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

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 14 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 14 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Falcons impressive in Week 1


posted: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After further review, my game ball for this past weekend goes to the Atlanta Falcons, who showed everybody they are a team to be reckoned with in the NFC South.


Quarterback Michael Vick was awesome in the Falcons' impressive win over the Panthers. Even though his passing numbers weren't overly impressive -- 10-for-22, 133 yards -- he did throw two touchdown passes and had zero interceptions for a passer rating of 96.8. Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp did a good job in his designs, fitting Vick's strengths and mixing things up in the passing game and allowing Vick to attack the outside edges of the Panthers' defense.

Vick is one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL when sliding away from pressure, avoiding people and moving outside the pocket in space. The two things that were very impressive were his decision-making and his ability to keep his eyes downfield when outside the pocket. This allowed his receivers to go uncovered and move to open areas in the Panthers' zone defenses. Vick is starting to develop a good chemistry with Michael Jenkins, along with his favorite target, tight end Alge Crumpler.

The Falcons' offensive line of Wayne Gandy, Matt Lehr, Todd McClure, Kynan Forney and Todd Weiner dominated the Panthers' front seven. The Falcons rushed for 252 yards against a Panthers defense that was very good on paper. Warrick Dunn looked explosive in leading the Falcons in rushing with a 132 yards. Dunn is a shifty, surprisingly strong runner who knows how to protect himself between the tackles.

Defensively, the Falcons' revamped defensive line was all over the field in harassing QB Jake Delhomme. Led by DE John Abraham and the inside push of DT Rod Coleman, the Falcons' line created a lot of match-up problems for the Panthers' pass protection schemes. However, injuries to Abraham and Patrick Kerney will be a concern this week as the Falcons prepare for the Buccaneers on Sunday.
Not to go unnoticed was the addition of DT Grady Jackson, who did a great job of clogging up run lanes. That allowed linebackers Demorrio Williams and Keith Brooking to play fast and aggressive from an inside-out position when attacking downhill gaps. Strong safety Lawyer Milloy was impressive his run fits when playing up near the box in downs with heavy run tendencies against a team that takes a lot pride in its power running game.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 14 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 14 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Falcons impressive in Week 1


posted: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After further review, my game ball for this past weekend goes to the Atlanta Falcons, who showed everybody they are a team to be reckoned with in the NFC South.


Quarterback Michael Vick was awesome in the Falcons' impressive win over the Panthers. Even though his passing numbers weren't overly impressive -- 10-for-22, 133 yards -- he did throw two touchdown passes and had zero interceptions for a passer rating of 96.8. Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp did a good job in his designs, fitting Vick's strengths and mixing things up in the passing game and allowing Vick to attack the outside edges of the Panthers' defense.

Vick is one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL when sliding away from pressure, avoiding people and moving outside the pocket in space. The two things that were very impressive were his decision-making and his ability to keep his eyes downfield when outside the pocket. This allowed his receivers to go uncovered and move to open areas in the Panthers' zone defenses. Vick is starting to develop a good chemistry with Michael Jenkins, along with his favorite target, tight end Alge Crumpler.

The Falcons' offensive line of Wayne Gandy, Matt Lehr, Todd McClure, Kynan Forney and Todd Weiner dominated the Panthers' front seven. The Falcons rushed for 252 yards against a Panthers defense that was very good on paper. Warrick Dunn looked explosive in leading the Falcons in rushing with a 132 yards. Dunn is a shifty, surprisingly strong runner who knows how to protect himself between the tackles.

Defensively, the Falcons' revamped defensive line was all over the field in harassing QB Jake Delhomme. Led by DE John Abraham and the inside push of DT Rod Coleman, the Falcons' line created a lot of match-up problems for the Panthers' pass protection schemes. However, injuries to Abraham and Patrick Kerney will be a concern this week as the Falcons prepare for the Buccaneers on Sunday.
Not to go unnoticed was the addition of DT Grady Jackson, who did a great job of clogging up run lanes. That allowed linebackers Demorrio Williams and Keith Brooking to play fast and aggressive from an inside-out position when attacking downhill gaps. Strong safety Lawyer Milloy was impressive his run fits when playing up near the box in downs with heavy run tendencies against a team that takes a lot pride in its power running game.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 14 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 14 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Rough week for NFC East


posted: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins

The Cowboys looked good on their opening drive Sunday, mixing short quick passes and running the football, allowing them to build a 10-point lead going into the second quarter. From then on it was all Jacksonville, who scored 24 unanswered points. The Cowboys' defense was on the field too long on a hot, humid day and he Jags had almost a 10-minute advantage in time of possession. Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry was picked on all afternoon by Jacksonville QB Byron Leftwich and the Jaguar receivers.


The Giants played a good football team in the Indianapolis Colts. At first, it looked like Christmas was going to come early for the Giants. However, they turned down a number of gifts that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning was trying to hand out. If the Giants are going to win the division and go deep into the playoffs, they must make plays. Sunday, the Giants did not capitalize on the Colts' mistakes. The other glaring weakness is the inability of the Giants' defense to get off the field on third down. The Colts converted on 11-of-16 third downs. Every third down conversion an offense gets translates to three more plays. That is the equivalent of 33 more plays. Thirty-three more plays for Peyton Manning to work the ball down field and score. You can not give Peyton that many opportunities.

The Eagles played a Houston Texan team that lacks consistent playmakers on both sides of the ball. The Eagles capitalized on blown coverages and poor pass protection in beating the Texans. It was a good tune up game for the Eagles who have a real test this weekend agains the Giants at home.
We were all concerned about the lack of production in preseason of the Redskins' offense, which moved the ball on the Vikings but could not score in the red zone. It was their defense that gave up big plays and could not stop the Vikings' offense on third down. Vikings quarterback Brad Johnson was not pressured at all and was only sacked once while throwing for 223 yards. The Redskins' secondary gave up big chunks of yardage as Johnson completed five passes (four in the second half) for 20 or more yards on a Redskin secondary that clearly misses injured cornerback Shawn Springs. Pro Football Weekly gave the Vikings wide receiver core a grade of C before the season and that was with Koren Robinson who was recently cut.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 14 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 14 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Rough week for NFC East


posted: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins

The Cowboys looked good on their opening drive Sunday, mixing short quick passes and running the football, allowing them to build a 10-point lead going into the second quarter. From then on it was all Jacksonville, who scored 24 unanswered points. The Cowboys' defense was on the field too long on a hot, humid day and he Jags had almost a 10-minute advantage in time of possession. Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry was picked on all afternoon by Jacksonville QB Byron Leftwich and the Jaguar receivers.


The Giants played a good football team in the Indianapolis Colts. At first, it looked like Christmas was going to come early for the Giants. However, they turned down a number of gifts that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning was trying to hand out. If the Giants are going to win the division and go deep into the playoffs, they must make plays. Sunday, the Giants did not capitalize on the Colts' mistakes. The other glaring weakness is the inability of the Giants' defense to get off the field on third down. The Colts converted on 11-of-16 third downs. Every third down conversion an offense gets translates to three more plays. That is the equivalent of 33 more plays. Thirty-three more plays for Peyton Manning to work the ball down field and score. You can not give Peyton that many opportunities.

The Eagles played a Houston Texan team that lacks consistent playmakers on both sides of the ball. The Eagles capitalized on blown coverages and poor pass protection in beating the Texans. It was a good tune up game for the Eagles who have a real test this weekend agains the Giants at home.
We were all concerned about the lack of production in preseason of the Redskins' offense, which moved the ball on the Vikings but could not score in the red zone. It was their defense that gave up big plays and could not stop the Vikings' offense on third down. Vikings quarterback Brad Johnson was not pressured at all and was only sacked once while throwing for 223 yards. The Redskins' secondary gave up big chunks of yardage as Johnson completed five passes (four in the second half) for 20 or more yards on a Redskin secondary that clearly misses injured cornerback Shawn Springs. Pro Football Weekly gave the Vikings wide receiver core a grade of C before the season and that was with Koren Robinson who was recently cut.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Wednesday, September 13, 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 2


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
By Scouts, Inc.


<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<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 SEPTEMBER 17, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Buffalo
at
Miami
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Bills at Dolphins
This may be one of the most important games for both teams in the first half of the season. The Dolphins had high expectations coming into the 2006 and need to bounce back after their tough loss to the Steerlers. A home loss to a division opponent may be devastating to Miami's confidence. Buffalo doesn't have the same sense of urgency, but no team wants to begin 0-2.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Carolina
at
Minnesota
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Panthers at Vikings
Many pundits predicted the Carolina Panthers to be a playoff team and even the NFC representative in Super Bowl XLI, and many question marks surrounded the Vikings. However, in Week 1, Carolina was soundly defeated at home by the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota went on the road and beat Washington on "Monday Night Football."

Look for intense John Fox to bring his players to the Metrodome with fire in their eyes after a less-than-inspiring effort against Atlanta in Charlotte. Brad Childress will look to keep his troops on an even keel preparing for their home opener against such a quality team.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
NY Giants
at
Philadelphia
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Giants at Eagles
The Giants are favored by some to win the NFC East, but for that to happen, they must find a way to win on the road against the Eagles. New York had problems on the road last year, going 4-4, and the team was 3-2 on natural grass. The Giants need a win to get back to .500 because a loss would put them at 0-2 and they have to travel to Seattle in Week 3.

The Eagles could get to 2-0 and an early lead in the NFC East if they can win at home against the Giants. A win also would silence a number of critics.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Oakland
at
Baltimore
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Raiders at Ravens
The Ravens' defense appeared to be back to its Super Bowl form, shutting out the Bucs. With their swagger back, they will be facing the Oakland Raiders, who were destroyed by the Chargers on Monday night. Baltimore's defense looked extremely tough and fast, and their offense features a premier TE (Todd Heap) and RB (Jamal Lewis).

The Raiders will have a short week to correct their many problems. This game promises to be very physical, with lots of heavy hitting and probably some extra curricular activities.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Tampa Bay
at
Atlanta
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Buccaneers at Falcons
The Falcons looked as if they were in midseason form as they dismantled the Panthers in Week 1. The Buccaneers can ill afford to start the season at 0-2.

Bucs head coach Jon Gruden must find a way to get his offense back on track against a fast and aggressive Falcons defense, which could be without two of its premier pass-rushers in John Abraham and Patrick Kerney.

Falcons offensive coordinator Greg Knapp will rely on the running game to set up the play-action pass against a Buccaneers defense that finished first in the NFL in total defense last season.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Detroit
at
Chicago
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Lions at Bears
The Bears dominated the Packers in every phase of the game last week, while the Lions valiantly held the high-powered Seattle offense without a touchdown only to lose on a last-second field goal. The Detroit defense and special teams will keep the Lions in the game until the offense gets on track. The team obviously has bought into new coach Rod Marinilli's new attitude and will compete by playing very physical football. Chicago was the class of the NFC North last season and looks to have improved both its offense and overall depth.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Cleveland
at
Cincinnati
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Browns at Bengals
This divisional battle of the two Ohio franchises is the Bengals' home opener. The last home game the Bengals played was their wild-card loss to Pittsburgh, when Carson Palmer blew out his knee. Well, Palmer is back and should cause the Browns all sorts of problems leading the Bengals' high-powered offense.

Cleveland has made great strides over the past two seasons to approach respectability, but the Browns still have their share of holes and their depth across the board is suspect -- not to mention they managed just three first downs in the first half at home vs. the Saints and were dominated in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

The Bengals are the opposite. Few rosters have a talent level close to what Cincinnati can offer and this is a game that the Bengals need to decisively win to further establish themselves as a powerhouse in the division.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
New Orleans
at
Green Bay
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Saints at Packers
These teams, both with new head coaches, opened the season with contrasting results. Collectively, there will be a lot of growing pains due to the inexperience and depth on these rosters. Saints head coach Sean Payton will continue to utilize RBs Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister in the same backfield to create mismatches. Green Bay defensive coordinator Bob Sanders will look to stay aggressive this week with a variety of run blitzes to disrupt the Saints' blocking patterns.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy will continue to incorporate his West Coast system by trying to get QB Brett Favre into a rhythm with a short, controlled passing attack. Defensively, the Saints must find a way to stop RB Ahman Green while disrupting the timing and rhythm of the Packers' passing game.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Houston
at
Indianapolis
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Texans at Colts
The Colts are coming off a tough win over the Giants and need to win this game that everyone expects to be a blowout. In a sense this needs to be a statement game where the Colts show they can squeak out the tough ones and easily win the ones they are supposed to win.

The Texans, on the other hand, need to prove that the Week 1 loss to the Eagles is not indicative of where they are heading. They need to find some kind of running game and develop some blocking up front to protect the quarterback.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
St. Louis
at
San Francisco
Sun 4:05 PM ET</TD><TD>Rams at 49ers
The 49ers nearly pulled off a come-from-behind win at Arizona in Week 1. The Rams pulled off an upset win against the Broncos and were able to create five turnovers in the process. Look for another powerful rushing attack by the Rams and fewer mental mistakes by the 49ers, who are playing with confidence on offense.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Arizona
at
Seattle
Sun 4:05 PM ET</TD><TD>Cardinals at Seahawks
Divisional matchups are always intriguing to watch and this game could help determine who takes an early share of the divisional lead. This is a matchup of two high-powered offenses as the Seahawks return home for their season opener in front of a sold-out capacity crowd.

The Seahawks survived a scare in Week 1 when they used a last-second field goal to secure a victory against the Lions. They were unable to get their run game going, but managed to come away with the victory. The Cardinals looked impressive in their home opener, as they moved the ball effectively against the 49ers.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Kansas City
at
Denver
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Chiefs at Broncos
Both teams are 0-1 and don't want to fall too far behind in the tough AFC West. The fans might be a little unhappy with QB Jake Plummer's performance last week, but he had the same kind of outing in the season opener in 2005 in Miami. He bounced back and had one of the most productive seasons of his career. Denver's run defense was a little suspect last week too, which is not good considering they were one of the best in the NFL in stopping the run last week. They will get a chance to redeem themselves this week vs. Kansas City offense that will be pretty one-dimensional, with RB Larry Johnson carrying the entire offense.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Tennessee
at
San Diego
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Titans at Chargers
The Chargers have the best RB in the NFL in LaDainian Tomlinson. He is a versatile runner who can also create mismatches in the passing game. QB Philip Rivers went on the road last week and benefited from a very conservative game plan, allowing him to manage the game. The Chargers should look to turn him loose a little more this week vs. a Titans' secondary that gave up 300+ passing yards last weekend to the Jets' Chad Pennington. The Chargers' defense pitched a shutout last week and may do it again this week.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
New England
at
NY Jets
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Patriots at Jets
The Jets' Eric Mangini, the youngest coach in the league, got his first win on the road in Week 1 against the Titans. The Patriots escaped with a win at home despite a subpar performance. The winner of this game will take the early lead in the AFC East. It's tough to outwit someone you know well (Mangini coached under Bill Belichick in New England), but you can bet that both coaches will have some wrinkles up their sleeves.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Washington
at
Dallas
Sun 8:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Redskins at Cowboys
This will be another good NFC East divisional matchup pitting two teams that really hate each other. Can the Cowboys protect Drew Bledsoe, and if Bledsoe plays as badly as he played last week, will he get replaced by Tony Romo? Can the Cowboys bounce back after a disappointing loss and beat an improved Redskins team? Can the Redskins' corners hold up against Cowboys receivers Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens? Neither team can afford to go 0-2.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=2>MONDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Pittsburgh
at
Jacksonville
Mon 8:30 PM ET</TD><TD>Steelers at Jaguars
The Super Bowl champions are on national television for the second straight week, having defeated the Dolphins in the opening game of the NFL season. This is a matchup of two playoff teams from last season, and the Jaguars actually finished the 2005 regular season with the better record of the two.

Jack Del Rio has some striking similarities to Bill Cowher. Both coaches were hard-nosed linebackers, and Del Rio wants his Jaguars to be very physical with a very strong defense and running game, much as the Steelers have been under Cowher. Ben Roethlisberger could return to lead the Steelers' offense, but Charlie Batch played well in his stint. It also should be noted that Pittsburgh had an extra-long week to rest and prepare for this game after its Thursday night contest in Week 1.
? Complete advance scouting report </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Wednesday, September 13, 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 2


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
By Scouts, Inc.


<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<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 SEPTEMBER 17, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Buffalo
at
Miami
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Bills at Dolphins
This may be one of the most important games for both teams in the first half of the season. The Dolphins had high expectations coming into the 2006 and need to bounce back after their tough loss to the Steerlers. A home loss to a division opponent may be devastating to Miami's confidence. Buffalo doesn't have the same sense of urgency, but no team wants to begin 0-2.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Carolina
at
Minnesota
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Panthers at Vikings
Many pundits predicted the Carolina Panthers to be a playoff team and even the NFC representative in Super Bowl XLI, and many question marks surrounded the Vikings. However, in Week 1, Carolina was soundly defeated at home by the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota went on the road and beat Washington on "Monday Night Football."

Look for intense John Fox to bring his players to the Metrodome with fire in their eyes after a less-than-inspiring effort against Atlanta in Charlotte. Brad Childress will look to keep his troops on an even keel preparing for their home opener against such a quality team.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
NY Giants
at
Philadelphia
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Giants at Eagles
The Giants are favored by some to win the NFC East, but for that to happen, they must find a way to win on the road against the Eagles. New York had problems on the road last year, going 4-4, and the team was 3-2 on natural grass. The Giants need a win to get back to .500 because a loss would put them at 0-2 and they have to travel to Seattle in Week 3.

The Eagles could get to 2-0 and an early lead in the NFC East if they can win at home against the Giants. A win also would silence a number of critics.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Oakland
at
Baltimore
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Raiders at Ravens
The Ravens' defense appeared to be back to its Super Bowl form, shutting out the Bucs. With their swagger back, they will be facing the Oakland Raiders, who were destroyed by the Chargers on Monday night. Baltimore's defense looked extremely tough and fast, and their offense features a premier TE (Todd Heap) and RB (Jamal Lewis).

The Raiders will have a short week to correct their many problems. This game promises to be very physical, with lots of heavy hitting and probably some extra curricular activities.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Tampa Bay
at
Atlanta
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Buccaneers at Falcons
The Falcons looked as if they were in midseason form as they dismantled the Panthers in Week 1. The Buccaneers can ill afford to start the season at 0-2.

Bucs head coach Jon Gruden must find a way to get his offense back on track against a fast and aggressive Falcons defense, which could be without two of its premier pass-rushers in John Abraham and Patrick Kerney.

Falcons offensive coordinator Greg Knapp will rely on the running game to set up the play-action pass against a Buccaneers defense that finished first in the NFL in total defense last season.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Detroit
at
Chicago
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Lions at Bears
The Bears dominated the Packers in every phase of the game last week, while the Lions valiantly held the high-powered Seattle offense without a touchdown only to lose on a last-second field goal. The Detroit defense and special teams will keep the Lions in the game until the offense gets on track. The team obviously has bought into new coach Rod Marinilli's new attitude and will compete by playing very physical football. Chicago was the class of the NFC North last season and looks to have improved both its offense and overall depth.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Cleveland
at
Cincinnati
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Browns at Bengals
This divisional battle of the two Ohio franchises is the Bengals' home opener. The last home game the Bengals played was their wild-card loss to Pittsburgh, when Carson Palmer blew out his knee. Well, Palmer is back and should cause the Browns all sorts of problems leading the Bengals' high-powered offense.

Cleveland has made great strides over the past two seasons to approach respectability, but the Browns still have their share of holes and their depth across the board is suspect -- not to mention they managed just three first downs in the first half at home vs. the Saints and were dominated in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

The Bengals are the opposite. Few rosters have a talent level close to what Cincinnati can offer and this is a game that the Bengals need to decisively win to further establish themselves as a powerhouse in the division.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
New Orleans
at
Green Bay
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Saints at Packers
These teams, both with new head coaches, opened the season with contrasting results. Collectively, there will be a lot of growing pains due to the inexperience and depth on these rosters. Saints head coach Sean Payton will continue to utilize RBs Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister in the same backfield to create mismatches. Green Bay defensive coordinator Bob Sanders will look to stay aggressive this week with a variety of run blitzes to disrupt the Saints' blocking patterns.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy will continue to incorporate his West Coast system by trying to get QB Brett Favre into a rhythm with a short, controlled passing attack. Defensively, the Saints must find a way to stop RB Ahman Green while disrupting the timing and rhythm of the Packers' passing game.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Houston
at
Indianapolis
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Texans at Colts
The Colts are coming off a tough win over the Giants and need to win this game that everyone expects to be a blowout. In a sense this needs to be a statement game where the Colts show they can squeak out the tough ones and easily win the ones they are supposed to win.

The Texans, on the other hand, need to prove that the Week 1 loss to the Eagles is not indicative of where they are heading. They need to find some kind of running game and develop some blocking up front to protect the quarterback.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
St. Louis
at
San Francisco
Sun 4:05 PM ET</TD><TD>Rams at 49ers
The 49ers nearly pulled off a come-from-behind win at Arizona in Week 1. The Rams pulled off an upset win against the Broncos and were able to create five turnovers in the process. Look for another powerful rushing attack by the Rams and fewer mental mistakes by the 49ers, who are playing with confidence on offense.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Arizona
at
Seattle
Sun 4:05 PM ET</TD><TD>Cardinals at Seahawks
Divisional matchups are always intriguing to watch and this game could help determine who takes an early share of the divisional lead. This is a matchup of two high-powered offenses as the Seahawks return home for their season opener in front of a sold-out capacity crowd.

The Seahawks survived a scare in Week 1 when they used a last-second field goal to secure a victory against the Lions. They were unable to get their run game going, but managed to come away with the victory. The Cardinals looked impressive in their home opener, as they moved the ball effectively against the 49ers.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Kansas City
at
Denver
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Chiefs at Broncos
Both teams are 0-1 and don't want to fall too far behind in the tough AFC West. The fans might be a little unhappy with QB Jake Plummer's performance last week, but he had the same kind of outing in the season opener in 2005 in Miami. He bounced back and had one of the most productive seasons of his career. Denver's run defense was a little suspect last week too, which is not good considering they were one of the best in the NFL in stopping the run last week. They will get a chance to redeem themselves this week vs. Kansas City offense that will be pretty one-dimensional, with RB Larry Johnson carrying the entire offense.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Tennessee
at
San Diego
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Titans at Chargers
The Chargers have the best RB in the NFL in LaDainian Tomlinson. He is a versatile runner who can also create mismatches in the passing game. QB Philip Rivers went on the road last week and benefited from a very conservative game plan, allowing him to manage the game. The Chargers should look to turn him loose a little more this week vs. a Titans' secondary that gave up 300+ passing yards last weekend to the Jets' Chad Pennington. The Chargers' defense pitched a shutout last week and may do it again this week.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
New England
at
NY Jets
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Patriots at Jets
The Jets' Eric Mangini, the youngest coach in the league, got his first win on the road in Week 1 against the Titans. The Patriots escaped with a win at home despite a subpar performance. The winner of this game will take the early lead in the AFC East. It's tough to outwit someone you know well (Mangini coached under Bill Belichick in New England), but you can bet that both coaches will have some wrinkles up their sleeves.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Washington
at
Dallas
Sun 8:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Redskins at Cowboys
This will be another good NFC East divisional matchup pitting two teams that really hate each other. Can the Cowboys protect Drew Bledsoe, and if Bledsoe plays as badly as he played last week, will he get replaced by Tony Romo? Can the Cowboys bounce back after a disappointing loss and beat an improved Redskins team? Can the Redskins' corners hold up against Cowboys receivers Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens? Neither team can afford to go 0-2.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=2>MONDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Pittsburgh
at
Jacksonville
Mon 8:30 PM ET</TD><TD>Steelers at Jaguars
The Super Bowl champions are on national television for the second straight week, having defeated the Dolphins in the opening game of the NFL season. This is a matchup of two playoff teams from last season, and the Jaguars actually finished the 2005 regular season with the better record of the two.

Jack Del Rio has some striking similarities to Bill Cowher. Both coaches were hard-nosed linebackers, and Del Rio wants his Jaguars to be very physical with a very strong defense and running game, much as the Steelers have been under Cowher. Ben Roethlisberger could return to lead the Steelers' offense, but Charlie Batch played well in his stint. It also should be noted that Pittsburgh had an extra-long week to rest and prepare for this game after its Thursday night contest in Week 1.
? Complete advance scouting report </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Volek to the Chargers?
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider and have access to this premium feature.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Wednesday, September 13</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Billy Volek
Titans
</TD><TD>Chargers
</TD><TD>Volek to the Chargers?
<Sep. 13> ESPN's Chris Mortensen suggests Volek should pack an extra bag or two when the Titans visit the Chargers this Sunday. He might be staying awhile.
Sources on both teams indicate that the Titans wanted to get this game out of the way before proceeding with a trade that would send the quarterback to the Chargers. Volek began training camp as the Titans' starter, but was the team's No. 3 quarterback in Week 1. Titans coach Jeff Fisher reiterated that recently signed Kerry Collins will remain the starter with rookie Vince Young as the backup.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Quincy Morgan
Steelers
</TD><TD>Vikings
49ers?
Dolphins?
Patriots?
</TD><TD>Vikings pursuing Morgan
<Sep. 13> The Vikings continue to talk with Morgan's agent and appear to be close to reaching a deal with the veteran receiver and kick returner, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
"Hopefully we'll get it done pretty soon," agent Brian Overstreet said. "I think it's [close]. We'll just see if it happens." Morgan, released by Pittsburgh late in training camp, worked out for the Vikings last week. He is also is being considered by San Francisco, Miami and New England.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Charles Rogers
Lions
</TD><TD>Dolphins?
</TD><TD>Dolphins considering Rogers?
<Sep. 13> The Dolphins worked out Rogers on Sept. 12, according to multiple reports. The Dolphins haven't said how serious they are about signing the former Lions receiver, but Rogers would fit the low-cost, high-risk profile of other Miami acquisitions during Nick Saban's tenure. Rogers was released by the Lions on Sept. 2 after three seasons of injuries and inconsistency. Saban is familiar with the second overall pick of the 2003 draft, having recruited him to play at Michigan State.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Bradlee Van Pelt
Broncos
</TD><TD>Bills?
Seahawks?
</TD><TD>Van Pelt weighing options
<Sep. 13> Van Pelt, cut by the Broncos on Sept. 2, has a workout scheduled in Seattle and has also drawn interest from Buffalo, according to The Denver Post.
"There is a fine line between an NFL signal caller and a guy on the street," Van Pelt said. "I just have to get back in the league." Van Pelt, Denver's No. 2 quarterback from much of last season, said he has opportunities to play in the CFL, but the former seventh-round pick is not interested in going that route.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Volek to the Chargers?
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider and have access to this premium feature.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Wednesday, September 13</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Billy Volek
Titans
</TD><TD>Chargers
</TD><TD>Volek to the Chargers?
<Sep. 13> ESPN's Chris Mortensen suggests Volek should pack an extra bag or two when the Titans visit the Chargers this Sunday. He might be staying awhile.
Sources on both teams indicate that the Titans wanted to get this game out of the way before proceeding with a trade that would send the quarterback to the Chargers. Volek began training camp as the Titans' starter, but was the team's No. 3 quarterback in Week 1. Titans coach Jeff Fisher reiterated that recently signed Kerry Collins will remain the starter with rookie Vince Young as the backup.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Quincy Morgan
Steelers
</TD><TD>Vikings
49ers?
Dolphins?
Patriots?
</TD><TD>Vikings pursuing Morgan
<Sep. 13> The Vikings continue to talk with Morgan's agent and appear to be close to reaching a deal with the veteran receiver and kick returner, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
"Hopefully we'll get it done pretty soon," agent Brian Overstreet said. "I think it's [close]. We'll just see if it happens." Morgan, released by Pittsburgh late in training camp, worked out for the Vikings last week. He is also is being considered by San Francisco, Miami and New England.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Charles Rogers
Lions
</TD><TD>Dolphins?
</TD><TD>Dolphins considering Rogers?
<Sep. 13> The Dolphins worked out Rogers on Sept. 12, according to multiple reports. The Dolphins haven't said how serious they are about signing the former Lions receiver, but Rogers would fit the low-cost, high-risk profile of other Miami acquisitions during Nick Saban's tenure. Rogers was released by the Lions on Sept. 2 after three seasons of injuries and inconsistency. Saban is familiar with the second overall pick of the 2003 draft, having recruited him to play at Michigan State.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Bradlee Van Pelt
Broncos
</TD><TD>Bills?
Seahawks?
</TD><TD>Van Pelt weighing options
<Sep. 13> Van Pelt, cut by the Broncos on Sept. 2, has a workout scheduled in Seattle and has also drawn interest from Buffalo, according to The Denver Post.
"There is a fine line between an NFL signal caller and a guy on the street," Van Pelt said. "I just have to get back in the league." Van Pelt, Denver's No. 2 quarterback from much of last season, said he has opportunities to play in the CFL, but the former seventh-round pick is not interested in going that route.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Wednesday, September 13, 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>Panthers must run better


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
By Scouts, Inc.


<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->

<!-- end bylinebox -->
<TABLE class=text11 cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width=552 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="100%">Why To Watch
Many pundits predicted the Carolina Panthers to be a playoff team and even the NFC representative in Super Bowl XLI, and many question marks surrounded the Vikings. However, in Week 1, Carolina was soundly defeated at home by the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota went on the road and beat Washington on "Monday Night Football."

Look for intense John Fox to bring his players to the Metrodome with fire in their eyes after a less-than-inspiring effort against Atlanta in Charlotte. Brad Childress will look to keep his troops on an even keel preparing for their home opener against such a quality team.


When the Panthers have the ball
Rushing: Look for Carolina to work to establish the run game after a less-than-stellar effort against Atlanta. DeShaun Foster should get more carries, but the lack of Steve Smith at receiver allowed the Falcons to balance their coverage and play the run. Foster hopes Smith will be in the lineup in Minnesota, as the Vikings would have to honor him and open up the run game a little for Carolina.
Minnesota's defensive unit played well against the Redskins' run game, and if you discount a reverse by Antwaan Randle El, held Washington to fewer than 100 yards rushing. Look for Carolina to line up in some power sets and try to pound the ball, especially if Smith doesn't play. Minnesota is formidable against the run in the middle, with huge Pat Williams stuffing everything inside and Kevin Williams as an athletic, penetrating force. The Vikings also have athletic linebackers and tough tackling corners.

Passing: Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme can be inconsistent, and he struggled in the opener. Although he did miss Smith, he can't afford a bad day. Look for the proud QB to rebound with a solid effort in Minnesota. Delhomme was sacked four times and threw a pick. He will need much better protection and decision making versus Minnesota. The Vikings played solid pass defense versus the Redskins and must be equally sound against Carolina.
Look for the Vikings' pass-rush to disrupt Delhomme, and look for the secondary to play an aggressive ball-hawking style with the return of Dwight Smith at safety alongside Darren Sharper. Smith was inactive versus Washington for disciplinary reasons but will play against the Panthers. The return of Carolina's star receiver will have a bigger impact on this game than Smith's return will, but both players make their teams better.

When the Vikings have the ball
Rushing: Minnesota amassed only 86 yards rushing against the aggressive Redskins defense, but Chester Taylor proved himself by gaining some tough yards and scoring a touchdown. Taylor still wasn't explosive, but he is a steady, chain-moving type of back. He had important yardage for the Vikings in the Monday night contest. Taylor logged 31 carries and is the type of player coaches love, but the Vikings coaches surely wish he would provide more explosive plays for this offense. Carolina's defensive front will be smarting from its poor defensive performance after surrendering 252 yards rushing to divisional rival Atlanta. Expect the Panthers to bring a focused effort to stopping the run after such an embarrassment against the Falcons.

Passing: Veteran quarterback Brad Johnson is an accurate, precise passer, and he possesses special leadership qualities. The Vikings are lacking a big playmaker at receiver to take the pressure off Johnson, but they do have several reliable receivers who have special roles, and the quarterback who will use them all. Troy Williamson had a nice catch on the opening drive, but he must step up his game to be considered a playmaker because he dropped a couple of other deep balls. The offensive line did a nice job of protecting Johnson against the aggressive, blitzing Redskins, but it will face a much tougher pass rushing unit this Sunday against the Panthers. Carolina features a talented front that will challenge the stout Vikings offensive line with size, speed and athleticism.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Wednesday, September 13, 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>Panthers must run better


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
By Scouts, Inc.


<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->

<!-- end bylinebox -->
<TABLE class=text11 cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width=552 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="100%">Why To Watch
Many pundits predicted the Carolina Panthers to be a playoff team and even the NFC representative in Super Bowl XLI, and many question marks surrounded the Vikings. However, in Week 1, Carolina was soundly defeated at home by the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota went on the road and beat Washington on "Monday Night Football."

Look for intense John Fox to bring his players to the Metrodome with fire in their eyes after a less-than-inspiring effort against Atlanta in Charlotte. Brad Childress will look to keep his troops on an even keel preparing for their home opener against such a quality team.


When the Panthers have the ball
Rushing: Look for Carolina to work to establish the run game after a less-than-stellar effort against Atlanta. DeShaun Foster should get more carries, but the lack of Steve Smith at receiver allowed the Falcons to balance their coverage and play the run. Foster hopes Smith will be in the lineup in Minnesota, as the Vikings would have to honor him and open up the run game a little for Carolina.
Minnesota's defensive unit played well against the Redskins' run game, and if you discount a reverse by Antwaan Randle El, held Washington to fewer than 100 yards rushing. Look for Carolina to line up in some power sets and try to pound the ball, especially if Smith doesn't play. Minnesota is formidable against the run in the middle, with huge Pat Williams stuffing everything inside and Kevin Williams as an athletic, penetrating force. The Vikings also have athletic linebackers and tough tackling corners.

Passing: Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme can be inconsistent, and he struggled in the opener. Although he did miss Smith, he can't afford a bad day. Look for the proud QB to rebound with a solid effort in Minnesota. Delhomme was sacked four times and threw a pick. He will need much better protection and decision making versus Minnesota. The Vikings played solid pass defense versus the Redskins and must be equally sound against Carolina.
Look for the Vikings' pass-rush to disrupt Delhomme, and look for the secondary to play an aggressive ball-hawking style with the return of Dwight Smith at safety alongside Darren Sharper. Smith was inactive versus Washington for disciplinary reasons but will play against the Panthers. The return of Carolina's star receiver will have a bigger impact on this game than Smith's return will, but both players make their teams better.

When the Vikings have the ball
Rushing: Minnesota amassed only 86 yards rushing against the aggressive Redskins defense, but Chester Taylor proved himself by gaining some tough yards and scoring a touchdown. Taylor still wasn't explosive, but he is a steady, chain-moving type of back. He had important yardage for the Vikings in the Monday night contest. Taylor logged 31 carries and is the type of player coaches love, but the Vikings coaches surely wish he would provide more explosive plays for this offense. Carolina's defensive front will be smarting from its poor defensive performance after surrendering 252 yards rushing to divisional rival Atlanta. Expect the Panthers to bring a focused effort to stopping the run after such an embarrassment against the Falcons.

Passing: Veteran quarterback Brad Johnson is an accurate, precise passer, and he possesses special leadership qualities. The Vikings are lacking a big playmaker at receiver to take the pressure off Johnson, but they do have several reliable receivers who have special roles, and the quarterback who will use them all. Troy Williamson had a nice catch on the opening drive, but he must step up his game to be considered a playmaker because he dropped a couple of other deep balls. The offensive line did a nice job of protecting Johnson against the aggressive, blitzing Redskins, but it will face a much tougher pass rushing unit this Sunday against the Panthers. Carolina features a talented front that will challenge the stout Vikings offensive line with size, speed and athleticism.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Questions still to be answered


posted: Wednesday, September 13, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders

We learned a lot watching the games last weekend. Some of it may hold true for the season and some may not. We found out the Bengals looked better defensively vs. the run, the Cardinals have an explosive offense and regardless of who plays quarterback, Pittsburgh is going to be able to run the football.
<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (BEGIN)--------------------->

Tomlinson
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->In watching the Chargers demolish the Raiders, though, we learned nothing new. Instead, we saw confirmation of things we already knew. We still know LaDainian Tomlinson is the best running back in the league. We know Shawne Merriman is on a mission to be the Defensive Player of the Year. And we know the Chargers' front seven is as good as any in the NFL.

But I did have two questions about the Chargers heading into the regular season that went unanswered against the Raiders. The first was how the team would look in the passing game with an unproven Philip Rivers at the helm. The other was how the revamped secondary would look.
Well, Rivers was a ho-hum 8-for-11 for 108 yards playing conservative "Marty Ball," and the Raiders' offensive line was so inept in pass protection that QB Aaron Brooks never had the opportunity to throw the ball against this new-look Chargers' secondary. Answers to those questions will have to wait.
I will give the Chargers credit, though. They went on the road and won a big game to open the season. But let's wait a little while before we try to anoint them the next team to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
Gardner lands in Kansas City

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (BEGIN)--------------------->

Gardner
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->Rod Gardner was a solid pickup for the Chiefs. He has never lived up to expectations, but the Chiefs have so few weapons at receiver that it is nice to see them add a veteran player who can contribute.

The Chiefs are not getting nearly enough production out of starters Eddie Kennison and Samie Parker (a combined three catches for 38 yards last week). Kennison is now 33 and has lost a step. Parker continues to be extremely inconsistent with his hands and as a route-runner. Gardner is not a No. 1 receiver, but if he can come in, learn the offense and stay healthy, he has as chance to be Kansas City's No. 1 receiver.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Questions still to be answered


posted: Wednesday, September 13, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders

We learned a lot watching the games last weekend. Some of it may hold true for the season and some may not. We found out the Bengals looked better defensively vs. the run, the Cardinals have an explosive offense and regardless of who plays quarterback, Pittsburgh is going to be able to run the football.
<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (BEGIN)--------------------->

Tomlinson
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->In watching the Chargers demolish the Raiders, though, we learned nothing new. Instead, we saw confirmation of things we already knew. We still know LaDainian Tomlinson is the best running back in the league. We know Shawne Merriman is on a mission to be the Defensive Player of the Year. And we know the Chargers' front seven is as good as any in the NFL.

But I did have two questions about the Chargers heading into the regular season that went unanswered against the Raiders. The first was how the team would look in the passing game with an unproven Philip Rivers at the helm. The other was how the revamped secondary would look.
Well, Rivers was a ho-hum 8-for-11 for 108 yards playing conservative "Marty Ball," and the Raiders' offensive line was so inept in pass protection that QB Aaron Brooks never had the opportunity to throw the ball against this new-look Chargers' secondary. Answers to those questions will have to wait.
I will give the Chargers credit, though. They went on the road and won a big game to open the season. But let's wait a little while before we try to anoint them the next team to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
Gardner lands in Kansas City

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (BEGIN)--------------------->

Gardner
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->Rod Gardner was a solid pickup for the Chiefs. He has never lived up to expectations, but the Chiefs have so few weapons at receiver that it is nice to see them add a veteran player who can contribute.

The Chiefs are not getting nearly enough production out of starters Eddie Kennison and Samie Parker (a combined three catches for 38 yards last week). Kennison is now 33 and has lost a step. Parker continues to be extremely inconsistent with his hands and as a route-runner. Gardner is not a No. 1 receiver, but if he can come in, learn the offense and stay healthy, he has as chance to be Kansas City's No. 1 receiver.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Thursday, September 14, 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 2


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
By Scouts, Inc.


<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<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 SEPTEMBER 17, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Buffalo
at
Miami
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Bills at Dolphins
This may be one of the most important games for both teams in the first half of the season. The Dolphins had high expectations coming into the 2006 and need to bounce back after their tough loss to the Steerlers. A home loss to a division opponent may be devastating to Miami's confidence. Buffalo doesn't have the same sense of urgency, but no team wants to begin 0-2.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Battle in trenches will be key

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Carolina
at
Minnesota
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Panthers at Vikings
Many pundits predicted the Carolina Panthers to be a playoff team and even the NFC representative in Super Bowl XLI, and many question marks surrounded the Vikings. However, in Week 1, Carolina was soundly defeated at home by the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota went on the road and beat Washington on "Monday Night Football."

Look for intense John Fox to bring his players to the Metrodome with fire in their eyes after a less-than-inspiring effort against Atlanta in Charlotte. Brad Childress will look to keep his troops on an even keel preparing for their home opener against such a quality team.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Smith's health is X factor

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
NY Giants
at
Philadelphia
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Giants at Eagles
The Giants are favored by some to win the NFC East, but for that to happen, they must find a way to win on the road against the Eagles. New York had problems on the road last year, going 4-4, and the team was 3-2 on natural grass. The Giants need a win to get back to .500 because a loss would put them at 0-2 and they have to travel to Seattle in Week 3.

The Eagles could get to 2-0 and an early lead in the NFC East if they can win at home against the Giants. A win also would silence a number of critics.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Giants must limit mistakes

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Oakland
at
Baltimore
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Raiders at Ravens
The Ravens' defense appeared to be back to its Super Bowl form, shutting out the Bucs. With their swagger back, they will be facing the Oakland Raiders, who were destroyed by the Chargers on Monday night. Baltimore's defense looked extremely tough and fast, and their offense features a premier TE (Todd Heap) and RB (Jamal Lewis).

The Raiders will have a short week to correct their many problems. This game promises to be very physical, with lots of heavy hitting and probably some extra curricular activities.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Raiders must run the ball

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Tampa Bay
at
Atlanta
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Buccaneers at Falcons
The Falcons looked as if they were in midseason form as they dismantled the Panthers in Week 1. The Buccaneers can ill afford to start the season at 0-2.

Bucs head coach Jon Gruden must find a way to get his offense back on track against a fast and aggressive Falcons defense, which could be without two of its premier pass-rushers in John Abraham and Patrick Kerney.

Falcons offensive coordinator Greg Knapp will rely on the running game to set up the play-action pass against a Buccaneers defense that finished first in the NFL in total defense last season.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Bucs must protect Simms

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Detroit
at
Chicago
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Lions at Bears
The Bears dominated the Packers in every phase of the game last week, while the Lions valiantly held the high-powered Seattle offense without a touchdown only to lose on a last-second field goal. The Detroit defense and special teams will keep the Lions in the game until the offense gets on track. The team obviously has bought into new coach Rod Marinilli's new attitude and will compete by playing very physical football. Chicago was the class of the NFC North last season and looks to have improved both its offense and overall depth.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Bears could dominate

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Cleveland
at
Cincinnati
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Browns at Bengals
This divisional battle of the two Ohio franchises is the Bengals' home opener. The last home game the Bengals played was their wild-card loss to Pittsburgh, when Carson Palmer blew out his knee. Well, Palmer is back and should cause the Browns all sorts of problems leading the Bengals' high-powered offense.

Cleveland has made great strides over the past two seasons to approach respectability, but the Browns still have their share of holes and their depth across the board is suspect -- not to mention they managed just three first downs in the first half at home vs. the Saints and were dominated in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

The Bengals are the opposite. Few rosters have a talent level close to what Cincinnati can offer and this is a game that the Bengals need to decisively win to further establish themselves as a powerhouse in the division.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Browns don't stand a chance

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
New Orleans
at
Green Bay
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Saints at Packers
These teams, both with new head coaches, opened the season with contrasting results. Collectively, there will be a lot of growing pains due to the inexperience and depth on these rosters. Saints head coach Sean Payton will continue to utilize RBs Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister in the same backfield to create mismatches. Green Bay defensive coordinator Bob Sanders will look to stay aggressive this week with a variety of run blitzes to disrupt the Saints' blocking patterns.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy will continue to incorporate his West Coast system by trying to get QB Brett Favre into a rhythm with a short, controlled passing attack. Defensively, the Saints must find a way to stop RB Ahman Green while disrupting the timing and rhythm of the Packers' passing game.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Matchups work in Saints' favor

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Houston
at
Indianapolis
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Texans at Colts
The Colts are coming off a tough win over the Giants and need to win this game that everyone expects to be a blowout. In a sense this needs to be a statement game where the Colts show they can squeak out the tough ones and easily win the ones they are supposed to win.

The Texans, on the other hand, need to prove that the Week 1 loss to the Eagles is not indicative of where they are heading. They need to find some kind of running game and develop some blocking up front to protect the quarterback.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Texans will hang tough

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
St. Louis
at
San Francisco
Sun 4:05 PM ET</TD><TD>Rams at 49ers
The 49ers nearly pulled off a come-from-behind win at Arizona in Week 1. The Rams pulled off an upset win against the Broncos and were able to create five turnovers in the process. Look for another powerful rushing attack by the Rams and fewer mental mistakes by the 49ers, who are playing with confidence on offense.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Smith looking for encore

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Arizona
at
Seattle
Sun 4:05 PM ET</TD><TD>Cardinals at Seahawks
Divisional matchups are always intriguing to watch and this game could help determine who takes an early share of the divisional lead. This is a matchup of two high-powered offenses as the Seahawks return home for their season opener in front of a sold-out capacity crowd.

The Seahawks survived a scare in Week 1 when they used a last-second field goal to secure a victory against the Lions. They were unable to get their run game going, but managed to come away with the victory. The Cardinals looked impressive in their home opener, as they moved the ball effectively against the 49ers.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Alexander, James must improve

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Kansas City
at
Denver
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Chiefs at Broncos
Both teams are 0-1 and don't want to fall too far behind in the tough AFC West. The fans might be a little unhappy with QB Jake Plummer's performance last week, but he had the same kind of outing in the season opener in 2005 in Miami. He bounced back and had one of the most productive seasons of his career. Denver's run defense was a little suspect last week too, which is not good considering they were one of the best in the NFL in stopping the run last week. They will get a chance to redeem themselves this week vs. Kansas City offense that will be pretty one-dimensional, with RB Larry Johnson carrying the entire offense.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Broncos will bounce back

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Tennessee
at
San Diego
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Titans at Chargers
The Chargers have the best RB in the NFL in LaDainian Tomlinson. He is a versatile runner who can also create mismatches in the passing game. QB Philip Rivers went on the road last week and benefited from a very conservative game plan, allowing him to manage the game. The Chargers should look to turn him loose a little more this week vs. a Titans' secondary that gave up 300+ passing yards last weekend to the Jets' Chad Pennington. The Chargers' defense pitched a shutout last week and may do it again this week.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Edge goes to Chargers

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
New England
at
NY Jets
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Patriots at Jets
The Jets' Eric Mangini, the youngest coach in the league, got his first win on the road in Week 1 against the Titans. The Patriots escaped with a win at home despite a subpar performance. The winner of this game will take the early lead in the AFC East. It's tough to outwit someone you know well (Mangini coached under Bill Belichick in New England), but you can bet that both coaches will have some wrinkles up their sleeves.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Coach vs. pupil as Jets host Patriots

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Washington
at
Dallas
Sun 8:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Redskins at Cowboys
This will be another good NFC East divisional matchup pitting two teams that really hate each other. Can the Cowboys protect Drew Bledsoe, and if Bledsoe plays as badly as he played last week, will he get replaced by Tony Romo? Can the Cowboys bounce back after a disappointing loss and beat an improved Redskins team? Can the Redskins' corners hold up against Cowboys receivers Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens? Neither team can afford to go 0-2.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Teams have similar game plans

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=2>MONDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Pittsburgh
at
Jacksonville
Mon 8:30 PM ET</TD><TD>Steelers at Jaguars
The Super Bowl champions are on national television for the second straight week, having defeated the Dolphins in the opening game of the NFL season. This is a matchup of two playoff teams from last season, and the Jaguars actually finished the 2005 regular season with the better record of the two.

Jack Del Rio has some striking similarities to Bill Cowher. Both coaches were hard-nosed linebackers, and Del Rio wants his Jaguars to be very physical with a very strong defense and running game, much as the Steelers have been under Cowher. Ben Roethlisberger could return to lead the Steelers' offense, but Charlie Batch played well in his stint. It also should be noted that Pittsburgh had an extra-long week to rest and prepare for this game after its Thursday night contest in Week 1.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Leftwich faces tough test
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Thursday, September 14, 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 2


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
By Scouts, Inc.


<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<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 SEPTEMBER 17, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Buffalo
at
Miami
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Bills at Dolphins
This may be one of the most important games for both teams in the first half of the season. The Dolphins had high expectations coming into the 2006 and need to bounce back after their tough loss to the Steerlers. A home loss to a division opponent may be devastating to Miami's confidence. Buffalo doesn't have the same sense of urgency, but no team wants to begin 0-2.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Battle in trenches will be key

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Carolina
at
Minnesota
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Panthers at Vikings
Many pundits predicted the Carolina Panthers to be a playoff team and even the NFC representative in Super Bowl XLI, and many question marks surrounded the Vikings. However, in Week 1, Carolina was soundly defeated at home by the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota went on the road and beat Washington on "Monday Night Football."

Look for intense John Fox to bring his players to the Metrodome with fire in their eyes after a less-than-inspiring effort against Atlanta in Charlotte. Brad Childress will look to keep his troops on an even keel preparing for their home opener against such a quality team.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Smith's health is X factor

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
NY Giants
at
Philadelphia
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Giants at Eagles
The Giants are favored by some to win the NFC East, but for that to happen, they must find a way to win on the road against the Eagles. New York had problems on the road last year, going 4-4, and the team was 3-2 on natural grass. The Giants need a win to get back to .500 because a loss would put them at 0-2 and they have to travel to Seattle in Week 3.

The Eagles could get to 2-0 and an early lead in the NFC East if they can win at home against the Giants. A win also would silence a number of critics.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Giants must limit mistakes

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Oakland
at
Baltimore
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Raiders at Ravens
The Ravens' defense appeared to be back to its Super Bowl form, shutting out the Bucs. With their swagger back, they will be facing the Oakland Raiders, who were destroyed by the Chargers on Monday night. Baltimore's defense looked extremely tough and fast, and their offense features a premier TE (Todd Heap) and RB (Jamal Lewis).

The Raiders will have a short week to correct their many problems. This game promises to be very physical, with lots of heavy hitting and probably some extra curricular activities.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Raiders must run the ball

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Tampa Bay
at
Atlanta
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Buccaneers at Falcons
The Falcons looked as if they were in midseason form as they dismantled the Panthers in Week 1. The Buccaneers can ill afford to start the season at 0-2.

Bucs head coach Jon Gruden must find a way to get his offense back on track against a fast and aggressive Falcons defense, which could be without two of its premier pass-rushers in John Abraham and Patrick Kerney.

Falcons offensive coordinator Greg Knapp will rely on the running game to set up the play-action pass against a Buccaneers defense that finished first in the NFL in total defense last season.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Bucs must protect Simms

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Detroit
at
Chicago
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Lions at Bears
The Bears dominated the Packers in every phase of the game last week, while the Lions valiantly held the high-powered Seattle offense without a touchdown only to lose on a last-second field goal. The Detroit defense and special teams will keep the Lions in the game until the offense gets on track. The team obviously has bought into new coach Rod Marinilli's new attitude and will compete by playing very physical football. Chicago was the class of the NFC North last season and looks to have improved both its offense and overall depth.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Bears could dominate

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Cleveland
at
Cincinnati
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Browns at Bengals
This divisional battle of the two Ohio franchises is the Bengals' home opener. The last home game the Bengals played was their wild-card loss to Pittsburgh, when Carson Palmer blew out his knee. Well, Palmer is back and should cause the Browns all sorts of problems leading the Bengals' high-powered offense.

Cleveland has made great strides over the past two seasons to approach respectability, but the Browns still have their share of holes and their depth across the board is suspect -- not to mention they managed just three first downs in the first half at home vs. the Saints and were dominated in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

The Bengals are the opposite. Few rosters have a talent level close to what Cincinnati can offer and this is a game that the Bengals need to decisively win to further establish themselves as a powerhouse in the division.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Browns don't stand a chance

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
New Orleans
at
Green Bay
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Saints at Packers
These teams, both with new head coaches, opened the season with contrasting results. Collectively, there will be a lot of growing pains due to the inexperience and depth on these rosters. Saints head coach Sean Payton will continue to utilize RBs Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister in the same backfield to create mismatches. Green Bay defensive coordinator Bob Sanders will look to stay aggressive this week with a variety of run blitzes to disrupt the Saints' blocking patterns.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy will continue to incorporate his West Coast system by trying to get QB Brett Favre into a rhythm with a short, controlled passing attack. Defensively, the Saints must find a way to stop RB Ahman Green while disrupting the timing and rhythm of the Packers' passing game.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Matchups work in Saints' favor

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Houston
at
Indianapolis
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Texans at Colts
The Colts are coming off a tough win over the Giants and need to win this game that everyone expects to be a blowout. In a sense this needs to be a statement game where the Colts show they can squeak out the tough ones and easily win the ones they are supposed to win.

The Texans, on the other hand, need to prove that the Week 1 loss to the Eagles is not indicative of where they are heading. They need to find some kind of running game and develop some blocking up front to protect the quarterback.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Texans will hang tough

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
St. Louis
at
San Francisco
Sun 4:05 PM ET</TD><TD>Rams at 49ers
The 49ers nearly pulled off a come-from-behind win at Arizona in Week 1. The Rams pulled off an upset win against the Broncos and were able to create five turnovers in the process. Look for another powerful rushing attack by the Rams and fewer mental mistakes by the 49ers, who are playing with confidence on offense.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Smith looking for encore

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Arizona
at
Seattle
Sun 4:05 PM ET</TD><TD>Cardinals at Seahawks
Divisional matchups are always intriguing to watch and this game could help determine who takes an early share of the divisional lead. This is a matchup of two high-powered offenses as the Seahawks return home for their season opener in front of a sold-out capacity crowd.

The Seahawks survived a scare in Week 1 when they used a last-second field goal to secure a victory against the Lions. They were unable to get their run game going, but managed to come away with the victory. The Cardinals looked impressive in their home opener, as they moved the ball effectively against the 49ers.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Alexander, James must improve

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Kansas City
at
Denver
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Chiefs at Broncos
Both teams are 0-1 and don't want to fall too far behind in the tough AFC West. The fans might be a little unhappy with QB Jake Plummer's performance last week, but he had the same kind of outing in the season opener in 2005 in Miami. He bounced back and had one of the most productive seasons of his career. Denver's run defense was a little suspect last week too, which is not good considering they were one of the best in the NFL in stopping the run last week. They will get a chance to redeem themselves this week vs. Kansas City offense that will be pretty one-dimensional, with RB Larry Johnson carrying the entire offense.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Broncos will bounce back

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Tennessee
at
San Diego
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Titans at Chargers
The Chargers have the best RB in the NFL in LaDainian Tomlinson. He is a versatile runner who can also create mismatches in the passing game. QB Philip Rivers went on the road last week and benefited from a very conservative game plan, allowing him to manage the game. The Chargers should look to turn him loose a little more this week vs. a Titans' secondary that gave up 300+ passing yards last weekend to the Jets' Chad Pennington. The Chargers' defense pitched a shutout last week and may do it again this week.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Edge goes to Chargers

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
New England
at
NY Jets
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Patriots at Jets
The Jets' Eric Mangini, the youngest coach in the league, got his first win on the road in Week 1 against the Titans. The Patriots escaped with a win at home despite a subpar performance. The winner of this game will take the early lead in the AFC East. It's tough to outwit someone you know well (Mangini coached under Bill Belichick in New England), but you can bet that both coaches will have some wrinkles up their sleeves.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Coach vs. pupil as Jets host Patriots

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Washington
at
Dallas
Sun 8:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Redskins at Cowboys
This will be another good NFC East divisional matchup pitting two teams that really hate each other. Can the Cowboys protect Drew Bledsoe, and if Bledsoe plays as badly as he played last week, will he get replaced by Tony Romo? Can the Cowboys bounce back after a disappointing loss and beat an improved Redskins team? Can the Redskins' corners hold up against Cowboys receivers Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens? Neither team can afford to go 0-2.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Teams have similar game plans

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=2>MONDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Pittsburgh
at
Jacksonville
Mon 8:30 PM ET</TD><TD>Steelers at Jaguars
The Super Bowl champions are on national television for the second straight week, having defeated the Dolphins in the opening game of the NFL season. This is a matchup of two playoff teams from last season, and the Jaguars actually finished the 2005 regular season with the better record of the two.

Jack Del Rio has some striking similarities to Bill Cowher. Both coaches were hard-nosed linebackers, and Del Rio wants his Jaguars to be very physical with a very strong defense and running game, much as the Steelers have been under Cowher. Ben Roethlisberger could return to lead the Steelers' offense, but Charlie Batch played well in his stint. It also should be noted that Pittsburgh had an extra-long week to rest and prepare for this game after its Thursday night contest in Week 1.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Leftwich faces tough test
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Raiders already in turmoil


posted: September 14, 2006 | Print Entry

Can things get any worse for the Oakland Raiders? They are coming off a horrible 27-0 home loss to the Chargers. The Jerry Porter situation is becoming a major distraction. The offensive line is having trouble pass-blocking. And now they have to travel to Baltimore to face a Ravens team that shut out a more talented Bucs team on the road.

On Wednesday, left tackle Robert Gallery hurt his calf and couldn't finish practice. Though he isn't on the injury report, he could be a question mark for the Ravens game. Gallery struggled with the speed of Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, but if he can't play, the Raiders will have to go with Chad Slaughter.
Halfback LaMont Jordan told Oakland reporters after the game that the Raiders might have a hard time coming back from an 0-2 start if they lose bad to the Ravens. The Raiders have a bye week following Sunday's game. It's important that the team has a good performance.
The Raiders really do need to move wide receiver Porter in a trade during the bye week. Though he is believable in saying he wasn't pumping his fist to celebrate the seventh Aaron Brooks sack Monday night, Porter did admit he wasn't paying attention to the game. Porter was designated as inactive by Raiders coach Art Shell, who obviously has no use for his attitude.
The problem facing the Raiders is that it may be hard to convince Al Davis to take anything less than a first-round choice. The Patriots got a first-round choice for Deion Branch. Davis also wants Porter to pay back some of his signing bonus. Porter wants out, but for that to happen, the Raiders may have to be willing to move him for a lower price.
Good call: The NFL made the right decision in not fining Bengals defensive end Robert Geathers because he did appear to be trying to avoid a helmet-to-helmet hit on Chiefs quarterback Trent Green. Geathers caught him with his shoulder, and Green suffered a severe concussion when the back of his helmet hit the ground hard. The NFL can fine for little things, and the league could have taken the position Geathers was angling for a hard hit on the sliding quarterback. By taking into account the push in the back by Eddie Kennison and the late slide by Green, the league was right to take a pass on a fine.
Are you ready for some Big Ben? Expect Ben Roethlisberger to play Monday night against the Jaguars. Though he might not have had a great practice Wednesday, Roethlisberger did enough things with the first team early in the week to show he's on pace to play. He's still sore around the stomach, which is understandable for a player who had an appendectomy just 10 days ago. In the past couple days, Roethlisberger has experienced some minor pain while doing situps and lifting, but it wasn't bad enough to prevent him from practicing.
Mr. Rogers' new neighborhood? Charles Rogers may have gotten a wake-up call during his workout for the Dolphins. He had his college receiver coach and Nick Saban pushing for him to work out well, but the Dolphins opted not to sign him at this point. He worked out with two other receivers, Craphonso Thorpe and Rasheed Marshall. His workout wasn't good enough for two of Rogers' biggest supporters not to sign him, and the Dolphins showed in the opener they could use another receiver for depth. When Marty Booker was shaken up in the Steelers game, the Dolphins looked thin at receiver. Rogers is going to have to work on his workouts to impress other teams. He's too talented not to be signed soon, but the fact the Dolphins passed on him shows he needs to work a little bit more efficiently on the field.
Half-baked halfback scheme? The Broncos plan to continue alternating halfbacks, with Tatum Bell starting and rookie Mike Bell coming in the next series. Mike Shanahan's strategy of challenging Tatum Bell with the idea of starting the undrafted rookie prompted a better performance from him in the opening loss to the Rams. How the alternating back system will work in the long run, though, is a big question mark.
Make it snappy: The NFL will have to watch to make sure its new alignment rule on special teams has its intended effect -- protect deep snappers. The Seahawks lost deep snapper J.P. Darche for the season in a game in which Shaun Rogers blocked two field goals. Bucs deep snapper Dave Moore is questionable with a rib injury. Under a new rule, a defensive tackle isn't allowed to line up directly over a deep snapper, hoping to save him from injury.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Raiders already in turmoil


posted: September 14, 2006 | Print Entry

Can things get any worse for the Oakland Raiders? They are coming off a horrible 27-0 home loss to the Chargers. The Jerry Porter situation is becoming a major distraction. The offensive line is having trouble pass-blocking. And now they have to travel to Baltimore to face a Ravens team that shut out a more talented Bucs team on the road.

On Wednesday, left tackle Robert Gallery hurt his calf and couldn't finish practice. Though he isn't on the injury report, he could be a question mark for the Ravens game. Gallery struggled with the speed of Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, but if he can't play, the Raiders will have to go with Chad Slaughter.
Halfback LaMont Jordan told Oakland reporters after the game that the Raiders might have a hard time coming back from an 0-2 start if they lose bad to the Ravens. The Raiders have a bye week following Sunday's game. It's important that the team has a good performance.
The Raiders really do need to move wide receiver Porter in a trade during the bye week. Though he is believable in saying he wasn't pumping his fist to celebrate the seventh Aaron Brooks sack Monday night, Porter did admit he wasn't paying attention to the game. Porter was designated as inactive by Raiders coach Art Shell, who obviously has no use for his attitude.
The problem facing the Raiders is that it may be hard to convince Al Davis to take anything less than a first-round choice. The Patriots got a first-round choice for Deion Branch. Davis also wants Porter to pay back some of his signing bonus. Porter wants out, but for that to happen, the Raiders may have to be willing to move him for a lower price.
Good call: The NFL made the right decision in not fining Bengals defensive end Robert Geathers because he did appear to be trying to avoid a helmet-to-helmet hit on Chiefs quarterback Trent Green. Geathers caught him with his shoulder, and Green suffered a severe concussion when the back of his helmet hit the ground hard. The NFL can fine for little things, and the league could have taken the position Geathers was angling for a hard hit on the sliding quarterback. By taking into account the push in the back by Eddie Kennison and the late slide by Green, the league was right to take a pass on a fine.
Are you ready for some Big Ben? Expect Ben Roethlisberger to play Monday night against the Jaguars. Though he might not have had a great practice Wednesday, Roethlisberger did enough things with the first team early in the week to show he's on pace to play. He's still sore around the stomach, which is understandable for a player who had an appendectomy just 10 days ago. In the past couple days, Roethlisberger has experienced some minor pain while doing situps and lifting, but it wasn't bad enough to prevent him from practicing.
Mr. Rogers' new neighborhood? Charles Rogers may have gotten a wake-up call during his workout for the Dolphins. He had his college receiver coach and Nick Saban pushing for him to work out well, but the Dolphins opted not to sign him at this point. He worked out with two other receivers, Craphonso Thorpe and Rasheed Marshall. His workout wasn't good enough for two of Rogers' biggest supporters not to sign him, and the Dolphins showed in the opener they could use another receiver for depth. When Marty Booker was shaken up in the Steelers game, the Dolphins looked thin at receiver. Rogers is going to have to work on his workouts to impress other teams. He's too talented not to be signed soon, but the fact the Dolphins passed on him shows he needs to work a little bit more efficiently on the field.
Half-baked halfback scheme? The Broncos plan to continue alternating halfbacks, with Tatum Bell starting and rookie Mike Bell coming in the next series. Mike Shanahan's strategy of challenging Tatum Bell with the idea of starting the undrafted rookie prompted a better performance from him in the opening loss to the Rams. How the alternating back system will work in the long run, though, is a big question mark.
Make it snappy: The NFL will have to watch to make sure its new alignment rule on special teams has its intended effect -- protect deep snappers. The Seahawks lost deep snapper J.P. Darche for the season in a game in which Shaun Rogers blocked two field goals. Bucs deep snapper Dave Moore is questionable with a rib injury. Under a new rule, a defensive tackle isn't allowed to line up directly over a deep snapper, hoping to save him from injury.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Winslow gives Browns an identity


posted: Thursday, September 14, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Cleveland Browns, Kellen Winslow Jr.

Kellen Winslow just couldn't wait for this. You know, the chance to run his mouth. It must have killed him the past few years to be rendered unable to say what's on his mind. I'd argue that being shut up was almost as hard for him to deal with as his injuries.

The Browns against the Bengals wasn't supposed to be the game I'm most intrigued by this weekend. As many of You The Reader know, I had Cincy missing the playoffs, and the reason why was its defense. The Bengals were 28th in the league and survived because it created so many turnovers: 44 in fact, the best in the league. I was skeptical it could happen again. One game against a Chiefs team that had its QB knocked out doesn't change that, but the Bengals' D doesn't appear to be the rollover that many assumed it would.
"The overall perception is the defense is the stepchild," lineman John Thornton told the Cincinnati Inquirer yesterday.
In the rain against a Chiefs team with a struggling offensive line and without its starting QB, the Bengals had seven sacks, including three from DE Justin Smith and two from LB Robert Geathers.
Next up is the Browns, who have some strut thanks to Winslow's recent comments: "My boy [Leigh] Bodden is gonna shut [Chad Johnson] down, as he did last year ? he's the best corner in the league," Winslow told reporters. "It's a big challenge for Leigh, but it's also a big challenge for Chad, so ? tell him that."
Johnson: "I can't be stopped, regardless of what Kellen Winslow feels."
As much as it must have killed Winslow to not play the past few years, it must have triple-killed him to watch the Browns lose week after week with no confidence, no cockiness. Watch the highlights from the Saints game. He was jawing with the refs, with the Saints. The Browns caught fire when they started throwing Winslow the ball. It'll be interesting to see what happens to Winslow's trap if the Browns keep losing, but for now, they're a fun team to watch and he's the reason why.
Random stuff

? Keyshawn Johnson more or less calls out Carolina's offensive line, defensive ends, DeShaun Foster and Steve Smith in one impressive quote regarding Smith's importance to the team.

"Is [Smith] gonna block for Jake?" Johnson asked. "Is he gonna line up at tackle and block for him? Because if he's gonna line up at tackle and block for Jake then he should go there and be there. If he's going to run the football, he should do that. If he's going to play defensive end, he should be there."
Johnson went on to indicate that the Panthers aren't ready to hit the panic button yet.

? This article goes about as easy as you can on a coach whose offense rushed for 86 yards, threw three picks, punted six times and lost at home.

? Tom Brady admits that Deion Branch's holdout affected his preparation for the Bills.
"I spent a lot of energy thinking about it and at the end of the week it really wasted a lot of my time and a lot of my energy," Brady told reporters. "It was a big mental drain and I think it affected the way I played. I just didn't feel like I brought as much to the table as I normally could."
If Brady sounded somber, he was. Branch was going to be his guy, his Rice or Harrison. It takes years to build up that kind of connection with a receiver. He's in the prime of his career and has to start over.
? The press seems to be going the easiest on Chris Simms after he threw three picks. It's the coaches who are killing him. Jon Gruden was critical of Simms after the game and yesterday Paul Hackett told this to the St. Petersburg Times: "He couldn't have played much worse," Hackett said. "Any time you throw the ball to the other team, it's unacceptable under any circumstances. If you do that, everything else that you do that's good doesn't matter. I think that's unacceptable. I think he knows it as well as anybody. The single most important thing of quarterback play was violated in Week 1. What else can you say? There's no excuse for it."

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Winslow gives Browns an identity


posted: Thursday, September 14, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Cleveland Browns, Kellen Winslow Jr.

Kellen Winslow just couldn't wait for this. You know, the chance to run his mouth. It must have killed him the past few years to be rendered unable to say what's on his mind. I'd argue that being shut up was almost as hard for him to deal with as his injuries.

The Browns against the Bengals wasn't supposed to be the game I'm most intrigued by this weekend. As many of You The Reader know, I had Cincy missing the playoffs, and the reason why was its defense. The Bengals were 28th in the league and survived because it created so many turnovers: 44 in fact, the best in the league. I was skeptical it could happen again. One game against a Chiefs team that had its QB knocked out doesn't change that, but the Bengals' D doesn't appear to be the rollover that many assumed it would.
"The overall perception is the defense is the stepchild," lineman John Thornton told the Cincinnati Inquirer yesterday.
In the rain against a Chiefs team with a struggling offensive line and without its starting QB, the Bengals had seven sacks, including three from DE Justin Smith and two from LB Robert Geathers.
Next up is the Browns, who have some strut thanks to Winslow's recent comments: "My boy [Leigh] Bodden is gonna shut [Chad Johnson] down, as he did last year ? he's the best corner in the league," Winslow told reporters. "It's a big challenge for Leigh, but it's also a big challenge for Chad, so ? tell him that."
Johnson: "I can't be stopped, regardless of what Kellen Winslow feels."
As much as it must have killed Winslow to not play the past few years, it must have triple-killed him to watch the Browns lose week after week with no confidence, no cockiness. Watch the highlights from the Saints game. He was jawing with the refs, with the Saints. The Browns caught fire when they started throwing Winslow the ball. It'll be interesting to see what happens to Winslow's trap if the Browns keep losing, but for now, they're a fun team to watch and he's the reason why.
Random stuff

? Keyshawn Johnson more or less calls out Carolina's offensive line, defensive ends, DeShaun Foster and Steve Smith in one impressive quote regarding Smith's importance to the team.

"Is [Smith] gonna block for Jake?" Johnson asked. "Is he gonna line up at tackle and block for him? Because if he's gonna line up at tackle and block for Jake then he should go there and be there. If he's going to run the football, he should do that. If he's going to play defensive end, he should be there."
Johnson went on to indicate that the Panthers aren't ready to hit the panic button yet.

? This article goes about as easy as you can on a coach whose offense rushed for 86 yards, threw three picks, punted six times and lost at home.

? Tom Brady admits that Deion Branch's holdout affected his preparation for the Bills.
"I spent a lot of energy thinking about it and at the end of the week it really wasted a lot of my time and a lot of my energy," Brady told reporters. "It was a big mental drain and I think it affected the way I played. I just didn't feel like I brought as much to the table as I normally could."
If Brady sounded somber, he was. Branch was going to be his guy, his Rice or Harrison. It takes years to build up that kind of connection with a receiver. He's in the prime of his career and has to start over.
? The press seems to be going the easiest on Chris Simms after he threw three picks. It's the coaches who are killing him. Jon Gruden was critical of Simms after the game and yesterday Paul Hackett told this to the St. Petersburg Times: "He couldn't have played much worse," Hackett said. "Any time you throw the ball to the other team, it's unacceptable under any circumstances. If you do that, everything else that you do that's good doesn't matter. I think that's unacceptable. I think he knows it as well as anybody. The single most important thing of quarterback play was violated in Week 1. What else can you say? There's no excuse for it."

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Updated: Sep. 14, 2006
Fans should keep the faith in Plummer, Bledsoe


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Jeremy --><!-- lastName = Green -->
By Jeremy Green
Scouts Inc.
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->
It hasn't taken long for the quarterback position to be thrust into the spotlight. Poor Week 1 performances by Denver's Jake Plummer and Dallas' Drew Bledsoe led to speculation that the two veteran signal callers might be sent to the bench.
The quarterback is the leader, the man who runs the show. So when things go poorly, he is obviously the person who takes the brunt of the blame.
Quarterback changes are always difficult. That is why the old saying goes, "the most popular player on the team is the backup quarterback." A lot of times he is the most popular player until he actually comes into the game.
Let's look at two situations that have been talked about this past week. <OFFER>
Denver Broncos: Plummer/Jay Cutler
In Denver, fans are already starting to clamor for the rookie Cutler. It is no secret that Plummer is not a fan favorite. Plummer is a gambling-type quarterback who tries to do too much at times, which can result in some costly interceptions.
Last season was Plummer's best in the NFL. He did a much better job of taking care of the football. However, his performance in last season's opener was very similar to the poor game he played Sunday in St. Louis.
Plummer bounced back strong a year ago, and can do the same this season if Denver gets back to doing the things that he does well.
Nobody knew Plummer like former offensive coordinator and new Texans head coach Gary Kubiak. Quarterbacks spend most of their time with their offensive coordinator. They watch a lot of film together and talk through a lot of different situations.
Mike Shanahan has a great offensive mind, but the head coach has to be involved in everything that happens on offense, defense and special teams. Typically he does not have time to be hands-on with his quarterback.
This is not a knock on new offensive coordinator Rick Dennison, but he was the offensive line coach before moving into his new role. There is a big difference between trying to relate to offensive linemen and to your starting quarterback.
For that reason, I think Shanahan is going to have to take a more hands-on approach with Plummer, at least early in the season. Shanahan will watch some film from last season and determine what Plummer was doing well and what he struggled with. Look for them to get back to the things he does well, starting this week.
As long as Plummer is healthy enough to play, he should be Denver's starting quarterback for the entire season. This is a Super Bowl-caliber team, and you don't put that in the hands of a rookie who still has a lot to learn.

Dallas Cowboys: Bledsoe/Tony Romo
If Dallas' offense does not perform better this week, the calls will start coming for Romo.
Bledsoe clearly was not sharp in Week 1. He took a few hits early in the game and got a little antsy in the pocket. However, this is not a surprise. This is an issue he had in New England, Buffalo and now in Dallas. He has always been a quarterback who can get rattled when you pressure him.
Maybe instead of placing all the blame on Bledsoe, the Cowboys should try to fix their offensive line play. When Bledsoe gets time in the pocket he can still pick a defense apart. He still has the big arm, still has the quick trigger and can still make all the throws he needs to make to be effective.
This is not to say that Romo's day will not come, because I believe it will. I loved what I saw from him in the preseason. He has the tools to be a No. 1 and gives this offense a little more mobility when the line struggles, as it did last week.
However, just like Denver's situation with Plummer, it's way too early for the Cowboys to pull the plug on Bledsoe. If Plummer or Bledsoe is benched, what happens if the backup struggles? What is the next course of action?
There is a big difference between pulling a quarterback and benching a running back or receiver. The quarterback is the leader. He is the guy who demands the respect of all players who take the field with him every weekend. It is tough to go back to a starting quarterback after he's been demoted. He will always be looking over his shoulder, wondering if he'll be benched after his next mistake. In the case of Dallas and Denver, we are talking about two teams with Super Bowl aspirations. I am not saying Cutler or Romo wouldn't play well, but we won't know that until it happens. If these head coaches go down that road, they better be right. Because if they are wrong, there will be no turning back.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Updated: Sep. 14, 2006
Fans should keep the faith in Plummer, Bledsoe


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Jeremy --><!-- lastName = Green -->
By Jeremy Green
Scouts Inc.
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->
It hasn't taken long for the quarterback position to be thrust into the spotlight. Poor Week 1 performances by Denver's Jake Plummer and Dallas' Drew Bledsoe led to speculation that the two veteran signal callers might be sent to the bench.
The quarterback is the leader, the man who runs the show. So when things go poorly, he is obviously the person who takes the brunt of the blame.
Quarterback changes are always difficult. That is why the old saying goes, "the most popular player on the team is the backup quarterback." A lot of times he is the most popular player until he actually comes into the game.
Let's look at two situations that have been talked about this past week. <OFFER>
Denver Broncos: Plummer/Jay Cutler
In Denver, fans are already starting to clamor for the rookie Cutler. It is no secret that Plummer is not a fan favorite. Plummer is a gambling-type quarterback who tries to do too much at times, which can result in some costly interceptions.
Last season was Plummer's best in the NFL. He did a much better job of taking care of the football. However, his performance in last season's opener was very similar to the poor game he played Sunday in St. Louis.
Plummer bounced back strong a year ago, and can do the same this season if Denver gets back to doing the things that he does well.
Nobody knew Plummer like former offensive coordinator and new Texans head coach Gary Kubiak. Quarterbacks spend most of their time with their offensive coordinator. They watch a lot of film together and talk through a lot of different situations.
Mike Shanahan has a great offensive mind, but the head coach has to be involved in everything that happens on offense, defense and special teams. Typically he does not have time to be hands-on with his quarterback.
This is not a knock on new offensive coordinator Rick Dennison, but he was the offensive line coach before moving into his new role. There is a big difference between trying to relate to offensive linemen and to your starting quarterback.
For that reason, I think Shanahan is going to have to take a more hands-on approach with Plummer, at least early in the season. Shanahan will watch some film from last season and determine what Plummer was doing well and what he struggled with. Look for them to get back to the things he does well, starting this week.
As long as Plummer is healthy enough to play, he should be Denver's starting quarterback for the entire season. This is a Super Bowl-caliber team, and you don't put that in the hands of a rookie who still has a lot to learn.

Dallas Cowboys: Bledsoe/Tony Romo
If Dallas' offense does not perform better this week, the calls will start coming for Romo.
Bledsoe clearly was not sharp in Week 1. He took a few hits early in the game and got a little antsy in the pocket. However, this is not a surprise. This is an issue he had in New England, Buffalo and now in Dallas. He has always been a quarterback who can get rattled when you pressure him.
Maybe instead of placing all the blame on Bledsoe, the Cowboys should try to fix their offensive line play. When Bledsoe gets time in the pocket he can still pick a defense apart. He still has the big arm, still has the quick trigger and can still make all the throws he needs to make to be effective.
This is not to say that Romo's day will not come, because I believe it will. I loved what I saw from him in the preseason. He has the tools to be a No. 1 and gives this offense a little more mobility when the line struggles, as it did last week.
However, just like Denver's situation with Plummer, it's way too early for the Cowboys to pull the plug on Bledsoe. If Plummer or Bledsoe is benched, what happens if the backup struggles? What is the next course of action?
There is a big difference between pulling a quarterback and benching a running back or receiver. The quarterback is the leader. He is the guy who demands the respect of all players who take the field with him every weekend. It is tough to go back to a starting quarterback after he's been demoted. He will always be looking over his shoulder, wondering if he'll be benched after his next mistake. In the case of Dallas and Denver, we are talking about two teams with Super Bowl aspirations. I am not saying Cutler or Romo wouldn't play well, but we won't know that until it happens. If these head coaches go down that road, they better be right. Because if they are wrong, there will be no turning back.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Mailbag: What's up with Carolina?


posted: Thursday, September 14, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints

Time to open up the mailbag and answer questions from around the NFC South.


Sam, Providence, R.I.: Okay, Keith, you and I both went 0-for-3 in our predictions. Put your "Monday Morning QB" hat on and explain what the heck was wrong with the Carolina Panthers.
Keith: It's good to know that somebody else had a bad weekend, too. A lot of people put too much emphasis on the first week of the regular season, so let's sit back and see how the Panthers respond this week on the road in Minnesota. The two things I thought would be difficult for the Panthers to overcome this season were their though schedule and key injuries. They've already lost LT Travelle Wharton for the season and now there are concerns about the health of MLB Dan Morgan. Hopefully, we will see a much improved team on Sunday, with or without Steve Smith.
Dan, NC State: Keith, the New Orleans Saints' defense looked like a high school team during the preseason. Are the Browns that bad or did the Saints show signs of what we can expect throughout the season?
Keith: I agree. I thought the Saints defense would really struggle on the road in Cleveland. A lot of the credit has to go to LB coach Joe Vitt, an outstanding coach who relates well to his players and did a marvelous job getting his group ready to play. However, I still have concerns about the Saints front seven and their ability to stop the run this season.
Raymond, Atlanta, Ga.: Yo, Keith, what'd I tell you a about my Atlanta Falcons' defense? They did a great job against the Panthers on the road. I have to admit, I didn't expect them to be that good. Were the Panthers off their game?
Keith: The Falcons' defense was very impressive last week in Carolina. They controlled the line of scrimmage and created havoc for QB Jake Delhomme with their relentless pass rush. The Panthers looked flat, though a lot of that had to do with the way the Falcons played. I'm really looking forward to this weeks matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tom, San Francisco, Calif.: Hey, Keith, love your chats. Is Steve Smith's health the one thing that could hold back the Panthers this season? After watching their offense sputter I wonder: are the Falcons this good or are the Panthers that dependent on Smith? Keith: Without a doubt, the health of Steve Smith could hinder the Panthers offense as long as he sits on the sidelines. With that said, the Panthers still need to come out this week and get back to their basic power running game. The loss of MLB Dan Morgan is also critical blow in the Panthers defensive front seven. As for the Falcons, they made a big believer out me but it's a long season and I still have concerns about their overall depth.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Mailbag: What's up with Carolina?


posted: Thursday, September 14, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints

Time to open up the mailbag and answer questions from around the NFC South.


Sam, Providence, R.I.: Okay, Keith, you and I both went 0-for-3 in our predictions. Put your "Monday Morning QB" hat on and explain what the heck was wrong with the Carolina Panthers.
Keith: It's good to know that somebody else had a bad weekend, too. A lot of people put too much emphasis on the first week of the regular season, so let's sit back and see how the Panthers respond this week on the road in Minnesota. The two things I thought would be difficult for the Panthers to overcome this season were their though schedule and key injuries. They've already lost LT Travelle Wharton for the season and now there are concerns about the health of MLB Dan Morgan. Hopefully, we will see a much improved team on Sunday, with or without Steve Smith.
Dan, NC State: Keith, the New Orleans Saints' defense looked like a high school team during the preseason. Are the Browns that bad or did the Saints show signs of what we can expect throughout the season?
Keith: I agree. I thought the Saints defense would really struggle on the road in Cleveland. A lot of the credit has to go to LB coach Joe Vitt, an outstanding coach who relates well to his players and did a marvelous job getting his group ready to play. However, I still have concerns about the Saints front seven and their ability to stop the run this season.
Raymond, Atlanta, Ga.: Yo, Keith, what'd I tell you a about my Atlanta Falcons' defense? They did a great job against the Panthers on the road. I have to admit, I didn't expect them to be that good. Were the Panthers off their game?
Keith: The Falcons' defense was very impressive last week in Carolina. They controlled the line of scrimmage and created havoc for QB Jake Delhomme with their relentless pass rush. The Panthers looked flat, though a lot of that had to do with the way the Falcons played. I'm really looking forward to this weeks matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tom, San Francisco, Calif.: Hey, Keith, love your chats. Is Steve Smith's health the one thing that could hold back the Panthers this season? After watching their offense sputter I wonder: are the Falcons this good or are the Panthers that dependent on Smith? Keith: Without a doubt, the health of Steve Smith could hinder the Panthers offense as long as he sits on the sidelines. With that said, the Panthers still need to come out this week and get back to their basic power running game. The loss of MLB Dan Morgan is also critical blow in the Panthers defensive front seven. As for the Falcons, they made a big believer out me but it's a long season and I still have concerns about their overall depth.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

James having second thoughts?


posted: September 14, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Arizona Cardinals

Word out of the Cardinals' camp is that running back Edgerrin James might be second guessing his decision to settle down in the desert.

Before Sunday's game against the 49ers, James was quite jovial in anticipation of showing the world he can make a difference in the Cardinals' dismal run game. But his jubilation seems to have been short-lived. After the game, James sat quietly in his locker and was hesitant to speak with the media, sulking in disappointment. He has since had conversations with teammates questioning the play of the offensive line and wondering if it is going to be this way all year long. James might have been referring to his unimpressive 73 rushing yards on 26 carries against San Francisco.
The Cardinals have not had the most stellar or consistent offensive line situation in recent years. The only staple has been left tackle Leonard Davis, who has been an underachiever with the Cardinals. Left guard Reggie Wells is coming off ankle surgery that caused him to miss most of the 2005 season. Center Alex Stepanovich missed 2005 with hand and shoulder injuries, and the entire right side of the line is new.
Newly acquired right guard Milford Brown has not lived up to expectations thus far. The Cardinals signed him in the offseason to a four-year contract that included a $3 million signing bonus. Right tackle Oliver Ross, who has missed the last four weeks after surgery to repair his torn meniscus, has not been what the Cardinals expected him to be either, missing time with knee injuries the past two years.
The Cardinals have tried to bridge the gap with various acquisitions and projects, but they haven't worked. The recent trade for Brandon Gorin has not been what was expected, and Chris Liwienski is really a guard playing tackle. Hopefully the line problems clear up and James has better success this week against the Seahawks, so his second thoughts can become distant memories

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

James having second thoughts?


posted: September 14, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Arizona Cardinals

Word out of the Cardinals' camp is that running back Edgerrin James might be second guessing his decision to settle down in the desert.

Before Sunday's game against the 49ers, James was quite jovial in anticipation of showing the world he can make a difference in the Cardinals' dismal run game. But his jubilation seems to have been short-lived. After the game, James sat quietly in his locker and was hesitant to speak with the media, sulking in disappointment. He has since had conversations with teammates questioning the play of the offensive line and wondering if it is going to be this way all year long. James might have been referring to his unimpressive 73 rushing yards on 26 carries against San Francisco.
The Cardinals have not had the most stellar or consistent offensive line situation in recent years. The only staple has been left tackle Leonard Davis, who has been an underachiever with the Cardinals. Left guard Reggie Wells is coming off ankle surgery that caused him to miss most of the 2005 season. Center Alex Stepanovich missed 2005 with hand and shoulder injuries, and the entire right side of the line is new.
Newly acquired right guard Milford Brown has not lived up to expectations thus far. The Cardinals signed him in the offseason to a four-year contract that included a $3 million signing bonus. Right tackle Oliver Ross, who has missed the last four weeks after surgery to repair his torn meniscus, has not been what the Cardinals expected him to be either, missing time with knee injuries the past two years.
The Cardinals have tried to bridge the gap with various acquisitions and projects, but they haven't worked. The recent trade for Brandon Gorin has not been what was expected, and Chris Liwienski is really a guard playing tackle. Hopefully the line problems clear up and James has better success this week against the Seahawks, so his second thoughts can become distant memories

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Morency a good fit in Green Bay


posted: Thursday, September 14, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions

Let's talk some football. It looks like some of the NFC North teams are works in progress as we saw several transactions after the opening week games were played.


Green Bay made a trade attempting to upgrade their running back position. The personnel trade sent last season's rookie sensation, Samkon Gado to the Houston for running back Vernand Morency. I refer to Gado as a sensation only because he was productive when forced into the starting role by default. The Packers' running backs were hit with a slew of serious injuries knocking Ahman Green, Najeh Davenport and Tony Fisher out for the season with Gado stepping in to finish the horrific 4-12 season in Green Bay.

I worked out Morency when he participated in the University of Miami pre-draft evaluations. Originally from Miami, he played football at Oklahoma State University. When evaluating his college film I liked his explosive ability as well as his hard charging, aggressive style. Morency showed good vision as a running back in the season he started after being a reserve behind Tatum Bell (Broncos) for his first two college seasons. He did a good job working out alongside Miami's Frank Gore (now 49ers RB) and found himself in Houston following the draft. Morency will be a better fit for Green Bay in the Packers new zone run game scheme offering the vision and downhill running style that is effective in this style of run game. Gado had a productive time in Green Bay but had trouble adjusting to the new offense and is not as versatile as Morency who will also help as a kick off returner as well as a better run after the catch receiver out of the backfield. This is a much better fit and a good move for the Packers. On a side note, Ahman Green was outstanding and the lone offensive bright spot for the Pack in the opener. Not only his productivity gaining 110 yards rushing but he looked healthy and ran down hill getting the hard yards proving his quad surgery was successful.

The Lions are looking to get their offense on track so they added a new wide receiver, signing former Mike Martz disciple in Az-Zahir Hakim. Hakim knows this offensive system and was productive as a St. Louis Ram under Martz. This move will help give experienced depth to an underachieving receiving corps. The WRs need to get their timing with quarterback Jon Kitna and sharpen their route running to make Martz's offensive system work. Detroit must also establish a running game to create some balance taking the pressure off of Kitna to be something that he is not, a playmaker. Chicago did yield 110 yards on the ground to Ahman Green last week giving the Lions a positive area to attack offensively. Will RB Kevin Jones take his game up a notch and will the Lions offensive line be aggressive enough to create some running lanes are serious challenges against the stout Bears defensive front seven?
I look forward to talking more football with everyone on Friday during our regular NFC North chat time.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Morency a good fit in Green Bay


posted: Thursday, September 14, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions

Let's talk some football. It looks like some of the NFC North teams are works in progress as we saw several transactions after the opening week games were played.


Green Bay made a trade attempting to upgrade their running back position. The personnel trade sent last season's rookie sensation, Samkon Gado to the Houston for running back Vernand Morency. I refer to Gado as a sensation only because he was productive when forced into the starting role by default. The Packers' running backs were hit with a slew of serious injuries knocking Ahman Green, Najeh Davenport and Tony Fisher out for the season with Gado stepping in to finish the horrific 4-12 season in Green Bay.

I worked out Morency when he participated in the University of Miami pre-draft evaluations. Originally from Miami, he played football at Oklahoma State University. When evaluating his college film I liked his explosive ability as well as his hard charging, aggressive style. Morency showed good vision as a running back in the season he started after being a reserve behind Tatum Bell (Broncos) for his first two college seasons. He did a good job working out alongside Miami's Frank Gore (now 49ers RB) and found himself in Houston following the draft. Morency will be a better fit for Green Bay in the Packers new zone run game scheme offering the vision and downhill running style that is effective in this style of run game. Gado had a productive time in Green Bay but had trouble adjusting to the new offense and is not as versatile as Morency who will also help as a kick off returner as well as a better run after the catch receiver out of the backfield. This is a much better fit and a good move for the Packers. On a side note, Ahman Green was outstanding and the lone offensive bright spot for the Pack in the opener. Not only his productivity gaining 110 yards rushing but he looked healthy and ran down hill getting the hard yards proving his quad surgery was successful.

The Lions are looking to get their offense on track so they added a new wide receiver, signing former Mike Martz disciple in Az-Zahir Hakim. Hakim knows this offensive system and was productive as a St. Louis Ram under Martz. This move will help give experienced depth to an underachieving receiving corps. The WRs need to get their timing with quarterback Jon Kitna and sharpen their route running to make Martz's offensive system work. Detroit must also establish a running game to create some balance taking the pressure off of Kitna to be something that he is not, a playmaker. Chicago did yield 110 yards on the ground to Ahman Green last week giving the Lions a positive area to attack offensively. Will RB Kevin Jones take his game up a notch and will the Lions offensive line be aggressive enough to create some running lanes are serious challenges against the stout Bears defensive front seven?
I look forward to talking more football with everyone on Friday during our regular NFC North chat time.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Titans' passing game needs help


posted: September 14, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Tennessee Titans

After watching the Tennessee Titans' game Sunday, you had to come away with some questions about their wide receivers. Drew Bennett had 106 receiving yards and could have had more if not for a dropped ball or two. This is the first time in over a year a Titans' receiver has had over 100 yards in a game. They were one of just three teams last season that did not get a 100-yard game from any of their wide receivers, even though they did get a 100-yard game from tight end Ben Troupe (against Seattle) and running back Chris Brown (against San Francisco). Bennett was their leading receiver with 738 yards last season, but following him were three tight ends, Troupe Erron Kinney and Bo Scaife, followed by Brown. That's one WR in their top five leading receivers. This is the obvious reason the Titans went out and signed David Givens from New England and Bobby Wade from Chicago.

Against the Jets, Bennett had eight catches for 106 yards, Wade had five catches for 76 yards and Givens finished with three catches for 27 yards. This was definitely a good sign. They need to continue this trend and threaten teams downfield in order to make their tight ends and running backs even more effective as downfield passing threats. It also loosens things up for the running game. Any time you limit what you can do, you end up providing the defense with areas they can focus on. The key is to get good blocking up front. It takes longer to run deeper routes which means the offensive line has to block a second longer. This week, against the San Diego Chargers, watch the Titans' offensive line. If they can keep Merriman and company out of the backfield Tennessee would have a chance to establish a downfield attack and throw to their WRs

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Titans' passing game needs help


posted: September 14, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Tennessee Titans

After watching the Tennessee Titans' game Sunday, you had to come away with some questions about their wide receivers. Drew Bennett had 106 receiving yards and could have had more if not for a dropped ball or two. This is the first time in over a year a Titans' receiver has had over 100 yards in a game. They were one of just three teams last season that did not get a 100-yard game from any of their wide receivers, even though they did get a 100-yard game from tight end Ben Troupe (against Seattle) and running back Chris Brown (against San Francisco). Bennett was their leading receiver with 738 yards last season, but following him were three tight ends, Troupe Erron Kinney and Bo Scaife, followed by Brown. That's one WR in their top five leading receivers. This is the obvious reason the Titans went out and signed David Givens from New England and Bobby Wade from Chicago.

Against the Jets, Bennett had eight catches for 106 yards, Wade had five catches for 76 yards and Givens finished with three catches for 27 yards. This was definitely a good sign. They need to continue this trend and threaten teams downfield in order to make their tight ends and running backs even more effective as downfield passing threats. It also loosens things up for the running game. Any time you limit what you can do, you end up providing the defense with areas they can focus on. The key is to get good blocking up front. It takes longer to run deeper routes which means the offensive line has to block a second longer. This week, against the San Diego Chargers, watch the Titans' offensive line. If they can keep Merriman and company out of the backfield Tennessee would have a chance to establish a downfield attack and throw to their WRs

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Updated: Sep. 15, 2006, 6:50 PM ET
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> </TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Culpepper must be patient


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = KC --><!-- lastName = Joyner -->
By KC Joyner
ESPN Insider
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->
Daunte Culpepper is the total package. He is bigger than most linebackers, has an incredibly powerful arm and has shown the ability to take a hit. He is also very accurate, and though he has been slowed by his knee injury, he still possesses more mobility than most pocket passers. He has also shown the ability to master the complexities of Scott Linehan's playbook.
The one trait Culpepper seems to lack is patience. He wants to throw the ball deep and his opponents made him pay for this in 2005 by sitting back in deep zones and waiting for Culpepper to chuck it downfield. He forced eight deep passes into coverage in the six-and-a-half games he played last year. Those forced passes gave him a 20.7 deep pass bad decision percentage, easily the highest of any quarterback last year.
The odd part about this is that Culpepper has proven he can be a patient quarterback. When Randy Moss was injured in the 2004 season, the Vikings changed their offensive game plan and had Culpepper throw more short passes. Culpepper ended the season with the most short pass attempts in the NFL, but also had the best passing statistics of his entire career with 39 touchdown passes and a 110 passer rating.
Culpepper's short and medium pass proficiency continued during the 2005 season. He ranked fifth in short pass yards per attempt and fourth in medium pass success percentage last year. Those rankings are comparable to those of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, two of the most patient quarterbacks in the game
The problem for Culpepper is that all of this dinking and dunking seems to drive him crazy, and he eventually gets an itch to throw the ball downfield, which proved costly in Miami's loss to Pittsburgh.
The Steelers' cornerbacks were frequently sitting nine yards off the line of scrimmage, simply daring Culpepper to throw the ball downfield. Culpepper was taking advantage of this for most of the game by being extremely efficient on the underneath passes. This is reflected by his metrics through the middle of the fourth quarter, at which point the Dolphins were leading 17-14:
<!-- INLINE TABLE (BEGIN) --><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=416 border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=8>Daunte Culpepper</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Depth</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Att</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Comp</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Yds</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>TD</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>INT</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Pen</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>YPA</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Short </TD><TD width=48>19 </TD><TD width=48>12 </TD><TD width=48>119 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>6.3 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Medium </TD><TD width=48>8 </TD><TD width=48>5 </TD><TD width=48>124 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>15.5 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Deep </TD><TD width=48>2 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0.0 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Totals </TD><TD width=48>29 </TD><TD width=48>17 </TD><TD width=48>243 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>8.4 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- INLINE TABLE (END) -->
These aren't dominant numbers, but they are quite good for a quarterback making his first start with a new team on the road against the world champions. Culpepper wasn't forcing any passes into coverage and was doing an excellent job of managing the game.
The Steelers took a 21-17 lead on the next drive. After the kickoff, Miami had the ball on its own 29-yard line with six minutes left in the game. The best thing Culpepper could have done at this point was to continue what he had been doing all game long. Instead, he started forcing the ball downfield, as evidenced by his metrics for the rest of the game:
<!-- INLINE TABLE (BEGIN) --><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=416 border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=8>Daunte Culpepper-2</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Depth</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Att</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Comp</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Yds</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>TD</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>INT</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Pen</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>YPA</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Short </TD><TD width=48>1 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>1 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0.0 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Medium </TD><TD width=48>2 </TD><TD width=48>1 </TD><TD width=48>19 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>1 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>9.5 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Deep </TD><TD width=48>2 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0.0 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Totals </TD><TD width=48>5 </TD><TD width=48>1 </TD><TD width=48>19 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>2 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>3.8 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- INLINE TABLE (END) -->The eight years Culpepper spent throwing the ball deep to Moss probably led him to develop these bad habits. When things would go badly in Minnesota, all he had to do was throw the ball downfield and let Moss make the play. Culpepper never had to develop patience and now it is hurting his game. Unless he can keep his patience throughout an entire game, even when Miami falls behind, this offense will never reach the next level.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Updated: Sep. 15, 2006, 6:50 PM ET
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> </TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Culpepper must be patient


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = KC --><!-- lastName = Joyner -->
By KC Joyner
ESPN Insider
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->
Daunte Culpepper is the total package. He is bigger than most linebackers, has an incredibly powerful arm and has shown the ability to take a hit. He is also very accurate, and though he has been slowed by his knee injury, he still possesses more mobility than most pocket passers. He has also shown the ability to master the complexities of Scott Linehan's playbook.
The one trait Culpepper seems to lack is patience. He wants to throw the ball deep and his opponents made him pay for this in 2005 by sitting back in deep zones and waiting for Culpepper to chuck it downfield. He forced eight deep passes into coverage in the six-and-a-half games he played last year. Those forced passes gave him a 20.7 deep pass bad decision percentage, easily the highest of any quarterback last year.
The odd part about this is that Culpepper has proven he can be a patient quarterback. When Randy Moss was injured in the 2004 season, the Vikings changed their offensive game plan and had Culpepper throw more short passes. Culpepper ended the season with the most short pass attempts in the NFL, but also had the best passing statistics of his entire career with 39 touchdown passes and a 110 passer rating.
Culpepper's short and medium pass proficiency continued during the 2005 season. He ranked fifth in short pass yards per attempt and fourth in medium pass success percentage last year. Those rankings are comparable to those of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, two of the most patient quarterbacks in the game
The problem for Culpepper is that all of this dinking and dunking seems to drive him crazy, and he eventually gets an itch to throw the ball downfield, which proved costly in Miami's loss to Pittsburgh.
The Steelers' cornerbacks were frequently sitting nine yards off the line of scrimmage, simply daring Culpepper to throw the ball downfield. Culpepper was taking advantage of this for most of the game by being extremely efficient on the underneath passes. This is reflected by his metrics through the middle of the fourth quarter, at which point the Dolphins were leading 17-14:
<!-- INLINE TABLE (BEGIN) --><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=416 border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=8>Daunte Culpepper</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Depth</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Att</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Comp</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Yds</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>TD</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>INT</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Pen</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>YPA</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Short </TD><TD width=48>19 </TD><TD width=48>12 </TD><TD width=48>119 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>6.3 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Medium </TD><TD width=48>8 </TD><TD width=48>5 </TD><TD width=48>124 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>15.5 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Deep </TD><TD width=48>2 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0.0 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Totals </TD><TD width=48>29 </TD><TD width=48>17 </TD><TD width=48>243 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>8.4 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- INLINE TABLE (END) -->
These aren't dominant numbers, but they are quite good for a quarterback making his first start with a new team on the road against the world champions. Culpepper wasn't forcing any passes into coverage and was doing an excellent job of managing the game.
The Steelers took a 21-17 lead on the next drive. After the kickoff, Miami had the ball on its own 29-yard line with six minutes left in the game. The best thing Culpepper could have done at this point was to continue what he had been doing all game long. Instead, he started forcing the ball downfield, as evidenced by his metrics for the rest of the game:
<!-- INLINE TABLE (BEGIN) --><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=416 border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=8>Daunte Culpepper-2</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Depth</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Att</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Comp</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Yds</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>TD</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>INT</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>Pen</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width=48>YPA</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Short </TD><TD width=48>1 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>1 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0.0 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Medium </TD><TD width=48>2 </TD><TD width=48>1 </TD><TD width=48>19 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>1 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>9.5 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Deep </TD><TD width=48>2 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>0.0 </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=48>Totals </TD><TD width=48>5 </TD><TD width=48>1 </TD><TD width=48>19 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>2 </TD><TD width=48>0 </TD><TD width=48>3.8 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- INLINE TABLE (END) -->The eight years Culpepper spent throwing the ball deep to Moss probably led him to develop these bad habits. When things would go badly in Minnesota, all he had to do was throw the ball downfield and let Moss make the play. Culpepper never had to develop patience and now it is hurting his game. Unless he can keep his patience throughout an entire game, even when Miami falls behind, this offense will never reach the next level.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Injuries impact divisional clashes


posted: Friday, September 15, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks

Sometimes when a starter goes down and a replacement steps up we know enough about the replacement that we can feel good about how the change will affect the team. Other times the replacement is an unknown commodity and fans have no idea how well he'll perform.

This week's AFC East matchups feature some of each, with several new names and faces filling in for injured regulars. These replacements will have to play well in order for their teams to be successful.
Buffalo at Miami: Complete matchup | Take 2
The Buffalo Bills may have the most question marks going into Sunday's matchup with the Dolphins. Starter and 15-year veteran Troy Vincent was put on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. He will be replaced by rookie mid-rounder Ko Simpson. Linebacker Takeo Spikes, one of the Bills' best defensive players, only played the first quarter vs. the Patriots last week and is listed as questionable. The Bills will move weak-side linebacker Angelo Crowell to the strong side to replace Spikes and put rookie sixth-rounder Keith Ellison in Crowell's spot. Backup safety Matt Bowen is listed as questionable, and his status could affect depth in the secondary and on special teams.
Miami has several question marks in its secondary. Second-year corner back Travis Daniels did not play in the opener and is listed as questionable this week with a sprained ankle. If the 6-foot-1 inch Daniels can't play, he will be replaced by 5-10 Andre Goodman. CB Will Allen also is questionable with a hip injury. He was replaced against the Steelers with foruth-year player Michael Lehan, who had a tough time in coverage. First-round pick Jason Allen a safety, still is not ready to play, according to the coaching staff. The combination of these injuries and the team's opening-day performance makes the secondary a concern.
New England at New York: Complete matchup | Take 2
The Patriots have two major question marks as they travel down to the Meadowlands. On offense, starting OT Nick Kaczur is listed as questionable (shoulder). New England will miss his athleticism if he is replaced by Ryan O'Callaghan, who played tackle in the opener. Defensively, Tedy Bruschi returned to practice this week but has been listed as questionable (wrist). If he does not return this week, the Pats will miss his physical play, instincts and .leadership. The Jets might be the healthiest team in the division heading into Week 2, but they still have some concerns. Veteran guard Pete Kendall is listed as questionable (hamstring), and there would be a big drop-off if he has to be replaced by second-year man Norm Katnik, a college free agent. The Jets already are thin at the guard and center positions, and backup Trey Teague is doubtful with an ankle injury. If no one else gets hurt, though, this might not have much of an effect. Starting cornerback and seven-year veteran David Barrett is questionable (hip). His replacement would be second-year player Justin Miller. Miller might have more raw talent, but there have been some questions about his discipline within the defense and his basic techniques.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Injuries impact divisional clashes


posted: Friday, September 15, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks

Sometimes when a starter goes down and a replacement steps up we know enough about the replacement that we can feel good about how the change will affect the team. Other times the replacement is an unknown commodity and fans have no idea how well he'll perform.

This week's AFC East matchups feature some of each, with several new names and faces filling in for injured regulars. These replacements will have to play well in order for their teams to be successful.
Buffalo at Miami: Complete matchup | Take 2
The Buffalo Bills may have the most question marks going into Sunday's matchup with the Dolphins. Starter and 15-year veteran Troy Vincent was put on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. He will be replaced by rookie mid-rounder Ko Simpson. Linebacker Takeo Spikes, one of the Bills' best defensive players, only played the first quarter vs. the Patriots last week and is listed as questionable. The Bills will move weak-side linebacker Angelo Crowell to the strong side to replace Spikes and put rookie sixth-rounder Keith Ellison in Crowell's spot. Backup safety Matt Bowen is listed as questionable, and his status could affect depth in the secondary and on special teams.
Miami has several question marks in its secondary. Second-year corner back Travis Daniels did not play in the opener and is listed as questionable this week with a sprained ankle. If the 6-foot-1 inch Daniels can't play, he will be replaced by 5-10 Andre Goodman. CB Will Allen also is questionable with a hip injury. He was replaced against the Steelers with foruth-year player Michael Lehan, who had a tough time in coverage. First-round pick Jason Allen a safety, still is not ready to play, according to the coaching staff. The combination of these injuries and the team's opening-day performance makes the secondary a concern.
New England at New York: Complete matchup | Take 2
The Patriots have two major question marks as they travel down to the Meadowlands. On offense, starting OT Nick Kaczur is listed as questionable (shoulder). New England will miss his athleticism if he is replaced by Ryan O'Callaghan, who played tackle in the opener. Defensively, Tedy Bruschi returned to practice this week but has been listed as questionable (wrist). If he does not return this week, the Pats will miss his physical play, instincts and .leadership. The Jets might be the healthiest team in the division heading into Week 2, but they still have some concerns. Veteran guard Pete Kendall is listed as questionable (hamstring), and there would be a big drop-off if he has to be replaced by second-year man Norm Katnik, a college free agent. The Jets already are thin at the guard and center positions, and backup Trey Teague is doubtful with an ankle injury. If no one else gets hurt, though, this might not have much of an effect. Starting cornerback and seven-year veteran David Barrett is questionable (hip). His replacement would be second-year player Justin Miller. Miller might have more raw talent, but there have been some questions about his discipline within the defense and his basic techniques.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Browns, Steelers get good news


posted: Thursday, September 15, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Browns got good news concerning the status of Joe Jurevicius' rib injury, and it doesn't look as though the veteran wide receiver will miss substantial time, although he likely will miss this week against the Bengals.

This is great news for the Browns' struggling offense. Young QB Charlie Frye needs to get live game experience with all of his weapons intact to help build a rhythm in the passing game. Jurevicius had the skill-set to become a very valuable third-down receiver and a weapon in the red zone.
In the meantime, expect former high first-round picks TE Kellen Winslow and WR Braylon Edwards to step up their game in Jurevicius' absence. If all three of these weapons can perform as they are capable, the Browns' running game will also improve dramatically.
Pittsburgh also got some good health news in that QB Ben Roethlisberger could be getting the start Monday night in Jacksonville. Charlie Batch is one of the better backups in the league and has very good experience in the Steelers' system, but by no means is he in the same class as a healthy Roethlisberger. The Steelers also caught a break in that they will not have to play against the Jaguars' best pass rusher, DE Reggie Hayward. Hayward is a fine player who could have given Steelers RT Max Starks more than he could handle, but now Starks is a fine matchup against DE/DT Rob Meier, who will start in place of Hayward. He is a physical defensive end who plays hard, but he is not nearly as explosive or quick off the ball as Hayward. Meier will battle Starks hard, but his skill-set plays into the massive Starks' strengths.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Browns, Steelers get good news


posted: Thursday, September 15, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Browns got good news concerning the status of Joe Jurevicius' rib injury, and it doesn't look as though the veteran wide receiver will miss substantial time, although he likely will miss this week against the Bengals.

This is great news for the Browns' struggling offense. Young QB Charlie Frye needs to get live game experience with all of his weapons intact to help build a rhythm in the passing game. Jurevicius had the skill-set to become a very valuable third-down receiver and a weapon in the red zone.
In the meantime, expect former high first-round picks TE Kellen Winslow and WR Braylon Edwards to step up their game in Jurevicius' absence. If all three of these weapons can perform as they are capable, the Browns' running game will also improve dramatically.
Pittsburgh also got some good health news in that QB Ben Roethlisberger could be getting the start Monday night in Jacksonville. Charlie Batch is one of the better backups in the league and has very good experience in the Steelers' system, but by no means is he in the same class as a healthy Roethlisberger. The Steelers also caught a break in that they will not have to play against the Jaguars' best pass rusher, DE Reggie Hayward. Hayward is a fine player who could have given Steelers RT Max Starks more than he could handle, but now Starks is a fine matchup against DE/DT Rob Meier, who will start in place of Hayward. He is a physical defensive end who plays hard, but he is not nearly as explosive or quick off the ball as Hayward. Meier will battle Starks hard, but his skill-set plays into the massive Starks' strengths.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Updated: Sep. 15, 2006
Bush's injury propels Irons


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Todd --><!-- lastName = McShay -->
By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->
The broken tibia suffered by Louisville RB Michael Bush in Week 1 (vs. Kentucky) was devastating on several fronts. Strictly from an NFL draft perspective, it robbed the 2007 senior class of its premier running back prospect.
Bush can take this season as a medical redshirt and return to Louisville next fall, but don't count on it. His injury typically requires a six-to-eight month recovery period, and Bush knows he has seven months between now and next April's draft to prepare.
NFL scouts have voiced concerns regarding Bush's eating habits, which could lead to serious weight and conditioning problems during the recovery process. If Bush can avoid that pitfall and expedite his rehabilitation process in time to work out for scouts in the postseason, a spot late in the first round is still a possibility.
NFL teams have taken bigger risks in the past. Remember, the Buffalo Bills used the 23rd overall pick in 2003 on RB Willis McGahee, who was fresh off a gruesome knee injury suffered against Miami in the Fiesta Bowl.
With Bush's status uncertain, Kenny Irons (Auburn) becomes the top senior running back prospect in next year's class. But don't forget about Oklahoma junior Adrian Peterson, who has carried the Sooners with 379 total yards and four touchdowns in two underwhelming victories over UAB and Washington. Since Bush's injury, three separate NFL scouts have told me they expect Peterson to leave Norman after this season.
On a more positive note, one of the early surprises of the 2006 season is Nebraska TE Matt Herian's comeback. After battling injuries for nearly two full years, Herian has returned to form with seven catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns through two games. His lack of ideal size and strength limit him as a blocker, but Herian is a reliable receiver who will benefit from coach Bill Callahan's West Coast offense. If he can stay healthy and get clearance from NFL doctors during postseason workouts, Herian could re-emerge as a Day 1 prospect in a weak 2007 senior class of tight ends.

Overrated: Jeff Rowe, QB, Nevada
Rowe entered this season as a developmental prospect flying under the radar. After two ugly starts -- both losses -- Rowe's stock has begun to plummet. The 6-foot-4, 221-pound quarterback has an impressive combination of size, arm strength and mobility, but his decision-making has always been questioned.
By completing just 55.6 percent of his throws with two interceptions in trips to Fresno State and Arizona State, Rowe has done nothing to erase those doubts. It will take a strong turnaround in Nevada's remaining 10 games for Rowe to overcome his poor start.

Underrated: Buster Davis, ILB, Florida State
Sometimes it is easy to get wrapped up in the numbers when projecting college players to the NFL, and Davis is a good example of that trap. Due to his size (just over 5-foot-9, 247 pounds) and below-average speed in his spring 40-yard dash attempts (best of 4.82 seconds), it was easy to write Davis off as a potential first-day pick.
But that was prior to watching his first two outings as a senior. Davis dominated the opener at Miami (Fla.), recording 12 tackles, including 3? for a loss, and two sacks. Just five days later he made a key fourth-quarter interception to thwart Troy's upset attempt in Tallahassee. His below average "NFL measurables " will inevitably affect his draft stock, but Davis shouldn't get discouraged thanks to examples set by others such as London Fletcher (Bills) who have overcome similar limitations.

Can't miss individual matchup:
Notre Dame WR Jeff Samardzija vs. Michigan CB Leon Hall
A first-round wide receiver prospect matched up on an island versus a first-round cornerback prospect ... this is a one-on-one that NFL scouts can't wait to witness. Hall is a more fluid athlete, so he shouldn't have trouble keeping pace with Samardzija downfield and out of breaks.
Samardzija, on the other hand, has a six-inch and 23-pound size advantage that he can use to shield Hall from the ball. If one player dominates this individual matchup, he will solidify a spot in the first round of next year's draft. Don't be surprised if Hall comes out on top.
Here is an early look at the top 32 senior prospects as it pertains to the 2007 NFL draft. After a few more games I will begin to add some of the premier eligible underclassmen to this list: <!---------------------INLINE TABLE (BEGIN)---------------------><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=430 border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=4>Scouts Inc.'s Top 32</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="5%">RANK</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="35%">NAME</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="10%">POS</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="10%">CLASS</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="30%">SCHOOL</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">1.</TD><TD width="35%">Brady Quinn</TD><TD width="10%">QB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Notre Dame</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">2.</TD><TD width="35%">Quentin Moses</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Georgia</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">3.</TD><TD width="35%">Joe Thomas</TD><TD width="10%">OT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Wisconsin</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">4.</TD><TD width="35%">Gaines Adams</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Clemson</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">5.</TD><TD width="35%">Paul Posluszny</TD><TD width="10%">OLB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Penn State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">6.</TD><TD width="35%">Leon Hall</TD><TD width="10%">DC</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Michigan</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">7.</TD><TD width="35%">Levi Brown</TD><TD width="10%">OT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Penn State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">8.</TD><TD width="35%">LaRon Landry</TD><TD width="10%">DS</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">LSU</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">9.</TD><TD width="35%">Adam Carriker</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Nebraska</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">10.</TD><TD width="35%">Drew Stanton</TD><TD width="10%">QB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Michigan State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">11.</TD><TD width="35%">Kenny Irons</TD><TD width="10%">RB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Auburn</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">12.</TD><TD width="35%">Jeff Samardzija</TD><TD width="10%">WR</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Notre Dame</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">13.</TD><TD width="35%">Marcus Thomas</TD><TD width="10%">DT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Florida</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">14.</TD><TD width="35%">Marcus McCauley</TD><TD width="10%">DC</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Fresno State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">15.</TD><TD width="35%">Quinn Pitcock</TD><TD width="10%">DT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Ohio State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">16.</TD><TD width="35%">Justin Blaylock</TD><TD width="10%">OT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Texas</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">17.</TD><TD width="35%">Brandon Meriweather</TD><TD width="10%">DS</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Miami (Fla.)</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">18.</TD><TD width="35%">Patrick Willis</TD><TD width="10%">LB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Mississippi</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">19.</TD><TD width="35%">Aaron Rouse</TD><TD width="10%">DS</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Virginia Tech</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">20.</TD><TD width="35%">Rufus Alexander</TD><TD width="10%">LB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Oklahoma</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">21.</TD><TD width="35%">Michael Griffin</TD><TD width="10%">DS</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Texas</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">22.</TD><TD width="35%">Victor Abiamiri</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Notre Dame</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">23.</TD><TD width="35%">Jason Hill</TD><TD width="10%">WR</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Wash. State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">24.</TD><TD width="35%">Ryan Harris</TD><TD width="10%">OT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Notre Dame</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">25.</TD><TD width="35%">Tim Crowder</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Texas</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">26.</TD><TD width="35%">Buster Davis</TD><TD width="10%">LB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Florida State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">27.</TD><TD width="35%">Baraka Atkins</TD><TD width="10%">DL</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Miami (Fla.)</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">28.</TD><TD width="35%">LaMarr Woodley</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Michigan</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">29.</TD><TD width="35%">Fred Bennett</TD><TD width="10%">DC</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">South Carolina</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">30.</TD><TD width="35%">Paul Williams</TD><TD width="10%">WR</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Fresno State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">31.</TD><TD width="35%">Doug Free</TD><TD width="10%">OT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Northern Illinois</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">32.</TD><TD width="35%">Daymeion Hughes</TD><TD width="10%">DC</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">California</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Updated: Sep. 15, 2006
Bush's injury propels Irons


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Todd --><!-- lastName = McShay -->
By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->
The broken tibia suffered by Louisville RB Michael Bush in Week 1 (vs. Kentucky) was devastating on several fronts. Strictly from an NFL draft perspective, it robbed the 2007 senior class of its premier running back prospect.
Bush can take this season as a medical redshirt and return to Louisville next fall, but don't count on it. His injury typically requires a six-to-eight month recovery period, and Bush knows he has seven months between now and next April's draft to prepare.
NFL scouts have voiced concerns regarding Bush's eating habits, which could lead to serious weight and conditioning problems during the recovery process. If Bush can avoid that pitfall and expedite his rehabilitation process in time to work out for scouts in the postseason, a spot late in the first round is still a possibility.
NFL teams have taken bigger risks in the past. Remember, the Buffalo Bills used the 23rd overall pick in 2003 on RB Willis McGahee, who was fresh off a gruesome knee injury suffered against Miami in the Fiesta Bowl.
With Bush's status uncertain, Kenny Irons (Auburn) becomes the top senior running back prospect in next year's class. But don't forget about Oklahoma junior Adrian Peterson, who has carried the Sooners with 379 total yards and four touchdowns in two underwhelming victories over UAB and Washington. Since Bush's injury, three separate NFL scouts have told me they expect Peterson to leave Norman after this season.
On a more positive note, one of the early surprises of the 2006 season is Nebraska TE Matt Herian's comeback. After battling injuries for nearly two full years, Herian has returned to form with seven catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns through two games. His lack of ideal size and strength limit him as a blocker, but Herian is a reliable receiver who will benefit from coach Bill Callahan's West Coast offense. If he can stay healthy and get clearance from NFL doctors during postseason workouts, Herian could re-emerge as a Day 1 prospect in a weak 2007 senior class of tight ends.

Overrated: Jeff Rowe, QB, Nevada
Rowe entered this season as a developmental prospect flying under the radar. After two ugly starts -- both losses -- Rowe's stock has begun to plummet. The 6-foot-4, 221-pound quarterback has an impressive combination of size, arm strength and mobility, but his decision-making has always been questioned.
By completing just 55.6 percent of his throws with two interceptions in trips to Fresno State and Arizona State, Rowe has done nothing to erase those doubts. It will take a strong turnaround in Nevada's remaining 10 games for Rowe to overcome his poor start.

Underrated: Buster Davis, ILB, Florida State
Sometimes it is easy to get wrapped up in the numbers when projecting college players to the NFL, and Davis is a good example of that trap. Due to his size (just over 5-foot-9, 247 pounds) and below-average speed in his spring 40-yard dash attempts (best of 4.82 seconds), it was easy to write Davis off as a potential first-day pick.
But that was prior to watching his first two outings as a senior. Davis dominated the opener at Miami (Fla.), recording 12 tackles, including 3? for a loss, and two sacks. Just five days later he made a key fourth-quarter interception to thwart Troy's upset attempt in Tallahassee. His below average "NFL measurables " will inevitably affect his draft stock, but Davis shouldn't get discouraged thanks to examples set by others such as London Fletcher (Bills) who have overcome similar limitations.

Can't miss individual matchup:
Notre Dame WR Jeff Samardzija vs. Michigan CB Leon Hall
A first-round wide receiver prospect matched up on an island versus a first-round cornerback prospect ... this is a one-on-one that NFL scouts can't wait to witness. Hall is a more fluid athlete, so he shouldn't have trouble keeping pace with Samardzija downfield and out of breaks.
Samardzija, on the other hand, has a six-inch and 23-pound size advantage that he can use to shield Hall from the ball. If one player dominates this individual matchup, he will solidify a spot in the first round of next year's draft. Don't be surprised if Hall comes out on top.
Here is an early look at the top 32 senior prospects as it pertains to the 2007 NFL draft. After a few more games I will begin to add some of the premier eligible underclassmen to this list: <!---------------------INLINE TABLE (BEGIN)---------------------><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=430 border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=4>Scouts Inc.'s Top 32</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="5%">RANK</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="35%">NAME</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="10%">POS</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="10%">CLASS</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="30%">SCHOOL</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">1.</TD><TD width="35%">Brady Quinn</TD><TD width="10%">QB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Notre Dame</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">2.</TD><TD width="35%">Quentin Moses</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Georgia</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">3.</TD><TD width="35%">Joe Thomas</TD><TD width="10%">OT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Wisconsin</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">4.</TD><TD width="35%">Gaines Adams</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Clemson</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">5.</TD><TD width="35%">Paul Posluszny</TD><TD width="10%">OLB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Penn State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">6.</TD><TD width="35%">Leon Hall</TD><TD width="10%">DC</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Michigan</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">7.</TD><TD width="35%">Levi Brown</TD><TD width="10%">OT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Penn State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">8.</TD><TD width="35%">LaRon Landry</TD><TD width="10%">DS</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">LSU</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">9.</TD><TD width="35%">Adam Carriker</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Nebraska</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">10.</TD><TD width="35%">Drew Stanton</TD><TD width="10%">QB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Michigan State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">11.</TD><TD width="35%">Kenny Irons</TD><TD width="10%">RB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Auburn</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">12.</TD><TD width="35%">Jeff Samardzija</TD><TD width="10%">WR</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Notre Dame</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">13.</TD><TD width="35%">Marcus Thomas</TD><TD width="10%">DT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Florida</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">14.</TD><TD width="35%">Marcus McCauley</TD><TD width="10%">DC</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Fresno State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">15.</TD><TD width="35%">Quinn Pitcock</TD><TD width="10%">DT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Ohio State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">16.</TD><TD width="35%">Justin Blaylock</TD><TD width="10%">OT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Texas</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">17.</TD><TD width="35%">Brandon Meriweather</TD><TD width="10%">DS</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Miami (Fla.)</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">18.</TD><TD width="35%">Patrick Willis</TD><TD width="10%">LB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Mississippi</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">19.</TD><TD width="35%">Aaron Rouse</TD><TD width="10%">DS</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Virginia Tech</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">20.</TD><TD width="35%">Rufus Alexander</TD><TD width="10%">LB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Oklahoma</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">21.</TD><TD width="35%">Michael Griffin</TD><TD width="10%">DS</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Texas</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">22.</TD><TD width="35%">Victor Abiamiri</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Notre Dame</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">23.</TD><TD width="35%">Jason Hill</TD><TD width="10%">WR</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Wash. State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">24.</TD><TD width="35%">Ryan Harris</TD><TD width="10%">OT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Notre Dame</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">25.</TD><TD width="35%">Tim Crowder</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Texas</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">26.</TD><TD width="35%">Buster Davis</TD><TD width="10%">LB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Florida State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">27.</TD><TD width="35%">Baraka Atkins</TD><TD width="10%">DL</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Miami (Fla.)</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">28.</TD><TD width="35%">LaMarr Woodley</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Michigan</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">29.</TD><TD width="35%">Fred Bennett</TD><TD width="10%">DC</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">South Carolina</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">30.</TD><TD width="35%">Paul Williams</TD><TD width="10%">WR</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Fresno State</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">31.</TD><TD width="35%">Doug Free</TD><TD width="10%">OT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Northern Illinois</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">32.</TD><TD width="35%">Daymeion Hughes</TD><TD width="10%">DC</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">California</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Updated: Sep. 15, 2006, 9:48 AM ET
Injuries already adding up on Big Board


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Mel --><!-- lastName = Kiperjr -->
By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN.com
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->
We're only two weeks into the college football season, but already injuries have taken several of the nation's best players out of my Top 25 Big Board. First, it was Nebraska defensive back Zack Bowman, who suffered a knee injury and was done before the season even started. Louisville running back Michael Bush broke his leg in the first game of the season, and now Tennessee will have to do without defensive tackle Justin Harrell for the rest of the year with a torn biceps muscle.
<OFFER>With Harrell out of the Top 25, the lone newcomer this week on the Big Board is Florida defensive tackle Marcus Thomas. For an interior lineman, Thomas has tremendous quickness and allows his teammates to make plays because more often than not he's being double-teamed.

1. Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame (6-3?, 225) | previous: 1
Poised, smart and at his best in pressure situations.

2. Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin (6-6?, 313) | previous: 3
Huge, quick and athletic with a long wingspan.

3. Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia (6-4, 254) | previous: 2
Mature, hard working and explosive off the edge.

4. Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan St. (6-3, 232) | previous: Even
Desire to win is unmatched. Stanton brings every intangible you want at the QB position.

5. Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn (5-10?, 199) | previous: 8
Deceptively strong with great vision and balance.

6. Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska (6-6, 298) | previous: 7
You just don't see many defensive ends carrying 300 pounds who can move as well as Carriker.

7. Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame (6-4?, 215) | previous: 9
Super hands and concentration with outstanding speed-to-size ratio.

8. Levi Brown, OT, Penn St. (6-4?, 325) | previous: 6
Steady and reliable at protecting the quarterback's blind side.

9. Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St. (6-0?, 200) | previous: 11
He has the size and speed (4.33 40-yard dash) with outstanding coverage technique.

10.Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson (6-4?, 260) | previous: 5
Flashes dominating ability with his athleticism and quickness.

11. Ryan Harris, OT, Notre Dame (6-4?, 297) | previous: 17
Light on his feet with a defensive mentality. Harris neutralizes quick outside pass rushers.

12. LaRon Landry, DB, LSU (6-1?, 205) | previous: Even
Four-year starter who has proven to be Mr. Reliable throughout his career.
13. Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame (5-11?, 212) | previous: 20


Joe Raymond/AP Photo
Tom Zbikowski was one of the biggest movers on this week's board, going from 20th to 13th.



An aggressive ball hawk who brings a swagger to the Irish's defense. A true play-maker who also excels as a punt returner.

14. Brandon Meriweather, DB, Miami (6-0, 192) | previous: 16
Not physically imposing, but he's an active player whose productivity has been off the charts.

15. Buster Davis, LB, Florida State (5-10, 242) | previous: 23
Rock-solid player who is off to a phenomenal start. A shorter version of Ray Lewis.

16. Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn St. (6-1?, 235) | previous: 10
A productive and consistent player who studies and prepares as thoroughly as anybody.

17. LaMarr Woodley, DE, Michigan (6-1?, 269) | previous: 13
Combination DE/OLB with a hustling approach and disruptive capabilities.

18. Leon Hall, CB, Michigan (5-11, 193) | previous: 15
Tough customer who also shows very good anticipation and awareness in coverage.

19. Marcus Thomas, DT, Florida (6-2?, 288) | previous: unranked
Quick as a cat and very athletic interior lineman who is able to neutralize a double team.

20. Patrick Willis, LB, Mississippi (6-2, 235) | previous: 22
Tackling machine with great football sense and diagnostic ability.

21. Aaron Rouse, S, Virginia Tech (6-4, 218) | previous: 24
Incredible physical specimen with rare computer numbers.

22. Rufus Alexander, LB, Oklahoma (6-1, 231) | previous: 25
Very complete player who is able to get the job done in either the running or passing game.

23. Michael Griffin, DB, Texas (6-0, 208) | previous: 19
Rugged intimidator whose approach to the game reminds me of Ronnie Lott.

24. Quinn Pitcock, DT, Ohio St. (6-3, 297) | previous: 14
Run-stuffing dynamo who does a great job of clogging the interior.

25. Justin Blalock, OT, Texas (6-3?, 333) | previous: 21
Intelligent, very strong and very athletic.
Dropped
Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee (6-4, 300) | previous: 18
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Updated: Sep. 15, 2006, 9:48 AM ET
Injuries already adding up on Big Board


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Mel --><!-- lastName = Kiperjr -->
By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN.com
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->
We're only two weeks into the college football season, but already injuries have taken several of the nation's best players out of my Top 25 Big Board. First, it was Nebraska defensive back Zack Bowman, who suffered a knee injury and was done before the season even started. Louisville running back Michael Bush broke his leg in the first game of the season, and now Tennessee will have to do without defensive tackle Justin Harrell for the rest of the year with a torn biceps muscle.
<OFFER>With Harrell out of the Top 25, the lone newcomer this week on the Big Board is Florida defensive tackle Marcus Thomas. For an interior lineman, Thomas has tremendous quickness and allows his teammates to make plays because more often than not he's being double-teamed.

1. Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame (6-3?, 225) | previous: 1
Poised, smart and at his best in pressure situations.

2. Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin (6-6?, 313) | previous: 3
Huge, quick and athletic with a long wingspan.

3. Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia (6-4, 254) | previous: 2
Mature, hard working and explosive off the edge.

4. Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan St. (6-3, 232) | previous: Even
Desire to win is unmatched. Stanton brings every intangible you want at the QB position.

5. Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn (5-10?, 199) | previous: 8
Deceptively strong with great vision and balance.

6. Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska (6-6, 298) | previous: 7
You just don't see many defensive ends carrying 300 pounds who can move as well as Carriker.

7. Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame (6-4?, 215) | previous: 9
Super hands and concentration with outstanding speed-to-size ratio.

8. Levi Brown, OT, Penn St. (6-4?, 325) | previous: 6
Steady and reliable at protecting the quarterback's blind side.

9. Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St. (6-0?, 200) | previous: 11
He has the size and speed (4.33 40-yard dash) with outstanding coverage technique.

10.Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson (6-4?, 260) | previous: 5
Flashes dominating ability with his athleticism and quickness.

11. Ryan Harris, OT, Notre Dame (6-4?, 297) | previous: 17
Light on his feet with a defensive mentality. Harris neutralizes quick outside pass rushers.

12. LaRon Landry, DB, LSU (6-1?, 205) | previous: Even
Four-year starter who has proven to be Mr. Reliable throughout his career.
13. Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame (5-11?, 212) | previous: 20


Joe Raymond/AP Photo
Tom Zbikowski was one of the biggest movers on this week's board, going from 20th to 13th.



An aggressive ball hawk who brings a swagger to the Irish's defense. A true play-maker who also excels as a punt returner.

14. Brandon Meriweather, DB, Miami (6-0, 192) | previous: 16
Not physically imposing, but he's an active player whose productivity has been off the charts.

15. Buster Davis, LB, Florida State (5-10, 242) | previous: 23
Rock-solid player who is off to a phenomenal start. A shorter version of Ray Lewis.

16. Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn St. (6-1?, 235) | previous: 10
A productive and consistent player who studies and prepares as thoroughly as anybody.

17. LaMarr Woodley, DE, Michigan (6-1?, 269) | previous: 13
Combination DE/OLB with a hustling approach and disruptive capabilities.

18. Leon Hall, CB, Michigan (5-11, 193) | previous: 15
Tough customer who also shows very good anticipation and awareness in coverage.

19. Marcus Thomas, DT, Florida (6-2?, 288) | previous: unranked
Quick as a cat and very athletic interior lineman who is able to neutralize a double team.

20. Patrick Willis, LB, Mississippi (6-2, 235) | previous: 22
Tackling machine with great football sense and diagnostic ability.

21. Aaron Rouse, S, Virginia Tech (6-4, 218) | previous: 24
Incredible physical specimen with rare computer numbers.

22. Rufus Alexander, LB, Oklahoma (6-1, 231) | previous: 25
Very complete player who is able to get the job done in either the running or passing game.

23. Michael Griffin, DB, Texas (6-0, 208) | previous: 19
Rugged intimidator whose approach to the game reminds me of Ronnie Lott.

24. Quinn Pitcock, DT, Ohio St. (6-3, 297) | previous: 14
Run-stuffing dynamo who does a great job of clogging the interior.

25. Justin Blalock, OT, Texas (6-3?, 333) | previous: 21
Intelligent, very strong and very athletic.
Dropped
Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee (6-4, 300) | previous: 18
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Updated: Sep. 15, 2006, 11:27 AM ET
Top 5 seniors by position


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Mel --><!-- lastName = Kiperjr -->
By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN Insider
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Quarterbacks[/FONT]
1. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
2. Drew Stanton, Michigan State
3. Trent Edwards, Stanford
4. Troy Smith, Ohio State
5. Kevin Kolb, Houston


<OFFER>

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Running Backs[/FONT]
1. Kenny Irons, Auburn
2. Michael Bush, Louisville (injured)
3. Jon Cornish, Kansas
4. Ronnie McGill, North Carolina
5. Tony Hunt, Penn State

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Fullbacks[/FONT]
1. Brian Leonard, Rutgers
2. Le'Ron McClain, Alabama
3. Bryson Davis, Mississippi State
4. Nick Frank, Stanford
5. Jason Snelling, Virginia


[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Wide Receivers[/FONT]
1. Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame
2. Paul Williams, Fresno State
3. Joel Filani, Texas Tech
4. Rhema McKnight, Notre Dame
5. Jason Hill, Washington State

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Tight Ends[/FONT]
1. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
2. Joe Newton, Oregon State
3. Clark Harris, Rutgers
4. Scott Chandler, Iowa
5. Martrez Milner, Georgia

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Offensive Tackles[/FONT]
1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
2. Levi Brown, Penn State
3. Ryan Harris, Notre Dame
4. Joe Staley, Central Michigan
5. James Marten, Boston College
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Offensive Guards[/FONT]
1. Justin Blalock, Texas
2. Josh Beekman, Boston College
3. Ben Grubbs, Auburn
4. Arron Sears, Tennessee
5. Tim Duckworth, Auburn



[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Centers[/FONT]
1. Kyle Young, Fresno State
2. Doug Datish, Ohio State
3. Dustin Fry, Clemson
4. Enoka Lucas, Oregon
5. Ryan Kalil, USC

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Defensive Ends[/FONT]
1. Quentin Moses, Georgia
2. Adam Carriker, Nebraska
3. Gaines Adams, Clemson
4. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan
5. Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Defensive Tackles[/FONT]
1. Marcus Thomas, Florida
2. Quinn Pitcock, Ohio State
3. Justin Harrell, Tennessee (injured)
4. Brandon Mebane, California
5. Amobi Okoye, Louisville

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Inside Linebackers[/FONT]
1. Buster Davis, Florida State
2. Patrick Willis, Mississippi
3. Nate Harris, Louisville
4. Anthony Waters, Clemson (injured)
5. Justin Durant, Hampton

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Outside Linebackers[/FONT]
1. Paul Posluszny, Penn State
2. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
3. Earl Everett, Florida
4. Tim Shaw, Penn State
5. Juwan Simpson, Alabama

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Cornerbacks[/FONT]
1. Marcus McCauley, Fresno State
2. Leon Hall, Michigan
3. Tanard Jackson, Syracuse
4. Fred Bennett, South Carolina
5. C.J. Wilson, Baylor

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Safeties[/FONT]
1. LaRon Landry, LSU
2. Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame
3. Brandon Meriweather, Miami
4. Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech
5. Michael Griffin, Texas

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Place-Kickers[/FONT]
1. Mason Crosby, Colorado
2. Justin Medlock, UCLA
3. Nick Folk, Arizona
4. Robert Lee, East Carolina
5. Jesse Ainsworth, Arizona State

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Punters[/FONT]
1. Adam Podlesh, Maryland
2. Daniel Sepulveda, Baylor
3. Adam Graessle, Pittsburgh
4. John Deraney, NC State
5. Michael Gibson, Memphis
Top 5 Juniors By Position


[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Quarterbacks[/FONT]
1. Brian Brohm, Louisville
2. John David Booty, USC
3. JaMarcus Russell, LSU
4. Matt Ryan, Boston College
5. Chad Henne, Michigan

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Running Backs[/FONT]
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
2. Marshawn Lynch, California
3. Antonio Pittman, Ohio State
4. Dwayne Wright, Fresno State
5. Albert Young, Iowa

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Fullbacks[/FONT]
1. Peyton Hillis, Arkansas
2. Jacob Hester, LSU
3. Owen Schmitt, West Virginia
4. Michael Pitre, UCLA
5. Justin Valentine, Minnesota

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Wide Receivers[/FONT]
1. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
2. Ted Ginn Jr., Ohio State
3. Dwayne Jarrett, USC
4. Robert Meachem, Tennessee
5. Andre Caldwell, Florida

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Tight Ends[/FONT]
1. Greg Olsen, Miami
2. Zach Miller, Arizona State
3. Fred Davis, USC
4. John Carlson, Notre Dame
5. Martin Rucker, Missouri

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Offensive Tackles[/FONT]
1. Jake Long, Michigan
2. Sam Baker, USC
3. Barry Richardson, Clemson
4. Kirk Barton, Ohio State
5. Gosder Cherilus, Boston College

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Offensive Guards[/FONT]
1. Will Arnold, LSU
2. Brandon Rodd, Arizona State
3. Jordan Grimes, Purdue
4. Andrew Crummey, Maryland
5. Shannon Tevaga, UCLA

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Centers[/FONT]
1. John Sullivan, Notre Dame
2. Doug Legursky, Marshall
3. Tony Brinkhaus, Minnesota
4. Samson Satele, Hawaii
5. Adam Spieker, Missouri

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Defensive Ends[/FONT]
1. Charles Johnson, Georgia
2. Lawrence Jackson, USC
3. Tommy Blake, TCU
4. Jarvis Moss, Florida
5. Kenny Iwebema, Iowa

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Defensive Tackles[/FONT]
1. Glenn Dorsey, LSU
2. Andre Fluellen, Florida State
3. Marcus Harrison, Arkansas
4. Alan Branch, Michigan
5. Frank Okam, Texas

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Inside Linebackers[/FONT]
1. Jonathan Goff, Vanderbilt
2. Vince Hall, Virginia Tech
3. Brandon Siler, Florida
4. Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina
5. Nelson Coleman, Tulsa

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Outside Linebackers[/FONT]
1. Dan Connor, Penn State
2. Lawrence Timmons, Florida State
3. Keith Rivers, USC
4. Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech
5. Brian Toal, Boston College

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Cornerbacks[/FONT]
1. Zack Bowman, Nebraska (injured)
2. Eric Wright, UNLV
3. Antoine Cason, Arizona
4. Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh
5. Glenn Sharpe, Miami

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Safeties[/FONT]
1. Reggie Nelson, Florida
2. Thomas DeCoud, California
3. Josh Barrett, Arizona State
4. Nehemiah Warrick, Michigan State
5. Eric Wicks, West Virginia

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Place-Kickers[/FONT]
1. Sergio Aguayo, UNLV
2. Brandon Coutu, Georgia
3. Chris Gould, Virginia
4. Alexis Serna, Oregon State
5. Art Carmody, Louisville
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Punters[/FONT]
1. Michael Hughes, San Diego State
2. Geoff Price, Notre Dame
3. Jimmie Kaylor, Colorado State
4. Ken DeBauche, Wisconsin
5. Kyle Tucker, Kansas
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Updated: Sep. 15, 2006, 11:27 AM ET
Top 5 seniors by position


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Mel --><!-- lastName = Kiperjr -->
By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN Insider
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Quarterbacks[/FONT]
1. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
2. Drew Stanton, Michigan State
3. Trent Edwards, Stanford
4. Troy Smith, Ohio State
5. Kevin Kolb, Houston


<OFFER>

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Running Backs[/FONT]
1. Kenny Irons, Auburn
2. Michael Bush, Louisville (injured)
3. Jon Cornish, Kansas
4. Ronnie McGill, North Carolina
5. Tony Hunt, Penn State

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Fullbacks[/FONT]
1. Brian Leonard, Rutgers
2. Le'Ron McClain, Alabama
3. Bryson Davis, Mississippi State
4. Nick Frank, Stanford
5. Jason Snelling, Virginia


[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Wide Receivers[/FONT]
1. Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame
2. Paul Williams, Fresno State
3. Joel Filani, Texas Tech
4. Rhema McKnight, Notre Dame
5. Jason Hill, Washington State

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Tight Ends[/FONT]
1. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
2. Joe Newton, Oregon State
3. Clark Harris, Rutgers
4. Scott Chandler, Iowa
5. Martrez Milner, Georgia

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Offensive Tackles[/FONT]
1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
2. Levi Brown, Penn State
3. Ryan Harris, Notre Dame
4. Joe Staley, Central Michigan
5. James Marten, Boston College
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Offensive Guards[/FONT]
1. Justin Blalock, Texas
2. Josh Beekman, Boston College
3. Ben Grubbs, Auburn
4. Arron Sears, Tennessee
5. Tim Duckworth, Auburn



[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Centers[/FONT]
1. Kyle Young, Fresno State
2. Doug Datish, Ohio State
3. Dustin Fry, Clemson
4. Enoka Lucas, Oregon
5. Ryan Kalil, USC

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Defensive Ends[/FONT]
1. Quentin Moses, Georgia
2. Adam Carriker, Nebraska
3. Gaines Adams, Clemson
4. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan
5. Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Defensive Tackles[/FONT]
1. Marcus Thomas, Florida
2. Quinn Pitcock, Ohio State
3. Justin Harrell, Tennessee (injured)
4. Brandon Mebane, California
5. Amobi Okoye, Louisville

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Inside Linebackers[/FONT]
1. Buster Davis, Florida State
2. Patrick Willis, Mississippi
3. Nate Harris, Louisville
4. Anthony Waters, Clemson (injured)
5. Justin Durant, Hampton

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Outside Linebackers[/FONT]
1. Paul Posluszny, Penn State
2. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
3. Earl Everett, Florida
4. Tim Shaw, Penn State
5. Juwan Simpson, Alabama

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Cornerbacks[/FONT]
1. Marcus McCauley, Fresno State
2. Leon Hall, Michigan
3. Tanard Jackson, Syracuse
4. Fred Bennett, South Carolina
5. C.J. Wilson, Baylor

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Safeties[/FONT]
1. LaRon Landry, LSU
2. Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame
3. Brandon Meriweather, Miami
4. Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech
5. Michael Griffin, Texas

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Place-Kickers[/FONT]
1. Mason Crosby, Colorado
2. Justin Medlock, UCLA
3. Nick Folk, Arizona
4. Robert Lee, East Carolina
5. Jesse Ainsworth, Arizona State

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Punters[/FONT]
1. Adam Podlesh, Maryland
2. Daniel Sepulveda, Baylor
3. Adam Graessle, Pittsburgh
4. John Deraney, NC State
5. Michael Gibson, Memphis
Top 5 Juniors By Position


[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Quarterbacks[/FONT]
1. Brian Brohm, Louisville
2. John David Booty, USC
3. JaMarcus Russell, LSU
4. Matt Ryan, Boston College
5. Chad Henne, Michigan

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Running Backs[/FONT]
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
2. Marshawn Lynch, California
3. Antonio Pittman, Ohio State
4. Dwayne Wright, Fresno State
5. Albert Young, Iowa

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Fullbacks[/FONT]
1. Peyton Hillis, Arkansas
2. Jacob Hester, LSU
3. Owen Schmitt, West Virginia
4. Michael Pitre, UCLA
5. Justin Valentine, Minnesota

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Wide Receivers[/FONT]
1. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
2. Ted Ginn Jr., Ohio State
3. Dwayne Jarrett, USC
4. Robert Meachem, Tennessee
5. Andre Caldwell, Florida

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Tight Ends[/FONT]
1. Greg Olsen, Miami
2. Zach Miller, Arizona State
3. Fred Davis, USC
4. John Carlson, Notre Dame
5. Martin Rucker, Missouri

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Offensive Tackles[/FONT]
1. Jake Long, Michigan
2. Sam Baker, USC
3. Barry Richardson, Clemson
4. Kirk Barton, Ohio State
5. Gosder Cherilus, Boston College

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Offensive Guards[/FONT]
1. Will Arnold, LSU
2. Brandon Rodd, Arizona State
3. Jordan Grimes, Purdue
4. Andrew Crummey, Maryland
5. Shannon Tevaga, UCLA

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Centers[/FONT]
1. John Sullivan, Notre Dame
2. Doug Legursky, Marshall
3. Tony Brinkhaus, Minnesota
4. Samson Satele, Hawaii
5. Adam Spieker, Missouri

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Defensive Ends[/FONT]
1. Charles Johnson, Georgia
2. Lawrence Jackson, USC
3. Tommy Blake, TCU
4. Jarvis Moss, Florida
5. Kenny Iwebema, Iowa

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Defensive Tackles[/FONT]
1. Glenn Dorsey, LSU
2. Andre Fluellen, Florida State
3. Marcus Harrison, Arkansas
4. Alan Branch, Michigan
5. Frank Okam, Texas

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Inside Linebackers[/FONT]
1. Jonathan Goff, Vanderbilt
2. Vince Hall, Virginia Tech
3. Brandon Siler, Florida
4. Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina
5. Nelson Coleman, Tulsa

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Outside Linebackers[/FONT]
1. Dan Connor, Penn State
2. Lawrence Timmons, Florida State
3. Keith Rivers, USC
4. Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech
5. Brian Toal, Boston College

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Cornerbacks[/FONT]
1. Zack Bowman, Nebraska (injured)
2. Eric Wright, UNLV
3. Antoine Cason, Arizona
4. Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh
5. Glenn Sharpe, Miami

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Safeties[/FONT]
1. Reggie Nelson, Florida
2. Thomas DeCoud, California
3. Josh Barrett, Arizona State
4. Nehemiah Warrick, Michigan State
5. Eric Wicks, West Virginia

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Place-Kickers[/FONT]
1. Sergio Aguayo, UNLV
2. Brandon Coutu, Georgia
3. Chris Gould, Virginia
4. Alexis Serna, Oregon State
5. Art Carmody, Louisville
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Punters[/FONT]
1. Michael Hughes, San Diego State
2. Geoff Price, Notre Dame
3. Jimmie Kaylor, Colorado State
4. Ken DeBauche, Wisconsin
5. Kyle Tucker, Kansas
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>