Studs
1. Matt Forte- I am going to keep putting him on until he has his break out game, should be against the Lions
2. Peyton Manning- Should build on his MVP resume against the Seahawks
3. Aaron Rodgers- The Packers won't be able to run the ball against the Vikings so Rodgers could have a big game.
4. Adrian Peterson- This game may be billed Favre vs. Packers but Adrian Peterson will be the player that determines the outcome of the game.
5. Chris Johnson- Should hit his usual 50+ yard td run against the Jags defense.
6. Calvin Johnson- I like the matchup of Calvin Johnson vs. the Bears defensive backs.
7. Brandon Jacobs- Should get 80+ yards and a td against the Chiefs defense.
8. Cedric Benson- Maybe the comeback player of the year so far, Benson looks to continue his run against the beat up Browns.
9. Ronnie Brown- With new QB Chad Henne in you know the Dolphins will try to run the ball.
10. Reggie Wayne- See Peyton Manning above...
11. Clinton Portis- If he can't get going against Tampa it may be time to sit Portis for good in fantasy leagues.
12. Jay Cutler- Should have plenty of opportunities against the Lions defense to make big plays.
Stinkers
1. Larry Johnson- Johnson has looked completely average so far and now goes up against a tough Giants defense.
2. Braylon Edwards- The Bengals have done a great job of shutting down opposing teams best WR's, ask Greg Jennings and Brandon Marshall and Santonio Holmes who had a combined 5 catches for 45 yards and 0 td's.
3. Matt Cassell- Same as Larry Johnson, don't like the matchup against the Giants defense.
4. Kyle Orton- Hasn't had a real good fantasy game yet and the Cowboys will be his toughest matchup this season.
5. Frank Gore- Injured and out at least two weeks.
6. Ladanian Tomlinson- Even if he does play I don't like his chances against the Steelers defense.
7. Ryan Grant- A running back vs. the Williams wall is just about always something to stay away from.
8. Lee Evans- Something tells me the Bills will try to feed the ball to T. Owens so that he doesn't cause complete chaos in Buffalo.
9. Willie Parker- The Steelers have become a pass happy offense with almost no running game, until that changes Parker isn't the best fantasy start.
10. Antonio Bryant- He is banged up and only had one catch last week. Now he has a new quarterback to get used to.
Sleepers
1. Glen Coffee- With Gore out Coffee could be a breakout candidate this week, especially against the Rams.
2. Chad Henne- Will finally get his chance to start this week and it's not a terrible matchup against the Bills.
3. Bengals Defense- Any defense against the Browns offense is a must start.
4. Julius Jones- He has been a nice surprise for Seattle this year and should have a lot of opportunities, especially in the passing game, against the Colts.
5. Derek Anderson- Derek Anderson does have the ability to put some big games together, and the Browns are desperate for some offense.
6. Mike Sims-Walker- The Jaguars wide receiver is quietly having a solid season so far and the Titans pass defense has been terrible.
7. Louis Murphy- It's always a risk to start any Raiders receiver while Russell is throwing them passes but the Texans pass defense isn't anything to write home about.
8. Kevin Walter- My guess is the Raiders will roll coverage to Andre Johnson which could leave plenty of opportunities for Walter.
9. Donald Brown- The Colts are working him in more and more each week and if the Colts get a decent lead against Seattle he could get a lot of 2nd half carries.
10. Ted Ginn Jr.- With Henne at QB the Dolphins may try to open up the offense and go deep a little more than usual, if that's the case Ginn could be the benefactor.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
NFL Week 4 Predictions
1. Ravens @ Patriots
2. Buccaneers @ Redskins
3. Titans @ Jaguars
4. Raiders @ Texans
5. Lions @ Bears
6. Bengals @ Browns
7. Seahawks @ Colts
8. Giants @ Chiefs
9. Jets @ Saints
10. Bills @ Dolphins
11. Cowboys @ Broncos
12. Rams @ 49ers
13. Chargers @ Steelers
14. Packers @ Vikings
Most Points: Colts
Least Points: Chiefs
Survivor Pick: Giants over Chiefs
Survivor teams used so far: Saints, Vikings, Ravens
Salary Cap Football Team
QB: Peyton Manning $27.15
RB: Adrian Peterson $19.26
RB: Matt Forte $12.57
WR: Randy Moss $14.08
WR: Mario Manningham $4.94
WR: Mike Sims-Walker $5.81
TE: Jermichael Finely $4.03
K: Steven Hauschka $6.51
DEF: St. Louis $5.62
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Ranking the Games for NFL Week 4
1. Packers @ Vikings, Monday 7:30 CST, ESPN
Favre vs. Packers Part I. This will be as highly televised, highly emotional, highly competitive a prime time Monday Night Football game there will ever be. This game will have a media frenzy leading up to it and the game should be competitive enough to match the hype. This game is why people watch sports to begin with, it is drama at its best. Following Favre's amazing play against the 49ers on Sunday and with 1st place in the division on the line it could be one heck of a football game.
2. Jets @ Saints, Sunday 3:05 CST, CBS
Arguably the NFL's best offense against the NFL's best defense. This game would easily be the number 1 game of the week had it not been Favre vs. Packers week. Both of these teams are playing fantastic football and both proved last week that they can win games when they don't play their best football. Sanchez showed the grit and toughness it takes to win a tough football game and the Saints showed that they can win a game with their defense. Should be a classic game of great offense vs. great defense.
3. Ravens @ Patriots, Sunday 12:00 CST, CBS
On most Sunday's this would be the game of the week but this week it is relegated to 3rd place. Two playoff caliber teams will take the field in New England and it should be a tough, hard fought game from both sides. The Patriots will try to get to 3-1 and keep pace with the Jets while the Ravens will try to stay unbeaten.
4. Chargers @ Steelers, Sunday 7:20 CST, NBC
It was only 8 months ago that these two teams met in the playoffs and Pittsburgh walked off as 35-24 winners and eventually went on to win the Super Bowl. San Diego will be looking for revenge and could really send the Steelers searching for answers if they fell to 1-3. Meanwhile the Steelers have looked anything but Super in 2009 and are really trying to pick up a win and rebound from their 1-2 start after losing two close games to Chicago and Cincinnati respectively.
5. Cowboys @ Broncos, Sunday 3:15 CST, FOX
The 2-1 Cowboys head to Denver to take on the 3-0 Broncos. Didn't see that coming. I predicted both of these teams to finish at the bottom of their divisions but both teams have been buoyed by an easy schedule. The Cowboys have beat the Panthers (0-3) and the Buccaneers (0-3) while the Broncos beat the Browns (0-3), Raiders (1-2) and had a fluke win against the Bengals (2-1). Either way these two teams are a combined 5-1 and Denver has a real chance to extend their lead to two games over San Diego. A Denver win and a San Diego loss this week isn't too far fetched, especially the way Denver's defense has been playing thus far.
6. Titans @ Jaguars, Sunday 12:00 CST, CBS
The first 5 games listed are all very good games, the next 9 games are all mediocre at best. Both the Jaguars and the Titans need a win to really have any chance of staying with the Colts. The Colts are 3-0 and have a very winnable game against the Seahawks. A loss for the Titans would put them at 0-4 and in a huge hole that would be tough for any team to get out of.
7. Seahawks @ Colts, Sunday 12:00 CST, FOX
The big story in this game is the injuries to major players on both teams. The Colts will be without Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney while the Seahawks will likely be without quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Without Hasselbeck the Colts will have a big advantage at home and have a great opportunity to go 4-0 on the young season.
8. Bills @ Dolphins, Sunday 3:05 CST, CBS
The Dolphins much like the Titans are desperately trying to stave off a 0-4 start but the Bills are equally trying to avoid a 1-3 start. T.O. was in the news again this week for his comments after the game and it may take a Bills win to keep the team and T.O from completely imploding on themselves. This will be the first start of the Chad Henne era in Miami.
9. Raiders @ Texans, Sunday 12:00 CST, FOX
The biggest matchup in this week 4 game will be the Raiders pass defense vs. the Texans pass offense. The Raiders will have to shut down Andre Johnson if they want to be successful in this game. While the Texans will surely want to pass the ball like usual they have to find a way to get Steve Slaton going if they want to be successful this season.
10. Lions @ Bears, Sunday 12:00 CST, FOX
Could the Lions actually put together a 2 game winning streak? That will be the big question in Chicago on Sunday as the Bears will look to keep pace with the Vikings and move to 3-1. The craziest part of this entire game is that if the Lions would somehow win, they could be tied for 2nd place after the 4th week. Could end up being an interesting game.
11. Rams @ 49ers, Sunday 3:15 CST, FOX
The 49ers are going to have to try and avoid the heartache of losing to Brett Favre on a 30+ yard pass play with only 2 seconds remaining in the game. They also will have to overcome the loss of Frank Gore. The good news is that they are playing the perfect team to do both of those things. The Rams looked better last week with Kyle Boller at quarterback but at this point the 49ers are a much better football team and as long as they don't allow a let down after the Vikings game they should win this game.
12. Bengals @ Browns, Sunday 12:00 CST, CBS
Derek Anderson takes over as the starter for the punchless Browns offense and the Bengals have a tremendous opportunity to move to 3-1 and possibly move into a tie for first with Baltimore. The Bengals have been playing really good football and should be 3-0 so far but regardless have wins against both Green Bay and Pittsburgh. Unless Derek Anderson can make a significant improvement to this Browns offense the Bengals should move to 3-1.
13. Giants @ Chiefs, Sunday 12:00 CST, FOX
This game is arguably the biggest mismatch of week 4. The Chiefs are 0-3 and could be playing the worst football of any team right now. The Giants are 3-0 and possibly playing better football than anybody else right now. Put those two things together and it should make for a very lackluster game. The Giants should put together a game much like they did against Tampa Bay and dominate in all phases of the game.
14. Buccaneers @ Redskins, Sunday 12:00 CST, FOX
The biggest disappointment in this game is that the Redskins should end up 2-2 after this game and they really don't deserve to be 2-2. After losing to the Lions things couldn't be going any worse for the Redskins than they are right now but a win against Tampa and they would be 2-2 and could actually get momentum. If Tampa some how wins this game though it could be a free for all in Washington and coach Zorn could kiss his job goodbye.
BYE: Falcons, Eagles, Cardinals, Panthers
Favre vs. Packers Part I. This will be as highly televised, highly emotional, highly competitive a prime time Monday Night Football game there will ever be. This game will have a media frenzy leading up to it and the game should be competitive enough to match the hype. This game is why people watch sports to begin with, it is drama at its best. Following Favre's amazing play against the 49ers on Sunday and with 1st place in the division on the line it could be one heck of a football game.
2. Jets @ Saints, Sunday 3:05 CST, CBS
Arguably the NFL's best offense against the NFL's best defense. This game would easily be the number 1 game of the week had it not been Favre vs. Packers week. Both of these teams are playing fantastic football and both proved last week that they can win games when they don't play their best football. Sanchez showed the grit and toughness it takes to win a tough football game and the Saints showed that they can win a game with their defense. Should be a classic game of great offense vs. great defense.
3. Ravens @ Patriots, Sunday 12:00 CST, CBS
On most Sunday's this would be the game of the week but this week it is relegated to 3rd place. Two playoff caliber teams will take the field in New England and it should be a tough, hard fought game from both sides. The Patriots will try to get to 3-1 and keep pace with the Jets while the Ravens will try to stay unbeaten.
4. Chargers @ Steelers, Sunday 7:20 CST, NBC
It was only 8 months ago that these two teams met in the playoffs and Pittsburgh walked off as 35-24 winners and eventually went on to win the Super Bowl. San Diego will be looking for revenge and could really send the Steelers searching for answers if they fell to 1-3. Meanwhile the Steelers have looked anything but Super in 2009 and are really trying to pick up a win and rebound from their 1-2 start after losing two close games to Chicago and Cincinnati respectively.
5. Cowboys @ Broncos, Sunday 3:15 CST, FOX
The 2-1 Cowboys head to Denver to take on the 3-0 Broncos. Didn't see that coming. I predicted both of these teams to finish at the bottom of their divisions but both teams have been buoyed by an easy schedule. The Cowboys have beat the Panthers (0-3) and the Buccaneers (0-3) while the Broncos beat the Browns (0-3), Raiders (1-2) and had a fluke win against the Bengals (2-1). Either way these two teams are a combined 5-1 and Denver has a real chance to extend their lead to two games over San Diego. A Denver win and a San Diego loss this week isn't too far fetched, especially the way Denver's defense has been playing thus far.
6. Titans @ Jaguars, Sunday 12:00 CST, CBS
The first 5 games listed are all very good games, the next 9 games are all mediocre at best. Both the Jaguars and the Titans need a win to really have any chance of staying with the Colts. The Colts are 3-0 and have a very winnable game against the Seahawks. A loss for the Titans would put them at 0-4 and in a huge hole that would be tough for any team to get out of.
7. Seahawks @ Colts, Sunday 12:00 CST, FOX
The big story in this game is the injuries to major players on both teams. The Colts will be without Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney while the Seahawks will likely be without quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Without Hasselbeck the Colts will have a big advantage at home and have a great opportunity to go 4-0 on the young season.
8. Bills @ Dolphins, Sunday 3:05 CST, CBS
The Dolphins much like the Titans are desperately trying to stave off a 0-4 start but the Bills are equally trying to avoid a 1-3 start. T.O. was in the news again this week for his comments after the game and it may take a Bills win to keep the team and T.O from completely imploding on themselves. This will be the first start of the Chad Henne era in Miami.
9. Raiders @ Texans, Sunday 12:00 CST, FOX
The biggest matchup in this week 4 game will be the Raiders pass defense vs. the Texans pass offense. The Raiders will have to shut down Andre Johnson if they want to be successful in this game. While the Texans will surely want to pass the ball like usual they have to find a way to get Steve Slaton going if they want to be successful this season.
10. Lions @ Bears, Sunday 12:00 CST, FOX
Could the Lions actually put together a 2 game winning streak? That will be the big question in Chicago on Sunday as the Bears will look to keep pace with the Vikings and move to 3-1. The craziest part of this entire game is that if the Lions would somehow win, they could be tied for 2nd place after the 4th week. Could end up being an interesting game.
11. Rams @ 49ers, Sunday 3:15 CST, FOX
The 49ers are going to have to try and avoid the heartache of losing to Brett Favre on a 30+ yard pass play with only 2 seconds remaining in the game. They also will have to overcome the loss of Frank Gore. The good news is that they are playing the perfect team to do both of those things. The Rams looked better last week with Kyle Boller at quarterback but at this point the 49ers are a much better football team and as long as they don't allow a let down after the Vikings game they should win this game.
12. Bengals @ Browns, Sunday 12:00 CST, CBS
Derek Anderson takes over as the starter for the punchless Browns offense and the Bengals have a tremendous opportunity to move to 3-1 and possibly move into a tie for first with Baltimore. The Bengals have been playing really good football and should be 3-0 so far but regardless have wins against both Green Bay and Pittsburgh. Unless Derek Anderson can make a significant improvement to this Browns offense the Bengals should move to 3-1.
13. Giants @ Chiefs, Sunday 12:00 CST, FOX
This game is arguably the biggest mismatch of week 4. The Chiefs are 0-3 and could be playing the worst football of any team right now. The Giants are 3-0 and possibly playing better football than anybody else right now. Put those two things together and it should make for a very lackluster game. The Giants should put together a game much like they did against Tampa Bay and dominate in all phases of the game.
14. Buccaneers @ Redskins, Sunday 12:00 CST, FOX
The biggest disappointment in this game is that the Redskins should end up 2-2 after this game and they really don't deserve to be 2-2. After losing to the Lions things couldn't be going any worse for the Redskins than they are right now but a win against Tampa and they would be 2-2 and could actually get momentum. If Tampa some how wins this game though it could be a free for all in Washington and coach Zorn could kiss his job goodbye.
BYE: Falcons, Eagles, Cardinals, Panthers
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
NFL MVP Power Rankings Week 3
1. Peyton Manning
2. Drew Brees
3. Adrian Peterson
4. Eli Manning
5. Joe Flacco
6. Chris Johnson
7. Maurice Jones-Drew
8. Matt Ryan
9. Aaron Rodgers
10. Brett Favre
11. Frank Gore
12. Cedric Benson
13. Jay Cutler
14. Philip Rivers
15. Tony Romo
16. Tom Brady
17. Carson Palmer
18. Mark Sanchez
19. Reggie Wayne
20. Willis McGahee
21. Kyle Orton
22. Kurt Warner
23. Vincent Jackson
24. Marques Colston
25. Fred Jackson
2. Drew Brees
3. Adrian Peterson
4. Eli Manning
5. Joe Flacco
6. Chris Johnson
7. Maurice Jones-Drew
8. Matt Ryan
9. Aaron Rodgers
10. Brett Favre
11. Frank Gore
12. Cedric Benson
13. Jay Cutler
14. Philip Rivers
15. Tony Romo
16. Tom Brady
17. Carson Palmer
18. Mark Sanchez
19. Reggie Wayne
20. Willis McGahee
21. Kyle Orton
22. Kurt Warner
23. Vincent Jackson
24. Marques Colston
25. Fred Jackson
Fantasy Football Review Week 3
Fantasy Pick 'Em Week 3: Record: 12-4, Overall Record: 33-15
Incorrect Picks:
Titans over Jets
Texans over Jaguars
Raiders over Broncos
Cardinals over Colts
Least Points Pick: Browns (3)
Actual Least Points: Buccaneers (0)
Most Points Pick: Saints (27)
Actual Most Points: Packers (36)
Survivor Pick: Ravens (Ravens beat the Browns 34-3)
Survivor Teams Used: Vikings, Saints, Ravens
Salary Cap Football Picks:
Kevin Kolb: 27 points
Maurice Jones-Drew: 31 points
Matt Forte: 10 points
Larry Fitzgerald: 7 points
Greg Jennings: 10 points
Andre Johnson: 8 points
Jeremy Shockey: 4 points
Steven Hauschka: 10 points
Texans Defense: -2 points
Total: 105 points
Predicted Studs, Stinkers, and Sleepers (and actual results)
Studs
Greg Jennings: 10 points (20th overall WR)
Brandon Jacobs: 15 points (8th overall RB)
Drew Brees: 4 points (28th overall QB)
Fred Jackson: 9 points (24th overall RB)
Larry Fitzgerald: 7 points (29th overall WR)
Matt Forte: 10 points (21st overall RB)
Maurice Jones Drew: 31 points (Top overall player)
Steven Jackson: 13 points (11th overall RB)
Ravens Defense: 17 points (2nd overall defense)
Peyton Manning: 29 points (2nd overall player)
Vincent Jackson: 12 points (12th overall WR)
Andre Johnson: 8 points (25th overall WR)
Stinkers
Marc Bulger: -2 points
Kyle Orton: 10 points
Donovan McNabb: 0 points
Marshawn Lynch: 0 points
Matt Cassell: 11 points
Brandon Marshall: 12 points
Carson Palmer: 13 points
Pierre Thomas: 24 points
Antonio Bryant: 0 points
Ladanian Tomlinson: 0 points
Sleepers
Todd Heap: 4 points
Felix Jones: 11 points
Kevin Kolb: 27 points
Derrick Ward: 0 points
Packers Defense: 10 points
Johnny Knox: 6 points
Donnie Avery: 1 point
Pierre Garcon: 13 points
Jerome Harrison: 8 points
Lynell Hamilton: 8 points
Actual Top Fantasy Football Lineup Week 3
QB: Peyton Manning: 29 points
RB: Maurice Jones-Drew: 31 points
RB: Pierre Thomas: 24 points
WR: Santana Moss: 23 points
WR: Desean Jackson: 20 points
WR: Reggie Wayne: 18 points
TE: Vernon Davis: 21 points
K: Stephen Gostkowski: 14 points
DEF: Cowboys: 19 points
(All points are using ESPN's scoring system)
Incorrect Picks:
Titans over Jets
Texans over Jaguars
Raiders over Broncos
Cardinals over Colts
Least Points Pick: Browns (3)
Actual Least Points: Buccaneers (0)
Most Points Pick: Saints (27)
Actual Most Points: Packers (36)
Survivor Pick: Ravens (Ravens beat the Browns 34-3)
Survivor Teams Used: Vikings, Saints, Ravens
Salary Cap Football Picks:
Kevin Kolb: 27 points
Maurice Jones-Drew: 31 points
Matt Forte: 10 points
Larry Fitzgerald: 7 points
Greg Jennings: 10 points
Andre Johnson: 8 points
Jeremy Shockey: 4 points
Steven Hauschka: 10 points
Texans Defense: -2 points
Total: 105 points
Predicted Studs, Stinkers, and Sleepers (and actual results)
Studs
Greg Jennings: 10 points (20th overall WR)
Brandon Jacobs: 15 points (8th overall RB)
Drew Brees: 4 points (28th overall QB)
Fred Jackson: 9 points (24th overall RB)
Larry Fitzgerald: 7 points (29th overall WR)
Matt Forte: 10 points (21st overall RB)
Maurice Jones Drew: 31 points (Top overall player)
Steven Jackson: 13 points (11th overall RB)
Ravens Defense: 17 points (2nd overall defense)
Peyton Manning: 29 points (2nd overall player)
Vincent Jackson: 12 points (12th overall WR)
Andre Johnson: 8 points (25th overall WR)
Stinkers
Marc Bulger: -2 points
Kyle Orton: 10 points
Donovan McNabb: 0 points
Marshawn Lynch: 0 points
Matt Cassell: 11 points
Brandon Marshall: 12 points
Carson Palmer: 13 points
Pierre Thomas: 24 points
Antonio Bryant: 0 points
Ladanian Tomlinson: 0 points
Sleepers
Todd Heap: 4 points
Felix Jones: 11 points
Kevin Kolb: 27 points
Derrick Ward: 0 points
Packers Defense: 10 points
Johnny Knox: 6 points
Donnie Avery: 1 point
Pierre Garcon: 13 points
Jerome Harrison: 8 points
Lynell Hamilton: 8 points
Actual Top Fantasy Football Lineup Week 3
QB: Peyton Manning: 29 points
RB: Maurice Jones-Drew: 31 points
RB: Pierre Thomas: 24 points
WR: Santana Moss: 23 points
WR: Desean Jackson: 20 points
WR: Reggie Wayne: 18 points
TE: Vernon Davis: 21 points
K: Stephen Gostkowski: 14 points
DEF: Cowboys: 19 points
(All points are using ESPN's scoring system)
The Best and Worst Performances of NFL Week 3
Best
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers: 13-23, 269 yards, 8 carries-38 yards, 3 td's
Kevin Kolb: 24-34, 322 yards, 1 carry-1 yard, 3 td's
Matt Schaub: 26-35, 300 yards, 3 td's, 1 int
Peyton Manning: 24-35, 379 yards, 4 td's, int
Running Back
Fred Taylor: 21-105, td, 1 catch-4 yards
Maurice Jones-Drew: 23-119, 4 catches-28 yards, 3 td's
Pierre Thomas: 14-126, 2 td's
Tashard Choice: 18-82, 4 catches-36 yards, td
Julius Jones: 19-98, 3 catches-38 yards, td
Receivers/Tight-Ends
Donald Driver: 4-96, td
Vernon Davis: 7-96, 2 td's
Jericho Cotchery: 8-108, td
Desean Jackson: 6-149, td
Brent Celek: 8-104, td
Derrick Mason: 5-118, td
Kevin Walter: 7-96, td
Santana Moss: 10-178, td
Reggie Wayne: 7-126, td
Defense
Leonard Little: 2 tackles, 2 sacks
Brandon Ayanbadejo: 4 tackles, sack, int
David Hawthorne: 16 tackles, int
Lance Briggs: 7 tackles, sack, int
Jonathan Joseph: 6 tackles, int, td
Eric Wedle: 7 tackles, int, td
Elvis Dumervil: 5 tackles, 2 sacks
Dwight Freeney: 2 tackles, 2 sacks
Antoine Bethea: 8 tackles, fumble recovery, int
Terence Newman: 4 tackles, int, td
Victor Butler: 3 tackles, 2 sacks
Worst
Tampa Bay's Offense: 86 total yards, 5 first downs, 1 interception
Kerry Collins: 15-37, 170 yards, td, 2 int's
Browns QB's (Quinn and Anderson): 17-27, 115 yards, 0 td's, 4 int's
JaMarcus Russell: 12-21, 61 yards, 0 td's, 2 int's
Jake Delhomme: 22-33, 220 yards, td, 2 int's, fumble lost
Thomas Jones: 14 carries-20 yards, 1 catch-2 yards
Larry Johnson: 19 carries-38 yards, 1 fumble lost
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers: 13-23, 269 yards, 8 carries-38 yards, 3 td's
Kevin Kolb: 24-34, 322 yards, 1 carry-1 yard, 3 td's
Matt Schaub: 26-35, 300 yards, 3 td's, 1 int
Peyton Manning: 24-35, 379 yards, 4 td's, int
Running Back
Fred Taylor: 21-105, td, 1 catch-4 yards
Maurice Jones-Drew: 23-119, 4 catches-28 yards, 3 td's
Pierre Thomas: 14-126, 2 td's
Tashard Choice: 18-82, 4 catches-36 yards, td
Julius Jones: 19-98, 3 catches-38 yards, td
Receivers/Tight-Ends
Donald Driver: 4-96, td
Vernon Davis: 7-96, 2 td's
Jericho Cotchery: 8-108, td
Desean Jackson: 6-149, td
Brent Celek: 8-104, td
Derrick Mason: 5-118, td
Kevin Walter: 7-96, td
Santana Moss: 10-178, td
Reggie Wayne: 7-126, td
Defense
Leonard Little: 2 tackles, 2 sacks
Brandon Ayanbadejo: 4 tackles, sack, int
David Hawthorne: 16 tackles, int
Lance Briggs: 7 tackles, sack, int
Jonathan Joseph: 6 tackles, int, td
Eric Wedle: 7 tackles, int, td
Elvis Dumervil: 5 tackles, 2 sacks
Dwight Freeney: 2 tackles, 2 sacks
Antoine Bethea: 8 tackles, fumble recovery, int
Terence Newman: 4 tackles, int, td
Victor Butler: 3 tackles, 2 sacks
Worst
Tampa Bay's Offense: 86 total yards, 5 first downs, 1 interception
Kerry Collins: 15-37, 170 yards, td, 2 int's
Browns QB's (Quinn and Anderson): 17-27, 115 yards, 0 td's, 4 int's
JaMarcus Russell: 12-21, 61 yards, 0 td's, 2 int's
Jake Delhomme: 22-33, 220 yards, td, 2 int's, fumble lost
Thomas Jones: 14 carries-20 yards, 1 catch-2 yards
Larry Johnson: 19 carries-38 yards, 1 fumble lost
NFL Power Rankings
Week 3
1. Giants +1 (1-6)
2. Saints -1 (1-15)
3. Ravens +1 (3-10)
4. Vikings -1 (3-12)
5. Colts +1 (5-10)
6. Jets +1 (6-22)
7. Eagles +4 (2-11)
8. Patriots +2 (2-10)
9. Chargers -1 (6-11)
10. Falcons -5 (5-14)
11. Bengals +6 (11-24)
12. 49ers +1 (12-23)
13. Packers +2 (9-15)
14. Bears +2 (13-18)
15. Cowboys -3 (12-18)
16. Broncos +2 (16-29)
17. Steelers -8 (1-17)
18. Cardinals -4 (8-18)
19. Texans +1 (17-26)
20. Bills +4 (20-25)
21. Jaguars +6 (21-27)
22. Titans -3 (4-22)
23. Seahawks -2 (15-23)
24. Dolphins -1 (16-24)
25. Raiders - (25-28)
26. Panthers - (9-26)
27. Lions +5 (27-32)
28. Redskins -6 (19-28)
29. Rams +1 (27-31)
30. Chiefs -1 (28-30)
31. Buccaneers -3 (26-31)
32. Browns -1 (30-32)
Biggest Move Up: Bengals and Jaguars +6
Biggest Move Down: Steelers -8
If the Season Ended Today
AFC
1. Ravens
2. Colts
3. Jets
4. Broncos
5. Patriots
6. Chargers
NFC
1. Giants
2. Saints
3. Vikings
4. 49ers
5. Eagles
6. Falcons
Eliminated from Super Bowl Contention:
1. Lions
2. Browns
3. Chiefs
4. Buccaneers
5. Raiders
6. Rams
Monday, September 28, 2009
Brewers Week in Review
Week of September 21st-September 27th
Monday September 21st vs. Chicago Cubs, lost 2-10
Tuesday September 22nd vs. Chicago Cubs, lost 2-7
Wednesday September 23rd vs. Chicago Cubs, won 3-2
Thursday September 24th vs. Philadelphia Phillies, lost 4-9
Friday September 25th vs. Philadelphia Phillies, won 8-4
Saturday September 26th vs. Philadelphia Phillies, won 7-5
Sunday September 27th vs. Philadelphia Phillies, lost 5-6
Record: 3-4 Runs Scored: 31 Runs Against: 43 Overall Record: 77-79 (3rd place)
Player of the Week
Ryan Braun: 12-30, 0.400, HR, 4 runs, 5 rbi's, 2 stolen bases
-4th time Braun has won player of the week
Pitcher of the Week
Trevor Hoffman: 3.0 innings pitched, 0.00 ERA, 0.33 whip, 3K, win, 2 saves
-1st time Hoffman has won pitcher of the week
Goat of the Week
Dave Bush: 5.2 innings pitched, 17.31 ERA, 3.46 whip, 7K's, 2 losses
-4th time Bush has been goat of the week
Players who played well:
C. Hart: 7-19, 0.368, 3 runs, 2 stolen bases
P. Fielder: 7-28, 0.250, 3 home runs, 5 runs, 9 rbi's
C. McGehee: 6-20, 0.300, 2 runs, 3 rbi's, error (4th time in a row)
A. Escobar: 7-19 ,0.368, run, error (3rd time in a row)
M. Parra: 7.0 innings pitched, 1.29 ERA, 0.71 whip, 8K's, win
C. Villanueva: 3.0 innings pitched, 0.00 ERA, 0.33 whip, 5K's
C. Narveson: 5.2 innings pitched, 1.73 ERA, 0.77 whip, 10K's, win (6th time in a row)
C. Vargas: 2.1 innings pitched, 0.00 ERA, 1.43 whip, K (5th time in a row)
T. Coffey: 3.0 innings pitched, 0.00 ERA, 0.66 whip, 2K's
M. Burns: 2.0 innings pitched, 0.00 ERA, 0.50 whip, K
C. Smith: 5.0 innings pitched, 1.80 ERA, 0.40 whip, 3 K's
J. Axford: 2.2 innings pitched, 0.00 ERA, 0.45 whip, 2K's
M. Stetter: 2.0 innings pitched, 0.00 ERA, 1.50 whip, 2 K's
Players who struggled:
J. Gerut: 3-14, 0.214, HR, run, rbi
C. Counsell: 3-14, 0.214 (3rd time in a row)
J. Suppan: 4.1 innings pitched, 15.37 ERA, 3.41 whip, 2K's, loss (3rd time in a row)
D. Weathers: 2.1 innings pitched, 12.86 ERA, 2.86 whip, K
J. Butler: 4.0 innings pitched, 9.00 ERA, 3.25 whip, 3K's
B. Looper: 10.0 innings pitched, 9.00 ERA, 1.80 whip, 4 K's, loss
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Top 10 Observations from Week 3 (Packers @ Rams)
1. I liked the new 3-5-3 defense and think it will be a package that gets used going forward. Earlier in the week I had talked about the Packers maybe moving Charles Woodson to safety while A. Bigby is out so that their 4 best defensive backs (Woodson, Collins, Harris, and Williams) could all be on the field at the same time. The Packers found a different option to get one of their best linebackers on the field in replace of A. Bigby. From the first play of the game B. Chillar lined up as a hybrid safety/linebacker and I really like some of the options that this defense provides going forward. It provided another linebacker to play against the run but a solid enough pass defender to play against tight ends and fullbacks. The problem with implementing a package like this during the week is that B. Chillar doesn't get to work as much with the linebackers in the base defenses and because of this Chillar seemed a little rusty at the linebacker spot giving up two big touchdowns against the Rams. Chillar was not lined up as the 5th linebacker when he gave up the touchdown.
2. Mike McCarthy did a good job of scheming and play calling to minimize the weaknesses of the offensive line. The first two weeks of the season were a disaster for the offensive line but on Sunday Mike McCarthy did a good job of using play action, roll outs and shotgun plays to minimize the deficiencies on the offensive line. A good coach is able to minimize a teams weaknesses and showcase their strengths and on Sunday McCarthy did a really nice job of minimizing one of the Packers' major weaknesses.
3. Something has got to change with the running game and it has to change starting this week. Last season when the Dolphins were struggling to make plays in the running game and get consistent yardage they went to the wildcat. Two seasons ago when the Packers couldn't run the football they went with 5 wide receivers on 1st down and looked for simple pass plays to get the wide receivers opportunities for yards after the catch. There are ways to be creative and get 3-4 yards on first down without having to run the same stretch and inside zone plays on every single run. Screen passes, wildcat runs, and misdirection plays are all ways of trying to pick up 4-5 yards on 1st down without having to actually run the ball. It is time to scrap the current system of running the football, especially on 1st down and it is time to think of something new to get better production on 1st down.
4. The Packers are doing a fantastic job winning the turnover battle. The fact that the Packers have only 1 turnover in 3 weeks is phenomenal but with the defense forcing so many turnovers at the same time it is really a huge advantage for Green Bay. The good news is that the turnover ratio is so far in the Packers' favor. The bad news is that the Packers are only 2-1 and have struggled in portions of all 3 games even when winning the turnover battle so easily. If the Packers at some point don't get these turnovers they are getting in the first 3 weeks it could really be a struggle to win games.
5. If James Jones isn't going to catch the ball he needs to be relegated to 5th receiver or cut. James Jones is a physical wide receiver who has talent but a receiver who can't catch the ball is as useful as a quarterback who can't throw or a lineman who can't block. The Packers in general have dropped way too many passes as a team but Jones is the only one who has been doing it over the course of his entire career.
6. Jarrett Bush's days in Green Bay may soon be over. The player that Packers' fans have bashed maybe more than any other the past couple of years may have finally made too many mistakes for the Packers to keep him around. In the last two games he has 3 special teams penalties, proved 2 weeks ago he couldn't adequately fill in as an emergency safety and last season proved he couldn't fill in as an emergency corner. When A. Bigby comes back from injury it wouldn't surprise me to see Bush get cut. In the past he has been worth keeping around as a special teams player but this year he doesn't seem to be worth keeping.
7. Kyle Boller did a really nice job filling in for Marc Bulger on Sunday. The Rams may have a quarterback controversy on hand because Kyle Boller played much better than expected for the Rams. While Marc Bulger was mostly ineffective in his limited time on Sunday and through his past few games as a starter, Boller came in and added instant energy to the offense. On the first touchdown pass he did a great job of looking off the safety and he made a perfect throw on both of his touchdown passes. If I were the Rams, Kyle Boller would be my quarterback going forward and I truly believe the Packers defense would have been much better against Bulger than it ended up being against Boller.
8. Daryn Colledge played much better this week and did a very solid job filling in for the injured Chad Clifton. Most teams don't have a player that can just step up and protect their starting quarterbacks blindside and last week the Packers experienced what it can be like to not play with a good pass blocking left tackle. Last week against Cincinnati Colledge was awful when switched to left tackle but this week after practicing he looked very capable of holding down the fort while Clifton is out. Kudos to Scott Wells and Jason Spitz for also filling in and doing a solid job. The offensive line still needs a ton of work and is the biggest weakness on this team but this week in the face of adversity they did a solid job.
9. Finally the Packers came out of a game without any significant injury. After losing Atari Bigby week 1 for an extended period and Chad Clifton last week it was nice to have the Packers come out of St. Louis without any major injury. According to Mike McCarthy there were a lot of players that were banged up but just about every team in the NFL is banged up even by week 3. The NFL is becoming a game of survival of the fittest and when a game can be played without losing a major player it becomes a major accomplishment.
10. If the Packers want to be successful this season they are going to need more of a contribution from their rookie class. The Packers finally debuted B.J. Raji and Brad Jones on the active roster this week and T.J. Lang actually played a snap from scrimmage when Colledge missed a play because of his shoe, but overall the Packers rookie class hasn't made a ton of impact so far. J. Wynn has been active and gets a decent amount of plays each week but hasn't really done anything to make any noise, while Clay Matthews receives a lot of playing time at OLB without any wow plays to show for it either. This is a very good rookie class and the more experience and playing time they get the more impact they will make but overall Green Bay is going to need a much bigger contribution than they have received from their rookies in the first 3 weeks.
2. Mike McCarthy did a good job of scheming and play calling to minimize the weaknesses of the offensive line. The first two weeks of the season were a disaster for the offensive line but on Sunday Mike McCarthy did a good job of using play action, roll outs and shotgun plays to minimize the deficiencies on the offensive line. A good coach is able to minimize a teams weaknesses and showcase their strengths and on Sunday McCarthy did a really nice job of minimizing one of the Packers' major weaknesses.
3. Something has got to change with the running game and it has to change starting this week. Last season when the Dolphins were struggling to make plays in the running game and get consistent yardage they went to the wildcat. Two seasons ago when the Packers couldn't run the football they went with 5 wide receivers on 1st down and looked for simple pass plays to get the wide receivers opportunities for yards after the catch. There are ways to be creative and get 3-4 yards on first down without having to run the same stretch and inside zone plays on every single run. Screen passes, wildcat runs, and misdirection plays are all ways of trying to pick up 4-5 yards on 1st down without having to actually run the ball. It is time to scrap the current system of running the football, especially on 1st down and it is time to think of something new to get better production on 1st down.
4. The Packers are doing a fantastic job winning the turnover battle. The fact that the Packers have only 1 turnover in 3 weeks is phenomenal but with the defense forcing so many turnovers at the same time it is really a huge advantage for Green Bay. The good news is that the turnover ratio is so far in the Packers' favor. The bad news is that the Packers are only 2-1 and have struggled in portions of all 3 games even when winning the turnover battle so easily. If the Packers at some point don't get these turnovers they are getting in the first 3 weeks it could really be a struggle to win games.
5. If James Jones isn't going to catch the ball he needs to be relegated to 5th receiver or cut. James Jones is a physical wide receiver who has talent but a receiver who can't catch the ball is as useful as a quarterback who can't throw or a lineman who can't block. The Packers in general have dropped way too many passes as a team but Jones is the only one who has been doing it over the course of his entire career.
6. Jarrett Bush's days in Green Bay may soon be over. The player that Packers' fans have bashed maybe more than any other the past couple of years may have finally made too many mistakes for the Packers to keep him around. In the last two games he has 3 special teams penalties, proved 2 weeks ago he couldn't adequately fill in as an emergency safety and last season proved he couldn't fill in as an emergency corner. When A. Bigby comes back from injury it wouldn't surprise me to see Bush get cut. In the past he has been worth keeping around as a special teams player but this year he doesn't seem to be worth keeping.
7. Kyle Boller did a really nice job filling in for Marc Bulger on Sunday. The Rams may have a quarterback controversy on hand because Kyle Boller played much better than expected for the Rams. While Marc Bulger was mostly ineffective in his limited time on Sunday and through his past few games as a starter, Boller came in and added instant energy to the offense. On the first touchdown pass he did a great job of looking off the safety and he made a perfect throw on both of his touchdown passes. If I were the Rams, Kyle Boller would be my quarterback going forward and I truly believe the Packers defense would have been much better against Bulger than it ended up being against Boller.
8. Daryn Colledge played much better this week and did a very solid job filling in for the injured Chad Clifton. Most teams don't have a player that can just step up and protect their starting quarterbacks blindside and last week the Packers experienced what it can be like to not play with a good pass blocking left tackle. Last week against Cincinnati Colledge was awful when switched to left tackle but this week after practicing he looked very capable of holding down the fort while Clifton is out. Kudos to Scott Wells and Jason Spitz for also filling in and doing a solid job. The offensive line still needs a ton of work and is the biggest weakness on this team but this week in the face of adversity they did a solid job.
9. Finally the Packers came out of a game without any significant injury. After losing Atari Bigby week 1 for an extended period and Chad Clifton last week it was nice to have the Packers come out of St. Louis without any major injury. According to Mike McCarthy there were a lot of players that were banged up but just about every team in the NFL is banged up even by week 3. The NFL is becoming a game of survival of the fittest and when a game can be played without losing a major player it becomes a major accomplishment.
10. If the Packers want to be successful this season they are going to need more of a contribution from their rookie class. The Packers finally debuted B.J. Raji and Brad Jones on the active roster this week and T.J. Lang actually played a snap from scrimmage when Colledge missed a play because of his shoe, but overall the Packers rookie class hasn't made a ton of impact so far. J. Wynn has been active and gets a decent amount of plays each week but hasn't really done anything to make any noise, while Clay Matthews receives a lot of playing time at OLB without any wow plays to show for it either. This is a very good rookie class and the more experience and playing time they get the more impact they will make but overall Green Bay is going to need a much bigger contribution than they have received from their rookies in the first 3 weeks.
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