As the NFL moves another week closer to the mid season mark, teams are getting settled in. Some teams are rising while other teams are free falling right before our eyes. There were six quarterback changes this week; they were all very noticeable. Along with that, there were upsets, blowouts, breakout performances, and the "Worst Luck" race.
Key Matchups
The matchup of the week showcased two of the surprises of the NFL thus far. The Falcons and Lions both were feeling pressure headed into this weeks game. The Falcons desperately needed a win to get above .500 for the first time this season and the Lions needed a huge rebound win after last weeks tough loss to San Fransisco. Atlanta made it tough for Stafford early and it continued throughout the day. With a chance to win on their last drive, Detroit not only loss the game 23-16 but possibly their star quarterback as well. Now at 5-2 with two losses in a row, Detroit seems to not be as hot as they were. Remember the 2008 Buffalo Bills started at 4-0 but finished at 7-9. Yeah this could happen to the Lions too. If Stafford misses time, things could get sticky in the Motor City.
Another key matchup on the day was the Chargers and Jets facing off in East Rutherford, New Jersey. With both head coaches throwing jabs during the week, both teams played into the hype. Philip Rivers air show was not much of a show at all. He was 16 of 32 for 179 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Sanchez stole the show with 173 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Those 3 touchdowns were hauled in by Plaxico Burress who had a breakout performance. Did Sanchez finally arrive this season? I'm not sold yet but he certainly did on Sunday. The Jets defeated the Chargers 27-21 and moved on to 4-3 on the season.
Who Am I?
Let's take a break for a moment for some brief fun and trivia. In case you are wondering, in "Who Am I?" I take on the role of an NFL player and give you my stats which will make you think a little while you continue reading. Hope you're ready for this one.
My career numbers are 980 receptions, 11, 960 reception yards, and 86 total touchdowns. I also under my belt are 4 Pro Bowls and 2 Super Bowl titles. So, Who am I?
Quick Spin
Every game on Sunday may not be hyped or a head turner but they all have their impact. Tebow made his first start of the season and it was full of highs and lows. Through the first half Tebow had 24 yards through the air but in the fourth quarter, Tebow rallied his team from a 15-0 deficit to tie the game for an overtime victory. Tebow finished the day with 161 passing yards, 65 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns and the overtime win, 18-15. What does this performance say about Tebow? Well, considering it was against the Dolphins, not much but it says he has heart and will fight back. As for the Dolphins, it says the end for Sparano is near. They are in the "Worst Luck" race.
The AFC South had a head-to-head matchup between the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans. Schaub and Foster were too much for the Titans. Foster had a combined 234 yards and the Texans did not miss Andre Johnson at all. After losing to the Texans 41-7, the Titans must be wondering if their star running back Chris Johnson will ever show up. With another disappointing game, Johnson had 18 yards on 10 carries and 6 catches for 27 yards. The Texans should own the AFC South by default this season.
The phenomenal rookie Cam Newton continues to impress many as well as lead his team. The Panthers took on the Redskins and the day belonged to Cam. With 256 passing yards, 59 rushing yards, and 2 touchdowns, Newton led his team to a 33-20 victory. The Redskins are now 3-3 and tied for second in the NFC East. They need to regroup under coach Shanahan quickly if they want a chance in the division and the playoffs. It also looks as if their leading rusher Tim Hightower may be lost for the season.
In the annual international game the Bears faced the Buccaneers. Through the first three quarters the Bears victory looked as if it was signed, sealed, and delivered. Forte had another amazing game and made it look easy. In the fourth quarter, the Bucs rallied within three points but fell short to lose the game 24-18. Freeman had a bad game with 4 interceptions and 2 touchdowns. Tampa has to learn how to play four quarters if they're going to win.
The Steelers and Cardinals was another great performance for Ben Roethlisberger. With 361 yards and 3 touchdowns through the air, Big Ben carved up the Cardinals secondary for the 32-20 win. Kevin Kolb and the Cardinals can't seem to get things going this season and they appear to have several holes on both sides of the ball. Don't look for things to change much in the desert.
Making headlines this week with their trade for Carson Palmer, the Raiders took on the division rival Chiefs. This was not much of a contest with Kyle Boller starting, Palmer taking over in the second half and the first quarter injury to Darren McFadden. Both quarterbacks threw 3 interceptions for a total of 6 and two of those were touchdowns. The Chiefs blew by the Raiders 28-0 and are now at .500 with a 3-3 record.
The Dallas Cowboys had something on Sunday they haven't had all season, a running game. Rookie DeMarcowinless at 0-6 and are in the "Worst Luck" race.
Christain Ponder made his first career start for the struggling Vikings. Ponder played well with 219 passing yards, 31 rushing yards, and 2 touchdowns; he also threw 2 interceptions. The Packers were a tall order for the Vikings but they were up for the challenge. Jared Allen and the defense made it tough for Rodgers early but couldn't hold back the "Champ" for too long. Rodgers finished with 335 yards and 3 touchdowns for a 33-27 Green Bay victory. Lookout for Ponder because he plays with much more heart than that other quarterback (McNabb) in Minnesota.
The Indianapolis Colts submitted another ballot for the "Worst Luck" race on Sunday night. They loss to Drew Brees and the Saints 62-7. Not much to say here except for it made it easy for me to change the channel and watch The Walking Dead.
In the Dud of the Week game the Seahawks played the Browns in Cleveland. In a 6-3 Browns win and both teams palying without starters Tavaris Jackson of the Seahawks and Peyton Hillis of the Browns, the best play on the day was the field goal. Both teams need to look for offensive help in the offseason. For now, I guess they'll continue to play K-I-C-K.
Monday Night Preview
With another prime time dud in the making, the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars face off in what could be Jack Del Rio's last game coaching. The Jaguars need a win desperately and Del Rio is running out of time. Maurice Jones Drew is sixth in rushing yards this season and is looking to keep climbing the charts with a heavy work load expected. Rookie Baine Gabbert has to face the third ranked defense and they will be licking their chops for the fresh meat.
Joe Flacco is as consistent as a politician but he gets the job done. The Ravens will look to Ray Rice to set up the passing game for Flacco. Rookie Torrey Smith is a speedster that will have plenty of big play opportunities against a Jaguars secondary that gives up big plays occasionally.
Look for both teams to run the ball and both quarterbacks to struggle but Flacco will play better than Gabbert. The Ravens defense should be solid as should the Jags defense. However, the Jags defense always seems to find a way to give a touchdown on their opponents opening drive. Final score prediction is 24-13 Ravens victory.
Who Am I? (Answer)
So, who am I with career numbers are 980 receptions, 11, 960 reception yards, and 86 total touchdowns; also are 4 Pro Bowls and 2 Super Bowl titles under my belt? I'm Hines Ward from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Many people overlook Hines Ward as a stud but the numbers don't lie. He holds the Steelers records for receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. The aspect of his game that most people overlook is that he's an excellent blocker; that's hard to come by in a receiver these days. Hines Ward should be in the Hall of Fame some day and it will be well deserved.
"Worst Luck" Race
Every week I will post my top 5 teams that are in position to land Stanford's QB Andrew Luck in the 2012 NFL Draft. Let's get started shall we.
1.) Indianapolis Colts, 0-7
2.) Miami Dolphins, 0-6
3.) St. Louis Rams, 0-6
4.) Arizona Cardinals, 1-5
5.) Jacksonville Jaguars, 1-5
Last Thoughts...
Week 7 was full of excitements and duds. I think the Tebow project will pan itself out and the decision of the quarterback of the future will be made at the end of the season. They will be drafting someone to replace him in my opinion. Sanchez is not a good quarterback and I will stand by that but if he can be efficient then maybe the Jets can win. San Diego are always full of hype but they play to the level of the competition every week. Something has to change in San Diego. I'm not sold on the Texans as being a powerhouse but they looked like it on Sunday. The Titans are not good but they have a future, they just need a couple of good offseasons. The Falcons are trying to make something of this season and they have a tough road ahead of them. The Lions are falling back and they clearly need some more weapons for Stafford. Cam Newton are making the Panthers competitive and good for the future. They will be tough to beat in a few years. I believe the game has passed Shanahan by or either he's being a stubborn old man. Chicago may have a shot a second place in the NFC North considering the Lions may be falling. The Buccaneers are the same team from last year and they have to change that in the offseason. The Steelers are good but they need to get a consistent ground game going. The Cardinals have played themselves into the "Worst Luck" race. The Chiefs have rebounded nicely after an 0-3 start. The Raiders have put their fate into the hands of Palmer. The Cowboys have played great at times and horrible at others. Either way, its entertaining. The Rams are a bad team with young prospects. Cheers to their future! The Packers are the Champions! Ponder looks promising for the Vikings. Brees and the Saints are good but they need to focus on defense and wide receivers in the offseason. Indianapolis may go 0-16!
Hope you have enjoyed reading and please comment. Thank you!
Great analysis! Keep'em coming
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