Patriots have no heart

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

OK, I'm sick and tired of sticking up for the Patriots. After today's gross performance, I've completely had it.

Yes, I'm still a huge fan, but I also call it as I see it.

This team has a lot of weaknesses, but I thought I'd never say a Bill Belichick-coached team doesn't have heart.

There, I said it.

Who wants to step up and be that go-to player that is a playmaker and one that everyone feeds off of? I call that heart, and no one -- and I mean no one -- has shown to be able to do that, at least consistently.

Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Corey Dillon, Asante Samuel, Ty Law, Lawyer Milloy and Adam Vinatieri aren't walking through the door people.

Those are some of the former Patriots that always made plays, including when the game was on the line.

Tom Brady has done that in the past, but not enough this year. He's still outstanding, but he's not carrying this team. How about Randy Moss and Wes Welker? Do they want the ball with the game on the line? Of course they do, so they need to elevate their game in crunch time and start making more plays.

Actually, you can call out everyone on this team, including the coaching staff.

And how about that defense?

They are a pitiful bunch of nobody's. I'd start building a defense around Jerod Mayo, Brandon Meriweather and Vince Wilfork, but there's just not enough talent on that team.

And the secondary is downright sad. Miami's Chad Henne picked them apart for over 300 yards today. And those were all easy yards. Come on, Chad Henne? Really?

Soft coverage, sometimes no coverage and a lack of tackling is just not acceptable.

Everyone is to blame. How about a pass rush, too? Those down linemen don't get any heat on opposing QBs. They allow them to sit back, survey the field and, of course, find the open man.

It's like taking candy from a baby.

How about a little more fight in the trenches? Play like you're playing for your next contract.

Again, where's the heart?

Who's the inspirational leader on this team that makes big plays in big situations?

This franchise has taken a major step back (tears as I type). And in a hurry.

Until these players start playing with more heart and start making a lot more plays, especially in the fourth quarter, this team in nothing more than a Wild Card team (maybe not even a playoff team unless they win the AFC East) that will get bounced in a hurry because we all know they can't win on the road.

Patriots, where's the heart?

Week 13 Recap: Dolphins Shock Patriots

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanaitc Sports Staff

The Patriots, Steelers, and Redskins were all on the wrong end of some surprising results, highlighting week 13 in the NFL.

Dolphins 22 (6-6) Patriots 21 (7-5)

Where to begin? A lack of pass rush by the Patriots helped make Chad Henne look like an all pro. Henne led a last minute drive to set up a game winning field goal by Dan Carpenter, and Channing Crowder picked off Tom Brady to ice it, as the Dolphins stunned the Patriots in Miami. The offense must also share some of the blame, as there definately were some points left out on the field. Never mind getting the second seed in the AFC, the Pats must now do some work just to make the playoffs.

Saints 33 (12-0) Redskins 30 (3-9)

Just when the Redskins looked poised to pull off the biggest upset of the season, the Saints find a way to pull out a miracle win. With a chance to ice the win, Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham missed a 23 yard field goal. Minutes later Brees and company took full advantage, tying the game on a 53 yard TD reception by Robert Meacham. New kicker Garret Hartley then won it in overtime, as the Saints remained unbeaten.

Raiders 27 (4-8) Steelers 24 (6-6)

Don't worry Patriots fans - things could be worse. After all you could be the Steelers. The Steelers dropped their fourth straight, this time in stunning fashion to the lowly Raiders. Bruce Gradkowski hit Louis Murphy from 11 yards out with just 9 seconds left to hand the Steelers a last second loss at Heinze Field. The defending champs may be all but done for year.

Colts 27 (12-0) Titans 17 (5-7)

There was no drama this week for the Colts. Peyton Manning helped put 24 points on the board in the first half, and the Colts cruised to an easy win from there. Vince Young suffered his first loss after taken over for Kerry Collins at QB.

Eagles 34 (8-4) Falcons 7 (6-6)

Michael Vick managed to get a measure of revenge against his former team. Vick found the end zone twice, once by air and once by ground, to highlight a big win by the Eagles. Chris Redman, in for an injured Matt Ryan, had a tough day, throwing 2 ints, one which was returned 83 yards for a TD by Sheldon Brown.

Bears 17 (5-7) Rams 9 (1-11)

Can you believe it? Jay Cutler went a whole game without throwing a interception. Cutler wasn't great, but he didn't have to be. The Bears jumped out to an early 10-0 lead, and the defense took over from the there. The win keeps the Bears slim hopes at the post season alive.

Bengals 23 (9-3) Lions 13 (2-10)

Cedric Benson was the show for the Bengals, rushing for 110 yards on 36 carries, as the Bengals are now on the verge of clinching a spot in the playoffs. The win gives the Bengals at least a 2 game lead over the Ravens in the AFC North.

Broncos 44 (8-4) Chiefs 13 (3-9)

A few weeks back, it looked like the Broncos were going let their season slip away after losing four straight. Now it looks like the Broncos are back among the AFC's best. Denver ran all over Kansas City, gaining over 240 yards rushing in a rout of the Chiefs. Matt Cassel had a QB rating of 14.6 for the game. Who knew it was possible to be that bad?

Panthers 16 (5-7) Buccaneers 6 (1-11)

Josh Freeman moved the Tampa Bay offense fairly well most the game, but the problem was interceptions. Freeman threw 5 picks, and Carolina was able to pull out the win at home.

Jaguars 23 (7-5) Texans 18 (5-7)

The Jags continue to do just enough to stay in the playoff chase. Behind David Garrad's 2 TD passes, the Jags won for the fourth time in the last five games, and remained in the middle of the race for a wild card playoff spot.

Chargers 30 (9-3) Browns 23 (1-11)

This one was not as close as the final indicates. San Diego led 27-7 in the fourth quarter, before the Browns added a pair of late scores to make the score look closer than it really was. Phillip Rivers was huge, passing for 373 yards and 2 touchdowns, as San Diego won for the seventh straight time.

Giants 31 (7-5) Cowboys 24 (8-4)

Domenik Hixon's 79 yard punt return for a TD helped put the game away for the Giants, and put the New York right back in the race for the top spot in the NFC East. Romo was not to blame this time around, as the QB was solid, throwing for 392 yard and 3 TDs in the loss.

Seahawks 20 (5-7) 49ers 17 (5-7)

The 49ers may have seen their chances at a post season appearance come to and end in Seattle. Olindo Mare kicked a 30 yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Seahawks to a win at home. The loss spoiled a great day by Alex Smith who threw for 310 yards and a pair of scores.

Cardinals 30 (8-4) Vikings 17 (10-2)

Kurt Warner had a big night, throwing for three scores, as the Cardinals handed the Vikings just their second defeat of the season. Brett Favre threw 2 ints, marking the first time he has throw an int since week 7 against the Steelers.

Monday Night Football: Packers Look Playoff Bound

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Perhaps the biggest story of the NFL season has been the play of the ageless Brett Favre. What's not to like? Favre has been outstanding, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 26 TDs. He should be the league MVP, leading the Vikings to a 10-2 record thus far.

Overlooked in the Brett Favre saga however, has been the story of the man who replaced Favre at QB in Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers has had a career year himself, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 22 TDs in leading the Pack to a 7-4 record.

There is no doubt that Rodgers is the new face of the Packers organization, but Favre's shadow is still cast over Green Bay. As good as Rodgers has been, he will not get the credit he deserves until he can beat Favre and the Vikings. The only way this will happen is if the Packers can get into the playoffs as a wild card. A win over the Ravens at Lambeau will go a long way to securing the Packers a spot in the post season, and perhaps getting the Packers one more shot at Favre and the Vikings.

Think of Rodgers as a the NFL's version of Luke Skywalker. Luke was not able to become a Jedi until he beat Darth Vader. Favre is Aaron Rodgers' version of Darth Vader. Rodgers must beat Favre to truly cement his place as the leader of the Pack. With a win on MNF over the Ravens, Rodgers may well be on his way to seeing Favre once again this year. If you thought the regular season match ups against the Vikings were huge, imagine the hype if these teams meet in the playoffs.

The Packers appear to be playing their best ball of the year, and are peaking at the right time. A win over the Ravens on Monday night will be four straight wins for Green Bay. You want to be playing your best football late in the year, and the Pack have been doing that the past few weeks.

If the Packers are playing their best, then the Ravens have been inconsistent at best. The defense has started to turn things around, allowing just 12 points per game over the past five contests, but the real problem for the Ravens has been on offense.

Ray Rice has been a stud at running back for the Ravens, but QB Joe Flacco has come back down to earth a bit. After a hot start to the year, Flacco has thrown just one TD over the past four games. The Ravens have not been able to put back to back wins together since September. If current patterns hold, the Ravens will have an off week.

Even thought both teams have a lot on the line, the Packers have just been a better, more consistent team all year. Throw in a Monday night crowd at Lambeau, a potential rematch against Farve and the Vikings looming in the playoffs, and Green Bay gets the nod for a win on MNF.

Prediction: Packers 23 Ravens 17

Don't bet against New England

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Will the real New England Patriots please stand up?

It's getting to be in the critical stages of the season for every NFL team, including the Pats. Will the Pats fizzle down the stretch and lose their grasp on the AFC East and fail to make the playoffs?

It might seem a little extreme, but that's why Sunday's division game against the Miami Dolphins, currently two games behind the Pats, is so important.

Wouldn't it be nice to see the Patriots finally play a complete game?

Let's hope it happens this week because the losses to the Colts and Saints are still leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

Against the Dolphins, it all starts with stopping the running game. The Wildcat, now directed by Ricky Williams since Ronnie Brown is out for the season, has been tough for the Pats to stop in the past and it's something Miami needs to do successfully in order to win.

Pats fans are calling out the front seven to get the job done. Stop the run and put the game into quarterback Chad Henne's hands.

If that's the case, then the New England secondary needs to get the job done. There's no way Miami should pick apart the Pats in the air, but if they don't get any pressure on Henne, look out.

And that leads to New England's offense. In the first meeting vs. Miami, Tom Brady threw for 332 yards with one TD and one INT.

Randy Moss, who has vanished in the last two weeks, had 6 catches for 147 yards and a TD. Wes Welker caught 9 passes for 84 yards.

We should expect more of the same from Moss and Welker, who go up against Miami's rookie cornerbacks again. Moss and Welker are veterans and they should always win these matchups.

Chad's take: Tom Brady and the passing game struggled on Monday Night vs. the Saints, don't think that'll happen again, even if the Pats are in Miami where they've struggled at times (although the Pats have won 3 of last 4 in Miami). Without Brown running the Wildcat for Miami, that formation isn't nearly as effective (although they'll gash the Pats a few times) with Williams leading the attack.

It's gut-check times for the Pats, and I expect them to play a very good football game. They know the division is far from being wrapped up and this week is as big as it gets.

The Pats will be focused and watch Brady air it out.

The real Patriots better stand up!

Prediction: Patriots, 27-13

Week 13 Predictions: Pats Finally Get Road Win

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The Patriots have no time to feel bad for themselves, as they head to Miami to take on the Dolphins in an important AFC East match up. Win, and the Pats all but lock up the division. Lose, and suddenly the division is in question.

Here are the picks for week 13 in the NFL.

Patriots 21 Dolphins 17

Forget about beating an elite team, I just hope the Patriots can get any kind of win on the road. The Patriots will struggle, but do just enough in the end to pull off the win - and keep their slim chances for a first round bye alive.

Colts 31 Titans 28

It will be more of the same for the Colts. Indy will play in yet another close game, but Peyton Manning will still lead his team to a win. Vince Young suffers his first loss as a starting QB this season, but Indy will remain perfect.

Giants 24 Cowboys 16

The Cowboys are in first place in the NFC East and have a golden opportunity to put the division out of reach. We all know what this means. Tony Romo will continue his tradition of late season mistakes, throw a few picks, and the Giants will get a huge win a home.

Eagles 27 Falcons 14

Micheal Vick makes his return to Atlanta, but will likely not be in for more than a few plays. Can Chris Redman do it again? No way. The Eagles defense shuts down Atlanta, and pulls the Eagles into a first place tie with the Cowboys in the NFC East.

Bears 20 Rams 7

Jay Cutler will finally do something right, and go a whole game without throwing a pick. The Bears get the win, but it does not really matter as both these teams are just playing out the remaining games on their schedules.

Bengals 23 Lions 13

Can things get any easier for the Bengals? After facing the Browns last Sunday, now Cincy gets the Lions. No wonder they are 8-3.

Chargers 40 Browns 3

Speaking of easy schedules, a week after facing the Chiefs, the red hot Chargers get to face the NFL's worst team in the Cleveland Browns. Like he did against K.C, Phillip Rivers will light it up, leading the San Diego to a seventh straight win.

Broncos 28 Chiefs 16

After looking shaky for a few weeks, the Denver defense was solid on Thanksgiving against the Giants. Expect more of the same against the Chiefs, as Denver gets an easy win and stays one game back of the Chargers in the NFC West.

Steelers 34 Raiders 6

There has been a lot of finger pointing going on in Pittsburgh, especially with Hines Ward calling out Big Ben for sitting out last week. Winning cures all, and that is what the Steelers will do this week.

Saints 38 Redskins 13

Will there be a let down for the Saints after last Monday's big win over New England? Absolutely not. The Saints will have no problem with Redskins, and continue to look like the best team in the NFL.

Buccaneers 17 Panthers 16

Matt Moore takes over for injured Jake Delhomme, but it will not matter. The Bucs pick up just their second win of the year, and end any hopes for the Panthers getting to the post season.

Jaguars 23 Texans 20

The Jags always seemed to do just enough to sneak into the playoffs, and the Texans always seem to fail in the clutch. The is no reason to expect anything different, as the Jags will deal the Texans another tough loss.

49ers 21 Seahawks 14

The 49ers continue to hang around in the NFC West, getting a road win in Seattle. The win will get the 49ers back to the .500 mark for the year.

Vikings 38 Cardinals 37

The magical season of Bret Favre and the Vikings continues in the desert, as Favre will have a huge day, and out duel Kurt Warner. The Cardinals lead in the NFC will dwindle to a single game.

Packers 23 Ravens 17

Aaron Rodgers will get the Pack one step closer to the playoffs with a win over the Ravens on MNF. The Ravens have been much better on defense the past few games, but Joe Flacco has been inconsistent, and it will cost the Ravens on Monday night.

Masoli deserves a Heisman look

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The Ducks came up roses, but their quarterback really should be coming up with some major hardware at the end of this season.

Jeremiah Masoli showed on a national stage once again that he deserves some serious Heisman consideration, even though he's not likely to get it. There's not one thing or another that makes Masoli stand out, but the complete package. Let's break it all down and sort it all out.

First, we'll consider the statistics. Look at the other quarterbacks getting attention for this award. Masoli has 2725 total yards and 27 touchdowns, comparable to Tim Tebow's 2962 yards and 30 touchdowns, but doesn't really compare to Colt McCoy's 3,889 yards and 38 touchdowns, Kellen Moore's 3049 yards and 39 touchdowns and Case Keenum's 5042 yards and 42 touchdowns.

Based on statistics alone, Masoli appears to be a laugh as a Heisman candidate. But consider this. Masoli has faced more Top-40 defenses this year than McCoy, Moore and Keenum combined and two more than Tebow, including Boise State, Utah and Arizona, all top-20 teams. Tebow, Moore and Keenum also all had big days against FCS teams this season.

Throw on top of that the fact that Masoli has had to navigate possibly the most competitive conference in the nation, a league that features five ranked teams. His only conference loss came against a red-hot Stanford team in a game where Masoli score four touchdowns, but the Cardinal's Toby Gerhart had a school-record setting day. Oregon's schedule has featured five teams in the BCS Top-25 rankings heading into this week, more than the teams of any of the other quarterbacks considered played combined.

I show you all this simply to display that statistics alone do not paint the full picture. Masoli is a bulldog, just as much, if not more than Tebow gets credit for and last night's victory over Oregon State was a prime example of that. Masoli willed his team to a win by orchestrating a drive that took up the last 6:09 of the game to ensure victory, including picking up a key first down on fourth and three, lowering his head and bowling through a defender on a broken play for six yards.

Bottom line, Masoli is a winner. He's played the most difficult opponents of all the quarterbacks in the conversation and won what many consider to be the most difficult conference in the country. That has to count for more than just a little something.

Fantasy Football Friday: Week 13

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Hello and welcome all to the week 13 edition. I feel like it's been so long since the week 12 article because of the Thanksgiving games. Well, we are now down to the nitty gritty. Hopefully, most of you are at least in the playoff hunt, or have already locked down your spot. If you're in a 10 league team, like I am, then this is the penultimate week of the regular season.

Best Fantasy Match Ups of Week 13:

1. Titans @ Colts - I really look for this to be a great game this weekend. I actually think the Titans will win because of the work they can do on the ground. Chris Johnson figures to have another huge game, and I do somewhat like Vince Young this week. Look out for rookie Kenny Britt. He's developing good chemistry with VY, and is good for a fantasy start on Sunday. With the exception of the obvious (Peyton, Clark, Wayne, Addai) I really like Pierre Garcon this week.

2. Chargers @ Browns - If Eric Mangini wasn't the head coach of the Browns, then I'd probably feel a bit bad because the Chargers are going to stomp on the dog pound. LT should have a great day as the Browns defense allows159.9 ypg on the ground. The Chargers defense, Antonio Gates and Phillip Rivers are also must starts. Please read below for my take on the two Cleveland RB's who will take over for the injured Jamal Lewis

3. Raiders @ Steelers - The Raiders have a knack of playing tough against very good teams this season as 2 of their 3 wins have come against the Eagles and Bengals. They will not have much luck in Heinz Field this weekend though. The only fantasy worthy player for the Raiders is Zach Miller. On the other side, I pretty much like everyone. Big Ben will be back, and then you have Mendenhall, Ward, Holmes, Miller and the vaunted Steelers Defense

Put em' in the lineup:

QB - Kyle Orton, Matt Hasselbeck, Ben Roethlisburger

This is a good week for the Broncos to get back on track against the Chiefs and their 30th ranked defense. Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks play great at home and also take on a terrible pass defense in the 49ers.

RB - Cedric Benson, Jamaal Charles, Matt Forte

Cedric Benson will play on Sunday and has a very good reason to play hard. His name is Larry Johnson. Look for a 100+ yard game with a touchdown for a prominent return to the lineup. Jamaal Charles has been a very solid fantasy performer since taking over for LJ. He will do more of the same against the Broncos, who are great against the run. Matt Forte will at least of receptions for you every week, but he should also run wild against the Rams.

WR - Jason Avant, Pierre Garcon, Kevin Walter

Over the past 4 weeks Jason Avant has averaged 11 fantasy points per contest. With DeSean Jackson banged up, he'll continue to take a more active role in the passing game. He's a good 3rd WR play this week. As I mentioned earlier, I think Garcon will have a big fantasy day. Look for the Colts to pass all over the Titans in a very close game. I've been extolling the virtues of Kevin Walter all season, and he finally showed me something last week with 7 catches for 73 yards. It's high time he has two good weeks in a row against the Jaguars.

TE - Brett Celek, Kevin Boss, Zach Miller

I am not a fan of the Falcons team or defense, and they have trouble against the tight end position. Hello Brett Celek. Kevin Boss had a very good game 2 weeks ago and stunk last week. Mr. Inconsistent will be back in the plus column again this week. Zach Miller should have 5+ catches against the Steelers this week.

DEF - Bengals, Saints, Seahawks

This is a pretty easy week for defenses for me. The Bengals play the Lions, the Saints play the Redskins and the Seahawks play very well at home against the 49ers.

Make em' ride the bench:

QB - Matt Ryan, Jake Delhomme, Matt Cassel

I don't trust Matt Ryan, plain and simple. Just in case you didn't know, Jake the snake is hurt and will not play this weekend. Matt Cassel takes on the man (Josh McDaniels) who made him a lot of money. I take the coach this week.

RB - Brandon Jacobs, Larry Johnson, Chris Jennings, Jerome Harrison

I hate Brandon Jacobs. Will someone remind him how to run the ball? LJ will have a reduced role with the return of Cedric Benson. Chris Jennings and Jerome Harrison will battle for carries, but now is not the time to play them as they go against the Chargers.

WR - Darrius Heyward-Bey, Steve Smith (CAR)

TE - John Carlson, Fred Davis

I hate John Carlson. Another disappointing week in Week 12. 2 catches for 24 yards. There were 26 other tight ends that had more fantasy points in Week 12 than Carlson. I know Fred Davis had a good week (13 points) last week, but I don't like his match up against the Saints. He's also not the most consistent guy either.

DEF - Cardinals, Ravens, Dolphins

The Cardinals-Vikings game should be very exciting on Sunday night. I just don't like the Cards defense against Brett Favre and the 109 MPH driving Adrian Peterson. The Ravens have a pretty good defense, but the Packers offensive line is improved and Aaron Rodgers will not have a problem getting rid of the ball. My gut instinct tells me the Patriots will lose in Miami this week, but the Pats are just too good after a loss. Brady and company will put up a lot of points.