Moss’ big play saves the day for the Patriots

Patriots WR Randy Moss showed that he has plenty of fight left in him as his stiff-arm touchdown against the Dolphins was a huge play

Think back to Week 5 of the 2009 NFL Season.  The New England Patriots appeared to be on the ropes with murmuring of their dynasty possibly ending after a tough 20-17 road loss to former Belichick apprentice Josh McDaniels’ Denver Broncos.  The loss was gut-wrenching for an organization that has spent the better part of this decade dominating while winning three Super Bowls and producing the NFL’s only 16-0 regular season.

Two players seemed to take the brunt of public criticism worse than others for the Patriots much-publicized Broncos’ loss and 3-2 record at the time, quarterback Tom Brady and receiver Randy Moss.  Brady was said to be bothered by his slow recovery from a devastating 2008 knee injury and some outright questioned if Moss was finished as an elite NFL receiver.  In the Week 5 loss to Denver, Moss was shadowed throughout the game by former Pro Bowl corner Champ Bailey and was limited to 1 catch for 36 yards and no touchdowns. 

Some analysts were even saying that the best way to control Moss was to be physical with him at the line of scrimmage and that he no longer had the ability to beat a jam.  Moss’ numbers up until that point were inconsistent showing 30 catches for 367 yards and only 1 touchdown.   It was the one touchdown that caused many to say Moss had lost a step.  However the 12-year veteran and Patriots have taken off since the loss to the Broncos.  The Pats have rattled off three straight wins over the Titans, Buccaneers, and Dolphins to take back the lead in the AFC East division.

While Moss has significantly turned up the heat in his game over the Patriots’ 3-game winning streak.  Of course some have said his best efforts were against the lowly Titans (8 receptions for 129 yards, 16.1 ypc, and 3 TDs) and Bucs (5 receptions for 69 yards, 13.8 ypc, and 0 TDs) were no huge feat considering that both teams were winless at the time of the Patriots’ wins over them.  But the 32-old receiver showed this past week against the defensive Miami Dolphins that his game is far from being finished.

In a game that was tight throughout, Moss (six receptions for 147 yards, 24.5 ypc, and 1 TD) had two big plays for the Patriots. He hauled in a 36-yard reception to set up RB Laurence Maroney’s 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and also later in the 3^rd quarter, he turned in the play of the game.

 After Dolphins Wildcat Ronnie Brown threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Joey Haynos to give the Dolphins a 17-16 lead, it was Moss who rose to the occasion. 

The Patriots defense and crowd were looking a little deflated when the Patriots offense took the field deep in their own territory.   After two plays, the Patriots faced third and 1 from their 29-yard line.  Perfectly as Moss sprinted across the field on a crossing pattern, Brady hit his favorite target in stride.  Dolphins rookie a cornerback Vontae Davis -– admitted that he had grown-up watching Moss with the Vikings — was not far behind and attempted to take on Moss high, but it was the veteran that had a lesson for the youngster. 

Moss using a “Walter Payton-esque” right stiff-arm sent the young rookie flailing to the turf and sprinted all the way to the endzone for an electrifying 71-yard touchdown catch and run.  Brady after the game said of the play and Moss’ effort, “It’s always nice for a quarterback when you see the back of No. 81 sprinting down the field once he gets by them, there’s not too many guys that can catch him.’’

The huge play lifted the Patriots (6-2) to an eventual win and served notice that they are ready for their big Week 10 showdown in Indy against the undefeated Colts.  By all accounts Moss also looks like he maybe on his way to another Pro Bowl with quality numbers 49 catches, 712 yards, 14.5 ypc, and 5 TDs.  Of Moss’ huge play on Sunday, Patriots O-lineman Logan Mankins said, “That has to be pretty deflating…That’s like getting stabbed in the heart’’.

Davis, who had an interception earlier in the game said of the future Hall of Famer, “That’s Randy Moss. He’s going to make his plays and I just tried to limit him the best I can.’’  Even though Moss has shown that he is a long way from being done, his career numbers (892 receptions for 13,913 yards, 15.6 ypc, and 140 TDs) are unbelievable.  We will see if Moss can continue his ride toward Canton, but right now he is playing at a “Jerry Rice” type level and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

 

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 9 Preview

All eyes will be on Lincoln Financial Field in Philly in Week 9 as QB Tony Romo lead the Dallas Cowboys against the Philadelphia Eagles on NBC Sunday Night Football

The second half of the 2009 NFL Season is here and now the “real” fun begins as teams confirm their status as a “Contender” or “Pretender”.  Many people around the NFL, including yours truly, are excited about the second half of the season kicking off as almost all bye weeks are over (Week 9 — Buffalo, Cleveland, Oakland, St. Louis, Minnesota, NY Jets and Week 10 — NY Giants, Houston).  And the games each week have a heightened level of significance in terms of teams jockeying for division titles and the league’s coveted 12 playoff berths.  Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said of starting the second half of the 2009 season, “It’s a new season, we have a nine-game schedule and we open with Baltimore.”

The NFL as usual is parity-laden this time of the year as there are 15 teams above .500 and 12 teams below the .500 mark.  But there is still a lot of sorting out left to do with the group of 12 teams currently residing in the league’s “Any Given Sunday” middle with records ranging from 5-3 to 3-4 (Texans (5-3), Giants (5-3), Jets (4-4), Ravens (4-3), Chargers (4-3), Falcons (4-3), Bears (4-3), Cardinals (4-3), Niners (3-4), Dolphins (3-4),  Panthers (3-4), and Jaguars (3-4).  In the coming weeks, the Stuck in the Middle” teams will either join the playoff hunt or fall back which always is the fun part of the third quarter of the NFL season.  But nothing in the NFL is predictable and there is a lot most football to be played.  Since 1990, when the current 12-team playoff format was adopted, 47 teams (20.6 percent of the 228 playoff clubs) have advanced to the postseason after starting the season with a .500 or worse record after eight games. 

Even the NFL’s two undefeated teams, the New Orleans Saints (7-0) and Indianapolis Colts (7-0), know that nothing is guaranteed in today’s NFL and that they better put away any thoughts of catching the 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins and concentrate on their opponents for this week – both have tough divisional battles Saints-Panthers and Colts-Texans.  The Colts are 7-0 for the fourth time in the past five seasons, but they begin a stretch that will see them play teams that are a combined 19-11 (.633) over the next four games.  Colts receiver Reggie Wayne said of his team’s record and where they currently stand, “We know that 7-0 guarantees us nothing, we’ve gotten farther than this in the past and came out with nothing.  We just want to stay dialed in and continue to win games.”

The factor that everyone hopes will lead to being in the playoff hunt come late December is “adjustments”.  The NFL is a copycat league where teams can catch-up quickly and adjustments are the only way to stay ahead of the pack and combat falling behind.  With only eight more weeks of action after this week, it is time for the “good” coaches to make the adjustments necessary to get their teams back on track or keeping them at the top.  Remember early season results are important (don’t want to get too far behind), but good coaches realize that they want their team peaking in the championship months of November and December. 

The halfway point of the season also seems like a good time to start talking about the NFL’s 8 divisional races.  Entering Week 9, seven teams that did not win their division in 2008 either were at the top or tied for first place in their division.  If this pattern holds true, the 2009 season will break the NFL record for new division winners since realignment in 2002 (Six new division winners in 2003 and 2008).

Here’s the current division breakdown:

NFC East — 2008 Champion was the NY Giants and this season the Eagles and Cowboys have a ½ game lead over the Giants.

NFC West– 2008 Champion was the Arizona Cardinals and this season the Cardinals have a 1-game lead over the Giants.

NFC South– 2008 Champion was the Carolina Panthers and this season the New Orleans Saints have a 3-game lead over the Falcons.

NFC North– 2008 Champion was the Minnesota Vikings and this season the Vikings have a 2 ½ game lead over the Packers and Bears

AFC East– 2008 Champion was the Miami Dolphins and this season the New England Patriots have a 1 ½ game lead over the New Jets.

AFC West– 2008 Champion was the San Diego Chargers and this season the Denver Broncos have a 2-game lead over the Chargers.

AFC South– 2008 Champion was the Tennessee Titans and this season the Indianapolis Colts have a 1 ½ game lead over the Houston Texans.

AFC North– 2008 Champion was the Pittsburgh Steelers and this season the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers have a 1-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens.

Some of the more compelling storylines that we will be following in the NFL’s second half include:

• Can either the New Orleans Saints or Indianapolis Colts go undefeated for the entire 2009 season
• Can the Vikings and veteran quarterback Brett Favre  continue their magic carpet ride into the playoffs
• Are the Patriots and Steelers truly back after producing winning streaks going into their recent bye weeks?
• Could it be possible that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will not win a game in 2009 and match the 2008 Detroit Lions (0-16)
• Which coach currently on the hot seat (Browns Eric Mangini, Redskins Jim Zorn, Raiders Tom Cable, Bills Dick Jauron, Panthers John Fox and others) will be the first one issued their pink slip

After so many weeks containing five or more blowouts, let’s hope that Week 9’s many great match-ups live up to their hype.

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals – The Ravens (4-3) will visit the Bengals (4-3) in a matchup between two fighting to be near the top of the AFC North.  The Ravens are looking for revenge from a Week 5 home loss to the Bengals so don’t expect many pleasantries.  To make matters worse, Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco sent the Ravens secondary and linebackers some gift baskets of deodorant sticks in anticipation of this week’s game (i.e. No. 85 is saying the Ravens’ D stinks).  Ochocinco better be careful as the Ravens showed last week against the Broncos (30-7 victory) that they mean business after a much-needed bye. 

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – In what looks like a primo AFC South battle, the Texans –- have won three games in a row — will look to get to a 6-3 record for the first time their franchise’s history and get some respect around the NFL.  Quite frankly, this game could make or break the Texans’ season as they try to make the jump from a perennial 8-8 squad to being a playoff contender.  However the task of beating the Colts is daunting one as Indianapolis has now won 16 consecutive regular season games and can tie the 1933-34 Chicago Bears for the third-longest streak in NFL history with a win this Sunday.  Of this Sunday’s matchup Colts QB Peyton Manning said, “We’re heading into the teeth of our schedule”.  Manning will also be shooting for two decade milestones and NFL firsts in the game — 19 passing yards from 40,000 passing yards and 4 TDs from 300 touchdown passes.  Also watch for Colts DE Dwight Freeney who has recorded a sack in 7 consecutive games this season — needs one sack on to tie teammate Robert Mathis’ start of season record (8) from 2005.

San Diego Chargers at New York Giants – Remember the 2004 NFL Draft…well I know the Chargers and Giants do.  In April of 2004, the Giants and Chargers swapped quarterbacks Eli Manning (foot) and Philip Rivers in a trade that will forever link the two young passers.  Rivers and the Chargers are looking to continue their recent found winning ways.  While Manning’s team is trying to end an ugly 3-game losing streak that has saw them slip from 5-0 start to second place in the NFL East.  I am sure the Chargers will attack a beleaguered Giants’ secondary that allowed four plays over 40 yards or more last week against the Eagles. The will need to get pressure from their D-line (when DE Justin Tuck records a sack, the Giants are 15-3) and hope for the healthy return of DL Chris Canty, CB Aaron Ross and LB Michael Boley or could be a long day.  The G-Men will need to keep an eye on Chargers TE Antonio Gates who has an NFL leading 53 TDs since 2002.  The Giants have won five straight vs. the AFC — including Super Bowl XLII – but this is a tough assignment.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos – In the AFC’s marquee match-up of the week, the defending champion Steelers, coming off a bye, will look to extend their winning streak to five consecutive games against the upstart Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.  The entire country will be watching as these two division leaders clash at INVESCO Field.  One thing is for certain, expect some serious defense in this game as the Broncos are rated No.1 in the NFL in terms of yardage allowed (266.7) and have allowed an average of just 13.7 points per game.  The Steelers are not far behind with an average of 291 yards allowed and only 23.8 points per game.  Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said of his unit, “I think we have the potential to be a very, very good defense.”  The Broncos will try to protect quarterback Kyle Orton by running their backs Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter.  While the Steelers may allow QB Ben Roethlisberger to go no-huddle which gave the Broncos fits in their first loss of the season last week in Baltimore.  Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said of the match-up after losing first time last week, “You can find out just as much about your team through the adversity of a loss as you can through six wins, now we’ve got to get ready to play against a really good team in Pittsburgh.”

Lloyd’s Leftovers for Week 9

Riggo has a mouthful for the Redskins front office — John Riggins, a hall of fame and former Super Bowl MVP for Washington Redskins, took his battle with Redskins owner Daniel Snyder to the big stage.  Appearing on Showtime’s “Inside the NFL”, the talkative former NFL workhorse back let Snyder have it with both guns blazing.  Getting quite personal, Riggins said of the Redskins management, “I’ve been asked this question a lot, when they say do you have an ax to grind…Maybe that’s the case. But truthfully I do have an ax to grind and I just realized I have been a little bit disingenuous. But this is a bad guy that owns this team. I’ll just tell you that upfront. Bad Guy! And if the commissioner is worried about potential new owners and saying some of these guys shouldn’t apply, he might want to police his own inside guys.”  Somehow I don’t see this little tiff going away anytime soon.

Titans’ running back pulls out his crystal ball – Titans RB Chris Johnson feeling real good about his team’s first victory last week over the Jacksonville Jaguars predicted that the Titans (1-6) could run the table to end the season.  Johnson said, “We really believe like we can, like we started off 10-0 last year”.  Fresh off a franchise record 228-yard game against the Jags, Johnson added “Before we played Jacksonville, we sat down and was like we really feel like we can go 10-0 in these last 10 games”.  I will let you decide about Tennessee’s chances and here is the rest of the Titans’ schedule: at 49ers, vs. Bills, at Texans, vs. Cardinals, at Colts, vs. Rams, vs. Dolphins, vs. Chargers, at Seahawks.

The Wildcat returns to it’s NFL birthplace – I know the Patriots haven’t forgotten, but it was in Week 3 of the 2008 season that the Dolphins unleashed the much-talked about ‘Wildcat’ formation on the NFL.  Heady Dolphins offensive coordinator Dan Henning and his quarterbacks coach David Lee surprised the Patriots and the entire NFL by running a form of single-wing in a 38-13 road upset in Foxborough.  The ‘Phins churned out 216 rushing yards and RB Ronnie Brown (17 rushes for 117 yards and 4 TD’s) was spectacular to say the least as a part-time quarterback.  The former Auburn star set a Dolphins franchise record by running for four touchdowns and even threw a perfect left-handed 19-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Fassano.  The win stopped the Patriots’ 21-game regular season consecutive win streak and the NFL has never been the same with almost every team in league looking to run a version of the “Wildcat”.  In Week 9, look for the Patriots to load the box with their safeties (Brandon Merriweather and Brandon McGowan) in an attempt to stop the Dolphins vaunted running game (153.4 yards per game) and of course the Wildcat formation.

Sustained Success — The 2008 Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers have 99 wins since the start of the 2000 season.  With a victory in Denver on Monday night, the Steelers can become the third team this decade with 100 regular-season wins, joining the Indianapolis Colts (108) and New England Patriots (107).  The Philadelphia Eagles are not far behind from the 100-win mark for this decade as they have 97 wins.  The Colts and Patriots also are within striking distance of the all-time win mark for a decade held by the San Francisco 49ers of the 1990s (113).

Colts hit hard by the injury bug — If the Indianapolis Colts are going to improve upon their current 16-game winning streak and undefeated start (7-0), they will need to find some gems on their depth chart.  This season injuries have ravaged the Colts and this week was no different as CB Kelvin Hayden (knee – 4 weeks), CB Marlin Jackson (ACL – season), and safety Bob Sanders (elbow – season) were lost for significant amounts of time.  Some bigger names listed as either “Out” or “Questionable” are Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin (ankle), Falcons WR Roddy White (knee), Chargers C Nick Hardwick (ankle), Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee), Donald Driver (stinger), Eagles LB Chris Gocong (quad, hamstring), Patriots RB Sammy Morris (knee), Bears WR Devin Hester (ankle), Ravens DT Haloti Ngata (ankle), Panthers WR Muhsin Muhammed (knee), Eagles WR Kevin Curtis (knee), Bucs WR Antonio Bryant (knee), Colts K Adam Vinatieri (right knee), Patriots DE Jarvis Green (knee), Dolphins LB Channing Crowder (shoulder) and Redskins P Hunter Smith (right groin).

Big Plays are prevalent in the NFL this season — There have been 81 touchdowns of at least 50 yards scored this season.  That is the most through the first eight weeks of a season since 1970.  The previous high was 80 touchdowns of 50+ yards scored in 1998.

Veteran is a good luck charm — New England has won 24 consecutive regular season games with recently re-signed veteran LB Junior Seau on their roster.

NFL Week 9 – Featured Game

Dallas Cowboys (5-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-2), 8:00 PM ET (NBC)

 Broadcast Team: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, and Andrea Kremer (Field reporter)

NBC’s Sunday Night Football will be alive as one of the biggest rivalries in the NFL will be showcased this week.  To die-hard Eagles fans there are only really two games a year that really matter and both of them are against the hated Dallas Cowboys. To make things even more interesting, this year’s first battle between these two bitter rivals is for first place in the NFC East. NBC football analyst Tony Dungy said of the match-up, “Philadelphia and Dallas are playing great in all three phases it’s setting up a big showdown game – with first place in the NFC East on the line – on Sunday night.”  Both the Cowboys enter the game riding win streaks — Cowboys have won three consecutive games and the Eagles have a two game winning streak themselves.   The last time these two teams met in Week 17 of the 2008 season, the Eagles trounced the Cowboys 44-6 at Lincoln Financial Field to knock Dallas from the playoff race.

Expect there to be plenty of offensive fireworks as both teams have several big play threats – Cowboys ranked 2nd in NFL with an average of 411.1 yards per game and the Eagles are not far behind averaging 344.4 yards.  The Cowboys have been led by quarterback Tony Romo (won 12 consecutive November starts) and emerging receiver Miles Austin (26 catches for 563 yards, 21.7 ypc average and 6 TDs) have scored 101 points (33.7 per game) throughout the 2009 season, but especially during their recent 3-game winning streak.  Romo surely will be looking to hit his favorite target TE Jason Witten (37 receptions for 348 yards, and 1 TD) over the middle as tight ends from the Bucs’ Kellen Winslow to the Raiders’ Zach Miller have torched the Eagles in coverage.  It will be up new Eagles MLB Will Witherspoon and FS Sean Jones to keep Witten in check or it maybe a long day for Sean McDermott’s defense.  Also watch for the Cowboys to run the football with their three-headed backfield (Tashard Choice, Felix Jones, and Marion Barber) to slowdown the Eagles blitz-happy defense (23 sacks).  Conversely the Eagles have gone from a methodical team that moved the chain with short secure passes to a unit that is a quick strike big play team –four touchdowns of 40 yards or more in Week 8 win over the Giants. 

Last week, the Eagles scored 40 points in a 23-point victory over the New York Giants, which was the team’s largest margin of victory over the Giants since 1996.  In Philadelphia’s five wins this season, the team has averaged 34.4 points per game.  The Eagles offense will look for returning RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) to help quarterback Donovan McNabb (80-133, 1008 yards, 9 TDs, 1 INT, and a 103.2 rating) and emerging young players RB LeSean McCoy, WR Jeremy Maclin and TE Brent Celek.  However any offensive talk for the Eagles will start and end with number one threat WR/PR DeSean Jackson (will be shadowed by Cowboys former Pro Bowl corner Terrence Newman).  The former 2nd rounder from Cal has scored six touchdowns of at least 50 yards this year, becoming just the second player in NFL history – Pro Football Hall of Famer Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch (1951) – to score six 50-yard touchdowns in the first seven games of a season. Jackson said of his feat, “I’ve just been put in some great positions to score long touchdowns”.  The charismatic and borderline cocky playmaker added, “Whatever we need to do to make it work, that’s what we’re going to do.  I want to keep winning, keep making plays and hopefully make it to the Super Bowl.”

On defense, the Eagles are ranked 10th against the pass and 12th against the run, but they are always looking for the turnover.  The Eagles are third in the NFL with 14 INTs plus they currently sport a +12 turnover ratio (2nd in the NFL).   Pressure from the Eagles’ D-line led by former Pro Bowl pass rusher Trent Cole (6.5 sacks) has led to Pro Bowl corner Asante Samuel (5 INTs) making big plays.  The Cowboys defense also is predicated on pressure (LB DeMarcus Ware – 5 sacks in ’09) which has helped them stop the run (ranked 13th in the NFL), but also has left Dallas susceptible to big plays in their secondary.  Other than Newman, the other members in Dallas’ secondary have had a lot of problems in coverage, especially safeties Gerald Sensabaugh and Ken Hamlin. 

As always injuries will be a big part of this game as the Cowboys’ injury list includes: CB Allen Rossum (hamstring – out), RB Marion Barber (thumb), DT Jay Ratliff (knee), S Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb), and LB DeMarcus Ware (foot).  Conversely the Eagles will be missing WR Kevin Curtis (knee) and most likely LB Chris Gocong (quadricep, hamstring) with other players on their injury list like DE Victor Abiamiri (knee), DT Brodrick Bunkley (knee), DE Chris Clemons (shoulder, elbow), G Nick Cole (knee), S Macho Harris (ankle), DE Darren Howard (ankle), and CB Dimitri Patterson (quadricep, hand).

LV’s Pick: – Watch for special teams in this game as Cowboys returnman Patrick Crayton  has been playing very well of late — had an 82-yard punt return touchdown last week to become the 2nd Cowboy with punt return for a touchdown in consecutive games (“Bullet” Bob Hayes in 1968).  And Eagles kicker David Akers’ leg is looking stronger than ever (61 points – 3rd in NFC and 13-16 FGs).  In picking this game there are some trends to keep in mind. Since 2004, each team has won four games in this series.  But lately the Eagles have been on top, winning four of the past six meetings and 14 of the last 20 games in this series. Even though the Cowboys ead the overall series, (55-44 including the playoffs), expect the Eagles and McNabb (won 11 of last 16 starts against Dallas) to rise to the occasion of playing on National TV – Eagles 31, Cowboys 28

NFL Week 9  

SUN, November 8 

Washington at Atlanta 1:00 PM (FOX)

Arizona at Chicago 1:00 PM (FOX)  

Baltimore at Cincinnati 1:00 PM (CBS)  

Houston at Indianapolis 1:00 PM (CBS)  

Miami at New England 1:00 PM (CBS)  

Green Bay at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM (FOX)  

Kansas City at Jacksonville 1:00 PM (CBS)

Detroit at Seattle 4:05 PM (FOX) 

Carolina at New Orleans 4:05 PM (FOX) 

San Diego at NY Giants 4:15 PM (CBS)  

Tennessee at San Francisco 4:15 PM (CBS)  

Dallas at Philadelphia 8:20 PM (NBC)

MON, November 9 

Pittsburgh at Denver 8:30 PM (ESPN)

Bye: Buffalo, Cleveland, Oakland, St. Louis, Minnesota, NY Jets 

 

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 – First Half NFL Awards

Buffalo Bills rookie safety Jairus Byrd (#31) has been selected the Defensive Rookie of the First Half for the 2009 NFL Season

I always like to hand out the hardware after each quarter of the NFL season. However the players and teams receiving their just due better not forget that there are 8 more games to be played this season. 

Head Coach of the first half:  Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell – Became the first rookie head coach since  Potsy Clark in 1931  (Portsmouth Spartans started 8-0)  to start the season 7-0.  Caldwell has done a great job keeping a veteran group of players on track despite numerous injuries.  In speaking of his team’s 7-0 start and tying Clark’s record Caldwell said, “They’re not handing out anything for whatever record that is, we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us.”  You gotta love that type of attitude.  Honorable Mention: Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress, Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, and New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton

Offensive Player of the first half:  Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning – Robo-quarterback (187-263, 2227 yards – 2nd in NFL, 15 TDs, 4 INTs and a 109.3 rating) has his team poised for their Week 10 marquee match-up with the New England Patriots.  The Colts have a record of 7-0 and have won a franchise record 16 straight games going back to 2008.  The three-time MVP (may soon be four) has thrown for over 300 yards in all but one of the Colts’ seven wins and has made household names of obscure receivers Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie. With 19 passing yards in Week 9 against the Houston Texans, Manning will become the first player in NFL history with 40,000 passing yards in one decade Honorable Mention: Saints QB Drew Brees, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew. 

Defensive Player of the first half:  New Orleans Saints Safety Darren Sharper – What an incredible season for this recently turned 34-year old former free agent pick-up from the Vikings.  The Saints are undefeated (7-0) and it has been their defense that has led the way – first in the NFL with 6 turnovers returned for touchdowns.  Sharper looks like he is sure to be selected to his fifth Pro Bowl as he currently boasts stats of 26 TKLS, 0.5 sacks, 7 INTs (3 for TDs), and 10 passes defensed.  Honorable Mention: Vikings DE Jared Allen, Eagles CB Asante Samuels, and Colts DE Dwight Freeney

Breakout Player of the first half:  Cowboys WR Miles Austin — One of the 2009 NFL season’s best stories, Austin coming from tiny Monmouth (NJ) College has risen from a special teamer to finally getting his shot this season.  In a Week 6 win over the Chiefs, Austin produced 10 catches for a franchise record 250 yards and 2 TDs (both 50-yard plus bombs) while saving the Cowboys’ hides with a 60-yard tackle-breaking game-winning TD reception in overtime.  Austin then proved the Chiefs’ game was no fluke in a Week 7 win over the Atlanta Falcons (team-best six catches for 171 yards and 2 TDs).  Out of nowhere Austin and his eye-popping numbers (26 catches for 563 yards, 21.7 ypc average and 6 TDs) have moved former starter Patrick Crayton to the bench.  And almost everyone watching the Cowboys would agree that Austin and not disgruntled WR Roy Williams is Romo’s number #1 passing-catching option.  Honorable Mention:  Eagles WR DeSean Jackson, Niners TE Vernon Davis, Texans RB Ryan Moats, Eagles TE Brent Celek, and Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil. 

Offensive Rookie of the first half:  Minnesota Vikings WR/KR Percy Harvin – An explosive player that can beat you a variety of ways (Wildcat QB, Kickoff Returns, in the slot, and out wide). Harvin is one of the main reasons for veteran quarterback Brett Favre’s rebirth.  Though not the biggest guy on the field (5’10, 190), this former Gator has game-breaking skills that have made Vikings head coach Brad Childress extremely excited. Harvin’s incredible numbers truly do show his versatility (28 catches for 369 yards, 13.2 ypc, and 3 TDs; 8 rushes for 39 yards; and 28 kickoff returns for 860 yards, 30.7 ypr, and 2 TDs including a magical 101 yards return for a touchdown against the Ravens in Week 6). Honorable Mention:  Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno, Philadelphia Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin, Baltimore Ravens OT Michael Oher and Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox

Defensive Rookie of the first half:  Buffalo Bills Safety Jairus Byrd – This former second-rounder from Oregon has been a regular starter at free safety and has made a huge impact on one of the NFL’s most underrated defenses.  In Week 8, the October Rookie of the Month picked off two more passes against the Houston Texans tying an NFL record with three straight games of at least two interceptions (first rookie). Byrd now has 7 INTs in eight games (tied for NFL lead) and is inching closer to Carrier’s rookie record of 10 picks.  Honorable Mention: Houston Texans LB Brian Cushing, Detroit Lions S Louis Delmas, Green Bay Packers LB Clay Matthews and St. Louis Rams LB Jim Laurinatis. 

Comeback Player of the first half: Denver Broncos Safety Brian Dawkins – I wonder if the Eagles front office wants to rethink their contract negotiation strategy with Dawkins from this past offseason.  The Broncos, youthful head coach Josh McDaniels, and new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan all thought that the 14-year veteran had more left in the tank and they were right.  Dawkins (36) has been more than rewarded the Broncos for their faith as they have gotten off to an AFC West leading 6-1 start and the 7-time Pro Bowl player has been the quarterback of the Broncos’ defense (lead the NFL with 266.7 yards allowed per game).  Dawk’s stats thus far are 46 tackles, 7 passes defensed, and 2 fumble recoveries. Honorable Mention:  Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre, Philadelphia Eagles MLB Will Witherspoon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE Kellen Winslow and Minnesota Vikings WR Sidney Rice. 

Team of the first half:  New Orleans Saints – The NFC’s lone unbeaten team (7-0), the Saints are putting up record numbers offensively.  Sean Payton’s team has scored an NFL-best 36 touchdowns — tied for the 3rd most through the first seven games in league history – and they don’t look they are going to slowdown anytime soon.  While averaging an amazing NFL leading 39 points and 428.7 yards per game, quarterback Drew Brees is on pace for another 4500-yard plus season and 11 different Saints players have scored at least one rushing or receiving touchdown this season (led by WR Marques Colston – 6 TDs).   The Saints also have had success running the football too as they lead the NFC with an average 153.3 rush yards per game. On defense, new coordinator Gregg Williams has brought some swagger to a unit that struggled allowing big plays in the past and their numbers show it (154 points allowed, 17 sacks and a +7 in turnover ratio). Honorable Mention:  Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings

Most Disappointing Player of the first half:  Dallas Cowboys WR Roy Williams – It has been one year since the Cowboys traded for the former Lions star and he has not lived up to expectations, to say the least.  Since joining the Cowboys 16 games ago, Williams’ numbers are nowhere near what was expected of him when the Cowboys gave up a number one draft pick for him (33 receptions, 447 yards, three touchdowns). Williams only has 14 catches for 249 yards and 2 TDs this season and I don’t want to hear any excuses about his ribs.  Clearly breakout player Miles Austin has passed him as the Cowboys go-to receiver and the former University of Texas star better work on regaining the confidence of QB Tony Romo and dropping less passes (just 14 catches on 35 targets — 40% catch rate).  The delusional Williams said of him being the Cowboys No. 1 receiver, “It’s just not even close. It’s not even funny. Not even close. I’m the number one receiver. But things are just going number two’s way”.  Dishonorable Mention: Oakland Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell, Cleveland Browns QB Derek Anderson, and Tennessee Titans QB Kerry Collins 

Most Disappointing Team of the first half:  Washington Redskins – The NFL’s most dysfunctional team becomes a greater laughingstock weekly.  The Redskins (2-5) have lost to formerly winless teams the Kansas City Chiefs (1-6), Carolina Panthers (3-4), and Detroit Lions (1-6).  Their offense is only averaging 13.7 points per game this season and hasn’t scored more than 17 in any game despite playing facing six consecutive winless opponents (first team in NFL history).  They are 4-11 in their last 15 games and owner Daniel Snyder inserted offensive consultant Sherman Lewis – hasn’t coached in the NFL in over 5 years) to call the plays over dead-man-walking head coach Jim Zorn.  You have to feel for a defensive group that has allowed only 283.4 yards per game to rank 2nd in the NFC, but this team is in need of a house cleaning at the end of the season.  Stay tuned as something stinks in the Nation’s Capital and it has nothing to do with politics.  Dishonorable Mention: Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

 

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 9 Power Rankings

Led by intimidating running back Steven Jackson, the Rams got their first win of the season and are moving up this week’s Power Rankings

The midpoint of the 2009 NFL season is upon us and throughout the league there is a pretty good understanding of who the “Contenders” and “Pretenders” are.  With 9 more weeks of NFL action ahead of us there are many compelling storylines to follow in the second half the season. 

• Can either the New Orleans Saints or Indianapolis Colts go undefeated for the entire 2009 season
• Can the Vikings and veteran quarterback Brett Favre  continue their magic carpet ride into the playoffs
• Are the Patriots and Steelers truly back after producing winning streaks going into their recent bye weeks?
• Could it be possible that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will not win a game in 2009 and match the 2008 Detroit Lions (0-16)
• Which coach currently on the hot seat (Browns Eric Mangini, Redskins Jim Zorn, Raiders Tom Cable, Bills Dick Jauron, Panthers John Fox and others) will be the first one issued their pink slip

And so many other storylines that will be written as the 2009 season continues to unfold.

In looking at the current NFL standings here’s the breakdown: The “Elite” – Saints (7-0), Colts (7-0), Vikings (7-1), Broncos (6-1), Steelers (5-2), Bengals (5-2),  and Patriots (5-2); “Teams on the Cusp” — Eagles (5-2), Cowboys (5-2), Texans (5-3), Giants (5-3), and Ravens (4-3);  “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 – Chargers (4-3), Falcons (4-3), Jets (4-4), Bears (4-3), Cardinals (4-3), Niners (3-4), Dolphins (3-4) and Panthers (3-4); The “Pretenders”, who are only a shade away from the league’s bottom rung – Jaguars (3-4), Bills (3-5), and Seahawks (2-5); and lastly  the “Putrid” (i.e. These teams  should just skip to the 2010 NFL Draft) – Redskins (2-5), Raiders (2-6), Chiefs (1-6), Lions (1-6), Titans (1-6), Browns (1-7), Rams (1-7), and Buccaneers (0-7)

Now on to the rankings for this week.

1.  Colts (7-0) – The Niners led by comeback kid QB Alex Smith gave the Colts all they could handle. But eventually the NFL’s cream of the crop rose to the occasion and disposed of the Niners by a score of 18-14.  Indy better not get caught looking ahead to Week 10’s mega-showdown with the New England Patriots as the Houston Texans are coming to town for a crucial AFC South battle.

2.  Saints (7-0) – “Who Dat, Who Dat is gonna beat them Saints”… another week, another foe bit the dust against Sean Payton’s crew.  The Saints, fueled by turnovers, finally kicked the Falcons to the curb on Monday Night Football.  Another home NFC South battle awaits the undefeated Saints as the inconsistent, but dangerous Carolina Panthers come to the French Quarter.

3.  Vikings (7-1) – It was sweet revenge for Vikes QB Brett Favre as he returned to Green Bay to pin a second ugly loss on the Packers in less than 1 month.  Brad Childress’ team will enjoy a much-deserved bye week before continuing their fight to be the NFC’s No. 1 seed going into the playoffs.

4. Steelers (5-2) – Mike Tomlin’s team used the bye to heal-up and hopefully safety Troy Polamalu and the rest of the Steelers are ready to defend their title in the second half of the season.  In a Monday Night Football game that could definitely could be a playoff preview, the Steelers will travel to Denver to face a Broncos team coming off their first loss of the season.

5.  Broncos (6-1) – Head Coach Josh McDaniels’ team were no match for the rested Ravens, who beat them in every phase of the game from offense to defense to special teams.  In a game that will truly tell us if the Broncos have put their 2008 inconsistent ways behind them, the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers come to tonight for a big Monday Night Football showdown.

6.  Patriots (5-2) – The Patriots after throttling the poor Tampa Bay Bucs in Merry Ole England took a week off to rest their weary jet-lagged legs.  The second half of the 2009 NFL Season begins for the Pats with a crucial AFC East home game against the Miami Dolphins, who surely will be bringing the ‘Wildcat” back to the place where it debuted in 2008.

7.  Bengals (5-2) — The bye week allowed the Bengals to get away from the long grind of an NFL season and it even all loquacious WR Chad Ochocinco to plug his new book everywhere including on The David Letterman Show.  Next up is a home grudge match with AFC North rival, the Baltimore Raven who are still fighting made over their Week 5 loss at M&T Bank stadium.

8.  Eagles (5-2) – The Birds moved closer to the top of the NFL food chain with their dominating with over NFC East rival, the NY Giants during the NYC-Philly Sunday challenge.  For the third week in a row, the Eagles will face an NFC East foe this time the hated Dallas Cowboys will come to town for a huge NBC Sunday Night Football game.

9. Cowboys (5-2) – The ‘Boys were all business as they thumped the reeling Seattle Seahawks for their third straight win.  The road to respectability runs through Lincoln Financial Field and the Cowboys should expect the Eagles and inhospitable crowd to be ready for the bright lights of NBC Sunday Night Football.

10.  Texans (5-3) – For the first time in their brief history, the Texans are two games above .500 this late in the season.  The Texans may have found a new offensive weapon in emerging RB Ryan Moats as they rolled over the Bills.  If the Texans are to break their 8-8 streak and make it to the playoffs for the first time in team history, they will need to bring their “A” game this week when they battle the undefeated Colts in a huge AFC South game.

11.  Ravens (4-3) – John Harbaugh’s team put together their best all-around effort of the 2009 season as they beat the formerly undefeated Broncos in every phase of the game.  Next up is a huge AFC North road game against the mouthy Cincinnati Bengals who are looking to keep pace with the Steelers.

12.  Cardinals (4-3) – It was deja vous all over again, but this time the Carolina Panthers turned the tables on the Cards and turnover prone QB Kurt Warner in a blowout win that avenged their embarrassing 2008 playoff loss.  The Cardinals must prove that their current 3-0 road record is not a fluke as they travel to the Windy City to face an equally puzzling Bears squad.

13. Giants (5-3) – It is hard to believe that this is the same G-Men squad that started 5-0 and were the toast of the NFL for the first part of the season.  The Philadelphia Eagles embarrassed the Giants as it was big play after big play in a laugher.  The Giants cannot be caught looking ahead to their much-needed bye week as the Chargers come to town looking to continue on their roll.

14. Packers (4-3) –  Despite QB Aaron Rodger’s best efforts, the Packers were not match for the surging Vikings and revenge-minded quarterback Brett Favre as the legend made a triumphant return to Green Bay.  I feel bad for the winless Tampa Bay Bucs as the Packers are angry and will look to run up and down the field in this old-time NFC Central match-up.

15.  Falcons (4-3) – Mike Smith’s team started fast on Monday Night Football, but the New Orleans Saints weathered the storm on their way to another victory.  Look for the Falcons to bounce back as they host the dysfunctional Washington Redskins and lame-duck head coach Jim Zorn.

16.  Chargers (4-3) – The Bolts look to be rebuilding their season as they thumped the pitiful Raiders in the return of former superstar veterans RB LaDainian Tomlinson and LB Shawne Merriman to the boxscore.  In a statement game, the Chargers will look to continue their two game win streak against the Giants as former 2004 NFL Draft bonus babies, QB’s Eli Manning and Phillip Rivers face-off.

17.  Bears (4-3) – Following in their inconsistent patter, the Bears destroyed the putrid Cleveland Browns in a game that showed the ineptness of Browns QB Derek Anderson.  In a game that could have future playoff implications, the Bears will host the Cardinals in battle of the two teams involved in the 2006 “They are who we thought they were” game.

18.  Jets (4-4) – For a team that has a lot of mouth, the J-E-T-S do not back it up.  The Miami Dolphins didn’t need much offense as their special teams and defense led the way in their second straight win over the Jets.  I am sure during the bye week, Jets head coach Rex Ryan will be searching for consistency from his quarterback (Mark Sanchez) and special teams.

19.  Panthers (3-4) – Carolina looked like their 2008 regular season version as they dismantled the host  Arizona Cardinals in game that could possibly get them back on track.  In a season defining game, the Panthers will travel to New Orleans in search of a win against the undefeated Saints who are looking to run away with the NFC South crown.

20.  Dolphins (3-4) – In the Meadowlands, demoted receiver Ted Ginn Jr had many happy returns in a big win over AFC East rival, the New York Jets.  The Dolphins will look to climb back to .500 as they face off with the rested New England Patriots in “The Return of the Wildcat” game.

21.  49ers (3-4) – Led by emerging TE Vernon Davis, the Niners gave the undefeated Colts all they could handle but in the end Indy’s experience won out.  In a battle of two comebacking former high-round draft pick quarterbacks, Niners QB Alex Smith will lead his team against the Titans and QB Vince Young.

22.  Jaguars (3-4) – The Jags have got to be the NFL’s most inconsistent team as they fell under .500 again after losing badly to the Titans and comeback quarterback Vince Young.  Jack Del Rio’s team will look to climb back to .500 as they host the in-fighting Kansas City Chiefs.

23.  Bills (3-5) – Not even the re-introduction of WR Terrell Owens to the endzone could keep the Bills from being blown out by the Houston Texans.  I am sure during the Bills’ bye week that head coach Dick Jauron will be working on his resume and superstar receiver T.O will be bitching to his gal pals Mo and Kita.

24.  Seahawks (2-5) – After another bad loss this time to the Dallas Cowboys, Hawks head coach Jim Mora had seen enough and sent several players packing including veteran running back Edgerrin James.  In one of the NFL’s least anticipated games, the Seahawks will host the equally weak Detroit Lions in this week’s version of the “Toilet Bowl”.

25. Titans (1-6) – See Titans owner Bud Adams was right, insert V.Y at quarterback and the Titans got their first win of the season over the Jacksonville Jaguars – also don’t forget the franchise-record day of RB Chris Johnson.  The Titans will look to make it two in a row as they travel to the Bay to face an inconsistent Niners squad.

26.  Redskins (2-5) – During the bye week, many Redskins players left town to recharge and I am sure beleaguered head coach Jim Zorn was trying to do the same.  The ‘Skins will look to turn the heat down on Zorn from Mr. Snyder with a win over the Falcons in “Hotlanta”.

27.  Raiders (2-5) – This past week the big Tom Cable news was that the head coach allegedly has hit more people than one of his assistant coaches.  Of course all the Raiders off field drama did not help them against the Chargers, who thumped them good.  Unfortunately for Cable, the bye week will only bring further digging into his past when he needs to be concentrating on fixing his downtrodden team.

28.  Chiefs (1-6) –  During the bye week, the Chiefs decided to work out a settlement with troubled RB Larry Johnson, but the former franchise back will still be suspended for one game.  Chiefs head coach will be looking to forget about Johnson and a myriad of team injuries as the Chiefs go on the road to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.

29.  Rams (1-7) – Fueled by battering ram RB Steven Jackson, the Rams got off the schnide as they won Week 8’s “Toilet Bowl” in Detroit.  After their first win since 2008, Steve Spagnuolo’s squad can enjoy their bye week in peace.

30.  Lions (1-6) – Not even the return of high draft pick QB Matthew Stafford could keep the Lions from losing Week 8’s “Toilet Bowl” against the previously winless St. Louis Rams.  In another low-level NFL game, the Lions travel to Seattle to face a Seahawks team that always seems to have a black cloud over their heads.

31.  Browns (1-6) – The Bears were more than happy to have the hapless Browns waiting for them in a spot where they badly needed a win.  Sans departed GM George Kokinis, at least the Browns don’t have to worry about losing this week as they are on a bye.

32.  Buccaneers (0-7) – After a long trip home from London, England maybe having a bye week was just what the doctor ordered for the NFL’s last winless team.  With youngster quarterback Josh Freeman at the helm, the Bucs will look to get their first much-needed win against the Green Bay Packers.

 

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 8 Review

Houston Texans RB Ryan Moats was one of Week 8’s Game Ball winners for his efforts in the Texans 31-10 win over the Buffalo Bills

With the 2009 season officially hitting the halfway mark, the league celebrated with a magnificent week of action in Week 8.  This was a great week in the NFL filled with upsets, big wins, and playoff picture shaping moments.  Despite six teams on a bye (Bengals, Buccaneers, Chiefs, Patriots, Redskins, Steelers) and some blowouts that have been too plentiful this season – 8 teams won by 12 points or more — there were compelling storylines everywhere that kept viewers glued to their seats.  The NFL is clearly winning the battle for sports fans weekly and I am sure Week 8 will be a landslide too when the numbers are reported, especially with FOX having both the Eagles-Giants NFC showdown and then Favre’s return game to Green Bay — during Week 7, FOX’s doubleheader drew 28.4 million viewers for the most viewership since the Super Bowl. 

You cannot review the action from Week 8 without talking about the highly anticipated Lambeau Field return of former Packers legend and current Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre.  No. 4 playing for the hated Vikings not only returned back to his home of 16 years, but he clearly showed his “former” fans and employers that he has plenty left in his right arm.  Favre and the Vikings dominated the Packers 38-26 in a game very similar to the Vikes’ Week 4 win in Minnesota. The Vikings defense didn’t give Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (26-41, 63.4%, 287 yards, 3 TDs, and 0 INTs plus 52 rushing yards) any time in the pocket (6 sacks) and Favre put up some big numbers with a little help from his friends.  Emerging rookie WR/KR Percy Harvin had a big game producing 5 catches for 84 yards and 1 TD plus five kick returns for 175 yards.  And All-World running back Adrian Peterson (25 carries for 97 yards and one touchdown) was tough till the end, but the day clearly belonged to Favre.

 After enduring a week of being called a “Waffler”, “Flip-Flopper”, “Drama Queen” and “Traitor”, Favre stepped on the field and put aside a booing crowd to “Stick It” to his old team.  Favre threw a season-high four touchdown passes and was never even touched in the pocket (zero sacks) as he piled up superb passing numbers 17-28, 244 yards, 4 TDs, and 0 INTs.  And of course like he always seems to do every week, Favre set a record of most completions in one venue (passed John Elway’s record) and tied Dan Marino’s NFL record of 21 career games with at least four TD passes.  After the game, Favre hugged several members of the Packers team and staff including former favorite receivers Donald Drivers and Greg Jennings.  The future Pro Football Hall of Famer left the field surrounded by media everywhere and pumped his fist to a mix of cheers and boos.  Favre said after the game, “I’m not going to sit here and throw any daggers…We played about as good as we can play. We can play better, but that’s what it was going to take to beat that football team. That’s the satisfying thing.”  Favre added, “I’ve never been one to rub it in anyone’s face…The guys I’ve played with as a Packer, I’ve got a lot of respect for, as I do (for) this organization and these fans.”

So with Favre-a-palooza over for the second time in less than 1 month, let’s take an inventory of what happened.  Favre in two “big” wins over the Packers  (scores of 30-23 in Week 4 and 38-26 in Week 8) finished with passing numbers 41-59, 515 yards, 7 TDs, 0 INTs, no sacks allowed and a passer rating well over 130.  The Packers on the other hand have a 10-13 record since sending their former franchise quarterback to exile in the Meadowlands in 2008.  Favre stated at his postgame press conference, “What I’ve done here (Green Bay) speaks for itself.”  For those unable to interpret Favre’s last comments, I will translate them for you.  “Hey Packers GM Ted Thompson and the rest of you haters…How do you like me now, What!!”

With everyone caught up in the Vikings-Packers and all the drama that followed Favre’s revenge homecoming, there were some other serious stories this week that I felt were a little neglected.

The Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints were both tested but still continued on their unbeaten ways – both 7-0 — The Indianapolis Colts are the NFL’s number one team (very quietly), but even they have to sweat one out here or there.  In their 16^th straight win (franchise record), the Colts rallied from a 14-12 deficit to finally beat the scrappy San Francisco 49ers 18-14 in Indy.  The win was a testament to how well rookie head coach Jim Caldwell is keeping a veteran group of players on track without future hall of fame coach Tony Dungy.  With the win, Caldwell joined Potsy Clark (1931 Portsmouth Spartans started 8-0) as the only rookie head coaches in the past 80 years to start the season 7-0.  Caldwell leaned on veteran quarterback Peyton Manning (31-48, 347 passing yards, 0 TDs, and 0 INTs) in the win, but it was a great halfback pass from RB Joseph Addai (former high school quarterback) to Reggie Wayne (12 catches for 147 yards and 1TD) that was the game-winning score.  Also special recognition needs to go out  to veteran kicker Matt Stover who was 4 for 4 on field goal attempts. 

The Saints, who tied their best start in franchise history (1991 team was also 7-0), were involved in a tough game too.  The Atlanta Falcons led by their quadruplets (QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, TE Tony Gonzalez, and WR Roddy White) and their attacking defense were not going to give New Orleans their usual 40 points and another easy win.  The game came down to the final seconds after the Falcons had recovered an onside kick.  But Saints S Darren Sharper (NFL leader with 7 INTs) intercepted Matt Ryan’s desperation heave with 3 seconds left to preserve a 35-27 win. The Falcons on offense ran the ball effectively with Turner (20 times for 151 yards and a touchdown) and their defense put more pressure on Saints QB Drew Brees than I have seen all season (2 sacks and numerous other hits).  However the Saints once again proved that they are the “real deal” and it is going to be difficult to stop them.  Right now their offensive line is providing good protection, Brees is looking like a MVP candidate, the Saints have too many offensive weapons to write down, and their defense has 6 TDs off turnovers – the Cleveland Browns offense only has 5 TDs total.  I won’t bring up the 1972 Dolphins’ undefeated season yet, because the Saints have a long way to go but other than games against the Patriots (Week 12), Falcons (Week 14), and Cowboy (15) every other team that the Saints face from here on out has a losing record through 8 weeks.

The St. Louis Rams and Tennessee Titans both got off the “schnide” by winning their first games of the season — The Rams broke their 17-game losing streak with a road win over the Lions by a score of 17-10.  I would like to have said that quarterback Marc Bulger had a lot to do with the win, but the star of the game clearly was RB Steven Jackson.  The hard-runner and perennial Pro Bowl player finally was rewarded for his efforts with some good blocking as he piled up 149 rushing yards and scored his first touchdown of the season.  The Rams other big play was a touchdown pass from kicker Josh Brown to FB Daniel Fells on a fake field goal in the second quarter.

The Tennessee Titans after a very long bye week decided to go back to the future by inserting 2006 Rookie of the Year QB Vince Young back into the starting lineup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.  The former franchise quarterback had not started in 22 games and was finally lobbied into the starting lineup by Titans owner Bud Adams.  Young responded passing for numbers 15-18, 125 yards, and 1 TD plus rushing for 30 yards including moving the chains on a couple 3^rd down runs.  As good as Young was in the Titans 30-13 win, running back Chris Johnson (see Game Balls) was even better.  One of the NFL’s fastest players streaked to two long touchdown runs in the second half that closed the door on the Jaguars and plucky running back Maurice “Pocket Hercules” Jones-Drew.

There was also:

• The rested Baltimore Ravens dominated the previously undefeated Denver Broncos 30-7, knocking them from the unbeatens.  The bye week sure was a good thing for Ravens head coach John Harbaugh’s team as the Ravens were focused and energized by their home crowd.  The Ravens defense limited the Broncos to a season-low 200 total yards, forced 1 turnover, produced 2 sacks and on special teams they had a kickoff return for a touchdown.
• The Carolina Panthers pulling a total reversal from their 2008 playoff loss to the Arizona Cardinals.  Quarterback Kurt Warner (see Lloyd’s Lackey) looked like Panthers QB Jake Delhomme in an embarrassing 34-21 home loss.
• The Philadelphia Eagles tore apart the NY Giants on “Sports Sunday” in South Philly
• The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans jumping back in the playoff hunt
• The Cleveland Browns continuing to look like the NFL’s most pathetic team in a loss to the Chicago Bears

Game Balls

Miami Dolphins WR/KR Ted Ginn – Who needs to play offense anyway?  After being demoted from his starting job (too many drops), Ginn made the most of his opportunities on special teams in the Dolphins 30-25 win over the J-E-T-S.  A special returner coming out of Ohio State, the former track star looked like the real deal again.  Ginn helped pick up the Dolphins’ flagging offense by producing two touchdowns on lengthy 3^rd quarter kickoff returns of 101 and 100 yards.  Ginn became the first player in NFL history with two touchdowns of 100 yards in the same game and is the eighth player in NFL history with two kick-return touchdowns in a game.  Ginn also became the first player to record two KR-TDs in the same quarter since Green Bay’s Travis Williams in 1967.

Honorable Mention

Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson – “Every Coach’s Dream” was in full affect as the mercurial running back sprinted the Titans to a much-needed 30-13 win over the Jaguars, for their first win of the season. Johnson ran for a franchise-record 228 rushing yards on 24 carries and scored on two long touchdown runs (52 and 89 yards) that displayed his game-breaking speed.

Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre – In the ultimate “In your face” moment of this week, Favre returned to Lambeau with both guns blazing.  The former Packers legend and current Vikings quarterback threw a season-high four touchdown passes and was never even touched in the pocket (zero sacks) as he piled up superb passing numbers: 17-for-28, 244 yards, 4 TDs, and 0 INTs.  Favre also in his 90^th win at Lambeau (2^nd only to John Elway’s 95 wins at Mile High) tied Dan Marino’s NFL record of 21 career games with at least four TD passes.  Favre’s record since the second half of the 2006 season is 33-10 games (.767 winning percentage), which is amazing considering the guy is 40 years old.   

Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers — And you thought his salary of $1M per week salary was too high (2009 salary of $16M).   Peppers in leading the Panthers to a revenge road win over the Arizona Cardinals had 2 tackles, 1 sack, 1 force fumble, and returned an interception for a touchdown.

Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats – This former Eagles running back, who many in Philly thought didn’t have the football smarts to play the game, busted out in a big way this week.  With starter RB Steve Slaton fumbling his way out of the lineup, it was Moats turn to carry the rock in the Texans 31-10 win over the Buffalo Bills.  The small speedy back ran for 126 yards and 3 TDs plus he was able to block when needed and catch the ball, which are two things Moats had trouble with in Philly.  The Texans are now two games over .500 for the first time in franchise history.

Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd – If you don’t know this rookie’s name, you better learn it quick.  Byrd, a second-round pick from Oregon, had two more interceptions in the Bills’ loss to the Texans.  Byrd also tied an NFL record with three straight games of at least two interceptions. Byrd now has 7 INTs in only 8 games and is on pace to break former Bears’ hard-hitting safety Mark Carrier’s NFL rookie record of 10 picks.

Other Honorees: Titans QB Vince Young (was efficient finishing with solid numbers 15 of 18 passes for 125 yards, 1 TD, and ran 12 times for 30 yards in the Titans first win of 2009); Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner (rushed 20 times for 151 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons’ MNF loss to the Saints); Saints CB Jabari Greer (had a crucial 48-yd interception return for a touchdown in the Saints’ MNF win); St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson (had 149 yards and scored his first touchdown of the season in the Rams’  first win since  October 2008); Eagles FB Leonard Weaver (had a career-high 75 yards rushing yards including a 40-yard touchdown run in the Birds 40-17 win over the G-Men); San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman (registered his first 2 sacks in nearly two years in the Chargers win over the Raiders); Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (scored on a 54-yard touchdown reception in the Eagles’ 40-17 win over Giants.  Became just the second player in NFL history with six touchdowns of 50 + yards in his team’s first seven games of a season – tied HOF Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch, LA Rams 1951); Jacksonville Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (MJD only eight carries  but rushed for 177 yards and two scores 80 and 79 yards in the Jags’ loss to the Titans); Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (Had 121 yards from scrimmage, including 90 rushing yards, and two touchdowns in the Bears’ win over the Cleveland Browns); Houston Texans LB Brian Cushing (produced 10 tackles, one sack and an interception to end Buffalo’s final drive of the game in the Texans’ 31-10 win over the Bills); Baltimore Ravens CB Lardarius Webb (had three tackles and a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the Ravens’ 30-7 win over the Broncos); Carolina Panthers’ two-headed running back combo DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart (the pair thrashed the NFL’s former #1 rushing defense with Williams finishing with 23 carries for 158 yards and Stewart adding 83 yards and 2 TDs).

Lloyd’s Lackey

Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner – In a game that could have shown that the Cardinals were truly back, Warner was awful in a bad home loss to the Carolina Panthers 34-21.  To make matters worse the Cardinals could have gained ground on the Niners and Seahawks, who both lost.  Warner looked like his counterpart QB Jake Delhomme who was awful and frazzled in the Panthers 2008 playoff loss to the Cardinals.   Warner’s final numbers tell the whole story (27/46, 242 YDS, 2 TD, career-high 5 INTs and 1 lost fumble). In all the Cardinals had six turnovers, all committed by Warner.

Dishonorable Mention

The New York Jets – It is so much easier to talk trash and eat hotdogs on the sidelines when you are beating up the hapless Oakland Raiders.  A week after saying they were going to turn the tables on the AFC East rival the Miami Dolphins this time.  The Jets might have suffered their worst loss of the 2009 season, going down at home by a score of 30-25.  Even though the Dolphins had only 104 yards, they scored on special teams (Ted Ginn) and on defense (Jason Taylor’s fumble return for a touchdown) to put the J-E-T-S away.  And embarrassingly Jets LB Bart Scott refused to give the Dolphins credit for beating his team twice this season.  Maybe their upcoming bye week will be the cure that the Jets need as they are 1-4 record in their last five games.

Cleveland Browns QB Derek Anderson – With rumors swirling that the Browns don’t want to pay incentives on backup QB Brady Quinn’s contract, inexplicably the Dawgs have stuck with Anderson.  In another horrible performance in a bad 30-6 loss to the Chicago Bears, Anderson threw for putrid numbers 6/17, 76 YDS, and 2 INTs.  Anderson’s 2009 statistics stand at a passer rating of 40.6 (lowest-rated quarterback in the NFL), 605 passing yards, 2 TDs, and 7 INTs.  Maybe the Browns should put WR/KR Josh Cribbs (former college QB0 as he is the best quarterback on their roster.  Anderson said after the game as a personal policy he doesn’t look at his statistics, because he knows they’re not pretty.”Honestly, they are garbage,” Anderson recently said.   According to STATS LLC, only Ryan Leaf (34.5 in 2000) and Kerry Collins (37.5 in 2006) have started a season more poorly.

Baltimore Ravens WR Derrick Mason — Totally lost his cool in the Ravens win over the Broncos.  Granted he was upset about a bad call by the officials – imagine that…sorry head of officials Mike Pereira – where they missed a defensive holding call. But Mason went too far screaming an official’s face and then slamming his helmet down on the sideline.  Of course he was flagged for his actions for unsportsmanlike conduct, but enough was enough.  Eventually Ravens head coach John Harbaugh had to calm his star receiver down and cooler heads prevailed.

St. Louis Rams safety James Butler – Made a boneheaded move after picking off Lions QB Matthew Stafford.  Butler caught the ball in the endzone ran out then went back into the endzone where Lions RB Kevin Smith tackled him for a safety. Luckily for Butler the gaffe only cost the Rams two points and they won the game anyway for their first win of the season.

Houston Texans RB Steve Slaton – The former 1,000-yard rusher in 2008 lost the ball again (5 lost fumbles in 2009 including one in the win over the Bills) and may have lost his starting job to emerging runner Ryan Moats.

Seattle Seahawks CB Marcus Trufant – Returned from a back surgery for the first time this season and really struggled as he committed 3 Pass Interference penalties.

Week 8

Sunday, November 1

Baltimore Ravens (4-3) over Denver Broncos (6-1), 30-7

Houston Texans (5-3) over Buffalo Bills (3-5), 31-10

Chicago Bears (4-3) over Cleveland Browns (1-6), 30-6

Dallas Cowboys (5-2) over Seattle Seahawks (2-5), 38-17

Miami Dolphins (3-4) over New York Jets (4-4), 30-25

Indianapolis Colts (7-0) over San Francisco 49ers (3-4), 18-14

Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) over New York Giants (5-3), 40-17

St. Louis Rams (1-7) over Detroit Lions (1-6), 17-10

San Diego Chargers (4-3) over Oakland Raiders (2-6), 24-16

Tennessee Titans (1-6) over Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4), 30-13

Minnesota Vikings (7-1) over Green Bay Packers (4-3), 38-26

Carolina Panthers (3-4) over Arizona Cardinals (4-3), 34-21

Sunday, November 2

New Orleans Saints (7-0) over Atlanta Falcons (4-3), 35-27

Byes: Bengals (5-2), Buccaneers (0-7), Chiefs (1-6), Patriots (5-2), Redskins (2-5), Steelers (5-2)

 

 

 

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)

Favre Sticks it to the Packers in Green Bay

In Brett Favre’s much anticipated return to Green Bay, for the second time in less than a month the Vikings beatdown the Packers for a very “Sweet” Victory for No. 4

Who says you can’t go home?  Well…Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre not only returned back to Green Bay, he kicked in the door with authority as the Vikings led by No. 4 dominated the Packers 38-26.  Some will say that the Vikings would not have won if not for emerging rookie WR/KR Percy Harvin (5 catches for 84 yards and 1 TD plus five kick returns for 175 yards), but the day and game clearly belong to Favre.

After enduring a week of being called a “Waffler”, “Flip-Flopper”, “Drama Queen” and “Traitor” by many of his former fans from his home of 16 years, Favre stepped on the field and put aside a booing crowd to “Stick It” to his old team.  To the surprise of no one, including Favre, when the former Packers’ legend hit the field wearing Vikings’ purple, the majority of the Packers faithful let him have it.  However in the end, it was Favre and his Vikings teammates who left the field with much bigger smiles than the inconsistent Green Bay team for the second time in less than a month.  Favre threw a season-high four touchdown passes and was never even touched in the pocket (zero sacks) as he piled up superb passing numbers 17-28, 244 yards, 4 TDs, and 0 INTs.

Favre leaning on All-World running back Adrian Peterson (25 carries for 97 yards and one touchdown) early, later exploded as he guided the Vikings to an early 24-3 record.  To the Packers credit they fought back getting the score within 10 points, but the Vikings defense – why doesn’t anyone ever talk about them – shut them down and forced 6 sacks of quarterback Aaron Rodgers (26-41, 63.4%, 287 yards, 3 TDs, and 0 INTs plus 52 rushing yards).

After the game, Favre hugged several members of the Packers team and staff including former favorite receivers Donald Drivers and Greg Jennings.  The future Pro Football Hall of Famer left the field surrounded by media everywhere and pumped his fist to a mix of cheers and boos from the stands as he went up the Lambeau tunnel in triumph.  Favre said after the game, “I’m not going to sit here and throw any daggers…We played about as good as we can play. We can play better, but that’s what it was going to take to beat that football team. That’s the satisfying thing.”  Favre added, “I’ve never been one to rub it in anyone’s face…The guys I’ve played with as a Packer, I’ve got a lot of respect for, as I do (for) this organization and these fans.”

So with Favre-a-palooza over for the second time in less than 1 month, let’s take an inventory of what happened.  Favre in two “big” wins over the Packers  (scores of 30-23 in Week 4 and 38-26 in Week 8) finished with passing numbers 41-59, 515 yards, 7 TDs, 0 INTs, no sacks allowed and a passer rating well over 130.  And of course like he always seems to do every week, Favre set a record of most completions in one venue (passed John Elway’s record) and tied Dan Marino’s NFL record of 21 career games with at least four TD passes.  The Packers on the other hand have a 10-13 record since sending their former franchise quarterback to exile in the Meadowlands in 2008 while playing for the New York Jets.  Packers veteran CB Charles Woodson even labeled the current Packers as a “non-Big Game” team.

Brett Favre is now 90-28 in his career as a starter at Lambeau Field in the regular season and 98-31 in 129 starts at the site including playoffs (8-3 record in playoffs).  Favre stated at his postgame press conference, “What I’ve done here (Green Bay) speaks for itself.” 

For those unable to interpret Favre’s last comments, I will translate them for you.  “Hey Packers GM Ted Thompson and the rest of you Haters…How do you like me now, What!!”

 

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)

NY Giants-Philadelphia Eagles Preview

All eyes will be on Philadelphia, Pa for two NYC vs. Philly battles.  The Fightin’ Phillies take on the Yankees in Game 4 of the World Series and the Eagles will face the NY Giants in a key NFC East divisional battle

NY GIANTS (5-2) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-2), 1PM EST on FOX

Broadcast Team: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa (Field reporter)

Though some national media outlets will tell you that Green Bay, Wisconsin will be the place to be on Sunday, November 1^st  for Brett Favre’s return to Lambeau.  Most sports fans will agree with legendary actor W.C Fields who used to always say, “I’d rather be in Philadelphia”.  The reason for sports fans flocking to South Philadelphia will be for a sports extravaganza featuring the Philadelphia vs. New York City.  With pleasant expected conditions of only a 30% chance of precipitation and temperatures in the 60s, Philadelphia fans maybe looking at one of the best sports days in the city’s history.  The Philadelphia Eagles will take on the New York Giants in an NFC East grudge match at 1:00 PM EST at Lincoln Financial Field then sports fans can return to their tailgates to recharge for World Series Game 4 featuring the New York Yankees vs. the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park (NY leads 2-1 going into Sunday). 

Eagles-Giants games are almost always close physical games and I don’t expect Sunday to be any different.  This week’s meeting will be the first time these two teams have played each other since the Eagles surprised the home team Giants in the divisional round of the 2009 playoffs by a score of 23-11.  The game also will take on significance as the Eagles are only one-half a game behind the Giants in the current standings and a win will vault them back to the top of the NFC East.  In recent weeks both teams have had to fight through some hard times, but you know Sunday that they will be bringing their “A” effort.  The G-Men have lost two straight games (Saints and Cardinal) after fattening up on a string of early season cupcakes.  And the Eagles also are looking for consistency as they have looked like a potential playoff team in wins over the Panthers, Chiefs, and Buccaneers.  But in a win over the Washington Redskins last week and a horrific loss to the putrid Oakland Raiders in Week 6, the Birds’ lackluster play made everyone watch even more Phillies baseball. 

In breaking down the game, the Philadelphia Eagles offensively will follow the lead of their head coach Andy Reid (over 100 career regular season wins).  The Giants are known to play the run well (Top 5 in the NFL), so to the surprise of no one expect the Eagles’ pass-first offense (rank 7^th in the NFL in throws per game) to continue.  The Birds probably will be without RB Brian Westbrook (concussion), so look for rookie RB LeSean McCoy to get several touches on screens and for them to go after a Giants defense that has struggled in pass coverage.  Especially safety C.C Brown, who has had difficulty in coverage since safety Kenny Phillips went on injured reserve (knee) and cornerback Aaron Ross has been missing with a lingering hamstring injury.  It will be very important that Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (63-110, 768 yards, 6 TDs, and 1 INT) starts faster than he did in recent erratic performances against the Raiders and Redskins. 

The Giants are susceptible to three and four-receiver formations as they are known to sit back in coverage, so expect to see a lot of receivers DeSean Jackson, rookie Jeremy Maclin, and Jason Avant.  Without Westbrook, the Eagles surely will look to get the ball in the hands of their main playmaker Jackson, who has 5 touchdowns this season (3 receiving, 1 punt return, and 1 rushing) all 50+ yards.  Plus tight end Brent Celek, who leads NFC TEs with 386 receiving yards.  Of course any big plays from McNabb, Celek, Jackson and the rest of the Birds’ offense will start with solid offensive line play.  I believe the O-line is one of the biggest keys of this game as the Giants defensive line is fast and relentless and loves getting after the passer.  With a rotation that features Pro Bowl players Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck (3.5 sacks in ’09) along with many other fresh players including DE Mathias Kiwanuka, the Giants thrive on pressuring the quarterback.  However even though new Giants defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan’s unit is ranked #1 in the NFL in terms of yardage (262.0), in recent weeks when his D-line has not gotten pressure, opposing quarterbacks had big games.  Saints QB Drew Brees threw for 369 yards and 4 TDs in a dominating 48-27 win and he was not sacked once in that game.

On defense, Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott will be concentrating on getting pressure on Giants quarterback Eli Manning (120-203, 1633 yards, 12 TDs, and 6 INTs), because as Eli goes so go the Giants.  The last time these two teams met in the divisional round of the 2009 playoffs, Manning was inconsistent, completing 15 of 29 passes — and only six to the outside receivers –- while the Giants had the ball five times inside the Eagles’ 20, and came away with just three field goals to show for it. Manning is getting a very good relationship with Plaxico Burress replacement receivers Steve Smith (NFC leading 45 receptions for 594 yards and 4 TDs), Mario Manningham (watch for drops), and rookie Hakeem Nicks (1st Giants receiver with a touchdown reception in four consecutive games since 1948).  Even though the Eagles’ top-ten pass defense rarely gives up big plays – 4th in the NFL in allowing gains of 20+ yards through the air -– it will be imperative that the Eagles pressure Manning. So the Eagles will look to DE Trent “The Hunter” Cole (6.5 sacks, 2nd in the NFC) and newcomer MLB Will Witherspoon (8 TKLs, 1 INT for a TD, 1 sack and 1 FF in win over Redskins) to supply most of the heat on Peyton’s little brother.  The Eagles are currently ranked first in the NFL in turnover ratio (+11) so any pressure usually leads to big defensive plays especially in the secondary led by Pro Bowl cover corner Asante Samuel (4 INTs, tied for 3rd in NFL).

To take that pressure off Eli, who surprisingly has had success against the Eagles in Philly (has won 4 starts in row), the Giants will look to re-establish a dominating run game that has recently taken a couple of weeks off.  The Giants have a new Thunder-n-Lighting combination their backfield with workhorse Brandon Jacobs (120 rushes for 464 yards, and 3.9-2 ypr plus has an average of 5.45 ypr since Week 5) and Ahmad Bradshaw.  It will be interesting to see if Bradshaw is even close to 100% after a cracked metatarsal in his foot was found this week.  Despite the injury, Bradshaw says he will play against the Birds so you know all eyes will be on him and the Giants veteran O-line.  Speaking of the Giants offensive line, against the Cardinals this group’s 38-game consecutive start streak was ended as OT Kareem McKenzie (groin) had to be replaced by rookie William Beatty who struggled at times blocking one-on-one and penalties. 

LV’s Pick: Though the Giants lead the all-time series against the Eagles by a count of 79-67-2 and the G-Men have won three of the four last regular season meetings, there is something special in the air around Philadelphia this week.  There is nothing better to a Philadelphia Sports fan than “sticking it” to an NYC team, whether it is the Mets, Knicks, or Rangers.  I expect the home crowd to be amp’d from pre-game introductions on and McNabb (won 9 of past 13 starts vs. NYG (incl. playoffs) is going to rise to the occasion of playing in the national spotlight for the second week in a row.  It will be a typically close NFC East slugfest, but the Birds win – Eagles 20, Giants 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 8 Preview

The return of former Packers legend and current Vikings QB Brett Favre to Lambeau Field is probably the most anticipated event of Week 8 of the 2009 NFL Season

I am dubbing Week 8 of the 2009 NFL Season, “Homecoming Week”.  Every fall at high schools and colleges around the country, homecoming is a special time in autumn for old friends/family to bond while sharing good memories, enjoying some great football action and of course eating.  Make no bones about it… people love gathering around to watch the NFL.  In fact, according to the latest Nielsen ratings, last week’s FOX doubleheader game (mostly Falcons-Cowboys) was the most-watched sporting event since Super Bowl XLIII with 28.4 million viewers –- beat the Angels-Yankees series-clinching ALCS Game 6) by 12.9 million viewers.

Halloween this weekend will bring its usual bags of candy, ghosts and goblins.  But everyone around the NFL is talking about some “Back to the Future” games where old stars are returning to places of past glories, past playoff match-ups will be replayed and rivalries will be renewed around the league.  If you can believe it, Green Bay, Wisconsin will be the epicenter of the NFL universe this week.  Without a need to say, the league’s biggest homecoming will occur Sunday at Lambeau Field as former Packers great QB Brett Favre will return for the first time ever in another team’s uniform.  This is Brett’s homecoming, let’s be real about it,” says Green Bay safety Atari Bigby.  “It’s going to be special.  Everybody wants to see this.  Everybody’s going to tune in to this game.”  How big is Favre’s return??  Both Fox Sports and the NFL Network have been promoting one-on-one sit-downs with No. 4 on Sunday morning.  Plus Fox, who is broadcasting the game, will have a camera dedicated to shooting every move Favre makes during his return to Lambeau Field on Sunday.  The camera will be set up at the 50-yard line and its video will stream live on NFL.com and FoxSports.com    

Amidst a nasty battle between Favre and Packers GM Ted Thompson, the 19-year veteran quarterback left Green Bay in a huff after 16 magical years to play for the NY Jets and the starting job was handed to Aaron Rodgers (currently ranks second in the NFL with a 110.8 passer rating), right before the start of the 2008 season.  As everyone probably knows – most likely from ESPN’s Monday Night Football Favre-fest – back in Week 4, Favre already re-acquainted himself and his new team to his old team as the Vikings defeated the Packers 30-23 in Minnesota -– No. 4 had 271 yards and three touchdown passes in the win. However this Sunday will be something real special as Favre – holder of numerous Packers records including most games (255), wins (160), attempts (8,754), completions (5,377), yards (61,655), touchdowns (442) and passer rating (85.8) – will return to the frozen tundra as the starting quarterback of the hated Vikings.  Favre fans loyalties will be stretched farther than Vikings and Packers No. 4 jerseys on some plus sized cheesehead’s back.  It will be real interesting to see if cheeseheads will cheer, boo, hold-up signs of encouragement or discouragement for their departed folk hero, who put Green Bay back on the football map in the 1990’s then broke their hearts in the summer of 2009 by signing  with the Vikings. 

Earlier this season, Favre said this of the 2009 Minnesota Vikings, “Physically, and from a talent level, this is the best team I’ve ever been on.” Well…Brett a few members of your Super Bowl winning Packers squad from 1996 have begged to differ.  Former Packers TE Mark Chmura, a member of the ‘96 team, said “It all starts with Brett — Brett’s not as good as he was”.  Chmura added, “I mean, you’re talking about the No. 1 defense in the league at that time, maybe one of the best defenses ever to play the game.  Don’t get me wrong. Favre is still a good quarterback, but he was unbelievable in the day. When we played back then, teams feared us. I don’t know if teams fear the Minnesota Vikings today. We knew no one could beat us at home, absolutely nobody.”  In planning for Favre’s return several restaurants are only serving “Waffle” fries in honor of the NFL’s biggest waffler and Green Bay’s mayor decreed that Friday in the town would be called “Flip-Flop Friday” (year after year the legend said that he was going to retire then inexplicably came back near training camp).

Favre said of his return to Wisconsin, “My career with Green Bay speaks for itself, that won’t change.  For three hours, I’ll be on the other side.  Do I know what that feels like? I have no idea”.  It will be interesting to see if the man that was one of the originators of the Lambeau Leap will venture into the stands after being part of a Vikings’ touchdown…probably not.  But most Packers fans I have talked to will always remember Favre winning games for their team in the snow of Lambeau Field. One puzzled fan recently told Yahoo Sports, “I have a real problem with that. It was hard enough to see him with the Jets. But to see him in purple! I still believe he belongs to us.” With a win, Favre (89 wins at Lambeau) can become the second quarterback to win 90 games at a stadium since 1970 – Broncos QB John Elway won 95 games at Mile High Stadium.

The great thing as we move closer to the midpoint of the 2009 season is that self separation has begun and teams in the next couple of weeks will either legitimize their “Contender” or “Pretender” status.  The NFL has turned into the land of the Have’s (15 teams over .500 including 3 undefeated teams) and the Have Not’s (12 teams under. 500 including 3 winless teams) with only five teams  stuck at .500 in the league’s ever shrinking middle.   There are currently three undefeated teams through the first seven weeks –– Denver Broncos (6-0), Indianapolis Colts (6-0) and New Orleans Saints (6-0) –- which is the first time since the 1970 merger.  You have to wonder how much longer each of these squads can keep chasing the ghosts of the perfect 1972 Miami Dolphins, but each team is showing weekly that they are special. 

The Saints last week overcame a 24-3 deficit to defeat the Miami Dolphins 46-34 in one of the league’s best games so far this season. The Colts led by rookie head coach Jim Caldwell and 3-time MVP QB Peyton Manning have won 15^th straight games.  With a win against San Francisco in Week 8, the Colts can tie four other teams with the fourth-longest regular season winning streak in NFL history (Patriots hold the record at 21 games from 2006-08). Plus Colts QB Peyton Manning with five completions against the 49ers can become the fourth player in NFL history with 4,000 career completions.  And the Denver Broncos led by energetic rookie head coach Josh McDaniels have turned the NFL on its ear with a defense that leads the AFC in yards allowed (262.5 yards per game).  All three unbeatens will be tested this week as none of them face a team under .500 and know you teams always get up to face the “bully”. 

The Broncos will travel east to visit the Baltimore Ravens (3-3), who are fighting mad over some bad officiating – so their defense says – and three consecutive losses.  The Colts will probably get their toughest test of this season as the upstart San Francisco 49ers (3-3) come to town.  The Niners have also hit a little skid after being one of the hottest teams in the NFL during the first few weeks of the season, but tough head coach Mike Singletary and returning former starter QB Alex Smith will try to fire up their team to face the NFL’s closest thing to cyborg-winning robots.  Caldwell recently said of his winning team, “This team is going to get better as time goes on.  The effort and execution are both improving every single week.  The thing I’m really pleased about, overall, is that we just keep getting better every week.  Any time you get a win in this league, it’s big.”  The undefeated Saints probably have the toughest assignment of three unblemished teams as the Atlanta Falcons (4-2) will travel to the Louisiana Superdome for an NFC South Monday Football showdown. 

Favre-a-palooza is not the only interesting storyline going into Week 8, so here are some Lloyd’s Leftovers for this week.

Former high draft picks returning to starting quarterback roles – Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young (playing against Jaguars) and San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith (playing against Colts) will look to not only reinvigorate their teams, but also their own once-promising careers in their first starts in a while.  Young (18-11 as a starter) got his job back this week as Titans owner Bud Adams lobbied with hesitant head coach Jeff Fisher for him to start after the Titans remained winless under veteran Kerry Collins (5 TDs and 8 INTs  in ’09).  Smith, formerly the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, has been re-inserted back in the starting lineup by Iron Mike II after he threw 3 TDs in relieving former starter Shaun Hill in the second half of a close 24-21 loss to the Houston Texans last week.  The former Utah star will have his work cut-out for him as the Colts boast one of the NFL’s best pass defenses.

Rematches from last year’s NFC Divisional Playoffs – I wonder if the Carolina Panthers remember the way the upstart Arizona Cardinals rolled into Bank America Stadium and easily disposed of their hosts by a score of 33-13.  You know Panthers QB Jake Delhomme — probably on the NFL’s shortest leash right now due to throwing an NFL-high 13 INTs — will be trying to erase his 6 turnover performance in the playoffs that many are calling a career-ender.  The Cardinals (4-2) fueled by a 3-game winning and a surprisingly strong defense — seven interceptions, have forced eight fumbles and have 16 sacks already this year — will look to push the Panthers (2-4) almost out the door of the playoff picture. Also looking to exact revenge  are  the New York Giants (5-2), who  will visit the Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) in a key NFC East divisional matchup.  The big game on Philly Sports Sunday (World Series at 8 PM) will also be a  return battle of two teams from last year’s playoffs (Eagles 23, Giants 11).

Don’t forget about the Toilet Bowl – Every week we talk about the NFL’s best match-up.  But this week I wanted to give some “love” to possibly the NFL’s worst pairing since the Cleveland Browns’ 6-3 win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 5. The St. Louis Rams (0-7) will travel to Motown to face the Detroit Lions (1-5) in a match-up of two teams that have 1 game between them this season.  The game will be a battle pitting the only team to ever go 0-16 in NFL history (Lions in ’08) against a team that is threatening to equal that mark.  Collectively these two lower level teams have won just five wins in their past 39 games. The poor Rams have lost 17 straight games going back to 2007 and each week not even Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson (635 rushing yards – 2^nd in NFC) can save them from defeat.  The Rams hold a lead in the all-time series record (41-37-1), but the Lions have won 4 of their last 6 meetings. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your outlook, the ‘Toilet Bowl’ did not sell out by Thursday’s deadline and will be blacked-out on local TV.  At least fans can bring signs to the game unlike at FedEx Field where the dysfunctional Washington Redskins play.

NFL is a Passing League First – Whatever to the power running game throughout the NFL?? Hard to believe that in 1967, New York Jets QB Joe Namath (4,007 yards) became the first quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in a season.  Well Namath’s feat did not go in vain as seven passers reached the 4,000-yard mark in 2007, which is the most in any NFL season.  However the record for most 4,000-yard passers in a season has a good chance of being broken as through seven weeks, 10 quarterbacks led by yardage leader Houston Texans QB Matt Schaub (2,074 yards) are on pace to throw for 4,000 yards. 

Six Divisional Games – Even though there are six teams on a bye this week including quality teams the Bengals (5-2), Patriots (5-2), and Steelers (5-2), don’t fret as there are still some good divisional rivalry games to sink your teeth into.  Nothing means more to teams and fans than beating familiar foes that they will face twice a year.  Division games usually are the most compelling and heated.  This week’s games include the following division rivalry match-ups:  Dolphins (2-4) at Jets (4-3); Giants (5-2) at Eagles (4-2) ; Jaguars (3-3) at Titans (0-6); Raiders (2-5) at Chargers (3-3); Vikings (6-1) at Packers (4-2) and Falcons (4-2) at Saints (6-0) on MNF.

McNabb reaching some serious milestones – With almost every Philadelphia Eagles passing record already on his mantle, we already knew that current Eagles starting quarterback Donovan McNabb was the greatest quarterback to ever play for the Birds – Sorry Jaws.  But now McNabb after achieving some major milestones in the Eagles’ 27-17 win over the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football, some are debating over whether he belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame after his career is completed.  McNabb became one of just four players in NFL history to have at least 30,000 passing yards (30,088), 200 touchdowns passes, 3,000 rushing yards (3,169) and 20 rushing touchdowns (27).  With those stats, McNabb joined an exclusive club of quarterbacks with those milestones including NFL legends and Pro Football Hall of Famers John Elway, Fran Tarkenton, and Steve Young.

Ochocinco’s Top 10 – One of the funnier moments of this week was the appearance of Bengals talkative receiver on the “David Letterman Show”.  No. 85 used his bye week to promote his new book including reading his “Top Ten Revelations in Chad Ochocinco’s Autobiography” on the popular late night show.  It was hilarious to watch live, but it is almost as good in print.  So without further adieu here is the list

Number 10: This book is all about my life as a hockey mom from Alaska.

Number 9: I was once put on the disabled list when they found an ocho in my cinco.

Number 8: During the season my QB Carson Palmer and I sleep in bunk beds.

Number 7: I’m going to ask Tom Hanks to play me in the movie.

Number 6: There’s nothing like winding down after a big game with a Red Bull and a DVR of “Tyra.”

Number 5: I like tacos.

Number 4: Brett Favre is so old, his Social Security Number is 1.

Number 3: Terrell Owens doesn’t like it when you criticize his teammate.

Number 2: I’m planning a special touchdown celebration that involves pulling a dancing raccoon out of my pants.

Number 1: I thank the Lord every day that I don’t play for the Lions.

Remember there is no Sunday Night Football game on NBC this week as everyone will have their eyes on my Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series against the New York Yankees. 

Also make sure that you cast your Pro Bowl ballot for your favorite players.

Featured Game

NEW YORK GIANTS (5-2) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-2), 1PM EST on FOX

Broadcast Team: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa (Field reporter)

Though some national media outlets will tell you that Green Bay, Wisconsin will be the place to be on Sunday, November 1^st  for Brett Favre’s return to Lambeau.  Most sports fans will agree with legendary actor W.C Fields who used to always say, “I’d rather be in Philadelphia”.  The reason for sports fans flocking to South Philadelphia will be for a sports extravaganza featuring the Philadelphia vs. New York City.  With pleasant expected conditions of only a 30% chance of precipitation and temperatures in the 60s, Philadelphia fans maybe looking at one of the best sports days in the city’s history.  The Philadelphia Eagles will take on the New York Giants in an NFC East grudge match at 1:00 PM EST at Lincoln Financial Field then sports fans can return to their tailgates to recharge for World Series Game 4 featuring the New York Yankees vs. the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. 

Eagles-Giants games are almost always close physical games and I don’t expect Sunday to be any different.  This week’s meeting will be the first time these two teams have played each other since the Eagles surprised the home team Giants in the divisional round of the 2009 playoffs by a score of 23-11.  The game also will take on significance as the Eagles are only one-half a game behind the Giants in the current standings and a win will vault them back to the top of the NFC East.  In recent weeks both teams have had to fight through some hard times, but you know Sunday that they will be bringing their “A” effort.  The G-Men have lost two straight games (Saints and Cardinal) after fattening up on a string of early season cupcakes.  And the Eagles also are looking for consistency as they have looked like a potential playoff team in wins over the Panthers, Chiefs, and Buccaneers.  But in a win over the Washington Redskins last week and a horrific loss to the putrid Oakland Raiders in Week 6, the Birds’ lackluster play made everyone watch even more Phillies baseball. 

In breaking down the game, the Philadelphia Eagles offensively will follow the lead of their head coach Andy Reid (over 100 career regular season wins).  The Giants are known to play the run well (Top 5 in the NFL), so to the surprise of no one expect the Eagles’ pass-first offense (rank 7^th in the NFL in throws per game) to continue.  The Birds probably will be without RB Brian Westbrook (concussion), so look for rookie RB LeSean McCoy to get several touches on screens and for them to go after a Giants defense that has struggled in pass coverage.  Especially safety C.C Brown, who has had difficulty in coverage since safety Kenny Phillips went on injured reserve (knee) and cornerback Aaron Ross has been missing with a lingering hamstring injury.  It will be very important that Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (63-110, 768 yards, 6 TDs, and 1 INT) starts faster than he did in recent erratic performances against the Raiders and Redskins. 

The Giants are susceptible to three and four-receiver formations as they are known to sit back in coverage, so expect to see a lot of receivers DeSean Jackson, rookie Jeremy Maclin, and Jason Avant.  Without Westbrook, the Eagles surely will look to get the ball in the hands of their main playmaker Jackson, who has 5 touchdowns this season (3 receiving, 1 punt return, and 1 rushing) all 50+ yards.  Plus tight end Brent Celek, who leads NFC TEs with 386 receiving yards.  Of course any big plays from McNabb, Celek, Jackson and the rest of the Birds’ offense will start with solid offensive line play.  I believe the O-line is one of the biggest keys of this game as the Giants defensive line is fast and relentless and loves getting after the passer.  With a rotation that features Pro Bowl players Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck (3.5 sacks in ’09) along with many other fresh players including DE Mathias Kiwanuka, the Giants thrive on pressuring the quarterback.  However even though new Giants defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan’s unit is ranked #1 in the NFL in terms of yardage (262.0), in recent weeks when his D-line has not gotten pressure, opposing quarterbacks had big games.  Saints QB Drew Brees threw for 369 yards and 4 TDs in a dominating 48-27 win and he was not sacked once in that game.

On defense, Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott will be concentrating on getting pressure on Giants quarterback Eli Manning (120-203, 1633 yards, 12 TDs, and 6 INTs), because as Eli goes so go the Giants.  The last time these two teams met in the divisional round of the 2009 playoffs, Manning was inconsistent, completing 15 of 29 passes — and only six to the outside receivers –- while the Giants had the ball five times inside the Eagles’ 20, and came away with just three field goals to show for it. Manning is getting a very good relationship with Plaxico Burress replacement receivers Steve Smith (NFC leading 45 receptions for 594 yards and 4 TDs), Mario Manningham (watch for drops), and rookie Hakeem Nicks (1st Giants receiver with a touchdown reception in four consecutive games since 1948).  Even though the Eagles’ top-ten pass defense rarely gives up big plays – 4th in the NFL in allowing gains of 20+ yards through the air -– it will be imperative that the Eagles pressure Manning. So the Eagles will look to DE Trent “The Hunter” Cole (6.5 sacks, 2nd in the NFC) and newcomer MLB Will Witherspoon (8 TKLs, 1 INT for a TD, 1 sack and 1 FF in win over Redskins) to supply most of the heat on Peyton’s little brother.  The Eagles are currently ranked first in the NFL in turnover ratio (+11) so any pressure usually leads to big defensive plays especially in the secondary led by Pro Bowl cover corner Asante Samuel (4 INTs, tied for 3rd in NFL).

To take that pressure off Eli, who surprisingly has had success against the Eagles in Philly (has won 4 starts in row), the Giants will look to re-establish a dominating run game that has recently taken a couple of weeks off.  The Giants have a new Thunder-n-Lighting combination their backfield with workhorse Brandon Jacobs (120 rushes for 464 yards, and 3.9-2 ypr plus has an average of 5.45 ypr since Week 5) and Ahmad Bradshaw.  It will be interesting to see if Bradshaw is even close to 100% after a cracked metatarsal in his foot was found this week.  Despite the injury, Bradshaw says he will play against the Birds so you know all eyes will be on him and the Giants veteran O-line.  Speaking of the Giants offensive line, against the Cardinals this group’s 38-game consecutive start streak was ended as OT Kareem McKenzie (groin) had to be replaced by rookie William Beatty who struggled at times blocking one-on-one and penalties. 

LV’s Pick: Though the Giants lead the all-time series against the Eagles by a count of 79-67-2 and the G-Men have won three of the four last regular season meetings, there is something special in the air around Philadelphia this week.  There is nothing better to a Philadelphia Sports fan than “sticking it” to an NYC team, whether it is the Mets, Knicks, or Rangers.  I expect the home crowd to be amp’d from pre-game introductions on and McNabb (won 9 of past 13 starts vs. NYG (incl. playoffs) is going to rise to the occasion of playing in the national spotlight for the second week in a row.  It will be a typically close NFC East slugfest, but the Birds win – Eagles 20, Giants 17.

2009 NFL Week 8 Games

Sunday, November 1

49ers (3-3) at Colts (6-0)

Broncos (6-0) at Ravens (3-3)

Browns (1-6) at Bears (3-3)

Dolphins (2-4) at Jets (4-3)

Giants (5-2) at Eagles (4-2)

Jaguars (3-3) at Titans (0-6)

Panthers (2-4) at Cardinals (4-2)

Raiders (2-5) at Chargers (3-3)

Rams (0-7) at Lions (1-5)

Seahawks (2-4) at Cowboys (4-2)

Texans (4-3) at Bills (3-4)

Vikings (6-1) at Packers (4-2)

 

Monday, November 2

Falcons (4-2) at Saints (6-0)

 

Byes: Bengals (5-2), Buccaneers (0-7), Chiefs (1-6), Patriots (5-2), Redskins (2-5), Steelers (5-2)

 

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)

Trade for Roy Williams looking like a colossal mistake for Cowboys

In baseball everyone remembers bad trades like the 1990 deal where the Boston Red Sox traded future star Jeff Bagwell to the Houston Astros for aging setup man Larry Anderson.  But the NFL has also seen its fair share of one sided trades throughout the league’s 90-year existence.  To name a few doozy’s that some fans will want to remember and some forget:  Cowboys trading RB Herschel Walker (along with 1 other player and picks) to the Vikings for 4 players and 8 picks including 3 first-rounders that led directly to Dallas winning 3 Super Bowls, Colts trading future Hall of Fame RB Marshall Faulk to the St. Louis Rams for 2^nd and 5^th round picks in the 1999 draft and the Redskins trading underachieving DT Sean Gilbert to the Carolina Panthers for first round picks in 1999 and 2000.

But after the 1-year anniversary and almost half of the 2009 season being completed, I am ready to add the infamous 2008 trade deadline deal that sent receiver Roy E.  Williams from Detroit to Dallas to the “One-sided NFL Trades” list. The trade’s details were  Williams (along with a 7rd pick) to the Dallas Cowboys and 1^st Rd, 3^rd Rd, and 6^th Rd picks in the 2009 NFL Draft going to the Lions.   At the time of the trade in October of 2008, a lot of fans and media thought that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had swung a great deal for a possible No. 1 receiver and purchased some “T.O Insurance”.  But as the weeks on the NFL calendar pass, this trade is looking more like a colossal mistake by Dallas. 

Throughout the 2008 season, the Cowboys were growing tired of inconsistent aging receiver and lockerroom pariah Terrell Owens so Williams looked like the perfect motivational tool and possible replacement wrapped up in a 6’3, 215 package.   The Cowboys beat-out NFC East division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, in the race to grab Williams and Jones even handed the “perceived” superstar a brand new five-year contract extension worth $45 million, including more than $20 million guaranteed.  On his trade to Dallas Williams, who was a high school and college star in the state of Texas, said “I’m more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike”.  He added with a huge smile, “Going from 0-5 to 4-2, you can’t ask for anything better than that”.

It seemed like a great plan by the Cowboys to slowly acclimate Williams to their playbook and quarterback Tony Romo for the remainder of the 2008 season, then unleash him as their featured receiver in 2009, once Owens was jettisoned.  But the 27-year old former Texas Longhorn has proven to be an even bigger pain in the rear than Owens (averaged  78 catches, 1196 yards, and 13 TDs in 3 years with Dallas), because he has not produced on the field.  Of course everyone tacked Williams’ pedestrian 2008 numbers (19 catches for 198 yards, and 1 TD in 10 games and 7 starts) and being a non-factor as the Cowboys narrowly missed the playoff to a steep learning curve. 

But after spending over a year with the Cowboys including mini-camps, OTAs, training camp, and practices, Williams looks worse than ever.  He looks tentative in traffic, has dropped too many passes (just 12 catches on 30 targets — 40% catch rate), looks uninterested at times, and clearly has lost the confidence of a few of his teammates, namely Romo.  Through 6 games, Williams has 12 catches for 230 yards and 1 TD, which is nowhere near a featured receiver’s production.  In his defense, Williams has not been the same since being “blasted” over the middle (ribs) in the Cowboys 17-10 loss to Denver in Week 4.  But the NFL is a “what have you done for me lately” league and surprisingly for the Cowboys it has been formerly little known small-school receiver Miles Austin that has risen to the occasion of replacing T.O than big-ticket receiver Williams (career numbers: 262 catches for 3,884 yards and 29 TDs over a 6 years).

Austin has been one of the 2009 NFL season’s best stories rising from tiny Monmouth (NJ) College to making the NFL as a special teamer then finally getting his shot this season.  The tall (6’3) and fast (4.4) receiver burst on the scene in a Week 6 win over the Chiefs producing 10 catches for a franchise record 250 yards and 2 TDs (both 50-yard plus bombs).  Austin saved the Cowboys’ hides with a 60-yard tackle-breaking game-winning TD reception in overtime and became the 10th player in NFL history to record at least 10 catches, 250 yards and two touchdowns in a game.  Austin then proved the Chiefs’ game was no fluke as he looked like the second coming of Cowboys hall of famer Michael Irvin in a Week 7 win over the Atlanta Falcons (best six catches for 171 yards and 2 TDs).  Out of nowhere Austin and his eye-popping numbers (21 catches for 502 yards, 23.9 ypr average and 5 TDs) have moved former starter Patrick Crayton to the bench.  And almost everyone watching the Cowboys would agree that Austin and not Williams is Romo’s number #1 passing option.  Heck…many would argue that Williams is behind tight ends Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett too at this point.

For the Cowboys’ sake, hopefully Williams is just having a tough time learning to be the go-to-guy on a team that expects to win.  But for now his 1-time Pro Bowl player — 82 catches for 1,310 yards and seven touchdowns in 2006 for Detroit — is looking like he will never achieve that status again or be an impact player.  This season Williams’ production has slipped to averaging 2.4 receptions and 46 yards per game, which is astronomically down from his career highs of 5.6 and 81.9 in 2006.  If Williams doesn’t turn it around soon, he will join former Cowboys trade flameout WR Joey Galloway in the Cowboys annals as another receiver that Jerry Jones traded for with high expectations, but got little in return.

 

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 Power Rankings – Week 7

Fueled by a 3-game winning streak, WR Steve Breaston and the Arizona Cardinals are moving up our NFL Power Rankings

This is one of my favorite times on the NFL calendar right before the midway part of the season.  Teams are starting to separate into “Contenders” and “Pretenders” and each week certain teams are getting closer to the playoffs while others get closer to preparing for the 2010 NFL Draft. 

In looking at the current NFL standings here’s the breakdown: The “Elite” – Broncos (6-0), Saints (6-0), Colts (6-0), Vikings (6-1), Steelers (5-2), Bengals (5-2),  and Patriots (5-2); “Teams on the Cusp” — Giants (5-2), Falcons (4-2), Cowboys (4-2), Cardinals (4-2) and Eagles (4-2);  “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 – Jets (4-3),  Texans (4-3), Jaguars (3-3), Bears (3-3),  Niners (3-3), Ravens (3-3), and Chargers (3-3);  The “Pretenders”, who are only a shade away from the league’s bottom rung – Bills (3-4), Dolphins (2-4), Seahawks (2-4), and Panthers (2-4); and lastly  the “Putrid” (i.e. These teams  should just skip to the 2010 NFL Draft) – Redskins (2-5), Raiders (2-5), Chiefs (1-6), Browns (1-6), Lions (1-5), Rams (0-7), Buccaneers (0-7), and Titans (0-6)

Now on to the rankings for this week.

1.  Colts (6-0) – In the return of Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders, head coach Jim Caldwell’s team thumped the winless Rams for their 15^th straight regular season win.  At least the poor Rams were able to end Peyton Manning’s 300-yard passing game streak at six games.  Next up for the NFL’s most efficient team is hosting the inconsistent Niners and their new quarterback Alex Smith.

2.  Saints (6-0) – “Who Dat, Who Dat is gonna beat them Saints”… it appears no one right now.  The Saints further legitimized themselves by coming back from 21 points down to beat the physical hard-running Dolphins.  The Superdome will be rocking as NFC South rival, the Atlanta Falcons, come to town for a huge Monday Night Football extravaganza.

3.  Broncos (6-0) – Head Coach Josh McDaniels’ ascending squad continued their unbeaten ways as they rested-up during a much-needed bye week.  In a highly anticipated physical football game, the Broncos will travel east to face an angry and rested Ravens team.

4. Steelers (5-2) – The Men of Steel made it four wins in a row as their defense rose to the occasion and helped give the Vikings and venerable quarterback Brett Favre their first “L” of the season.  Mike Tomlin’s team gets a timely bye week to heal-up for the second half of their Super Bowl Champion defense season. 

5.  Vikings (6-1) –Driven by All-World running back Adrian Peterson, the Vikes were on the verge of producing their 7^th straight win.  However they got too bogged down in the redzone and the Steelers won fueled by their defense.  In probably the most hyped NFL reunion game ever – Thanks ESPN – No. 4 will return to Lambeau to face a Packers squad looking to avenge a loss to the Vikes earlier this season.

6.  Patriots (5-2) – The Patriots returned to Merry Ole England to give English NFL fans a glimpse of their version of the “Boston Massacre” as the winless Tampa Bay Bucs didn’t have a chance.  After a long flight back across the Atlantic, the Patriots can give their many veterans over 30 a much-needed rest during the bye.

7.  Bengals (5-2) — Revenge-minded RB Cedric Benson showed the Chicago Bears that they made a big mistake as the Bengals had a surprisingly easy victory over the Bears.   The bye week should give loquacious WR Chad Ochocinco the opportunity to Tweet away to his many followers.

8.  Cardinals (4-2) – The Cards proved that there is no kryptonite on the Eastern Coast as QB Kurt Warner led them over the Giants in a physical game.  The Cardinals will host the reeling Carolina Panthers in a rematch of last year’s divisional round playoffs when Arizona embarrassed Carolina 33-13.

9. Giants (5-2) –  After their second straight loss to another contending NFC team, this time the Cardinals, everyone is wondering if the G-Men fattened up on too many early season cupcakes.  The classic NYC-Philadelphia rivalry will be on full display in the “City of Brotherly Love” as the Phils meet the Yanks in the World Series and Big Blue will battle the Birds at the Linc.

10. Packers (4-2) – Quietly the Packers are showing that they are a dangerous team and this week they took care of business against the horrible Cleveland Browns.  QB Aaron Rodger and the Packers’ faithful will need to keep a lid their emotions as former Packers legend Brett Favre returns to Lambeau for an ultimate NFL grudge match.

11.  Eagles (4-2) – It was by no means a pretty sight, but the Eagles fueled by some big plays from WR DeSean Jackson and newcomer LB Will Witherspoon put away the descending Redskins  and their beleaguered head coach Jim Zorn on Monday Night football.  In a statement game, the Birds and QB Donovan McNabb will battle hated NFC East rival the NY Giants.

12. Cowboys (4-2) –In a statement game, the Cowboys stepped back into the NFC East hunt as they got offensive with the Atlanta Falcons in their 2^nd straight win.  If the Cowboys want to prove their consistency and avoid a letdown, WR Miles Austin and the ‘Boys will need to take care of business at home against the reeling Seahawks.

13.  Falcons (4-2) – The Cowboys used their bye week to get ready for Matty Ice and the Falcons as they thumped them in Big D.  Mike Smith’s Dirty Birds will need to put last week behind them as they travel to Bourbon Street to face hate NFC South rival, the New Orleans Saints, on Monday Night Football.

14.  Jets (4-3) – It was so easy in a win at Oakland for rookie QB Mark Sanchez and the J-E-T-S that the young signalcaller had time to chow-down on a hot dog on the sidelines.  Next up is an AFC East grudge match as the Jets host the run-happy Miami Dolphins.

15.  Texans (4-3) – You never know which Texans team is going to show, but this week RB Steve Slaton and the rest of the gang came to play in an entertaining win over the Niners.  In a game to see who can jump from the NFL’s parity filled middle, the Texans travel to Western New York to face an equally confounding Bills squad.

16.  Bears (3-3) – It wasn’t even close as the Bengals, led by motivated RB Cedric Benson, feasted on the Bears in Cincy.  In a classic Midwest Battle that the Bears better not lose, the lowly Cleveland Browns will come to Soldier Field looking for their latest loss.

17.  Ravens (3-3) – John Harbaugh’s team probably used their bye week to lick their wounds from 3 straight losses.  Look for a motivated Ravens squad to return from their bye as they host the undefeated Denver Broncos in a match-up of two young energetic coaches.

18.  49ers (3-3) – The Niners waited too late to go with former first-rounder QB Alex Smith in a loss to the Texans that probably burned Niners head coach Mike Singletary’s britches.  The Niners will look for first rounder Michael Crabtree, emerging TE Vernon Davis, and new starter Smith to breakout as the Niners travel to Indy to face the dominant Colts.

19.  Jaguars (3-3) – Hopefully during their bye week the Jags found some consistency as they have been too up and down this season.  In a must-win game, the Jags will try to avoid a letdown against the struggling host Tennessee Titans.

20.  Chargers (3-3) –In a game where only a win was acceptable, the Chargers thumped the Chiefs leading RB Larry Johnson to lose his mind.  In an AFL old-time grudge match special, the Oakland Raiders will surely be an inhospitable host to the Chargers.

21.  Bills (3-4) – Just when you thought the Bills and their head coach Dick Jauron were gonna be cooked like some hot wings, they pulled a surprise with a convincing road win over the Carolina Panthers.  In a game pitting the NFL’s current superstar receiver (Texans Andre Johnson) versus the fantasy football former best receiver (Bills Terrell Owens), the Buffalo will host Houston in a “Loser Leaves Town” match.

22.  Seahawks (2-4) –The Hawks dearly needed a bye week as their roster was starting to look like a MASH unit.  The rested Seahawks will look to spoil the Cowboys current win streak (2) when they travel to Jerry Jones’ billion-dollar playpen.

23.  Panthers (2-4) – After a bad home loss to the Bills, it may finally be time for the Panthers to pull the plug on NFL interceptions leader, Jake Delhomme (13 iNTs).  The Panthers will look for revenge for last season’s playoff debacle as they travel west to face the ascending Arizona Cardinals.

24.  Dolphins (2-4) – After jumping out to an early 21-point lead, fueled by rejuvenated RB Ricky Williams, the Dolphins let the Saints fight back for a hard earned victory.   Next up is a trip to the Meadowlands to face AFC East rival, the New York Jets.

25.  Redskins (2-4) – The Philadelphia Eagles played ugly, but the Redskins were even worse in another bad loss that surely is another nail in the coffin of melancholy head coach Jim Zorn.  If Zorn and the rest of the Redskins are smart, they will leave town during their bye week as their fans are seeing red over one of the NFL’s ugliest situations.

26.  Raiders (2-5) – One week after shocking the Philadelphia Eagles, it was the same old Raiders as the Jets came to town and gave Al Davis’ team a 35-0 shutout thumping.  We will have to see if formerly benched quarterback JaMarcus Russell and the Raiders can rebound as they travel face-off against AFC West rival, the San Diego Chargers.

27.  Chiefs (1-6) – The Chargers were not having any upset talk as they quickly disposed of the reeling Chiefs.  During their bye week, Chiefs head coach Todd Haley will need to figure out how to keep a lid on unproductive nasty Tweeting RB Larry Johnson.

28.  Lions (1-5) – The Lions and aching stars QB Matt Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson probably got some rest during their bye week.  In truly the NFL’s “Toilet Bowl”, the Lions will host the winless St. Louis Rams in a game that will have implications at the 2010 NFL Draft.

29.  Browns (1-6) – The Packers put a beat down on the host Dawgs as each week we find out just how “bad” the Browns really are.  In a game that only NFL legends George “Papa Bear” Halas and Paul Brown could love, the Bears will host the Browns.

30. Titans (0-6) – During the bye week, Titans head coach Jeff Fisher tried valiantly to stand by QB Kerry Collins  but it is only a matter of time before owner Bud Adams gets his wish and V.Y is back in the starting lineup.  This week is as good as any for the Titans to finally get a “W” as the inconsistent Jacksonville Jaguars come to town.

31.  Rams (0-7) – Let’s face it …Steve Spanuolo’s squad shouldn’t even be allowed to stay in the same hotel as the Indianapolis Colts – lost their 17^th straight game.  In another ho-hum win, the Colts and Robo-Quarterback Peyton Manning thumped the Lambs.  Next up is the “Toilet Bowl” as the Rams look to get off the schnide as they travel to Motown in search of a win over the Lions.

32.  Buccaneers (0-7) –The poor Bucs must have made fans in London, England throw-up their Fish and Chips as they were destroyed by the New England Patriots in the NFL’s 3^rd regular season trip overseas.  During the bye week, the Bucs better get youngster quarterback Josh Freeman ready, because there is nothing else to play for at this point in the season.

 

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 7 Review

After a fantastic 189-yard”revengeful” performance against the Chicago Bears, Cincy RB Cedric Benson is Week 7’s  Game Ball winner

I will start with a “Cheerio” this week as the NFL returned to London, England for the third year in a row.  Unfortunately for the NFL’s English fans viewing our version of football, they were not treated to an entertaining game.  The New England Patriots (5-2), led by QB Tom Brady and WR Wes Welker, continued their dominating ways by disposing of the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35-7 at sold-out Wembley Stadium — 17 consecutive games against NFC opponents, the longest streak of any team against the other conference since the 1970 merger.  With the 2009 “Own the Moment” season quickly nearing its halfway point, weekly fans are getting more clarity about who are the true “Contenders” and who are the “Pretenders”.  But Week 7 should have been called “Blowout Week” around the NFL as 6 teams lost by 20 points or more and 11 teams won by 10 points or more. 

However despite the ever-increasing number of blowouts in an NFL world where anyone can see the Grand Canyon sized divide between the  “Have’s” and “Have Nots” (after 7 weeks of play there  are three undefeated teams – Colts, Broncos, and Saints and  three winless teams – Rams, Titans, and Bucs) there were a few match-ups that lived up to their hype.  With only two divisional grudges on this week’s slate, the highlight of Week 7 had to be the 8 inter-conference games pitting the AFC and NFC, where conference bragging rights were at stake. After the dust settled it was the AFC, once again, that dominated the NFC with 6 wins and 2 losses.  The AFC’s dominance this week, held true a distinct pattern that we have seen this decade.  Despite the New York Giants winning in 2007, clearly the AFC has picked up their collective games as they have won all but two Super Bowl titles (other NFC title was the Buccaneers in 2002).  The AFC has the Indianapolis Colts led by Robo-Quarterback Peyton Manning seem to win 12 games every year (beat-up on the winless Rams this week), the Patriots who have won 3 Super Bowl titles this decade (thumped the Bucs in London, England) and the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers (ended the Vikings winning streak this week).

Even though two of the three big AFC franchises stumbled early (Steelers and Patriots), you knew they would get back in the race at the top of the NFL and they have so far.  The AFC’s Big 3 is almost always in the mix come playoff time and do not expect anything different this season.  Each team has a quality quarterbacks making timely throws, solid running games providing balance, and attacking defenses who turn turnovers into points.  The Steelers won their 4th straight game, this time disposing of one of the NFC’s two unbeatens (Steelers 27, Vikings 17). The Steelers fueled by their resurging defense – wonder if the return of Troy “The Hair” Polamalu has anything to do with it – bent but didn’t break in their victory that put the first “L” on the Vikings (outgained Pittsburgh 386-259, but only scored 10 Points offensively).  Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau’s defenders were able to stop Vikings QB Brett Favre (34 of 51, 334 yards, 0 TDs, and 1 INT), All-World RB Adrian Peterson, emerging receiver Sidney Rice, and the rest Vikes offense deep in Pittsburgh territory when it mattered most – 3 big defensive stands. 

The Steelers were able to turn back Peterson 3 times (from the half-yard line) on a crucial early game goalline stand that left the score 13-10 in favor of the home team.  But the two biggest game-changing plays happened when the 2008 Super Bowl champs needed it most, especially with their offense sputtering at times.  Other a short Peterson touchdown run, there no passing touchdowns and easily the Vikings biggest play was a Percy Harvin 88-yd kickoff return.  Steelers LB LaMarr Woodley’s 77-yard fumble touchdown return after Favre was stripped in the 3rd quarter and LB Keyaron Fox’s 82-yard interception touchdown return of a Favre dump-off pass late in the 4th quarter were the keys in ending any of the venerable quarterback’s comeback magic this week. Favre said after his team’s first loss of 2009, “There were a lot of what ifs, a lot of reasons we didn’t win, the red zone was one of them. (The Steelers) are physical, and they were as good as we thought they’d be”.  The Steelers held Peterson to only 69 rushing yards – 25th straight game without allowing a 100-yard rusher – produced 3 turnovers, and kept Favre out of the endzone for the 1st time this year in the win.

Even in a weekend of AFC dominance, one NFC team continues to “March On” and that is the NFC South leading New Orleans Saints.  The Saints continued the best start in their franchise’s history by beating the Dolphins in a thrilling comeback as they increased their record to 6-0.  Brees and the unbeaten Saints fell behind for the first time all season, then overcame a 21-point deficit Sunday to beat the Dolphins 46-34 (biggest comeback in franchise history). The NFL’s highest-scoring team topped 40 points for the fourth time (most since 1950) and outscored the Dolphins 22-0 in the fourth quarter to seal a crucial road victory.  Brees, who have looked like a miniature version of Johnny Unitas at times this year, had his worst game of the season – 3 INTs, a lost fumble and five sacks — but it didn’t matter as the Saints won again.

Brees this week used his legs rushing for 2 TDs including a crucial quarterback sneak at the end of the first half that cut the score to 24-10 in favor of the Dolphins.  To their credit, the Saints’ staff made the right adjustments at halftime that eventually won them the game.  “It can be a season-defining win,” linebacker Scott Shanle said. “This was a test we hadn’t faced yet, and we couldn’t be happier with the way we responded.”  Brees was not the only hero of the game as their Saints defense produced the stops that allowed their offense to comeback.  After a first half where the “Wildcat” was running wild (for the game, America’s most talked about formation netted 30 yards on 14 plays), the Saints dug in and limited the Dolphins to only 10 second-half points.  The Saints biggest play happened early in the 3rd quarter when Pro Bowl safety Darren Sharper (NFL leading 6 INTs) scored on an interception return for the third time this season. The 42-yard INT to the ‘House came after Sharper took a deflected from Dolphins WR Ted Ginn Jr.

The Saints defense preserved the win for New Orleans finest too as CB Tracy Porter picked off a Chad Henne pass and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown with just under 2 minutes remaining.  Miami’s RB Ricky Williams, who had 3 TDs, said of the loss the NFC’s best team, “This was our game to win, we fought and we fought. They just fought harder at the end.” Everyone knows that it is too early to make season long assertions right now. But New Orleans has shown week in and week out that they are a tough team with a lot of weapons offensively and defensively.  I can tell you, they have made a believer out of this one-time naysayer.  I cannot wait for the Saints to host the Patriots in Week 12.

Here are some Lloyd’s Leftovers for this week before we go to the awards.

New Colts’ head coach is the real deal — Rookie head coach Jim Caldwell has led the Colts to a 5-0 start this season.  With a Colts win on Sunday against St. Louis Rams, the Colts improved to 6-0 and Caldwell tied the mark for the best start by a rookie head coach since 1970.  Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels already tied the mark on Monday night in the Broncos’ 34-23 victory over the San Diego Chargers.  With wins in Week 8, Caldwell and McDaniels can break a tie with former head coaches Chuck Knox, Red Miller, and Mike Martz.

Titans owner wants to see Vince Young now — Though the hapless Titans were on a bye this week, their owner Bud Adams made it clear he wants Vince Young to replace Kerry Collins now.  Adams, 86, has always been in Young’s corner and may be giving head coach Jeff Fisher a mandate. Fisher would not commit to Collins (completing 54.8 % of passes with 5 TDs and 8 INTs) at his press conference Monday — the first time he’s wavered on the decision all year. Nothing is official yet, but it sounds like Young, who counts $14.2M against next year’s salary cap, will get his chance against the Jaguars on Sunday. The third overall pick of the 2006 draft, Young went 18-11 in 29 starts over his first three seasons, but he’s been the backup since suffering a knee injury in the second half of the Sept. 9, 2008 game (2008 season opener) against the Jaguars. “I have been wanting (Fisher) to play Vince Young more because Collins has been having his problems out there,” Adams said. “I just think we need to find out how well (Young) can do.

Tough Injury Loss for the Jets — Mercurial Jets RB Leon Washington broke his leg (fibula) in a blowout win over the Oakland Raiders.  The Jets will probably place Washington on IR and they will need 3 players (rookie Shonn Greene, Brad Smith, and Danny Woodhead) to replace the variety of skills that he offers to the team.  Other key injuries around the NFL were Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (concussion), Steelers DE Travis Kirschke (calf), Redskins TE Chris Cooley (broken foot –season), Steelers LB Lawrence Timmons (high ankle), Colts RB Donald Brown (shoulder), Vikings WR Bernard Berrian (left leg), Saints DT Sedrick Ellis (sprained right knee), Dolphins CB Will Allen (ACL- season),  Niners ILB Takeo Spikes (sprained right shoulder), Colts WR Reggie Wayne (strained groin), Redskins QB Jason Campbell (sprained ankle), Giants TE Kevin Boss (stiff neck), Texans WR Andre Johnson (chest contusion) and Rams CB Bradley Fletcher (torn ligaments in right knee – season).

Nice road ahead for the Arizona Cardinals – After their tough 24-17 win over the NY Giants on Sunday Night Football, the road back to playoffs is a favorable one for Ken Whisenhunt’s team.  Only two of the Cardinals’ 10 remaining games are against teams with winning records. Their next five opponents – Carolina Panthers (2-4), Chicago Panthers (3-3) , Seattle Seahawks (2-4), St. Louis Rams (0-7) and Tennessee Titans (0-7) — are a combined 7-24.

Hey Raiders do you want a re-do on that pick – In his first action since ending his 71-day holdout, Niners first-round WR Michael Crabtree played a ton his team’s close loss to the Houston Texans.  Crabtree was in for 48 of 54 of the Niners’ plays and had five catches for 56 yards in his NFL debut.  Conversely Raiders WR Darius Heyward-Bey (7th overall pick), who was taken three spots ahead of Crabtree by noted need for speed aficionado Al Davis, only has 7 catches for 64 yards and 0 TDs plus at least four drops through 7 games.

Game Balls

Cincinnati Bengals RB Cedric Benson – “Revenge” is a dish best served cold and that is exactly what Benson gave the Chicago Bears.  After accusing Bears management (GM Jerry Angelo and head coach Lovie Smith) of bad-mouthing him out the door, Benson took matters into his own hands was spectacular in the Bengals surprisingly easy 45-10 win over the reeling Bears.  The former Bears first round pick who was quickly jettisoned after a couple off the field incidents, regained his lead in the NFL rushing title race with a career-high 189 yards  on 37 carries and 1 TD.  The former University of Texas star seems on a Pro Bowl pace right now as he has rushing stats 164 carries for 720 yards (4.4 ypc) and 5 TDs.

Honorable Mention

Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo — The Cowboys (4-2) continued their climb back in the NFC East divisional race with a dominating 37-21 home win over the Falcons – second straight win.  The main cog of the Cowboys’ offense was spectacular completing 21-of-29 passes for 311 yards and 3 TDs plus he added 31 yards on the ground.  Romo also seems to have his T.O replacement in emerging receiver Miles Austin.

Dallas Cowboys OLB DeMarcus Ware — The Cowboys defensive menace recorded two sacks Sunday in the ‘Boys win over the Falcons and now has 4 sacks for the season.  Ware finally seems comfortable rushing the passer again and the Cowboys rewarded his hard work by giving him a new six-year deal including $40M in guaranteed money.  The 6-4, 262-pound three-time Pro Bowl linebacker now has 57.5 quarterback sacks for his career.

Cincinnati Bengals QB Carson Palmer – While everyone was talking about the effort of RB Cedric Benson, Palmer “quietly” show that he is getting back to his old form in a big win over the Bears.  Palmer was pinpoint as he completed 20-of-24 passes for 233 yards and 5 TDs.

New England Patriots FS Brandon Meriweather – The former product of the “U” had two interceptions across the pond, including returning one for a touchdown in the Patriots’ 35-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Pittsburgh Steelers LT Max Starks — The Steelers strong tackle is finally meriting his big salary.  Starks held Vikings Pro Bowl DE Jared Allen to just one tackle and no sacks in the Steelers win over the Vikings.  Starks and his O-line mate also helped the Steelers produce a 5.3 YPC average in the running game.

SF 49ers QB Alex Smith – It was remember me time as the former first overall pick from 2005 shine after replacing starter Shaun Hill at halftime.  Smith responded by completing 15-of-22 passes for 206 yards and 3 touchdowns (all to emerging TE Vernon Davis) plus rallied the Niners from 21 points down.  Unfortunately the Niners came up short losing to the Houston Texans by a score 24-21.

Other Honorees: Steelers linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Keyaron Fox (scored 4^th quarter touchdowns to drive the Steelers over the Vikings); Buffalo Bills Safety Jairus Byrd (two interceptions spurred the Bills to a surprising road win over the Panthers); New Orleans Saints PK John Carney (became the fourth NFL player to score 2,000 points in his career); Dallas Cowboys WR Miles Austin (showed that his 250-yard breakout at Kansas City in Week 5 was no fluke, by producing 171 yards and 2 TDs in the Cowboys win over the Falcons); Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (reached career milestones 30,000 yards passing and 200 career touchdown passes in the Eagles win over the Redskins);Philadelphia Eagles WR DeSean Jackson (caught only two passes but had 69 yards and a touchdown in the Eagles’ 27-17 win over the Redskins.  Jackson also ran for a 67-yard touchdown and scored both Eagles’ offensive touchdowns); The NY Jets RB’s (led by rookie Shonn Greene’s 144 yards and 2 TDs, the Jets RB’s became the first NFL team since 1975 – Buffalo Bills — to rush for 300 yards in back-to-back games).

 Lloyd’s Lackey

Kansas City Chiefs RB Larry Johnson — Things just went from bad to worse for LJ in Kansas City.  The two- time NFL rushing leader and former workhorse has definitely slowed down since his heyday of about 4 to 5 years ago.  Time, off the field problems, and injuries have definitely caught up with him (30 on Nov. 19th). But the bigger story is that after another pedestrian effort (16 rushes for 49 yards with a long of 9 yards) on Sunday in a 37-7 loss to the Chargers, Johnson got on the offensive via Twitter against Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. Here are some of his excerpts: “my father got more credentials than most these pro coaches….google my father!!!”; “My father played for the coach from “remember the titans”. Our coach played golf. My father played for redskins briefly. Our coach. Nuthn”.  It is never a good idea to jump-on your head coach, but then LJ decided to call some reporters a bad word for homosexuals and Tweeted much more. Now NFL spokesman Greg Aiello revealed that the league is investigating LJ’s recent tirade on Twitter.  Plus the team basically told the volatile runner that he cannot practice and is not at their complex.  I don’t think it will be long before LJ is on the free agent running back scrap heap with older RB’s Warrick Dunn and Shaun Alexander. 

Dishonorable Mention

Dallas Cowboys WR Roy Williams – The former Detroit Lions first rounder returned to the line-up in Week 7 (rib injury) and produced 1 catch along with several drops.  Williams just doesn’t seem like he will ever live-up to the amount the Cowboys traded for him and now Miles Austin is clearly the team’s No. 1 receiver.  Williams has just 12 catches on 30 targets (40% catch rate) this season and looks like he is a colossal bust.

Oakland Raiders DE Richard Seymour – Predicted his team would make the playoffs after their “lucky’ win over the Philadelphia Eagles last week.  And the Raiders responded by getting shutout 35-0 by the NY Jets.

NY Jets QB Mark Sanchez – I know it was a snooze fest in a dominating 38-0 win over the Raiders, but did you really have to eat a hot dog with mustard on the sidelines.

Minnesota Vikings FB/TE Jeff Dugan – Unnecessarily ran down NFL Back Judge Richard Reels on Percy Harvin’s Kickoff for a touchdown in the 4^th Quarter of the Steelers’ win.  Also Dugan had a bad tripping penalty near the goalline that negated a Brett Favre touchdown pass.

NY Giants rookie OT William Beatty – Playing in place of starter Kareem McKenzie (ended Giants O-line’s 38 consecutive starts streak), head coach Tom Coughlin gave Beatty mixed reviews.  The youngster from UConn was beat off the edge by Cardinals OLB Clark Haggans for a sack and also had a bad false-start penalty late in the fourth quarter.

Panthers QB Jake Delhomme – Was terrible in Carolina’s 20-9 home loss to the Buffalo Bills as he threw more 3 interceptions.  The former Super Bowl starter is now on pace to throw a mind-boggling 35 interceptions and has 13 INTs for the season.  The NFL’s 32nd rated passer may soon be watching one of his former backups (AJ Feeley or Matt Moore) playing. 

Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell – Returned to his pitiful ways in a horrible loss to the NY Jets.  Russell had 2 INTs, 1 lost fumble, and was benched for journeyman QB Bruce Gradkowski.

Chicago Bears DT Tommie Harris – Inactive for lack of effort in practices and for overall being in head coach Lovie Smith’s doghouse.  The former Bears defensive leader was told he was not need this week and he may soon be looking for another team despite his huge contract.

NFL Week 7

SUN, OCT 25 

Bengals (5-2) over Bears (3-3), 45-10

Bills (3-4) over Panthers (2-4), 20-9

Cardinals (4-2) over Giants (5-2), 24-17

Chargers (3-3) over Chiefs (1-6), 37-7

Colts (6-0) over Rams (0-7), 42-6

Cowboys (4-2) over Falcons (4-2), 37-21

Jets (4-3) over Raiders (2-5), 38-0

Packers (4-2) over Browns (1-6), 31-3

Patriots (5-2) over Buccaneers (0-7), 35-7

Saints (6-0) over Dolphins (2-4), 46-34

Steelers (5-2) over Vikings (6-1), 27-17

Texans (4-3) over 49ers (3-3), 24-21

MON, OCT 26

Eagles (4-2) over Redskins (2-5), 27-17

Byes: Broncos (6-0), Jaguars (3-3), Lions (1-5), Ravens (3-3), Seahawks (2-4), Titans (0-6) 

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)

Johnson is trying to “Tweet” his way out of KC

LJ is trying to aggravate beleaguered Chiefs head coach Todd Haley even further with his recent comments on  Twitter

Things just went from bad to worse for volatile running back Larry Johnson in Kansas City.  The one time NFL rushing leader and workhorse has definitely slowed down since his heyday of about 4 to 5 years ago.  Time, off the field problems, and injuries have definitely caught up with Johnson (30 on Nov. 19th). 

The former Penn State power back only had 874 yards on 193 carries with a 4.5 ypr average and 5 TDs in 2008, but you know he would be more than happy with those mediocre type numbers this year.   After another pedestrian effort (16 rushes for 49 yards with a long of 9 yards) on Sunday in a 37-7 loss to the Chargers, Johnson got on the offensive via Twitter against Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. 

Though Tweeting is sometimes unconfirmed for some athletes, I am pretty sure it was Johnson pulling his Blackberry on Haley.  Just read the following excerpts and you will see what I mean.

“my father got more credentials than most these pro coaches….google my father!!!”

“My father played for the coach from “remember the titans”. Our coach played golf. My father played for redskins briefly. Our coach. Nuthn”

It is never a good idea to jump-on your head coach, but doing so in a public form only fans the flames even more.  Johnson’s alleged tweets are pretty inflammatory stuff and you can only expect things to get more heated between Haley, Johnson, and overall Chiefs organization.    

The Chiefs are pretty downtrodden right now with a record of 1-6 and Johnson isn’t doing much better (132 rushes for 358 yards, 2.7 ypc, and 0 TDs).   Also remember it was the fiery Haley who was the coach that got into it verbally with Anquan Boldin last year on the sidelines during the Cardinals’ Super Bowl run. 

 So expect some kind of fine, suspension, or some other disciplinary action to be coming Johnson’s way.  If I were backups Kolby Smith and Jamaal Charles, I would be getting my legs ready for more running after the Chiefs’ bye week.