Sportswriters NFL column

[Sportswriter32]

In contrast to what I said in yesterday’s column about the Chicago Bears bewildering on offense, well they proved something to me last night. Not only did Chicago find a quarterback in Kyle Orton or so it seems they also found a potential deep threat in former arena league star Rashied Davis. Orton tossed two touchdowns to Davis in a 37-30 loss. Orton found away to get the ball downfield, which is what Chicago, needs to do along with a fair rushing attack from rookie running back Matt Forte. If Chicago is going to have any hopes of the preseason they will need to establish a strong running attack which they did last night. Forte played his most extensive time of the preseason toting the ball 11 times for 44 yards. Alongside Forte was the first appearance of veteran running back Kevin Jones.

Well week three of the preseason has started and this means teams will likely replicate most closely there starting offense heading into the regular season. Tonight’s feature game on my local football station is the Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys. The battle between the Texans and Cowboys is always fierce when the governor’s cup is on the line.

[Sportswriter32]

Let me first off this morning before I start ranting wish the best to Texans receiver Harry Williams who suffered a fractured vertebrae in his neck last night against Dallas. Williams lay motionless last night in a freighting moment in Dallas last night and is scheduled to have spinal surgery this weekend per NFL.com.

In related new Dallas defeated Houston in a nail biter 23-22 last night. Houston’s offense made some improvements including scoring three times while the starting offense was in, once on a touchdown and twice on field goals. Texans quarterback Matt Schaub did not make any big mistakes but completed only 15 of his 27 passes. Another downside for Houston was that the run defense did not show up last night allowing Dallas running back Marion Barber to run threw defenders like a train. Barber looked in prime shape for the season rushing for 75 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. On a positive note for Houston their own running game looked solid with backs Chris Taylor, Darius Walker and rookie Steve Slaton combining for 112 yards on the ground.

Two quarterbacks with several questions surrounding them answered the critics Friday night. Green Bay’s new favorite son Aaron Rodgers looked sharp against Denver completed 18 of his 22 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown.

The other quarterback to shine was Matt Ryan who appeared to use the dink and slant approach Friday night against Tennessee. None the less Ryan was efficient against a solid Tennessee defense completing over 50 percent of his passes including a one yard touchdown pass to receiver Harry Douglas.

Look for more great NFL action tonight when Pittsburgh takes on Minnesota.

[Sportswriter32]

Well it is that time again, time for teams to trim down their respected rosters to 53 men who are expected to carry them through the season and beyond. One last preseason game and then it’s the real deal regular season.

The question that now comes to mind is the preseason too long? Perhaps so however maybe the regular season is to short. There has been talk that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell would like to shorten the preseason to three games and extend the regular season to 17 games. Perhaps this would reduce the amount of injuries that occur during the preseason but it would likely change the league, as we know it in several ways;

It would seem that if players had to play an additional 17th game they would demand more money and perhaps there would be more hold outs. This idea is clearly a ways off from happening but lets take a look at what we have learned in three preseason games this year.

One, the Miami Dolphins will win more than six games so long as they stay healthy and Chad Pennington remains at quarterback.

Two, The Cincinnati Bengal’s are in trouble on offense, the line doesn’t seem to be able to block and they don’t appear to have a legit healthy receiver.

Three, the race for rookie of the year will be led by several rookie running backs this year. Oakland’s Darren McFadden, Carolina’s Jonathan Stewart, Baltimore’s Ray Rice, and Houston’s Steve Slaton are just to name a few.

Four, It appears Atlanta has a legitimate team for the future with Matt Ryan at quarterback and Michael Turner at running back, as well don’t count out running back Jerious Northwood.

Five, Oakland, Buffalo, or New York will represent the AFC wildcard spot. Oakland has a strong defense and great potential on offense, Buffalo has made major upgrades to their defense and New York is not to be counted out so long as Brett Favre is at the helm.

[Sportswriter32]

A few players to keep a note on.

Kevin Kolb Quarterback Philadelphia Eagles- the 6-3, 218 pound Kolb has had a solid preseason and if needed to could start on a NFL team. The former Houston Cougar looks to have the skill set to be an NFL quarterback but needs the opportunity and some time to develop.

QB Colt Brennan Quarterback Washington Redskins- Should Redskins starter Jason Campbell struggled then Brennan would be in the quarterback picture. Given that Brennan would have to beat out veteran Todd Collins. The former record setting Hawaii quarterback appears to have an NFL ready arm and if given the chance could contend for rookie of the year.

QB Joe Flacco Quarterback Baltimore Ravens- The rookie Flacco despite having no NFL experience may be the best suited for the Ravens quarterback situation. Former Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith and veteran Kyle Boller have not looked up to par. Flacco threw only one touchdown through out the preseason but no interceptions and perhaps that is what the Ravens are looking for, a quarterback who makes few mistakes.

RB’s Jammal Charles and Kolby Smith Kansas City Chiefs- Veteran running back Larry Johnson has not looked liked like the same back since being injured and don’t be surprised if rookie running back Jamaal Charles and veteran Kolby Smith get more playing time. Smith put up over 400 yards and two touchdowns last year as a rookie.

RB Anthony Alridge Denver Broncos- Every year Denver seems to come up with a new answer at running back and this year it could be the former Houston product Alridge. Despite only being, 5-9, 185 pounds Alridge could still make a big impact in Denver’s running game.

There are hundreds of other players that could be mentioned but those were just a select few. Also, keep your eye on Seattle’s Justin Forsett and Cincinnati’s Jerome Simpson.

[SG_Fred]

I'd like to see Brennan get in there and play.

[Sportswriter32]

Originally Posted by SG_Fred

I'd like to see Brennan get in there and play.

Perhaps the Bears should try and trade for Brennan?

[Sportswriter32]

My NFL Predictions


AFC East

1. New England Patriots: 13-3 (Pats will not be perfect but the closest team to it)
2. New York Jets: 9-7 (With Brett at quarterback this team is a contender)
3. Buffalo Bills: 8-8 (Buffalo is a team on the rise but there are still question marks)
4. Miami Dolphins: 6-10 (Will be a lot better then last year but are in a tough division)

AFC North

1. Pittsburgh Steelers: 12-4 (Roethlisberger will put up an MVP type season)
2. Cleveland Browns: 10-6 (Explosive offense will carry them far)
3. Baltimore Ravens: 5-11 (McGahee and Rice can only carry them so far)
4. Cincinnati Bengals: 5-11 (Palmer is overrated and the defense needs work)

AFC South

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: 12-4 (This is finally the year Jacksonville wins the south)
2. Indianapolis Colts: 12-4 (Tiebreaker on Dec 18) (AFC Championship contender)
3. Houston Texans: 9-7 (Houston is a team on the rise in a tough division)
4. Tennessee Titans: 7-9 (The running game and defense will have to carry the team)


AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers: 12-4 (All the tools for another deep playoff run)
2. Denver Broncos: 9-7 (Cutler continues to get better)
3. Oakland Raiders: 7-9 (Surprise team with explosive offense and defense)
4. Kansas City Chiefs: 3-13 (Need a quarterback)


NFC East

1. Philadelphia Eagles: 13-3 (If McNabb is healthy they are a SB contender)
2. Dallas Cowboys: 12-4 (Great regular season team but, can Romo come through?)
3. New York Giants: 11-5 (Not as strong as last year but still legit)
4. Washington Redskins: 7-9 (Jason Campbell has something to prove)

NFC North

1. Minnesota Vikings: 12-4 (Jackson will prove to be better on a strong team)
2. Green Bay Packers: 11-5 (Rodgers will excited Packer fans for the future)
3. Detroit Lions: 9-7 (If Kevin Smith can have a big year Detroit will contend)
4. Chicago Bears: 5-11 (Still in search of a solid quarterback)

NFC South

1. New Orleans Saints: 11-5 (Explosive offense and improving defense)
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 9-7 (Strong defense, questions on offense)
3. Carolina Panthers: 8-8 (The ground game and defense will carry Carolina)
4. Atlanta Falcons: 4-12 (Building year for Ryan and Falcons)

NFC West

1. Seattle Seahawks: 12-4 (Most underrated team in football)
2. Arizona Cardinals: 9-7 (Team on the rise but not there yet)
3. St. Louis Rams: 6-10 (Last year in St. Louis for Bulger)
4. San Francisco 49ers: 5-11 (Strong running game but offense still needs work)


Seattle and Pittsburgh Super Bowl

Roethlisberger MVP

[Sportswriter32]

Just wanted to say my best wishes go out to Jacksonville Jaguars OT Richard Collier.

[Sportswriter32]

Sportswriters Week One Football Forecast.


Football season started with a bang, well at least if you were a Washington defender trying to tackle Giants running back Brandon Jacobs. For any football historians, perhaps the name Jim Brown rings a bell. Well, I see a little Brown in Jacobs. Despite all the injuries, the Giants still won 16-7 and Eli Manning may not have put up big numbers but he did the most important thing, which is finding away to help his team win.

As for the Redskins, I could have told you this was going to happen. During the preseason, it did not look as if the Redskins offense had a grasp of another new system especially quarterback Jason Campbell. As for the other part of Washington’s offense which was a running game led by Clinton Portis that did not look consistent. If the Redskins are going to make the playoffs Portis has to step up and bail out Campbell while he is learning another new offense.

Detroit takes on Atlanta this week featuring an explosive Lions offense against a rebuilding Falcons team. Atlanta takes a major step forward with there hopeful franchise quarterback Matt Ryan making his debut against a average Detroit defense. I see Matt Ryan having a solid debut but in the end Detroit’s offense being to much for Atlanta to handle. Detroit wins 31-21.

Cincinnati travels to Baltimore for opening week in one of the few games I see them winning. Baltimore is starting rookie quarterback Joe Flacco against a Bengals offense that has the potential to put up some explosive numbers, which Flacco will not be able to compete against. In turn, the rookies that may have the biggest debuts in Baltimore are running back Ray Rice of the Ravens and linebacker Keith Rivers of the Bengals. Aside from Flacco starting it does not appear that Ravens running back Willis McGahee will play or at least at 100 percent. Cincinnati wins 24-10.

Seattle travels to Buffalo to take on a Bills team that is fast on the rise. To make matters worse for Seattle they will be without there top to receiving targets Deion Branch and Bobby Ingram. Seattle will have to rely heavily on a stout defensive core along with a pro bowl quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck who is having back problems. The Bills have a top 10 potential defense and a strong ground game from running back Marshawn Lynch. As it is though Seattle is a underrated football club and despite the injuries will find away to get a win. Seattle wins 17-10.

The Jets take on the Dolphins in one of the most intriguing match ups of the weekend. Brett Favre’s regular season debut against ex Jet now Dolphin quarterback Chad Pennington in his Dolphins debut. Setting aside the quarterback battle for the time being lets look at what will really determine the game and that’s the running game. That’s why I see Miami pulling out the win if they can establish a successful running attack from Brown and Williams. Miami wins 28-21.

New England after going undefeated in last years regular season only to loose in the super bowl will pick up were they left off in the regular season. The Chiefs are rebuilding and the quarterback situation still looks like a blonder. Look for New England who for the most part has the same team as last year to win big. Patriots win 42-10.
It’s a battle of offense against defense when Tampa Bay takes on New Orleans. However this years Saint’s should be much better than last years. Look for Drew Brees and the Saint’s offense to like New England put up big numbers. For Tampa Bay who has a strong defense, they must get pressure on Brees and force him into making mistakes. Do not expect the defense that Tampa demonstrates to be the same defense all year long because they only face New Orleans twice a year. New Orleans wins 35-14.

The Rams who were anything but respectable last year will try to bring back some respect to them selves this year. St. Louis has a tough opening test against a revamped and hungry Philadelphia Eagles team. For the Rams the offense has looked less than impressive and in less they hand the ball off to Steven Jackson 50 times it’s going to be a long day for Ram fans. Eagles Win 31-17.


Houston is a team on the rise but unfortunately they have a tough break in week one against the Steelers. Coming off a playoff loss do not expect Pittsburgh to underestimate Houston. With Roethlisberger at quarterback and the combo, running attack of Parker and Mendanhall the Texans defense could be in for a long day. On the other hand, Houston has a solid defense with Mario Williams and co but I do not think it will be enough to beat a team like Pittsburgh. Look for the Steelers to win a close won 24-21.


Jacksonville travels to Tennessee to face the Titans in what should be a mirror to mirror match up and a slugfest at that. To highly physical teams will take the field Sunday and both will leave battered and bruised. The Defense’s are both strong along with the running games, which you can look for both teams to feature a lot. The only crack in this mirror is the quarterbacks which Jacksonville has a distinct advantage. Look for Jacksonville to win a defensive battle. 17-6 Jacksonville.

Dallas takes on Cleveland in a very intriguing match. Dallas has high expectations for their defense as do the Browns but it is Cleveland’s offense that is expected to be Indianapolis like. This game is a toss up, Cleveland could win in a shoot out or Dallas trounce them. One thing’s for sure expect a heavy dose of physical running specimens Marion Barber and Jamal Lewis. Dallas wins 35-28.

San Diego a favorite to win there division will have something to prove against a Carolina team that ready to disprove the critics. Without Steve Smith Carolina is at a loss of a major playmaker, a decoy, and a fighter while San Diego comes in likely without tight end Antonio Gates. This is why I would expect to see both teams open the run gates and let the big dog lineman have at each other. Philip Rivers still has a lot to prove and in my mind is overrated while Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme is trying to recover from injury. San Diego takes this one 17-10.

Arizona just like Cleveland has a potentially explosive offense but needs a quarterback to take command. Look for that man to be Kurt Warner and look for him to have help on the ground from rookie running back Timothy Hightower. The 49ers are coming into the game with a quarterback who has been a back up his entire career against a defense that is getting better. Expect Arizona to start the season 1-0. Arizona wins 31-21.


The Sunday night game between Chicago and Indianapolis should be better than most expect. The Bears still do not have a solid quarterback and the running game is in question but the defense should have a strong year. Peyton Manning coming off a knee infection is sure to get a lot of hits from a Chicago defense that sees it’s window of opportunity closing. Look for the Colts to win but not in a blow out. Colts win 21-20.

Will preview Monday Night games later on.

[Sportswriter32]

I am taking Oakland and Minnesota in Monday night's game.