Thanksgiving Football Equals Americana

The Masters of Disaster (MOD) from a Turkey Bowl circa 1991

Football on Thanksgiving is an “Autumn Ritual” to me just like the phrase, “Can you please pass the gravy”.   The game has aligned itself beautifully with the greatest holiday ever, in my opinion, and it provides an opportunity for fellowship by friends and family around America’s Game.

“The Thanksgiving games are quite a tradition, not just in Detroit, but for America,” says NFL Network analyst Stever Mariucci, a Michigan native who participated in three Thanksgiving Day games as the Lions’ head coach in 2003-05.  “I learned firsthand about the excitement in Detroit for the game.  You enjoy playing in front of the home crowd.  It’s special.”

 Whether attending a hometown rivalry game – in my town growing up it is Abington (my alma mater) vs. friendly rival Cheltenham that goes back to 1915 (see all of the scores from this rivalry) – or playing in a “Turkey Bowl” touch football game with friends/family, or just watching the now three NFL games and other college games, Americans like myself cannot get enough Turkey Day football.

My most vivid memories of Thanksgiving are attending the hometown rivalry game in the early afternoon then going over to my paternal grandmother’s house for a celebration like none other with food like turkey, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, cranberry, candy yams and many other favorites while having good fellowship over food and of course football.  When I was younger my grandmother’s television was a big cabinet black/white set and I vividly remember watching the Detroit Lions (usually lost) and Dallas Cowboys (usually won) play many Thanksgiving games on that set. 

The earliest Thanksgiving game that I can remember was the Chicago Bears against the Detroit Lions in the Pontiac Silverdome November. 27, 1980. I remember this game, because Vince Evans was at quarterback for the Bears (rare to see an African-American quarterback at the time) and the great Walter Payton rushed 18 times for 123 yards and I think he even threw a pass.  The ending was everything, as the Bears won an overtime thriller 23-17 when Bears kick returner Dave Williams returned the overtime kickoff for a touchdown, completing a Bears’ comeback from a 17-3 deficit.

My favorite Thanksgiving game of course involved the classic broadcasting team of John Madden and Pat Summeral commentating a Turkey Bowl classic on November 23, 1989 in Texas Stadium.  This game dubbed “Bounty Bowl I” featured a Philadelphia Eagles 27-0 shellacking win over the hated Dallas Cowboys, which left me over-the-top giddy.

My joy came from the fact that as a one-time long suffering Eagles follower, I finally got to stick-it to the many stinking Cowboys’ fans in my family (brother and many cousins). Funny thing about Philadelphia, there are many “never have been to Texas” Dallas Cowboys fans who year after year love to talk about Super Bowl rings to hometown Eagles fans. 

However this 1989 NFC East afternoon rivalry game was something extra special for me to watch as the Birds won handily and the Cowboys turncoats in my grandmother’s suburban Philadelphia home had to eat some crow with their turkey that day. 

The story of the game was Buddy Ryan’s Eagles defense knocking the stuffing of Troy Aikman as they seemed to sack him a million times.  The game ended with my favorite player Reggie White eating the ceremonial Madden Turkey Leg as the game’s MVP.

2009 NFL Thanksgiving Schedule 

Green Bay Packers (6-4) at Detroit Lions (2-8), 12:30 PM  (FOX) – Yes, everyone just like going to your grandmother’s house on Thanksgiving, the nation still must endure watching the uually pitiful Detroit Lions on TV on Turkey Day, even though it seems like forever.  This year,  in an old-time Thanksgiving Day traditional match-up, the Packers will travel to Detroit to face the Lions who maybe without QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder) and WR Calvin “Megatron” Johnson (hand, knee).

Oakland  Raiders (3-7) at Dallas Cowboys (7-3), 4:15 PM (CBS)  — Naturally America’s Holiday, Thanksgiving, will feature “America’s Team” as the Cowboys take on the dangerous Oakland Raiders in Jerry Jones’ billion dollar play pen.  We will see if Turkey Day will be Cowboys QB Tony Romo’s last hurrah before his usual December swoon.

New York Giants (6-4) at Denver Broncos (6-4) , 8:20 PM  (NFLN) — The G-Men continue their quest to return to the team that started 5-0 this season as they travel to the Rockies for a huge Thanksgiving night game against the Broncos.  This game will surely have playoff implications in both the AFC and NFC as both were fast starters, but have shown inconsistency of late.

Lloyd’s Leftovers

• Lets talk about seating arrangements at the 2009 NFL Thanksgiving table.  At the “Adult table” for playmakers are Vikings QB Brett Favre, Titans RB Chris Johnson, Colts head coach Jim Caldwell, Colts QB Peyton Manning, Eagles WR DeSean Jackson, Bills safety Jairus Byrd, Bears WR Johnny Knox, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, Saints QB Drew Brees, and Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil.  Spots at the “Kids table” for disappointments  should be seated NY Jets QB Mark Sanchez, Cowboys WR Roy Williams, Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell, Eagles O-lineman Stacy Andrews, Bears QB Jay Cutler, Giants DB C.C Brown, Texans kicker Kris Brown, the Steelers’ coverage units, Bears DT Tommie Harris, and Broncos backup QB Chris Simms.
• There was a time that Thanksgiving football was defined in the African American community by rivalry games like Lincoln vs Howard.  Here is an excerpt from a piece that I wrote on the subject… “The “outside world” of major white college football may have had traditional rivalries like Harvard-Yale, Ohio State-Michigan, and Notre Dame-Army.  But to most African American football fans those contests had nothing on the annual Thanksgiving Day clash between the mighty men of Lincoln (PA) and their rival school Howard University.  After their initial meeting in 1894, the annual Lincoln-Howard Thanksgiving game quickly became an autumn ritual.”  Check out the rest of the piece.
• I am often asked, “Why are we subjected to the stinking Detroit Lions and hated Dallas Cowboys every Thanksgiving??”  The reason is “Carpe diem” as these two teams both had the vision of matching College Football on America’s Holiday and seized opportunities to host football games when everyone else was afraid the crowds would stay away.  The Lions were the first in 1934 and the Cowboys followed suit in 1966.  The NFL also added a rotating third game in 2006 (Chiefs winning 19-10 over the Broncos) on Turkey Day to help boost their channel NFL Network.  Our friends over at Mental Floss give some great background on the subject of NFL football on Thanksgiving.
• The oldest high school Turkey Day Game rivalry is in Massachusetts between Needham and Wellesley, dating back to 1882.  Find out everything about Thanksgiving Football.
• You can now see the results for every NFL Thanksgiving game going back to the 1920’s (courtesy of the Pro Footballl Hall of Fame)

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

2009 NFL Week 12 Power Rankings

Led by new starting quarterback Vince Young, the Tennessee Titans are climbing up this week’s NFL Power Rankings after four straight wins

With only six weeks left in the NFL Season, the intensity has surely picked-up around the league.  With America’s holiday, Thanksgiving , upon us there are 23 teams with records ranging from 4-6 to 10-0 hoping to be thankful for one of the NFL’s 12 coveted playoff berths come this January.  But there is still is a lot of football left to be played and as shown by Week 11’s upsets — Chiefs over the Steelers and the Raiders over the Bengals — nothing is guaranteed.  So every NFL team better be prepared weekly as the separation into “Contenders” and “Pretenders” continues.

In looking at the current NFL standings here’s the breakdown: The “Elite” – Saints (10-0), Colts (10-0), Vikings (9-1), Bengals (7-3), Cowboys (7-3), Cardinals (7-3), Chargers (7-3), and Patriots (7-3); “Stuck in the Middle” inconsistent teams, who are caught in the NFL’s parity-filled middle and need to either join the playoff hunt or fall back — Broncos (6-4), Steelers (6-4), Jaguars (6-4), Eagles (6-4), Packers (6-4), Giants (6-4), Dolphins (5-5) Ravens (5-5), Falcons (5-5), Texans (5-5), Jets (4-6), Titans (4-6), Niners (4-6), and Panthers (4-6); The “Pretenders”, who are only a shade away from the league’s bottom rung – Bears (4-6), Bills (3-7), Redskins (3-7), and Seahawks (3-7); and lastly the “Ugly” (See at the 2010 NFL Draft) – Raiders (3-7), Chiefs (3-7), Lions (2-8), Browns (1-9), Rams (1-9), and Buccaneers (1-9)

Now on to the rankings for this week.

1.  Colts (10-0) – I know that Indy was glad veteran kicker Matt Stover was on their sideline instead of the Baltimore Ravens as Jim Caldwell’s undefeated team pulled out another “W”.  In a key AFC South game, QB Peyton Manning will lead the undefeated Colts into Houston to face a desperate Texans team looking to avoid another 8-8 season.

2.  Saints (10-0) – Alright I won’t break into my “Who Dat,” chant this week, but in another offensive explosion Sean Payton’s undefeated team quickly disposed of the 1-win Bucs.  The Saints are a perfect 10-0 for the first time in franchise history and with an incredible 369 points scored thus far, they are looking like the 1998 Minnesota Vikings or 1999 St. Louis Rams (you can choose) in terms of firepower.  Next up is the much-anticipated, “Battle of the Bayou” on Monday Night football as the surging New England Patriots come to town looking to halt the undefeated Saints magical run.

3.  Vikings (9-1) – Hard to believe with the Colts and Saints magical undefeated runs that the Vikings seem to be the forgotten team around the NFL.  Last week it was the Seattle Seahawks turn to remember that this year QB Brett Favre and the Vikes are not messing around.  In a NFC North divisional grudge match, the Vikings and Favre will host the inconsistent Chicago Bears and fickle quarterback Jay Cutler who reminds me a lot of a young No. 4 (takes too many chances that lead to INTs).

4.  Patriots (7-3) – The Pats wiped the awful taste of their 1-point loss to the Colts out of their mouths by dismantling and muzzling the reeling New York Jets.  In a statement game and the Week 12 Game of the Week, the Patriots and their second-guessed head coach Bill Belichick will look to re-establish themselves back to their lofty perch in the NFL when they take on the undefeated Saints on Monday Night Football.

5.  Chargers (7-3) – The Bolts have now won 6 games in a row and have re-established themselves as the lead dog in the AFC West after destroying the reeling Denver Broncos.   The Chargers will need to guard against a letdown when the tougher than their record Chiefs come to town for an old school AFL grudge that should bring back images of Hank Stram and Sid Gillman.

6.  Bengals (7-3) — Marvin Lewis’ team may have been a tad bit overconfident as they were surprised by the dangerous Raiders in Oakland.  Next up is “The Battle of Ohio” as heated rival, the Cleveland Browns, come to town fresh off finding their offense in a loss to the Detroit Lions last week.

7.  Cardinals (7-3) – The Cards had to hang-on after building a big lead and then losing QB Kurt Warner  in a physical win over the Seattle Seahawks.  In one of Week 12’s feature games, the Cardinals will travel to the Music City to face the red-hot Tennessee Titans who are led by rising quarterback Vince Young (4-0 as a starter in ’09).

8. Cowboys (7-3) – It was a win, but man was it ugly as the Cowboys put together one last drive to put away the Washington Redskins who were undone by their kicker.  Naturally America’s Holiday, Thanksgiving, on Thursday will feature “America’s Team” as the Cowboys take on the dangerous Oakland Raiders in Jerry Jones’ billion dollar play pen.

9. Steelers (6-4) – Mike Tomlin’s team surprisingly has lost two games in a row.  The Kansas City Chiefs hung around and next thing you know some big plays led to a great overtime win.  In a game that may define the Steelers season, Pittsburgh will need QB Ben Roethlisberger (head) to get back quickly as the 2008 champs  travel to Baltimore to face their bitter rival, the Ravens.

10.  Jaguars (6-4) – Despite a big effort by the Buffalo Bills led by WR Terrell Owens, the Jaguars continued their winning streak (3 games) and now look like a legitimate AFC wildcard contender.  The Jaguars cannot rest on their laurels when they travel to the Bay to take on the dangerous Niners who are still in the NFC wildcard hunt.

11.  Eagles (6-4) – The Birds ended their 2-game losing streak as QB Donovan McNabb and WR DeSean Jackson continued their big play ways plus Bears QB Jay Cutler overthrew everyone in an Eagles’ Sunday Night Football win.  With an eye on keeping pace with the NY Giants and gaining some ground on the Dallas Cowboys, the Birds will host the tough Redskins in an NFC East grudge match.

12.  Broncos (6-4) – What the “bleep” happened to the formerly 6-0 Broncos who were sent to their 4th straight loss in a bludgeoning by the AFC West leadting San Diego Chargers.  In an NFL Network Thanksgiving night special, the Broncos will need to wake-up as the NY Giants come to town led by improving quarterback Eli Manning.

13. Giants (6-4) – After four straight losses, the Giants and fiery head coach Tom Coughlin coming off the bye had to work overtime to finally subdue the resilent Atlanta Falcons.  The G-Men continue their quest to return to the team that started 5-0 this season as they travel to the Rockies for a huge Thanksgiving night game against the Broncos that will have playoff implications in both the AFC and NFC.

14. Packers (6-4) – The host Packers won the game over the inconsistent Niners, but the home win was costly as both CB Al Harris and OLB Aaron Kampman were lost for the season with knee injuries.    In an old-time Thanksgiving Day traditional match-up, the Packers will travel to Detroit to face the Lions who maybe without QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder).

15.  Ravens (5-5) – John Harbaugh’s team continues to fight till the end, but the NFL is all about “W’s” and this past week the undefeated Colts did just enough to leave their old hometown with a big win.  If the Ravens are ever going  to fully get into the AFC playoff race, they will need to wake-up and it starts this week as they host the Steelers in an AFC North grudge match.

16.  Texans (5-5) – Unfortunately for the Texans, their kicker Kris Brown turned into “Shank-a-surus” at the wrong time as the Titans won a crucial AFC South road game in Houston.  With possibly their season on the line, the Texans will host the undefeated AFC South leading Indianapolis Colts who could clinch the division with a win and a little help.

 17.  Dolphins (5-5) – On Thursday Night football, it was Run Ricky—Run Ricky time as the Dolphins rode their new Wildcat to a big road win over the Panthers.  I wonder if Dolphins’ football czar Bill Parcels and Buffalo Bills receiver Terrell Owens, aka “The Player”, will get together for the Thanksgiving holiday as the Dolphins travel north to face the Bills.

18.  Falcons (5-5) – Without tough running back Michael Turner (ankle), the Falcons just are not the same and it showed in an overtime road loss to the Giants.  Next up is a must-win game as the Falcons host the energetic and dangerous Tampa Bucs in a possible letdown situation.

19. Titans (4-6) – Led by homeboy QB Vince Young and All-World RB Chris Johnson, the Titans (formerly the Houston Oilers) returned to their former hometown and won a close thrilling game over the host Texans. V.Y and the Titans will look to make it five in a row as they host the Arizona Cardinals in a game that could pit the starting quarterbacks from the 2006 Rose Bowl against one another again (Texas’ Vince Young and USC’s Matt Leinart).

20.  Panthers (4-6) – It was a rushing fest on Thursday Night Football, but the Panthers had no answer for the Dolphins Ricky Williams in a tough loss.  With their season on the line, the Panthers will look for their defense and Thunder-and-Lightning running back combo, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, to answer the bell against the inconsistent NY Jets.

21.  49ers (4-6) – The Packers despite missing a couple key players thumped the Niners, who look like they will be looking for a new quarterback in 2010.  In possibly their last chance to stay in the NFC playoff race, the Niners will look for some consistency against the surging Jacksonville Jaguars.

22.  Bears (4-6) – After another bad outing, Chicago fans maybe looking for their receipt for inconsistent quarterback Jay Cutler who overthrew at least three WR’s on potential scoring plays in a SNF loss to the Eagles.  In their last chance to get back in the NFC playoff race, the Bears will travel to Minnesota to face the surging Vikings and their multitude of offensive weapons.

23. Jets (4-6) – The J-E-T-S were no match for the angry Patriots, who were throwing the ball even when they had a big lead.  I think rookies head coach Rex Ryan and QB Mark Sanchez are both understanding that it is better to say “nothing” and just play the game in the topsy-turvy NFL.  In a battle of two desperate teams almost on the cusp of being eliminated from the playoff race, the hard-running Carolina Panthers travel to the Meadowlands to face the Jets.

24.  Redskins (3-7) – The ‘Skins put up a tough effort, especially on “D”, in a game where they came up just short against the Cowboys….Thanks kicker Shaun Suisham.   With their playoff hopes basically extinguished, we will see if beleaguered head coach Jim Zorn’s team can answer the bell in Philly while probably playing without big-ticket DT Albert Haynesworth.

25.  Seahawks (3-7) – The Hawks are tumbling to the bottom of the NFL at an alarming pace and last week they couldn’t even capitalize on the Cardinals playing the second half without QB Kurt Warner (concussion).  In Week 12’s “Giblet Bowl”, the Seahawks will travel to St. Louis for an ugly match-up with the 1-win Rams that will surely be blacked-out locally.

26.  Bills (3-7) – Despite the best efforts of the NFL’s new fantasy football combo, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and  WR Terrell Owens, the Bills came up short to Jacksonville in Perry Fewell’s head coaching debut.  In annual AFC East grudge match, the Bills will host the surging Dolphins and new Wildcat/former Toronto Argonaut RB Ricky Williams.

27.  Chiefs (3-7) – Look what getting rid of a malcontent like LJ can do for you.  The Chiefs led by new starting running back Jamaal Charles surprised the overconfident Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime sending the defending champs to their 2^nd straight loss.  In an old time AFL special, the Chiefs will travel to San Diego to face the surging Chargers.

28.  Raiders (3-7) – With the addition of new starting QB Bruce Gradkowski into the line-up, the dysfunctional Raiders found their offense in an upset win over the bigheaded Cincinnati Bengals.  The Raiders will try to win two consecutive games for the first time this season as the Men in Black travel to Big D for a Thanksgiving game against the Cowboys.

29.  Lions (2-8) – In a game that was surprisingly the best game of Week 11, the Lions led by gritty rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford sent the surprisingly spirited Cleveland Browns further into the abyss.  Yes… everyone just like going to your grandmother’s house on Thanksgiving, even though it seems like forever, the nation still has to endure watching the Lions on TV on Turkey Day.  This year,  heated NFC North rival, the Green Bay Packers, come to town looking to feast on the Ford Family’s team.

30.  Browns (1-9) – QB Brady Quinn played courageously as the Browns and Lions clean-up Week 11’s “Toilet Bowl” in a close high-scoring game.  This week in “The Sam Wyche Bowl”, the Browns will travel to Cincy for an AFC North grudge match with the angry Bengals.

31.  Rams (1-9) – You have to hand-it to the spunky Rams as they fought the Cardinals to the bitter end even though they were badly short-handed due to injuries.  Since injured quarterback Marc Bulger (broken leg) cannot go this week, it will be up to backup QB Kyle Boller to lead the Rams against the visiting Seahawks.

32.  Buccaneers (1-9) – The undefeated NFC South leading New Orleans Saints let the Bucs score once then thoroughly spanked them.  The Bucs will look for a spark from rookie quarterback Josh Freeman when they travel up the road to face angry rival, the Atlanta Falcons.

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Hester loses more than the game on National TV

Receiver Devin Hester literally lost his pants in the Bears’ 24-20 loss to the Eagles

One of the funnier moments from Week 11 of the 2009 NFL Season was the de-pants-ing of Chicago Bears WR/KR Devin Hester in his team’s 24-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.  After the Bears explosive receiver attempted to catch a Jay Cutler pass in the fourth quarter of the game, Hester had his pants pulled down by Eagles CB Dmitri Patterson.

Let’s just say that NBC’s national viewing audience saw Soldier Field eclipsed (i.e. Mooned) by Hester’s backside for a more than a few seconds.  Many would say Hester’s mooning was his most exciting play so far this season.  Once viewed as the NFL’s most dangerous return man, the now converted starting receiver has not been able to improve on his former NFL record return pace from earlier in his career. 

In fact, the former two-time Pro Bowl returner has zero returns (punt and kickoff) for a touchdown over the last two years.  Which has been a true surprise after the 4-year veteran needed only two returns for a touchdown at the start of the 2008 season to tie former tough return man Brian Mitchell’s NFL career record of 13 –- scored 11 return touchdowns (7 punt returns and 4 kickoff returns) in his first two seasons. 

This season Hester’s return numbers are down again with 20 punt returns for 185 yards (9.3 ypr) and a long of 33 yards, plus one kickoff return for 26 yards.  I know many Bears fans would prefer to have Hester’s explosiveness back more involved in the Bears’ special teams as his receiving numbers (52 receptions for 614 yards, 11.8 ypc, and  3 TDs in 10 games this season) are not considered starter-worthy despite former Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler throwing the ball to him.

2009 NFL Season – Week 11 Review

“Just a Kicker, Being a Kicker”!  For missing two potential game icing field goals, Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham is one of Lloyd’s Lackeys for Week 11

Week 11 of the 2009 NFL Season typified the topsy-turvy nature of the world’s best sports league.  This week started with a great slugfest on Thursday Night football between the Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers – won 24-17 by the Dolphins (5-5) as RB Ricky Williams (See Game Balls) proved he has plenty left in the tank. Then the week’s remaining 15 games provided some great action all the way through the Tennessee Titans’ 20-17 down-to-the-wire Monday Night Football win over the host Houston Texans.

 Some of the other bigger headlines from this week included:

An unexpected great game with a thrilling finish – What a turn around when everyone was calling this one, Week 11’s “Toilet Bowl” before the game was even played.  Aided by a questionable pass interference play in the endzone as time expired, the Lions (2-8) got one last untimed down near the goalline.  Rookie QB Matthew Stafford (26-43, 422 yds, 5 TDs, 2 INTs) shook off a separated left shoulder to throw the game-winning score to rookie TE Brandon Pettitgrew on the “new” last play of the game and Ford Field exploded with the improbable 38-37 win over the Cleveland Browns (1-9).  This game was an awesome high-scoring affair where both quarterbacks Stafford and the Browns’ Brady Quinn (21-33, 304 yds, 4 TDs) played extremely well.

Two overtime home team winners — The Kansas City Chiefs (2-8) ended their 10-game losing streak with a shocking 27-24 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, who did not have QB Ben Roethlisberger in the extra period due to concussion like symptoms.  Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop provided the winning points on a 22-yard field goal with 8:28 left in overtime after both Steelers QB’s Roethlisberger and his backup Charlie Batch (wrist) had left the game with injuries.  In the other overtime game, I guess the bye week after 4 straight losses was just what the NY Giants (6-4) needed.  This overtime thriller saw the NY Giants jump out to an early 17-7 halftime lead over the Atlanta Falcons with things getting interesting late. The hard charging Falcons led by QB Matt Ryan (26/46, 268 YDS, 2 TD) scored 14 unanswered points on two touchdown passes late in the fourth to force overtime..  Then resurgent QB Eli Manning (25/39, 384 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INT) hit WR Mario Manningham (six catches for 126 yards) for a 29-yard reception just after overtime began to setup Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes 36-yard game winner.

Major upsets — The aforementioned Chiefs win over the Steelers and the Oakland Raiders beating the Cincinnati Bengals.  The Raiders were a heavy home underdog, but led by new starter Bruce Gradkowski (17-34, 183 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT) and their defense, they won a hard fought 20-17 home win.  The key to Oakland surprising the Bengals was, the “overconfident” AFC North leader giving up 10 answered points in the final 33 seconds of the game. You have to believe the Bengals long flight back to Cincy was very quiet especially for kickoff return man Andre Caldwell, who lost a fumble in the game’s closing moments to set up Oakland’s game-winning field goal.

 A total bore-fest – The week’s most boring game occurred in Jerry Jones’s billion dollar Dallas Cowboys stadium as the host Cowboys (7-3) woke-up just in time to put together one touchdown drive (QB Tony Romo’s 10-yard touchdown pass to WR Patrick Crayton with 2:41 left) to beat the Washington Redskins 7-6.  Romo was 7-of-8 passes for 60 yards on the winning drive and kept several plays alive by eluding Washington’s pass rushers – finished with numbers 15/27, 158 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT.  All I can say is, “A win, is a win”, but overall the Cowboys were lackadasical and they should send Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham some roses for missing two field goals in the second half that could have iced the game for Washington (3-7). The good news is the Cowboys got the win and may have found their running game (153 rushing yards including 99 yards by RB Marion Barber), but the bad news is their receiving corps was non-existent including zero catches for looking-more-like-bust-everyday WR Roy Williams. Now the Cowboys have a short week to prepare for the Raiders on Thanksgiving.

Winning streaks continuing — The Tennessee Titans won their 4^th straight game this time over the Houston Texans (5-5) on MNF. As Titans kicker Rob Bironas booted a 53-yard field goal with less than a minute left and then conversely Texans kicker Kris Brown shanked a potential game-winner with 1 second left on the clock.   However the story of the game was Titans quarterback Vince Young (passing numbers 12-22, 116 yds, and 1 TD plus 73 rushing yards), who returned to his hometown of Houston and continued his development as a Steve McNair-type leader – now 4-0 as a starter in ’09.  V.Y made plays with his arm and legs while of course leaning on MVP-candidate RB Chris Johnson (29 rushes for 151 yards and 5.2 ypr average).   The Titans are right back in the thick of the AFC wildcard hunt at 4-6.  Another big streak that continued was by the San Diego Chargers (7-3) who won their 6^th straight  (over Broncos) and moved into  first place  in the AFC West with their dominating 32-3 victory.  On the other side of the field there was no winning as the Broncos lost their 4^th straight game.  The last winning streak winner was the Indianapolis Colts, who continued their 19-game streak with a 17-15 win over the Ravens.  The 19-game winning streak is the second-longest in NFL history behind the New England Patriots 21-game streak from 2006 to 2008.  Also keeping their winning streak alive were the New Orleans Saints, who won their 10th consecutive game (over TB Bucs) for the first time in franchise history. 

Of course the one headline that I did leave out up top were the NFL’s two unbeaten squads (New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts) staying that way for another week.  By virtue of the Saints 38-7 dismantling of the Tampa Bay Bucs (scored touchdowns all five times they entered the red zone — and the Colts tough win over the Baltimore Ravens, both teams are now 10-0 this season.  The pair’s records make them a true rarity in NFL history as for only the third time in league history that  two teams are 10-0 (1934 Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions along with 1990 teams the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers).  The two games were drastic contrasts of one another, but in the end both teams are on the threshold of greatness.  I am not saying that the 1972 Miami Dolphins (perfect 17-0 including a Super Bowl win) or the 2007 New England Patriots (perfect 16-0 in the regular season) need to worry just yet, but both the Saints and Colts are moving close to their neighborhood. 

The offensive Saints woke-up from an early Bucs’ lead of 7-0 to put up 38 unanswered points led by quarterback Drew Brees’ three touchdown passes.  In contrast, the Colts in their return to Baltimore were in a real street fight as the scrappy Ravens fought to the bitter end. The game didn’t end until a last chance lateral attempt by Ravens safety Ed Reed on a punt return was ruled a fumble and recovered by Indianapolis.   The Ravens defense, even though they did not sack QB Peyton Manning, limited the Colts high-powered offense to only 17 points including only 3 points in the second half.  But it was too many field goals (5) for Baltimore’s offense and not enough touchdowns in the redzone that spelled their doom.  Surprisingly one of the many heroes for the Colts was former Ravens longtime kicker Matt Stover, who booted a 25-yard field goal to give his team the win.  In the crucial game that showed the grit of the Colts, where they won on not their best day, the undefeated squad overcame losing the turnover battle (3 to 1) and effort that was not his best by Manning (2 INTs) to keep moving-on.  With their win in “The Charm City Grudge Match”, the Colts have now won their two toughest games in the last two weeks by three points combined – Week 10 over the Patriots by a score of 35-34 and Week 11 over the Ravens by a score of 17-15. 

Though I don’t think the Saints and Colts can do the impossible (no pair has ever reached 11-0 together) of reaching the 1972 Dolphins’ perfection – too many teams getting up for a fight with the “Town Bully” – I have listed both teams remaining games below.

Saints:    NE           @WAS    @ATL      DAL         TB     @CAR

Colts:      @HOU    TEN         DEN         @JAC      NYJ   @BUF

With only six games left to be played for all teams, there is much more separation left to do within the league’s standings before January’s playoffs.  There are still the “Have’s” (8 teams with 7 wins or more including the league’s two undefeated teams — Colts and Saints both 10-0) and the “Have Nots” (9 teams with 3 or less wins, who are now basically spoilers).  But the majority of the NFL (15 teams) are still playing within former NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle’s parity dream section.  With records ranging from 6-4 to 4-6 including four inconsistent teams stuck right at the .500 mark (Ravens, Texans, Dolphins and Falcons all 5-5) it is time for the “Contenders” and “Pretenders” to pick and choose their status in the league’s last six weeks.  There are 12 covet playoff spots up for grabs and you have to expect that some teams will soon be giving thanks this Thanksgiving holiday for their opportunity for the playoffs.

Here’s the current division breakdown after Week 11:

NFC East – Dallas Cowboys (7-3) have a 1-game lead over the Eagles (6-4) and Giants (6-4).  All three teams own a 2-1 record in their NFC East games.  The Giants play the Cowboys in Week 13 and the Eagles in Week 14

NFC West —Arizona Cardinals (7-3) have a 3-game lead over the Niners (4-6).  The Cardinals seem to be in the driver’s seat in this division, but QB Kurt Warner’s head injury will be something that needs to be monitored.

NFC South — New Orleans Saints (10-0) have a 5-game lead over the Falcons (5-5).  It looks like the Saints will soon claim the NFC South title.

NFC North – Minnesota Vikings (8-1) have a 4-game lead over the Packers (4-5)

AFC East – New England Patriots (7-3) have a 2-game lead over the Miami Dolphins (5-5)

AFC West — By virtue of their 32-3 shellacking of the Broncos this week, the San Diego Chargers (7-3) have a one-game lead over the reeling Denver Broncos (6-4). 

AFC South – Indianapolis Colts (10-0) have a 4-game lead over the Houston Texans (5-4)

AFC North — Cincinnati Bengals (7-3) maintained their 1-game lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) as the entire division lost in Week 11. 

Before we move onto the Game Balls and Lackey’s for this week, here are some Lloyd’s Leftovers.

Quarterback talk is none of your business – After the Eagles 24-20 win over the Chicago Bears on NBC Sunday Night Football, opposing quarterbacks Donovan McNabb and Jay Cutler (NFL-high interception total to 18 and had passing numbers 24-for-43, 171 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT) embraced in a man-hug for quite some time after the game for some “QB Talk” for it seemed forever….But what was said.   Unfortunately McNabb was mum on the subject in his postgame comments.  “It stays between me and Jay,” McNabb said  to NBC.  “That’s just kind of the fraternity that we have, the quarterbacks. Just continue to have your confidence, keep strong and keep working hard. Things will work out well.”  I truly believe McNabb, who has been through the ringer at times in Philly, told Cutler, to develop some tough skin because he will need it.  After being acquired in April from Denver and being named the Bears first Super Star at quarterback since Jim McMahon in the 1980’s, Cutler has clearly struggled and some have let him have it.  Here’s an example, the Chicago Sun-Time headline after Sunday’s loss read”Jay Cutler is a bust.”

 Injuries, Injuries, and more Injuries – I say it every week, “The NFL Season is a War of Attrition” and Week 11 brought that fact to light again.  The team that suffered the worst blows were possibly the Green Bay Packers who lost veterans CB Al Harris and OLB Aaron Kampman both to knee injuries for the season in their 30-24 win over the  Niners.  The multitude of other frontline injuries included:  Steelers QB Charlie Batch (wrist), Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (concussion type symptoms), Lions S Kalvin Pearson (hamstring), Lions QB Matthew Stafford (left shoulder), Dolphins DT Jason Ferguson (quad-season), Redskins RB Ladell Betts (knee – season), Seahawks S Deon Grant (hand), Rams QB Marc Bulger (broken tibia – 6 weeks), Lions WR Calvin Johnson (hand, knee), Bengals DT Domata Peko (sprained MCL), Bills C/GEric Wood (broken leg – season), Bills G Seth McKinney (knee – season), and Cardinals QB Kurt Warner (concussion).

Before we go to this week’s awards, our thougts and prayers go out to former NFL LB Chris Spielman.  The former Ohio State star sorrowfully lost his wife Stefanie Spielman (42) after she passed away after a courageous battle with breast cancer.  “Stefanie has gone home to be with the Lord,” Chris Spielman said in a statement released after his wife’s passing. “For that, we celebrate, but with broken hearts. I want to thank everyone for their support over the last 12 years. Together, with your help, hopefully we made a difference in this fight.”  The Spielmans have raised over $6 million dollars for breast cancer research at Ohio State University.

Game Balls

Miami Dolphins RB Ricky Williams – And you thought at age 32 and after his lengthy off the field quirky nature (Drug use including several NFL suspensions, playing  in the CFL, studying holistic medicine, living in the Australian outback, “quitting his career”… I could go on and on) that Williams couldn’t totally even come close to replacing injured teammate Ronnie Brown.  Well you were wrong as it was “Run Ricky, Ricky Run” time — in and out of the Wildcat — as the 2002 NFL rushing champ turned back the clock in the Dolphins’ Thursday Night win over the Panthers.  The former 1998 Heisman winner finished with rushing numbers 22 rushes (most carries since 2005), 119 yds, and 2 TDs plus he added a 14-yard touchdown catch for the Dolphins’ first score.   The Dolphins (5-5) are now back in the playoff picture after winning their fourth game out of their last six.  “Our offense really clicked,” Dolphins left tackle Jake Long said. “Ricky ran great.” 

Honorable Mention

Buffalo Bills WR Terrell Owens – Speaking of turning back the clock, T.O re-emerged in Jacksonville of all places.  Owens (9 Rec, 197 Yds — the most since gaining 213 yards for Dallas in Week 11 last season – and  1 TD ) was unstoppable at times in the Bills’ road loss to the Jags.  The VH1 reality star definitely has developed a great camraderie with new quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick as shown by their franchsie record 98-yard touchdown hook-up.  Though Owens had to  endure being mocked by Jags WR Mike Simms-Walker on the Jags’ game-winner, he clearly was a lot happier than in past weeks.  T.O’s season numbers are now a little more respectable at 35 receptions for 563 yards, 16.1 ypc, and 2 TDs.  “Well, it doesn’t mean that I am washed up,” Owens joked after the game. The petulant one now has 14,685 career receiving yards, which moved him into fourth place on the NFL’s all-time list, ahead of Marvin Harrison (14,580).

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford  — What a gutty performance as the 2009 NFL Draft’s first overall player selected led the Lions to a huge home win over the Browns.  Stafford put up phenomenal numbers 26-43, 422 yds, 5 TDs, and 2 INTs.  Apparently Stafford feels no pain as he willed himself back on the field to throw the game’s winning score despite dislocating his left shoulder the play earlier.  The Lions rookie’s 422 passing yards are the most by a rookie in a single game in NFL history, besting the mark set by Arizona’s Matt Leinart (405 yards; November 26, 2006).  Stafford is also the second rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw five touchdown passes in a game, joining Ray Buivid of the Chicago Bears who had five TD passes on December 5, 1937. 

New England Patriots WR Wes Welker –  Wow is there anyone better out of the slot than Tom Brady’s security blanket.  What didn’t Welker do in the Patriots’ win over the NY Jets.  He finished with 15 Receptions for 192 yards, and 0 TDs (who cares) with  an additional 11 yards rushing.

Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre – America’s greatest comeback story gets better each week.  Favre (22 of 25 — a career-best 88% — 213 yds, and 4 TDs) continued to turn back the clock in the Vikings’ 35-9 thrashing of the Seahawks.  The 40-year old passer even looks like a strong contender for the 2009 NFL MVP Award – would be his 4^th honor.   The Vikings are now 9-1 and right on the heels of the undefeated Saints for NFC playoff homefield advantage.

New England Patriots CB Leigh Bodden –  This man really had some sitcky hands in the Patriots’ 31-14 win over the NY Jets.  Bodden intercepted Jets’ QB Mark Sanchez a career-high three times – tied a Patriots’ franchise record — including  returning one 53 yards for a touchdown.

Other Honorees: Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young (won his eighth consecutive start and led the Titans to their fourth straight win while producing numbers 12-for-22 for 116 yards and a TD and 73 rushing yards on Monday Night Football); Philadelphia Eagles WR DeSean Jackson (had eight receptions for 107 yards and 1 TD of 48 yards plus a 10-yard run in the Eagles’ SNF win); Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson – (Megatron was in the house producing 7 Rec, 161 Yds, and 1 TD of 75 yards in the Lions’ win);  Green Bay Packers RB Ryan Grant (ran hard producing rushing numbers 21 rushes for 129 yards, 6.1 ypr, and 1 TD); NY Giants QB Eli Manning (was dominat while throwing for numbers 25-39, 384 yds, 3 TDs, and 1 INT in the Giants overtime win); Baltimore Ravens tackles Jared Gaither and Michael Oher (held Colts defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis without a sack for the first time all season); Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward (this future HOF produced awesome numbers again with 10 receptions for 128 yards and 1 TD); and Baltimore Ravens Kicker Billy Cundiff (the only Ravens player to score as he kicked five field goals, in the Ravens close loss to the Colts… Steven Hauschka who)

Lloyd’s Lackey

NY Jets QB Mark Sanchez  – What happened to the kid and team that started this season 3-0.  Sanchez looked like  a quarterback that only had 16 starts in college at USC as he threw for awful number 136 yards, 1 TD, and 4 INTs – now has 16 INTs this season –  plus 1 lost fumble.  The Patriots frazzled the young passer in the pocket and his 5 turnovers were indicative of the NFL now being prepared for his tendencies.  Some have said, “Put in backup quarterback Kellen Clemens”, but plain and simple I attribute much of Sanchez’s problems  to just  being a “rookie”.

Dishonorable Mention

Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels – The Broncos now have lost 4-straight games and lost the lead in the AFC West after a 32-3 butt-kicking by the San Diego Chargers this past Sunday.  To make matters worse, McDaniels took off his coach’s hat before the game and engaged in pre-game smack talk with the Chargers’ linebackers during warm-ups.   Chargers linebacker Stephen Cooper claimed after the game that McDaniels said, “We own you”…. I guess the NFL’s 32-year old wonder kid coach was wrong.

Denver Broncos QB Chris Simms – Making his first start since rupturing his spleen as a member of the Buccaneers more than three years ago, Phil’s boy was terrible.  In fact, Simms was so terrible (2-for-4 with 10 yards passing and a lost fumble on the game’s opening series) that the Broncos went back to ailing Kyle Orton (ankle) rather than leave him in.  Maybe the Tampa Bay were right about Simms.

Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall – Had only 3 receptions for 26 yards in the Broncos loss to the Chargers.  Marshall also caused the game’s biggest commotion as he got in the face of rookie RB Knowshon Moreno on the sidelines after the youngster fumbled at the goalline.  Speaking specifically about the confrontation with Moreno, after the game Marshall said, “Those are the plays that kind of kill drives. We’ve just got to punch it in next time.” Later, Baby T.O  added: “I don’t regret anything. This is a playoff game. If there were guys on the sideline that weren’t angry, who didn’t have a lot of emotion, they need to look themselves in the mirror. This is a game where you’ve got to have it. None of us can make any terrible plays.”

Redskins K Shaun Suisham – Though a perfect 12 for 12 going into the Cowboys-Redskins game, Suisham was awful.  The ‘Skins kicker missed two big field goals – a 39-yarder at the end of the first half and a 50-yarder in the 4^th quarter — that could have ‘iced’ the game for the Redskins. For the game, Suisham finished with numbers 2 for 4 on FG attempts with a long of 45  yards and 6 points. 

Pittsburgh Steelers special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky – On Sunday in Kansas City, the Steelers gave up a 97-yard kickoff return touchdown by Jamaal Charles on the opening kickoff.  Charles’ return marked the fourth time in five games an opposing kick returner has taken one to the house against the Steelers.  Ligashesky’s unit has a lot of work to do or the coordinator could be hitting the street after the season.  Hard to believe, the Steelers had the NFL’s top-ranked kick-coverage unit last season.

Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler – Over threw at least 3 potential touchdown producing receivers in the Bears loss to the Eagles.  And though it was a tipped pass interception by Birds safety Sean Jones, Cutler threw another pick giving him 18 INTs for the season.  For the game Cutler had pedestrian numbers of  24-43, 171 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT.  Maybe former Bears quarterbacks like Jim Miller and Henry Burris were not that bad after all.

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte – Where has the running game gone for the Bears and this former 2008 NFL Rookie of the year candidate.  Forte only produced numbers of 14 rushes for 34 yards  and a poor 2.4 ypc averge in the Bears’ home loss to the Eagles.

Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco –  Maybe it is possible that Flacco and Falcons QB Matt Ryan are experiencing “Sophomore Slumps” after their magic carpet ride seasons as rookies in 2008.  Flacco produced zero touchdowns and 1 INT in the Ravens’ home loss to the Colts and he now has just one passing touchdown in his last four games.

Seattle Seahawks Defense – For the fifth time in five road games, the Seahawks lost by double-digits.

NFL Week 11

THU, NOV 19 

Miami (5-5) over Carolina (4-6), 24-17

SUN, NOV 22 

Washington (3-7), Dallas (7-3), 7-6

Cleveland (1-9), Detroit (2-8), 38-37

San Francisco (4-6), Green Bay (6-4) 30-24

Pittsburgh (6-4), Kansas City (2-8), 27-24 in OT

Atlanta (5-5), NY Giants (6-4), 34-31 in OT

New Orleans (10-0), Tampa Bay (1-9), 38-7

Buffalo (3-7), Jacksonville (6-4), 18-15

Indianapolis (10-0), Baltimore (5-5), 17-15

Seattle (3-7), Minnesota (9-1), 35-9

Arizona (7-3), St. Louis (1-8), 21-13 

NY Jets (4-6), New England (7-3), 31-14

Cincinnati (7-3), Oakland (3-7), 20-17

San Diego (7-3), Denver (6-4), 32-3

Philadelphia (6-4), Chicago (4-6), 24-20

MON, NOV 23 

Tennessee (4-6), Houston (5-5), 20-17

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award -winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

2009 NFL Season – Week 11 Preview

RB Maurice Jones-Drew and the Jags will look to stay in the playoff hunt as they host the Buffalo Bills in Week 11

As the 2009 NFL Season moves closer to the third quarter pole and it is quickly becoming apparent that this season is going to come down to the bitter end (week 17) before everything is said and done.  After 10 weeks of play, there are still the “Have’s” including two undefeated teams (Colts and Saints both 9-0) and the “Have Nots” (six teams with 2 or less wins).  But there are also 15 teams currently caught in the league’s parity-filled middle (records ranging from 3-6 to 5-4) that still need to figure out, real fast, if they are joining or jumping out of the playoff hunt. 

There are currently 17 teams at .500 or better, so over half of the teams in the parity-laden league have a shot for one of the NFL’s 12 coveted playoff berths. Two teams that are very much in the driver’s seat for two the NFL’s playoff spots are the league’s  unbeaten teams  – the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints.  The Colts and Saints are just the third pair in NFL history to start a season 9-0, joining the 1934 Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears and the 1990 New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.  Winning early in the year is nothing new for the Colts, who are 9-0 for the third time in the past five years and have won a franchise-record 18 consecutive regular-season games — tied with the 2003-04 Patriots for the second-longest streak in NFL history.  This week, the Colts will be pitted in  “The Charm City Grudge Match” as they return to Baltimore for a battle with the Ravens (5-4).  Colts rookie head coach Jim Caldwell said of his team’s good start, “We can’t be any better, but the fact of the matter is, there’s still a lot of work to be done.”

As great of a story the Colts run back up the NFL ladder without head coach Tony Dungy has been, an even better story this season has been the New Orleans Saints.  With their 28-23 win over St. Louis in Week 10, the Saints reached a record of 9-0 for the first time in franchise history.  Hard to believe, the Saints  were 4-5 at this time last season.  However this season with an embarassment of offensive weapons (QB Drew Brees, RB Pierre Thomas, scatback Reggie Bush, WR Marques Colston and others), the Saints have been the scoring machine of 2009 as they have put up an NFL-best 330 points (next highest is the Vikings with 271).  This week the Saints have a dangerous NFC South game in Tampa Bay against a Bucs (1-8) who play better than their awful record.  The Saints along with the Cincinnati Bengals (7-2 in 2009; 1-8 in 2008) and Dallas Cowboys (6-3; 5-4) are current division leaders who were in last place after Week 10 a year ago.    Speaking of division races, the nine 2009 division leaders (Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers are tied for first in the AFC West) are a combined 63-18 (.778) through Week 10, which is 22 wins better than their records from a year ago at this time (41-40, .506). 

For the second week in a row, the NFL’s weekly action began on Thursday night.  This week the Miami Dolphins (5-5) behind veteran running back Ricky Williams powered their way passed the Carolina Panthers (4-6) for a hard earned 24-17 road victory – more on this game in the Week 11 review.  Whenever I see that the NFL is playing games on Thursday Nights and the Thanksgiving holiday is approaching, I know that NFL bye weeks have concluded.  In Week 10, the NY Giants and Houston Texans completed the NFL’s off-weeks until the playoffs.  Without having byes and teams playing on short rest, teams have to study and prepare much quicker for their next week’s opponent.  Players will also have to heal quickly, which is always a challenge in the NFL this time of the year as team’s rosters sometimes resemble a MASH unit. 

But the good teams that have a chance to win the NFL’s championship rounds (Weeks in late November, December, and early January) will make the adjustments needed, will not turn the football over, and most importantly establish a running game on their way to the playoffs.

Since the real fun is beginning, I thought now was a good time to look at the remaining games for all of the NFL’s contenders (9-0 to 3-6 teams)

ARI (6-3)                @STL      @TEN     MIN        @SF        @DET     STL          GB

ATL  (5-4)               @NYG     TB            PHI          NO          @NYJ      BUF         @TB

BAL  (5-4)               IND         PIT          @GB       DET         CHI          @PIT      @OAK

BUF  (3-6)              @JAC      MIA         NYJ          @KC       NE           @ATL      IND

CAR  (4-6)                              @NYJ      TB            @NE       MIN        @NYG     NO

CHI  (4-5)               PHI          @MIN    STL          GB           @BAL      MIN        @DET

CIN  (7-2)               @OAK    CLE          DET         @MIN    @SD       KC           @NYJ

DAL  (6-3)               WAS        OAK        @NYG     SD           @NO      @WAS    PHI

DEN  (6-3)              SD           NYG         @KC       @IND     OAK        @PHI      KC

GB (5-4)                 SF            @DET     BAL          @CHI      @PIT      SEA          @ARI

HOU (5-4)              TEN         IND         @JAC      SEA          @STL      @MIA     NE

IND (9-0)            @BAL      @HOU    TEN         DEN         @JAC      NYJ      @BUF

JAC (5-4)             BUF         @SF        HOU        MIA         IND         @NE       @CLE

MIA (5-5)                               @BUF     NE           @JAC      @TEN     HOU        PIT

MIN (8-1)               SEA          CHI          @ARI      CIN          @CAR     @CHI      NYG

NE (6-3)                NYJ          @NO      @MIA     CAR         @BUF     JAC          @HOU

NO (9-0)                 @TB        NE           @WAS    @ATL      DAL         TB            @CAR

NYG (5-4)             ATL          @DEN     DAL         PHI          @WAS    CAR         @MIN

NYJ (4-5)                @NE       CAR         @BUF     @TB        ATL          @IND     CIN

PHI (5-4)              @CHI      WAS        @ATL      @NYG     SF            DEN         @DAL

PIT (6-3)                 @KC       @BAL      OAK        @CLE      GB           BAL          @MIA

SD (6-3)                  @DEN     KC           @CLE      @DAL     CIN          @TEN     WAS

SEA (3-6)                @MIN    @STL      SF            @HOU    TB            @GB       TEN

SF (4-5)                  @GB       JAC          @SEA      ARI          @PHI      DET         @STL

TEN (3-6)              @HOU    ARI          @IND     STL          MIA         SD           @SEA

WAS (3-6)           @DAL     @PHI      NO          @OAK    NYG         DAL         @SD

Week 11 in the NFL will features: 

Six divisional match-ups  — Redskins at Cowboys, Chargers at Broncos (first place in the AFC West on the line), NY Jets at Patriots,  Saints at Buccaneers, Cardinals at Rams, and Titans at Texans (Monday Night Football)

Some interesting reunions  —

• The Tennessee Titans (formerly the Houston Oilers) return to their former home city to face the Houston Texans.  Too bad this game couldn’t be played at the Houston Astrodome.
• Arizona Cardinals QB and former Rams’ Super Bowl winner Kurt Warner returns to the Edward Jones Dome to face the St. Louis Rams.  Also remember the nomadic Cardinals once called St. Louis their home from 1960 to 1987.
• The Indianapolis Colts return to the Charm City again to play the Baltimore Ravens, but some Baltimore residents will never forgive the Irsay family for moving their beloved team 25 years ago. The Colts-Ravens game will also mark the first game in Baltimore for Colts kicker and former longtime Raven Matt Stover
• The New England Patriots will play host to the NY Jetsand their emotional head coach Rex Ryan, who got real mouthy after the Jets’ Week 2 win in the Meadowlands.
• The Niners will travel to Green Bay to face the Packers in a revival of one of the ‘90s greatest rivalries – who could forget their 1999 Wildcard Game where T.O caught the game-winner for San Francisco.

Some teams that I believe in must-win situations this week – Philadelphia Eagles (at Chicago), New York Giants (host the Atlanta Falcons), Houston Texans (host the Titans), Baltimore Ravens (host the Colts) and Dallas Cowboys (host the Redskins)

Featured Game

Buffalo Bills (3-6)  at Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4), Sunday 1:00 PM ET (CBS) , Jacksonville Municipal Stadium

Broadcast Team: Bill Macatee and Steve Beuerlein

Surprisingly these two teams seeming to be going in opposite directions will meet for the fourth consecutive year – have split their last 4 meetings.  To say the least the 2009 NFL Season has been nothing like what the young Bills thought it would be.  They have had too many injuries, poor quarterback play, lack of production from their first round pick and a multitude of other problems through the first 10 weeks of the season.  All the disappointment came to a head this week as 90-year old owner Ralph Wilson (wants to win now) fired former head coach Dick Jauron this week.  Wilson had seen enough of his 3-6 team to know that a third 7-9 season in row would not be very popular in Western New York.

The Bills will regroup with interim head coach and defensive coordinator Perry Fewell at the helm.  Fewell’s first order of business was re-installing heady former Ivy leaguer Ryan Fitzpatritck (38-77-362-2-4)as the team’s starting quarterback and benching Trent Edwards.  The Harvard grad can run with the ball and seems to have found a nice repoirre with ticking time bomb receiver Terrell Owens (only 26 catches for 366 yards and 1 TD in 2009).  Speaking of T.O, the mouthy one only needs 92 yards to pass former Colts WR Marvin Harrison for fourth all-time in receiving yards – currently has career numbers 977 catches for 14,488 yards, 14.8 ypc, and 140 TDs.   However it is more than likely that the Bills will try to lean on their RB’s Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch  in attacking a Jaguars defense that allows average of 357 total yards per game.  The key for the Bills will be protecting Fitzpatrick behind a make shift O-line, but keep in mind the Jaguars only have 8 sacks as a unit this season.

With two teams that don’t play much defense, the real fun will be on offense.  The Jaguars can match the Bills in terms of big names on offense, but no name is bigger than “Pocket Hercules” for the Jags.  Running back Maurice Jones-Drew  is putting together another Pro Bowl season and Sunday’s game should be a showcase for him.  MJD’s numbers are amazing (169 rushes for 860 yards (2nd in AFC), 5.1 ypr, and an NFL leading 12 TDs) and he is a threat to take it to the house at anytime in the game.  Jones-Drew also should get help from efficient quarterback David Garrard (178-292, 2088 yards, 7 TDs, and 5 INTs) and emerging receiver Mike Sims-Walker (39 catches for 603 yards,  and 5 TDs).  The player the Jaguars offense will have to keep an eye on his possible defensive rookie of the year safety Jarius Byrd.  The second round pick from Oregon has been an unbelievable ballhawk producing an NFL leading 8 INTs including one in 5 consecutive games.

This game will also mark a homecoming of sorts for former Jags and current Bills players DT Marcus Stroud and CB Drayton Florence.

LV’s Pick:   Though the Bills won their last meeting in September of 2008 by a score of 20-16 and they have a narrow 5-4 overall series advanteage, Buffalo has been a mess this season.  As stated before Jauron is gone leaving Fewell, who has limited coaching experience, both their offense and defense has a ton of injuries, their quarterback is not a downfield thrower and T.O is about to have a T.O moment real soon.  The Jaguars are on a roll at home — won three consecutive home games – and I don’t expect that to change on Sunday, especially with Jags head coach Jack Del Rio trying to save his own job.  Jaguars 31, Bills 17 

NFL Week 11

THU, NOV 19 

Miami (5-5) over Carolina (4-6), 24-17 (NFL Network)

SUN, NOV 22 

Washington at Dallas 1:00 PM (FOX)  

Cleveland at Detroit 1:00 PM (FOX)  

San Francisco at Green Bay 1:00 PM (FOX)  

Pittsburgh at Kansas City 1:00 PM (CBS) 

Atlanta at NY Giants 1:00 PM (FOX)  

New Orleans at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM (FOX)  

Buffalo at Jacksonville 1:00 PM (CBS)  

Indianapolis at Baltimore 1:00 PM (CBS) 

Seattle at Minnesota 1:00 PM (FOX) 

Arizona at St. Louis 4:05 PM (FOX) 

NY Jets at New England 4:15 PM (CBS)

Cincinnati at Oakland 4:15 PM (CBS) 

San Diego at Denver 4:15 PM (CBS)

Philadelphia at Chicago 8:20 PM (NBC)

 

MON, NOV 23 

Tennessee at Houston 8:30 PM (ESPN)

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

2009 NFL Season – Week 11 Power Rankings

After four consecutive wins,  WR Legedu Naanee and the San Diego Chargers are moving up Week 11’s Power Rankings

With all byes completed for the 2009 NFL Season, now the real fun starts. There are 12 coveted playoff berths left to be claimed in the final 7 weeks of the regular season, so now is the time for teams to separate into “Contenders” and “Pretenders”.  Whether a team is the Indianapolis Colts (undefeated along with the New Orleans Saints) or Tennessee Titans (rebounded with 3 straight wins after starting 0-6) there is still playoff hope for almost every NFL team.

In looking at the current NFL standings here’s the breakdown: The “Elite” – Saints (9-0), Colts (9-0), Vikings (8-1), Bengals (7-2),  Broncos (6-3), Steelers (6-3), Cowboys (6-3), Cardinals (6-3), Chargers (6-3), and Patriots (6-3); “Stuck in the Middle” inconsistent teams, who are caught in the NFL’s parity-filled middle and need to either join the playoff hunt or fall back — Jaguars (5-4), Falcons (5-4), Eagles (5-4) Texans (5-4), Giants (5-4), Ravens (5-4), Packers (5-4), Jets (4-5), Bears (4-5), Niners (4-5), Dolphins (4-5) and Panthers (4-5); The “Pretenders”, who are only a shade away from the league’s bottom rung – Bills (3-6), Titans (3-6), Redskins (3-6), and Seahawks (3-6); and lastly the “Ugly” (i.e. These teams  maybe looking to make themselves over by  2010 NFL Draft) – Raiders (2-7), Chiefs (2-7), Lions (1-8), Browns (1-8), Rams (1-8), and Buccaneers (1-8)

Now on to the rankings for this week.

1.  Colts (9-0) – Fueled by Bill Belichick’s gaffe, Peyton Manning and the Colts seized the opportunity for a crucial AFC playoff separation win over the Patriots in the final seconds of the game.  To remain undefeated for the 19^th consecutive regular season game, Jim Caldwell’s team must be focused for their road trip back home to Baltimore to face an improving Ravens squad.

2.  Saints (9-0) – “Who Dat, Who Dat is gonna beat them Saints”… another week and New Orleans keeps rolling.  The Saints are now 9-0 for the first time in franchise history after disposing of the scrappy St. Louis Rams who stuck around for a little while.  Next up Sean Payton’s team continues its tour of the NFL’s bottom rung as they travel to Tampa to face the 1-win Bucs.

3.  Vikings (8-1) – The Vikes had the Metrodome rocking as QB Brett Favre and RB Adrian Peterson were all business in kicking the lowly Detroit Lions to the curb.  With his contract extension in-hand, head coach Brad Childress will lead his team back to the dome to face the dangerous Seattle Seahawks.

4.  Bengals (7-2) — Marvin Lewis’ team proved that they are one of the NFL’s elite teams by out-phyicalling the champion Steelers in Heinz Field.  The Bengals are now 5-0 in the AFC North, but there is still work to be done.  The Bengals will look to avoid a letdown as they travel to Oakland to face the very dysfunctional Raiders.

5.  Patriots (6-3) – The Patriots fought their hearts out in Super Bowl XLIII ½ against the Colts, but in the end they were undone by their head coach Bill Belichick not believing in his “D”.  The Pats will need to put Belichick’s 4^th down gamble behind them as they host heated rival, the New York Jets and their emotional head coach Rex Ryan.

6. Steelers (6-3) – I guess Mike Tomlin’s team finally understands how it is to be the “hunted” now.  The Bengals came into Heinz Field and physically beat-up the Steelers up in a crucial AFC North battle. With the thought that they are only 1 game behind Cincy in their mind, the Steelers will need to re-group as they travel to Kansas City.

7.  Chargers (6-3) – After a quality win over the pass-happy Philadelphia Eagles, the Bolts have clawed their way back into playoff contention and a share of the AFC West lead.   In one of Week 11’s biggest games, the Chargers will look to take control of the AFC West when they travel to Denver to face the suddenly reeling Broncos.

8.  Broncos (6-3) – The Washington Redskins got on the same page real quick as they surprised the Broncos at FedEx Field.  The Broncos and head coach Josh McDaniels will need to put their upset loss to the ‘Skins behind them as the hard-charging Chargers come to town for a crucial AFC West game.

9. Cowboys (6-3) – Just when I was about to say that the ‘Boys were back, they went to Green Bay and put out a lackluster effort in a bad loss to the Packers.  Before making their Thanksgiving plans, the Cowboys will have to beat their longtime NFC East rival, the Washington Redskins.

10.  Cardinals (6-3) – The Cards finally figured out how to get a home win as they turned back the scrappy Seattle Seahawks.  Next up for QB Kurt Warner and the rest of the Cardinals is a return trip to St. Louis as the Cards try to remain a perfect on the road.

11.  Jaguars (5-4) – Fueled by MJD, the “good” Jags were back as they pulled out another close one this time in the Meadowlands over the J-E-T-S.  With the thought of continuing to win in mind, the Jags will need to win at home over the Bills and their new head coach Perry Fewell.

12.  Texans (5-4) – Hopefully the bye week was a working one for head coach Gary Kubiak and GM Rick Smith as the Texans cannot finish with a record of 8-8 for third year in a row.  In a Monday Night Football special, the Tennessee Titans (formerly the Houston Oilers) will return to Houston for an AFC South grudge match.  Too bad this game can’t be played in the old Astrodome.

13.  Falcons (5-4) – Mike Smith’s team continued their inconsistent ways as they not only lost RB Michael Turner (ankle) for a little while, but they also got run over by the Panthers.  Playing without Turner will be tough as the Falcons travel to the Northeast to face an equally inconsistent Giants squad.

14.  Eagles (5-4) – The Birds went to the West Coast for the second time this season and for the second time they came up short, this time in a loss to the San Diego Chargers.  The pass-happy Eagles will need to find some balance as they attempt to stop their 2-game skid against the host Chicago Bears on NBC Sunday Night Football.

15. Giants (5-4) – After four straight losses, the Giants and fiery head coach Tom Coughlin badly needed their bye week to clear their heads.  With their season on the lines, the Giants will host the Atlanta Falcons in a game that could have NFC wildcard implications.

16.  Ravens (5-4) – John Harbaugh’s team thoroughly thumped the pathetic Browns on Monday Night Football.  In a “Charm City” grudge match game, the undefeated Indianapolis Colts return to Baltimore for a battle with the Ravens.

17. Packers (5-4) – The host Packers thumped the inconsistent NFC East leading Dallas Cowboys as QB Tony Romo had no time in the pocket.  In a game that could have future playoff implications, the Niners will travel to Green Bay this week.

18.  Bears (4-5) – Thursday Night was interception night for Bears quarterback Jay Cutler as the Niners held on for a big win on NFL Network.  Eagles QB Donovan McNabb returns to his hometown for a huge match-up involving two teams that right now are too inconsistent..

19. Jets (4-5) – The J-E-T-S squandered timeouts and opportunities as the Jacksonville Jaguars fueled by RB Maurice Jones-Drew made it over the .500 mark.  Jets head coach Rex Ryan may have more to cry about this week as his team travels to New England to face an angry Patriots team looking for revenge from their earlier loss to the mouthy guys in green.

20.  49ers (4-5) – The Niners and running back Frank Gore did just enough to hold off the turnover prone Chicago Bears in a huge Thursday Night Football win.  Mike Singletary’s team will look to get back to .500 and stay within striking distance of the division leading Cardinals when they travel to Green Bay this week.

21.  Dolphins (4-5) – Tony Sparano’s team won “The Battle of South Florida” as they handled the reeling Tampa Bay Bucs, but they lost RB Ronnie Brown (foot) for the season.  Next up it will be the ‘Phins turn to play on NFL Network Thursday Night football as they travel to Carolina for a ground battle with the Panthers.

22.  Panthers (4-5) – Led by workhorse RB DeAngelo Williams, the Panthers rolled over the young and inconsistent Falcons.   Expect to see a ground-churning affair when the Panthers and Dolphins play each other on NFL Network Thursday Night Football.

23. Titans (3-6) – Head Coach Jeff Fisher is now singing the praises of rejuvenated QB Vince Young, but it is the Titans Defense and All-World RB Chris Johnson (over 1,000 yards in 9 games) who really carried Tennessee passed the Buffalo Bills.  The Titans will look to make it four wins in a row with V.Y under center as they travel back to Houston for a Texas Showdown with the Houston Texans.

24.  Redskins (3-6) – The ‘Skins figured out how to run the ball again (see LaDell Betts), which really helped the entire team surprise the recently reeling Denver Broncos.  In an NFC East grudge match, the Cowboys will host one of their bitterest rivals as the ‘Skins look to make it two upset wins in a row..

25.  Seahawks (3-6) – The Arizona  Cardinals gave the Hawks a taste of their former NFC West dominance as RB’s Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower ran all over them.  In a make-or-break kind of game, the Seahawks will need to beat the red hot Vikings in the Metrodome to keep their flickering playoff hopes alive.

26.  Bills (3-6) – The Titans ran all over the Bills and after the game, Bills owner told former head coach Dick Jauron to take a long walk off a short pier.  With new interim head coach Perry Fewell now call the shots, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and frustrated WR Terrell Owens will try to help the Bills gain a road victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

27.  Chiefs (2-7) – New running back Jamaal Charles led the way for the Chiefs as they thumped the hapless Raiders.  I hope the Chiefs enjoyed their little siesta playing the weak Raiders, because the Pittsburgh Steelers are coming to KC in a foul mood after losing at home to the Bengals.

28.  Raiders (2-7) – The Raiders’ offense was inept again as the Chiefs pounded their way to an AFC West win over Tom Cable’s dysfunctional team.  The Raiders have the misfortune of hosting the surging Bengals, but at least they will have new QB Bruce Gradkowski calling the shots and not struggling former 1^st overall pick QB JaMarcus Russell.

29.  Rams (1-8) – The undefeated New Orleans Saints powered right passed the poor Rams in a game where their hung around for a little while.  The high-flying Arizona Cardinals and triggerman Kurt Warner return to St. Louis for a game that is sure to be ugly by the end of the first half.

30.  Buccaneers (1-8) – After a great win the week before, the Miami Dolphins rolled right over the Bucs who probably should return to wearing their creamsicle orange uniforms.  The NFC South leading New Orleans Saints will look to get to 10-0 when they travel to Tampa for a surprisingly dangerous game.

31.  Lions (1-8) – The Minnesota Vikings returned from their bye week to thump the reeling Lions, who had no answer for All-World RB Adrian Peterson and the passing combo of QB Brett Favre and WR Sidney Rice. In Week 11’s hands-down “Toilet Bowl”, the Lions will host close neighbor the Cleveland Browns and I can smell the stench from this one all the way in Philly.

32.  Browns (1-8) – QB Brady Quinn was atrocious in a Monday Night Football shutout home loss to the Baltimore Ravens.  In a game that will truly tell the entire league who is the ugliest team on the block, the Browns will travel to Detroit for this week’s “Toilet Bowl”.

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

2009 NFL Season – Week 10 Review

Raiders receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey was one of Lloyd’s Lackey’s for Week 10 of the 2009 NFL Season

The 2009 NFL Season has finally reached the double-digit week number portion of the schedule.  As the weeks keep fly by, the league keeps chugging along with a sense more than ever that soon enough playoff clarity will soon be upon us…well maybe.  After 10 weeks of play, there are still the “Have’s” including two undefeated teams (Colts and Saints both 9-0) and the “Have Nots” (six teams with 2 or less wins).  But there are also 15 teams currently caught in the league’s parity-filled middle (records ranging from 3-6 to 5-4) that still need to figure out, real fast, if they are joining or jumping out of the playoff hunt.  This week also marked the last set of bye weeks with the Houston Texans and New York Giants both trying to heal-up for a stretch run, so now the “real” fun is about to start in the NFL.

Week 10’s headlines were dominated by a mega Sunday Night Football heavyweight match-up (Patriots-Colts) and a strong undercard (Bengals-Steelers, Eagles-Chargers, Cowboys-Packers, and Falcons-Panthers).  But there was one common theme that I saw during Week 10’s fifteen games. Like Dorothy said in The Wizard of Oz, “There’s No Place Like Home”.  For the first time in a while, we saw home teams including underdogs (Washington Redskins) fight back to regain home field advantage.  In fact, home teams were a combined 10-5 this weekend thus proving that you must defend your home turf in order to succeed in the NFL.  The trend started in the NFL’s first Thursday Night game of the season with the home team San Francisco 49ers beating the turnover prone Chicago Bears 10-6 on NFL Network. 

The game other than Bears QB Jay Cutler’s devastating 5 interceptions was rather boring, but there was some excitement at the end.  After Cutler and the Bears finally found their mojo – moved the ball all the way to San Francisco’s 12-yard line.  The Niners needed a great goalline stand culminating in safety Michael Lewis’ game-ending interception to hold on for the win. After the game, Cutler took most of the blame for the loss and said,  “It was tough. I have to apologize to the defense”.  He added, “I think the offense as a whole has to apologize. They played a great game and kept us in there even through all the turnovers.”   I know it was not Picasso, but to Niners head coach Mike Singletary he will take it as his team jumped right back into the playoff race.  It will now be real interesting to see if the Niners can catch the NFC West leading Arizona Cardinals (lead by 2 games) or compete for a wildcard spot with teams like the Eagles, Giants, Falcons, and Panthers. 

The Niners home win was nice, but any game talk this week revolved around the Colts and Patriots super match-up as the two heated rivals played for the 10^th time since 2002, including playoffs.  The Indianapolis Colts (9-0) continued their steady climb through their 16-game schedule by remaining undefeated by beating the New England Patriots by a score of 35-34 in an “Instant Classic”. Super Bowl XLIII ½, as some are calling it, was a thrilling game filled with plenty offense, solid defense, and strong quarterback play — two teams combined for 69 points and 884 combined net yards.  The game came down to the last seconds with Colts QB Peyton Manning (28-44, 327 yards, 4 TDs, and 2 INTs) quickly hitting WR Reggie Wayne with a 1-yard touchdown strike with 13 seconds on the clock to comeback from a 17-point deficit and an improbable of victory.  The Colts have now won 18 straight regular season games (2nd longest in NFL history) and have also won 11 straight home games (5-0 in 2009), which ties the second-longest home win streak in Colts’ history. 

But this game will forever be remembered for one play that could have very well marked the end of the dynasty for the team that has dominated this decade in the NFL.  New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick with the situation of a 4th-and-2 at his own 28-yard line and the Patriots clinging to a 34-28 lead with 2:08 left on the clock, decided to go for it.  That’s right from very deep in his own side of the field, Belichick decided that his defense was not good enough to stop Manning from driving the Colts offense 70 to 80 yards for the winning score and disregarded an “obvious” punting situation.  As you probably already know…Belichick now looks like the 2009 reincarnation of former Cowboys head coach Barry Switzer after gambling and losing.  On the crucial play, Patriots QB Tom Brady threw to RB Kevin Faulk and the Colts defense stopped him short from converting the first down.

After the game Belichick simply said, “I was trying to win the game”.  But his actions spoke much louder than his words.  It seems with veterans DT Richard Seymour, SS Rodney Harrison, LB Mike Vrabel, and others no longer on the Patriots defense, that the former 3-time Super Bowl champions’ defense can no longer be counted as one of the best in the NFL.  And apparently by his decision Belichick agrees too.  I am still scratching my head as to “how” fBelichick’s confidence in his defense has fallen that now their “genius” head coach’s decision is the subject of a national debate.  However the Patriots at a record of 6-3 and a 2-game lead in the AFC East are still firmly in the AFC’s playoff picture, but now there are more cracks in their armor.  We will have to wait and see, starting with the NY Jets in Week 11, if the Patriots can rebound from this colossal moment gone awry.  After the game, former Super Bowl-winning Colts head coach and current NBC football analyst Tony Dungy said, “In that situation…You have to punt the football”.  I totally agree coach and I know in hindsight, Belichick does too, even if the “Pompous One” will never admit it.

Here’s the current division breakdown after Week 10:

NFC East – Dallas Cowboys (6-3) have a 1-game lead over the Eagles (5-4) and Giants (5-4)

NFC West —Arizona Cardinals (6-3) have a 2-game lead over the Niners (4-5)

NFC South — New Orleans Saints (9-0) have a 4-game lead over the Falcons (5-4)

NFC North – Minnesota Vikings (8-1) have a 3-game lead over the Packers (4-5)

AFC East – New England Patriots (6-3) have a 2-game lead over the NY New Jets and Dolphins (4-5)

AFC West — Denver Broncos (6-3) are tied with the San Diego Chargers (5-3).  These two will square-off in Week 11 in Denver

AFC South – Indianapolis Colts (9-0) have a 4-game lead over the Houston Texans (5-4)

AFC North — Cincinnati Bengals (7-2) have a 1-game lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3).  The Bengals also hold the most important tiebreaker of head-to-head wins (2-0) over the Steelers

Before we move onto the Game Balls and Lackey’s for this week, here are some Lloyd’s Leftovers.

A changing of the guard in the AFC North – “WHO DEY…WHO DEY… Gonna beat them Bengals, Nobody”.  The Cincinnati Bengals 18-12 road win over the Pittsburgh Steelers may have marked a complete turnaround from 2008 for Marvin Lewis’ team.  The Bengals (7-2) have gone from the bottom of the AFC North with a 2008 record of 4-11-1 to sweeping former AFC North bullies, the Steelers (6-3) and Baltimore Ravens (5-4).  The win marked the first time Cincy has swept the Steelers since 1988 and they are also 4-0 against both teams since the division’s inception in 2002.  The Bengals now have a commanding 5-0 division record and I have to admit, you can now count me as one of their believers.  The Bengals are now a complete team in all 3 phases of the game (offense, defense, and special teams) and it took a solid effort from each unit to pull off a win in tough Heinz Field.  The Bengals’ defense is no longer under the radar (ranked 2^nd in points allowed with 16.3 ppg) and more attention is sure to come after holding the Steelers’ offense to 226 yards and four Josh Reed field goals.  The Bengals defense pressured Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger all game while forcing one interception and sacking Big Ben 4 times. The game’s offensive star definitely was Bengals rookie RB Bernard Scott, who scored the lone touchdown of the game with a 96-yard kickoff return in the first quarter – Steelers 7th return for a TD this year including three kickoff returns in their last four games. The news wasn’t all great for the Bengals as their leading rusher Cedric Benson left at halftime with a hip flexor causing Scott to fill-in in the second half (rushed for 33 yards on 13 carries and catch one pass for 21 yards). **Note with the news that Benson maybe out longer than expected, the Bengals signed RB Larry Johnson, who was recently released by the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson (turns 30 on Nov. 19^th) has rushed for 5,996 yards and 55 touchdowns over a 7-year career.

Injuries, Injuries, and more Injuries – I say it every week, “The NFL Season is a War of Attrition” and Week 10 really proved that point.  The Philadelphia Eagles may have suffered the biggest blow of the week when RB Brian Westbrook suffered his 2^nd concussion in less than 1 month in a close 31-23 loss to the San Diego Chargers.  By all indications, the Birds’ mercurial runner may have quite possibly played his last game for this season.  With the NFL’s recent poor history of combating concussions (see Congressional hearings regarding the handling of former NFL players’ concussions), the Eagles would be wise to put Westbrook on the self as his health is more important than anything else.  The multitude of other frontline injuries included:  Panthers OT Jordan Gross (ankle – season), Bengals RB Cedric Benson (hip), Bears TE Desmond Clark (neck), Niners LB Takeo Spikes (left hamstring), Browns WR/KR Josh Cribbs (neck), Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown (foot), Falcons RB Michael Turner (ankle), Broncos QB Kyle Orton (foot/ankle), Rams WR Keenan Burton (knee – season), Steelers DB Troy Polamalu (left knee), Saints CB Tracy Porter (knee) and Seahawks RB Julius Jones (bruised ribs).

Restoring the Roar – After a 0-2 start, many people around the NFL buried the Jacksonville Jaguars and their head coach Jack Del Rio.  But getting back to the philosophy (run the ball, play-action passing, tough attacking defense, and good special teams) that served them so well in their 2007 playoff run, the Jaguars have jumped back into the AFC Wildcard race with a 5-4 record.  This week the Jaguars again rode Maurice Jones-Drew aka “Pocket Hercules” (see Game Balls) to a huge 24-22 road over the NY Jets in the Meadowlands.  Jones-Drew and QB David Garrard kept the Jets’ defense on their heels the entire game and the Jags were able to close-out the win on a short field goal after MJD had the most unselfish play of the 2009 season.  The Jags still have to play the Colts (Week 15) and Patriots (Week 16), but four out of five of their other opponents have losing records.

What does $250,000 buy you….A one-finger salute – Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams pulled a “Bryan Cox” as he let the Buffalo Bills’ sideline have it.  Adams, 86 years young, stuck up both  out his middle fingers from the owner’s box during the Titans dominating 41-17 win over the Bills.  I don’t know what the Titans’ owner was thinking as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was in attendance at the game and you knew the “sheriff” was going to lay down the law.  The NFL wasn’t even thinking about only giving a little slap on the wrist for this one as Adams was fined $250,000 for “conduct detrimental to the league.”  Goodell said on Monday, “I’ve said before we’re held to a higher standard in the NFL, that includes yours truly. It includes our owners. It includes front-office people. It includes the players. Those are things we’ll continue to emphasize. And if people violate them, we’ll deal with it.”  Adams later apologized saying, “I got caught up in the excitement of a great day, but I do realize that those types of things shouldn’t happen. I need to specifically apologize to the Bills, their fans, our fans and the NFL”.  One party note on this story.  Wasn’t it not that long ago that the Patriots were fined 250K for “Spygate”.  I guess cheating is just as bad as giving someone the finger…right.

Fisher hits a milestone – One item that happened in the Titans win over the Bills that was more important than Adams’ salute to the Bills was Titans head coach Jeff Fisher hitting a big milestone.  Fisher became the 10th head coach in NFL history to coach 250 career games (regular and postseason) with one team.  The Titans’ victory gave Fisher 136 wins for his career, tying him with Hall of Famer and former KC Chiefs coaching legend Hank Stramm for 20th all-time.

How about those Saints – The Saints defeated the St. Louis Rams 28-23 and improved to 9-0 for the first time in franchise history.  The Saints also have scored an NFL-best 331 points, the fourth-most by a team in the first nine games of a season in NFL history.

Before we go to this week’s awards, our thoughts and prayers are with Seattle Seahawks owner and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen who is was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Game Balls

Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson – Every week, the self-dubbed “Every Coach’s Dream” just amazes the rest of the NFL. In the Titans’ 41-17 win over the Buffalo Bills, Johnson rushed for 132 yards and 2 TDs with a 5.08 ypc average.  The speedy back from East Carolina also had a Roger Craig-type performance catching 9 passes for 100 yards and marking the first 100-yard receiving and rushing game of his career.  Johnson now leads the NFL with 1,091 rushing yards and is averaging 6.4 yards per carry.  The 2^nd-year back also joined Hall of Famer Jim Brown (1963) and Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (2007) as the only players in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and average 6.4 yards per carry in a team’s first nine games of a season.

Honorable Mention

Jacksonville Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew – Pocket Hercules rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown (33 yards) in the Jags win over the NY Jets. Jones-Drew was the key ingredient to the Jags’ second win in a row from the start of the game.  He ran the ball on Jacksonville’s first five plays and totaled 55 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown to open the scoring.  But his biggest play wasn’t even a touchdown.  To the delight of Jags head coach Jack Del Rio and the dismay of his fantasy football owners, Jones-Drew did not score an “easy” touchdown late to run out the clock and setup a game-winning field goal.  MJD took a handoff at the 10-yard line on the game’s final drive and darted towards the end zone, but took a knee at the 1-yard line with 1:48 left (shades of Brian Westbrook in 2007). The Jaguars were able to run the clock down with the Jets out of timeouts and won the game on a short Josh Scobey field goal.

Green Bay Packers CB Charles Woodson – The former Heisman Trophy winner spurred the Packers defensive effort in a 17-7 home win over the Dallas Cowboys.  Woodson was everywhere as Cowboys quarterback was in distress constantly.  The former first-round pick from Michigan contributed 9 tackles, two forced fumbles, a sack and an interception as the Packers kept the Cowboys from scoring until late in the 4th quarter.

Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning – It would not be a Game Balls report without putting the surefire 2009 NFL MVP on our list.  Manning was his classic stoic self as the Colts fought back from a 17-point deficit to surprising beat the New England Patriots 35-34 in Sunday’s biggest game.  Manning finished with numbers 28-44, 327 yards (reached 300 yards in 8 of 9 games this season), 4 TDs, and 2 INTs plus reached another big milestone in the win.  The 3-time MVP quarterback won his 13th consecutive game when passing for 300 yards, tying NFL legend Y.A Tittle for the third-most consecutive wins when reaching the 300-yard passing mark.

San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson – Before the game started against the Philadelphia Eagles, Tomlinson was already a winner as he learned of his wife’s pregnancy with their first child.  L.T then went out and rushed for 96 yards and two touchdowns – beset performance of the 2009 season — in the Chargers’ 31-23 win against Eagles.  In the game, Tomlinson reached the milestone of recording his 145th and 146th career touchdown to surpass Hall of Famer Marcus Allen (145) for the third-most touchdowns all-time.  Tomlinson also now has 12,145 career rushing yards moving him into 12th place for most rushing yards all-time.

New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush – The Saints are on a roll and so is their multi-threat speedster.  Bush rushed for 83 yards on eight attempts, including a 55-yard run bursting through tackles in the Saints’ 28-23 win over the scrappy St. Louis Rams. He also scored one rushing touchdown and added a 15-yard scoring reception. Bush and the Saints are now 9-0 for the first time in club history.

Other Honorees: Arizona Cardinal QB Kurt Warner (Threw 2 TDs in the Cardinals’ 31-20 in against the Seattle Seahawks giving him 200 touchdown passes.  Warner reached the mark in his 118th career game, becoming the fifth-fastest player in NFL history to accomplish the feat); Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre (Passed for a season-high 344 yards in his 300th consecutive start (including postseason) in a 27-10 win over the Detroit Lions.  Favre’s 344 yards are the third-most passing yards in a game by a 40-year old quarterback in NFL history trailing only Hall Famer Warren Moon (409) and Vinny Testaverde (355); Buffalo Bills rookie safety Jairus Byrd (Registered his eighth interception of the season in a loss to the Titans.  Byrd now has an interception in five consecutive games and is one of only two players since 1970 with an interception in five consecutive games in their first season in the NFL); Seattle Seahawks RB Justin Forsett (Rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown after starter Julius Jones’ left the game); Redskins P Hunter Smith (Threw his first career touchdown pass on a fake field goal as he connected with RB Mike Sellers on a 35-yard score); Kansas City Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles (Who needs LJ.  Charles had his second-career 100-yard rushing day in the Chiefs win over the Raiders (18 rushes for 103 yards, 5.7 ypc, and 1 TD — 45-yard touchdown run on a fourth-and-1 play in the second quarter)

Lloyd’s Lackey

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick – C’mon did you think I was going to select anyone else after his horrible gambling mistake.  Say it with me, “PUNT THE FOOTBALL”.  I still cannot believe a head coach that has been to five Super Bowls (won 3) had such a brain cramp to be put in the same league as Barry Switzer.

Dishonorable Mention

Titans Owner Bud Adams – His aforementioned 1-finger salute to Bills was unnecessary.  I hope it was worth the 250K fine from the NFL.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid – Some things never change as the Birds called 57 pass plays (55 passes and 2 sacks) while only running it 13 times in a bad road loss to the San Diego Chargers.  They also squandered timeouts making it easy for the Chargers to burn the clock.  As one of loyal and frustrated Eagles e-mailers wrote me, “Year 11 of a five-year plan”.

The Oakland Raiders – Another week, another embarrassment for Al Davis’s team.  The Raiders were unable to overcome 10 penalties for 88 yards their loss to the Chiefs.. Several of the flags proved costly as three of them gave the Chiefs a first down and three more negated Raiders first downs.  Also Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell was rightfully benched after an 8-23 for 64 yards passing performance.  Hope beleaguered head coach Tom Cable has his resume ready for a possible UFL job.

Oakland Raiders WR Darrius Heyward-Bey – I wonder if the Raiders still would take DHB (10^th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft) over emerging receivers Jeremy Maclin (Eagles) and Michael Crabtree (SF 49ers).  Heyward-Bey had only 1 catch for 22 yards plus he helped the Chiefs close the game out too.  With 30 seconds to play, fittingly Heyward-Bey had a pass clank off his chest to Chiefs S Mike Brown for a game-ending interception.

Week 10

Thursday, November 12

SF 49ers (4-5) over Bears (4-5), 10-6 

Sunday, November 15

Bengals (7-2) over Steelers (6-3), 18-12

Cardinals (6-3) over Seahawks (3-6), 31-20

Chargers (6-3) over Eagles (5-4), 31-23

Chiefs (2-7) over Raiders (2-7), 16-10

Colts (9-0) over Patriots (6-3), 35-34

Dolphins (4-5) over Buccaneers (1-8), 25-23

Jaguars (5-4) over Jets (4-5), 24-22

Packers (5-4) over Cowboys (6-3), 17-7

Panthers (4-5) over Falcons (5-4), 28-19

Redskins (3-6) over Broncos (6-3), 27-17

Saints (9-0) over Rams (1-8), 28-23

Titans (3-6) over Bills (3-6), 41-17

Vikings (8-1) over Lions (1-8), 27-10

Monday, November 9

Ravens (5-4) at Browns (1-8), 16-0

Byes: Giants (5-4), Texans (5-4)

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award -winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

What Conference is the Best?

In 2009, the question above is easily the toughest one answer. Obviously I don’t think the SEC is the strongest. Experts will make their case for the Big Ten and mention teams like Ohio St., Penn St., Iowa, Wisconsin, and even Michigan. The first four are all ranked in the BCS standings, which means the Big Ten has more ranked teams than the SEC. Does that mean that the conference is better top to bottom than the SEC, because if it is, and the SEC is supposed to be the best in the nation, does this then mean that the Big Ten is the best? I know that was a long question but that sums up the parity of college football in 2009.

Although it may be a difficult task to name the best conference in 2009, it is not so hard to realize that the Big Ten is not it. Iowa, Ohio St., Penn St., and Wisconsin are all in the top 25, but with 2 games to play (for most Big Ten schools) is anyone a big believer in any of them? Does anyone think that any of them could match up athletically against the top 3 teams of the other conference? Even the Big East with Cincinnati, South Florida, and West Virginia has more speed than any of the Overrated 4 of the Big Ten. It’s like the conference is the new place where time forgot. Every other conference has gone to a more spread and open game where the Big Ten still is stuck in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. They are still tough, grind it out teams, but they are only built for that conference. Once they step out and play a top notch opponent they usually get waxed. These teams know that too, that’s why the out of conference schedules are ridiculously easy.

Ohio St. almost lost to Navy, lost to USC at home, and beat up on Toledo and New Mexico St. New Mexico St.?! Even Temple would be more daring. The Buckeyes slate is bad but nothing compared to Penn St. The Nittany Lions played Akron (2-7), Syracuse (3-6), Temple (7-2, like I said more daring), and I-AA Eastern Illinois (7-2). The combined record is a respectable 19-17, but when your toughest out of conference game is Temple at home, are you worthy of a BCS bowl? All of those contests were also in Happy Valley. Iowa does have a quality win beating Arizona in Iowa City, but Northern Iowa, Iowa St., and Arkansas St. leaves much to be desired for the rest of the schedule. Add to that they beat I-AA Northern Iowa and Arkansas St., both at home, by a combined 4 points, and it should be off no shock to anyone that they finally lost this past weekend. Honestly, it’s about time. The last one of the four, Wisconsin, has home dates with Northern Illinois, Fresno St., and I-AA Wofford on the slate with a season ending road trip to Hawaii. How do any of these teams deserve a BCS bid over some non-BCS teams? The rest of the league is a bunch of mediocre teams beating each other up. The award for the best conference does not go to the Big Ten.

When Miami, Virginia Tech and Boston College joined the ACC it was supposed to make it a super conference. A conference in which the winner of the Florida St./ Miami game would be etched into the BCS title game. Unfortunately it hasn’t worked out that way for the ACC. Georgia Tech is the cream of the crop at the moment for the ACC with a 9-1 record and #7 overall ranking. Their only loss was to Miami, which combined with Virginia Tech, make up the only legitimate teams in the conference this season. Each team has played (or will play) solid out conference schedules. Although Tech’s first game was Jacksonville St., the other 3 were road games at SEC Mississippi St. and Vanderbilt, and their rival game with Georgia, another SEC team, to finish the regular season. Miami has 2 cupcakes (Florida A&M and Central Florida) sandwiched around 2 good match-ups (Oklahoma and at South Florida). Virginia Tech has the best slate with Alabama (9-0) to open the season in Atlanta, home games against Marshall (5-4) and Nebraska (6-3), and a road game at East Carolina (5-4). That’s a 25-11 combined record for the Hokies out of conference opponents.

All of this sounds great, until you look at the rest of the conference. Although being solid teams, North Carolina and Clemson just have been too up and down to think that either team is capable of winning big games. The rest of the ACC is really just a bunch of teams, like Boston College, Florida St., Wake Forest, N.C. St., Duke, Maryland, and Virginia, that have no business being in a bowl, especially with a 6-6 record. A .500 team in a paltry conference should be relegated to the New Orleans Bowl, or something comparable. The best win of any of the above teams was the Wolfpack’s win over Pitt. Florida St.’s drubbing of BYU in Provo is still mind boggling, but that’s about it. They also have lost to the likes of Middle Tennessee St. (Maryland, for the second season in a row), Navy (Wake Forest), I-AA Richmond (Duke), and Virginia has lost to I-AA William & Mary and Southern Miss. Apparently the little guys can play with the ACC. TCU has beaten both Clemson and Virginia on the road. The Horned Frogs would play for the ACC Championship at a minimum if they were a full member. So if the ACC isn’t the best, that means we only have 3 BCS conferences left to choose from.

Of all the BCS conferences the biggest disappointment has been the Big 12. Teams like Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri are not as good as we thought, and Kansas St., Colorado, Iowa St., Baylor, and Texas A&M have done nothing to pick up the slack. Oklahoma St. and Texas Tech have been solid but you can mark the Cowboys also as a disappointment. The Dez Bryant situation aside, OSU was thinking BCS title this year until a little team from C-USA, Houston, came into Stillwater and ruined their season. That same Houston Cougar team that also beat Texas Tech. Wow, you mean to tell me that a non-BCS team beat two of the top 3 teams from the Big 12? We’ve been told that can’t happen. Obviously Houston could have competed in the Big 12 in 2009, and most certainly is better than any team from the North Division. Texas, however, will not receive any argument from me that they are not an elite team. Of course even the Longhorns have only beaten one ranked team (Oklahoma St.), and an out of conference lineup of UL-Monroe, Wyoming, UTEP, and Central Florida is pretty pathetic. Those four teams have a combined record of 17-19, and none of them may even get to a bowl game. Just to remind you, Texas is ranked 3^rd. To give them credit only 2 of their wins have been by less than 24 points. A 34-24 win over Texas Tech, and a 16-13 win in the Red River Rivalry over Oklahoma. Texas may not have a brutal schedule, but they are beating up on their opponents. I would be shocked if the Longhorns stumbled the rest of the way. However, one team does not make the best conference, and therefore the Big 12 is also not the best.

If the Big 12 has been the biggest disappointment as a conference, then the Big East is easily the biggest surprise. With no real marketable, and tradition rich school, the Big East has long been considered as the weakest in the BCS, and possibly not deserving of an automatic bid. That is not the case in 2009. Cincinnati has been lights out all season and headlines what looks like 4 legitimate teams for the conference. The Bearcats are ranked 5^th in the current rankings and have played just as well as Florida, Alabama, and Texas. Even with their starting quarterback going down, the Bearcats have kept rolling. I wonder what would happen if Texas lost Colt McCoy or Florida lost Tim Tebow for a couple games. Would they keep rolling the same way as Cincinnati? With Alabama it doesn’t matter who the quarterback is, they can’t score at all, and if they lost RB Mark Ingram for an extended period of time Vanderbilt could shut them out. The Bearcats have beaten two ranked teams on the road (Oregon St. & South Florida), and have another good road win at 6-2 Rutgers. With West Virginia, a suddenly hot Illinois, and Pitt still on the schedule, it would be really hard to keep them out of the title game if they were to win out.

The conference is not done with Cincinnati. Pitt has been a surprise and has been dominant lately, posting an 8-1 record thus far and climbing to #12 in the latest rankings. The meat of the Panthers schedule looms with home games against Notre Dame and Cincinnati, and the Backyard Brawl will be in Morgantown this season. We’ll know soon whether they are elite or not. West Virginia and South Florida have been solid all year, but the Bulls have been better, not only beating the Mountaineers, but also with a solid win in Tallahassee against the Seminoles. South Florida’s game versus Miami in Tampa on Thanksgiving weekend will be interesting to watch. Are the Bulls just good for the Big East or can they knock off a much more legit team from the ACC, and their home state. How much would it help USF’s recruiting if they were to beat Florida St. and Miami in the same year? Some people may put Rutgers in the mix of top Big East teams, but the Scarlet Knights are going to have to start getting more aggressive in the out of conference for me to take them seriously. Playing 2 I-AA teams in Howard and Texas Southern, and having Florida International, Army, and Maryland fill out their schedule is a joke. Howard and Texas Southern aren’t even really good I-AA teams. Howard is 0-6 in the MEAC. Rutgers has no business playing them. Their out of conference opponents are a combined 13-31, so in my opinion Rutgers is a total fraud. The other 3 teams in the Big East (UConn, Louisville, and Syracuse) have a combined 1-12 conference record and have accumulated only 10 total wins between them. Although the Big East is better than most thought, it’s still not the best.

In 2009 the honor of best conference goes to the Pac-10. Now that’s really hard words to hear in the east and south, but it is true. Top to bottom the Pac-10 is on top for two reasons. First, they have the most quality teams of any conference in the country, and second, they actually schedule people out of conference. Oregon, USC, Arizona, and Oregon St. are all ranked, and Stanford should be. Cal is a very good 6^th place team and 7^th place Arizona St. would be a top tier team in a few conferences. The Pac-10 from top to bottom can compete and challenge anyone in the country sans Washington St. You will see this conference do very well come bowl season.

It is pretty obvious that I am very big on scheduling and challenging yourself to be considered a great, and a title worthy, team. Above all else this is why the Pac-10 is the best. If the Pac-10 scheduled like the SEC or Big Ten there would probably be 8 bowl teams. They like to challenge themselves however, so they may only get 6. I’m going to run down the out of conference slates for all teams, except Washington St., and you’ll clearly see the discrepancy between the aggressiveness of the Pac-10 and the timidness of the other conferences. Keep in mind that the Pac-10 is also the only conference that has 9 conference games so they only have 3 out of conference games. So they have 1 less game than most other schools, and 2 less than the Big East. Here are the schedules and whether they won or lost.

USC: San Jose St. (W)                                     

@ #11 Ohio St. (W)                                                        

@ Notre Dame (W)                                              

Oregon: @ #6 Boise St. (L)

          Purdue (W)

           #16 Utah (W)

Arizona: Central Michigan (W)                       

               Northern Arizona (W)                               

               @ #10 Iowa (L)

Cal: Maryland (W)

        E. Washington (W)

       @ Minnesota (W)

Oregon St.: Portland St. (W)                            

                   @ UNLV (W)                                                

                   #5 Cincinnati (L)                                             

Stanford: @ Wake Forest (L)

                   San Jose St. (W)

                   Notre Dame (11/28)

Washington: LSU (L)                                       

                     Idaho (W)

                     @ Notre Dame (L)                                                                                        

UCLA: San Diego St. (W)

                     @ Tennessee (L)

                     Kansas St. (W)

Arizona St.: Idaho St. (W)

                    UL-Monroe (W)

                    @ Georgia (L) 

I could go on and on and on with this, but I think it is clear the Pac-10 is the best conference in the country. They may not have won all of these games, but you have to give credit to some of these teams for putting these teams on their schedule instead of playing it safe to get to 6 or 7 wins, and a bowl game. These days in college football that type of scheduling is refreshing.

 

Kevin Hornung is the College Football Editor for Taking It to the House and a chief scout for Great Blue North Draft Report.  To talk college football with Kevin drop him an email at khornung9@verizon.net

The Many Problems with the BCS and Why the Little Guys Deserve a Chance

The calendar has turned to November and as college football begins its last full month there are a lot of questions still left to be answered and a lot of them deal with the BCS system, as usual. With the voters and pundits still talking the same old and tired talk about the SEC being so superior, and that there is no way that the TCU’s and Boise’s of the college football world just can’t compete with the big boys, here at last, is a more common sensical approach to the 2009 football season. Get ready for some ranting because I have a lot on my mind.

I’ll start out with the big, bad SEC. As of the November 9^th BCS standings Florida and Alabama are ranked numbers 1 & 2, but the real question is, does either team deserve it. Now I know it’s almost blasphemous to say that Florida, the defending national champs and ESPN darlings, do not deserve to be number 1, but why don’t we look a little closer at their season before everyone jumps down my throat. First of all, the SEC as a whole is not nearly as strong as it was even 2 or 3 years ago. Just take a look at the SEC East standings and it speaks volumes. Only one team besides Florida is even .500 in the league and that is an extremely mediocre Georgia team at 3-3 (5-4 overall). There is no way that Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt scare anyone in the country. The combined overall record of these 5 teams is a whopping 23-24, and none of them are ranked. The SEC is hands down the best conference in the nation?? Since Florida’s conference schedule has been easy you figure their out of conference must be really good since they are such a clear number 1 and defending champ, right? Well think again because the Gators have a joke of an out of conference schedule with Charleston Southern, Troy, Florida International, and Florida St. on the slate. These 4 teams have a combined 17-19 record, and that includes Troy’s 7-2 mark. Oh yeah, did I mention that all of these games were also at home? Man those Gators have really been challenged huh? The Gators are 9-0 and only one win was against a ranked team, a 13-3 win at LSU (I’ll get into LSU later). They must be blowing everyone out by 40 points then? With close wins against Tennessee, Mississippi St., and Arkansas, 3 losing teams, that is also not the case. Please someone tell me why Florida’s season has been so wonderful. Hey voters get that big name bias out of your heads when you vote. If you can’t, get people that will.

Does anyone notice that the Mountain West has the same amount of teams in the BCS as the SEC (3)? Anyone?? In fact, of the BCS conferences the SEC is tied with the ACC in 4^th place of ranked teams in the BCS. Since the SEC East is so bad the West Division must be better right? Well it is, but not worthy of worshipping. Alabama has clinched the division with a perfect record so far and LSU is 4-2 in SEC play, but once again that’s it. The only other team with a .500 record is Auburn at 3-3 and everyone else is just mediocre at best. Ole Miss, Mississippi St., and Arkansas have done nothing in 2009 to deserve to be in a bowl game except that they are a member of the SEC. So only 3 teams have winning conference records, only 3 teams are ranked, and there are a lot questions around each team. Does anyone think Alabama can score enough to win a championship? Does anyone really think that the Tide could even put up 20 on TCU? Alabama has one decent out of conference win against Virginia Tech. However with the Hokies not playing so well as of late, and just hanging on to a national ranking, that win isn’t all that great anymore. The only other win against a ranked team for the Tide was this past Saturday against LSU. So that means that the top 2 ranked teams in the BCS from the great SEC have beaten a combined 2 ranked teams, both of them beat LSU and Virginia Tech. Are you serious? I mean really, are we supposed to believe that Florida and Alabama are the best teams in the country when they haven’t beaten anybody?

Then we get to LSU. It’s bad enough that Florida and Alabama are ranked 1 & 2, but how in the wide world of sports is LSU ranked 8^th. The Tigers haven’t beaten anyone since Ohio St. in the 2008 BCS Championship game. Who is LSU’s best win this year? That’s a great question. You could go with a win at 5-4 Georgia, or a home win against 7-3 Auburn, or a road win at 3-6 Washington. I’ll let you pick one of those amazing victories. LSU is another SEC team that can’t score and that has a ridiculous out of conference slate. Home games against UL-Lafayette, Tulane, and Louisiana Tech, and a road tilt at Washington is completely ludicrous for a big time program. Those teams have a combined 14-22 record. Again, why is LSU eighth?

I’ll go one step further with my dissecting of the SEC. Let’s check out how many ranked teams all of the teams have beaten so far in 2009. I hope you are sitting down because as a conference the SEC has beaten 4 ranked teams. That’s right four. Alabama has beaten LSU and Virginia Tech, Florida beat LSU, and Auburn beat West Virginia at home. There is no question that the SEC is a middle of the road conference this season, and with all of the teams having weak non conference slates, why is it such a no brainer that the winner of the SEC makes the BCS Championship game. It is another example of the same tired pundits preaching the same teams year after year when clearly they deserve no more support for their efforts than a TCU, Boise, or even Houston.

Not only does college football need a playoff system, but we also have to get rid of the Chris Fowler’s, Craig James’, Kirk Herbstreit’s, and Lou Holtz’ of the world that do not pay enough attention to the complete bodies of work of all teams and just relies on the usual and closed minded mentality that teams like Florida deserve more just because they are in the SEC. It also shows how much we need to get rid of any preseason polls. A team can get ranked 3^rd in the preseason and lose a couple games but continue to be ranked higher than an undefeated team because these voters can’t admit it when they are wrong. It’s amazing that these “experts” think that non-BCS teams can’t compete with the tradition rich schools when Utah has more BCS wins than Notre Dame and any ACC team. Four times a non-BCS team has crashed the BCS and 3 times those teams have won, with Utah manhandling both Pitt in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl and Alabama in the ’09 Sugar, and Boise St.’s incredible victory over the Sooners in the Fiesta Bowl. Enough with the SEC, time to move on. There’s a lot more about the little guys later.

Kevin Hornung is the College Football Editor for Taking It to the House and a chief scout for Great Blue North Draft Report.  To talk college football with Kevin drop him an email at khornung9@verizon.net

Belichick’s Gamble May Haunt the Patriots

The Colts’ improbable 35-34 win over the Patriots was a great game.  But all everyone will be talking about Monday was Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s incorrect decision to go for it on 4th down deep in his own territory

Super Bowl XLIII ½ is over as the New England Patriots (6-3) and Indianapolis Colts (9-0) met for the 7^th time this decade in a game that will immediately be called an “Instant Classic”.  The game came down to the last seconds with the two teams combining for 69 points and 884 combined net yards.  But this game will be remembered most for one play that very well may have ended the dynasty of the team that has dominated this decade in the NFL.  New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick with the situation of a 4^th-and-2 at his own 28-yard line and the Patriots clinging to a 34-28 lead with 2:08 left on the clock, decided to go for it. 

That’s right from very deep in his own side of the field, coach “Arrogant” decided that his defense was not good enough to stop Colts QB Peyton Manning from scoring a touchdown from about 70 to 80 yards away after an “obvious” punt.  But Belichick being Belichick looked across the field and figured that Colts rookie head coach Jim Caldwell’s crew didn’t have the “brass” to stop his superstar quarterback Tom Brady from gaining the 2 yards that would seal the game.  Well Belichick… you now look like the 2009 reincarnation of former Cowboys head coach Barry Switzer after gambling and losing.  On the crucial play, Brady threw to RB Kevin Faulk and the Colts defense stopped him short from converting the first down.  Manning (28-44, 327 yards, 4 TDs, and 2 INTs) then quickly hit WR Reggie Wayne with a 1-yard touchdown strike with 13 seconds on the clock for the game winning score. 

The score ended up 35-34 as the Colts came back from a 17-point deficit for the most improbable of victories. Caldwell came across the field for a hearty congratulations and a warm handshake, but all he got was a quick slap on the hand from Belichick, “The Great”.  Belichick then ran off the field, but he will never be able to outrun making a foolish arrogant decision that showed that the New England Patriots are no longer the same team that has won 3 Super Titles this decade.

After the game, former Colts head coach and current NBC football analyst Tony Dungy said, “In that situation…You have to punt the football”.  I totally agree coach and I know in hindsight, Belichick does too.

 

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Ochocinco Gets Hit in his Pocket for “Bribe”

The NFL didn’t think Chad Ochocinco’s attempted “bribe” was funny at all as No. 85 was fined $20,000 by the league for his $1.00 antic

You can call it the “No Fun League” all you want.  But as soon as Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco playfully tried to bribe an NFL official with a $1.00 bill during a replay in the third quarter of his team’s win over the Baltimore Ravens last week, you knew No. 85 was going to get a call from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.  Though the official quickly put the kibosh on the situation, it didn’t take long for the NFL to fine the Bengals audacious receiver. 

On Friday, it was learned that the league had indeed handed down fine to Ochocinco to the tune of $20,000 for his mock bribe and for using the word “bribe” in his post-game comments.  Some may find Ocho Cinco’s antics funny or hilarious – personally I think he is a self-promoter who needs to watch Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald to see what a true “Future H.O.F” looks like.  But obviously the NFL wants no part of any assumption of bribery or game-fixing in their midst…even if it is another prank from the league’s court jester.

2009 NFL Season – Week 10 Power Rankings

Electrifying running back Chris Johnson and the Tennessee Titans are moving up this week’s Power Rankings after two straight wins

The 2009 NFL season has started toward its oh-too-fast ending with the midpoint of the season in everyone’s rearview mirrors.   With the final two byes of the season  (NY Giants and Houston Texans) passing this week, teams must now go into survival of the fittest mode.  There are 12 coveted playoff berths left team to be claimed in the final 8 weeks of the season and now is the time for teams to separate into “Contenders” and “Pretenders”. 

In looking at the current NFL standings here’s the breakdown: The “Elite” – Saints (8-0), Colts (8-0), Vikings (7-1), Broncos (6-2), Steelers (6-2), Bengals (6-2),  Cowboys (6-2), and Patriots (6-2); “Teams on the Cusp” — Chargers (5-3), Falcons (5-3), Eagles (5-3) and  Cardinals (5-3); “Stuck in the Middle” inconsistent teams, who are caught in the NFL’s parity-filled middle and either need to join the playoff hunt or fall back – Texans (5-4), Giants (5-4), Ravens (4-4), Jets (4-4), Bears (4-4), Jaguars (4-4), and Niners (3-5); The “Pretenders”, who are only a shade away from the league’s bottom rung – Dolphins (3-5), Panthers (3-5), Bills (3-5), and Seahawks (3-5); and lastly  the “Ugly” (i.e. These teams  maybe looking to make themselves over by  2010 NFL Draft) – Titans (2-6), Redskins (2-6), Raiders (2-6), Chiefs (1-7), Lions (1-7), Browns (1-7), Rams (1-7), and Buccaneers (1-7)

Now on to the rankings for this week.

1.  Colts (8-0) – In a crucial AFC South battle, the Houston Texans gave the injury-depleted Colts all they could handle.  But in the end QB Peyton Manning, TE Dallas Clark, and DE Dwight Freeney rode to head coach Jim Caldwell’s rescue as the Colts remained perfect at the midway point.  Next up is a battle of the two dominant AFC teams of the ‘OOs as the hungry Patriots come to town.

2.  Saints (8-0) – “Who Dat, Who Dat is gonna beat them Saints”… another week and QB Drew Brees shines again in another win.  This time division rival, the Carolina Panthers, jumped out to an early lead only to have the Saints roll over them by a big score.  A “business” road trip awaits the undefeated Saints as they travel to St. Louis to face a dangerous 1-win Rams squad.

3.  Vikings (7-1) – The NFC North’s #1 team used their bye week to recharge their batteries in anticipation of a possible playoff run in the months of November and December.  You know QB Brett Favre’s 40-year old body is refreshed and ready to host the reeling Detroit Lions, who should even bother coming to the Metrodome.

4. Steelers (6-2) – Mike Tomlin’s team showed that they are really back as they won their 5^th straight game with a dominating effort over the host Denver Broncos on MNF.  On a very entertaining undercard of the marquee Patriots-Colts matchup, the Steelers will host division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals, in a battle for the top of the AFC North.

5.  Patriots (6-2) – The Patriots bottled up the Miami Dolphins and the ‘Wildcat”  as they further increased their lead in the AFC East.  Next up is Super Bowl XLIII ½ as the Patriots play the Colts for the 7^th straight year.

6.  Bengals (6-2) — Marvin Lewis’ team proved that they are legit as they thumped the inconsistent Baltimore Ravens.  The road to respectability gets even harder for the Bengals as they have to travel to Pittsburgh to face the red-hot World Champion Steelers.

7.  Broncos (6-2) –  Denver lost for the second straight week as the Steelers dominated them on Monday Night Football.  Looking to get back on track, the Broncos will go to DC to face the dysfuncti0nal and reeling Washington Redskins.

8. Cowboys (6-2) – The ‘Boys were ready for the  bright lights of NBC Sunday Night Football as they used big plays to beat the host Eagles in a huge NFC East battle.  The Cowboys return to the site of the “Ice Bowl” as they travel to Green Bay to face their long time rival on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field.

9.  Cardinals (5-3) – Good Kurt Warner showed up as the Cardinals dominated the Chicago Bears to build a surprising 4-0 road record.  The dangerous Seattle Seahawks are up next in a game that could go a long way in determining the NFC West champion.

10.  Falcons (5-3) – Mike Smith’s team was fighting mad as they pushed  the dysfunctional Washington Redskins and lame-duck head coach Jim Zorn further into the abyss.  In a battle to see who is second to the undefeated Saints, the Falcons travel to Carolina to face an inconsistent Panthers’ squad.

11.  Chargers (5-3) – The Bolts look to be back as they won for 3^rd straight time with Philip Rivers leading a comeback win over the  Giants in “The Battle for Eli”.  In a game that could go a long way in establishing or curbing either team’s playoff hopes, the Philadelphia Eagles travel to the West Coast to face the surging Chargers.

12.  Eagles (5-3) – In a disappointing home loss, the Birds lost their lead in the  NFC East as the hated Dallas Cowboys came up big on NBC Sunday Night Football.   The Eagles hope their second West Coast trip is better than their last one (lost to the Raiders) as they face the surging Chargers and QB Philip Rivers.

13.  Texans (5-4) – Close but no win as the Texans looked like their old 8-8 selves in a crucial AFC South division loss to the undefeated Indianapolis Colts.  I know head coach Gary Kubiak and GM Rick Smith will be encouraging their team get focused during their bye  for a strong  second half run.

14. Giants (5-4) – It was their 4^th straight loss as the Chargers  came  east and pulled out a last-second win.  It will be up to fiery head coach Tom Coughlin to pull his team out of their funk over the Giants’ bye week.

15.  Ravens (4-4) – John Harbaugh’s team continued their inconsistent ways as their bark was worse than their bite in their second loss to the Bengals this season.  I think the Ravens should get back on track this week as they return to Cleveland for the annual, “Art Modell Game”.

16. Packers (4-4) –  In an old-time NFC Central match-up, the creamsicle unformed Buccaneers dominated the reeling Packers in a totally surprising win.  It will be time to step-up or step aside for the Packers as they host the surging NFC East leading Dallas Cowboys.

17.  Bears (4-4) – The  road warrior Arizona Cardinals traveled to the Windy City and fueled by rejuvenated QB Kurt Warner, they dominated the inconsistent Bears.  In an NFL Thursday Night special, Mike Singletary’s Niners will play host to his former beloved franchise.

18.  Jaguars (4-4) – The “good” Jags were back as they held off the scrappy Kansas City Chiefs to climb back to a .500 record for the season.  The Jags will try to win two games in a row for only the second time this season as they travel North to face an equally inconsistent Jets squad.

19.  Jets (4-4) – Hopefully the bye week allowed Jets head coach Rex Ryan, QB Mark Sanchez  and their special teams to find a modicum of consistency.  Next up the J-E-T-S host the Jacksonville Jaguars in a battle of two of the AFC’s best rushers (Jags’ Maurice Jones-Drew and Jets’ Thomas Jones).

20.  Panthers (3-5) – Carolina showed that 2008 was their year, but 2009 is the year of the  New Orleans Saints in the NFC South.  If beleaguered head coach John Fox is smart, he will look to ride workhorse RB DeAngelo Williams as Atlanta comes to Bank of America Stadium for a crucial NFC South match-up.

21.  Dolphins (3-5) – “The Return of the Wildcat” to New England proved more sizzle than substance as the Patriots fueled by a Randy Moss stiff-arm shook-off the Dolphins.  The Battle of South Florida is up next as the Dolphins host the on-a-roll Tampa Bay Bucs.

23. Titans (2-6) – See Titans owner Bud Adams was right again as QB Vince Young and electrifying RB Chris Johnson led the Titans to their second straight win, this time on the road over the Niners.  Next up is a road trip to Buffalo and V.Y, Johnson, and the Titans newly resurgent defense are looking to gobble up the Bills like a plateful of hot wings.

22.  49ers (3-5) – The Niners fought  hard but the Titans led by RB Chris Johnson and QB Vince Young ran all over them.  In a Thursday Night Special, the Niners will try to save their season as they face an inconsistent Chicago Bears.

24.  Seahawks (3-5) – Beat the Detroit Lions  in Week 9’s “Toilet Bowl” as Lions QB Matthew Stafford threw 5 picks.  In a game that could save their season, the Hawks will travel to the desert to face the surging Cardinals.

25.  Bills (3-5) – Maybe the bye week will help subpar QB Trent Edwards and  T.O find the connection that has been missing all season from the Bills’ offense.  In a must-win situation, the Bills coming will host the rising Titans and their explosive running game.

26.  Redskins (2-6) – “Hotlanta” was too hot for the wilting Redskins as the only fight they really showed was on the sidelines in another loss.  Next up is a home game against the suddenly struggling Denver Broncos, but the Skins maybe searching as several key players will probably miss the game with injuries.

27.  Raiders (2-6) – Al Davis’ scurvy crew had too many problems to be cured during one bye week, at least emerging receiver Chaz Schilens should be ready to play in Week 10.  The Raiders will look to defeat the struggling Chiefs for the second time this season in an AFL old-time battle in Oakland.

28.  Chiefs (1-7) –  After jettisoning malcontent RB Larry Johnson, the Chiefs showed some fight against the  Jacksonville Jaguars, but came-up short.  Next up is a battle against the Oakland Raiders in Week 10’s “Toilet Bowl”.

29.  Rams (1-7) – The Rams probably really enjoyed their bye week after their first long-awaited win in Week 8.  Back to Life, Back to Reality for the 1-win Rams as the explosive and undefeated New Orleans Saints come to the Edward Jones Dome.

30.  Buccaneers (1-7) – Youngster quarterback Josh Freeman made all the right decisions as the creamsicle clad  Bucs dominated the Green Bay Packers for their first win of the season.  Next up Freeman and the Bucs will travel to South Florida for a battle with the inconsistent Miami Dolphins.

31.  Lions (1-7) – Rookie QB Matthew Stafford looked like a rookie in a bad loss to the Seattle Seahawks.  It could get real ugly, real fast as the rested Minnesota Vikings will host their lowly NFC North rival.

32.  Browns (1-7) – After a bye week of contemplation, the Browns will look to just score a few touchdowns in the second half of the 2009 season.  Next up the angry Baltimore Ravens come to town and could be curtains for returning starting quarterback Brady Quinn.

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)