06 AM
Cockcroft: Week 7 Statbook

By Tristan H. Cockcroft
ESPN Fantasy Games





<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
Each week, the FFL Statbook provides you with hot and cold players, historical statistics and trends to exploit and weather reports as you consider your weekly player matchups.

Bye weeks: Bears, 49ers, Rams, Ravens, Saints, Titans.
<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c9c9c9" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR style="COLOR: white; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2969ad"><TD width="100%">RIDE THE HOT STREAK</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #acacac"><TD width="100%">The players listed below -- three each at QB, RB and WR and one TE -- are performing well enough of late to be must-starts regardless of the match-ups.</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Broncos defense (@CLE): The Broncos lead the NFL in scoring defense (7.4 points per G allowed) and rank 10th in total defense (293.4 net yards per G). They have also allowed 7 or fewer points in each of their last 4 G (19 points total). </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Lee Evans, WR, Bills (NE): He has 7+ receptions in each of his last 4 G, totaling 32 receptions for 373 yards and 1 TD in those contests. He also has 66 receptions for 928 yards (14.1 per catch, 66.3 per G) and 7 TDs in his last 14 G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, Bengals (CAR): He has recorded 94+ receiving yards in each of his last 3 G, totaling 23 receptions for 291 yards and 3 TDs in those contests. He also has 59 receptions for 739 yards and 8 TDs in his last 9 G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars (@HOU): He has scored a TD in each of his last 3 G, totaling 29 carries for 165 yards (5.7 per carry, 55.0 per G) and 2 TDs and 7 receptions for 85 yards (83.3 scrimmage yards per G) and 2 TDs in those contests. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Jaguars defense (@HOU): The Jaguars have 2 shutouts in their last 4 G, and rank 6th in the NFL in fewest points allowed per G (14.8) and 7th in total defense (281.2 net yards per G). The Jaguars also rank 2nd in the league in interceptions (9). </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Julius Jones, RB, Cowboys (NYG): He has 3 consecutive 100-yard rushing efforts, totaling 71 carries for 328 yards (4.6 per carry, 109.3 per G) and 1 TD in those contests. He has also averaged 103.3 rushing yards with 4 TDs in his last 7 G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Matt Leinart, QB, Cardinals (@OAK): He's the only player in history to throw for 2 TDs in the 1st quarter of each of his 1st 2 career GS, and he has 485 passing yards, 4 TDs and 1 interception in those G. He had 33 fantasy points in Weeks 5-6. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles (@TB): He has passed for 2+ TDs in each of his 6 G this season, and has averaged 308.2 passing yards with 13 TDs and 2 interceptions in those contests. He's not only 1st in fantasy points (150); he leads the league by 49! </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Willie Parker, RB, Steelers (@ATL): He has run for a TD in each of his last 3 G (5 TDs total), and has 5 100-yard efforts in his last 7 regular-season G. In those 7 G, he has rushed 149 times for 699 yards (4.7 per carry, 99.9 per G) and 6 TDs. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Roy Williams, WR, Lions (@NYJ): He has 3 100-yard receiving efforts and 2 TDs in his last 3 G, totaling 27 receptions for 445 yards (16.5 per catch, 111.3 per G) in those contests. He has also vaulted up to 7th among WRs in fantasy points (66). </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>TRISTAN'S TAKE: While the Broncos generally play better at home than on the road, it'll sure help that they'll be facing the league's most turnover-prone quarterback, the Browns' Charlie Frye. Frye has nine interceptions and three fumbles this season, making Denver's D a top play. ... There's no guarantee the Jaguars will mount a handy enough lead early enough to make proper use of both Taylor and Jones-Drew in Houston, but I still think each player should be able to notch double-digit carries and be a useful No. 2/flex option. ... Leinart's going to be a risky play his entire rookie season, but there aren't many better matchups for him than a road assignment against Oakland's shaky secondary. He's making good use of WR Anquan Boldin and should be every bit as successful this week as he has been the past two. ... Expect the Steelers-Falcons game to be a running back showcase, as Pittsburgh should find it much easier to move the ball effectively on the ground against Atlanta, while Atlanta's entire offense is based on the run. Parker and RB Warrick Dunn should be in everyone's fantasy lineup this week, and most for that matter. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c9c9c9" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR style="COLOR: white; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2969ad"><TD width="100%">AVOID THE COLD SPELL</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #acacac"><TD width="100%">The players listed below -- three each at QB, RB and WR and one TE -- have struggled enough recently that they should be avoided whenever possible.</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Mark Brunell, QB, Redskins (@IND): He has averaged 206.5 passing yards with 5 TDs and 3 interceptions in 6 G this season. Plus, if you go back to last season, he has averaged 174.8 passing yards with 16 TDs and 11 interceptions in his last 16 G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Buccaneers defense (PHI): The Buccaneers rank 25th among defenses in fantasy points (25), 18th in points allowed per G (20.8) and 19th in total defense (324.4 net yards per G). They have also recorded only 1 interception, tied for worst in the league. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Reuben Droughns, RB, Browns (DEN): He has 185 carries for 588 yards (3.2 per carry, 58.8 per G) and 1 TD in his last 10 G, and has averaged 76.0 scrimmage yards in those contests. He also has only 3 TDs in 20 G since joining the Browns. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Tony Gonzalez, TE, Chiefs (SD): Since QB Damon Huard took over as KC's starter, Gonzalez has 11 receptions for 106 yards and 0 TDs in 4 G. He also has only 40 receptions for 449 yards (11.2 per catch, 49.9 per G) and 1 TD in his last 9 G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Ahman Green, RB, Packers (@MIA): He has failed to score a rushing TD in his last 10 G, and in those contests, he has 159 carries for 563 yards (3.5 per carry, 56.3 per G). He has averaged 88.7 scrimmage yards with 1 TD in those 10 G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Edgerrin James, RB, Cardinals (@OAK): He's coming off a game in which he recorded the most carries (36) in NFL history for a player who averaged fewer than 2.0 yards per carry (1.5). He has also failed to top 100 yards in any of his last 9 G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Maurice Morris, RB, Seahawks (MIN): He has made 2 starts this season, and combined for 34 carries for 109 yards (3.2 average) and 0 TDs in them. In fact, in his last 8 G with 8+ carries, he has totaled 101 carries for 327 yards (3.2 average) and 1 TD. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Jake Plummer, QB, Broncos (@CLE): He has averaged 155.0 passing yards with 3 TDs and 5 interceptions in 5 G this season, adding two fumbles. He has also combined for 208 passing yards with 1 TD and 1 interception in his last 2 G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Rod Smith, WR, Broncos (@CLE): He has averaged only 3.2 receptions and 27.2 receiving yards with 1 TD in 5 G this season, and in his last 8 G (postseason incl.), he has 32 receptions for 395 yards (12.3 per catch, 49.4 per G) and 2 TDs. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Troy Williamson, WR, Vikings (@SEA): In the 3 G since his 102-yard effort in Week 2, he has 8 receptions for 77 yards and 0 TDs. He has also gone 15 consecutive G without a TD, with 33 receptions for 462 yards (30.8 per G) in those contests. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>TRISTAN'S TAKE: The Colts' opponents have had a far easier time moving the ball on the ground than through the air this season, so expect RB Clinton Portis to be Washington's workhorse in Week 7. Brunell, especially coming off that miserable effort at the Giants followed by a so-so one against the Titans, is too risky to trust except when the matchup is rather favorable. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this is the week he officially loses his starting job. ... With so much offensive-line trouble, the Chiefs have had to use Gonzalez far too often in a blocking role the past calendar year, which severely impacts his fantasy production. He's too talented a pass catcher to drop, but I'd expect only ordinary numbers from him until the team begins to get a little healthier, if it does this year. ... James makes the list, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't play him. His inclusion is more a representation of his No. 2 fantasy RB status at this stage of the season. He's clearly not worthy of No. 1 status, even this week. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c9c9c9" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR style="COLOR: white; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2969ad"><TD width="100%">HISTORY LESSON</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #acacac"><TD width="100%">The following players have tremendous recent track records against their scheduled opponents, making them more appealing fantasy options for this week.</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Tom Brady, QB, Patriots (@BUF): He has passed for 2+ TDs in 5 of his last 6 G vs. the Bills, averaging 237.7 passing yards with 13 TDs and 4 interceptions in that 6-G span. He's 10-1 and has passed for 19 TDs in 11 career starts vs. the Bills. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>David Carr, QB, Texans (JAC): He has passed for a TD in each of his 8 career G vs. the Jaguars, and has topped 219 passing yards in 5 of his last 6 G against them. He has averaged 223.9 passing yards with 8 TDs and 5 interceptions in his career vs. the Jaguars, and has also added 32 carries for 122 yards and 3 TDs in those contests. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Corey Dillon, RB, Patriots (@BUF): He has rushed for 100+ yards and/or a TD in 5 of 7 career G vs. the Bills, totaling 125 carries for 573 yards (4.6 per carry, 81.9 per G) and 5 TDs in those contests. He also has 3 TDs in his last 3 G vs. the Bills. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers (@KC): He has scored a TD in each of his 4 career G vs. the Chiefs, and has a total of 24 receptions for 338 yards and 7 TDs in those contests. Last year alone, he had 14 catches for 197 yards and 4 TDs in 2 G vs. KC. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Edgerrin James, RB, Cardinals (@OAK): He has 2 100-yard rushing G and 3 TDs in 3 career G vs. the Raiders, totaling 76 carries for 343 yards (4.5 per carry, 114.3 per G) and 14 receptions for 106 yards (149.7 scrimmage yards per G) in those contests. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs (SD): In his 2 career GS vs. the Chargers, he has 49 carries for 177 yards and 2 TDs, and 12 receptions for 163 yards and 2 more TDs. He also has 473 scrimmage yards and 5 TDs in his last 4 G vs. the Chargers overall. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Terrell Owens, WR, Cowboys (NYG): He has 30 receptions for 487 yards and 6 TDs in 5 career G vs. the Giants (postseason incl.). He also has 15 career TD catches on Monday Night Football, 2nd-most all-time, 11 of which have come in his last 8 G; in 19 career G on MNF, he has 88 receptions for 1,298 yards and 15 TDs. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Jeremy Shockey, TE, Giants (@DAL): He has a receiving TD in 3 of his last 4 G vs. the Cowboys, totaling 14 receptions for 201 yards and 3 TDs in those contests. He also has 13 catches for 141 yards and a TD in 3 career G on Monday Night Football. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Fred Taylor, RB, Jaguars (@HOU): He has 2 100-yard rushing G and 3 TDs in his last 5 G vs. the Texans, totaling 80 carries for 388 yards (4.9 per carry, 77.6 per G) in those contests. He had 101 yards and a TD in his last G vs. HOU (12/24/05). </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys (NYG): He has 3 TDs in his career vs. the Giants, his most against any opponent, and has 22 receptions for 234 yards in 6 G vs. them. He also has 26 catches for 303 yards and 3 TDs in 6 career G on Monday Night Football. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>TRISTAN'S TAKE: There's no way I'd start Carr against the Jaguars' defense, but his track record against Jacksonville needs to be noted. I'd do my best to avoid him and take a quarterback with a more favorable matchup coming off a better last game, but if you're a big believer in things like a player's history against his opponent, there are your facts in black and white. ... T.O., Shockey and Witten all make the cut from the Monday Night Giants-Cowboys game, a contest I fully expect to be a shoot-out. I'd start most everyone on either offense, but especially all the key cogs in either team's passing game. ... Taylor is coming off a 21-carry, 111-yard effort against the Jets in Week 5, and this is a comparably strong matchup for him. The Jaguars' use of Maurice Jones-Drew to spell the brittle veteran has only helped preserve him, so Taylor should remain a solid No. 2 option when the matchup is right, as it is this week. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c9c9c9" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR style="COLOR: white; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2969ad"><TD width="100%">WEATHER REPORT</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #acacac"><TD width="100%">Up-to-the-minute conditions can be found on The Weather Channel's website.</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Rain in the forecast (40-percent chance or worse): Chargers at Chiefs (40 percent). </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Cold temperatures (40 degrees or lower): Chargers at Chiefs could be in the low 40s. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Hot temperatures (80 degrees or higher): Packers at Dolphins and Eagles at Buccaneers could be in the low 80s. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Weatherproof games (safest playing conditions): Steelers at Falcons (Georgia Dome), Jaguars at Texans (Reliant Stadium) and Redskins at Colts (RCA Dome). </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c9c9c9" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR style="COLOR: white; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2969ad"><TD width="100%">KICKERS IN DOMES</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #acacac"><TD width="100%">As kickers are as a whole fairly unpredictable, weather can play a big part in determining which ones to use each week. Those who kick indoors are safest from the elements and therefore least likely to hurt you, making the names below more attractive plays. Statistics listed are career numbers indoors, unless otherwise noted (G: games, FGpct: field-goal percentage; XPTpct: extra-point percentage; ppg: points per game).</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Morten Andersen, Falcons (PIT): 92 G, 81.1 FGpct, 100.0 XPTpct, 7.10 ppg. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Kris Brown, Texans (JAC): 26 G, 80.6 FGpct, 100.0 XPTpct, 5.08 ppg. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Nick Novak, Redskins (@IND): 2 G, -- FGpct, -- XPTpct, 0.00 ppg. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Jeff Reed, Steelers (@ATL): 3 G, 83.3 FGpct, 100.0 XPTpct, 6.67 ppg. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Josh Scobee, Jaguars (@HOU): 6 G, 60.0 FGpct, 100.0 XPTpct, 6.50 ppg. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Adam Vinatieri, Colts (WAS): 17 G, 94.9 FGpct, 100.0 XPTpct, 9.12 ppg. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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Hache Man · Oct 19, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

What's next for the Dolphins?

posted: Thursday, October 19, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are one of the more disappointing stories in the NFL so far this season. I was one who believed in last season's strong finish, fine coaching in close games and the offseason acquisitions. Obviously the Daunte Culpepper trade has not worked out. Many can second guess the front office, but I still believed it was a good move at the time. The acquisition of left tackle L.J. Shelton has not worked out and it appears that the move inside to guard is the best place for him to contribute.

The Dolphins have stumbled around and have looked less than impressive in every game. So, what's next for the Dolphins? In this league you can't throw in the towel. You have to continue to implement your second season scheme on both sides of the ball. A playoff spot is extremely unlikely but continuing to build this franchise can be accomplished with hard work and baby steps. I look for the Dolphins to continue to be in every game and come up with a few surprise victories down the stretch. I'm sure another year of offseason trades and another sold draft will give the Dolphins a chance to be a contender in 2007. Too many NFL fans are turned off quickly to the coaches, players and front office decisions. It's hard to be patient, but Dolphins' fans should not take off their aqua, coral and white jerseys just yet.

Hache Man · Oct 19, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 5 New Articles Added 10/18/06)

Gore, Jackson equally good

posted: Thursday, October 19, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Arizona Cardinals

Some readers have posed the question as to who is the better running back, Frank Gore or Steven Jackson. Gore entered Week 6 tied for the NFL lead in rushing (465 yards) with Jackson, his fellow NFC West running back. They are now separated by only one yard with Jackson having the edge. As both players enjoy their bye week, I figured it would be fair to take a quick look at both players and see how they stack up against one another. This should be interesting to watch seeing that both players will have the opportunity to play on the same pace for the remainder of the season. Gore has garnered praise in recent weeks from experts from around the league and even earned NFC Player of the Week honors after his Week 5, 134-yard performance against the woeful Oakland Raiders. The 49ers' management had even entertained extending the current contract of Gore, but held off after his less than stunning start of the season with his fumble problems. Now that he has seemingly fixed his fumble problem, Gore looks to be making a name for himself in the NFL.

Jackson is an outstanding runner and has much more power than Gore. Jackson stands at an impressive 6-foot-2, 231 pounds, whereas Gore is 5-foot-9, 212 pounds. Jackson is able to use his speed and power to break through arm tackles and has been a nightmare for opposing defensive backs once he gets to the secondary level. There are not too many running backs in the NFL who are as big as Jackson and bring the speed, power and hands that he does to the position. It is not always about a running back's physical attributes, but Jackson is a rare exception to the rule. While Jackson has not obtained any Player of the Week honors he has been a very important piece to the Rams getting out to a comfortable 4-2 start in the NFC West.

Both players have very similar receiving stats as well at this juncture of the season. Jackson has 25 receptions for 224 yards and Gore has 24 receptions for 202 yards.

I must admit I was a bit surprised to see that they were both so close in reception yards. Both teams have been able to get them the ball in check-down situations when other receivers covered downfield. If you ask me, Gore is a pure running back showing vision and explosion. I like his speed power and body lean, but I am still bothered by his fumbling early on and I still question his long term durability. Plus I look at it this way, if one of these players were to get hurt and miss a game, who would feel the biggest loss? I would have to go with the Rams. For me, Jackson is a better all-purpose running back and would be sorely missed in his system, where Gore has very good young backups in Maurice Hicks and Michael Robinson. Jackson is backed up by veteran Stephen Davis, and he is at end of his career and does not run with the same presence and power he once had with the Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers a player I would take on my team any day of the week.

So I want to pose the question to you all as well. Who would you take as your running back if you had the opportunity? Be honest from a pure talent evaluator's perspective, not as a fan of the Rams or 49ers. It's just your opinion and there is no right or wrong answer. With both players being so closely matched, I thought it would be fun to have you guys weigh in on the issue. I mean, I think we all need a little something to have fun with after having to watch that horrific collapse of our fellow division rival Arizona Cardinals Monday Night Football. Let's not go there, this is fun story about Gore and Jackson.

Hache Man · Oct 19, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 10/19/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 10/19/06)

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>Thursday, October 19, 2006
Take 2: Giants vs. Cowboys

By Scouts, Inc.




<TABLE class=text11 cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=9>New York at Dallas Matchups</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>QB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>RB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>WR</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>OL</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>DL</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>LB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>DB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>ST</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>Coach</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>Overall</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=62>

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Earlier this week, our scouts filed their advance scouting report on this week's matchup between the Giants and Cowboys. Now they're back with a second look.

The Cowboys are tied for fourth in the league in rushing (with the Giants), averaging close to 152 yards per game. They need to get that same kind of production out of their backs this week against a good Giants' run defense.
The Cowboys interior offensive linemen need to come off the ball and get a good push on Giants DTs Barry Cofield and Fred Robbins, while working up to the second level to get MLB Antonio Pierce, who has been flying around and making plays in the run game.
The Cowboys are a downhill guard-to-guard, inside running team, and need to win inside if they are going to have any success running the ball. The inside running game this week might be better suited for Marion Barber than Julius Jones, as Barber is a tough inside runner who can move the pile.
? In the past few weeks, the Giants have found their pass rush and it could not have come at a worse time for Drew Bledsoe and the Cowboys. The Cowboys' offensive line will need to protect Bledsoe from the Giants' front four of Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, Robbins and Cofield, who can all rush the passer.
They also must be prepared for the Giants' blitz package that will bring pressure up the middle in the A-gaps. Bledsoe is only completing 56 percent of his passes when teams blitz him, and he has a tendency to throw interceptions when under duress.
? The Cowboys must run the football on first and second down, and if they have to pass, they should utilize the short to medium passing game to get the ball out of Bledsoe's hand quickly before the rush gets to him. This will get the Cowboys into third and short or medium, an area the Giants' defense is having trouble with.
The Cowboys are converting on 42.7 percent of third downs, while the Giants' defense is allowing opposing teams to convert on 50 percent of third downs. Bledsoe has been completing 63 percent of his passes on third down, with three sacks and three interceptions.
? The Giants are the second best offense the Cowboys' defense will have faced this season (Eagles), and it will be a good challenge for them. First, the Cowboys need to stop the running game of the Giants because Tiki Barber is having a great year.
The Giants are averaging 151 yards per game, while the Cowboys' defense is giving up only 67 yards per game. The Cowboys' 3-4 defense will create problems for the Giants and should not give Barber too many running lanes to run through. They need to stop the Giants' running game on first down and get them into long-yardage situations. Eli Manning is only competing 56 percent of his passes on third down, while the Giants' offense is converting 42 percent of their third downs.
? Manning is having a great year and has looked more comfortable in the pocket than he did last year. He has done a great job of bringing his team back in the second half of games. It has been in the first half of games that Manning and the offense has struggled.
It is always important to start fast and finish strong, but Manning has been starting slowly. In the first quarter, he is completing only 46 percent of his passes with one touchdown compared to four interceptions. The Giants need to hand the ball off to Barber and give Manning some easy short throws until he gets in rhythm.
? The Giants' defense has stepped up its level of play since coming out of the bye with a solid pass rush, and good coverage downfield has led the Giants to move up in total defense the last two weeks. They will need to balance taking away the run with providing safety help on Cowboys' receivers Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens.
The Giants need to keep playing man coverage, which their corners are more suited to play, than the soft zone they were playing earlier in the season. Defensive coordinator Tim Lewis will need to mix in a two-deep zone with some two-deep man coverages that will force Bledsoe to hold the ball, letting the rush get to him.
? Hopefully for the Cowboys, the Giants will not take a page out of the Eagles' game plan and come with some all out pressure up the middle, but do not count on it. The NFL is a copycat league and look for Lewis to bring pressure up the middle with a zone dog and all out blitzes.
He needs to keep Bledsoe off balance and force him to make poor decisions with the ball. His corners will have to keep the Cowboys' receivers in front of them and not give up the big play down the field.

Special Teams
With these two teams evenly matched in a lot of areas, the game could come down to field position and special teams. The Cowboys have the edge in punting with Mat McBriar.
McBriar has a net punt average of 41.8 yards, with seven punts inside the opponents' 20 yard line. He has had 14 punts of over 50 yards. The Giants are only averaging 5.6 yards per punt return, but have only had nine opportunities to return punts, which could explain their lack of return yardage.

Matchups
? Dallas WR Terrell Owens vs. New York CB Corey Webster
? Dallas LOT Flozell Adams vs. New York DE Osi Umenyiora
? Dallas RB Julius Jones vs. New York MLB Antonio Pierce
? Dallas SS Roy Williams vs New York TE Jeremy Shockey
? Dallas QB Drew Bledsoe vs. New York pass rush

Scouts' Edge
This game is going to come down to field position, turnovers and who gives up the least big plays. The Cowboys' defense has always given Eli Manning problems and this year should be no exception. It will be up to the Cowboys' defense to slow down the Giants' running game and force Manning into long-yardage passing situations. This game will be a challenge for both teams. If the Giants can find a way to win on the road, they will be back in the hunt for the division title.

Prediction: Cowboys 24, Giants 20

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Hache Man · Oct 19, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 10/19/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 10/19/06)

Thursday, October 19, 2006
Take 2: Redskins vs. Colts

By Scouts, Inc.





<TABLE class=text11 cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=9>Washington at Indianapolis Matchups</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>QB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>RB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>WR</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>OL</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>DL</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>LB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>DB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>ST</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>Coach</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>Overall</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=62>

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Earlier this week, our scouts filed their advance scouting report on this week's matchup between the Redskins and Colts. Now they're back with a second look.

The Colts' running back duo of Dominic Rhodes and rookie Joseph Addai has become a solid, with Addai emerging as a change-of-pace back. They could see more action this week, as the Redskins are having trouble stopping the run this year with injuries to their defensive line.
They need to force the Redskins into committing a safety in run support by staying with the run game, even if they don't achieve the desired results early in the game. The Redskins are giving up 111 yards per game and either of these two backs could easily get over 100 yards this game. Look for offensive coordinator Tom Moore to keep giving the ball to the back with the hot hand.
? By trying to establish the run, the Colts will force the Redskins' safeties to get closer to the line of scrimmage, thus opening up the play action pass that Peyton Manning excels at. Manning could have a lot of time, as the Redskins' lack a pass rush this season and have only registered 11 sacks.
Indianapolis WR Marvin Harrison could put up big numbers against a porous Redskins' secondary. With Carlos Rogers out, the Colts will attack CB Kenny Wright, who has struggled in coverage this season, allowing 67 percent of the balls thrown his way to be caught.
? The Colts' defense has struggled to stop the run this season and is giving up 166.8 yards rushing a game. Defensive coordinator Ron Meeks will have to play an eight-man front by bring strong safety Mike Doss down to support the run. Meeks will also utilize some run dogs to get his defensive line to penetrate upfield, causing Clinton Portis to bounce his runs.
The Colts will also try to stop the run with a two-deep look to help there DBs against Washington's receivers. They will have to run line games with their front four to cover up the lack of an eighth defender in the box.
? A critical battle is going to be on third down for the Redskins' defense, as the Colts are converting 58.5 percent of their third downs against the Redskins' defense that has a 39.3 percent efficiency rating.
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will need to double cover Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, as these two account for over 60 percent of the Colts' third down conversions. Williams will need to vary his man coverages, because the Colts love to run pick or rub routes when they see man to man coverage to free up their receivers.
? The Redskins need to run the football and play a ball control type of game to keep the high powered Colts' offense off the field. They will utilize a heavy personnel group of two tight ends and two running backs to pound the ball on the Colts. If the Redskins need to pass the ball, they should go to their short passing game and work the middle of the field, taking advantage of the Colts' linebackers, who are allowing 65 percent of the passes.
? Indianapolis is the fourth ranked offense in the NFL, scoring touchdowns on 15 out of 49 offensive possessions, while kicking eight field goals. The Colts have gone three and out only six times this season, the fewest in the NFL. By comparison, the Redskins have had 18 such drives, ranking near the bottom of the league.
? This game has the potential for a lot of big plays, as each team's defense has been gashed by explosive plays this season. The Redskins have given up the most explosive plays (pass over 20 yards) in the NFL with 25.
Look for Manning to go deep often, as the Colts have 18 explosive passes and could get even more this week. If the Redskins cannot stop the pass, the opposite is true for the Colts' defense, as they cannot stop the run. They have given up 25 explosive runs (run over 10 yards), tied for second in the NFL.

Special Teams
Washington P Derrick Frost has a net punt average of 36 yards, and is near the bottom of the league in punting. He has had seven punts downed inside the opponents' 20 yard-line. Punt returner Antwaan Randle El has had little time or room to return punts, as the Redskins punt return units have been poor. Randle El is averaging 6.5 yards a return. Colts' punt returner Terrence Wilkins is the seven ranked returner in the league, averaging 12.6 yards per return. He has the speed and elusiveness to take one to the house. The Redskins punt coverage unit needs to get off blocks and maintain their lanes against Wilkins, but it is going to come down to how well Frost punts the ball, and how much hang time he can give his cover unit. Adam Vinatieri has been kicking the ball deep on his kickoffs.

Matchups
? Indianapolis RDE Dwight Freeney vs. Washington LOT Chris Samuels
? Indianapolis QB Peyton Manning vs. Washington FS Sean Taylor
? Indianapolis WLB Cato June vs. Washington FB Mike Sellers
? Indianapolis TE Danny Clark vs. Washington SS Adam Archuleta
? Indianapolis CB Nick Harper vs Washington WR Santana Moss

Scouts' Edge
The Redskins are on the verge of a total collapse and this week could be the nail in their coffin, as they come up against one of the more potent offenses in the NFL. Peyton Manning should have a field day throwing the ball against the beat up Redskins' secondary that will be down another corner with the broken thumb of Carlos Rogers, who is out for this game. The Redskins' offense is too hot and cold right now and cannot seem to get into a rhythm. The Redskins will be hard pressed to keep up with the Colts in a shootout.

Prediction: Colts 34, Redskins 20

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Hache Man · Oct 20, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 10/19/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 10/19/06)

Wick's Picks: Week 7

posted: Friday, October 20, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Anthony Marshall, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, NFC All-Stars, NFC NFC, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins

This week's rant isn't really a rant so much as an appreciation for Cardinals pitcher Jeff Suppan, a Ron Livingston look-alike who after last night's win is no longer the most unknown clutch postseason pitcher in baseball.

With last night's victory over the Mets, Suppan has twice in the past three years won NLCS Game 7s for the Cardinals, the first in 2004 when he beat Roger Clemens, allowing one run in six innings. Granted, going against Oliver Perez doesn't have as much of a ring to it, but Perez pitched better last night than many of the Rocket's postseason outings.
Against the Mets' stacked lineup, Suppan was dominant. He survived what should have been a called strikeout in the first, a botch that led to the Mets' only run. He survived a sixth inning gaffe by Scott Rolen that led to the bases being loaded with one out. In between those two miracles, Suppan pitched four perfect innings. NFL quarterbacks should throw so well in the rain.
Not a good week for Wick's Picks: 5-8 straight up. Ouch. Lowering me to 57-30 on the year. Onto Week 7.
Panthers 16, Bengals 12: I'm not trusting Cincy's offense right now. Last year, Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Rudi Johnson averaged 13.3 first downs a game. This year, only 9.6.
Jets 24, Lions 9: Hard to believe a Mike Martz offense could have only six TD passes in a league-high 228 attempts.
Dolphins 23, Packers 17: Miami is one of seven places Brett Favre has never won at.
Jaguars 24, Texans 20: "I try to have a three to one touchdown to interception ratio," Byron Leftwich said this week. So far, he's at 1.4:1.
Pats 26, Bills 14: JP Losman, sacked 14 times in the past four games, is getting rid of the ball in Bledsoe-like fashion.
Eagles 19, Bucs 13: When Brad Gradkowski is sacked on his game-saving drive attempt, this time the Eagles won't have 12 men on the field.
Steelers 23, Falcons 21: The Falcons D-line is too banged up, the Steelers are ripe to get on a roll, and did you see Mike Vick's comments this week about how much better a passer he was under Dan Reeves?
Chargers 28, Chiefs 17: Larry Johnson's average number of carries in his '05 starts: 29. This year: 21.
Broncos 31, Browns 10: I only have about three gray hairs. I am not hobbling the day after playing pickup basketball. I love music played very loud. But I felt old this week upon realizing that it's been 20 years since The Drive.
Raiders 23, Cardinals 20: Oakland is due, and there's no way the Cardinals - save Matt Leinart - have recovered from Monday night's mess.
Seahawks 27, Vikings 17: I've been on Mike Holmgren at times for steering away from the run - and that's with Shaun Alexander in the backfield. Last week, with the MVP injured, the Hawks smartly outrushed the Rams 125-59.
Colts 31, Redskins 17: Everyone's gotten drilled in DC for how poorly they've played. Except the linebackers. Until now.
Giants 20, Cowboys 17 (OT): Could Tiki Barber just be playing up these retirement thoughts to try to get Tom Coughlin fired? Probably not.
Mailbag
Mad Mike (Houston): Interesting point on the sacks. Do you think that maybe defensive coordinators are scheming away from their top guys because they are getting double or triple teamed and then maybe trying to free up a guy who may fly under the opposing teams radar so to speak. To essentially try to scheme to free up someone the offensive coordinators may somewhat overlook or not prepare for?
Seth: Totally. The thing both Shaun Phillips and Trent Cole have in common is they're in innovative blitzing schemes and have the advantage (unlike, say, Mario Williams) of flying under the radar. But in Week 1, the Raiders shifted their line to block Phillips, not Shawne Merriman, and he still beat them.
Reif Snyder: Shaun Phillips' performance doesn't surprise San Diego fans. He had seven sacks last year in part time duty (although he did start some games when Foley was hurt). He's lightning quick off the ball. Marty even said on a couple of his offside penalties this year, he wasn't offside, but because he was so fast, they threw the flag. The only question anyone had about Phillips was his ability to play the run, and he's done great so far. But his pass rushing ability, at least in San Diego, was never in question.
Seth: Well put. Luis Castillo told me a few weeks ago that offensive guys have jumped offside in practice because of Phillips' speed.
Adam (New Haven, CT): Only Peyton Manning could have pulled off a late-game drive against a good defense as a rookie? I think you're slighting a certain Patriot who happens to have engineered game-winning drives in two Super Bowls, the first of which was in his first year as a starting quarterback. I will give you that the Rams defense in Super Bowl XXXVI wasn't as good as this year's Bears team, but to talk about clutch quarterbacks without mentioning Brady's name is patently ridiculous. Seth: We'll never know. Brady was fourth string as a rookie. Considering he's the most clutch QB in the game, one can assume he'd have had a chance. But we saw Manning as a rookie and saw that he played well.

Hache Man · Oct 20, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 10/19/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 10/19/06)

Friday, October 20, 2006
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Manning catching fire

By Scouts, Inc.





<TABLE class=text11 cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width=552 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="100%">Why To Watch
This should be a tough NFC East divisional game, with these two teams playing for second place in the division on Monday night. If the Giants can get a win on the road against the Cowboys, they could easily be 6-2 at the midway point of the season, as their next two games are against weaker opponents. A victory would give them three divisional wins and a huge advantage in any tie breaking scenario.
The Cowboys need a win at home, as the next three games are on the road. The Cowboys are 1-1 in the division and a win would help them keep pace with the Eagles and give them a leg up on the Giants.

When the Giants have the ball
Rushing: The Giants' offensive line is doing a good job of opening up running lanes and giving the Giants' running backs creases to run through. The line is also doing an excellent job of allowing the fewest negative rushing plays in the NFL. Establishing the run early in games should help take some pressure off Eli Manning.
Tiki Barber is coming off a career game vs. the Falcons, rushing for 185 yards on 26 carries. Fellow running back Brandon Jacobs is finally getting a chance to contribute to the offense and has done a solid job of running the football. The Giants are averaging 151 yards a game, placing them tied with Dallas for fourth in the NFL in rushing.
The Giants will have trouble running the ball inside on the Cowboys' 3-4 defense, because of the presence of nose tackle Jason Ferguson. Ferguson cannot be blocked by one blocker and will require a constant double team, potentially freeing up inside linebackers Bradie James and Akin Ayodele.
The Cowboys are giving up less than four yards on first down and will need to stop the run early in the game, forcing Manning to throw. This game will be a good test for both teams, as the Giants run the ball extremely well and the Cowboys are only giving up 67 yards a game.

Passing: Eli Manning has struggled passing the ball early in games and has been part of the problem for the Giants slow start to games. Manning was a dismal 6-of-12 for 60 yards in the first half against the Falcons, with two interceptions and no touchdowns. The Giants' coaching staff needs to find ways for him to improve those numbers, perhaps with a quick, controlled passing attack like they use in two-minute situations where Manning excels.
With Tiki Barber running the ball so well, this should set up play action pass that will hold the Cowboys' linebackers and let the Giants' receivers get open behind them on dig routes. Jeremy Shockey is finally back from the ankle injury that has hampered him this year. He was Manning's favorite target vs. the Falcons and caught a touchdown pass.
The Cowboys need to get a good jam on the Giants' receivers and disrupt Shockey at the line of scrimmage. Cowboy's defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will need to mix in his coverages to help take away the run and provide good coverage on the Giants' receivers. Do not look for Zimmer to bring pressure with dogs or blitzes, as Manning is completing 67 percent of his passes with five touchdowns when teams try to blitz him.

When the Cowboys have the ball
Rushing: The Cowboys want to establish the run, as it will keep the pressure off quarterback Drew Bledsoe and will keep the Giants' offense off the field. Julius Jones and Marion Barber are becoming a good one-two punch, with Barber being the tougher of the two and able to grind out the tough yards. Both backs are averaging over four yards per carry.
The Cowboys like to use the wham play, which is an inside trap they will use on Giants' tackles Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield, who are aggressive at getting upfield. These two players will have to recognize the formation the wham comes out of and be ready to spill any blocks to the linebackers.
The Giants had down a nice job of stopping the run up until the Falcons game, and it was really one long run that hurt their rushing defensive stats. Robbins and Cofield will need to do a good job of holding up the Cowboys' center and guards, and keeping them off Giants' linebackers Brandon Short and <A href="http://sports-att.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2842" a Antonia Pierce<>.

Passing: The Cowboys' pass offense revolves around one person -- quarterback Drew Bledsoe. If the Cowboys' offensive line can give him time, Bledsoe can find his receivers. Bledsoe is averaging just over 200 yards a game, with an average completion of 5.9 yards per pass attempt.
The Cowboys will use play action to get the ball down the field with two- or three-man routes, keeping in a back or tight end to help on the pass rush. Terry Glenn is still Bledsoe's favorite target with 25 catches for 337 yards, and three touchdowns. Terrell Owens is getting better and was able to catch three touchdowns vs. the Texans. Giants' defensive coordinator Tim Lewis has done a good job of getting his players ready to play these last two weeks, and he has a big challenge this week. Lewis will look to the Eagles game for ideas on how to frustrate the Cowboys' passing game. The Giants will play more man to man coverage, with safety help over the top of Glenn and Owens. This will let the Giants' pass rush work the Cowboys offensive line to get pressure on Bledsoe. Lewis will mix in some corner blitzes and all out pressure to test the Cowboys' pass protection.

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Hache Man · Oct 20, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 10/19/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 10/19/06)

Updated: Oct. 20, 2006, 12:50 PM ET
OL ratings: Steelers tops in the NFL

Scouts Inc.





<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>Who has the NFL's best offensive line? We asked the experts from Scouts Inc., who broke it down from No. 1 to No. 32.

<TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=420 border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=4>NFL's best offensive lines</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=15>Rank</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=55>Team</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=350>Comment</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>1. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Offensive line coach and former Steeler Russ Grimm does an outstanding job with this team's line every year. This group didn't lose a starter from last season and remains very solid across the board. Pittsburgh drafts linemen every year and builds depth from within as well as any team in the league. Overall, this group has not played as well this season. However, not well for them still makes them better than anyone else in the NFL.
Best player: OG Alan Faneca </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>2. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Broncos employ a zone-blocking scheme. They like undersized offensive linemen who are light on their feet and can move well laterally. They do not have any real star power on the offensive line, but the fact that they have been together as a group for a while and play well together makes them one of the best units in the NFL.
Best player: C Tom Nalen </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>3. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>This has the potential of being the top overall line in the NFL. Starting OC Rich Braham and LT Levi Jones have missed extended time this season and as a result, their pass protection has been a problem. When right, the right side of the line is very physical, while the left is athletic and nimble.
Best player: C Eric Steinbach </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>4. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Colts use a zone-blocking scheme where the most important thing is for the linemen to stay on their feet. There is no one on the line that would jump out at you as a massive physical specimen. With one of the best O-line coaches in the business (Howard Mudd), the players just don't make many mistakes. They are a better at pass blocking than run blocking.
Best player: OT Tarik Glenn </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>5. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Eagles like big, tough, physical lineman who have the athletic ability to suit their up-tempo offense. These players must be good pass blockers first as the Eagles are a pass-heavy team. But they also have to be mean enough and big enough to open up holes in the run game. This group is a mix of young and old that has really put the time and effort into becoming one of the best lines in the league.
Best player: OG Shawn Andrews </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>6. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Redskins like their offensive linemen to have good size and athletic ability to fit their man-blocking scheme. These players must be able to option around and pull to pickup linebackers and defensive backs on the second level because the Redskins are a heavy outside running team. Their lineman have to have the agility to run over obstacles and be good in space. This is a veteran group that is anchored by LT Chris Samuels.
Best player: OT Chris Samuels </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>7. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Patriots have the best offensive line in the AFC East. They have a bunch of experience and have been together for several years. Rookie tackle Ryan O'Callaghan has done a nice job filling in for starter Nick Kaczur in New England's mixture of zone and man-blocking schemes.
Best player: OT Matt Light </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>8. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Jaguars, with new O-line coach Andy Heck, employ primarily zone-blocking scheme, but also will man block at times. Their interior (guards and center) has a lot of power and can get push using their explosive thrust. While they might lack stars, they don't really have any weak spots, either. They are a better run-blocking team.
Best player: OT Maurice Williams </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>9. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Returning after missing the better part of the last two seasons with injuries center Matt Birk leads a revamped offensive line that includes free-agent addition Steve Hutchinson at OG and Bryant McKinnie at OT. While the strength of the offense, this unit has struggled at times this year with penalties, stalling drives at critical times.
Best player: OG Steve Hutchinson </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>10. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The biggest surprise in Chicago this season has been the explosive play of the offense and the line has been a big reason for that. The Bears' offensive line has been solid in protection, allowing Rex Grossman to stand in the pocket and throw down the field. Center Olin Kreutz brings intensity and leadership to a veteran group. While solid in the run game, this group sometimes struggles to get to the second level to block linebackers to create big runs.
Best player: C Olin Kreutz </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>11. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Despite the loss of OG Steve Hutchinson, this is a good group. They're just not as dominant as last year. They are providing good protection for quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and opening good run lanes despite the absence of RB Shaun Alexander. Best player: OT Walter Jones </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>12. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>This is one of the more underrated units in the NFL. General manager A.J. Smith has done an excellent job of extending contracts for the young players (OC Nick Hardwick and ROT Shane Olivea) to lock them up long-term. Rookie Marcus McNeill also looks like a budding star at LOT. This is a young group that possess a nice combination of size, strength and athletic ability. They will be in the top five in the near future.
Best player: C Nick Hardwick </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>13. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Panthers rely on their power running game to setup the play-action pass. The Panthers' offensive line takes a lot of pride in their smash-mouth rushing attack. Even with the injuries and reshuffling on the line, this unit has been more consistent over the last few weeks. However the loss of LT Travelle Wharton earlier in the season was a blow to this unit.
Best player: OG Mike Wahle </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>14. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Falcons are the No. 1-ranked rushing unit in the NFL. The Falcons do a great job creating run lanes for RB Warrick Dunn in their zone-blocking schemes. Even though they are effective running the ball, they do have limitations on the interior of their offensive line in pass protection, which a defense can attack and exploit.
Best player: OT Wayne Gandy </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>15. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Giants' offensive line is a veteran group that has played together for a number of years. The Giants, like a lot of teams, like their lineman to be big and athletic. That's especially true at the guard positions because they are called upon to pull on outside running plays and block on the second level in space.
Best player: OG Chris Snee </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>16. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Doug Marrone has done an outstanding job of molding this unit of both veterans and younger players into one of the team's most consistent units. This no-name unit has done a great job of keeping QB Drew Brees upright in the pocket, while creating space for running backs Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush.
Best player: OT Jammal Brown </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>17. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>A big question mark at the start of the season, this unit is still a work in progress as far as pass protection goes because they've had trouble picking up the different pressure packages teams have used on them. They do a good job of coming off the ball and re-establishing the line of scrimmage in the run game on the defensive side of the ball. Still, the Cowboys need to be more consistent in pass protection.
Best player: OT Flozell Adams </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>18. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Titans, under Mike Munchak, are primarily a man-blocking team that, traditionally, likes to grind out the yards with a mauling type line that gets push and creates running lanes. The Titans have changed, somewhat, this year to using the zone techniques that better fit their smaller, more athletic linemen. The core of their strength is in their second- and third-year players, which bodes well for the future if they can lock these guys up long term. Best player: OT Michael Roos </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>19. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Once one of the best in the NFL, this unit has hit hard times this year with the sudden retirement of LOT Willie Roaf and the suspension of ROT John Welbourn. The interior is still good enough, but ROG Will Shields is at the end of his career. Waters is now the best of the group and a solid player to build around. They have some young OTs in Jordan Black, Kevin Sampson and Will Svitek that are seeing a lot more time this season. If they can develop, the Chiefs will once again be among the top 10 offensive lines in the NFL. Best player: OG Brian Waters </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>20. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>This makeshift offensive line has been playing well together despite losing center Andy McCollum, the veteran leader of this line, in Week 1. A young offensive line at C and RT, the surrounding veterans have helped elevate the run game, but they need to do a better job of protecting the quarterback against the three man rush. Best player: OT Orlando Pace </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>21. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Jets' offensive line has two rookie starters playing as good as anyone up front. The mixture of zone and man schemes employed by New York is similar to the Patriots OL philosophy. Ranked 21st in the league, the line is more effective as pass protectors than being physical run blockers. Rookies Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson give this line a lot of hope for its future effectiveness.
Best player: OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>22. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The run game will be vastly improved once the arguably most consistent offensive lineman (Larry Allen) in the NFL returns from a knee injury. This unit has been marred by injury and has not had a chance to gel. There is good depth and ability at the center and guard spots, but the two tackles are not holding the corner as well as they should.
Best player: OG Larry Allen </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>23. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>This is an aging, heavy-footed group that lacks depth. Ogden at left tackle is the only player of the group who is an above average starter for his position. The right side of the line in particular lacks quickness and mobility. The Ravens have three young guys -- Chris Chester, Adam Terry and Jason Brown, who is the only one starting -- who must progress for the unit to improve.
Best player: OT Jonathan Ogden </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>24. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Buccaneers' offensive line has struggled with consistency this season and they continue to hold this team back. There is hope for the future with rookies Davin Joseph and Jeremy Trueblood starting on the right side, but the Buccaneers still have issues on the left side with LT Anthony Davis and the inconsistency at LG with Dan Buenning and Sean Mahan.
Best player: C John Wade </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>25. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Browns' offensive line has been a mess since Cleveland rejoined the league. The new regime spent big bucks on LT Kevin Shaffer and C LeCharles Bentley to build it towards respectability. But Bentley was lost in his first practice in Cleveland and Shaffer has not lived up to expectations. The interior of the line has not played well this year, which has really hurt their power running game.
Best player: OT Ryan Tucker </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>26. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Packers have installed a completely new zone-run game scheme and the offensive line is beginning to show signs of consistency. Green Bay's line has three rookies rotating at the two guard positions and a relatively inexperienced center, but a solid anchor in left tackle Chad Clifton. While the learning curve is steep, the offensive line is beginning to gel.
Best player: OT Chad Clifton </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>27. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>This unit has been decimated by injury all season with center Dominic Raiola and LT Jeff Backus the only constants in the ever-changing lineup. Protection breakdowns, in most part due to a complete lack of continuity, have forced Jon Kitna to hurry throws that have resulted in several critical turnovers. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz was smart to stay committed to the run game in Week 6. Look for this group to continue running the ball or it will continue to struggle.
Best player: OT Jeff Backus </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>28. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>Ranked in the bottom five in the league (28th), the Buffalo OL has regressed over the past two weeks. The Bills had some success protecting the passer in their man-protection scheme through Week 4 but have given up eight sacks in the past two weekends. The OL is not physically imposing and must be effective with technique and athleticism.
Best player: OT Jason Peters </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>29. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Miami offensive line is one of the worst in the NFL. The Dolphins had given up 22 sacks prior to Week 6, but improved vs. the Jets with their primarily zone-blocking scheme. Moving left tackle L.J. Shelton to guard and starting Damion McIntosh at left tackle gives them their best combination up front. This line is not very good, but it has shown signs of being better since Joey Harrington became the starting QB.
Best player: OT Vernon Carey </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>30. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Cardinals' offensive line does not have an identity or attitude. Lack of viable veteran depth has hindered the progress of this unit and made the team limited in shuffling players into more productive positions. Left tackle Leonard Davis would be a much better player if he was at his natural guard spot.
Best player: OG Reggie Wells </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>31. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>The Texans use pretty much the same blocking schemes as the Denver Broncos, where head coach Gary Kubiak came from. The Texans are trying to find or develop athletic linemen. This scheme requires the players to have time together and familiarity with one another, which, at this point, the Texans are lacking.
Best player: OG Chester Pitts </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD>32. </TD><TD>

</TD><TD>This is hands down the worst unit in the NFL this season. The Raiders have two solid players in LOG Barry Sims and C Jake Grove. LOT Robert Gallery has been somewhat of a bust and the entire right side needs to be rebuilt. Although it's not a great unit by any means, it's important to note that the coaching staff in Oakland does a terrible job of playing to their players' strengths.
Best player: OG Barry Sims </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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Hache Man · Oct 20, 2006