Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesNFL Week 14 action heading our way, and my opinion may in fact be much different than that of yours. Let's take a look at the games.Indianapolis Colts (6-6) at Tennessee Titans (5-7)My biggest question about the Titans: How did they beat the Giants by 19, the Jaguars by 27 and the Eagles by 18? My biggest question about the Colts: Can Peyton Manning win a must game when he's in the worst stretch of his career? For Manning's immediate future, and Jeff Fisher's long-term one, this is a surprisingly big 6 Sanchez White Jersey
game for two teams with a combined record of 11-13.Cleveland Browns (5-7) at Buffalo Bills (2-10)Sleet, snow, 21-mph winds Sunday afternoon in Orchard Park. Let's play two! Actually, let's watch a duel between Peyton Hillis and Fred Jackson. First back to 125 yards wins. I'll take Hillis (217 carries, 962 yards), who should pass 1,000 yards by the average fan's third Molson.Cincinnati Bengals (2-10) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)Close because the Steelers will have Ravens hangover. One request for this game: Can it be played, and end, without complaints from the Bengals that the refs are bending over to be fair to the Steelers, and without complaints from the Steelers that the big, bad league office keeps picking on them? Please?Jack del Rio has is Jaguars in first place within the AFC SouthGrant Halverson/Getty ImagesOakland Raiders (6-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (7-5)Sixth straight 100-yard game for Maurice Jones-Drew, as I see it. Imagine this amazing thought emanating from the Jacksonville postgame locker room if this happens: We've got the AFC South in our hands if we can beat the Colts in Indy next week.Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) at Washington Redskins (5-7)I take you back to March 2009. Albert Haynesworth's the biggest prize on the free-agent market. (Roll that one around in your head for a while; it should tell you how dangerous veteran free-agency is.) The final two contenders are Washington and Tampa Bay. Haynesworth picks Washington; he doesn't want to sign with a losing, rebuilding team. Two questions: Think Albert would like to have a mulligan on that call? And think the Bucs are deliriously happy Haynesworth said no?Green Bay Packers (8-4) at Detroit Lions (2-10)Watch your back, Aaron Rodgers. But I don't think even a couple of good whacks from Ndamukong Suh will prevent Rodgers from a 300-yard passing day inside the Detroit dome.New York Giants (8-4) at Minnesota Vikings (5-7)Seems like 11 years ago, but it was actually 11 months ago when Brett Favre threw four touchdown passes and the Vikings ran up the score in a 44-7 rout of the G-Men to close the '09 season. Four touchdown passes for Favre? Not happening in this one. I might set the over-under on "series played, Favre'' at four.J. Meric/Getty ImagesAtlanta Falcons (10-2) at Carolina Panthers (1-11)Atlanta's final four games are bookended by matches against the 1-11 Panthers. Sweet. How exactly does Atlanta lose home-field in the NFC?St. Louis Rams (6-6) at New Orleans Saints (9-3)St. Louis is finally looking like a good team. Six wins match the total of the previous three years. Sam Bradford's won two straight road games. Steven Jackson's on the verge of 6 Sanchez Green Jersey
his sixth straight 1,000-yard season. Chris Long's got six sacks in his last seven games. Rodger Safford's a bear at left tackle. Too bad they're playing the defending Super Bowl champions, who are getting healthy, playing at home and getting as explosive on offense as they've ever been (34, 30, 34 and 34 points the last four weeks).Seattle Seahawks (6-6) at San Francisco 49ers (4-8)Everyone wonders why Alex Smith replaces Troy Smith at quarterback. Pretty simple. With no Frank Gore, the Niners' run game isn't dominant, so they'll have to spread the field much of the game. Alex Smith is more accurate than Troy, with much more of a mastery of the offense, and Troy's been misfiring in each of the past three weeks. Pretty logical for a coach who doesn't care about 2011 one bit; all Mike Singletary wants to do is find a way to win one game right now.Leon Halip/Getty ImagesDenver Broncos (3-9) at Arizona Cardinals (3-9)In the latest chapter of the 2010 book, "Interim Coaches Lead Charmed Lives,'' Eric Studesville ("STOO-dis-ville,'' as he told me this week) becomes the third one this year to open his head-coaching career with a road victory.New England Patriots (10-2) at Chicago Bears (9-3)It could be an awful weather day in the spaceship just off Lake Michigan, and what makes it worse for the Bears is a lightning bug named Danny Woodhead. He'll be the Pats' not-so-secret weapon, along with short stuff to the rookie tight ends.Miami Dolphins (6-6) at New York Jets (9-3)Miami can't score, and Rex Ryan's going to have his defenders lathered into a this-is-our-whole-season-right-here frenzy (better than let's-go-get-a-GD-snack frenzy). Somehow, the Jets are going to find a way to rebound from one of the worst games in their history, or I'll be very surprised.Kansas City Chiefs (8-4) at San Diego Chargers (6-6)Can't see this being a Chargers' walkover with Matt Cassel out. Don't forget that last year, with three minutes to go at Baltimore, Brodie Croyle had the Chiefs tied 24-24.Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) at Dallas Cowboys (4-8)It's all about the quarterback here ... but could that quarterback be Jon Kitna? Since Jason Garrett took over, Jon Kitna's a 68 percent passer, with seven touchdowns 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
and two interceptions. Even without Dez Bryant, I think Kitna makes this a good game, not a Michael Vick-led walkover.Baltimore (8-4) at Houston Texans (5-7)The Ravens are tough to forecast, but I do know this: prime time, Monday night, coming off a loss to their bitter rivals, ticked off ... they'll not only win, but also get one heck of a talking-to on the field before the game from Ray Lewis.
2010年12月12日星期日
2010年12月11日星期六
Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger
Less than a week after achieving a perfect passer rating in the Pittsburgh Steelers opening game victory over the Tennessee Titans 34-7 on Sunday, second-year quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been downgraded to questionable for this week's game against the Houston Texans.Roethlisberger has been hobbled by a sore left knee, and was held out of practice on Wednesday, and was very limited in his work on Thursday. If he is unable to start on Sunday, his backup Tommy Maddox will get the call. Maddox began the 2004 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
season as the top guy and led Pittsburgh to a 2-1 record, before having elbow problems and losing his job to Roethlisberger, the eventual NFL Rookie of the Year. Maddox came into the Titans game in the fourth quarter, but did not attempt a pass. Ben Roethlisberger completed 9-of-11 of his passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns last week. As the Steelers put that game out of reach, they didn't attempt a pass in the final quarter, running it 22 straight times.The Pittsburgh Steelers are already without their top two running backs, Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley. Second-year man Willie Parker will once again get the starting nod while Bettis and Staley recover from their injuries.
2010年12月9日星期四
San Francisco 49ers Mike Singletary Detroit Lions
Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary, who is currently linebacker's coach for the San Francisco 49ers, will interview with the Detroit Lions this week regarding their head coaching position.Singletary, who is also currently acting as an assistant head coach for the 49ers and played his pro ball for the Chicago Bears, returned to football just three years ago after spending a decade in the private business sector. He work with current 49ers' head coach Mike Nolan for two years in Baltimore before making the move to San Francisco when Nolan was given the reigns of Dallas Cowboys jersey
the team last year.If Mike Singletary gets the job he would be only the seventh black head coach in the NFL. In his quest to help fill the currently vacant team president position, San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan spoke with two prominent NFL executive at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.During a press conference on Wednesday, Nolan admitted that he had discussed the position with Seattle Seahawks vice president Mike Reinfeldt and Atlanta Falcons executive vice president Ray Anderson. If Nolan succeeds in bringing in an established executive, it will be a coup of sorts because his owner - John York - is typically very hesitant to bring in extra executives. As of right now, all of the major front office decisions are made by Nolan and vice-president Scot McCloughan.Reinfelt has ties to McCloughan because they both worked together in Seattle, so he seems like the logical choice at this time. Regardless of who is selected, its good to see that Mike Nolan is getting his way and changing the way things are done in San Francisco.
the team last year.If Mike Singletary gets the job he would be only the seventh black head coach in the NFL. In his quest to help fill the currently vacant team president position, San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan spoke with two prominent NFL executive at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.During a press conference on Wednesday, Nolan admitted that he had discussed the position with Seattle Seahawks vice president Mike Reinfeldt and Atlanta Falcons executive vice president Ray Anderson. If Nolan succeeds in bringing in an established executive, it will be a coup of sorts because his owner - John York - is typically very hesitant to bring in extra executives. As of right now, all of the major front office decisions are made by Nolan and vice-president Scot McCloughan.Reinfelt has ties to McCloughan because they both worked together in Seattle, so he seems like the logical choice at this time. Regardless of who is selected, its good to see that Mike Nolan is getting his way and changing the way things are done in San Francisco.
San Francisco 49ers "Wide receiver roulette finally over?"
Since Terrell Owens left San Francisco a lifetime ago (was it really only three years ago?), the 49ers have had one of the NFL's least-accomplished groups of washouts, er, wideouts. But the 49ers hope they have snared some players who might change all of that. From Curtis Conway to 4 Brett Favre White jersey
Johnnie Morton to Brandon Lloyd to Cedrick Wilson to Arnaz Battle to Antonio Bryant, the 49ers have cycled through guys who were washed up (Conway and Morton) or problematic (Lloyd and Bryant) or just not cut out to be starters (we won't even talk about inexplicable first-round bust Rashaun Woods).The 49ers are one of just four teams without a 1,000-yard receiver over the past three seasons (joining Atlanta, Chicago and New England), and the Niners and Falcons are the only teams not to have a receiver in the top 40 in receiving yards in any of those years (tight end Eric Johnson was 35th in 2004 when he led the 49ers with 825 yards). To be fair to the receivers, they have had to play with developing quarterback Alex Smith the past two seasons. But the simple fact is that since the end of the Owens era the 49ers just haven't had anybody who could give opposing teams headaches like Owens could -- although they've had a few guys who could give the 49ers headaches like Owens could.Lloyd had potential, but he was such an off-field distraction that the 49ers traded him to Washington, where he already is on the outs with the coaching staff. Bryant looked like he might become Smith's top target for the foreseeable future, but the connection they had formed early last season faded, and then Bryant found himself in the doghouses of both the law and the team before being cut. The scrappy Battle has fought for playing time for the past two years, but San Francisco knows he should not be starting.So the 49ers added veterans Darrell Jackson and Ashley Lelie, hoping they might finally have upgraded the position. But it's probably safe to say the future will not depend on a seven-year veteran who cannot stay on the field and a former first-round flameout who is on his third team in less than a year.No, the future is in the hands of the "third" guys -- former third-round picks Brandon Williams and Jason Hill. Williams, who did not catch a pass after being drafted last year, Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
apparently is taking great strides already. But Hill could be the guy who becomes Alex Smith's main man over the next five or six years.The former Washington State standout looks like a great find in this year's third round. A local product out of Sacred Heart Cathedral High School, Hill quickly became a star at WSU. He started as a sophomore, setting a school record with 12 touchdown catches and becoming the sixth Cougar to surpass 1,000 receiving yards. He followed that with an equally great junior season, again going over 1,000 yards (1,097) with 62 catches and ranking third in the nation in yards per game (109.7). He contemplated going pro after that campaign but decided to return for his senior season in hopes of improving his draft stock. Alas, the ever-feared injury bug hit. He still put up respectable numbers (41 catches, 600 yards, seven scores), but not enough to bump him into the second or third round.Hill finished as WSU's career leader in touchdown catches (32) and then turned in an unexpectedly good combine performance that seemed like it might vault him into the second round. But he was still there for the 49ers in the third round, and that should turn out to be the team's fortune. Hill need only look to his new teammate, Jackson, to see just how a third-round pick can make it in the NFL. Jackson was a No. 3 for Seattle in 2000 and was starting by 2001, with 47 career touchdowns and three 1,000-yard seasons on his resume.Hill showed blazing speed at the combine, but that is not his forte. He is a great leaper who gets into and out of his routes smoothly and runs well after the catch. Like Jackson, he has had problems catching the ball at times; but his production speaks for itself, and he certainly knows how to get into the endzone. He is a decent deep threat and is not afraid to go over the middle. Hill has been compared to Reggie Wayne (both are 6 feet) and Chad Johnson, and if Hill can come close to the production of either of those guys or even aSteelers 36 Bettis Jersey
healthy Jackson, the 49ers should be very happy they spent a third-rounder on him. And maybe, finally, the endless receiver cycle will end.Got an idea or a topic that you would like to see explored? Tell us all about it by e-mailing us at feedback . Keep track of the San Francisco 49ers and the rest of the NFL
Johnnie Morton to Brandon Lloyd to Cedrick Wilson to Arnaz Battle to Antonio Bryant, the 49ers have cycled through guys who were washed up (Conway and Morton) or problematic (Lloyd and Bryant) or just not cut out to be starters (we won't even talk about inexplicable first-round bust Rashaun Woods).The 49ers are one of just four teams without a 1,000-yard receiver over the past three seasons (joining Atlanta, Chicago and New England), and the Niners and Falcons are the only teams not to have a receiver in the top 40 in receiving yards in any of those years (tight end Eric Johnson was 35th in 2004 when he led the 49ers with 825 yards). To be fair to the receivers, they have had to play with developing quarterback Alex Smith the past two seasons. But the simple fact is that since the end of the Owens era the 49ers just haven't had anybody who could give opposing teams headaches like Owens could -- although they've had a few guys who could give the 49ers headaches like Owens could.Lloyd had potential, but he was such an off-field distraction that the 49ers traded him to Washington, where he already is on the outs with the coaching staff. Bryant looked like he might become Smith's top target for the foreseeable future, but the connection they had formed early last season faded, and then Bryant found himself in the doghouses of both the law and the team before being cut. The scrappy Battle has fought for playing time for the past two years, but San Francisco knows he should not be starting.So the 49ers added veterans Darrell Jackson and Ashley Lelie, hoping they might finally have upgraded the position. But it's probably safe to say the future will not depend on a seven-year veteran who cannot stay on the field and a former first-round flameout who is on his third team in less than a year.No, the future is in the hands of the "third" guys -- former third-round picks Brandon Williams and Jason Hill. Williams, who did not catch a pass after being drafted last year, Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
apparently is taking great strides already. But Hill could be the guy who becomes Alex Smith's main man over the next five or six years.The former Washington State standout looks like a great find in this year's third round. A local product out of Sacred Heart Cathedral High School, Hill quickly became a star at WSU. He started as a sophomore, setting a school record with 12 touchdown catches and becoming the sixth Cougar to surpass 1,000 receiving yards. He followed that with an equally great junior season, again going over 1,000 yards (1,097) with 62 catches and ranking third in the nation in yards per game (109.7). He contemplated going pro after that campaign but decided to return for his senior season in hopes of improving his draft stock. Alas, the ever-feared injury bug hit. He still put up respectable numbers (41 catches, 600 yards, seven scores), but not enough to bump him into the second or third round.Hill finished as WSU's career leader in touchdown catches (32) and then turned in an unexpectedly good combine performance that seemed like it might vault him into the second round. But he was still there for the 49ers in the third round, and that should turn out to be the team's fortune. Hill need only look to his new teammate, Jackson, to see just how a third-round pick can make it in the NFL. Jackson was a No. 3 for Seattle in 2000 and was starting by 2001, with 47 career touchdowns and three 1,000-yard seasons on his resume.Hill showed blazing speed at the combine, but that is not his forte. He is a great leaper who gets into and out of his routes smoothly and runs well after the catch. Like Jackson, he has had problems catching the ball at times; but his production speaks for itself, and he certainly knows how to get into the endzone. He is a decent deep threat and is not afraid to go over the middle. Hill has been compared to Reggie Wayne (both are 6 feet) and Chad Johnson, and if Hill can come close to the production of either of those guys or even aSteelers 36 Bettis Jersey
healthy Jackson, the 49ers should be very happy they spent a third-rounder on him. And maybe, finally, the endless receiver cycle will end.Got an idea or a topic that you would like to see explored? Tell us all about it by e-mailing us at feedback . Keep track of the San Francisco 49ers and the rest of the NFL
2010年12月2日星期四
Jacksonville Jaguar Donovin Darius
Jacksonville Jaguars starting strong safety Donovin Darius is out for the season after tearing his ACL in Sunday's loss to the . Deke Cooper stepped in for Darius on Sunday and is expected to take his place in the starting lineup.Darius was injured during a punt return in the second quarter. He seemed to know that he had torn his ACL right after sustaining the injury. An MRI confirmed has confirmed his fears.This injury is a big loss for a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that is considered to be one of the top units in the league. 4 Brett Favre White jersey
Donovin Darius has been a key cog in their defensive backfield for nearly a decade. This was his 8th NFL season with the Jaguars and he was coming off an impressive 04' campaign in which he intercepted five passes, forced two fumbles and recorded 89 tackles. The Jacksonville Jaguars announced on Tuesday that they've agreed to a four-year contract with second round draft pick Khalif Barnes, an offensive tackle who played his college ball for the Washington Huskies. The deal calls for the 6-foot-5 315 pound Barnes to receive about $3 million, plus a $1.435 million signing bonus, according to agent Ken Zuckerman. Barnes was a four year starter for Washington, where he appeared in 42 consecutive games before having his senior season cut short by a broken wrist. He was expected to be a mid-first round selection in this past April's draft, but slipped to the second round partly due to his injury and because scouts perceived him as lacking strength and balance. Barnes began his career at Washington as a defensive lineman before switching over to offense his freshman year. He was named team captain prior to the 2004 season.He will be expected to come in and contribute right away, given the fact that the Jacksonville Jaguars starting left tackle Mike Pearson is still a question mark after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery in the off-season. Pearson is also entering the final year of his contract. The Jaguars have now signed all but three of their 2005 draft choices. Khalif Barnes will report to training camp on July 29. Coach Tony Dungy's can thank their defense for their win against Coach Jack Del Rio's Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Jaguars can thank their offensive line for their 10-3 loss.Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning struggled with his passing game, completing only 13 passes of 28 for a total of 122 yards. He was off the mark, and depended on his running game, handing off to running back Edgerrin James 27 times, resulting in 128 running yards. In the last quarter of the game, Peyton Manning handed off to running back Ran Carthon, who ran the ball in the in-zone for a 6 yard touchdown, making the score 10-3. Jaguars' quarterback Byron Leftwich played strong, but ended up taking several big hits. He was able to complete 16 of his 29 pass attempts for 198 yards, resulting in no touchdowns. The Jaguars' offensive line did not block well for their quarterback, and Byron Leftwich was sacked six times, as the result. He was injured during the final minutes of the game, as defensive end Raheem Brock sacked him from behind. He came back into the game, and did manage to get his team in position to force overtime. However, on the Colts' 22 yard line, Byron Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
Leftwich threw to the corner of the end zone, but it was batted down, ending the game.Wide receiver Jimmy Smith caught three passes for 49 yards, making his total career receptions 802. Running back Fred Taylor ran the ball 16 times for 81 yards, but was not able to put any points on the board for the Jaguars.Next week, the Jacksonville Jaguars travel to New York to meet the Jets. If Jack Del Rio has any hopes of seeing his team win, he needs to work on his offensive line. They let their quarterback get sacked six times, and let him get hit countless times. To be effective against the Jets, I believe the Jaguars will need to depend more on their passing game.
Donovin Darius has been a key cog in their defensive backfield for nearly a decade. This was his 8th NFL season with the Jaguars and he was coming off an impressive 04' campaign in which he intercepted five passes, forced two fumbles and recorded 89 tackles. The Jacksonville Jaguars announced on Tuesday that they've agreed to a four-year contract with second round draft pick Khalif Barnes, an offensive tackle who played his college ball for the Washington Huskies. The deal calls for the 6-foot-5 315 pound Barnes to receive about $3 million, plus a $1.435 million signing bonus, according to agent Ken Zuckerman. Barnes was a four year starter for Washington, where he appeared in 42 consecutive games before having his senior season cut short by a broken wrist. He was expected to be a mid-first round selection in this past April's draft, but slipped to the second round partly due to his injury and because scouts perceived him as lacking strength and balance. Barnes began his career at Washington as a defensive lineman before switching over to offense his freshman year. He was named team captain prior to the 2004 season.He will be expected to come in and contribute right away, given the fact that the Jacksonville Jaguars starting left tackle Mike Pearson is still a question mark after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery in the off-season. Pearson is also entering the final year of his contract. The Jaguars have now signed all but three of their 2005 draft choices. Khalif Barnes will report to training camp on July 29. Coach Tony Dungy's can thank their defense for their win against Coach Jack Del Rio's Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Jaguars can thank their offensive line for their 10-3 loss.Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning struggled with his passing game, completing only 13 passes of 28 for a total of 122 yards. He was off the mark, and depended on his running game, handing off to running back Edgerrin James 27 times, resulting in 128 running yards. In the last quarter of the game, Peyton Manning handed off to running back Ran Carthon, who ran the ball in the in-zone for a 6 yard touchdown, making the score 10-3. Jaguars' quarterback Byron Leftwich played strong, but ended up taking several big hits. He was able to complete 16 of his 29 pass attempts for 198 yards, resulting in no touchdowns. The Jaguars' offensive line did not block well for their quarterback, and Byron Leftwich was sacked six times, as the result. He was injured during the final minutes of the game, as defensive end Raheem Brock sacked him from behind. He came back into the game, and did manage to get his team in position to force overtime. However, on the Colts' 22 yard line, Byron Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
Leftwich threw to the corner of the end zone, but it was batted down, ending the game.Wide receiver Jimmy Smith caught three passes for 49 yards, making his total career receptions 802. Running back Fred Taylor ran the ball 16 times for 81 yards, but was not able to put any points on the board for the Jaguars.Next week, the Jacksonville Jaguars travel to New York to meet the Jets. If Jack Del Rio has any hopes of seeing his team win, he needs to work on his offensive line. They let their quarterback get sacked six times, and let him get hit countless times. To be effective against the Jets, I believe the Jaguars will need to depend more on their passing game.
Jacksonville Jaguars Byron Leftwich Fred Taylor
The Jacksonville Jaguars will be traveling to Meadowlands Stadium to meet up the New York Jets in week three. Coach Jack Del Rio will need to strengthen his offensive line if he wants to come home with a victory.New York Jets' quarterback Chad Pennington had a much improved game against the Miami Dolphins this week, throwing two touchdown passes. The Jets' defense also stepped it up and played strong, holding Miami to seven points.Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich displayed a great deal of heart, as he got sacked 6 times, and hit several more times. He hung tough, setting his team up to force an overtime with only seconds left in the game. He threw a 22 yard pass to the in zone, but it was batted down, clinching the game for the '.Both the Jacksonville Jaguars and the 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
New York Jets have strong defensive players. This match-up could make for a very interesting game. They key factor to winning this game for the Jaguars will be their offensive line. If Byron Leftwich is given the time he needs to make completions, I think they will walk away the victors. High expectations greeted Jack Del Rio's squad to open the 2004 campaign. But after losing their top two offensive performers late in the season, QB Byron Leftwich and RB Fred Taylor, the backups were unable to muster enough offensive punch to help out the Jags' strong defense. They did finish with a winning record (9-7) and look for more with the return of their leaders.Strengths: On the defensive side of the football for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the strength of this unit resides up the middle, with Pro Bowl defensive tackles Marcus Stroud and John Henderson as well as tackling machine Mike Peterson at middle linebacker. Jacksonville feels they've also improved on the outside of the line by signing pass rushers Reggie Hayward (FA Denver) and Marcellus Wiley (FA Dallas) at the defensive end spots. Hayward had 10 ? sacks last season, which was twice as many as anyone else on the roster.Fred Taylor received a bad rap early in his career as being a guy who isn't durable enough to be a feature back, but until the 2004 season he has proven the critics wrong. Now, the new knock on him is that he can't find the end zone. Taylor has been one of the most consistent backs in the league the last five years, and will once again be the a key component in the team's success this season. You would be hard pressed to name anyone on the Jaguars offensive line. Heck, I could only name two without having to peek, but this unit yielded only 32 sacks and was among the most durable lines in football in 2004. Makes me scratch my head as to how Leftwich kept getting hurt. Taylor also averaged 4.7 yards per carry running behind this lineWeaknesses: The Achilles heel, other than injuries to Leftwich and Taylor, was the lack of scoring offense and downfield threats. Former USC quarterbacks coach Carl Smith takes the helm at offensive coordinator, and he favors the downfield passing attack more than west-coast offense disciple Bill Musgrave did. Everyone knows about how great the "original Jaguar" Jimmy Smith is, but they also have some talented young receivers. The Jags have used their last two 1st round picks on WRs Reggie Williams and Matt Jones. Williams struggled getting open and holding onto the ball once he did get open in 2004. Jones has impressed coaches early on in camp. One or both of these guys will have to step up opposite Smith to generate more chances downfield for Leftwich. Tight end Kyle Brady looks to come back from an injury plagued 2004 to reclaim his starting role.On special teams, kicker Josh Scobee was accurate from close-in, but struggled on field-goal attempts from 40+ yards. Everyone else on special teams faces competition, in an attempt to find some playmakers at those positions. Rookie David Allen was a great return man in college, and may add some excitement to the mix.Also…There is a question at cornerback to see who will start beside ever improving 3rd year man Rashean Mathis. Depth at backup is also a question. But the Jags are set up nicely at both safety positions with Donovan Darius and Deon Grant. At outside linebackers, athletic Akin Ayodele (92 tackles, 2 sacks) returns with second-year pro Daryl Smith to form at hard-hitting trio with Peterson. Overall: Perhaps the new offensive scheme will help in the growth of Leftwich and the young receivers, but it remains to be seen. This team will be in trouble if 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey White jersey
either Leftwich or Taylor is forced to the sidelines once again. The defense will be strong once again, so give the Jags a shot. Hopefully the special teams will improve the field position battle. This is a big year for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the defense can only do so much. The offense only averaged a hair over 16 points per game in 2004, they will need to improve that by a touchdown to win 10 or 11 games; I don't see it. 8-8 and no playoff birth in my opinion.
New York Jets have strong defensive players. This match-up could make for a very interesting game. They key factor to winning this game for the Jaguars will be their offensive line. If Byron Leftwich is given the time he needs to make completions, I think they will walk away the victors. High expectations greeted Jack Del Rio's squad to open the 2004 campaign. But after losing their top two offensive performers late in the season, QB Byron Leftwich and RB Fred Taylor, the backups were unable to muster enough offensive punch to help out the Jags' strong defense. They did finish with a winning record (9-7) and look for more with the return of their leaders.Strengths: On the defensive side of the football for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the strength of this unit resides up the middle, with Pro Bowl defensive tackles Marcus Stroud and John Henderson as well as tackling machine Mike Peterson at middle linebacker. Jacksonville feels they've also improved on the outside of the line by signing pass rushers Reggie Hayward (FA Denver) and Marcellus Wiley (FA Dallas) at the defensive end spots. Hayward had 10 ? sacks last season, which was twice as many as anyone else on the roster.Fred Taylor received a bad rap early in his career as being a guy who isn't durable enough to be a feature back, but until the 2004 season he has proven the critics wrong. Now, the new knock on him is that he can't find the end zone. Taylor has been one of the most consistent backs in the league the last five years, and will once again be the a key component in the team's success this season. You would be hard pressed to name anyone on the Jaguars offensive line. Heck, I could only name two without having to peek, but this unit yielded only 32 sacks and was among the most durable lines in football in 2004. Makes me scratch my head as to how Leftwich kept getting hurt. Taylor also averaged 4.7 yards per carry running behind this lineWeaknesses: The Achilles heel, other than injuries to Leftwich and Taylor, was the lack of scoring offense and downfield threats. Former USC quarterbacks coach Carl Smith takes the helm at offensive coordinator, and he favors the downfield passing attack more than west-coast offense disciple Bill Musgrave did. Everyone knows about how great the "original Jaguar" Jimmy Smith is, but they also have some talented young receivers. The Jags have used their last two 1st round picks on WRs Reggie Williams and Matt Jones. Williams struggled getting open and holding onto the ball once he did get open in 2004. Jones has impressed coaches early on in camp. One or both of these guys will have to step up opposite Smith to generate more chances downfield for Leftwich. Tight end Kyle Brady looks to come back from an injury plagued 2004 to reclaim his starting role.On special teams, kicker Josh Scobee was accurate from close-in, but struggled on field-goal attempts from 40+ yards. Everyone else on special teams faces competition, in an attempt to find some playmakers at those positions. Rookie David Allen was a great return man in college, and may add some excitement to the mix.Also…There is a question at cornerback to see who will start beside ever improving 3rd year man Rashean Mathis. Depth at backup is also a question. But the Jags are set up nicely at both safety positions with Donovan Darius and Deon Grant. At outside linebackers, athletic Akin Ayodele (92 tackles, 2 sacks) returns with second-year pro Daryl Smith to form at hard-hitting trio with Peterson. Overall: Perhaps the new offensive scheme will help in the growth of Leftwich and the young receivers, but it remains to be seen. This team will be in trouble if 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey White jersey
either Leftwich or Taylor is forced to the sidelines once again. The defense will be strong once again, so give the Jags a shot. Hopefully the special teams will improve the field position battle. This is a big year for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the defense can only do so much. The offense only averaged a hair over 16 points per game in 2004, they will need to improve that by a touchdown to win 10 or 11 games; I don't see it. 8-8 and no playoff birth in my opinion.
2010年12月1日星期三
Five ways Oakland can earn a rare Week 1 win
With NFL kickoff just one day away, the buildup can’t be any greater for the start of the 2008 regular season.The Washington Redskins and New York Giants -- set to match up Thursday on NBC -- will be the first two teams to do battle this year. The and Denver Broncos will be the last, appearing as the second feature game of 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
a ‘Monday Night Football’ doubleheader.The long wait will certainly build anticipation for fans of both teams. Yet, if history holds its course, that’s not especially good news for followers of the silver and black. It’ll all make for a bigger disappointment in the end. That is, again, if the Raiders can’t break an ugly trend that dates back to a half-decade ago.Oakland hasn’t won a season opener in its last five attempts, a trend that started back in 2003 -- the year after Al Davis’ franchise fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII.With a chance to put an end to this longtime Week 1 futility just five days away, let’s take a look at five ways the Raiders can start the ‘08 season atop the AFC West:5. Get the ex-Bronco WR(s) involvedOakland has only three wide receivers on its roster with double-digit career catches, and two of them are former Bronco pass catchers. One, 29-year-old Javon Walker, was signed early this offseason to become the team’s No. 1 option; the other, 28-year-old Ashley Lelie, was inked just this week to be a possible No. 3 target. Combined, the two wideouts caught over 260 balls for the Broncos in six combined seasons, and both receivers surpassed 1,000 yards while in Denver. There’d be perhaps no better offensive spark than watching these wideouts step up against their former team.4. Avoid third-and-long situationsSecond-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell has attempted only 66 passes in this short NFL career, and didn’t exactly air it out in his three fleeting ‘08 preseason appearances. Perhaps the easiest way to lose this game for Oakland would be to consistently put the 23-year-old in third-and-7 (or longer) situations -- positions where the ‘D’ can sit on the pass and aggressively attack the young QB.3. (At least) slow down the runPerpetually the Raiders’ plague on defense, it’s something that’s been said hundreds of times already this offseason: Oakland needs to stop the run. After all, this is the AFC West. Forget that RB Selvin Young only has one season under his belt. Remember Olandis Gary? Or Mike Anderson? Or Tatum Bell? No matter who has handed the ball in Denver under Mike Shanahan, the team has run well. Oakland can’t afford to let Young & Co. break off chunks of yardage at once on the ground. The Raider ‘D’ needs to slow down the Bronco running game, or else it’ll be one relaxing day for quarterback Jay Cutler and a long one for Oakland’s stop unit.2. Get to Cutler early and oftenThe Raider D-line is built around speed and athleticism with veteran Derrick Burgess and second-year man Jay Richardson coming off the ends. Even at DT, though, Oakland’s starters are 27-year-old Tommy Kelly, a former end, and 300-pounder Gerard Warren, who has 13 sacks in four years. These four starters, along with backups Kalimba Edwards and Terdell Sands, who should see plenty of time throughout the game, can’t let Cutler get comfortable in the pocket.1. Run, run, runDarren McFadden. Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
Justin Fargas. Michael Bush. It’s no secret and needs no further explanation: If the Raiders don’t run the ball well, they’ll endure their sixth Week 1 loss in six years. That goes for the rest of the 2008 season, as well.Anthony Carroll can be contacted at Training Camp: An entirely new kind of fantasy game!</i>">Training Camp: An entirely new kind of fantasy game! (19)
a ‘Monday Night Football’ doubleheader.The long wait will certainly build anticipation for fans of both teams. Yet, if history holds its course, that’s not especially good news for followers of the silver and black. It’ll all make for a bigger disappointment in the end. That is, again, if the Raiders can’t break an ugly trend that dates back to a half-decade ago.Oakland hasn’t won a season opener in its last five attempts, a trend that started back in 2003 -- the year after Al Davis’ franchise fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII.With a chance to put an end to this longtime Week 1 futility just five days away, let’s take a look at five ways the Raiders can start the ‘08 season atop the AFC West:5. Get the ex-Bronco WR(s) involvedOakland has only three wide receivers on its roster with double-digit career catches, and two of them are former Bronco pass catchers. One, 29-year-old Javon Walker, was signed early this offseason to become the team’s No. 1 option; the other, 28-year-old Ashley Lelie, was inked just this week to be a possible No. 3 target. Combined, the two wideouts caught over 260 balls for the Broncos in six combined seasons, and both receivers surpassed 1,000 yards while in Denver. There’d be perhaps no better offensive spark than watching these wideouts step up against their former team.4. Avoid third-and-long situationsSecond-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell has attempted only 66 passes in this short NFL career, and didn’t exactly air it out in his three fleeting ‘08 preseason appearances. Perhaps the easiest way to lose this game for Oakland would be to consistently put the 23-year-old in third-and-7 (or longer) situations -- positions where the ‘D’ can sit on the pass and aggressively attack the young QB.3. (At least) slow down the runPerpetually the Raiders’ plague on defense, it’s something that’s been said hundreds of times already this offseason: Oakland needs to stop the run. After all, this is the AFC West. Forget that RB Selvin Young only has one season under his belt. Remember Olandis Gary? Or Mike Anderson? Or Tatum Bell? No matter who has handed the ball in Denver under Mike Shanahan, the team has run well. Oakland can’t afford to let Young & Co. break off chunks of yardage at once on the ground. The Raider ‘D’ needs to slow down the Bronco running game, or else it’ll be one relaxing day for quarterback Jay Cutler and a long one for Oakland’s stop unit.2. Get to Cutler early and oftenThe Raider D-line is built around speed and athleticism with veteran Derrick Burgess and second-year man Jay Richardson coming off the ends. Even at DT, though, Oakland’s starters are 27-year-old Tommy Kelly, a former end, and 300-pounder Gerard Warren, who has 13 sacks in four years. These four starters, along with backups Kalimba Edwards and Terdell Sands, who should see plenty of time throughout the game, can’t let Cutler get comfortable in the pocket.1. Run, run, runDarren McFadden. Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
Justin Fargas. Michael Bush. It’s no secret and needs no further explanation: If the Raiders don’t run the ball well, they’ll endure their sixth Week 1 loss in six years. That goes for the rest of the 2008 season, as well.Anthony Carroll can be contacted at Training Camp: An entirely new kind of fantasy game!</i>">Training Camp: An entirely new kind of fantasy game! (19)
订阅：
博文 (Atom)