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

[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)

Wick's Picks: Week 2


posted: Friday, September 15, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Anthony Marshall, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, NFC All-Stars, NFC NFC, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins

Ok, so Wick's picks got off to an OK start for Week 1: 10-6. Onward to Week 2.

Dolphins 24, Bills 3: Reader Lou in Buffalo is wondering whether or not the Bills should bench JP Losman. "He's making the same mistakes as he did last year!" writes Lou. My take: You've got to give Losman a few more games, if nothing else to hold out hope that his ceiling is higher than Kelly Holcomb.
Vikings 21, Panthers 17: I don't trust the Panthers' O-line holding up in Minnesota. Must overlooked stat in the NFL: Brad Johnson has won 61 percent of his NFL starts. By the way, did anyone else read Brad Johnson's lips after he his touchdown pass? I think it rhymes with brother-lucker.
Bengals 31, Browns 17: I like the fire Winslow brings to the Browns, but Cleveland isn't stopping the Bengals' offense in Cincy. Unfortunately for media types, Romeo Crennel wants Winslow to tone it down.
Bears 23, Lions 7: It seemed like every time I switched to the Lions game against Seattle, Jon Kitna was throwing deep. I could imagine there are better ways to win, but what do I know? I do know that [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6358"]Rex Grossman[/URL] is eager to get the home fans off his back.
Colts 27, Texans 13: One of the reasons Houston drafted Mario Williams was because they felt like they needed a guy to help them beat the Colts. Yeah, that doesn?t put pressure on the guy. Poor Mario.
Saints 24, Packers 20: Drew Brees is giving the Saints the balance they need to make Deuce and Reggie most effective. (Bush, by the way, isn't going to be getting off the hook about his alleged improprieties at USC, by the way. Check out this story by Jason Cole and Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports.)
Giants 21, Eagles 19: The Giants are too good to lose two in a row, and [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5977"]Brian Westbrook[/URL]'s first injury of the year worries me.
Ravens 17, Raiders 7: I'm not sensing this as the blowout that everyone else is ­- Oakland, after getting whipped on Monday Night, will show up -- but after what Baltimore did to Tampa there's no way they'll lose a home opener. And no, Neil in Hayward, CA., you're not the only one who thought Robert Gallery looked awful on Monday night. But to answer your question, I don't think Robert Gallery's bust status is anywhere close to Mandarich-level yet. But missing 2-3 weeks with this calf injury isn't going to help anyone on that team.
Falcons 26, Bucs 14: Atlanta needs John Abraham and Patrick Kerney healthy for the long term, but not to dispose of the offensively challenged Bucs, who are working with a shaky Chris Simms and a Cadillac suffering from back spasms.
Cardinals 27, Seahawks 24: Upset of the week.
Rams 21, Niners 17: The Niners tempt me after what future Pro Bowler Frank Gore did against the Cardinals in only his second career start, but Steven Jackson's hunger rumbles on after being left unfulfilled by the 121 yards he got against Denver.
Broncos 31, Chiefs 13: Replay after replay of Leonard Little throwing Mike Bell aside en route to [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3895"]Jake Plummer[/URL] seems to have helped Tatum Bell wrestle away the starting job in Denver.
Pats 16, Jets 13: Whatever Eric Mangini tries against Tom Brady and Co, Pats opponents will replicate the rest of the year. He's got more insights into whatever possible weak spots the QB has than any other opposing coach out there.
Chargers 27, Titans 10: Which locker room will Billy Volek return to after the game?
Redskins 24, Cowboys 20: Washington's red-zone offense must wake up. Meanwhile, its secondary and pass rusher are taking a beating, writes Howard Bryant of the Washington Post. Jags 20, Steelers 17: Jacksonville continues its run as Most Overlooked Good Team.

 

[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)

Wick's Picks: Week 2


posted: Friday, September 15, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Anthony Marshall, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, NFC All-Stars, NFC NFC, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins

Ok, so Wick's picks got off to an OK start for Week 1: 10-6. Onward to Week 2.

Dolphins 24, Bills 3: Reader Lou in Buffalo is wondering whether or not the Bills should bench JP Losman. "He's making the same mistakes as he did last year!" writes Lou. My take: You've got to give Losman a few more games, if nothing else to hold out hope that his ceiling is higher than Kelly Holcomb.
Vikings 21, Panthers 17: I don't trust the Panthers' O-line holding up in Minnesota. Must overlooked stat in the NFL: Brad Johnson has won 61 percent of his NFL starts. By the way, did anyone else read Brad Johnson's lips after he his touchdown pass? I think it rhymes with brother-lucker.
Bengals 31, Browns 17: I like the fire Winslow brings to the Browns, but Cleveland isn't stopping the Bengals' offense in Cincy. Unfortunately for media types, Romeo Crennel wants Winslow to tone it down.
Bears 23, Lions 7: It seemed like every time I switched to the Lions game against Seattle, Jon Kitna was throwing deep. I could imagine there are better ways to win, but what do I know? I do know that [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6358"]Rex Grossman[/URL] is eager to get the home fans off his back.
Colts 27, Texans 13: One of the reasons Houston drafted Mario Williams was because they felt like they needed a guy to help them beat the Colts. Yeah, that doesn?t put pressure on the guy. Poor Mario.
Saints 24, Packers 20: Drew Brees is giving the Saints the balance they need to make Deuce and Reggie most effective. (Bush, by the way, isn't going to be getting off the hook about his alleged improprieties at USC, by the way. Check out this story by Jason Cole and Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports.)
Giants 21, Eagles 19: The Giants are too good to lose two in a row, and [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5977"]Brian Westbrook[/URL]'s first injury of the year worries me.
Ravens 17, Raiders 7: I'm not sensing this as the blowout that everyone else is ­- Oakland, after getting whipped on Monday Night, will show up -- but after what Baltimore did to Tampa there's no way they'll lose a home opener. And no, Neil in Hayward, CA., you're not the only one who thought Robert Gallery looked awful on Monday night. But to answer your question, I don't think Robert Gallery's bust status is anywhere close to Mandarich-level yet. But missing 2-3 weeks with this calf injury isn't going to help anyone on that team.
Falcons 26, Bucs 14: Atlanta needs John Abraham and Patrick Kerney healthy for the long term, but not to dispose of the offensively challenged Bucs, who are working with a shaky Chris Simms and a Cadillac suffering from back spasms.
Cardinals 27, Seahawks 24: Upset of the week.
Rams 21, Niners 17: The Niners tempt me after what future Pro Bowler Frank Gore did against the Cardinals in only his second career start, but Steven Jackson's hunger rumbles on after being left unfulfilled by the 121 yards he got against Denver.
Broncos 31, Chiefs 13: Replay after replay of Leonard Little throwing Mike Bell aside en route to [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3895"]Jake Plummer[/URL] seems to have helped Tatum Bell wrestle away the starting job in Denver.
Pats 16, Jets 13: Whatever Eric Mangini tries against Tom Brady and Co, Pats opponents will replicate the rest of the year. He's got more insights into whatever possible weak spots the QB has than any other opposing coach out there.
Chargers 27, Titans 10: Which locker room will Billy Volek return to after the game?
Redskins 24, Cowboys 20: Washington's red-zone offense must wake up. Meanwhile, its secondary and pass rusher are taking a beating, writes Howard Bryant of the Washington Post. Jags 20, Steelers 17: Jacksonville continues its run as Most Overlooked Good Team.

 

[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)

Jets beefing up offensive line


posted: Thursday, September 15, 2006 | Print Entry
filed under: Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, NFL

The Jets must have some concerns about injuries along their offensive line because they are going to sign former Dolphins offensive tackle Wade Smith. Smith was a third-round draft choice of the Dolphins four years ago, and the Jets liked him then. He has starting experience and the versatility to help them at tackle or at guard. Guard Pete Kendall is questionable with a thigh injury. Right tackle Anthony Clement struggled in his first start. Smith is signing a one-year contract with the hope of staying through the rest of the season. He had interest from the Vikings and the 49ers before deciding to sign with the Jets. Once the Jets put in the contract, they will have to make a roster move.

Oakland's woes continue: The Raiders offensive line situation is looking worse than ever. Robert Gallery's calf injury may sideline him for a couple of weeks, but at the very least he's going to miss Sunday against the Ravens. Chad Slaughter is slated to start for him. Gallery missed the past two days of practice because of the injury; he struggled in the opening game against the Chargers on Monday night. Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman had a superb game against Gallery and the rest of the Raiders offensive line.
No progress in Porter trade talks: Art Shell is planning no changes in his receiving rotation, so it appears Jerry Porter will be inactive for the second consecutive week when the Raiders play the Ravens. Porter is deep in Shell's doghouse and apparently has no way of getting out. There haven't been enough good trade offers to get anything moving. Randy Moss, Alvis Whitted and Ronald Curry are ahead of him in the receiving rotation in practice. Porter continues to ask to be traded, but don't expect anything to unfold soon.
Smith owns Smoot: Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith made no progress Thursday in trying to heal up for Sunday's game against the Vikings. He hasn't practiced in two weeks and there was no sign Thursday he would be on the practice field Friday. The Panthers need Smith, who would love to play against Vikings cornerback Fred Smoot. Smith had his best game of the season against Smoot last year, grabbing 11 passes for 201 yards and a touchdown. Branch could play Sunday: Deion Branch continues to practice with the Seahawks and appears to have a good chance to be activated before Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Branch has practiced for two days and is picking up the offense quickly. The organization wants to see him on the field even though it has a two-week roster exemption to give Branch time to get in shape. Expect a decision no later than Saturday morning. If Branch is activated, the Seahawks would have to release a player.

 

[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)

Jets beefing up offensive line


posted: Thursday, September 15, 2006 | Print Entry
filed under: Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, NFL

The Jets must have some concerns about injuries along their offensive line because they are going to sign former Dolphins offensive tackle Wade Smith. Smith was a third-round draft choice of the Dolphins four years ago, and the Jets liked him then. He has starting experience and the versatility to help them at tackle or at guard. Guard Pete Kendall is questionable with a thigh injury. Right tackle Anthony Clement struggled in his first start. Smith is signing a one-year contract with the hope of staying through the rest of the season. He had interest from the Vikings and the 49ers before deciding to sign with the Jets. Once the Jets put in the contract, they will have to make a roster move.

Oakland's woes continue: The Raiders offensive line situation is looking worse than ever. Robert Gallery's calf injury may sideline him for a couple of weeks, but at the very least he's going to miss Sunday against the Ravens. Chad Slaughter is slated to start for him. Gallery missed the past two days of practice because of the injury; he struggled in the opening game against the Chargers on Monday night. Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman had a superb game against Gallery and the rest of the Raiders offensive line.
No progress in Porter trade talks: Art Shell is planning no changes in his receiving rotation, so it appears Jerry Porter will be inactive for the second consecutive week when the Raiders play the Ravens. Porter is deep in Shell's doghouse and apparently has no way of getting out. There haven't been enough good trade offers to get anything moving. Randy Moss, Alvis Whitted and Ronald Curry are ahead of him in the receiving rotation in practice. Porter continues to ask to be traded, but don't expect anything to unfold soon.
Smith owns Smoot: Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith made no progress Thursday in trying to heal up for Sunday's game against the Vikings. He hasn't practiced in two weeks and there was no sign Thursday he would be on the practice field Friday. The Panthers need Smith, who would love to play against Vikings cornerback Fred Smoot. Smith had his best game of the season against Smoot last year, grabbing 11 passes for 201 yards and a touchdown. Branch could play Sunday: Deion Branch continues to practice with the Seahawks and appears to have a good chance to be activated before Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Branch has practiced for two days and is picking up the offense quickly. The organization wants to see him on the field even though it has a two-week roster exemption to give Branch time to get in shape. Expect a decision no later than Saturday morning. If Branch is activated, the Seahawks would have to release a player.

 

[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)

Friday, September 15, 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>'Skins are vulnerable in secondary


<!-- 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
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.


When the Redskins have the ball
Rushing: Clinton Portis should be close to 100 percent, which will give the Redskins a legitimate run threat. Portis looked good in a limited role against the Vikings on Monday night (10 carries for 39 yards). The Redskins' offensive line will be counted on to open lanes and maintain drives against a very good front seven of the Cowboys. Washington will try to get Portis on the edge by running off tackle behind left tackle Chris Samuels. Offensive coordinator Al Saunders has to stay with the run to try and get into second and short. Look for Saunders to use receivers Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El on reverses; this will keep Cowboys outside linebackers Greg Ellis and Demarcus Ware honest by not allowing then to squeeze the hole.
Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will try and stop the run with a seven-man front only bring down strong safety Roy Williams as down and distance warrants. Dallas needs to stuff the run early and not let Portis get into a rhythm; the Cowboys need to make the Redskins one-dimensional.

Passing: Saunders loves the screen pass and will go into his playbook and bring out some new screens off the looks he showed versus the Vikings. Saunders will try and work on Cowboys outside linebackers Ware and Ellis with his quick receiver corps of Moss and Randle El on option routes and quick flat routes. The Cowboys' secondary is going to have to play disciplined football when coming up to support on screen passes because of the screen-and-go play the Redskins set up against the Vikings. Saunders is about creating mismatches and will try and work on Cowboys corner Anthony Henry, who is not as fast as Moss or Brandon Lloyd.
The Redskins need to improve on third down. They converted only 31 percent against the Vikings on third down. Zimmer needs to get pressure on QB Mark Brunell to make him rush his throws. The Cowboys can't sit back and give Brunell time; he has too many weapons to throw to. If the Redskins can run the ball look for Saunders to use play-action to try get safety Williams to bite up on the fake and get the receivers in behind him.

When the Cowboys have the ball
Rushing: Dallas was able to run the ball in Week 1 against a good Jaguars front. Julius Jones had 17 carries for 72 and Marion Barber had three caries for 13 yards. The Cowboys gave up on the run early versus the Jags; they need to stay with it this week even if they are only gaining a couple of yards per carry. If the Cowboys stay committed to the run, they will force Redskins safety Sean Taylor to come up and support the run, which will help Dallas' play-action. Washington's defense did not give up an explosive run against the Vikings and must have the same success against Dallas. Coordinator Gregg Williams needs to mix in his zone blitz package to get penetration and force tackles for loss, putting Dallas in long-yardage situations.

Passing: The Redskins can't wait to get Shawn Springs back because hey lack good cover corners on the outside. Look for the Cowboys to work on corners Kenny Wright and Mike Rumph. Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn should have a field day if Bledsoe can get them the ball. Bledsoe needs to read the single coverage on the outside lanes and throw the ball on go routes against Rumph with Glenn. Rumph can not handle Glenn's speed. Dallas needs to work the quick passing game that they used with success against the Jags on their opening drive. Bill Parcells needs to get help to offensive left tackle Flozell Adams, who will struggle against Redskins RDE Andre Carter. The Cowboys need to have a tight end or a running back chip Carter from outside to slow down the outside pass rush.

</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)

Friday, September 15, 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>'Skins are vulnerable in secondary


<!-- 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
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.


When the Redskins have the ball
Rushing: Clinton Portis should be close to 100 percent, which will give the Redskins a legitimate run threat. Portis looked good in a limited role against the Vikings on Monday night (10 carries for 39 yards). The Redskins' offensive line will be counted on to open lanes and maintain drives against a very good front seven of the Cowboys. Washington will try to get Portis on the edge by running off tackle behind left tackle Chris Samuels. Offensive coordinator Al Saunders has to stay with the run to try and get into second and short. Look for Saunders to use receivers Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El on reverses; this will keep Cowboys outside linebackers Greg Ellis and Demarcus Ware honest by not allowing then to squeeze the hole.
Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will try and stop the run with a seven-man front only bring down strong safety Roy Williams as down and distance warrants. Dallas needs to stuff the run early and not let Portis get into a rhythm; the Cowboys need to make the Redskins one-dimensional.

Passing: Saunders loves the screen pass and will go into his playbook and bring out some new screens off the looks he showed versus the Vikings. Saunders will try and work on Cowboys outside linebackers Ware and Ellis with his quick receiver corps of Moss and Randle El on option routes and quick flat routes. The Cowboys' secondary is going to have to play disciplined football when coming up to support on screen passes because of the screen-and-go play the Redskins set up against the Vikings. Saunders is about creating mismatches and will try and work on Cowboys corner Anthony Henry, who is not as fast as Moss or Brandon Lloyd.
The Redskins need to improve on third down. They converted only 31 percent against the Vikings on third down. Zimmer needs to get pressure on QB Mark Brunell to make him rush his throws. The Cowboys can't sit back and give Brunell time; he has too many weapons to throw to. If the Redskins can run the ball look for Saunders to use play-action to try get safety Williams to bite up on the fake and get the receivers in behind him.

When the Cowboys have the ball
Rushing: Dallas was able to run the ball in Week 1 against a good Jaguars front. Julius Jones had 17 carries for 72 and Marion Barber had three caries for 13 yards. The Cowboys gave up on the run early versus the Jags; they need to stay with it this week even if they are only gaining a couple of yards per carry. If the Cowboys stay committed to the run, they will force Redskins safety Sean Taylor to come up and support the run, which will help Dallas' play-action. Washington's defense did not give up an explosive run against the Vikings and must have the same success against Dallas. Coordinator Gregg Williams needs to mix in his zone blitz package to get penetration and force tackles for loss, putting Dallas in long-yardage situations.

Passing: The Redskins can't wait to get Shawn Springs back because hey lack good cover corners on the outside. Look for the Cowboys to work on corners Kenny Wright and Mike Rumph. Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn should have a field day if Bledsoe can get them the ball. Bledsoe needs to read the single coverage on the outside lanes and throw the ball on go routes against Rumph with Glenn. Rumph can not handle Glenn's speed. Dallas needs to work the quick passing game that they used with success against the Jags on their opening drive. Bill Parcells needs to get help to offensive left tackle Flozell Adams, who will struggle against Redskins RDE Andre Carter. The Cowboys need to have a tight end or a running back chip Carter from outside to slow down the outside pass rush.

</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)

Friday, September 15, 2006
Take 2: Redskins vs. Cowboys


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


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

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

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

Redskins offensive coordinator Al Saunders finally got to show off his scheme on Monday night. While QB Mark Brunell moved the offense down the field against the Vikings, three drives stalled in the red zone. The Redskins need to run the ball more efficiently to set up play-action, where Saunders can use fullback Mike Sellers and tight end Chris Cooley on flood routes.
The Redskins also need to use more bunch formations that utilize shallow crossing routes that let the receiver catch the ball on the run. Saunders does not have tall receivers, so the fade route is out. He needs to use the quickness and speed of Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd to get touchdowns.
? One of the biggest issues facing the Redskins this week is the inability to get off the field defensively. The Redskins' defense got the Vikings into 17 third-down situations but stopped only them eight times. Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams needs to play more man coverage, with the safeties doubling on Dallas WRs Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn. This will make QB Drew Bledsoe hold onto the ball and let the pass rush get to him. If the Redskins can get the Cowboys into third-and-long situations, this would be the time for Williams to bring pressure and make Bledsoe rush his throws.
? Williams needs to balance putting pressure on Bledsoe with giving help to beleaguered corners Mike Rumph, Kenny Wright and Carlos Rogers. This group gave up four passes of 20-plus yards to four different receivers Monday and does not match up well with Owens and Glenn. If Williams does decide to pressure Bledsoe with a five- or six-man rush, the Redskins' defense needs to do a better job of disguising coverages. <!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (BEGIN)--------------------->

Jones
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->? Dallas RB Julius Jones had a decent day running the football on a tough Jaguars defensive front. Jones had less than 100 yards, but he averaged 4.2 yards per carry. The Cowboys need to get their running game going this week to help take some pressure off Bledsoe. If the Cowboys can run the ball, this would allow them to go to the play-action pass, working Owens or Glenn on deep in routes behind the linebackers.
? The 3-4 defensive scheme that the Cowboys run is probably the best scheme to use against a Saunders-type of offense with all its shifting and movement. The 3-4 is a balanced front with two outside linebackers on either side of the center. So regardless of where Saunders starts his eligible receivers, all the shifting and motion should not have an effect on Dallas' defense. This will allow the Cowboys to play fast and concentrate on their reads and keys. <!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (BEGIN)--------------------->

Witten
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->? The Cowboys need to get TE Jason Witten more involved in the passing game. He needs to be an outlet receiver who is in Bledsoe's field of vision. If the Redskins play more man-to-man coverage, Witten matches up well against the Redskins' linebackers and safeties. Witten is on of the top tight ends in the league, and Bledsoe needs to get him the ball more when the condition warrants it. ? The Redskins need to run the ball more this week. Against the Vikings, Washington's backs only touched the ball 18 times. The Redskins need to attack the Cowboys off tackle with RB Clinton Portis and let him find a running lane inside. The Redskins used the wide receiver reverse last week; look for them to fake the reverse and hand the ball off to Portis or Ladell Betts. This kind of misdirection will force a Cowboys defender to honor the reverse, thus creating softness just off tackle.

Special Teams
Redskins PK John Hall made three field goals Monday night, but he missed a 48-yarder that would have sent the game into overtime. The apparent return of PK Mike Vanderjagt, who missed the opener with a groin injury, should finally help a poor Cowboys kicking game. The Cowboys need to get their return game going. They averaged only 16.3 yards per kickoff return, and Jamaica Rector averaged 5.5 yards on four punt returns. Field position is always a key to winning, and this week is no exception. Cowboys P Mat McBriar has an excellent leg with a net of 43.2 yards. He has a tendency to out-kick his coverage, which could give Randle El an opportunity for a big return.

Matchups
? Cowboys WR Terry Glenn vs. Redskins CBs Mike Rumph and Carlos Rogers
? Cowboys TE Jason Witten vs. Redskins SS Adam Archuleta
? Redskins RDE Andre Carter vs. Cowboys LOT Flozell Adams
? Redskins WR Antwaan Randle El vs. Cowboys OLB Marcus Spears
? Redskins pressure package vs. Cowboys QB Drew Bledsoe

Scouts' Edge
Both these teams need a victory to get back to .500. This is the home opener for the Cowboys, who have won nine of the last 10 meetings between these teams. The key for both teams is to establish the run, protect their immobile quarterback, be better on third down and not give up the big play. Field position and special teams are going to be the deciding factor; it could come down to a last-second field goal.

Prediction: Cowboys 20, Redskins 17

</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)

Friday, September 15, 2006
Take 2: Redskins vs. Cowboys


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


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

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

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

Redskins offensive coordinator Al Saunders finally got to show off his scheme on Monday night. While QB Mark Brunell moved the offense down the field against the Vikings, three drives stalled in the red zone. The Redskins need to run the ball more efficiently to set up play-action, where Saunders can use fullback Mike Sellers and tight end Chris Cooley on flood routes.
The Redskins also need to use more bunch formations that utilize shallow crossing routes that let the receiver catch the ball on the run. Saunders does not have tall receivers, so the fade route is out. He needs to use the quickness and speed of Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd to get touchdowns.
? One of the biggest issues facing the Redskins this week is the inability to get off the field defensively. The Redskins' defense got the Vikings into 17 third-down situations but stopped only them eight times. Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams needs to play more man coverage, with the safeties doubling on Dallas WRs Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn. This will make QB Drew Bledsoe hold onto the ball and let the pass rush get to him. If the Redskins can get the Cowboys into third-and-long situations, this would be the time for Williams to bring pressure and make Bledsoe rush his throws.
? Williams needs to balance putting pressure on Bledsoe with giving help to beleaguered corners Mike Rumph, Kenny Wright and Carlos Rogers. This group gave up four passes of 20-plus yards to four different receivers Monday and does not match up well with Owens and Glenn. If Williams does decide to pressure Bledsoe with a five- or six-man rush, the Redskins' defense needs to do a better job of disguising coverages. <!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (BEGIN)--------------------->

Jones
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->? Dallas RB Julius Jones had a decent day running the football on a tough Jaguars defensive front. Jones had less than 100 yards, but he averaged 4.2 yards per carry. The Cowboys need to get their running game going this week to help take some pressure off Bledsoe. If the Cowboys can run the ball, this would allow them to go to the play-action pass, working Owens or Glenn on deep in routes behind the linebackers.
? The 3-4 defensive scheme that the Cowboys run is probably the best scheme to use against a Saunders-type of offense with all its shifting and movement. The 3-4 is a balanced front with two outside linebackers on either side of the center. So regardless of where Saunders starts his eligible receivers, all the shifting and motion should not have an effect on Dallas' defense. This will allow the Cowboys to play fast and concentrate on their reads and keys. <!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (BEGIN)--------------------->

Witten
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->? The Cowboys need to get TE Jason Witten more involved in the passing game. He needs to be an outlet receiver who is in Bledsoe's field of vision. If the Redskins play more man-to-man coverage, Witten matches up well against the Redskins' linebackers and safeties. Witten is on of the top tight ends in the league, and Bledsoe needs to get him the ball more when the condition warrants it. ? The Redskins need to run the ball more this week. Against the Vikings, Washington's backs only touched the ball 18 times. The Redskins need to attack the Cowboys off tackle with RB Clinton Portis and let him find a running lane inside. The Redskins used the wide receiver reverse last week; look for them to fake the reverse and hand the ball off to Portis or Ladell Betts. This kind of misdirection will force a Cowboys defender to honor the reverse, thus creating softness just off tackle.

Special Teams
Redskins PK John Hall made three field goals Monday night, but he missed a 48-yarder that would have sent the game into overtime. The apparent return of PK Mike Vanderjagt, who missed the opener with a groin injury, should finally help a poor Cowboys kicking game. The Cowboys need to get their return game going. They averaged only 16.3 yards per kickoff return, and Jamaica Rector averaged 5.5 yards on four punt returns. Field position is always a key to winning, and this week is no exception. Cowboys P Mat McBriar has an excellent leg with a net of 43.2 yards. He has a tendency to out-kick his coverage, which could give Randle El an opportunity for a big return.

Matchups
? Cowboys WR Terry Glenn vs. Redskins CBs Mike Rumph and Carlos Rogers
? Cowboys TE Jason Witten vs. Redskins SS Adam Archuleta
? Redskins RDE Andre Carter vs. Cowboys LOT Flozell Adams
? Redskins WR Antwaan Randle El vs. Cowboys OLB Marcus Spears
? Redskins pressure package vs. Cowboys QB Drew Bledsoe

Scouts' Edge
Both these teams need a victory to get back to .500. This is the home opener for the Cowboys, who have won nine of the last 10 meetings between these teams. The key for both teams is to establish the run, protect their immobile quarterback, be better on third down and not give up the big play. Field position and special teams are going to be the deciding factor; it could come down to a last-second field goal.

Prediction: Cowboys 20, Redskins 17

</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)

Panthers in must win situation


posted: Friday, September 15, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints

Let's take a deeper look at the keys to winning in this week's NFC South games.


Carolina at Minnesota
This is a must-win game for the Panthers, who don't want to be 0-2 heading into Tampa Bay next weekend. Again, the Panthers probably will be without Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith. Without Smith, Carolina must stretch the field and cause the coverage to rotate, opening up their running game, because the Vikings' defense will be focused on stopping RB DeShaun Foster.
Also, the Panthers have concerns in the trenches with the loss of left tackle Travelle Wharton for the season and the questionable status of center Justin Hartwig. They might have new players at four different offensive line positions against a very good Vikings interior, led by nosetackle Pat Williams and under tackle Kevin Williams. Throw in the crowd noise at the Metrodome, and the Panthers could have a lot of problems with their communication calls.
For that reason, expect Carolina to attack the edges of the Vikings' defense to set up the passing game. QB Jake Delhomme plays well on the road, and he will need to play with a lot of poise and take what the defense is giving him in order for the Panthers to win this game. Expect a low-scoring, high-intensity game that could be dominated by both defenses.
Fantasy Note: Keyshawn Johnson has four career 100-yard games vs. the Vikings, his most vs. a single opponent. Also, don't start Steve Smith this week.
Tampa Bay at Atlanta
The key to this game will be who wins the battle in the trenches. The Buccaneers' offensive line must get on the same page, but it will have its hands full against a fast and aggressive Falcons front seven. However, Atlanta DE John Abraham likely won't play due to a groin injury suffered in last week's game.
The interior of the Bucs' offensive line, led by center John Wade, must do a better job of sustaining its blocks off combination patterns and controlling Falcons nosetackle Grady Jackson in order to allow RB Cadillac Williams more space to run, both between the tackles and outside on the edge. The Bucs cannot allow too much upfield penetration, which disrupts the blocking patterns and the flow of the offense.
Expect the Buccaneers to run left a lot and attack the vacant area left by the absence of Abraham. Also, look for them to be more aggressive off their pass sets, which will create better passing windows for QB Chris Simms in the quick game. However, the Buccaneers must stay away from third-and-long situations.
Fantasy Note: Cadillac Williams ran 50 times for 266 yards and two touchdowns in two Tampa Bay victories over Atlanta last year.
New Orleans at Green Bay
Saints head coach Sean Payton will need to do another great job this week in his play calling in order to keep the Packers defense off balance. Payton will look to spread the field by utilizing the talents of both Reggie Bush and wide receiver Joe Horn in order to create mismatches that QB Drew Brees can exploit in coverage.
Packers defensive coordinator Bob Sanders will focus on incorporating different personnel groupings to take away either Horn or Bush. The Packers can't afford to make mistakes in coverage that could result in explosive plays for the Saints. Look for the Packers to play a lot of man under, two-deep zones to try and take away the quick, high-percentage passes the Saints love to run.
Again, the Saints will need WRs Marques Colston and Devery Henderson to step up in a big way on Sunday in their individual matchups against CBs Charles Woodson, Al Harris or Ahmad Carroll in passing situations.
Fantasy Note: In four career games vs. the Saints, Brett Favre has a 108.1 passer rating, 10 touchdowns and one interception.
Predictions for Week 2 in the NFC South
Atlanta 24, Tampa Bay 13
New Orleans 20, Green Bay 16
Carolina 17, Minnesota 14

 

[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)

Panthers in must win situation


posted: Friday, September 15, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints

Let's take a deeper look at the keys to winning in this week's NFC South games.


Carolina at Minnesota
This is a must-win game for the Panthers, who don't want to be 0-2 heading into Tampa Bay next weekend. Again, the Panthers probably will be without Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith. Without Smith, Carolina must stretch the field and cause the coverage to rotate, opening up their running game, because the Vikings' defense will be focused on stopping RB DeShaun Foster.
Also, the Panthers have concerns in the trenches with the loss of left tackle Travelle Wharton for the season and the questionable status of center Justin Hartwig. They might have new players at four different offensive line positions against a very good Vikings interior, led by nosetackle Pat Williams and under tackle Kevin Williams. Throw in the crowd noise at the Metrodome, and the Panthers could have a lot of problems with their communication calls.
For that reason, expect Carolina to attack the edges of the Vikings' defense to set up the passing game. QB Jake Delhomme plays well on the road, and he will need to play with a lot of poise and take what the defense is giving him in order for the Panthers to win this game. Expect a low-scoring, high-intensity game that could be dominated by both defenses.
Fantasy Note: Keyshawn Johnson has four career 100-yard games vs. the Vikings, his most vs. a single opponent. Also, don't start Steve Smith this week.
Tampa Bay at Atlanta
The key to this game will be who wins the battle in the trenches. The Buccaneers' offensive line must get on the same page, but it will have its hands full against a fast and aggressive Falcons front seven. However, Atlanta DE John Abraham likely won't play due to a groin injury suffered in last week's game.
The interior of the Bucs' offensive line, led by center John Wade, must do a better job of sustaining its blocks off combination patterns and controlling Falcons nosetackle Grady Jackson in order to allow RB Cadillac Williams more space to run, both between the tackles and outside on the edge. The Bucs cannot allow too much upfield penetration, which disrupts the blocking patterns and the flow of the offense.
Expect the Buccaneers to run left a lot and attack the vacant area left by the absence of Abraham. Also, look for them to be more aggressive off their pass sets, which will create better passing windows for QB Chris Simms in the quick game. However, the Buccaneers must stay away from third-and-long situations.
Fantasy Note: Cadillac Williams ran 50 times for 266 yards and two touchdowns in two Tampa Bay victories over Atlanta last year.
New Orleans at Green Bay
Saints head coach Sean Payton will need to do another great job this week in his play calling in order to keep the Packers defense off balance. Payton will look to spread the field by utilizing the talents of both Reggie Bush and wide receiver Joe Horn in order to create mismatches that QB Drew Brees can exploit in coverage.
Packers defensive coordinator Bob Sanders will focus on incorporating different personnel groupings to take away either Horn or Bush. The Packers can't afford to make mistakes in coverage that could result in explosive plays for the Saints. Look for the Packers to play a lot of man under, two-deep zones to try and take away the quick, high-percentage passes the Saints love to run.
Again, the Saints will need WRs Marques Colston and Devery Henderson to step up in a big way on Sunday in their individual matchups against CBs Charles Woodson, Al Harris or Ahmad Carroll in passing situations.
Fantasy Note: In four career games vs. the Saints, Brett Favre has a 108.1 passer rating, 10 touchdowns and one interception.
Predictions for Week 2 in the NFC South
Atlanta 24, Tampa Bay 13
New Orleans 20, Green Bay 16
Carolina 17, Minnesota 14

 

[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)

Broncos adjust defensive scheme


posted: Friday, September 15, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders

One thing to look for in Denver's game this week against Kansas City is a few changes on the defensive side of the ball. On a weekly basis, and based on the opponent, Denver will mix in man and zone principles. This week, look for them to play almost exclusively man coverage.

The Broncos have one shut-down corner in Champ Bailey and another solid cover corner in Darrent Williams. Denver believes these two can handle Chiefs WRs Eddie Kennison and Samie Parker one-on-one on the outside.
Denver has one objective this week, and that is stopping Kansas City RB Larry Johnson. With QB Trent Green (concussion) out, the Chiefs will be extremely one-dimensional. For that reason, look for Denver to regularly drop safety John Lynch into the box to form an eight-man front.
With the corners matched up one-on-one and Lynch in the box, the Broncos will then be able to double-team Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez with a linebacker underneath and FS Nick Ferguson over the top.
This defensive alignment will make it very difficult for Kansas City to run the ball and will also force veteran but untested QB Damon Huard to beat them.
Dinner for two?

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

Volek
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->Don't be surprised if Titans GM Floyd Reese and Chargers GM A.J. Smith hook up for dinner Saturday night in San Diego. According to my source, the two already have discussed at length the Chargers' desire to trade for Titans No. 3 QB Billy Volek. I also have been told by someone in the Chargers organization that the two general managers are planning a face-to-face meeting at some point this weekend to further discuss this potential trade.

The teams have yet to reach agreement on compensation, but from what I have been told, a deal is imminent and could happen as early as Sunday night, before the Titans depart on their flight home to Tennessee.
Negotiations usually take place over the telephone, but since the Titans will arrive Saturday for the Sunday game, maybe this face-to-face meeting is what needs to take place to get this deal completed.
The "Green" Mailbag

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

Porter
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->Michael Castelli, Wallingford, Conn.: Wouldn't sending Jerry Porter to New England be a great scenario for all involved parties? Porter gets out of Oakland, New England gets Brady a go-to guy, and the Raiders lose a distraction and gain Seattle's draft pick. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

Jeremy: In one sense, I agree with you, Michael, but had the Patriots wanted Porter, they could just as easily have dealt for him instead of other former Raiders receiver, Doug Gabriel.
The fact that they did not ask about Porter would lead me to believe that A) the asking price for Porter is too high, or B) they don't have interest in him.
As for the compensation, you mention the Seattle draft pick. I see no scenario in which the Patriots would give up that pick for Porter, even if they liked him. While he is a solid receiver, Porter brings baggage, and I don't see any team willing to pay that high a price for him.
Mad Mike, Houston: It's unfortunate, but I guess that Mario Williams/Reggie Bush debate will go into hyper-drive now. This will take away from any team progress that is made. Wrong thing to focus on, but the writers will be all over it.
Jeremy: Mad Mike, sorry about the tough loss last week. Like you, I did see some positive signs from the Texans.
I wanted to wait until the end of the week to see how the Bush/Williams story played out. I did not see anyone nationally make a big deal about it, but as a Texans fan, Mike, you have to know the day is coming.
Whether it is fair or not, Williams is going to be held to a standard that is too high for any rookie to have to carry. The biggest factor is going to be the stat page on Monday morning. Bush is an offensive player who is going to get touches in the offense and as a return man. He had 141 yards of total offense in Week 1. Williams, on the other hand, had three tackles.
What will be lost is that maybe Williams played a great game. Maybe he had only three tackles, but LBs DeMeco Ryans and Morlon Greenwood had 13 and eight, respectively, and that might have something to do with Williams playing a physical game at the point of attack.
Williams is going to be judged on what shows up in the box score, and that is sacks. He is not going to get a sack every week -- heck, the best pass-rushers in the NFL don't get sacks every week.
But the Texans took him with the first overall pick. When you take a defensive player that high, he has to be an explosive playmaker and difference-maker. Williams was not a difference-maker in the loss to the Eagles, and Bush clearly was in the Saints' win. Those are the consequences the organization and the fans are going to have to deal with on a weekly basis because the team passed on the best player in the draft.

 

[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)

Broncos adjust defensive scheme


posted: Friday, September 15, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders

One thing to look for in Denver's game this week against Kansas City is a few changes on the defensive side of the ball. On a weekly basis, and based on the opponent, Denver will mix in man and zone principles. This week, look for them to play almost exclusively man coverage.

The Broncos have one shut-down corner in Champ Bailey and another solid cover corner in Darrent Williams. Denver believes these two can handle Chiefs WRs Eddie Kennison and Samie Parker one-on-one on the outside.
Denver has one objective this week, and that is stopping Kansas City RB Larry Johnson. With QB Trent Green (concussion) out, the Chiefs will be extremely one-dimensional. For that reason, look for Denver to regularly drop safety John Lynch into the box to form an eight-man front.
With the corners matched up one-on-one and Lynch in the box, the Broncos will then be able to double-team Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez with a linebacker underneath and FS Nick Ferguson over the top.
This defensive alignment will make it very difficult for Kansas City to run the ball and will also force veteran but untested QB Damon Huard to beat them.
Dinner for two?

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

Volek
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->Don't be surprised if Titans GM Floyd Reese and Chargers GM A.J. Smith hook up for dinner Saturday night in San Diego. According to my source, the two already have discussed at length the Chargers' desire to trade for Titans No. 3 QB Billy Volek. I also have been told by someone in the Chargers organization that the two general managers are planning a face-to-face meeting at some point this weekend to further discuss this potential trade.

The teams have yet to reach agreement on compensation, but from what I have been told, a deal is imminent and could happen as early as Sunday night, before the Titans depart on their flight home to Tennessee.
Negotiations usually take place over the telephone, but since the Titans will arrive Saturday for the Sunday game, maybe this face-to-face meeting is what needs to take place to get this deal completed.
The "Green" Mailbag

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

Porter
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->Michael Castelli, Wallingford, Conn.: Wouldn't sending Jerry Porter to New England be a great scenario for all involved parties? Porter gets out of Oakland, New England gets Brady a go-to guy, and the Raiders lose a distraction and gain Seattle's draft pick. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

Jeremy: In one sense, I agree with you, Michael, but had the Patriots wanted Porter, they could just as easily have dealt for him instead of other former Raiders receiver, Doug Gabriel.
The fact that they did not ask about Porter would lead me to believe that A) the asking price for Porter is too high, or B) they don't have interest in him.
As for the compensation, you mention the Seattle draft pick. I see no scenario in which the Patriots would give up that pick for Porter, even if they liked him. While he is a solid receiver, Porter brings baggage, and I don't see any team willing to pay that high a price for him.
Mad Mike, Houston: It's unfortunate, but I guess that Mario Williams/Reggie Bush debate will go into hyper-drive now. This will take away from any team progress that is made. Wrong thing to focus on, but the writers will be all over it.
Jeremy: Mad Mike, sorry about the tough loss last week. Like you, I did see some positive signs from the Texans.
I wanted to wait until the end of the week to see how the Bush/Williams story played out. I did not see anyone nationally make a big deal about it, but as a Texans fan, Mike, you have to know the day is coming.
Whether it is fair or not, Williams is going to be held to a standard that is too high for any rookie to have to carry. The biggest factor is going to be the stat page on Monday morning. Bush is an offensive player who is going to get touches in the offense and as a return man. He had 141 yards of total offense in Week 1. Williams, on the other hand, had three tackles.
What will be lost is that maybe Williams played a great game. Maybe he had only three tackles, but LBs DeMeco Ryans and Morlon Greenwood had 13 and eight, respectively, and that might have something to do with Williams playing a physical game at the point of attack.
Williams is going to be judged on what shows up in the box score, and that is sacks. He is not going to get a sack every week -- heck, the best pass-rushers in the NFL don't get sacks every week.
But the Texans took him with the first overall pick. When you take a defensive player that high, he has to be an explosive playmaker and difference-maker. Williams was not a difference-maker in the loss to the Eagles, and Bush clearly was in the Saints' win. Those are the consequences the organization and the fans are going to have to deal with on a weekly basis because the team passed on the best player in the draft.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Burleson not producing for 'Hawks


posted: Monday, September 18, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Seattle Seahawks

Free-agent acquisition WR Nate Burleson was supposed to be a great and welcomed addition to the receiving corps of the Seattle Seahawks, but he did not look good Sunday against the Cardinals. Twice he had chances to make plays to keep drives alive but bobbled the ball, thus stalling the drive.

Burleson had only one reception for seven yards and had three other passes thrown his direction in which he failed to make the catch. WR Darrell Jackson, who missed all of the preseason as he recovered from offseason knee surgery, was Seattle's leading receiver Sunday with five catches for 127 yards. Burleson will need to step up his play in order to gain the confidence of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.
Last week, after the trade of Deion Branch to the Seahawks, Patriots QB Tom Brady sent a text message to Hasselbeck telling him that not only were the Seahawks getting a great receiver, but that Branch is also a great personality in the locker room and a leader with all the intangibles you look for in a player. I am sure Hasselbeck will be eagerly awaiting the chance to get Branch on the field so he can have a player he knows he can count on in the clutch and have confidence in when he makes his throws. It looks as though coach Mike Holmgren saw something in practice that none of us on the outside have been able to see. The Seahawks' persistence in adding a receiver of Branch's stature now makes more sense. There are still concerns for Jackson's knee and how well it will hold up for the remainder of the year. With the mediocre play of Burleson, look for the Seahawks to remove the two-week roster exemption on Branch a week early in an attempt to elevate their offensive output and remain atop the NFC West.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Burleson not producing for 'Hawks


posted: Monday, September 18, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Seattle Seahawks

Free-agent acquisition WR Nate Burleson was supposed to be a great and welcomed addition to the receiving corps of the Seattle Seahawks, but he did not look good Sunday against the Cardinals. Twice he had chances to make plays to keep drives alive but bobbled the ball, thus stalling the drive.

Burleson had only one reception for seven yards and had three other passes thrown his direction in which he failed to make the catch. WR Darrell Jackson, who missed all of the preseason as he recovered from offseason knee surgery, was Seattle's leading receiver Sunday with five catches for 127 yards. Burleson will need to step up his play in order to gain the confidence of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.
Last week, after the trade of Deion Branch to the Seahawks, Patriots QB Tom Brady sent a text message to Hasselbeck telling him that not only were the Seahawks getting a great receiver, but that Branch is also a great personality in the locker room and a leader with all the intangibles you look for in a player. I am sure Hasselbeck will be eagerly awaiting the chance to get Branch on the field so he can have a player he knows he can count on in the clutch and have confidence in when he makes his throws. It looks as though coach Mike Holmgren saw something in practice that none of us on the outside have been able to see. The Seahawks' persistence in adding a receiver of Branch's stature now makes more sense. There are still concerns for Jackson's knee and how well it will hold up for the remainder of the year. With the mediocre play of Burleson, look for the Seahawks to remove the two-week roster exemption on Branch a week early in an attempt to elevate their offensive output and remain atop the NFC West.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Eli in the elite: Week 2 wrap


posted: Monday, September 18, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Fantasy NFL

Eli Manning is better than Tommy Kramer -- I know he already is. And for one agonizing afternoon, me and my buddies resurrected the name of Kramer, who to us was responsible for the most memorable fourth quarter comeback against our Iggles. We were kids then. Kramer led the Vikings to a win at Philly's Vet when he trailed 23-0 in the fourth quarter. The final was 28-23. We never forgot that game. I still have the ticket stub.

I wasn't at the Eagles-Giants game Sunday, and for that, I am thankful. The parking lots surely were dangerous around 5:15 p.m. ET. Sure, you say, the NFC title game home losses were bad, because the Eagles were favored and blew Super Bowl berths. Yeah, those stunk. In those games it was Joe Jurevicius, Ronde Barber and Jake Delhomme engineering those wins. Back in 1985, it was Kramer and Philly missed the playoffs. On Sunday it was Eli Manning and in Week 2 when a loss can be overcome.
Announcer Troy Aikman noted numerous times during Sunday's broadcast that Eli was getting too much blame for the Giants misfortunes over the last year, and too little of the credit. I wholly agree. I've been saying for months Manning is going to be a terrific player, in real life and fantasy, and the proof wasn't in the interceptions last year, but the terrific comeback wins. Look at the good from Eli -- he piles on the yards, leads his team down the field in crunch time -- you can see a star is being born. But it's not only the New York media on this kid's case; fantasy owners don't trust him yet.
On Sunday, Manning did little for three quarters, then ended up with monstrous numbers, thanks in part to the Eagles horribly throwing the game away in the final minutes, but also to Eli not letting the G-men lose. Overtime was just a formality. Bitter? Not at all. On Monday I'll check out how my Manning-led team did. On Sunday it's about the real team.
Manning is going to be great, and soon. Last week he didn't complete the final drive of the game, losing by a few points to big brother Peyton. This week he had a number of big drives, huge plays. Next week he goes to Seattle. The Giants will be in a Super Bowl again soon and Eli will be the talk of the town.
Monday is not a good day to trade for Eli in fantasy. He'll cost too much. You had your window of opportunity all this week. And while I hate watching the Eagles lose a game that was basically in hand, it is exciting watching a young quarterback emerge.
OK, on to a smaller version of game by game. Or else this would be a novel.
Falcons 14, Buccaneers 3: Tampa Bay fans can't be real pleased either. Is it better to lose like this, with a total of three points in two sad, division games, or lose a 24-7 lead like Philly did? The Bucs were the last NFL team to score, and we still wait for a touchdown. Blame Chris Simms. He's on pace for 48 interceptions, and apparently serious about reaching that record. Carnell Williams offered little, again, and Simms only topped 300 yards because he threw the ball 53 times. Joey Galloway had a monster game for yards with 161. In comparison, Michael Vick threw for 92. Amazing.
As for Vick, I never said he couldn't play. To rush for 127 yards is quite a feat for a quarterback. You shouldn't sit Vick in home games, that's for sure, or at all the way he's running. Warrick Dunn leads the NFL in rushing, but because he hasn't scored yet, he's not Shaun Alexander and fantasy owners remain wary. Don't be.
Bears 34, Lions 7: Rex Grossman threw four touchdown passes. Think about that for a minute. Four touchdowns! Tampa Bay still doesn't have any! I still wouldn't make Rex a top 10 quarterback, but he has become a must-add free agent just in case. Rex Grossman? Are you kidding? I need to see more.
In other news, the Bears win easily without either running back distinguishing himself. Just keep playing Thomas Jones in fantasy until something changes. In a closer game, which Chicago should get soon, Jones will do more.
Kevin Jones broke off a 29-yard run. And on the other 11 carries, he gained 15 yards. Terrific. Next week he gets Green Bay. One more chance in fantasy before he's mass dropped.
Bengals 34, Browns 17: Yeah, Carson Palmer is just fine. We told you all week that Rudi Johnson would run wild, and he did, with 145 yards and two scores. You would have played him anyway. What about Chris Henry? I played him in two leagues. I figured Henry would have a big game at some point with T.J. Houshmandzadeh out. Henry could steal that starting job.
Poor Reuben Droughns. But at least he got to score a touchdown. One more and he matches his 2005 total.
Saints 34, Packers 27: Terrific game for both maligned quarterbacks, as Brett Favre got his team on the board early and ended up with 340 yards and three touchdowns, while Drew Brees passed for 353 yards. But the big story here is what Reggie Bush didn't do. Is it possible the Pack can stop the run? Bush carried six times for five yards, which is a stunning stat. Oh yeah, he still helped out in fantasy with eight catches for 68 yards, but the rushing numbers, hard to believe.
Don't sit Donald Driver, ever. Even against the Bears last week, his decent game was more credible than Ahman Green topping 100 yards. This time Driver was again terrific, and will continue to be no matter which team Favre throws the ball to. Green was ordinary, and while he's safely the starter, I think Noah Herron holds off Vernand Morency for the prime backup role, when Morency does play.
Colts 43, Texans 24: This one didn't seem fair, did it? Peyton Manning could have put up 60 points if he wanted to. What's odd is that neither of his prime receivers caught touchdown passes, though both Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne easily topped 100 yards.
Everyone's going to be asking about the running backs, and while Joseph Addai had a few more carries and double the rushing yards, Dominic Rhodes remains the starter. I know it sounds strange, I know Addai owners aren't pleased, but Addai got plenty of work when the game got out of hand. Rhodes was the man early on. Still, both are worthy flex plays moving forward.
Ron Dayne as the top Texans running back? Probably won't last. Sam Gado rambled for a 27-yarder late to end up with as many yards, and he'll likely get more carries than Dayne next game.
Bills 16, Dolphins 6: Daunte Culpepper ended up with 250 yards and a touchdown. Impressed? The score came with two minutes left in the game. Not so impressive to fail to score at home against Buffalo for all but two minutes.
I thought Willis McGahee was on his way to a 140-yard day, but he slowed down and didn't even reach 100. Still, he did look good and I can't think of a game in which I would sit him.
Vikings 16, Panthers 13 (OT): Did we see a change at the top of Carolina's running back depth chart? I think we might have. DeShaun Foster was hardly special again, and finally we saw rookie DeAngelo Williams get the ball. He ended up with 74 yards and a touchdown, giving the team some running game. Watch the rookie take over the starting job at some point, though I'd be surprised if it's this upcoming week.
Brad Johnson wasn't as effective as I thought he'd be, and he didn't even throw the team's touchdown pass (it was kicker Ryan Longwell), but he made one really big play, the 30-yard throw in overtime to Troy Williamson. That's Johnson. The stats aren't always there, but he drove the team for the win. This team's MVP is clearly going to be Chester Taylor. It took a while for him to pile up the yards, but he's looking like a solid 1,400-yard back.
Giants 30, Eagles 24 (OT): Oh great, back to this one. I already noted how impressed I was with Eli Manning, but he had to be this good or the Giants wouldn't have won. Tiki Barber didn't do much at all. It was all on Eli. Philly kept Plaxico Burress in check much of the game, but Plax made the big play at the end. In one of my leagues I took both Eli and Plaxico, figuring there would be terrific days like this in which the quarterback and the receiver hooked up for big numbers. These aren't the Titans, after all. The Giants will score plenty this season. I absolutely cannot explain Amani Toomer. I've seen him many times, and I'm just stunned Philly couldn't cover him. I mean, he's not Terrell Owens. He's Amani Toomer. He's sure to become overrated in fantasy.
Brian Westbrook created quite a Sunday morning stir when it was hit or miss on whether he would even play. I figured he would, and hoped for 50 yards on the ground and through the air. He topped each and scored, but was invisible in the final periods. I'm setting his over/under in games this season at 14, and taking the under. I'm not trying to be negative, but realistic. By the way, the Eagles will be fine. They dominated the game for three quarters before the offense got complacent and predictable. This remains a 10-win team. But the Giants probably will win 11.
Ravens 28, Raiders 6: No real surprise here as the Raiders are just so terrible, the only question is going to be how low LaMont Jordan's fantasy value will drop. Jordan again was given no chance to have success, finishing with 1.8 yards per carry average. Things actually got worse when Aaron Brooks was mercifully pulled. Think he wants to deal with this? Fantasy owners left and right will be trying to trade Jordan, along with enigmatic, underused wideout Randy Moss, and you know what: It's a mistake. Hold on to your investments until this team shows a pulse. Nobody wants to trade for Jordan today, but at some point, your first rounder will get some numbers.
Nothing special from Baltimore's offense, but fantasy owners are going to misread this Mike Anderson game. What, he scored a touchdown? Didn't Karabell tell me he wasn't a factor? Well, it's true, Anderson did score, but he wasn't a factor statistically, unless you're looking at Jamal Lewis stats. Anderson got one measly carry late in the game and broke it for a 34-yard jaunt. Musa Smith is the backup for Lewis. Anderson is the fullback.
49ers 20, Rams 13: I actually picked the Niners to win this game, deciding to believe in San Francisco's big three of Alex Smith, Frank Gore and Antonio Bryant. All three came through with flying colors. Rip the Rams defense if you like, the same one that shut down Denver in Week 1. Maybe the Rams weren't special that day, in retrospect, since the Broncos couldn't even score a touchdown on Kansas City. Whatever. The Niners are an exciting, young team. Gore is a play every week and so is Bryant and possibly Vernon Davis, who delivered a Sunday goose egg.
Steven Jackson again topped 100 yards. He's a weekly play. There was a Stephen Davis sighting, but nothing to get worked up about.
Seahawks 21, Cardinals 10: I'm actually disappointed in Shaun Alexander, for only getting 89 yards and one touchdown. A year ago it would have been 160 yards and three scores. This is Arizona! C'mon, Shaun, LaDainian's making you look like Kevin Jones. Speaking of Hawks, I'm glad I gave up on Nate Burleson a week ago. Guess he couldn't make good use of his last shot before Deion Branch comes aboard. And apparently Darrell Jackson is feeling just fine, thank you.
Disappointing game for Kurt Warner and his pair of top 10 receivers as well. But the big story is this is two weeks for Edgerrin James, and his longest play has gone for 14 yards. The numbers aren't that bad. He has scored, and he's on pace for 1,200 yards. But is that what you drafted?
Broncos 9, Chiefs 6: All wins count the same, right? Damon Huard actually did a decent job of avoiding trouble with Trent Green out, with a bunch of short passes. Remove the 37-yarder to Eddie Kennison and Huard completed 16 passes for 96 yards. Now that's hard to do. As expected, this didn't affect Larry Johnson one bit, as he gained 126 yards and caught nearly a third of Huard's completions. I did expect more from Tony Gonzalez, but apparently he was needed to protect Huard more.
Very disappointed in Tatum Bell, who in a Thomas Jones sort of way blew a golden opportunity to seize a starting job. Mike Bell didn't do much worse, really. Jake Plummer still doesn't have a touchdown pass, but you can forget about picking up Jay Cutler. Really, you can. Plummer is safe.
Patriots 24, Jets 17: Very impressed with Chad Pennington, as he drove the Jets down the field a few times in the second half, despite the fact Bill Belichick knew there was little threat of a running game. Pennington looked good, I have to admit. He topped 300 yards yet again, which is quite a feat for him, since he wasn't doing that prior to surgery, and had two touchdowns. We know fantasy owners are in love with Jerricho Cotchery, and there are reasons to believe he's pretty good, but that crazy 71-yard touchdown, well, it was kind of a fluke play, no? When's the last time two Jets receivers reached 100 yards? Laveranues Coles might be approaching top 10 receiver status, you know.
Think Jets fans are tired of Kevan Barlow yet?
While Tom Brady looked Branch-related distracted again, his dual running backs were good yet again. Why does Belichick have to choose one, when Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney are so effective splitting carries? Neither is hurt and each scored a touchdown. In time, Maroney could be a star. Then again, back in the Garrison Hearst days, we were saying that about Barlow, weren't we? Maroney looks impressive, but Dillon still has something left, like double digit touchdowns.
Chargers 40, Titans 7: I figured it would be more like 28-7. That's what I wrote Sunday. Apparently the Titans are even worse than that. I did recommend using Michael Turner in this game, and he exploded for 138 yards on only 13 carries. Having a 73-yarder doesn't hurt. Turner's a flex option in blowout games because there's no way LaDainian Tomlinson will be abused. He got his two first-half touchdowns and he was done. This might end up being a bad thing in fantasy, but he's still on his way to a 18-touchdown season and he might lead the league.
Philip Rivers is someone I want to trust, but it's two blowout wins. We have to wait until Week 4 to see what he can do, when he goes to Baltimore. C'mon, it's Week 3 and already these guys need a bye week? Two of the first three draft picks in 99 percent of leagues are off next week, in LT and LJ. But there is good news: The Raiders are off.
Unfortunately, Tennessee is in action. Hope Miami enjoys its first win. If Kerry Collins can keep his starting job after that one, then Vince Young is doing something wrong. Of course, no need to own Vince yet in fantasy. Wait until next year. OK, more on the Sunday night game and Monday's big one on Tuesday. Adios.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Eli in the elite: Week 2 wrap


posted: Monday, September 18, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Fantasy NFL

Eli Manning is better than Tommy Kramer -- I know he already is. And for one agonizing afternoon, me and my buddies resurrected the name of Kramer, who to us was responsible for the most memorable fourth quarter comeback against our Iggles. We were kids then. Kramer led the Vikings to a win at Philly's Vet when he trailed 23-0 in the fourth quarter. The final was 28-23. We never forgot that game. I still have the ticket stub.

I wasn't at the Eagles-Giants game Sunday, and for that, I am thankful. The parking lots surely were dangerous around 5:15 p.m. ET. Sure, you say, the NFC title game home losses were bad, because the Eagles were favored and blew Super Bowl berths. Yeah, those stunk. In those games it was Joe Jurevicius, Ronde Barber and Jake Delhomme engineering those wins. Back in 1985, it was Kramer and Philly missed the playoffs. On Sunday it was Eli Manning and in Week 2 when a loss can be overcome.
Announcer Troy Aikman noted numerous times during Sunday's broadcast that Eli was getting too much blame for the Giants misfortunes over the last year, and too little of the credit. I wholly agree. I've been saying for months Manning is going to be a terrific player, in real life and fantasy, and the proof wasn't in the interceptions last year, but the terrific comeback wins. Look at the good from Eli -- he piles on the yards, leads his team down the field in crunch time -- you can see a star is being born. But it's not only the New York media on this kid's case; fantasy owners don't trust him yet.
On Sunday, Manning did little for three quarters, then ended up with monstrous numbers, thanks in part to the Eagles horribly throwing the game away in the final minutes, but also to Eli not letting the G-men lose. Overtime was just a formality. Bitter? Not at all. On Monday I'll check out how my Manning-led team did. On Sunday it's about the real team.
Manning is going to be great, and soon. Last week he didn't complete the final drive of the game, losing by a few points to big brother Peyton. This week he had a number of big drives, huge plays. Next week he goes to Seattle. The Giants will be in a Super Bowl again soon and Eli will be the talk of the town.
Monday is not a good day to trade for Eli in fantasy. He'll cost too much. You had your window of opportunity all this week. And while I hate watching the Eagles lose a game that was basically in hand, it is exciting watching a young quarterback emerge.
OK, on to a smaller version of game by game. Or else this would be a novel.
Falcons 14, Buccaneers 3: Tampa Bay fans can't be real pleased either. Is it better to lose like this, with a total of three points in two sad, division games, or lose a 24-7 lead like Philly did? The Bucs were the last NFL team to score, and we still wait for a touchdown. Blame Chris Simms. He's on pace for 48 interceptions, and apparently serious about reaching that record. Carnell Williams offered little, again, and Simms only topped 300 yards because he threw the ball 53 times. Joey Galloway had a monster game for yards with 161. In comparison, Michael Vick threw for 92. Amazing.
As for Vick, I never said he couldn't play. To rush for 127 yards is quite a feat for a quarterback. You shouldn't sit Vick in home games, that's for sure, or at all the way he's running. Warrick Dunn leads the NFL in rushing, but because he hasn't scored yet, he's not Shaun Alexander and fantasy owners remain wary. Don't be.
Bears 34, Lions 7: Rex Grossman threw four touchdown passes. Think about that for a minute. Four touchdowns! Tampa Bay still doesn't have any! I still wouldn't make Rex a top 10 quarterback, but he has become a must-add free agent just in case. Rex Grossman? Are you kidding? I need to see more.
In other news, the Bears win easily without either running back distinguishing himself. Just keep playing Thomas Jones in fantasy until something changes. In a closer game, which Chicago should get soon, Jones will do more.
Kevin Jones broke off a 29-yard run. And on the other 11 carries, he gained 15 yards. Terrific. Next week he gets Green Bay. One more chance in fantasy before he's mass dropped.
Bengals 34, Browns 17: Yeah, Carson Palmer is just fine. We told you all week that Rudi Johnson would run wild, and he did, with 145 yards and two scores. You would have played him anyway. What about Chris Henry? I played him in two leagues. I figured Henry would have a big game at some point with T.J. Houshmandzadeh out. Henry could steal that starting job.
Poor Reuben Droughns. But at least he got to score a touchdown. One more and he matches his 2005 total.
Saints 34, Packers 27: Terrific game for both maligned quarterbacks, as Brett Favre got his team on the board early and ended up with 340 yards and three touchdowns, while Drew Brees passed for 353 yards. But the big story here is what Reggie Bush didn't do. Is it possible the Pack can stop the run? Bush carried six times for five yards, which is a stunning stat. Oh yeah, he still helped out in fantasy with eight catches for 68 yards, but the rushing numbers, hard to believe.
Don't sit Donald Driver, ever. Even against the Bears last week, his decent game was more credible than Ahman Green topping 100 yards. This time Driver was again terrific, and will continue to be no matter which team Favre throws the ball to. Green was ordinary, and while he's safely the starter, I think Noah Herron holds off Vernand Morency for the prime backup role, when Morency does play.
Colts 43, Texans 24: This one didn't seem fair, did it? Peyton Manning could have put up 60 points if he wanted to. What's odd is that neither of his prime receivers caught touchdown passes, though both Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne easily topped 100 yards.
Everyone's going to be asking about the running backs, and while Joseph Addai had a few more carries and double the rushing yards, Dominic Rhodes remains the starter. I know it sounds strange, I know Addai owners aren't pleased, but Addai got plenty of work when the game got out of hand. Rhodes was the man early on. Still, both are worthy flex plays moving forward.
Ron Dayne as the top Texans running back? Probably won't last. Sam Gado rambled for a 27-yarder late to end up with as many yards, and he'll likely get more carries than Dayne next game.
Bills 16, Dolphins 6: Daunte Culpepper ended up with 250 yards and a touchdown. Impressed? The score came with two minutes left in the game. Not so impressive to fail to score at home against Buffalo for all but two minutes.
I thought Willis McGahee was on his way to a 140-yard day, but he slowed down and didn't even reach 100. Still, he did look good and I can't think of a game in which I would sit him.
Vikings 16, Panthers 13 (OT): Did we see a change at the top of Carolina's running back depth chart? I think we might have. DeShaun Foster was hardly special again, and finally we saw rookie DeAngelo Williams get the ball. He ended up with 74 yards and a touchdown, giving the team some running game. Watch the rookie take over the starting job at some point, though I'd be surprised if it's this upcoming week.
Brad Johnson wasn't as effective as I thought he'd be, and he didn't even throw the team's touchdown pass (it was kicker Ryan Longwell), but he made one really big play, the 30-yard throw in overtime to Troy Williamson. That's Johnson. The stats aren't always there, but he drove the team for the win. This team's MVP is clearly going to be Chester Taylor. It took a while for him to pile up the yards, but he's looking like a solid 1,400-yard back.
Giants 30, Eagles 24 (OT): Oh great, back to this one. I already noted how impressed I was with Eli Manning, but he had to be this good or the Giants wouldn't have won. Tiki Barber didn't do much at all. It was all on Eli. Philly kept Plaxico Burress in check much of the game, but Plax made the big play at the end. In one of my leagues I took both Eli and Plaxico, figuring there would be terrific days like this in which the quarterback and the receiver hooked up for big numbers. These aren't the Titans, after all. The Giants will score plenty this season. I absolutely cannot explain Amani Toomer. I've seen him many times, and I'm just stunned Philly couldn't cover him. I mean, he's not Terrell Owens. He's Amani Toomer. He's sure to become overrated in fantasy.
Brian Westbrook created quite a Sunday morning stir when it was hit or miss on whether he would even play. I figured he would, and hoped for 50 yards on the ground and through the air. He topped each and scored, but was invisible in the final periods. I'm setting his over/under in games this season at 14, and taking the under. I'm not trying to be negative, but realistic. By the way, the Eagles will be fine. They dominated the game for three quarters before the offense got complacent and predictable. This remains a 10-win team. But the Giants probably will win 11.
Ravens 28, Raiders 6: No real surprise here as the Raiders are just so terrible, the only question is going to be how low LaMont Jordan's fantasy value will drop. Jordan again was given no chance to have success, finishing with 1.8 yards per carry average. Things actually got worse when Aaron Brooks was mercifully pulled. Think he wants to deal with this? Fantasy owners left and right will be trying to trade Jordan, along with enigmatic, underused wideout Randy Moss, and you know what: It's a mistake. Hold on to your investments until this team shows a pulse. Nobody wants to trade for Jordan today, but at some point, your first rounder will get some numbers.
Nothing special from Baltimore's offense, but fantasy owners are going to misread this Mike Anderson game. What, he scored a touchdown? Didn't Karabell tell me he wasn't a factor? Well, it's true, Anderson did score, but he wasn't a factor statistically, unless you're looking at Jamal Lewis stats. Anderson got one measly carry late in the game and broke it for a 34-yard jaunt. Musa Smith is the backup for Lewis. Anderson is the fullback.
49ers 20, Rams 13: I actually picked the Niners to win this game, deciding to believe in San Francisco's big three of Alex Smith, Frank Gore and Antonio Bryant. All three came through with flying colors. Rip the Rams defense if you like, the same one that shut down Denver in Week 1. Maybe the Rams weren't special that day, in retrospect, since the Broncos couldn't even score a touchdown on Kansas City. Whatever. The Niners are an exciting, young team. Gore is a play every week and so is Bryant and possibly Vernon Davis, who delivered a Sunday goose egg.
Steven Jackson again topped 100 yards. He's a weekly play. There was a Stephen Davis sighting, but nothing to get worked up about.
Seahawks 21, Cardinals 10: I'm actually disappointed in Shaun Alexander, for only getting 89 yards and one touchdown. A year ago it would have been 160 yards and three scores. This is Arizona! C'mon, Shaun, LaDainian's making you look like Kevin Jones. Speaking of Hawks, I'm glad I gave up on Nate Burleson a week ago. Guess he couldn't make good use of his last shot before Deion Branch comes aboard. And apparently Darrell Jackson is feeling just fine, thank you.
Disappointing game for Kurt Warner and his pair of top 10 receivers as well. But the big story is this is two weeks for Edgerrin James, and his longest play has gone for 14 yards. The numbers aren't that bad. He has scored, and he's on pace for 1,200 yards. But is that what you drafted?
Broncos 9, Chiefs 6: All wins count the same, right? Damon Huard actually did a decent job of avoiding trouble with Trent Green out, with a bunch of short passes. Remove the 37-yarder to Eddie Kennison and Huard completed 16 passes for 96 yards. Now that's hard to do. As expected, this didn't affect Larry Johnson one bit, as he gained 126 yards and caught nearly a third of Huard's completions. I did expect more from Tony Gonzalez, but apparently he was needed to protect Huard more.
Very disappointed in Tatum Bell, who in a Thomas Jones sort of way blew a golden opportunity to seize a starting job. Mike Bell didn't do much worse, really. Jake Plummer still doesn't have a touchdown pass, but you can forget about picking up Jay Cutler. Really, you can. Plummer is safe.
Patriots 24, Jets 17: Very impressed with Chad Pennington, as he drove the Jets down the field a few times in the second half, despite the fact Bill Belichick knew there was little threat of a running game. Pennington looked good, I have to admit. He topped 300 yards yet again, which is quite a feat for him, since he wasn't doing that prior to surgery, and had two touchdowns. We know fantasy owners are in love with Jerricho Cotchery, and there are reasons to believe he's pretty good, but that crazy 71-yard touchdown, well, it was kind of a fluke play, no? When's the last time two Jets receivers reached 100 yards? Laveranues Coles might be approaching top 10 receiver status, you know.
Think Jets fans are tired of Kevan Barlow yet?
While Tom Brady looked Branch-related distracted again, his dual running backs were good yet again. Why does Belichick have to choose one, when Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney are so effective splitting carries? Neither is hurt and each scored a touchdown. In time, Maroney could be a star. Then again, back in the Garrison Hearst days, we were saying that about Barlow, weren't we? Maroney looks impressive, but Dillon still has something left, like double digit touchdowns.
Chargers 40, Titans 7: I figured it would be more like 28-7. That's what I wrote Sunday. Apparently the Titans are even worse than that. I did recommend using Michael Turner in this game, and he exploded for 138 yards on only 13 carries. Having a 73-yarder doesn't hurt. Turner's a flex option in blowout games because there's no way LaDainian Tomlinson will be abused. He got his two first-half touchdowns and he was done. This might end up being a bad thing in fantasy, but he's still on his way to a 18-touchdown season and he might lead the league.
Philip Rivers is someone I want to trust, but it's two blowout wins. We have to wait until Week 4 to see what he can do, when he goes to Baltimore. C'mon, it's Week 3 and already these guys need a bye week? Two of the first three draft picks in 99 percent of leagues are off next week, in LT and LJ. But there is good news: The Raiders are off.
Unfortunately, Tennessee is in action. Hope Miami enjoys its first win. If Kerry Collins can keep his starting job after that one, then Vince Young is doing something wrong. Of course, no need to own Vince yet in fantasy. Wait until next year. OK, more on the Sunday night game and Monday's big one on Tuesday. Adios.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Bills' D emerging as a force


posted: Monday, September 18, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Buffalo Bills

It's a short blog today as I'm loaded all morning with ESPN Magazine meetings (read: three-hour lunches on the company's dime). The unit that most impressed me on Sunday was the Bills' defense, in particular its front even and rookie safety tandem of Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson.

The Bills might have eclipsed the Dolphins as possessing the most feared pass rush in the AFC East. They took apart New England's line last week and confused Tom Brady with their schemes. If you're confusing Brady, you're blitzing well.
The Bills wrecked Daunte Culpepper's home debut, and it was a big debut after several un-clutch moments in the season opening loss to Pittsburgh. Miami had 10 days to prep for this. And yet until the final minutes the Bills were shutting out a Dolphins team that many -­ thankfully not I ­- picked at the least a division champ and the most a Super Bowl participant.
They did it without vet Troy Vincent (injured reserve) and with five rookies starters. Culpepper's stats during the game looked good ­- he hit 10 of his first 11 and ended up 23-of-32 -­ but he was confused all day. DE Ryan Denney sacked Culpepper three times and knocked him down on a pair of other occasions. He also forced Culpepper from the pocket with 56 seconds left in the first half and the Dolphins on the verge of scoring. Culpepper rolled right and threw a dud right into the welcoming arms of linebacker Angelo Crowell, who was replacing star Takeo Spikes. Few teams were better set up to start 0-2 with a pair of blowout losses than the Bills. Road games against the Pats and Dolphins were brutal. But Buffalo could have won in New England had its offense been more capable, and soundly whipped Miami in a game that wasn't as close as its 16-6 score indicated. It earned J.P. Losman his first win since his first start. Not to mention the attention of every team in a suddenly very competitive AFC East.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Bills' D emerging as a force


posted: Monday, September 18, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Buffalo Bills

It's a short blog today as I'm loaded all morning with ESPN Magazine meetings (read: three-hour lunches on the company's dime). The unit that most impressed me on Sunday was the Bills' defense, in particular its front even and rookie safety tandem of Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson.

The Bills might have eclipsed the Dolphins as possessing the most feared pass rush in the AFC East. They took apart New England's line last week and confused Tom Brady with their schemes. If you're confusing Brady, you're blitzing well.
The Bills wrecked Daunte Culpepper's home debut, and it was a big debut after several un-clutch moments in the season opening loss to Pittsburgh. Miami had 10 days to prep for this. And yet until the final minutes the Bills were shutting out a Dolphins team that many -­ thankfully not I ­- picked at the least a division champ and the most a Super Bowl participant.
They did it without vet Troy Vincent (injured reserve) and with five rookies starters. Culpepper's stats during the game looked good ­- he hit 10 of his first 11 and ended up 23-of-32 -­ but he was confused all day. DE Ryan Denney sacked Culpepper three times and knocked him down on a pair of other occasions. He also forced Culpepper from the pocket with 56 seconds left in the first half and the Dolphins on the verge of scoring. Culpepper rolled right and threw a dud right into the welcoming arms of linebacker Angelo Crowell, who was replacing star Takeo Spikes. Few teams were better set up to start 0-2 with a pair of blowout losses than the Bills. Road games against the Pats and Dolphins were brutal. But Buffalo could have won in New England had its offense been more capable, and soundly whipped Miami in a game that wasn't as close as its 16-6 score indicated. It earned J.P. Losman his first win since his first start. Not to mention the attention of every team in a suddenly very competitive AFC East.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

<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>Monday, September 18</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
Raiders
Chiefs
</TD><TD>Volek to the Chargers?
<Sep. 18> Volek returned to Nashville with the Titans on Sunday night following the team's 40-7 loss to the Chargers, but there's a good chance he could be heading back to San Diego in the near future. The Chargers are one of three teams (the Chiefs and Raiders are the other two) that are interested in making a trade for the Volek, according to the The Tennessean. Volek began training camp as the Titans' starter, but was the team's No. 3 quarterback in Week 1 and Week 2. Titans coach Jeff Fisher reiterated that recently signed Kerry Collins will remain the starter with rookie Vince Young as the backup.

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

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

<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>Monday, September 18</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
Raiders
Chiefs
</TD><TD>Volek to the Chargers?
<Sep. 18> Volek returned to Nashville with the Titans on Sunday night following the team's 40-7 loss to the Chargers, but there's a good chance he could be heading back to San Diego in the near future. The Chargers are one of three teams (the Chiefs and Raiders are the other two) that are interested in making a trade for the Volek, according to the The Tennessean. Volek began training camp as the Titans' starter, but was the team's No. 3 quarterback in Week 1 and Week 2. Titans coach Jeff Fisher reiterated that recently signed Kerry Collins will remain the starter with rookie Vince Young as the backup.

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

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Updated: Sep. 18, 2006, 11:26 AM ET
Jaguars must protect Leftwich


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox --><!-- firstName = Gary --><!-- lastName = Horton -->
By Gary Horton
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 -->
After watching a lot of film on both the Steelers and Jaguars, talking to coaches and scouts and following preseason practices, here are some key things to watch in their game on Monday (ESPN 8:30 p.m. ET).
Pittsburgh Steelers

? Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will try to confuse QB Byron Leftwich with a variety of zone blitzes, in-line stunts and twists, as well as disguising the Steelers' coverages. This is a talented, but young Jacksonville passing game that will likely have trouble making the right reads vs. this complex Steelers defense.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Willie Parker</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left> Running Back
Pittsburgh Steelers

Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2006 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rush</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>29</TD><TD>115</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->? Look for Pittsburgh to widen its running game this week with RB Willie Parker. Not only does he have good speed to the outside, but Parker is also facing one of the best interior defenses in the NFL (DTs Marcus Stroud and John Henderson, and MLB Mike Peterson). Stroud and Peterson are banged up and DE Reggie Hayward is lost for season, which makes them even more vulnerable on the perimeter. We could see more sweeps and off-tackle plays, and even some dump offs and screens in the passing game to take advantage of Parker's open-field skills.
? One thing we do know is the Steelers will run the football. They ran it 38 times vs. Miami and established ball control. But they do not want to overwork Parker and Bill Cowher will be aware of his workload.
? Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt is one of the NFL's best play-callers on game day. Although he loves to incorporate gadget plays and give defenses some exotic looks, he also knows the personality of his players and his head coach, and that is why he is not hesitant to run the football and control the clock. He does a great job of adjusting to his personnel, but also coming up with good calls in key situations.
? RB Najeh Davenport was an excellent pick-up for the Steelers. The one missing ingredient in their outstanding running game was a guy who could fill the void left by Jerome Bettis. Now Duce Staley become almost a non-factor
? Pittsburgh is concerned about its special teams, especially its punt return unit. The Steelers gave up more than 26 yards per return to Miami's Wes Welker in Week 1. The usually good tackling was shoddy and even the kicking game did not click on all cylinders. Cowher is a former special teams coach and will get these problems ironed out.
? This is the week for the Steelers to play great "triangle" defense. The triangle is NT Casey Hampton and ILBs James Farrior and Larry Foote. They do a great job of stopping the inside run, though the Jaguars have a good triangle of their own in Henderson, Stroud and Peterson. Good run defense on first and second downs will be critical in this game. These defenses want the opposing QBs in third-and- long situations.
? It's not totally surprising that QB Charlie Batch played well last week vs. Miami. This guy has a lot of experience in the NFL. In the last two years, Batch has started three times for the Steelers and they have won all three. This is a guy with 49 starts in his NFL career and a lot of people don't realize how much experience he has. However, the Dolphins made some mistakes in their coverage and gave Batch some easy completions. Jacksonville's secondary is opportunistic and will be tougher on Batch -- if Ben Roethlisberger isn't ready to play.
? The Steelers do have some concerns about Davenport. He has a long history of injuries and takes a lot of punishment because of his upright running style. He has played in only 39 games in the last four years and will need to stay healthy to help carry the load. Parker had 29 carries in the opener vs. Miami and that's too many.
? Jacksonville's secondary will give Pittsburgh a lot of looks, alternating between man-to-man coverage and Cover 2 zone schemes. If SS Donovin Darius is forced to play in the box to slow down the Steelers' run game (which is likely), the Jags will likely use a Cover 1 or man-free look, with FS Deon Grant playing the middle of the field in position to help either of the corners in man-to-man schemes.
When Roethlisberger (or Batch) sees that look, he must find the receiver who is single covered (hopefully Hines Ward). If Jacksonville shows a Cover 2 look, Roethlisberger should look for TE Heath Miller down the deep middle of the field between the safeties. Making the right reads versus this aggressive defense will be critical for Roethlisberger and the Steelers.
? LeBeau will show Leftwich several zone blitzes. Leftwich must determine who is rushing and who is dropping into coverage. The Steelers do a great job of confusing QBs who think they have and open zone to throw into, only to find a LB or even a DL sitting in that zone.
? Don't be surprised if the Steelers use Parker as a receiver at times vs. Jacksonville by flexing him into the slot or putting him in motion. He is a tough matchup in space for an OLB or even for Darius.
? Miller could have a big day against the Jaguars. Ward will likely get some double coverage and Darius may be forced up into the box a lot to help in run support -- which could leave Miller covered by a LB. If that happens, it's imperative that the Jaguars get a good jam on him at the line of scrimmage to at least slow him down. If Miller is allowed to run free on the snap of the ball, he will make some big plays.
Jacksonville Jaguars

? Leftwich must know where Pittsburgh SS Troy Polamalu is on every play. In his pre-snap reads, Leftwich must know if Polamalu is deep in coverage or in the box as a blitzer or run supporter. The problem is he often disguises his assignments until the snap of the ball and it's hard to get a handle on him. If Leftwich reads a Polamalu blitz, he will go to a quick pass and hopefully find the open zone vacated by the blitzy.
? The Jaguars would be wise to use some spread formations and multiple-receiver sets to spread out a very physical Pittsburgh defense. Because they lost fullback Greg Jones for the season with a knee injury, they will play a lot of time without a fullback. Also look for some two-TE packages and more three-WR and one-back sets, which would spread the field and force the Steelers' OLBs to play wider, negating their edge pass rush and making it harder to blitz.
? Jacksonville lost its best pass rusher -- Hayward -- for the season with an Achilles injury vs. Dallas. He had 8? sacks a year ago and will be hard to replace. Veterans Marcellus Wiley and Rob Meier will share the position, but neither has a lot of explosiveness and edge pass rushing skills. The Jags may have to blitz more to create pressure.
? Jacksonville is worried about the ability of its offensive line to handle Pittsburgh's defensive front seven. The unit has size but is not overly quick. The Steelers are much more athletic and when they blitz, or use twists and stunts up front, it will be tough for Jacksonville to stay with its movement. This could be a tough night for Leftwich, unless he goes to more three- and five-step drops.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Matt Jones</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left> Wide Receiver
Jacksonville Jaguars

Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2006 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">YAC</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>5</TD><TD>71</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>14.2</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>16</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->? Leftwich must be good in the red zone against the Steelers' defense. He has big targets in WRs Matt Jones, Reggie Williams and Ernest Wilford. The Steelers have not played good man-to-man defense so far and that's what we will see from them in the red zone. The Jags must come away with TDs and not FGs every time they get close, which won't be often.
? Even though he averaged only 3.5 yards per carry, RB Fred Taylor had 21 rushes last week versus Dallas and kept the offense from becoming one dimensional. The same thing will happen this week. Success in the run game won't be easy against the Steelers, but the commitment to the run may set up some good play- action possibilities for Leftwich.
? Jacksonville can show spread sets on offense, but it can also be effective in two-TE sets if the Steelers' pressure starts getting to Leftwich. The two-TE set helps protect the QB, but it will also allow Polamalu to play in the box and would give the secondary favorable matchups in the passing game. When we see this formation, TE George Wrighster may be a good target in the passing game, but the other TE, Kyle Brady, is primarily a blocker.
? To negate Pittsburgh's pass rush, Leftwich can work out of the shotgun formation and utilize a short-to-intermediate passing game that features quick slants and crossing routes. Jacksonville has big receivers who can use their size to push off and shield defenders against the smaller defensive backs. He will also have to be in sync with his receivers on their hot reads when he sees the blitz coming.

? Jacksonville may come out throwing to surprise the Steelers and get an early lead and then give the ball to Taylor and count on a solid run game and dominating defense to finish out the game.
? As important as Taylor is to Jacksonville in the running game, and even as a receiver out of the backfield, a big role for him this week may be as a pass blocker. His ability to pick up the Steelers' blitz may be a significant factor in Leftwich's ability to have enough time to let his receivers get open.
? Corners Rashean Mathis and Brian Williams like to play aggressive man-to-man schemes and their ability to cover Ward and Cedrick Wilson without help is critical. Jacksonville has a dilemma with the loss of Hayward. If the Jags sit back and play it safe, Roethlisberger may pick them apart. But if they blitz a lot with their LBs (to compensate for a struggling pass rush), they run the risk of giving Miller a lot of room to run. However, good coverage by the corner at least gives the Jags a little more wiggle room.
? One thing you notice on film when you watch Leftwich is his deliberate release. There is no question about his arm strength, but he has an elongated windup and takes a lot of unnecessary hits. That could be a real problem this week versus the Steelers' aggressive blitz. He must get the ball out quicker. ? LOT Khalif Barnes has his hands full this week with Pittsburgh ROLB Joey Porter, always a threat to blitz off the edge. Look for TE help and also a RB always in position for blitz pickup. As much as Leftwich must identify Polamalu before the snap, he must also be prepared for Porter as a pass rusher.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Updated: Sep. 18, 2006, 11:26 AM ET
Jaguars must protect Leftwich


<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox --><!-- firstName = Gary --><!-- lastName = Horton -->
By Gary Horton
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 -->
After watching a lot of film on both the Steelers and Jaguars, talking to coaches and scouts and following preseason practices, here are some key things to watch in their game on Monday (ESPN 8:30 p.m. ET).
Pittsburgh Steelers

? Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will try to confuse QB Byron Leftwich with a variety of zone blitzes, in-line stunts and twists, as well as disguising the Steelers' coverages. This is a talented, but young Jacksonville passing game that will likely have trouble making the right reads vs. this complex Steelers defense.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Willie Parker</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left> Running Back
Pittsburgh Steelers

Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2006 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rush</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>29</TD><TD>115</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->? Look for Pittsburgh to widen its running game this week with RB Willie Parker. Not only does he have good speed to the outside, but Parker is also facing one of the best interior defenses in the NFL (DTs Marcus Stroud and John Henderson, and MLB Mike Peterson). Stroud and Peterson are banged up and DE Reggie Hayward is lost for season, which makes them even more vulnerable on the perimeter. We could see more sweeps and off-tackle plays, and even some dump offs and screens in the passing game to take advantage of Parker's open-field skills.
? One thing we do know is the Steelers will run the football. They ran it 38 times vs. Miami and established ball control. But they do not want to overwork Parker and Bill Cowher will be aware of his workload.
? Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt is one of the NFL's best play-callers on game day. Although he loves to incorporate gadget plays and give defenses some exotic looks, he also knows the personality of his players and his head coach, and that is why he is not hesitant to run the football and control the clock. He does a great job of adjusting to his personnel, but also coming up with good calls in key situations.
? RB Najeh Davenport was an excellent pick-up for the Steelers. The one missing ingredient in their outstanding running game was a guy who could fill the void left by Jerome Bettis. Now Duce Staley become almost a non-factor
? Pittsburgh is concerned about its special teams, especially its punt return unit. The Steelers gave up more than 26 yards per return to Miami's Wes Welker in Week 1. The usually good tackling was shoddy and even the kicking game did not click on all cylinders. Cowher is a former special teams coach and will get these problems ironed out.
? This is the week for the Steelers to play great "triangle" defense. The triangle is NT Casey Hampton and ILBs James Farrior and Larry Foote. They do a great job of stopping the inside run, though the Jaguars have a good triangle of their own in Henderson, Stroud and Peterson. Good run defense on first and second downs will be critical in this game. These defenses want the opposing QBs in third-and- long situations.
? It's not totally surprising that QB Charlie Batch played well last week vs. Miami. This guy has a lot of experience in the NFL. In the last two years, Batch has started three times for the Steelers and they have won all three. This is a guy with 49 starts in his NFL career and a lot of people don't realize how much experience he has. However, the Dolphins made some mistakes in their coverage and gave Batch some easy completions. Jacksonville's secondary is opportunistic and will be tougher on Batch -- if Ben Roethlisberger isn't ready to play.
? The Steelers do have some concerns about Davenport. He has a long history of injuries and takes a lot of punishment because of his upright running style. He has played in only 39 games in the last four years and will need to stay healthy to help carry the load. Parker had 29 carries in the opener vs. Miami and that's too many.
? Jacksonville's secondary will give Pittsburgh a lot of looks, alternating between man-to-man coverage and Cover 2 zone schemes. If SS Donovin Darius is forced to play in the box to slow down the Steelers' run game (which is likely), the Jags will likely use a Cover 1 or man-free look, with FS Deon Grant playing the middle of the field in position to help either of the corners in man-to-man schemes.
When Roethlisberger (or Batch) sees that look, he must find the receiver who is single covered (hopefully Hines Ward). If Jacksonville shows a Cover 2 look, Roethlisberger should look for TE Heath Miller down the deep middle of the field between the safeties. Making the right reads versus this aggressive defense will be critical for Roethlisberger and the Steelers.
? LeBeau will show Leftwich several zone blitzes. Leftwich must determine who is rushing and who is dropping into coverage. The Steelers do a great job of confusing QBs who think they have and open zone to throw into, only to find a LB or even a DL sitting in that zone.
? Don't be surprised if the Steelers use Parker as a receiver at times vs. Jacksonville by flexing him into the slot or putting him in motion. He is a tough matchup in space for an OLB or even for Darius.
? Miller could have a big day against the Jaguars. Ward will likely get some double coverage and Darius may be forced up into the box a lot to help in run support -- which could leave Miller covered by a LB. If that happens, it's imperative that the Jaguars get a good jam on him at the line of scrimmage to at least slow him down. If Miller is allowed to run free on the snap of the ball, he will make some big plays.
Jacksonville Jaguars

? Leftwich must know where Pittsburgh SS Troy Polamalu is on every play. In his pre-snap reads, Leftwich must know if Polamalu is deep in coverage or in the box as a blitzer or run supporter. The problem is he often disguises his assignments until the snap of the ball and it's hard to get a handle on him. If Leftwich reads a Polamalu blitz, he will go to a quick pass and hopefully find the open zone vacated by the blitzy.
? The Jaguars would be wise to use some spread formations and multiple-receiver sets to spread out a very physical Pittsburgh defense. Because they lost fullback Greg Jones for the season with a knee injury, they will play a lot of time without a fullback. Also look for some two-TE packages and more three-WR and one-back sets, which would spread the field and force the Steelers' OLBs to play wider, negating their edge pass rush and making it harder to blitz.
? Jacksonville lost its best pass rusher -- Hayward -- for the season with an Achilles injury vs. Dallas. He had 8? sacks a year ago and will be hard to replace. Veterans Marcellus Wiley and Rob Meier will share the position, but neither has a lot of explosiveness and edge pass rushing skills. The Jags may have to blitz more to create pressure.
? Jacksonville is worried about the ability of its offensive line to handle Pittsburgh's defensive front seven. The unit has size but is not overly quick. The Steelers are much more athletic and when they blitz, or use twists and stunts up front, it will be tough for Jacksonville to stay with its movement. This could be a tough night for Leftwich, unless he goes to more three- and five-step drops.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Matt Jones</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left> Wide Receiver
Jacksonville Jaguars

Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2006 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">YAC</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>5</TD><TD>71</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>14.2</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>16</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->? Leftwich must be good in the red zone against the Steelers' defense. He has big targets in WRs Matt Jones, Reggie Williams and Ernest Wilford. The Steelers have not played good man-to-man defense so far and that's what we will see from them in the red zone. The Jags must come away with TDs and not FGs every time they get close, which won't be often.
? Even though he averaged only 3.5 yards per carry, RB Fred Taylor had 21 rushes last week versus Dallas and kept the offense from becoming one dimensional. The same thing will happen this week. Success in the run game won't be easy against the Steelers, but the commitment to the run may set up some good play- action possibilities for Leftwich.
? Jacksonville can show spread sets on offense, but it can also be effective in two-TE sets if the Steelers' pressure starts getting to Leftwich. The two-TE set helps protect the QB, but it will also allow Polamalu to play in the box and would give the secondary favorable matchups in the passing game. When we see this formation, TE George Wrighster may be a good target in the passing game, but the other TE, Kyle Brady, is primarily a blocker.
? To negate Pittsburgh's pass rush, Leftwich can work out of the shotgun formation and utilize a short-to-intermediate passing game that features quick slants and crossing routes. Jacksonville has big receivers who can use their size to push off and shield defenders against the smaller defensive backs. He will also have to be in sync with his receivers on their hot reads when he sees the blitz coming.

? Jacksonville may come out throwing to surprise the Steelers and get an early lead and then give the ball to Taylor and count on a solid run game and dominating defense to finish out the game.
? As important as Taylor is to Jacksonville in the running game, and even as a receiver out of the backfield, a big role for him this week may be as a pass blocker. His ability to pick up the Steelers' blitz may be a significant factor in Leftwich's ability to have enough time to let his receivers get open.
? Corners Rashean Mathis and Brian Williams like to play aggressive man-to-man schemes and their ability to cover Ward and Cedrick Wilson without help is critical. Jacksonville has a dilemma with the loss of Hayward. If the Jags sit back and play it safe, Roethlisberger may pick them apart. But if they blitz a lot with their LBs (to compensate for a struggling pass rush), they run the risk of giving Miller a lot of room to run. However, good coverage by the corner at least gives the Jags a little more wiggle room.
? One thing you notice on film when you watch Leftwich is his deliberate release. There is no question about his arm strength, but he has an elongated windup and takes a lot of unnecessary hits. That could be a real problem this week versus the Steelers' aggressive blitz. He must get the ball out quicker. ? LOT Khalif Barnes has his hands full this week with Pittsburgh ROLB Joey Porter, always a threat to blitz off the edge. Look for TE help and also a RB always in position for blitz pickup. As much as Leftwich must identify Polamalu before the snap, he must also be prepared for Porter as a pass rusher.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

<!-- begin this div --><!-- begin leftcol --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top><!-- begin pagetitle -->Monday, September 18, 2006
<TABLE style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top> </TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Jags have pressing health concerns


<!-- 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
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.


When the Steelers have the ball
Rushing: There isn't a better pair of defensive tackles in the NFL than Marcus Stroud and John Henderson. These two are the foundation of Jacksonville's defense and allow this unit to have a lot of versatility and some luxuries other teams cannot afford. Both of these players are massive and extremely strong and move exceptionally well coming forward or changing directions laterally.
Behind Stroud and Henderson, the Jaguars have a playmaking MLB in Mike Peterson. Although both played last week, Stroud (ankle) and Peterson (knee) are battling injuries. The Jaguars will need everyone in their interior triangle to be at full health to slow the Steelers' inside running game.
It took a little time against the Dolphins, but eventually the Steelers' persistence paid off and Willie Parker began breaking off sizable runs. Pittsburgh does a great job of sticking with its running game, and there could be similar second-half results this Monday night. Also, the Steelers signed Najeh Davenport last week to lighten the load on Parker; Davenport could get a few carries this week to add a bigger runner to the mix.

Passing: Jacksonville is very talented on defense and is well-suited to run several coverages with its versatile personnel and improved secondary. The Jaguars' cornerbacks are adept in man coverage, and the team could bring SS Donovin Darius into the box to slow the Steelers' running game and play Cover 1 behind it. FS Deon Grant covers a lot of ground from a center field position and is a good fit in this coverage scheme.
When Jacksonville goes to a Cover 1 look, expect the Steelers to target Hines Ward, who is a very difficult receiver to guard one on one for any cornerback. The Jaguars also will feature a Cover 2 look with Darius and Grant both deep in coverage. When Pittsburgh sees this look, it might try to get the ball to TE Heath Miller down the seam to split the safeties. Miller proved last week that he is capable of stretching a defense and making big plays.

When the Jaguars have the ball
Rushing: The Jaguars hired Mike Tice to help rebuild their running game and to improve their overall offensive line play. Jacksonville wants to be a downhill running team and will pull a guard quite a bit to lead on off-tackle runs, which suits Fred Taylor's and Maurice Jones-Drew's talents quite well. Tice also is not afraid to have his linemen cut-block, and Pittsburgh's front will have to protect their lower bodies.
Jacksonville also would be wise to motion its massive receivers toward the formation and use them to block the outside linebackers. Pittsburgh is a very difficult team to run against, and the Steelers pretty much shut down the Miami rushing attack last week, so whatever the Jaguars do try, running room will not come easily.

Passing: The Jaguars will play a high percentage of three-receiver, one-running back and one-tight end personnel groupings and, as a result, will have some massive pass catchers on the field. This could pull Pittsburgh's outside linebackers horizontally away from the ball, which allows Byron Leftwich a little extra time to read their blitzes and makes these heavier pass-rushers play in space more than the Steelers would prefer.
The Pittsburgh secondary is deep; the Steelers have four cornerbacks and four safeties they feel comfortable putting on the field. They will give the Jaguars many looks and coverages out of their sub packages, but could favor a Cover 3 shell to keep Jacksonville's weapons in front of them. The Jaguars also will try to do get speedy Jones-Drew matched up against any of the Steelers' linebackers in coverage, which would give the elusive running back a major advantage. The Jaguars could have some problems protecting Leftwich, who isn't elusive enough to make pass-rushers miss consistently. Joey Porter tortured L.J. Shelton last week, and young LT Khalif Barnes might need tight end or running back help to secure Leftwich's blind side. The Steelers could be the most challenging team in the league for a center to play against because of the presence of NT Casey Hampton, the multitude of blitzes Pittsburgh uses and all the line calls the center must make. C Brad Meester will have his hands full in both facets of the game, and a powerful interior pass-rush doesn't play into Leftwich's strengths.

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

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

<!-- begin this div --><!-- begin leftcol --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top><!-- begin pagetitle -->Monday, September 18, 2006
<TABLE style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top> </TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Jags have pressing health concerns


<!-- 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
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.


When the Steelers have the ball
Rushing: There isn't a better pair of defensive tackles in the NFL than Marcus Stroud and John Henderson. These two are the foundation of Jacksonville's defense and allow this unit to have a lot of versatility and some luxuries other teams cannot afford. Both of these players are massive and extremely strong and move exceptionally well coming forward or changing directions laterally.
Behind Stroud and Henderson, the Jaguars have a playmaking MLB in Mike Peterson. Although both played last week, Stroud (ankle) and Peterson (knee) are battling injuries. The Jaguars will need everyone in their interior triangle to be at full health to slow the Steelers' inside running game.
It took a little time against the Dolphins, but eventually the Steelers' persistence paid off and Willie Parker began breaking off sizable runs. Pittsburgh does a great job of sticking with its running game, and there could be similar second-half results this Monday night. Also, the Steelers signed Najeh Davenport last week to lighten the load on Parker; Davenport could get a few carries this week to add a bigger runner to the mix.

Passing: Jacksonville is very talented on defense and is well-suited to run several coverages with its versatile personnel and improved secondary. The Jaguars' cornerbacks are adept in man coverage, and the team could bring SS Donovin Darius into the box to slow the Steelers' running game and play Cover 1 behind it. FS Deon Grant covers a lot of ground from a center field position and is a good fit in this coverage scheme.
When Jacksonville goes to a Cover 1 look, expect the Steelers to target Hines Ward, who is a very difficult receiver to guard one on one for any cornerback. The Jaguars also will feature a Cover 2 look with Darius and Grant both deep in coverage. When Pittsburgh sees this look, it might try to get the ball to TE Heath Miller down the seam to split the safeties. Miller proved last week that he is capable of stretching a defense and making big plays.

When the Jaguars have the ball
Rushing: The Jaguars hired Mike Tice to help rebuild their running game and to improve their overall offensive line play. Jacksonville wants to be a downhill running team and will pull a guard quite a bit to lead on off-tackle runs, which suits Fred Taylor's and Maurice Jones-Drew's talents quite well. Tice also is not afraid to have his linemen cut-block, and Pittsburgh's front will have to protect their lower bodies.
Jacksonville also would be wise to motion its massive receivers toward the formation and use them to block the outside linebackers. Pittsburgh is a very difficult team to run against, and the Steelers pretty much shut down the Miami rushing attack last week, so whatever the Jaguars do try, running room will not come easily.

Passing: The Jaguars will play a high percentage of three-receiver, one-running back and one-tight end personnel groupings and, as a result, will have some massive pass catchers on the field. This could pull Pittsburgh's outside linebackers horizontally away from the ball, which allows Byron Leftwich a little extra time to read their blitzes and makes these heavier pass-rushers play in space more than the Steelers would prefer.
The Pittsburgh secondary is deep; the Steelers have four cornerbacks and four safeties they feel comfortable putting on the field. They will give the Jaguars many looks and coverages out of their sub packages, but could favor a Cover 3 shell to keep Jacksonville's weapons in front of them. The Jaguars also will try to do get speedy Jones-Drew matched up against any of the Steelers' linebackers in coverage, which would give the elusive running back a major advantage. The Jaguars could have some problems protecting Leftwich, who isn't elusive enough to make pass-rushers miss consistently. Joey Porter tortured L.J. Shelton last week, and young LT Khalif Barnes might need tight end or running back help to secure Leftwich's blind side. The Steelers could be the most challenging team in the league for a center to play against because of the presence of NT Casey Hampton, the multitude of blitzes Pittsburgh uses and all the line calls the center must make. C Brad Meester will have his hands full in both facets of the game, and a powerful interior pass-rush doesn't play into Leftwich's strengths.

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

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

<!-- begin this div --><!-- begin leftcol --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top><!-- begin pagetitle -->Monday, September 18, 2006
Take 2: Steelers vs. Jaguars


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


<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<TABLE class=text11 cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD><!---------------------INLINE TABLE (BEGIN)---------------------><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=9>Pittsburgh at Jacksonville Matchups</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>QB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>RB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>WR</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>OL</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>DL</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>LB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>DB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>ST</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>Coach</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>Overall</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE TABLE (END)--------------------->

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

This game is being played in Jacksonville and you would think the Jaguars would have a strong home field advantage, but this is a bit of a unique situation. First off, the Jaguars' fans are not considered particularly rabid. On the other hand, Steelers' fans travel very well. These teams used to be in the same division and many Steelers' fans regularly make the pilgrimage from Pittsburgh to Jacksonville.
This week, NFL Films is doing a special on how well the Steelers' fans travel and will be documenting their activities for this contest. Also, the Jaguars sent a mailing as part of their ticket promotions pleading with Jaguars' fans not to sell their tickets to fans from other teams. Keep an eye on what sort of crowd shows up Monday night.
? The Steelers' defense, and the deployment of S Troy Polamalu in particular, can be very difficult to decipher for quarterbacks. Out of their 3-4 base defense or sub packages, the Steelers will rush anywhere from two to seven defenders, and they bring their pressure from all angles. More importantly, they disguise their pressures extremely well. This is a veteran defense that is extremely comfortable in Dick LeBeau's system, allowing the Steelers' defensive coordinator to try new ideas week to week.
Pittsburgh rarely stays static before the snap. This movement and disguising of the scheme often eliminates a quarterback's pre-snap read, forcing him to make decisions well into his drop. These precious seconds are invaluable when considering the intense speed of the NFL game.
? To combat some of the things the Steelers' defense does extremely well, the Jaguars could use a lot of three-receiver sets. Because of the sheer size and strength of the Jaguars' pass catchers, they would still have decent run blockers on the field. If the Steelers' play nickel against the three-wide sets, they give up a clear size advantage. But if they stay in their base 3-4, they risk matching up one of their heavier, pass-rushing outside linebackers against a faster receiver.
The Jaguars will spread Pittsburgh's defense horizontally. This will give QB Byron Leftwich an extra second or two to read Pittsburgh's blitzers, as they come from a few further steps away. Jacksonville also could run more screens than usual to its running backs to help slow down the Steelers' pass rush.
? The Jaguars' starting defensive tackles are special. Marcus Stroud played against the Cowboys, despite not being 100 percent (ankle), but only played about half the game and wasn't productive. This long week should help his healing process.
Stroud and John Henderson are both amazing athletes for such gigantic men. They are almost carbon copies of one another, physically. They are tall, with long arms and huge hands. They have rare strength and power in both their upper and lower bodies. What is truly amazing is how well they move and change directions in space. These two can control any football game.
? After playing Thursday night last week, the Steelers have a long week to prepare for this game. This will surely help Hines Ward (hamstring), Ben Roethlisberger (appendectomy) and anyone else with bumps and bruises. LeBeau also can spend added time in his lab to add new wrinkles to the defense, and both Roethlisberger and backup QB Charlie Batch can get plenty of practice reps.
? Jaguars safety Donovin Darius will be tested against the Steelers, specifically against TE Heath Miller. Darius missed the entire season last year but appears to be fully healed. Even assuming he is 100 percent, Miller is a handful due to his excellent height, hands, body control and quickly expanding knowledge of the finer points of the position.
? Only one team turned the ball over fewer times than the Jaguars in 2005, and the turnover battle will be a major factor in determining the winner. Leftwich is vastly underrated as a quarterback and rarely makes errant throws, even in the face of a heavy rush. He is among the most accurate quarterbacks in the game with a cannon for a right arm and outstanding leadership traits.
? Dallas' defense is very good, and the Jaguars' offense struggled early on, but as the first half finished up, the unit began to come to life. The offensive line held its blocks a bit longer, the plays were run a bit crisper and the play-calling was balanced, keeping the Cowboys guessing. WR Matt Jones stood out, RB Fred Taylor looked good and Leftwich was putting every throw right on the money while spreading the ball around. This offense is quite young and figures to be inconsistent, but it was rather dominant once it got rolling.
? Jaguars DE Reggie Hayward injured his achilles tendon in the second half of last week's game and will miss the remainder of the season. This is a major loss for Jacksonville. He is the Jaguars' only edge rushing threat whom offenses need to game plan around. To get edge pressure, the Jaguars now will have to blitz more than they planned. There will be more pressure on the Jags' defensive tackles and blitzing linebackers to get pressure. It is encouraging, though, that even after Hayward was lost vs. Dallas, the Jaguars still pressured QB Drew Bledsoe consistently, but they were also facing an inferior offensive line to the Steelers.

Special Teams
Both teams feature dangerous rookie returners. RB Maurice Jones-Drew is extremely short but is fearless, lightning quick and doesn't play small with the ball in his hands. He is very thickly built, runs low with power and is quick to get upfield as a returner. With the loss of RB Greg Jones for the season, Jones-Drew may be a fine addition to Jacksonville's return game and a valuable and versatile piece of the offense.
The Steelers drafted WR Santonio Holmes in the first round, and he will contribute both on offense and as a returner. Holmes has very good speed and is a tough guy who does not shy away from contact. Don't be surprised if one of these two rookies makes a big play on Monday night.

Matchups
? Jaguars RT Maurice Williams vs. Steelers LDE Aaron Smith
? Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich vs. Steelers SS Troy Polamalu
? Steelers RT Max Starks vs. Jaguars LDE Rob Meier
? Jaguars OC Brad Meester vs. Steelers NT Casey Hampton
? Steelers interior offensive line vs. Jaguars defensive tackles

Scouts' Edge
QB Roethlisberger's status for this game is still uncertain, but our hunch is he will return. The questions surrounding his availability and the impressive play of Leftwich is why we chose to give the quarterback advantage to the Jaguars. Whether Roethlisberger starts or not, both of Pittsburgh's quarterbacks will get plenty of practice reps during this long week and will be well prepared. This should be an extremely competitive game with probable playoff implications between two of the better teams in the AFC. Jacksonville is a better all-around team than they are often given credit for, and the same can be said for their emerging quarterback. Pittsburgh is exceptional on the road and has done very well on Monday nights under Bill Cowher. It has been a long time since the Steelers lost a meaningful game, and their impressive winning streak will continue this week.

Prediction: Steelers 24, Jaguars 20

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

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

<!-- begin this div --><!-- begin leftcol --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top><!-- begin pagetitle -->Monday, September 18, 2006
Take 2: Steelers vs. Jaguars


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


<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<TABLE class=text11 cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD><!---------------------INLINE TABLE (BEGIN)---------------------><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=9>Pittsburgh at Jacksonville Matchups</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>QB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>RB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>WR</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>OL</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>DL</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>LB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>DB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>ST</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>Coach</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>Overall</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD><TD align=middle width=62> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE TABLE (END)--------------------->

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

This game is being played in Jacksonville and you would think the Jaguars would have a strong home field advantage, but this is a bit of a unique situation. First off, the Jaguars' fans are not considered particularly rabid. On the other hand, Steelers' fans travel very well. These teams used to be in the same division and many Steelers' fans regularly make the pilgrimage from Pittsburgh to Jacksonville.
This week, NFL Films is doing a special on how well the Steelers' fans travel and will be documenting their activities for this contest. Also, the Jaguars sent a mailing as part of their ticket promotions pleading with Jaguars' fans not to sell their tickets to fans from other teams. Keep an eye on what sort of crowd shows up Monday night.
? The Steelers' defense, and the deployment of S Troy Polamalu in particular, can be very difficult to decipher for quarterbacks. Out of their 3-4 base defense or sub packages, the Steelers will rush anywhere from two to seven defenders, and they bring their pressure from all angles. More importantly, they disguise their pressures extremely well. This is a veteran defense that is extremely comfortable in Dick LeBeau's system, allowing the Steelers' defensive coordinator to try new ideas week to week.
Pittsburgh rarely stays static before the snap. This movement and disguising of the scheme often eliminates a quarterback's pre-snap read, forcing him to make decisions well into his drop. These precious seconds are invaluable when considering the intense speed of the NFL game.
? To combat some of the things the Steelers' defense does extremely well, the Jaguars could use a lot of three-receiver sets. Because of the sheer size and strength of the Jaguars' pass catchers, they would still have decent run blockers on the field. If the Steelers' play nickel against the three-wide sets, they give up a clear size advantage. But if they stay in their base 3-4, they risk matching up one of their heavier, pass-rushing outside linebackers against a faster receiver.
The Jaguars will spread Pittsburgh's defense horizontally. This will give QB Byron Leftwich an extra second or two to read Pittsburgh's blitzers, as they come from a few further steps away. Jacksonville also could run more screens than usual to its running backs to help slow down the Steelers' pass rush.
? The Jaguars' starting defensive tackles are special. Marcus Stroud played against the Cowboys, despite not being 100 percent (ankle), but only played about half the game and wasn't productive. This long week should help his healing process.
Stroud and John Henderson are both amazing athletes for such gigantic men. They are almost carbon copies of one another, physically. They are tall, with long arms and huge hands. They have rare strength and power in both their upper and lower bodies. What is truly amazing is how well they move and change directions in space. These two can control any football game.
? After playing Thursday night last week, the Steelers have a long week to prepare for this game. This will surely help Hines Ward (hamstring), Ben Roethlisberger (appendectomy) and anyone else with bumps and bruises. LeBeau also can spend added time in his lab to add new wrinkles to the defense, and both Roethlisberger and backup QB Charlie Batch can get plenty of practice reps.
? Jaguars safety Donovin Darius will be tested against the Steelers, specifically against TE Heath Miller. Darius missed the entire season last year but appears to be fully healed. Even assuming he is 100 percent, Miller is a handful due to his excellent height, hands, body control and quickly expanding knowledge of the finer points of the position.
? Only one team turned the ball over fewer times than the Jaguars in 2005, and the turnover battle will be a major factor in determining the winner. Leftwich is vastly underrated as a quarterback and rarely makes errant throws, even in the face of a heavy rush. He is among the most accurate quarterbacks in the game with a cannon for a right arm and outstanding leadership traits.
? Dallas' defense is very good, and the Jaguars' offense struggled early on, but as the first half finished up, the unit began to come to life. The offensive line held its blocks a bit longer, the plays were run a bit crisper and the play-calling was balanced, keeping the Cowboys guessing. WR Matt Jones stood out, RB Fred Taylor looked good and Leftwich was putting every throw right on the money while spreading the ball around. This offense is quite young and figures to be inconsistent, but it was rather dominant once it got rolling.
? Jaguars DE Reggie Hayward injured his achilles tendon in the second half of last week's game and will miss the remainder of the season. This is a major loss for Jacksonville. He is the Jaguars' only edge rushing threat whom offenses need to game plan around. To get edge pressure, the Jaguars now will have to blitz more than they planned. There will be more pressure on the Jags' defensive tackles and blitzing linebackers to get pressure. It is encouraging, though, that even after Hayward was lost vs. Dallas, the Jaguars still pressured QB Drew Bledsoe consistently, but they were also facing an inferior offensive line to the Steelers.

Special Teams
Both teams feature dangerous rookie returners. RB Maurice Jones-Drew is extremely short but is fearless, lightning quick and doesn't play small with the ball in his hands. He is very thickly built, runs low with power and is quick to get upfield as a returner. With the loss of RB Greg Jones for the season, Jones-Drew may be a fine addition to Jacksonville's return game and a valuable and versatile piece of the offense.
The Steelers drafted WR Santonio Holmes in the first round, and he will contribute both on offense and as a returner. Holmes has very good speed and is a tough guy who does not shy away from contact. Don't be surprised if one of these two rookies makes a big play on Monday night.

Matchups
? Jaguars RT Maurice Williams vs. Steelers LDE Aaron Smith
? Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich vs. Steelers SS Troy Polamalu
? Steelers RT Max Starks vs. Jaguars LDE Rob Meier
? Jaguars OC Brad Meester vs. Steelers NT Casey Hampton
? Steelers interior offensive line vs. Jaguars defensive tackles

Scouts' Edge
QB Roethlisberger's status for this game is still uncertain, but our hunch is he will return. The questions surrounding his availability and the impressive play of Leftwich is why we chose to give the quarterback advantage to the Jaguars. Whether Roethlisberger starts or not, both of Pittsburgh's quarterbacks will get plenty of practice reps during this long week and will be well prepared. This should be an extremely competitive game with probable playoff implications between two of the better teams in the AFC. Jacksonville is a better all-around team than they are often given credit for, and the same can be said for their emerging quarterback. Pittsburgh is exceptional on the road and has done very well on Monday nights under Bill Cowher. It has been a long time since the Steelers lost a meaningful game, and their impressive winning streak will continue this week.

Prediction: Steelers 24, Jaguars 20

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

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

No time to rest for Raiders, Chiefs


posted: Monday, September 18, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers

Three of the four teams in the AFC West are off in Week 3, with only the Denver Broncos active.

For the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, the bye could not have come at a better time. The San Diego Chargers, on the other hand are rolling right along and probably wish they could jump right back in the saddle again this week.
Here's a look at what each team needs to do in the next two weeks to make sure it's ready for a stretch run of 14 consecutive football games.
Oakland Raiders

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

Jordan
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->First off, the Raiders need to find a new attitude. This team looks like it is just dying to throw in the towel and quit. The type of attitude they don't need is the one displayed by RB LaMont Jordan. After another lopsided loss in Baltimore, he was quoted in the San Jose Mercury News saying, "The best thing about this season is that we don't have to play next week."

That is not the attitude they need to come back from their bye week with. They have 14 games left and should be itching to get back on the field and take their anger out on something or someone.
The Raiders will look to alter their offensive game plans. This is a team that cannot protect the quarterback right now, and that will mean tweaks to their passing route concepts. They are still trying to do too much off seven-step drops. If new offensive coordinator Tom Walsh can't get more creative, they'll need to find an offensive-minded coach on the staff who can be and give him the call sheet on game day.
Kansas City Chiefs

Usually when the Chiefs get off to a slow start we start talking about the defense. That has not been the case this season. The defense has been solid and has done enough to give the team a chance to win.

But the Chiefs need to get their passing offense straightened out. It would be easy to say the culprit this past week was the injury to QB Trent Green, but they were not very sharp the week before either.
This team does not have any playmakers at the wide receiver position, and that continues to hurt them. <!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (BEGIN)--------------------->

Gardner
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->The Chiefs have two goals during the bye week: First, they hope QB Green returns healthy and ready to go for Week 4.

Second, they need to get WR Rod Gardner up to speed on the playbook. Gardner has never produced as a No. 1 receiver in the NFL, but on this team, he has a chance to be the No. 1 receiver.
San Diego Chargers

If it isn't broken don't fix it. Whatever they have been doing, they should keep doing it.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 12 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

No time to rest for Raiders, Chiefs


posted: Monday, September 18, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers

Three of the four teams in the AFC West are off in Week 3, with only the Denver Broncos active.

For the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, the bye could not have come at a better time. The San Diego Chargers, on the other hand are rolling right along and probably wish they could jump right back in the saddle again this week.
Here's a look at what each team needs to do in the next two weeks to make sure it's ready for a stretch run of 14 consecutive football games.
Oakland Raiders

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

Jordan
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->First off, the Raiders need to find a new attitude. This team looks like it is just dying to throw in the towel and quit. The type of attitude they don't need is the one displayed by RB LaMont Jordan. After another lopsided loss in Baltimore, he was quoted in the San Jose Mercury News saying, "The best thing about this season is that we don't have to play next week."

That is not the attitude they need to come back from their bye week with. They have 14 games left and should be itching to get back on the field and take their anger out on something or someone.
The Raiders will look to alter their offensive game plans. This is a team that cannot protect the quarterback right now, and that will mean tweaks to their passing route concepts. They are still trying to do too much off seven-step drops. If new offensive coordinator Tom Walsh can't get more creative, they'll need to find an offensive-minded coach on the staff who can be and give him the call sheet on game day.
Kansas City Chiefs

Usually when the Chiefs get off to a slow start we start talking about the defense. That has not been the case this season. The defense has been solid and has done enough to give the team a chance to win.

But the Chiefs need to get their passing offense straightened out. It would be easy to say the culprit this past week was the injury to QB Trent Green, but they were not very sharp the week before either.
This team does not have any playmakers at the wide receiver position, and that continues to hurt them. <!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (BEGIN)--------------------->

Gardner
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->The Chiefs have two goals during the bye week: First, they hope QB Green returns healthy and ready to go for Week 4.

Second, they need to get WR Rod Gardner up to speed on the playbook. Gardner has never produced as a No. 1 receiver in the NFL, but on this team, he has a chance to be the No. 1 receiver.
San Diego Chargers

If it isn't broken don't fix it. Whatever they have been doing, they should keep doing it.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

<!-- begin this div --><!-- begin leftcol --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top><!-- begin pagetitle -->Tuesday, September 19, 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 3


<!-- 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 24, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Tennessee
at
Miami
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Titans at Dolphins
These are two struggling teams that don't want to start the season 0-3. Tennessee has looked poor on both sides of the ball, while Miami has shown some signs of solid play both offensively and defensively. The quarterback controversy in Tennessee may come to a head this week. Titans fans may see first-round pick Vince Young get a start or at least more snaps. QB Daunte Culpepper will have to play better for Miami to get a win at home.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Chicago
at
Minnesota
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Bears at Vikings
The Bears are playing well in all phases of the game. They have a dominant defense, an explosive offense that is averaging 30 points a game and an impressive special teams unit that has returned a punt for a touchdown.

Minnesota has done a great job of being disciplined, sticking with and executing its game plans while grinding out two tough victories. This matchup puts an elite NFC team (Bears) facing a talented, mature team (Vikings). One of these teams will finish Sunday undefeated and in the NFC North driver's seat.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Carolina
at
Tampa Bay
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Panthers at Buccaneers
Although both teams entered the season with high expectations, they now find themselves in a must-win situation in this weekend's NFC South showdown. Bucs head coach Jon Gruden must find a way to improve the decision making and production of QB Chris Simms and his offensive system. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin's vaunted defense is playing more on reputation than production at this point in the regular season.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Washington
at
Houston
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Redskins at Texans
This is a game between two teams that badly need a win. The Redskins lost a heartbreaker in Week 1 to the Vikings and a divisional game at Dallas in Week 2. The Texans, meanwhile, lost to two very talented teams, the Eagles and Colts. If the Redskins don't win on Sunday, they will be digging themselves a deep grave in the NFC East. Houston, meanwhile, will continue to try and improve on all aspects of their game, especially trying to establish the run. If RB Clinton Portis is able to return it will be a major lift for the Redskins.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
NY Jets
at
Buffalo
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Jets at Bills
The winner of this divisional matchup can stay close to New England. Both teams lost to the Pats but had a chance to win in the fourth quarter. The Jets have been productive with an affective air attack, while taking advantage of a plus three turnover margin. The Bills played solid for seven quarters in the first two games. A meltdown in the fourth quarter at New England was the only poor football they have played thus far.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Cincinnati
at
Pittsburgh
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Bengals at Steelers
Even though the Steelers are not undefeated, this is the first of two battles for AFC North supremacy, with the rematch coming in Cincinnati on the last week of the season. In their three meetings last season, the road team won each game. The Steelers face a short week after their loss to Jacksonville, but they should be ready for this one and now need a win to keep pace in the division.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Green Bay
at
Detroit
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Packers at Lions
Not available.</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Jacksonville
at
Indianapolis
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Jaguars at Colts
The Colts started to show some improvement running the ball against the Texans and will need to run the ball with some kind of success against the Jaguars. The passing game will produce for the Colts, but if all they can do is pass, the defensive ends for Jacksonville (Paul Spicer and Rob Meier) will just pin their ears back and come after Manning. As we saw on Monday night, Jacksonville is a very physical football team, and Indianapolis' receivers are apt to be looking over their shoulders as the ball arrives.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Baltimore
at
Cleveland
Sun 4:05 PM ET</TD><TD>Ravens at Browns
Every divisional game is important, but this one is particularly important to the Ravens, who are looking to go perfect through three weeks and entrench themselves as a serious competitor in the top-heavy AFC North. The Ravens abused the Raiders in Week 2, but had a hard time finishing drives with touchdowns, while the Browns were dominated at Cincinnati. There will not be a lack of hitting in this game and the team that controls the line of scrimmage and plays a more physical brand of football should walk away with the victory.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Philadelphia
at
San Francisco
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Eagles at 49ers
After a disappointing loss to the Giants in overtime, the Eagles travel to the West Coast to face a confident 49ers team fresh off a win over the Rams. It will be interesting to see if the Eagles can bounce back. The Eagles where 2-6 on the road last season and need to find a way to beat the 49ers.

The 49ers beat the Rams with big plays from receivers Antonio Bryant and Arnaz Battle as well as with the running of Frank Gore (127 yards on 29 carries). The 49ers' defense shut down St. Louis' offense and looks to do the same this week.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
NY Giants
at
Seattle
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Giants at Seahawks
The Giants came from behind to beat the Eagles in overtime. Has Eli Manning arrived as a quarterback? The Giants will have their hands full this week against the third-ranked Seahawks' defense. Matt Hasselbeck could put up some big numbers against a weak Giants' secondary. This game should see the debut of WR Deion Branch, who could have a breakout game against the Giants.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
St. Louis
at
Arizona
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Rams at Cardinals
Rams head coach Scott Linehan prefers a ball-control approach with an emphasis on the run game. The Cardinals, on the other hand, like to use the pass to help set up the run. With outstanding wide receivers in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, the Cardinals are always a threat to put up points. The conflicting styles on offense make this an intriguing NFC West matchup.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Denver
at
New England
Sun 8:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Broncos at Patriots
Even though the Broncos and Patriots have not played as well as they would have liked to this point, they are two of the premier teams in the AFC. When these teams hook up, it usually ends up being a shootout.

New England will look to exact some revenge for the two road loses at Denver last season. Broncos QB Jake Plummer struggled again last week, but look for him behind center again this week as he tries to get the ship righted. Playing on the road might actually help Plummer, who at least won't have to listen to the boos that rained down on him last week.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=2>MONDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Atlanta
at
New Orleans
Mon 8:30 PM ET</TD><TD>Falcons at Saints
Monday night football returns to New Orleans with first place on the line in the NFC South. The resilient Saints face the Michael Vick-led Falcons. Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp's offensive schemes have looked unstoppable in the first two weeks of the regular season, while Saints' head coach Sean Payton continues to do a great job of exploiting weakness and creating mismatches. Look for Payton to emphasize controlling the ball this week to keep Vick off the field.
? Complete advance scouting report
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

<!-- begin this div --><!-- begin leftcol --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top><!-- begin pagetitle -->Tuesday, September 19, 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 3


<!-- 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 24, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Tennessee
at
Miami
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Titans at Dolphins
These are two struggling teams that don't want to start the season 0-3. Tennessee has looked poor on both sides of the ball, while Miami has shown some signs of solid play both offensively and defensively. The quarterback controversy in Tennessee may come to a head this week. Titans fans may see first-round pick Vince Young get a start or at least more snaps. QB Daunte Culpepper will have to play better for Miami to get a win at home.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Chicago
at
Minnesota
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Bears at Vikings
The Bears are playing well in all phases of the game. They have a dominant defense, an explosive offense that is averaging 30 points a game and an impressive special teams unit that has returned a punt for a touchdown.

Minnesota has done a great job of being disciplined, sticking with and executing its game plans while grinding out two tough victories. This matchup puts an elite NFC team (Bears) facing a talented, mature team (Vikings). One of these teams will finish Sunday undefeated and in the NFC North driver's seat.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Carolina
at
Tampa Bay
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Panthers at Buccaneers
Although both teams entered the season with high expectations, they now find themselves in a must-win situation in this weekend's NFC South showdown. Bucs head coach Jon Gruden must find a way to improve the decision making and production of QB Chris Simms and his offensive system. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin's vaunted defense is playing more on reputation than production at this point in the regular season.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Washington
at
Houston
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Redskins at Texans
This is a game between two teams that badly need a win. The Redskins lost a heartbreaker in Week 1 to the Vikings and a divisional game at Dallas in Week 2. The Texans, meanwhile, lost to two very talented teams, the Eagles and Colts. If the Redskins don't win on Sunday, they will be digging themselves a deep grave in the NFC East. Houston, meanwhile, will continue to try and improve on all aspects of their game, especially trying to establish the run. If RB Clinton Portis is able to return it will be a major lift for the Redskins.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
NY Jets
at
Buffalo
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Jets at Bills
The winner of this divisional matchup can stay close to New England. Both teams lost to the Pats but had a chance to win in the fourth quarter. The Jets have been productive with an affective air attack, while taking advantage of a plus three turnover margin. The Bills played solid for seven quarters in the first two games. A meltdown in the fourth quarter at New England was the only poor football they have played thus far.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Cincinnati
at
Pittsburgh
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Bengals at Steelers
Even though the Steelers are not undefeated, this is the first of two battles for AFC North supremacy, with the rematch coming in Cincinnati on the last week of the season. In their three meetings last season, the road team won each game. The Steelers face a short week after their loss to Jacksonville, but they should be ready for this one and now need a win to keep pace in the division.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Green Bay
at
Detroit
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Packers at Lions
Not available.</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Jacksonville
at
Indianapolis
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Jaguars at Colts
The Colts started to show some improvement running the ball against the Texans and will need to run the ball with some kind of success against the Jaguars. The passing game will produce for the Colts, but if all they can do is pass, the defensive ends for Jacksonville (Paul Spicer and Rob Meier) will just pin their ears back and come after Manning. As we saw on Monday night, Jacksonville is a very physical football team, and Indianapolis' receivers are apt to be looking over their shoulders as the ball arrives.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Baltimore
at
Cleveland
Sun 4:05 PM ET</TD><TD>Ravens at Browns
Every divisional game is important, but this one is particularly important to the Ravens, who are looking to go perfect through three weeks and entrench themselves as a serious competitor in the top-heavy AFC North. The Ravens abused the Raiders in Week 2, but had a hard time finishing drives with touchdowns, while the Browns were dominated at Cincinnati. There will not be a lack of hitting in this game and the team that controls the line of scrimmage and plays a more physical brand of football should walk away with the victory.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Philadelphia
at
San Francisco
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Eagles at 49ers
After a disappointing loss to the Giants in overtime, the Eagles travel to the West Coast to face a confident 49ers team fresh off a win over the Rams. It will be interesting to see if the Eagles can bounce back. The Eagles where 2-6 on the road last season and need to find a way to beat the 49ers.

The 49ers beat the Rams with big plays from receivers Antonio Bryant and Arnaz Battle as well as with the running of Frank Gore (127 yards on 29 carries). The 49ers' defense shut down St. Louis' offense and looks to do the same this week.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
NY Giants
at
Seattle
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Giants at Seahawks
The Giants came from behind to beat the Eagles in overtime. Has Eli Manning arrived as a quarterback? The Giants will have their hands full this week against the third-ranked Seahawks' defense. Matt Hasselbeck could put up some big numbers against a weak Giants' secondary. This game should see the debut of WR Deion Branch, who could have a breakout game against the Giants.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
St. Louis
at
Arizona
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Rams at Cardinals
Rams head coach Scott Linehan prefers a ball-control approach with an emphasis on the run game. The Cardinals, on the other hand, like to use the pass to help set up the run. With outstanding wide receivers in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, the Cardinals are always a threat to put up points. The conflicting styles on offense make this an intriguing NFC West matchup.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Denver
at
New England
Sun 8:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Broncos at Patriots
Even though the Broncos and Patriots have not played as well as they would have liked to this point, they are two of the premier teams in the AFC. When these teams hook up, it usually ends up being a shootout.

New England will look to exact some revenge for the two road loses at Denver last season. Broncos QB Jake Plummer struggled again last week, but look for him behind center again this week as he tries to get the ship righted. Playing on the road might actually help Plummer, who at least won't have to listen to the boos that rained down on him last week.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=2>MONDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
Atlanta
at
New Orleans
Mon 8:30 PM ET</TD><TD>Falcons at Saints
Monday night football returns to New Orleans with first place on the line in the NFC South. The resilient Saints face the Michael Vick-led Falcons. Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp's offensive schemes have looked unstoppable in the first two weeks of the regular season, while Saints' head coach Sean Payton continues to do a great job of exploiting weakness and creating mismatches. Look for Payton to emphasize controlling the ball this week to keep Vick off the field.
? Complete advance scouting report
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Surprising QB play in AFC East


posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots

There has been some surprising team efforts early in the season and most of them can be tied to the quarterback play. The Buffalo Bills show great improvement while in a rebuilding mode. The New York Jets won on the road and posted a great comeback effort against their arch rival Patriots. The Miami Dolphins have under achieved with two losses and shows signs of a melt down. The New England Patriots survived their home opener and hung on against the Jets after dominating the first half. Taking a close look at the quarterback play gives us reasons for early success and defeats.



Bills quarterback J.P. Losman has been less than impressive with the stat book but has put his team in position to win games. The inconsistent play Losman showed in 2005 has turned around early in 2006. He has been a high percentage passer (63.4 percent) and hasn't an interception thus far. Except for the one sack he took for a safety to put the Pats on top in their opener, Losman has taken care of the ball and let the other facets of the team win the game.

The Jets have had to rely on their passing game to move the ball as their running game has been almost non existent. QB Chad Pennington has answered all the questions about his health after coming back from a 2005 shoulder injury. He has done an excellent job of spreading the ball around with accuracy and few turnovers. Pennington showed poise to bring the Jets back from a 24-point deficit and give his team a chance to win against the Pats. After the Jets blew a 16-point lead in their opener against the Titans, Pennington make several nice throws to get the winning touchdown.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Surprising QB play in AFC East


posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots

There has been some surprising team efforts early in the season and most of them can be tied to the quarterback play. The Buffalo Bills show great improvement while in a rebuilding mode. The New York Jets won on the road and posted a great comeback effort against their arch rival Patriots. The Miami Dolphins have under achieved with two losses and shows signs of a melt down. The New England Patriots survived their home opener and hung on against the Jets after dominating the first half. Taking a close look at the quarterback play gives us reasons for early success and defeats.



Bills quarterback J.P. Losman has been less than impressive with the stat book but has put his team in position to win games. The inconsistent play Losman showed in 2005 has turned around early in 2006. He has been a high percentage passer (63.4 percent) and hasn't an interception thus far. Except for the one sack he took for a safety to put the Pats on top in their opener, Losman has taken care of the ball and let the other facets of the team win the game.

The Jets have had to rely on their passing game to move the ball as their running game has been almost non existent. QB Chad Pennington has answered all the questions about his health after coming back from a 2005 shoulder injury. He has done an excellent job of spreading the ball around with accuracy and few turnovers. Pennington showed poise to bring the Jets back from a 24-point deficit and give his team a chance to win against the Pats. After the Jets blew a 16-point lead in their opener against the Titans, Pennington make several nice throws to get the winning touchdown.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Bengals to face huge test in Week 3


posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Cincinnati Bengals

If you have kept up with my blog entries, you know I am extremely impressed with the overall talent and depth on the Bengals' roster. Well, that depth is going to be tested in a big way this week in Pittsburgh and maybe for Cincinnati's next few games. Two of the Bengals' offensive starters (T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Levi Jones) didn't play last week in Cleveland and do not forget their franchise quarterback Carson Palmer is still on the mend from major knee surgery, although no one would know it from his play. Odell Thurman, the Bengals' leading tackler from last year, has been suspended for the first four games of the season and their valuable third down running back, Chris Perry, is on the PUP list. So, if that isn't enough to overcome,when going into the Super Bowl Champions' home turf, Cincinnati lost three more starters in Week 2, OC Rich Braham (knee), SS Dexter Jackson (ankle) and promising young SLB David Pollack (broken neck). Pollack is out for the season.



So, what does all this mean to the undefeated and division leading Bengals? Honestly, it isn't as disabling as it sounds on the surface. Very few teams could withstand such hits, but the Bengals might just be one of them, even as they enter their Week 3 game against a very hungry Steelers team.


The injuries to Houshmandzadeh and Jones are not long term and both could return for this week's game. Even if they can't play, Chris Henry has proven to be a more than capable second wideout and the young talented pass catchers behind him are anxious to get on the field and catch passes from Palmer. Starting LG Eric Steinbach, who moved to left tackle to fill in for Jones, is one of those rare offensive linemen who is versatile and athletic enough to excel at both guard and tackle. Four of the five starting offensive linemen were scheduled to become free agents after this season, which prompted the Bengals to select Andrew Whitworth in the second round of this year's draft. Whitworth was a standout offensive tackle at LSU who is big, tough and plays the game hard and to the whistle. He is the left guard when Steinbach starts at left tackle and although he is still a rookie, he will soon be a very valuable piece to Cincinnati's offensive line puzzle.


As for Palmer, well, he might not be 100 percent but even at 85 percent, he is better than just about every other quarterback in the league, especially with such a talented supporting cast surrounding him. Thurman's loss has not held back the Bengals' defense and his starting job should not even be assured when he does return. Perry also has not yet been missed, but I am guessing he could be very useful in this week's game. This will be the first game where not having a second runner who they can count on to spell Rudi Johnson might begin effect their offensive production.


The three major injuries the Bengals suffered this past weekend shouldn't be hard to overcome. Braham is a good enough center who is surrounded by four very good players on Cincinnati's offensive line, but he was by no means a dominant interior blocker. Braham's most important contribution may have been his ability to keep the unit working as one and make all the line calls and adjustments. He will be replaced by second-year player Eric Ghiaciuc, who lacks Braham's experience, but is very intelligent and could eventually surpass Braham over time. Offensive linemen who are both tough and smart tend to be very difficult to get out of the lineup and these type of blockers usually end up having long careers in the NFL. Ghiaciuc is just that type of guy.


Rashad Jeanty, who will replace Pollack as the starting strongside linebacker, is a player who the Bengals are quite high on. Although he may be a liability in coverage, he is a solid up-the-field player who has been very impressive since joining Cincinnati. If Jeanty can't do the job, Brian Simmons could possibly move out of his present middle linebacker spot after Thurman returns from his suspension. The Bengals also have a wild card up their sleeve in Ahmad Brooks, who has a lot of learning to do, but is a rare talent with the size and skill set to easily slide into the strongside job and possibly take the level of play up a notch or two. Pollack is a fine young prospect and excelled as an edge rusher, but Cincinnati is capable of filling in for his loss with their abundance of young linebacker talent.


Although he isn't the best player of those who have been injured, Jackson is a decent two-way safety. In 2005, the Bengals had simply awful safety play and Jackson was brought in to change that situation. He will be replaced by Kevin Kaesviharn, who was less than spectacular as in this role as a starter last season. What Kaesviharn and the Bengals have going for them is more overall talent and more experience around this potential weak link. A healthy starting FS Madieu Williams, who is probably the best player on the entire defense, is a difference maker. Williams missed a lot of time last season and he is the type of player who makes everyone around him better.

While the Bengals are very banged up and may not leave Pittsburgh with a win because of their personnel losses, they are still in very good shape and are better equipped to deal with these setbacks than most teams in the league. When Cincinnati looks back at this stretch early in the season, they may realize this valuable playing time for many of their backups actually made them a stronger team overall as they prepare for their run at the Super Bowl.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Bengals to face huge test in Week 3


posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Cincinnati Bengals

If you have kept up with my blog entries, you know I am extremely impressed with the overall talent and depth on the Bengals' roster. Well, that depth is going to be tested in a big way this week in Pittsburgh and maybe for Cincinnati's next few games. Two of the Bengals' offensive starters (T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Levi Jones) didn't play last week in Cleveland and do not forget their franchise quarterback Carson Palmer is still on the mend from major knee surgery, although no one would know it from his play. Odell Thurman, the Bengals' leading tackler from last year, has been suspended for the first four games of the season and their valuable third down running back, Chris Perry, is on the PUP list. So, if that isn't enough to overcome,when going into the Super Bowl Champions' home turf, Cincinnati lost three more starters in Week 2, OC Rich Braham (knee), SS Dexter Jackson (ankle) and promising young SLB David Pollack (broken neck). Pollack is out for the season.



So, what does all this mean to the undefeated and division leading Bengals? Honestly, it isn't as disabling as it sounds on the surface. Very few teams could withstand such hits, but the Bengals might just be one of them, even as they enter their Week 3 game against a very hungry Steelers team.


The injuries to Houshmandzadeh and Jones are not long term and both could return for this week's game. Even if they can't play, Chris Henry has proven to be a more than capable second wideout and the young talented pass catchers behind him are anxious to get on the field and catch passes from Palmer. Starting LG Eric Steinbach, who moved to left tackle to fill in for Jones, is one of those rare offensive linemen who is versatile and athletic enough to excel at both guard and tackle. Four of the five starting offensive linemen were scheduled to become free agents after this season, which prompted the Bengals to select Andrew Whitworth in the second round of this year's draft. Whitworth was a standout offensive tackle at LSU who is big, tough and plays the game hard and to the whistle. He is the left guard when Steinbach starts at left tackle and although he is still a rookie, he will soon be a very valuable piece to Cincinnati's offensive line puzzle.


As for Palmer, well, he might not be 100 percent but even at 85 percent, he is better than just about every other quarterback in the league, especially with such a talented supporting cast surrounding him. Thurman's loss has not held back the Bengals' defense and his starting job should not even be assured when he does return. Perry also has not yet been missed, but I am guessing he could be very useful in this week's game. This will be the first game where not having a second runner who they can count on to spell Rudi Johnson might begin effect their offensive production.


The three major injuries the Bengals suffered this past weekend shouldn't be hard to overcome. Braham is a good enough center who is surrounded by four very good players on Cincinnati's offensive line, but he was by no means a dominant interior blocker. Braham's most important contribution may have been his ability to keep the unit working as one and make all the line calls and adjustments. He will be replaced by second-year player Eric Ghiaciuc, who lacks Braham's experience, but is very intelligent and could eventually surpass Braham over time. Offensive linemen who are both tough and smart tend to be very difficult to get out of the lineup and these type of blockers usually end up having long careers in the NFL. Ghiaciuc is just that type of guy.


Rashad Jeanty, who will replace Pollack as the starting strongside linebacker, is a player who the Bengals are quite high on. Although he may be a liability in coverage, he is a solid up-the-field player who has been very impressive since joining Cincinnati. If Jeanty can't do the job, Brian Simmons could possibly move out of his present middle linebacker spot after Thurman returns from his suspension. The Bengals also have a wild card up their sleeve in Ahmad Brooks, who has a lot of learning to do, but is a rare talent with the size and skill set to easily slide into the strongside job and possibly take the level of play up a notch or two. Pollack is a fine young prospect and excelled as an edge rusher, but Cincinnati is capable of filling in for his loss with their abundance of young linebacker talent.


Although he isn't the best player of those who have been injured, Jackson is a decent two-way safety. In 2005, the Bengals had simply awful safety play and Jackson was brought in to change that situation. He will be replaced by Kevin Kaesviharn, who was less than spectacular as in this role as a starter last season. What Kaesviharn and the Bengals have going for them is more overall talent and more experience around this potential weak link. A healthy starting FS Madieu Williams, who is probably the best player on the entire defense, is a difference maker. Williams missed a lot of time last season and he is the type of player who makes everyone around him better.

While the Bengals are very banged up and may not leave Pittsburgh with a win because of their personnel losses, they are still in very good shape and are better equipped to deal with these setbacks than most teams in the league. When Cincinnati looks back at this stretch early in the season, they may realize this valuable playing time for many of their backups actually made them a stronger team overall as they prepare for their run at the Super Bowl.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Leftwich coming of age


posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Jacksonville Jaguars

Watching the Jacksonville Jaguars' first two games of the season, you start to wonder if Byron Leftwich is coming of age as a top NFL quarterback. He is starting to show the signs of a seasoned, veteran QB. He is distributing the ball around to all of his wide receivers as well as his TEs. His wide receivers have caught 32 of the team's 49 receptions. Reggie Williams leads the way with 14 receptions, Matt Jones has 11 and Ernest Wilford has caught seven. Tight end George Wrighster has six receptions, as well. Leftwich is throwing at a very respectable 67 percent clip with only two interceptions. The only real downside is he has only thrown for one touchdown. Partly to the offensive line's credit, but also to his own ability to know when to get rid of the ball, Leftwich has only been sacked twice in two games. All these numbers and statistics are great, but one thing that can't be measured is his poise and presence under center. When you watch his eyes he appears in control and confident. It is too early to declare Leftwich one of the best QBs in the league but you have to wonder if he isn't on his way, with a great first two games, against two very good defenses. The next test is to see how many wins he can lead his team to over the course of the whole season.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Leftwich coming of age


posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Jacksonville Jaguars

Watching the Jacksonville Jaguars' first two games of the season, you start to wonder if Byron Leftwich is coming of age as a top NFL quarterback. He is starting to show the signs of a seasoned, veteran QB. He is distributing the ball around to all of his wide receivers as well as his TEs. His wide receivers have caught 32 of the team's 49 receptions. Reggie Williams leads the way with 14 receptions, Matt Jones has 11 and Ernest Wilford has caught seven. Tight end George Wrighster has six receptions, as well. Leftwich is throwing at a very respectable 67 percent clip with only two interceptions. The only real downside is he has only thrown for one touchdown. Partly to the offensive line's credit, but also to his own ability to know when to get rid of the ball, Leftwich has only been sacked twice in two games. All these numbers and statistics are great, but one thing that can't be measured is his poise and presence under center. When you watch his eyes he appears in control and confident. It is too early to declare Leftwich one of the best QBs in the league but you have to wonder if he isn't on his way, with a great first two games, against two very good defenses. The next test is to see how many wins he can lead his team to over the course of the whole season.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Raiders calling on George?
</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>Tuesday, September 19</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>
Jeff George
Raiders
</TD><TD>Raiders?
</TD><TD>Raiders calling on George?
<Sep. 19> The pectoral strain that will sideline starting quarterback Aaron Brooks for two to four weeks could open the door for George, according to ESPN.com's John Clayton. Head coach Art Shell said he would look at some outside options, but there's no guarantee the Raiders will add a quarterback. George, who signed with the Raiders on Aug. 29 but was cut soon after, is atop the team's ready list. The 38-year-old hasn't played since 2001, when he was cut after two games with the Redskins.

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

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Raiders calling on George?
</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>Tuesday, September 19</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>
Jeff George
Raiders
</TD><TD>Raiders?
</TD><TD>Raiders calling on George?
<Sep. 19> The pectoral strain that will sideline starting quarterback Aaron Brooks for two to four weeks could open the door for George, according to ESPN.com's John Clayton. Head coach Art Shell said he would look at some outside options, but there's no guarantee the Raiders will add a quarterback. George, who signed with the Raiders on Aug. 29 but was cut soon after, is atop the team's ready list. The 38-year-old hasn't played since 2001, when he was cut after two games with the Redskins.

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

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Ravens not that good...yet


September 19, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals

So, what did we see this weekend from the AFC North? What does it all mean? Of course Pittsburgh plays Monday and that game, even in Week 3, could have playoff implications and affect the AFC North race. Monday night's game should be a good one, as the Jaguars are amongst the most underrated teams in the league. As for the other three teams:



Baltimore: Yes, the Ravens are good. Their defense is extremely aggressive and impressive. But sorry Baltimore fans, I still think they are third in this division. I am sure many of you out there will not agree, but this team is just not up to par with Pittsburgh or Cincinnati. A week from now, Baltimore will be 3-0 and sitting atop the division after dismantling the Browns next Sunday. But I want to see them beat a GOOD team before I even consider them in the Steelers or Bengals class. They did what half the league would do to the awful Raiders and beat a Tampa Bay team that couldn't have played worse that day. Tampa Bay did not matchup well against the Ravens and played with an atrocious offensive line. I don't want to take that road victory against the Buccaneers away from Baltimore. It was notable, as they simply dominated the day, but this offense has yet to be tested this year and I still fear once injuries begin to occur, the Ravens are in big trouble. What the Ravens have done thus far is very impressive, but I just can't put them in the same category as the top two teams in the division.


Cincinnati: This is a very good football team with the best offense in the game. If you double Chad Johnson, the other receivers beat you. If you leave a cornerback on an island with Johnson, it is usually suicide. If you try to stop their run with just your front seven, Rudi Johnson will pummel your defense and eventually turn three and four yard gains into seven and eight yard gains in the second half, see Week 2 against the Browns. The defense remains very opportunistic and looks to be at least slightly improved against the run. Not to mention that the Bengals have been extraordinary while Carson Palmer continues to heal from his knee injury. They have also been without MLB Odell Thurman, who is suspended, and upper tier starters, LT Levi Jones and WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh didn't play Sunday. This is an extremely talented and deep team, but that depth will be tested in a big way next week in Pittsburgh after they lost another three starters to injury in Week 2. Should be interesting, but this team is good. Real good. Super Bowl good.

Cleveland: Is it too early to count the Browns out of the divisional race? I think so. Of course, they didn't look like a powerhouse before the season started, but they certainly haven't done a thing in their first two games to show they belong in the conversation with the other three teams in the division. They do play very hard and don't give up, but yesterday's game went along, their tackling deteriorated and the physicality of Cincinnati's rushing attack clearly got the better of them. Cleveland's offensive line still needs a lot more work and their running game is almost nonexistent. The play calling has been suspect and they still make too many critical mistakes. QB Charlie Frye plays his butt off, but just isn't a dangerous enough passer yet to make defenses honor Cleveland's passing game. They are a long way from competing for the AFC North and should fall deeper behind the rest of the division after facing the Ravens next week, dropping their record to 0-3 and 0-2 in the division.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 9/18/06)

Ravens not that good...yet


September 19, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals

So, what did we see this weekend from the AFC North? What does it all mean? Of course Pittsburgh plays Monday and that game, even in Week 3, could have playoff implications and affect the AFC North race. Monday night's game should be a good one, as the Jaguars are amongst the most underrated teams in the league. As for the other three teams:



Baltimore: Yes, the Ravens are good. Their defense is extremely aggressive and impressive. But sorry Baltimore fans, I still think they are third in this division. I am sure many of you out there will not agree, but this team is just not up to par with Pittsburgh or Cincinnati. A week from now, Baltimore will be 3-0 and sitting atop the division after dismantling the Browns next Sunday. But I want to see them beat a GOOD team before I even consider them in the Steelers or Bengals class. They did what half the league would do to the awful Raiders and beat a Tampa Bay team that couldn't have played worse that day. Tampa Bay did not matchup well against the Ravens and played with an atrocious offensive line. I don't want to take that road victory against the Buccaneers away from Baltimore. It was notable, as they simply dominated the day, but this offense has yet to be tested this year and I still fear once injuries begin to occur, the Ravens are in big trouble. What the Ravens have done thus far is very impressive, but I just can't put them in the same category as the top two teams in the division.


Cincinnati: This is a very good football team with the best offense in the game. If you double Chad Johnson, the other receivers beat you. If you leave a cornerback on an island with Johnson, it is usually suicide. If you try to stop their run with just your front seven, Rudi Johnson will pummel your defense and eventually turn three and four yard gains into seven and eight yard gains in the second half, see Week 2 against the Browns. The defense remains very opportunistic and looks to be at least slightly improved against the run. Not to mention that the Bengals have been extraordinary while Carson Palmer continues to heal from his knee injury. They have also been without MLB Odell Thurman, who is suspended, and upper tier starters, LT Levi Jones and WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh didn't play Sunday. This is an extremely talented and deep team, but that depth will be tested in a big way next week in Pittsburgh after they lost another three starters to injury in Week 2. Should be interesting, but this team is good. Real good. Super Bowl good.

Cleveland: Is it too early to count the Browns out of the divisional race? I think so. Of course, they didn't look like a powerhouse before the season started, but they certainly haven't done a thing in their first two games to show they belong in the conversation with the other three teams in the division. They do play very hard and don't give up, but yesterday's game went along, their tackling deteriorated and the physicality of Cincinnati's rushing attack clearly got the better of them. Cleveland's offensive line still needs a lot more work and their running game is almost nonexistent. The play calling has been suspect and they still make too many critical mistakes. QB Charlie Frye plays his butt off, but just isn't a dangerous enough passer yet to make defenses honor Cleveland's passing game. They are a long way from competing for the AFC North and should fall deeper behind the rest of the division after facing the Ravens next week, dropping their record to 0-3 and 0-2 in the division.