By Dan Shouse Fanatic Sports Staff
Another week is in the books for the NFL, and there are no doubt many happy New England Patriots fans.
Patriots 59 (4-2) Titans (0-6)
It looked and felt like Christmas with all the snow at Gillette Stadium, but it was Tom Brady and company that delivered a 59 point gift in a total destruction of the Tennessee Titans. Brady threw for 6TDs, five in the second quarter alone, in leading the Pats to the win. Randy Moss found the end zone three times, and even Laurence Maroney contributed. The Pats could have put up 70 points if they wanted.
Texans 28 (3-3) Bengals 17 (4-2)
Matt Schaub threw for just under 400 yards and added 4TD passes in an impressive win at Cincinnati. Luck finally ran out for the Bengals who had picked up 3 straight wins, all in the final seconds, heading into Sunday's game against Houston.
Packers 26 (3-2) Lions 0 (1-5)
Aaron Rodgers passed for over 350 yards and a pair of scores in an easy win at home against Detroit. The Pack left a lot of points on the board, as Mason Crosby kicked 4 field goals in the win. The Lions had next to nothing on offense, having under 150 total yard for the entire game.
Vikings 33 (6-0) Ravens 31 (3-3)
Luck was on Bret Favre's and the Vikings side against the Ravens, as Baltimore kicker Steven Hauschka missed a 44 yard field goal on the final play to keep the Vikings perfect on the year. The Ravens, who started the year at 3-0, are now struggling, having lost 3 straight.
Saints 49 (5-0) Giants 27 (5-1)
It is official - the New Orleans Saints are for real. Behind 369 yards and 4 TDs from Drew Brees, the Saints put on a show with a win at home against the Giants. This figured to be the biggest challenge of the season for the Saints, as the Giants had one of the leagues toughest defenses. Instead the Saints made the Giants defense look ordinary, posting almost 500 yards of total offense. The Saints have not even been challenge this season, winning by an average of 14 points each week.
Steelers 27 (4-2) Browns 14 (1-5)
Both teams played a sloppy game, combining for 8 turnovers, but in the end the Steelers made enough plays to get the win. Ben Roethlisberger had over 400 yards and 2TDs in the win. Derek Anderson struggled once again, completing only 9 of 24 passes for 122 yards. How long until Brady Quinn is starting again?
Panthers 28 (2-3) Buccaneers 21 (0-7)
DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for over 250 yards rushing and two scores to lead Carolina to its second straight win. The Panthers were able to win despite a dismal showing be Jake Delhomme, who threw for only 65 yards and also threw pair of picks.
Chiefs 14 (1-5) Redskins 6 (2-4)
Once again a winless team picked up its first win against the Redskins. Neither Jason Campbell or Todd Collins could get the offensively challenge Redskins into the end zone. I wonder what Jim Zorn will be doing next weekend? It is time for his pink slip. The season is already over, might as well make the move now.
Jaguars 23 (3-3) Rams 20 (0-6)
Despite dominating in the stat book, the Jacksonville Jaguars need overtime to get past the Rams. Maurice Jones-Drew went over 100 yards and found the end zone 3 times, and David Garrard threw for over 300 yards, but three turnovers helped keep the Rams in the game before a 36 yard Josh Scobee kick won it in overtime for the Jags.
Cardinal 27 (3-2) Seahawks 3 (2-4)
The Cardinals jumped out to a 14-0 lead early in the 1st quarter and never looked back, getting an easy road win against Seattle. One week after putting up 41 points against Jacksonville, the Seahawks managed only 3 points and 128 total yards against the Cardinals.
Raiders 13 (2-4) Eagles 9 (3-2)
I can't believe I am writing this, but the Raiders looked good, at least on defense, in a home win against a stunned Eagles team. JeMarcus Russel hit Zach Miller with an 86 yard TD, and then the Raider defense took over from there, shutting down an Eagle offense that had scored over 30 points each of the last two weeks.
Bills 16 (2-4) Jets 13 (3-3)
Maybe it's time Mark Sanchez drops the nickname "Sanchize." Sanchez's 5 ints helped keep Buffalo in the game, and then Rian Lindell kicked a 47 yard field goal to win it in overtime, as the Bills shocked the Jets at Giants Stadium. The Jets are now finally starting to play like the Jets of old, having dropped three straight.
Falcons 21 (4-1) Bears 14 (3-2)
It took a last second defensive stand, but the Atlanta Falcons were able to keep a late Bears drive from getting into the end zone, preserving the win at the Georgia Dome. The offense also contributed, as Matt Ryan hit Tony Gonzalez for a 10 yard touchdown with only 4 seconds left in the 2nd quarter, giving the Falcons a 14-7 lead at halftime. Despite being held in check, Michael Turner added the winning score on a five yard run with just over 3 minutes left in the game.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Monday Night Football: Can Denver Continue to Surprise?
By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Prior to the start of the 2009 NFL season, most experts had the San Diego Chargers cruising to the division title in a relatively week AFC West. Many of the same experts thought that five weeks into the season, the Denver Broncos would be fighting to stay alive in the race for a spot in the post season.
Indeed that is the case in this weeks match up on Monday night, but the roles have been reversed. Instead it is the Broncos, the undefeated Broncos I might add, who appear to be ready to run away with the division, and the Chargers (2-2) who are fighting to keep their season alive.
Even more surprising than the fact that the Broncos are atop the AFC West, is how they are doing it. Rookie coach Josh McDaniels came to Denver with the reputation of being an offensive guru, but it has been the Broncos defense that has lead the way to a perfect start. No team has scored more than 17 points against the Denver defense this season. After struggling for most of the 2008 season, the Denver defense is now one of the the league's best.
The offense has been solid as well. Aside from Brandon Marshall, the offense does not really have a superstar, but that has not stopped this unit from contributing to the 5-0 start. Kyle Orton has surprised, throwing for over 1200 yards and 7TDs against only one pick so far this season. Plus the one pick Orton has thrown was to Randy Moss on a last second heave just before half time against the Patriots. Take that away, and Orton has not made a mistake yet this season.
A lot of credit mush also go to McDaniels. With the Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall soap operas during the off season, the first year coach appeared to be on the verge of losing his team before the season even started. Winning cures all however, and McDaniels has his players faith again, thanks to the perfect start.
Skeptics (including myself earlier this season) point to Denver's soft schedule as the key to their success, but last week's win against the Pats showed that the Broncos can compete all season. The schedule gets tougher from here, as after San Diego, the Broncos face off against Baltimore and Pittsburgh, two powers in the AFC. The Broncos will certainly now have more chances to prove that they are for real.
San Diego, on the other hand, has been a surprise for the wrong reason. Expected to be a contender in the AFC, the Chargers have struggled in the early part of the season, especially on defense. The Chargers have problems stopping the run, as opponents have averaged 151 yards on the ground against them . While Philip Rivers and Vincent Jackson have formed a potent combination, they have had little help from the running game behind LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles. Plus when you are always playing from behind, thanks to a suspect defense, it is that much tougher to get a running game going.
To make matters worse for the Chargers, upper management expressed their frustration through the media, saying that the Chargers slow start was unacceptable. Things may be starting to get desperate in San Diego.
After praising Denver, and ripping San Diego, the likely thought is that I would be picking the Broncos in a rout, but there is one image that bugs me about Denver. After last week game against the Patriots, McDaniels and company were celebrating like they had just won the Super Bowl. Are the Broncos poised for a let down after last weeks big win? Are they beginning to get a little overconfident? Are they maybe losing their focus a bit? Plus add in a San Diego team that is desperate for a win, angry after management ripped them publicly, and coming off a bye week, the Broncos now look primed to be upset.
Prediction: Chargers 23 Broncos 20
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Prior to the start of the 2009 NFL season, most experts had the San Diego Chargers cruising to the division title in a relatively week AFC West. Many of the same experts thought that five weeks into the season, the Denver Broncos would be fighting to stay alive in the race for a spot in the post season.
Indeed that is the case in this weeks match up on Monday night, but the roles have been reversed. Instead it is the Broncos, the undefeated Broncos I might add, who appear to be ready to run away with the division, and the Chargers (2-2) who are fighting to keep their season alive.
Even more surprising than the fact that the Broncos are atop the AFC West, is how they are doing it. Rookie coach Josh McDaniels came to Denver with the reputation of being an offensive guru, but it has been the Broncos defense that has lead the way to a perfect start. No team has scored more than 17 points against the Denver defense this season. After struggling for most of the 2008 season, the Denver defense is now one of the the league's best.
The offense has been solid as well. Aside from Brandon Marshall, the offense does not really have a superstar, but that has not stopped this unit from contributing to the 5-0 start. Kyle Orton has surprised, throwing for over 1200 yards and 7TDs against only one pick so far this season. Plus the one pick Orton has thrown was to Randy Moss on a last second heave just before half time against the Patriots. Take that away, and Orton has not made a mistake yet this season.
A lot of credit mush also go to McDaniels. With the Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall soap operas during the off season, the first year coach appeared to be on the verge of losing his team before the season even started. Winning cures all however, and McDaniels has his players faith again, thanks to the perfect start.
Skeptics (including myself earlier this season) point to Denver's soft schedule as the key to their success, but last week's win against the Pats showed that the Broncos can compete all season. The schedule gets tougher from here, as after San Diego, the Broncos face off against Baltimore and Pittsburgh, two powers in the AFC. The Broncos will certainly now have more chances to prove that they are for real.
San Diego, on the other hand, has been a surprise for the wrong reason. Expected to be a contender in the AFC, the Chargers have struggled in the early part of the season, especially on defense. The Chargers have problems stopping the run, as opponents have averaged 151 yards on the ground against them . While Philip Rivers and Vincent Jackson have formed a potent combination, they have had little help from the running game behind LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles. Plus when you are always playing from behind, thanks to a suspect defense, it is that much tougher to get a running game going.
To make matters worse for the Chargers, upper management expressed their frustration through the media, saying that the Chargers slow start was unacceptable. Things may be starting to get desperate in San Diego.
After praising Denver, and ripping San Diego, the likely thought is that I would be picking the Broncos in a rout, but there is one image that bugs me about Denver. After last week game against the Patriots, McDaniels and company were celebrating like they had just won the Super Bowl. Are the Broncos poised for a let down after last weeks big win? Are they beginning to get a little overconfident? Are they maybe losing their focus a bit? Plus add in a San Diego team that is desperate for a win, angry after management ripped them publicly, and coming off a bye week, the Broncos now look primed to be upset.
Prediction: Chargers 23 Broncos 20
Week 6 Picks: Patriots Bounce Back
By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Much like the Patriots last week, I turned in another mediocre performance, going 9-5 with my picks for the second straight week. Much like the Patriots, plan on a big turnaround this week. Here are this weeks picks.
Patriots 31 Titans 13
The Titans are just what the Patriots need, a team that cannot defend the pass. Peyton Manning picked the Titans apart last week, and Brady will do the same this week. It's a safe bet that Randy Moss will get more than one catch.
Texans 27 Bengals 14
It's time for the Bengals to come back down to Earth. I know that Cincy did a great job shutting down Joe Flacco and the Ravens last week, but Baltimore does not have the weapons that Houston does. Talent wins out, and Houston has too much. It is time for Houston to start living up to its potential.
Packers 28 Lions 10
There is just too much going against the Lions in this one. The Pack is coming off a bye, plus the game is in Green Bay. Factor in injuries to Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, both are listed as questionable, and all signs point to an easy Packers win.
Vikings 21 Ravens 17
A few weeks back prior to the game against the Patriots, I said I was not sold on the Ravens. The last 2 weeks, which included losses to the Pats and Bengals, have certainly not made me feel any better about Baltimore. Now the Ravens head to Minnesota to take on Brett Favre and a surging Vikings team. Last week Cedric Benson ran all over the Ravens. Adrian Peterson should be able to do the same this week.
Saints 31 Giants 28
In the best match up of the week, the Saints will prove they are for real. Pierre Thomas has come back from injury and showed that he is an elite running back, plus Drew Brees is due for a big game. Eli Manning will taste defeat for the first time this season.
Steelers 35 Browns 0
Maybe Brady Quinn should take his home in Cleveland off the market, as he should be starting again soon. Derek Anderson had one of the worst games in NFL history last week, going 2 for 17 passing. Don't ask me how the Browns were able to win, but there will be no such mystery this week. A bad Browns offense against a solid Steelers defense? This one is a no-brainer.
Panthers 21 Buccaneers 13
The win streak continues for the Panthers. After picking up the win a week ago against the Redskins, the Panthers will make it two in a row this week in Tampa. The Bucs have been giving up some big plays this season. Look for Jake Delhomme to find Steve Smith for a pair of scores.
Chiefs 9 Redskins 3
The Lions and Panthers both picked up their first wins of the season against Washington. Now it is the Chiefs turn. I will give the Redskins some credit however. Carlos Rogers called out Dan Snyder this week for not being able to put a winning team on the field. It is about time the players revolt.
Jaguars 21 Rams 3
The Rams might not win a game this season, joining last years Lions as the only 0-16 teams in history. Marc Bulger is back, but it does not matter. Could Rush Limbaugh really do any worse if he owned the team?
Cardinals 35 Seahawks 24
Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Boldin will be too much for the Seahawks. The Cardinals have been a disappointment on offense so far this year. They won't be this week.
Eagles 44 Raiders 7
Donovan McNabb looked great against the Bucs last Sunday, and will be even better against the Raiders this week. Micheal Vick will see a lot of action this week, as McNabb and most of the Eagles starters will be able to take the 2nd half off and watch from the sidelines. The Raiders have so many issues on and off the field, that it is hard to imagine them being competitive the rest of this season.
Jets 28 Bills 6
Rex Ryan was not happy with his defense after Monday's loss at the hands of the Miami Dolphins. Expect Ryan and the Jets defense to take out its frustrations on the Bills. Is this TO's last game in Buffalo?
Falcons 24 Bears 21
Matt Ryan gets the best of Jay Cutler in the Sunday night game. The Falcons simply have better talent on offense, and will build off of last weeks impressive showing in San Francisco.
Chargers 23 Broncos 20
The Chargers need this win to stay within shouting distance of the Broncos in the AFC West. San Diego's owner called out Norv Turner and his players during the bye week. The Chargers will respond by handing Josh McDaniels his first loss as head coach. Plus, I would like to see McDaniels humbled a bit after pumping his fist and acting like he just won the Superbowl after beating the Patriots last Sunday.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Much like the Patriots last week, I turned in another mediocre performance, going 9-5 with my picks for the second straight week. Much like the Patriots, plan on a big turnaround this week. Here are this weeks picks.
Patriots 31 Titans 13
The Titans are just what the Patriots need, a team that cannot defend the pass. Peyton Manning picked the Titans apart last week, and Brady will do the same this week. It's a safe bet that Randy Moss will get more than one catch.
Texans 27 Bengals 14
It's time for the Bengals to come back down to Earth. I know that Cincy did a great job shutting down Joe Flacco and the Ravens last week, but Baltimore does not have the weapons that Houston does. Talent wins out, and Houston has too much. It is time for Houston to start living up to its potential.
Packers 28 Lions 10
There is just too much going against the Lions in this one. The Pack is coming off a bye, plus the game is in Green Bay. Factor in injuries to Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, both are listed as questionable, and all signs point to an easy Packers win.
Vikings 21 Ravens 17
A few weeks back prior to the game against the Patriots, I said I was not sold on the Ravens. The last 2 weeks, which included losses to the Pats and Bengals, have certainly not made me feel any better about Baltimore. Now the Ravens head to Minnesota to take on Brett Favre and a surging Vikings team. Last week Cedric Benson ran all over the Ravens. Adrian Peterson should be able to do the same this week.
Saints 31 Giants 28
In the best match up of the week, the Saints will prove they are for real. Pierre Thomas has come back from injury and showed that he is an elite running back, plus Drew Brees is due for a big game. Eli Manning will taste defeat for the first time this season.
Steelers 35 Browns 0
Maybe Brady Quinn should take his home in Cleveland off the market, as he should be starting again soon. Derek Anderson had one of the worst games in NFL history last week, going 2 for 17 passing. Don't ask me how the Browns were able to win, but there will be no such mystery this week. A bad Browns offense against a solid Steelers defense? This one is a no-brainer.
Panthers 21 Buccaneers 13
The win streak continues for the Panthers. After picking up the win a week ago against the Redskins, the Panthers will make it two in a row this week in Tampa. The Bucs have been giving up some big plays this season. Look for Jake Delhomme to find Steve Smith for a pair of scores.
Chiefs 9 Redskins 3
The Lions and Panthers both picked up their first wins of the season against Washington. Now it is the Chiefs turn. I will give the Redskins some credit however. Carlos Rogers called out Dan Snyder this week for not being able to put a winning team on the field. It is about time the players revolt.
Jaguars 21 Rams 3
The Rams might not win a game this season, joining last years Lions as the only 0-16 teams in history. Marc Bulger is back, but it does not matter. Could Rush Limbaugh really do any worse if he owned the team?
Cardinals 35 Seahawks 24
Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Boldin will be too much for the Seahawks. The Cardinals have been a disappointment on offense so far this year. They won't be this week.
Eagles 44 Raiders 7
Donovan McNabb looked great against the Bucs last Sunday, and will be even better against the Raiders this week. Micheal Vick will see a lot of action this week, as McNabb and most of the Eagles starters will be able to take the 2nd half off and watch from the sidelines. The Raiders have so many issues on and off the field, that it is hard to imagine them being competitive the rest of this season.
Jets 28 Bills 6
Rex Ryan was not happy with his defense after Monday's loss at the hands of the Miami Dolphins. Expect Ryan and the Jets defense to take out its frustrations on the Bills. Is this TO's last game in Buffalo?
Falcons 24 Bears 21
Matt Ryan gets the best of Jay Cutler in the Sunday night game. The Falcons simply have better talent on offense, and will build off of last weeks impressive showing in San Francisco.
Chargers 23 Broncos 20
The Chargers need this win to stay within shouting distance of the Broncos in the AFC West. San Diego's owner called out Norv Turner and his players during the bye week. The Chargers will respond by handing Josh McDaniels his first loss as head coach. Plus, I would like to see McDaniels humbled a bit after pumping his fist and acting like he just won the Superbowl after beating the Patriots last Sunday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
