Sportswriters NFL column

[Sportswriter32]

Week 5 Preview

It’s good to be back folks! I want to apologize for the absence and am looking forward to another great week of NFL Action.


Undefeated Tennessee, which may very well be the best team in football takes on a potential mirror image in the 2-1 Baltimore Ravens. Expect a defensive and physical battle between two stifling defenses boasting two of the leagues most impact-full player makers in Ray Lewis of Baltimore and Albert Haynesworth of Tennessee. The Titans have the edge in this one facing rookie quarterback Joe Flacco and bringing the heat will force the rookie into mistakes.

Tennessee defeats Baltimore 17-10.



Kansas City after stunning division rival Denver 33-19 and picking up there first win will face an even tougher test this week. The Chiefs travel to Carolina who may not have Denver’s offense, but certainly have a more physical team on both sides of the ball. As long as Carolina can stifle Kansas City’s Larry Johnson then Carolina’s running game will get them the win.

Carolina defeats Kansas City 24-13.


Chicago after taking out division rival Philadelphia 24-20, takes on a winless and lackluster Detroit Lions team. Bears quarterback Kyle Orton may not be a five-star quarterback, but it appears he has learned how to manage the offense and he should do more of the same against Detroit. Expect a exceptional game from Orton with a heavy dose of rookie running back Matt Forte in a Bears win.


Chicago defeats Detroit 31-3.



In another pivotal week five match up, 2-2 Green Bay hosts 2-2 Atlanta in a game to stay above 500. With both teams, offenses struggling as of late it may be the defense that is the deciding factor. The league leader in Sacks, Atlanta defensive end John Abraham could be the deciding difference if he can force Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in to making mistakes. Atlanta opposes Green Bay’s offense with a strong running game, but a rookie in quarterback Matt Ryan. It will come down to who adapts to adversity first Ryan or Rodgers and who’s defense is there to back them up.

Green Bay defeats Atlanta 20-13.


Indianapolis travels to Houston to host the 0-3 Texans but neither team is what they appear to be. Indianapolis, normally a high-powered offense has seen its share of struggles this year while Houston is better than there 0-3 record. Houston found a running game from rookie running back Steve Slaton and had a good performance from quarterback Matt Schaub last week against Jacksonville. Look for Houston to pull out the upset as long as they run, run, run against a flakey Colts defense.

Houston defeats Indianapolis 28-27.



In what could very well be another upset, Miami takes on San Diego. Miami before there bye week torched the Tom Brady less Patriots with Ronnie Brown who scored five touchdowns. San Diego on the other hand came back and found away to get a gritty win against division rival Oakland after being down 15-0 at half time. San Diego’s defense has been a little shaky and Miami’s defense will give Rivers and the Chargers fits. To go along with there defense a strong running game from running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams perhaps gives the Dolphins enough fire power to pull off another win.

Miami defeats San Diego 24-17.


Seattle travels to New York to take on the undefeated New York Giants in what could be an early blowout. Giant’s quarterback Eli Manning has done a lot of growing and is off to the best start of his career while the defense despite injures has been solid. All together, the Giants appear to be a complete team and are taking on a underachieving Seattle team should lead them to 4-0.

New York defeats Seattle 34-21.


In a bit of a surprise the Washington Redskins are 3-1 while there opponent Philadelphia is 2-2. In a game between conference rivals this is a must win for the Eagles in order to stay above 500. Every thing seems to be coming together for the Redskins and it came together in a 26-24 win over Dallas last week. Washington quarterback Jason Campbell is progressing well and running back Clinton Portis appears to be healthy and playing at 100 percent. Look for the Redskins to pick up there fourth straight win this week against Philadelphia.

Washington defeats Philadelphia 24-21.


The 3-1 Denver Broncos after being upset last week by Kansas City host the 3-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week in a match up that you might not expect to be offensive. The fact of the matter is this game will not be about defense because if that is the case Denver is falling to 3-2. Look for Jay Cutler and the Broncos offense to bounce back big while Tampa’s offense will struggle to match.


Denver defeats Tampa Bay 41-27.


Coming into this season I expected the Buffalo Bills to be a wild card contender, but in no way did I see them starting there season off 4-0. That is just what the Bills have done and now they travel to 2-2 Arizona to take on Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals. Buffalo’s offense has been trustable this year, but it will be there injury-battled defense that will get the real test against the NFL’s fourth ranked pass offense. Look for the Bills defense to answer the test and pull out a gritty win.

Buffalo defeats Arizona 20-17.


Cincinnati without Carson Palmer last week showed no life in a loss to the hapless Cleveland Browns. Regardless if Palmer plays or not against Dallas, there is no way the Cowboys are going to loose two in a row especially against the leagues 31st ranked defense. Look for Dallas quarterback, Tony Romo and running back Marion Barber to have explosive days in a big win over Cincinnati.

Dallas defeats Cincinnati 42-21.


After Miami running back Ronnie Brown single handily owned the Patriots defense, look for San Francisco to attempt the same thing with there own running back Frank Gore. That is if Frank Gore is available to play and if he is not look for former Carolina Panther DeShaun Foster to get the start. Regardless of who is starting at running back this game is a much needed win for the 49ers and look for them to take care of business.

San Francisco defeats New England 24-21.


Jacksonville after starting 0-2 has managed two consecutive wins on the foot of Josh Scobee and will look for a third straight against a beaten and bruised Pittsburgh Steelers team. Jacksonville has several injuries to the offensive line, but Pittsburgh is down to there fourth string running back. As long as Jacksonville gets a steady running game going It will be a long day for the Steelers.

Jacksonville defeats Pittsburgh 21-10


The leagues number one pass offense opposes the leagues sixth ranked rush offense when Minnesota takes on New Orleans on Monday night. Who will do more to win for there team is the question when Drew Brees and Adrian Peterson lead there respected offense. Both teams are looking to keep division title hopes alive while they each lack where the other s best. Minnesota has a strong running game but no quarterback and New Orleans a strong passing game but a inconsistent running game. Look for Peterson to get the better half in this game.

Minnesota defeats New Orleans 24-21.

[SG_Fred]

I dont know if the bears are going to hold the Lions to 3. Both their starting corners may not even play.

[Sportswriter32]

Originally Posted by SG_Fred

I dont know if the bears are going to hold the Lions to 3. Both their starting corners may not even play.

Thats a good point. I was thinking on the lines of Jon Kitna playing like crap again and Chicago shutting down the running game. Perhaps the Lions will score a touchdown or two, but I don't see them doing much.

[Sportswriter32]

Originally Posted by SG_Fred

I dont know if the bears are going to hold the Lions to 3. Both their starting corners may not even play.

You were right Fred.

[SG_Fred]

Originally Posted by Sportswriter32

You were right Fred.

Tillman played. The bears could have probablyh had a shutout but Hester fumbled in bears territory on a punt.

[Sportswriter32]

Originally Posted by SG_Fred

Tillman played. The bears could have probablyh had a shutout but Hester fumbled in bears territory on a punt.

Regardless of the fumble Chicago looked good today. Orton appeared to have played pretty well and Forte score twice right?

[SG_Fred]

ya one rushing one receiving

[Sportswriter32]

Week 5 Review




Tennessee proved that they are the best team in the AFC winning a defensive battle with Baltimore 13-10. This game was not for the weak of heart with a lot of hard hits, personal fouls and dirty plays. Neither team was able to get a solid running game going and it was only in the second half that a quarterback was seen in the game. That quarterback that showed up was Titans quarterback Kerry Collins who threw the game winning touchdown to tight end Alge Crumpler as the Titans moved on to 5-0.


Carolina white washed the red right out of Kansas City on Sunday in a 34-0 victory. Two weeks ago, it was the Ronnie Brown show but this week, it was the DeAngelo Williams show. Williams scored three touchdowns including a 25-yard touchdown reception to go along with 148 all-purpose yards. Kansas City abandoned the running game giving running back Larry Johnson just seven carries and did not have the passing game to keep up with Carolina.


As the season goes on Chicago is getting better and better while Detroit is getting worse and worse and Sunday was no different. In a 34-7 victory Chicago, quarterback Kyle Orton was the real deal throwing for 334 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie Matt Forte didn’t look great but did what was important and found the end zone twice, once on a rush and another on a nine-yard touchdown reception. Chicago’s defense came to play shutting down Detroit’s passing game. With no offense to be seen, perhaps Detroit who may vary well have the first round draft pick locked up will make Missouri quarterback Chase Daniels there quarterback of the future.


In somewhat of a surprise Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons are sitting above 500 and are in the race for the NFC South title. Led by two Matt Ryan touchdowns and a strong effort from running back Michael Turner the Falcons defeated Green Bay 27-24. Green Bay meanwhile has dropped three in a row even with a gutsy effort from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. When Green Bay can get more help from the running game, they will start winning again.


As individuals, they look great, as a team they are not quiet there and that showed Sunday when the Houston Texans blew a 27-10 lead in the 4th quarter to Indianapolis. Quarterback Sage Rosenfels committed three costly turnovers while the coaching was suspect after deciding not to run the ball. Houston just needed to run the clock out with talented running back Steve Slaton and did not. Indianapolis on the other hand showed as long as Peyton Manning is still there quarterback then they are in any game.

It’s amazing how two teams have gone from good to bad and bad to good. That was the game between San Diego and Miami, who went 1-15 last year while San Diego had a deep playoff run. Well this year is a new year and Miami has found a running game around Ronnie Brown and the wildcat offense. Meanwhile San Diego’s best play maker running back Ladainian Tomlinson is struggling and with him the team has fallen. Miami held LT to just 35 rushing yards on 12 carries while Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown ran for 125 yards and a touchdown leading his team to a 17-10 victory.

I though the New York Giants would beat the Seattle Seahawks, but I did not think it would be as bad as it was. It was no contest at all with New York steam rolling a depleted Seattle team 44-6. New York held the ball for over 35 minutes running down Seattle’s throat while quarterback Eli Manning tossed two touchdowns even with out his best wide out in Plexico Burress. Replacing the suspended receiver was 3rd year man Domenik Hixon who stepped up and caught four passes for 102 yards and a touchdown. Seattle looked like they had no team at all, not showing up on offense or defense.


Washington did exactly what they had to do to beat Philadelphia Sunday, and that was getting a strong rushing attack going. Redskins’ running back Clinton Portis rushed for 145 yards and a touchdown. Philadelphia meanwhile struggled with a banged up offense getting just 33 rushing yards from running back Brian Westbrook and only one reception to talented rookie receiver DeSean Jackson. Sitting at 4-1 it is hard not to think the Redskins do not have the second best team in the NFC East.


I did not think Denver had the better defense, but I knew they had a better offense and they needed a solid effort from both Sunday to defeat Tampa Bay 16-13. Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler threw for 227 yards and a touchdown while the defense recorded three sacks and an interception in the win. Denver sitting at 4-1 appears to be back on track and in 1st place in the AFC West.


Had Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards not been knocked out early it would have been a different game. Facing Arizona without Edwards proved to be a tough task for the Bills along with the fact that there defense gave up 373 total yards in a 41-17 loss. Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner tossed two touchdowns while Arizona’s ground game scored three times two of which came from rookie running back Tim Hightower. Perhaps the most impact full component for Arizona was there defense which recorded 5 sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles.



This is the second week in a row that the Dallas Cowboys have struggled and this week it was against a lowly Cincinnati Bengals team. Dallas won 31-22 after a pass intended for receiver Miles Austin tipped off his hands and into the hands of receiver Patrick Crayton who just happened to be in the end zone. One bright note for Dallas once again was rookie running back Felix Jones who combined for 103 offensive yards and a touchdown. The Bengals on the other hand looked better but still have a load of work to do.


San Francisco had a chance to take the division lead and blew it against a Tom Brady less New England Patriots team 30-21. Despite New England quarterback Matt Cassel throwing two interceptions, 49ers gun slinger J.T O’ Sullivan managed to counter by throwing three interceptions. New England’s deciding factor in the win was controlling the ball for nearly 40 minutes while San Francisco had the ball for just over 20 minutes. New England is not helpless after loosing Brady and that showed Sunday but don’t get used too used to winning Patriot fans.


Penalties, a lack of a running game and drop passes all contributed in large part to Jacksonville find away to loose to a bruised and batter Pittsburgh team. Credit is given where credit is due and that goes to Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who played outstanding after an early interception leading his team to a 26-21 win. Roethlisberger playing hurt passed for 309 yards and three touchdowns while third string running back Mewelde Moore rushed for 99 yards on 17 carries. The Steelers proved to be an elite team now at 4-1 finding away to win regardless of the odds.


No matter how many yards and or touchdowns New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees throws for it never assures a Saints win. Monday night was the same in a 30-27 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Despite Minnesota, running back Adrian Peterson being held to just 32 yards on 21 carries Minnesota found other ways to score. Minnesota scored twice threw the air, once on defense and thanks to a 30-yard field goal by kicker Ryan Longwell the Vikings prevailed.

[Sportswriter32]

Week 6 Preview


Chicago takes on Atlanta with a defense that is sure to test Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan. Look to see a lot of rushing in this game with the leagues leading rusher in Atlanta running back Michael Turner and gifted Chicago rookie running back Matt Forte. Atlanta’s Turner leads the NFL with 543 rushing yards and six touchdowns while Forte leads all rookies with 383 rushing yards. If Chicago quarterback Kyle Orton manages the game as he did against Detroit then Chicago will roll over Atlanta.

Chicago defeats Atlanta 31-17.


Houston is the best team in the league yet to win a game and that is saying something when you are winless. Houston may put up a fight, but they have to face a red-hot Miami Dolphins team that has won two in a row in large part to running back Ronnie Brown. After Houston blew a 27-10 lead to Indianapolis last week one begins to think that they are destined to an early draft pick come next April. Houston will give Miami a challenge but as long as the Dolphins have Ronnie Brown and a consistent quarterback in Chad Pennington they will be to much to handle.

Miami defeats Houston 34-13.


Indianapolis showed resilience last week by fighting back to win against Houston, but this week they take on a much stinger Baltimore defense. Baltimore comes in with a steady dose of running backs in Le’Ron McClain and Willis McGahee who will be sure to shred the Colts league worst run defense. As long as Baltimore can pound the ball on the ground and control the clock the Ravens will come away victorious.


Baltimore defeats Indianapolis 20-17.



The Vikings will improve there record to 500 after this week and the Lions will drop to 0-5 when Minnesota takes on Detroit. If Minnesota can keep up with New Orleans who they defeated 30-27 last week, then there’s no telling what type of numbers they will put up against Detroit. Look for a big game from Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and a strong performance from the defense.

Minnesota defeats Detroit 41-7.


The leagues 4th ranked offense in the New Orleans Saints host 1-3 Oakland. Oakland will give New Orleans a stiff challenge, especially after the Saints gave up 30 points to Minnesota last week. New Orleans did a great job of shutting down Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson, but I do not see them having the same success against Oakland’s duo of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. Look for Oakland to squeak out a close win with a new head coach in Tom Cable.

Oakland defeats New Orleans 24-21.


In his last game played, Brett Favre threw six touchdowns but this time he might get a tougher challenge against Cincinnati’s sixth ranked pass defense. The problem Cincinnati faces is that starting quarterback Carson Palmer is out for Sundays game. The Bengal’s offense ranks 31st in the league, so even if the defense can stop Favre don’t expect the offense to be able to keep up with him.

New York Jets defeat Cincinnati Bengals 31-7.


With a chance to tie up the NFC South, the 3-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on 4-1 Carolina. Look for a smash mouth game of football to precede us with two great duos of running backs facing off. Carolina’s DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart take on Tampa Bay’s Ernest Graham and Warrick Dunn. Graham who is under the radar averaging 5.9 yards per carry will take on Carolina’s fourth ranked defense. The edge in this battle goes to Carolina who has a consistent quarterback in Jake Delhomme.

Carolina defeats Tampa Bay 21-14.


Times just keep getting tougher and tougher for the 0-4 St. Louis Rams and they do not get any easier when they take on red-hot Washington. The Redskins who are coming off wins over both Dallas and Philadelphia should have no problem mustering up points against St. Louis’ 31st ranked defense. Look for Redskins running back Clinton Portis to aid quarterback Jason Campbell in another big Sunday performance.

Washington defeats St. Louis 38-17.


Jacksonville after blowing a lead against Pittsburgh last week in there third loss of the year takes on a dangerous Denver offense. This game is setup great for Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler who takes on a Jacksonville defense ranked 26th against the pass. Vise versa for Jacksonville’s running game who takes on Denver’s 25 ranked rush defense. If Jacksonville can control the clock with there ground game like they did against Indianapolis they will have no problem, however despite there defensive ranking Denver has just to many offensive weapons.

Denver defeats Jacksonville 31-24.

Dallas takes on an explosive Arizona offense that may just be too much to handle. Arizona scored 41 points on a 13th ranked Buffalo defense last week. Dallas will have to score every time they are offense or else Arizona will win with ease. To make matters worse Arizona is starting to build a ground game around rookie running back Tim Hightower who has five rushing touchdowns this year. Look for Arizona to pull the upset against an overrated Dallas squad.

Arizona defeats Dallas 35-31.


Philadelphia travels to San Francisco without the aid of lethal running back Brian Westbrook, but do not expect that to slow them down. The 49ers on the other hand blew a game 31-21 against New England that they should have no question won. Look for the Eagles defense to have a big game along with a break out day from quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Philadelphia defeats San Francisco 21-7.


Green Bay after being upset by Atlanta at home last week takes on a lifeless Seattle Seahawks team. Seattle who surrendered 44 points to New York last week ranks 28th in passing offense, which doesn’t bowed well for trying to keep up with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Look for a big game from Green Bay’s offense that includes running back Ryan Grant scoring his first rushing touchdown of the season. As well, do not be surprised if backup running back Brandon Jackson of Green Bay has a big day.

Green Bay defeats Seattle 35-7.


San Diego’s once proud defense seems to have fallen off the face of the earth ranking dead last in the league against the pass. To make matters worse San Diego is coming off a 17-10 loss to Miami that puts them at 2-3. New England on the other hand scored 31 points in a win over San Francisco. If New England can get a running game going and allow Matt Cassel to manage the game instead of trying to win it, then New England will move on to 4-1.

New England defeats San Diego 21-13.


Before the season, looking at the schedule the Cleveland/New York Giants Monday night game looked like one for the ages. Now it looks like a slaughtering waiting to happen with the Giants at 4-0 while the Browns rest at 1-3. Look for Brandon Jacobs and the New York offense to pull out another big win and remain undefeated.

New York defeats Cleveland 31-17.

[Sportswriter32]

Week 6 Review


Baltimore could not keep Peyton Manning off the field and Indianapolis made them pay for it. Peyton Manning threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns against the leagues number one ranked defense, while Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco did his part in the loss tossing three interceptions. Peyton Manning and the Colts look like they shook off the rust, while Baltimore is going to need to work on taking care of the ball.


It probably was not the quality win that they expected but on the foot of Ryan Longwell the Vikings found a way to win 12-10 over Detroit. Minnesota both ran and passed the ball well while getting a strong performance from the defense. Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams dominated Detroit’s offensive line recording four sacks. Perhaps the Brightside for Detroit fans is that rookie running back Kevin Smith showed some flashes of talent, but they will have to get a lot more from him and the rest of the offense if Detroit wants to win a game.


I really thought Oakland would give New Orleans a challenge this week but none was offered in a 34-3 Saints blow out. Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns while the defense shut down Oakland’s running game. If Oakland is to turn their season around they must build around their running game and make life easy on young quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

One week it’s the Brett Favre show, this week it’s the Thomas Jones show, but regardless who’s show it’s been it’s equaled a win for the Jets. New York running back Thomas Jones scored three touchdowns in a 26-14 victory over Cincinnati. The Jets defense aided largely in the victory with five sacks against the now 0-6 Bengals.

I said last week that Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme would be the deciding difference against Tampa Bay and he was throwing three interceptions. To make matters worse Carolina’s rushing duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for just 39 yards on the ground. Tampa Bay’s defense played strong for a second consecutive week and quarterback Jeff Garcia played efficiently.


The Houston Texans are a far better record then there record indicates and they finally prevailed Sunday. With just under a minute left on 4 & 2 Houston quarterback Matt Schaub scrambled up the middle into the end zone to give the Dolphins there first win of the year. Schaub finished the game with 379 passing yards while his go to go receiver Andre Johnson had his break out day with 10 receptions for 178 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile Miami’s offense played another great game, but it was the defense that let them down late. This game between Miami couldn’t be a better example of two teams that have played better then there records indicate

In a day of upsets, the St. Louis Rams decided they wanted to be part of the party and they did just that by defeating the previously 4-1 Washington Redskins 19-17. The Rams arguably did not do any one thing particular lily well expect leave the game on the leg of kicker Josh Brown and not commit turnovers. With just under four minutes left to play Josh Brown kicked a 49 yard field goal that turned out to be the game winner. On the other hand the Washington Redskins didn’t look good and in the end were not able to take the lead in a game that they should have easily won.


Jacksonville won a game that they absolutely had to win to stay in the early playoff race. Even though Jacksonville lost starting running back Fred Taylor to an early concussion, it was no problem thanks to Taylor’s counterpart Maurice Jones-Drew who grounded Denver’s defense for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Denver spite fighting several injuries on offense still played decent and if it had not been for three Denver turnovers, it may have been a different game. A game ball goes to Jacksonville’s offensive line who despite missing four starting offensive linemen protected Garrard well. Denver must play consistent on defense if they are to keep the AFC West in their hands.


I picked right and Arizona pulled the upset over Dallas. Arizona came in with a powerful offense and a hungry defense, which came through in overtime to block a Dallas punt and return it for the game winning touchdown. Dallas passed the ball well despite a virtual show from receiver Terrell Owens but was unable to get a running game going with Marion Barber. Arizona is a team on the rise and eyeing the NFC West division title, while Dallas got bad news after the game learning that they would be without starting quarterback Tony Romo for four weeks due to a broken pinky finger.


San Francisco with a chance to get back to 500 and up by 17 points allowed 23 unanswered points to the Brian Westbrook less Eagles in the fourth quarter. Philadelphia looked good and got a great effort from their defense in the second half leading to a 40-26 win. Back to 500 it is for the Eagles who have a better chance at a division title with Dallas missing starting quarterback Tony Romo for four weeks. The 49ers on the other hand are starting to look like last years team over again.


The Packers got back to 500 after a much-needed 27-17 victory over Seattle Sunday. Seattle without quarterback Matt Hasselbeck struggled to consistently move the ball down field and held the ball for less than 23 minutes. Seattle, now 1-4 looks like a team that has completely deflated. Green Bay on the other hand got a good performance from quarterback Aaron Rodgers but if Green Bay is to stay in the playoff race they must find away to get running back Ryan Grant out of his drought.


Just when it looked like the New England Patriots might have some life in them and the Chargers were going down hill the coin flipped sides. San Diego quarterback Phillip Rivers threw for 306 yards and three touchdowns. Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson came through with a big performance hauling in five passes for 134 yards and a touchdown.



The week started with an upset and ended Monday night with an upset when the Cleveland Browns defeated the depending super bowl champion New York Giants 35-14. New York quarterback Eli Manning threw three interceptions while Cleveland quarterback Derek Anderson tossed two touchdowns and got a solid team effort around him. Now at 2-3 the Browns are one game away from 500 and still in the playoff race as long as they can build upon this win.