Extra Point Football

WE'VE MOVED!

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:04:00 +0000

We are happy to announce that we are all grown up now and have moved to the Bloguin Network. This is a real privilege for us and we are certain that you will get much more enjoyment and use out of the site. You can read all about our move HERE.

Our new home will be http://www.xtrapointfootball.com/. Hope to see you there!

P.S. Our baseball site has moved as well. The new URL is http://www.athbaseball.com/

TRICK or TREAT?

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:16:00 +0000

Guys, this will be our last post on this site. We are happy to announce that we are all grown up now and have moved to the Bloguin Network. This is a real privilege for us and we are certain that you will get much more enjoyment and use out of the site. You can read all about our move HERE.

Our new home will be http://www.xtrapointfootball.com/. Hope to see you there!

P.S. Our basebal site has moved as well. The new URL is http://www.athbaseball.com/

With Halloween upon us the theme for football fans is clearly trick or treat. As a kid, one of my most traumatic experiences was knocking on the door of someone's house and saying "Trick or Treat..." and having the guy who answered the door yell "TRICK!" and slam the door in my face.

Before we get started though, we need to award this year's Xtra Point Football best football fan costume. Congrats to Green Bay Packers "St. Vince." He seems to be in the running every year, but this year we've given it to him. Ok, on to the Halloween festivities.

After six weeks we have some surprises in the NFL. Some of you fans have been treated by your team while some of you have been tricked. Let's go by conference and division and see if your team has been giving out good candy:

NFC East

Giants (5-1) - Treat! About what you expected. They had a little hiccup last week, but nothing they can't correct.

Eagles (3-2) - Trick! They lost to the Raiders. That could come back to bite them.

Cowboys (3-2) - Trick! They have become way too comfortable in their new locker room. Too much talent being wasted here.

Redskins (2-4) - Trick! The blame is on Zorn but it all starts with the front office. It's amazing they can create the 2nd wealthiest franchise (behind the cowboys) running the team this way.

NFC North

Vikings (6-0) - Treat! We thought they would win the division, but we didn't think they would start off 6-0. Brett Favre has actually played well and he's brought them down the field in crunch time when he's needed to.

Packers (3-2) - Trick! Keep the ambulance close by because the offensive line is going to get Aaron Rodgers hurt.

Bears (3-2) - Trick! Lots of fanfare getting Jay Cutler, but Kyle Orton the QB they let go is 6-0!

Lions (1-5) - Not home, we have to come back. They do have one win already though...

NFC South

Saints (5-0) - Treat! Their candy clearly has the most caffeine in it. What an offense. Like the early 80's Chargers!

Falcons (4-1) - Treat! No sophomore jinx for Matty Ice. He's a bringht kid. A playoff team here, no doubt.

Panthers (2-3) - Trick! Jake Delhome is on the take. He's giving the other team the game plan. Gotta be. No other explanation. Mark Sanchez threw FIVE interceptions in one game last wek and still couldn't surpass him for having the dubious distinction of having the league lead in INT's.

Buccaneers (0-6) - Trick! I don't care how low the expectations were or how unstable the QB position is. In the NFL if you are 0-6 your fans have been tricked.

NFC West

49ers (3-2) - Treat! Singletary has them playing well. Without a a fluke loss to the Vikings and an injury to Frank Gore they would probably be 5-0. They have a legit shot at the playoffs. One of the surprise teams in my mind.

Cardinals (3-2) - Not home, have to come back. I know many didn't expect a lot just because they made a good run last year, but I did. We'll revisit them in a few weeks and see where they stand. Their season can still go either way.

Seahawks (2-4) - Trick! Mostly because I hate those green uniforms. I wish they would switch back to those old AFC ones that from the Steve Largent era with the grey helmets. They are better than those fluorescent ones they wore a few weeks ago though. Ugh. They are too flakey and their fans never know what team will show up. This division is up for grabs and they aren't doing much in the way of fighting for it.

Rams (0-6) - Trick! Again, low expectations do not have to mean an 0'fer. The Bucs will get a win at some point but I'm not sure the Rams will. They may be the Lions of 2009. They have already lost their last 16 games.

AFC

AFC East

Patriots (4-2) - Treat! Any real concerns have been answered. "What's wrong with Brady, what's wrong with Brady?" Five touchdowns in one quarter now shut up!

Jets (3-3) - Trick! What a tease. I bit less talking by the coach and some defensive players and a bit more paying attention to what you are doing on the field may help here guys. How about stopping the run and maybe getting a sack or something? Sanchez did complete 10 passes to his team and only 5 to the other team last week, so there is promise. The loss of Kris Jenkins may hurt more than anything else. If they turn it around here, they will be fine. Lose to the Raiders this week and the rest of the season will be a disaster.

Dolphins (2-3) - Treat! Chad Pennington was actually a good manage the game QB for them and the loss hurts, but they may have found something in Chad Henne. And the Wild Cat is no gimmick with the personnel they have. They get their best two players Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams on the field at the same time. How can that be a bad thing? Their defense may do them in though. They should have one the Colts game. If your offense keeps the ball for ¾ of the game, you are supposed to win the game.

Buffalo (2-4) - Trick! Sure they beat the Jets last week for a nice division win, but that's starting to not look like much of an accomplishment as the Jets are on the verge of collapse. Dick Juron sure makes some odd in game decisions.

Bengals (4-2) - Treat! Carson Palmer is back. Without the fluke play in week one, they would be 5-1. And nice job by Chad Eight-Five by buying the extra 1,600 tickets so the game didn't get blocked out on TV in Cincinnati this past week. Maybe the guy is growing up.

Steelers (4-2) - Not home, we have to come back. I guess it all comes down to if Troy Polamalu can stay on the field or not. They are clearly a different team without him. Perhaps the biggest single impact guy to their team in the league not named Peyton Manning. Ben Roethlisberger is not the best at anything but just knows how to win. Reminds me of Derek Jeter.

Ravens (3-3) -Trick! Joe Flacco and Ray Rice are doing their part. It's time for Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and the rest of the "D" to hold up their end of the bargain. And Ray, enough complaining about the referees (even though you are right) because no one wants to hear it. And you should lucky that shot to the head on Chad Eighty-Five should cost you a suspension, not just s fine. You could have really hurt the guy. Remember Darryl Stingley?

Browns (1-5) - Trick! Ha, ha , ha.... What a joke. That Eric Mangidiot is something else isn't he?

AFC South

Colts (6-0) - Treat! Peyton Manning had the ball for less than 15 minutes in the game against the Dolphins and he pulled it out. Enough said.

Jaguars (3-3) Trick! Have to be disappointed with the poor start. Expected a lot more from them. They can still get a Wild Card spot though. Del Rio is a good coach though and can certainly turn them around. It's still early.

Texans (3-3) - Not home, we have to come back. Not sure how to read this team yet, I think their fans are confused too. They should be able to put up consistent points so they have a shot to make a run.

Titans (0-6) - TRICK IT'S A TRICK! RUN, IT'S A TRICK! MY god, RIP. What the hell happened here? How the might have fallen..., they were 14-2 last year! Fisher must be sick. He's a great coach and this has to be killing him. Anyone calling for his head is a moron. I would guess they have to start playing Vince Young here at some point just as a matter of principle to see what they have don't you think?

AFC West

Broncos (6-0) - Treat! Pat Bowlen got it right hiring a young Mike Shanahan, maybe he got it right with Josh McDaniels too? Knowshon Moreno is doing well and you can't say enough about Kyle Orton's performance. They were the laughing stock of the NFL with their off season circus of moves and non moves, but look who's laughing now....

Chargers (2-3) - Trick! How many times does Norv Turner have to trick us? And I don't care what anyone says, Ladainian Tomlinson will never be the same player he was, those days are over. They will probably make the playoffs again; they have too much talent not to. But Norv will find a way to screw that up. Love Philip Rivers though, he's a fighter. Have enough guys like that on your team and you will win. He can play for my team any day.

Raiders (2-4) - Trick! The defense they put out there is actually not that bad? If Jamarcus Russell can't learn to read a defense soon those, they are going to have to make a switch. He's certainly got the physical tools. Hey, I'm not calling the guy a dope or anything, playing QB in the NFL may be the toughest thing to do in all of sports? There have been many great athletes that couldn't play in the league, he wouldn't be the first. But he's got to show some improvement soon; it's time.

Chiefs (1-5) - Trick! This is a turn-around story so expectations couldn't be that high. But you have to be disappointed if your team only has one win in six weeks. After all, it is the NFL and everyone is playing for a paycheck. They have a great management team in their now and they are headed in the right direction. Matt Cassel should be there for a few years and have some success over time.

Mike Cardano is the founder of the Around the Horn Baseball Bog and Xtra Point Football Blog.
Have a Fantasy Football or Rotisserie baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.

No Respect!

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:56:00 +0000

Why is it that Kyle Orton gets absolutely no credit for being a good NFL QB? In fact, not only doesn't he get credit for being a good QB, he's frowned upon and looked at as a stop gap until a good one comes along.

The Denver Broncos were the laughing stock of the NFL this off season when they let Jay Cutler go to the Bears and received Orton back as part of the compensation. They were the laughing stock again as they new coach Josh McDaniels lobbied publicly for and failed to get New England QB Matt Cassel who ultimately was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs.

When Orton was a Chicago Bear they couldn't wait to get rid of him. In 2005 as a rookie Rex Grossman (the predetermined starter going into the year) was hurt in preseason and Orton played the first 15 games. Orton was 10-5 as a starter and when Grossman was healthy they placed him as the starter in game 16, throughout the playoffs and for the Superbowl.

The coaching staff asked Orton to minimize mistakes and to let the rushing attack and the defense win ballgames rather than employing an aggressive passing attack. Measuring Orton by victories, his rookie season was a successful one even by historical standards. Orton's 15 starts and 10 victories are both rookie records for Bears quarterbacks, and the 10 victories are the third most in the NFL since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, behind only Ben Roethlisberger's 14 victories in 2004, and 11 victories by Joe Flacco last year.

Following the 2005 season, the Bears signed veteran Brian Griese as the team's second string quarterback. Orton, now demoted, became the Bears' third-string quarterback, and did not see any playtime throughout the entire 2006 season.

In 2007 the Bears played merry-go-round with their QB's. Grossman. Greise, Orton.... In 2008 more of the same, Grossman, Orton.

So now he's in Denver. Orton has led the Broncos who were the laughing stock of the league no more than seven weeks ago to a 6-0 start. Kyle Orton, is not pretty. True, he doesn't groom himself and could use a shave, but that's not what I mean. He doesn't put up flashy stats and isn't charismatic. He simply manages the game, and manages the game well.

He manages the game so well in fact he has the 3rd highest winning percentage behind all active QB's with more than 2 full years of game starts.

My apologies if your favorite QB isn't on the list but let's take a look at the QB's that are generally regarded as the best QB's in the NFL and where they rank.

No one wants the guy. Josh McDaniels didn't want him, Lovie Smith didn't want him, the fans in Chicago definitely didn't want him, the pundits in the TV and print media didn't want him.... I don't even know if his mother wanted him? The guy is always the fall-back position. Grossman doesn't work out... ok try Orton. Greise doesn't work out... ok try Orton, Cassel doesn't work out... ok, try Orton.

All I know is the guy wins. I'm a life-long Jets fan and my guy threw five picks last week. FIVE! If Orton was my QB we'd be 5-1 right now and not 3-3. And there are at ten teams at a minimum that would be better off if Orton were their QB too. Count'em. - Mike Cardano Mike Cardano is the founder of the Around the Horn Baseball Blog and the Extra Point Football Blog.
Have a Fantasy Football or Rotisserie baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.

NFL Week 6 Final

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:10:00 +0000

Sunday's games ran the gamut from two shutouts to two shoot-outs. Let's go around the country for a quick wrap up and commentary.

Patriots beat the Titans 59-0: The return of Junior Seau.... What's Jeff Fisher to do, conduct a human sacrifice to scare his team into performing? Brady threw for six TDs in snow and slush and an undrafted rookie played the bulk of the second half at QB to blunt the shots that Belichick was piling on.

Buffalo Bills beat the Jets in OT 16-13: Ryan's defense wasn't bullied like last week but then again, the offense disappeared and special teams failed him. Sanchez threw five INTs, a botched snap in OT doomed a FG, stupid penalties made it worse and Thomas Jones romped for a Jets record well over 200 yards in a wasted effort. Different coach, different players, same old Jets.

Raiders beat the Eagles 13-9: Yes you read that right. McNabb was shut out while JaMarcus Russell hit Zach Miller for an 86 yd. score. Camera shots of Al Davis with blanket on his lap in his special chair are just plain sad; or mean depending on your view. With nothing working why didn't Philly use the Wildcat?

Arizona Cardinals beat the Seahawks 24-3: Seattle got punched in the mouth early in the first quarter and never recovered. It couldn't get on the field until 11 minutes had ticked off the clock. Hasselbeck got manhandled with five sacks and Kurt Warner became fastest to throw for career 30,000 yards.

Carolina Panthers beat the Buccaneers 28-21: The Bucs keep getting closer to a win but are now losing to other bad teams. Jake Delhomme remained upright by handing off the ball to Williams and Stewart for 257 yards. Even two INTs that gave the Bucs two scores couldn't spoil the Panthers' day.

Falcons beat the Bears 21-14: Bears @ Falcons was the Sunday Night game. Not a pretty game but one in which red zone mistakes cost the Bears a win. Here's a hint of what it was like: Jay Cutler ran for more yards than any RB on either team. A game that appeared even on paper and was played out that way. A defensive pass interference penalty had the Bears at the Atlanta 14 with 1:07 left but they couldn't convert. The battle of the Smiths had Mike defeating Lovey. See these two meet again in the playoffs.

Kansas City beats the Redskins 14-6: Todd Haley got his first win as head coach and after the game SI's Peter King reported that the Redskins stripped Coach Jim Zorn of his play calling duties. Well that should take care of it, right? Despite benching Jason Campbell, Washington couldn't score a TD.

Saints beat the NY Giants 48-27: Were Giants exposed or was it just one of those weeks? Hard to tell since the Saints never seemed to be doing anything other than scoring one way or another. Brandon Jacobs had only 33 yards. Not sure if that is the start of a problem that is arising or just a symptom of the game getting away? Drew Brees gets back on track as he throws for four TDs.

Pittsburgh beats the Browns 27-14: Steelers continue dominance over the Brown but Big Ben thinks team offense wasn't as good as he thought it would be. Browns highlights: QB completed 9 passes! Oh, and Joshua Cribbs 98 yard kickoff return for a TD.

Jacksonville beats the Rams in OT 23-20: Jones-Drew goes off for three TDs but Rams made it more than interesting. St. Louis remains winless and Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo looked liked a beaten dog in post-game interview. Rams extend the NFL's longest losing streak to 16 games.

Minnesota beats the Ravens 33-31: But for a last-second missed FG the Ravens would have stolen the magic out from under Favre and the Vikings. Adrian Peterson finally cracked the 100 yd. rushing mark, and Ray Rice ran caught for a monster fantasy game. Flacco held his own but Favre is on a mission. Neither team's vaunted defense could hold the other.

Houston beat the Bengals 28-17: Matt Schaub made his fantasy owners happy with four TDs and there was no winning final drive this week for Cincinnati. Chad Eight-Five had a great day but Andre Johnson, held without a TD had 135 yards receiving.

Green Bay beat the Lions 26-0: Two shutouts in one day for the NFL. Not good. Aaron Rodgers still got clobbered with five sacks (does his O-line dislike him?) but threw for 2 TDs and 350 yards. Detroit looked awful and lost another QB as Culpepper pulled a hamstring.

Broncos beat the Chargers Broncos 34-23: The Broncos were on Monday Night Football for the 18th straight season, which is the longest active streak in the NFL (mention that one at the water cooler today for 2 points.) The Chargers were able to convert on just 2 of 11 third-down opportunities. Denver's defense swarmed Philip Rivers, and three of its five sacks came on third down. Kyle Orton just moves the chains.

Mike Cardano is the founder of the Around the Horn Baseball Blog and the Extra Point Football Blog. Mike is also the founder of the fantasy sports games Ultimate Franchise BaseballTM and Ultimate Franchise FootballTM.
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Have a Fantasy Football or Rotisserie baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.

Why does management hate Kellen Clemens?

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:32:00 +0000

What did Kellen Clemens do that was so bad that the Jets constantly go out of their way to make certain that he does not play?

It begs the question, if what he did was that bad, why is he still on the team? Are they punishing him by banishing him to the bench?

Did Clemens rape a member of the Johnson family or something? By the lengths they are taking to keep him OFF the field you might think so. (Ok, maybe not rape, but possibly a gentle molestation.)

Clemens' base salary this year is $535,000 ($937,500) if you include his prorated 1.6 million dollar signing bonus he got with his July 28, 2006 contract. His 1.6 million was spread over 4 years in addition to his salary of $275,000 (2006), $360,000 (2007), $445,000 (2008) and $535,000 (2009).

Clemens was the Jets 2nd round pick in 2006, the 49th player picked in the draft. He had a pretty decent career at Oregon. If he was at a college that gets more PR he would have been a pretty high profile guy.

When Chad Pennington got hurt in 2007 Clemens started 8 games. The Jets went 3-5 under Clemens and he was serviceable. Nothing that would catapult him into being THE GUY but no worse that many QB's have in their 1st 8 games. In fact, batter than many who became great QB's.

He lost out to Pennington in 2006, he lost out to Pennington again in 2007, he lost out to Brett Favre in 2008 (not much of a fair fight there, but he was about to lose out to Pennington again anyway), and he lost out to 1st Round pick rookie Mark Sanchez in 2009.

Yesterday, the NY Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez in his 6th professional career game (he only played 16 college games) faded back to pass 29 times and connected on 15 of them. 10 times the ball went the Jets, 5 times it went to the Bills, and the other 19 times the ball hit the ground with no one catching hit (which I guess should be considered a positive compared to the 5 interceptions.)

I don't care who you are. You could be Joseph Willie Namath. You could be Peyton Manning, a rookie, a veteran it doesn't matter. At some point, after 3 interceptions, 4 interceptions, 5 interceptions, ....... there has to be a unanimous consensus between the 80,000 people in the stands, the millions watching on TV, the offensive coordinator, the head coach, the team owner, the QB's mother an anyone who is even heard second hand what is going on that it's not your day and you have to come out of the game and the back-up has to go it.

After Sanchez threw 4 interceptions did they think that Clemens would throw 2 more and Sanchez would only throw 1 more so the lesser of two evils was to leave Sanchez in? If you didn't put the back-up guy in on a day like yesterday, exactly when would you do it? The Jets would have received a $535,000 Salary Cap Savings if they just cut him this year. Instead, they have a kid QB that desperately needs to sit, relax, watch and learn for a bit and a back-up who apparently, the coach can't or won't play.

A buddy of mine in our office has Rex Ryan's cell phone number. He left the following message during 4th quarter of the game.

"Rex, you are paying the guy $937,500 this year! He's standing there with a baseball cap on freezing his ass off! Put him in the game and let's see what he can do, the other guy doesn't have it today! It doesn't mean that you are calling him the starter. It doesn't mean that you are creating a QB controversy; you have to try to win the game!"

Whatever Clemens did must have been really bad....... - Keith A. Baker

Keith A. Baker is a sports agent in Stamford, Connecticut. His goal is to offer a unique insight to the world of sports. Comments in his columns are for entertainment purposes only and do not reflect the views and opinions of his firm or his client.

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Have a Fantasy Football or Baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.

College Football Saturday In 500 Words Or Less

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:37:00 +0000

A recap of what went down and what you should take away from Saturday's college football games.

Unfortunately for Oklahoma fans and college football fans everywhere, the nation's best quarterback's college career may be over. Of course, Sam Bradford and the medical team that is examining his right shoulder do not know for certain if he will be able to return or not, but it is discouraging news for Bradford and the Sooner nation, who before the season began planned on gunning for a national title. Those hopes are over as Oklahoma now holds only fleeting hopes of winning the Big Twelve South.

Recapping the day in 500 words or less, this is what Saturday taught us about the season:

- With three losses, Oklahoma's national title hopes are dead and are long shots to win the Big Twelve South. Who in their right mind would criticize Bradford at this point if he chooses to sit out the rest of the season, even if he's cleared to play the Sooners' final couple games? The man was the surefire top pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and, with that now in question, would be wise to protect his draft stock and NFL future as much as possible. Saturday morning, Landry Jones was the future in Oklahoma. Fourteen plays later, he was the present.

- The Iowa Hawkeyes continue to get better and better as the season progresses. On September 13, I called Iowa, "the worst preseason top 25 team to start the season 2-0 in this history of the game." After narrowly escaping Northern Iowa and allowing Iowa State to beat themselves in their first two games, I really believed that statement. Now, the Hawkeyes are the best team in the Big Ten. That's something nobody can contest.

- Nothing says BCS National Championship like the 23 flavors in Dr. Pepper. It says football so much that every Saturday I make my own Dr. Pepper by combining one shot of every drink I have in my refrigerator. It comes out pretty close to the real thing.

- I can't help but think that Ohio State was overrated after they were downed by Purdue. The Buckeyes have not impressed me all year. Call me a downer, but I don't think Terrelle Pryor has lived up to the hype surrounding him as a recruit even if he is only a sophomore. Of course, he's only one man and this can't all fall on him. But anybody who puts on the recruiting spectacle that he did better be Superman.

- Alabama is the best team in the nation. How anybody can say that the Crimson Tide is playing better than the Gators but Florida deserves the #1 ranking is beyond me.

- There has to be some JFK level conspiracy theories after the Florida/Arkansas game. The pass interference in the end zone? Defending yourself from being whacked 25 yards away from the play? I don't know why the referees wasted everybody's time with Florida's second to last possession. Next time just give them the six points and move on. Florida did not win the game; they survived with a little help from the referees. Florida's defense may be the best in the nation, but their offense was far less than impressive on Saturday and has been all season long.

- Texas Tech beat 15th ranked Nebraska to move to 5-2. They're only two losses came against Texas and a highly underrated Houston Cougars team. Mike Leach has established a plug and play offense that allows any quarterback to be successful and throw for a bazillion yards.
- Tyrod Taylor is a passer now. And a damn good one it seems.

With a career day, Mark Ingram Proved He's Worth The Hype on Saturday. This guy is my Heisman frontrunner at this point in the season and anybody who disputes that better have a damn good argument. He rushed for 246 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown on Saturday night. Tim Tebow hasn't done all that much for the Gators this season, yet is still many people's pick for Heisman. Jimmy Clausen had the chance to become the frontrunner if he beat USC, but came up just short, and Colt McCoy had a less than stellar showing against Oklahoma. Even in his least productive game of the season (17 carries for 50 yards—Sept. 26 vs. Arkansas) Ingram managed to find the end zone twice.

Montel Harris of Boston College rushed for 264 yards on 27 carries and scored 5 touchdowns against NC State on Saturday, becoming a New Household Name in the process. Included in the 264 yards was a 70 yard run that set up his 2 yard touchdown run the very next play. It wasn't his first big day of the season. Harris rushed for 179 yards on 25 carries against Florida State on October 3. He rushed for 2 touchdowns in that game as well.

My Heisman ballot if they let me vote:

1. Mark Ingram, Alabama- Third most rushing yards in the NCAA. Carries his team when nothing else is going right.
2. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame- 14 touchdown passes and only 2 picks. Needs to win a big one. If Notre Dame beat USC, he'd be the consensus frontrunner.
3. Tony Pike, Cincinnati- Consistency, consistency, leadership. I like this guy. Hope he can go next week vs. Louisville.
4. Case Keenum, Houston- Threw for over 500 yards in a loss to the University of Texas at El Paso and has not thrown for fewer than 330 yards in any game this season. The 5-1 Cougars are underrated as a team, and Keenum may be the most underrated quarterback in the nation. Has two quality wins over Big Twelve teams (Oklahoma State and Texas Tech) and defeated Mississippi State of the SEC.
5. Tim Tebow, Florida- Gives Florida a chance to win every week. Hasn't done enough to warrant another Heisman win, though. Florida's undefeated record is in large part due to their defense, while their drop to #2 in the AP poll is largely due to their offense's lacking in big games.

Next week's games worth watching include a Thursday night showdown between two disappointing ACC teams when Florida State visits North Carolina. Ohio State looks to get back on the winning path against Eric Decker and the Minnesota Golden Gophers, as does South Florida when they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers and phenom freshman running back Dion Lewis. Arkansas and Mississippi look to prove they belong in the upper echelons of the SEC when they meet in Oxford. Also on Saturday, top ranked Alabama takes on Tennessee, Clemson travels to Miami, Penn State visits Michigan and Oklahoma takes on Kansas in a Big Twelve showdown. LSU is looking to rebound from a loss to Florida when they take on Auburn, TCU and Brigham Young will fight it out to prove they belong among the elite, while Texas travels to Missouri in the primetime headliner. - Danny Hobrock

Danny Hobrock is a sports journalist who primarily covers college football and professional baseball. He is a contributor for several sports related blogs and is the former editor of a political and current events website.

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Have a Fantasy Football or Rotisserie baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.

Roto-Rx

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 04:05:00 +0000

If your question was not answered this time, you can go directly to the source @ https://www.roto-rx.com/ where Dr. Roto will answer all your Fantasy Baseball and Football questions.

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: Do you expect Cedric Benson to continue this success? – Hank, Harrisburg, PA

Hank: Ced Benson has really been a surprise this year. He looks fast and has regained the swagger that he lost over the last few years. With Palmer and a good WR corps in Cincy, there should be no reason why he couldn't continue his success. He won't see any 8 man fronts and so long as he stays injury free, should be fine.

Question #2: Do you see any meaningful trades happening at the trade deadline or was the Braylon Edwards deal it? – Patrick, Texas A&M University (GO AGGIES!)

Patrick: Dr. Roto would be surprised to see any big deals go down in the NFL before Tuesday's deadline. Names like Bowe, Cribbs, etc have been floating around, but Dr. Roto tends to doubt that anything big will happen. Football trades are less prominent than baseball trades (perhaps due to the fact that there is no minor league in football). Whoop!

Question #3: Is Matt Hasselbeck a good play now? – Maurice, Seattle, WA

Maurice: As my friend Big V likes to say, Hasselbeck is the best bald QB in the NFL. And when healthy, (which he seemed to be last week) a definite fantasy starter.

Question #4: After the first 5 games, who has had the most impressive rookie fantasy impact player? – Claude, Baker City, OR

Claude: Probably a toss-up between Mark Sanchez, Percy Harvin, and Knowshon Moreno. Sanchez started out hot, but has tailed off a bit. Harvin's numbers have not been spectacular, but he has caught some TD's. Moreno has started to pick it up a bit recently and looks like a real player out there in Denver. He was a stud at Georgia; it is good to see him running hard and getting tons of reps. BTW D. Heyward-Bey will go down as one of the worst picks in NFL history (think Tony Mandarich).

Question #5: Do you see significant playing time for David Clowney as the year progresses? – Carney, Hamilton, TX

Carney: Not really unless there is an injury for the JETS. This week, he makes a terrific play as Cotchery is out. But long-term, he will sit behind Cotchery and Braylon.

The Doctor is out...

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Open Letter to Daniel Snyder

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:10:00 +0000

Dear Dan,

We’ve never met before, but I wanted to send you this personal note anyway.

My name is Dr. Mark Roberts and I am a fantasy football expert. Recently, I have been prescribing meds to all my patients in the Northern Virginia and Maryland/DC area because they are nauseous watching your Redskins play this season.

Dan…times are hard now for Doctors. No one knows what President Obama's new insurance plan exactly means to medical professionals. So, I am coming to you to see about a job.

Let’s be honest…your team SUCKS! Your QB is a confused mess, your running game is getting older and slower by the minute, and your young WR have below average ability. Thank God for Chris Cooley and your kicker, Shaun Suisham…without them it could be ugly. Kudos to you for getting Albert Haynesworth in the off-season. He is a monster and certainly looks like he is having a good effect on your young defensive studs, LaRon Landry and Brian Orakpo.

Here is what I am proposing: I will do for you what Bill James has done for MLB teams. Let me guide the Skins from the shambles they are in to respectability. Now look, I know you have like a bazillion dollars and you are chomping at the bit to offer half of the Isle of Togo to get either Jon Gruden or Mike Shanahan to coach for you. I’ll make you a better offer. I will take $5,000 for every game we win in the first year. How can you beat that, Dan? I am practically working for free (still have to feed the kidos at home though).

Credentials, you ask? I have been playing fantasy football for years and have won my league now four years running. I even picked up Miles Austin this week before he had his big game. Another one of my sleepers was Jermichael Finley. He carried me to a victory the other week. Can your front office guys predict that? I know how to make lopsided trades, and am all over the waiver wire looking for the next great pickups. Do your guys do that? I don’t think so otherwise you would never have Devon Thomas and Malcolm Kelly on your roster.

You had a real chance this season, Dan, considering your schedule had the worst teams in football on it. But, you blew it and have lost to most of them. Tell me…what’s gonna happen when the schedule gets tougher?

Dan, I promise you that we can bring respectability back to the Nation’s capital. Hogs, Smurfs, you name it, we’ll have it all. Just stop with the madness and give me a call. I’ll let you call collect if it makes you feel better…

Your future employee,
Mark Roberts M.D.

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Dan, if you are reading this:

a) welcome to our blog
b) you’re a moron
c) call Dr. Roberts
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Have a Fantasy Football or Baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.

Zorn’s Welcome is Worn Out – So What Happens Now?

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 04:05:00 +0000

The Redskins are down on their back and upside down (not so bad I guess is it?)

In February of 2008, Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder hired Jim Zorn as the new head coach after Joe Gibbs’ departure. Zorn was the Seahawks’ quarterbacks coach and had never been a head coach before. But that didn’t matter to Snyder who was so impressed with Zorn during the interview process, he promoted him to head coach just two weeks after initially hiring him as offensive coordinator.

20 months later, Zorn looks like he is on his way out of Washington D.C. and Snyder is going to have to make another coaching change once again. It is rumored that by the time the Redskins reach their bye week, Jim Zorn will be fired after the horrendous start to the season. One of the assistant coaches will most likely fill in as the interim coach for the remainder of the season.

Mike Shanahan looks like the leading candidate to get the job. But I would not be surprised if Snyder tries to lure in Mike Holmgren, Jon Gruden or even Brian Billick.

Either way, I seriously doubt that any one of those candidates would take the job in the middle of the season. I don’t really see why any of them would want to work under Daniel Snyder anyways.

The bottom line is that although Jim Zorn has proven he doesn’t have what it takes to motivate his team (or be prepared enough to not waste all of their timeouts with eight minutes still remaining in the game), the problem starts at the top with Dan Snyder.

Just take a look at his coaching decisions in the past. He fired Marty Schottenheimer, a great coach (at least in the regular season) and then hired Steve Spurrier (someone who has never been a head coach in the NFL before).

After that experiment failed, hall of fame coach Joe Gibbs decided to come back to his former team and take over the head coaching position. He led the Redskins to the playoffs twice in his second stint in Washington D.C and brought in a great group of guys to round out his coaching personnel with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams (defensive genius) and offensive coordinator Al Saunders.

So after Gibbs retired, what did Dan Snyder do next? He fired Gregg Williams and Al Saunders for Jim Zorn, another guy who has never been a head coach before.

What are they doing now? Gregg Williams completely turned around the Saints defense and helped make them an elite team in the NFL. Al Saunders is in Baltimore and now the Ravens have one of the most prolific offenses in football. So I think it is safe to say that Dan Snyder has extremely poor judgment when it comes to football.

But Mike Shanahan would be perfect for this job as long as he gets just as much control as Vinny Cerrato. Because neither Cerrato nor Snyder knows what it takes to win.

Shanahan knows how to create a productive running game. He knows how to build an effective offensive line. His winning percentage in Denver was .646 (best in Denver history). And well, he is a winner (two Super Bowl titles in 1998 and 1999).

But for the Redskins as of right now, this is what rock bottom looks like when it comes to an NFL franchise. There is an owner who has no clue what he is doing. There is a “Vice President of Football Operations” (basically a general manager) who knows as much about what it takes to win a Super Bowl as my nine-year old cousin. There is a head coach who has never been a head coach in his career and simply looks in over his head. And then there are the fans who have to suffer and struggle with watching mediocrity game after game, even when the opposing team is just as bad or worse.

I just wonder how the Redskins will do when they go up against some teams who have won a game or two so far… - Michael Klopman

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Have a Fantasy Football or Rotisserie baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.

NFL Week #6 Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:33:00 +0000

We got back on track last week sweeping the 3 college games and splitting the 4 NFL games. Dallas won but didn’t cover, and the Jets inability to stop the Wildcat shocked me. It remains to be seen if that offense is a gimmick or a valid NFL scheme. But if they are going to continue to lead the NFL in rushing and time of possession, at some point it has to stop being called a gimmick.

So after 5 week’s we are up almost 29%. Not bad. In a few weeks we’ll pick the charity that the winnings will go to. Oh, there will be winnings………

Week #1 = + $77.50
Week #2 = + $72.50
Week #3 = + $20.00
Week #4 = - $12.00
Week #5= + $129.50

Total = + $287.50 after 5 weeks.

Remember, we are using a $1,000 betting pot to start out with so we are up 28.7% after 5 weeks (winnings go to charity). Gotta turn it back around this week, here we go……

We are going to take Rutgers for the 2nd week in a row. This time we will take them as a DOG to win the game. Woof!
$50 – Rutgers +3.5 MONEYLINE (+150)

Iowa doesn’t lose until they do. Another DOG. Woof, woof!
$100 – Iowa +3.0 MONEYLINE (+120)

Air Force will fly (we’ll, they will run wild) in Wyoming
$50 – Air Force -9.5 (-110)

Central Florida will be no match for Miami
$150 – Miami -14.5 (-110)

Hard for me to see the NY Giants as DOG to anyone on any field right now. Meow!
$50 – NY Giants + 3.0 (+160)

Detroit gets blown out
$50 – Green Bay - 13.5 (-110)

Oakland gets blown out AGAIN. Ugh. This one could be ugly.
$50 – Eagles – 14.0 (-110)

I don’t know how they are 0-5, but Tennessee just isn’t that bad
$50 – Titans +9.0 (-110)

That’s 8 games (a lot) risking $400. We mentioned what often happend when you take too many games (us usually end up going nowhere) but let’s see if we can really make some headway. See you next week. Good luck.

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Robert Fairchild is a professional sports gaming professional. He legally wages on professional and collegiate sporting events for a living. Robert is NOT suggesting that you quit your day job and try to wager on sports for a living. He is contributing his thoughts and experience to assist you in a recreational activity that you as an informed adult may choose to take part in.

Have a Fantasy Football or Baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.

The NFL Trade Deadline - NOT!

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:20:00 +0000

With an unbelievable number of bad teams in the NFL this season, extra attention is being paid to Tuesday's trade deadline. Everyone is talking trade. The most prominent names are Cleveland quarterback Brady Quinn, Oakland cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, and Buffalo receivers Terrell Owens and Roscoe Parrish, not to mention a few others.

In season trades don't happen often in the NFL, and even more rarely at the deadline. Fewer than five in-season trades have been made every year dating to the 1980s. Teams will shop in August if they have an abundance of talent at a position or if they don't feel like they can keep a player who's going to be a free agent.

It's hard to bring a running back in at Week 7 and tell him, 'You've got to learn this, this and this, and we've got to win next week.’ Unless you're talking a kicker or a punter, the schemes and the learning required don't lend themselves to trades at the deadline. Guys who were in camp with you or are on the practice squad know your terminology and they can come in and at least operate.

Unlike baseball, basketball and hockey, the NFL's trade deadline usually passes quietly. The deadline, traditionally set to expire after six weeks of the season, often comes at a time when teams still aren't sure whether they are contenders or pretenders.

This year however the fact that there are four winless teams and four other 1-4 squads alters the possibilities of trades a bit. A quarter of the league knows it doesn't have a chance to compete for a playoff spot, and that makes things interesting.

Sure we’ve had two big trades already this year. But Braylon Edwards was running the same offense with the same terminology in Cleveland and only has to brush up on quirks and details and Richard Seymour was actually dealt before the year started, it just took a while to get done.

Despite what you may hear, don’t expect anything earth shattering to happen. - Keith A. Baker
Keith A. Baker is a sports agent in Stamford, Connecticut. His goal is to offer a unique insight to the world of sports and Major League Baseball in particular. Comments in his columns are for entertainment purposes only and do not reflect the views and opinions of his firm or his clients.
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Have a Fantasy Football or Rotisserie baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.

Coach On Coach Violence

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:39:00 +0000

It seems that 2009 is the year of the coach on coach violence. Earlier this year during the preseason, reports surfaced from the Oakland Raiders camp that head coach Tom Cable punched one of his assistants. Now, the daily lobo, yes “The Independent Voice of University of New Mexico since 1895” is reporting that New Mexico head coach Mike Locksley has been suspended for a game for having fisticuffs with an assistant coach.

The Raiders situation is currently being investigated by police and the Napa County District Attorney. Roger Goodell has taken the firmest stand possible on the Raiders situation, commenting that if Cable is charged with any crimes, he might possibly be punished by the league… Way to come down hard on this sort of behavior commish.

And there is some irony to these unfortunate occurrences. Every time a football player, whether it is college or the pros, gets in the slightest amount of trouble, the league or the NCAA is quick to pounce; just ask Dez Bryant if you don’t agree with that statement. Yet, when the guys who are the role models for players, the men charged with leading their teams out on the field screw up and punch somebody, it is not that big a deal… What did LeGarrette Blount, the running back from Oregon who sucker punched an opponent earlier this year, do differently than Tom Cable? Well, two things, he punched a guy on the other team, and afterwards didn’t threaten to kill him as Cable did with his assistant. Blount was suspended for the entire season by Oregon.

Then, maybe you point to it being an organization or institutional issue. Oregon, a respected school in the NCAA, would not have its reputation tarnished by the foolish act of a player. The University of New Mexico didn’t even have much of a national reputation to tarnish with its suspension decision. So why not hand down the most barebones, save the slightest amount of face possible, with a one game suspension decision? And the Raiders organization? It never had any respectability worth saving by making any sort of preemptive move before the league acts.

Does it make it better that certain acts of violence are more acceptable if they are against people on the same team? I do not know for certain. What I do know is this all seems to be bred by a culture of insider machismo specific to football players. Both these coaches were former football players, who loved the game, and loved its physical nature. Everyone is lauding Mike Singletary in San Fran for bringing his old school, smash mouth attitude to that franchise. And all this hard hitting action is all well and good, right up until the coaches cannot control themselves. Wouldn’t it be hard for Cable to get angry with a player for loosing his cool and getting flagged for a personal foul? How could he be upset with someone getting a roughing the passer call? At least that Raider got someone in another uniform…

Don’t get me wrong, I love hard hitting football games, and teams that play with such a mentality. I think its great when teams reflect the character of their coaches, as it makes the entire team more fun to root for. But, it is worth noting this does not happen, at least with such frequency in other sports or other professions. It is something specific to former football players turned coaches who never quite lost that edge that made them want to play football in the first place. And it seems to be a disturbing trend for this season. I could be wrong about this theory of mine. In fact, I will gladly eat my words if tomorrow’s headline reads “John Clayton suspended by ESPN after allegedly drop kicking production intern at Bristol, CT offices.” - Matthew Aibel

Have a Fantasy Football or Rotisserie baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.

Roto-Rx

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:02:00 +0000

If your question was not answered this time, you can go directly to the source @ https://www.roto-rx.com/ where Dr. Roto will answer all your Fantasy Baseball and Football questions.

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: The Jets defense looked pretty porous to me? Too much hype for their ”D”? – Wallace, Bolder, CO

Wallace: The truth is that the Jets were not as good as they looked the first few weeks of the season, but they are also not as bad as they have looked recently either. Rex Ryan has gotten the hype, but now the team needs to get out of their post Wildcat funk. They should put up some great numbers against the pathetic Bills this week. This will give them some confidence back for sure.

Question #2: Any truth to the rumor the T.O. is being traded to the Bears? If so, would that help or hurt his fantasy value? – Michael, Las Vegas, NV

Michael: I doubt that you will see TO in Chicago. He's just not a great fit for their team. My guess is that people will shy away from his contract and he will finish the year in relative obscurity in Buffalo.

Question #3: Thomas Jones seems to have a nose for the end zone (even when he’s not doing much else.) Is he worthy of a starting spot? – Forrester, Pompton Lakes, NJ

Forrester: Just by the hair of his chiny, chin, chin strap. Jones has lost some carries to Leon Washington and Shonn Greene this season. He still could surprise in some games (Dr. Roto thinks he is a good play this week against the Bills). He is worth a roster spot, but he is not a rock solid performer. I would rather see you move him in a deal for a younger, better RB.

Question #4: Do you see Carson Palmer performing like his pre-injury form? – Max, Yale University

Max: Which injury are you talking about? Palmer looks okay, but he is keying too much on Ochocinco. If he can continue to spread the ball to Henry, Caldwell, Coles, etc he might put up good numbers. The emergence of Cedric Benson has been a real help as well.

Question #5: Does the Junior Seau signing help the value of the Patriots defense or is it a non event? – Matthew, Sutter Creek, CA

Matthew: Seau really offers nothing up to the fantasy value of the Patriots. Real life-wise it is a good move, but his abilities are almost shot and the Pats need more than Seau to improve their D.

The Doctor is out...

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Dallas Win Means Absolutely Nothing

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:04:00 +0000

Some people love to say, “a win is a win” no matter who you beat. That expression definitely works sometimes (not for the Redskins fans after their 9-7 win over the Rams in week 2 of course).

Well, not this time. Dallas squeezed out a victory in overtime against the winless Kansas City Chiefs and Jerry Jones looked like he was ready to break out the champagne with his buddies.

Some writers and analysts have already said that this win will provide the confidence boost that the Cowboys desperately need. I just don’t understand that point of view.

Yes, Tony Romo (the most overrated quarterback in the league) threw for 351 yards and two touchdowns. He also astonishingly did not throw any interceptions. Miles Austin had a field day in Arrowhead Stadium, catching 10 passes for a career-high 250 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime.

But those aspects of the game were the only bright spots for Dallas.

A game like that for Romo should be expected against a very weak Kansas City secondary. And by the way, Romo made some terrible passes to wide-open receivers that could have put the game away. He also fumbled the ball on Dallas’ own 16-yard line that led to a Mike Vrabel touchdown reception.

Don’t forget about the 13 penalties the Cowboys made that cost them 90 yards. Don’t forget about the two fumbles the Cowboys lost, including a muffed punt, to put the Chiefs in amazing field position. Don’t forget about Nick Folk’s missed field goal from just 40 yards out.

And what happened to Dallas’ scary running game? The Cowboys ran the ball 23 times between Marion Barber and Tashard Choice. Choice actually played well, rushing for 92 yards on just eight carries, but Barber did absolutely nothing.

And it’s not like the Dallas defense completely shut down the Chiefs. The Cowboys defense allowed Matt Cassel to throw for 253 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs gained a total of 304 yards and a game-tying touchdown pass to Dwayne Bowe with just 24 seconds left in regulation. Even the time of possession was pretty even throughout the game.

The point is that the Chiefs have not won a game for a reason. The several miscues and horribly executed plays by Dallas outweigh the close victory over a winless team. Who really thinks Miles Austin is going to put up numbers like that on a consistent basis? Does anyone honestly believe the Cowboys are going to be good without a healthy Marion Barber? I just don’t see it.

Dallas can certainly play well enough to beat teams like the Chiefs, Buccaneers and Panthers (combined record of 1-13). But the Dallas defense has proven that just about anyone can move the ball down the field on them. Tony Romo has proven he is nowhere close to being one of the better starting quarterbacks in the NFL. And the Cowboys have proven that they are mediocre at best.

So here is my advice to Jerry Jones: It’s only week 5. Stop celebrating. A win over the Chiefs means nothing. - Michael Klopman

Have a Fantasy Football or Baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.

TCU Is More Consistent Than You Think

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:14:00 +0000

In 2002 they won 10 games. In 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2008 they won 11. They finished in the top 25 in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2008 and are currently ranked 10th in the AP and 9th in the Coaches'. They've played in a bowl game every year since 1998, with the exception of 2004, beginning with a Sun Bowl victory over USC. The 2004 campaign managed only 5 wins and 2007 was an 8 win season. The TCU Horned Frogs are much more consistent than you may think. But what does that consistency really tell us about TCU? Does it mean that they belong among the perennial elite? Or is it merely a fallacy because they've played in the Mountain West Conference since 2005 and in Conference USA from 2001 to 2004?

TCU is currently undefeated, having beaten the likes of Virginia, Texas State, Clemson Southern Methodist and Air Force. Next up for TCU is a matchup with Colorado State before they play their first ranked opponent of the year when they visit conference foe BYU. The Cougars are currently the only ranked opponent on the Horned Frogs' roster, but a November 14 matchup with Utah may prove challenging as well. With only two legitimate challengers (to a top 10 team) left on their 2009 schedule, will TCU validate their top 10 ranking, or will they prove they're only the best of the rest?

At first glance, TCU's high ranking and their consistently strong final records seem to be the product of a fluffy schedule. However, look at 2008's schedule and you might be surprised to see four games versus top 10 opponents. The Horned Frogs lost at 2nd ranked Oklahoma and at 8th ranked—and eventually undefeated—Utah (their only losses of the season), but managed to defeat 9th ranked BYU and 9th ranked Boise State in the Poinsettia Bowl.

So yeah, TCU plays some good teams. They win some, they lose some. Pretty definitive of a top 25 team, don't you think?

Andy Dalton is a good quarterback. He's thrown 6 touchdown passes and only two interceptions this season. He even rushed for 86 yards on 19 carries in a narrow win over Clemson. But it's not offense that carries TCU. It's defense. Led by defensive end Jerry Hughes, TCU is 1st in rush defense, 25th in pass defense and 7th in total defense this season.

So while TCU may not be among the perennial elite teams in the nation, they have consistently been a very good team with a solid foundation who deserve their current top 10 ranking until another team says otherwise. Expect another 10 or 11 win season. Combine that with two road victories over ACC opponents, and if TCU can manage a victory against either Utah or BYU, expect a nice bowl bid. Just don't expect a BCS at-large bid from the Horned Frogs—unless they go undefeated and look damn good in the process. But that's a whole different story. - Danny Hobrock

Danny Hobrock is a sports journalist who primarily covers college football and professional baseball. He is a contributor for several sports related blogs and is the former editor of a political and current events website.

NFL WRAP-UP - Week 5 Final

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:53:00 +0000

Arizona Cardinals (28) - Houston Texans (21)
Both of these teams have impressive offenses and less than impressive defenses. In the first quarter Tim Hightower took it in from one yard out, and the second quarter featured Kurt Warner hitting Larry Fitzgerald for a 9 yard touchdown pass to give the Cardinals a 14-0 lead. With only 20 seconds left in the half, Warner hit Fitzgerald again, as the 21 yard score had Arizona up 21-0 in the Desert at intermission.

The Cardinals have not been good at finishing games, and the Texans made a game of it in the second half. Matt Schaub led a 6 minute, 64 yard, 10 play drive that was capped off by Brown running it in from one yard out to make it 21-7. Early in the fourth quarter Schaub led the Texans 77 yards, with an 11 yard touchdown pass to Andre Johnson pulling the Texans to within 21-14. Schaub then drove the team 66 yards on their next drive. A second strike to Johnson tied the game 21-21 with plenty of time left.

Matt Schaub kept firing, but his next touchdown pass went to Rogers-Comartie, who plays defense for the Cardinals. The 49 yard interception return had the Cardinals back on top 28-21 with 2:20 left. Andre Davis returned the ensuing kickoff 63 yards to immediately put the Texans in business. Schaub led the Texans to the one yard line, where on 3rd and goal, Schaub rolled out and fired a pass high to the end zone. The receiver barely had one foot touch the line for an incomplete pass. With 40 seconds remaining, on 4th and goal from the one, Chris Brown ran up the middle and hit a big red Arizona brick wall. The offenses lit up the day as expected, but the Arizona defense saved the day. Cardinals (2-2), Texans (2-3)

NY Giants 44- Oakland Raiders 7
One of the themes this week was good teams playing bad teams. David did not slay Goliath. Goliath beat David up, stole his lunch money, and took his girlfriend.

The Giants are 5-0 for a reason. The Raiders are 1-4 and lucky to not be 0-4 for many reasons. The Giants took the ball down the field, with Eli Manning starting despite some thinking he would not. Manning led an 8 minute drive. There was hope for Oakland when Brandon Jacobs was stopped on 3rd and goal at the one, but on 4th and goal Ahmad Bradshaw got in. Tom Coughlin made the right call, and the Giants led 7-0. After the inevitable praise of Shane Lechler as a great punter, the Giants then moved 79 yards in only 3 plays, with Bradshaw again running it in, this time from 19 yards out, to put the Giants up 14-0 and effectively end this game in the first quarter.

Just to compound the misery, Manning hit Mario Manningham on the first play of the second quarter for a touchdown and a 21-0 Giants lead. This completed a 94 yard drive that took less than 2 minutes to follow up a 79 yard touchdown drive in less than 2 minutes. The drive included a 3rd and 23 conversion on the ground from a give up run. JaMarcus Russell, who only seems to get mentioned when something goes wrong, got hit by Justin Tuck and fumbled the ball away. Manning hit Hakim Nicks to put the Giants up 28-0 only 2 1/2 minutes into the second quarter. The Giants led in yards 262-9 and in 1st downs 15-0. Yes, you read that correctly.

Russell completed a 21 yard pass to Zach Miller for the 1st Oakland 1st down. A deep pass was underthrown, and a 9 yard gain set up 3rd and 1, where Michael Bush was blown up in the backfield. On 4th and 2, Tom Cable decided to go for it, and Russell rolled out and ran for Oakland’s second 1st down. Yet on 3rd and from the Oakland 45, Russell was sacked, and the signs of life were gone. Yet after an entire half of perfect play, the Giants finally made a mistake as Sinorice Moss fumbled the punt and the Raiders recovered at the New York 14.

Russell was almost sacked for another big loss when a miracle bad pass led to a defensive pass interference call for 1st and goal at the 5. Louis Murphy had not caught a pass, but this receiver is a bright spot for the Raiders. He is very fast, and it causes defensive players to make mistakes. Speaking of mistakes, Justin Fargas fumbled the ball, and it was returned 95 yards for a touchdown. However, the 35-0 lead was short lived. No, the Raiders did not come back. However, the whistle had blown and Fargas was ruled down by contact. It was not reviewable, and Coughlin actually did not burst a blood vessel. Michael Bush ran it in from 5 yards up the middle, and with 2:20 left in the half, the Raiders were within 28-7.

As Greg Gumble pointed it out, it was the 4th Oakland touchdown of the entire season, compared to 4 for the Giants in this first half. In a surprising turn of events, Coughlin decided to sit Manning down and bring backup David Carr in. With a big lead, letting Manning rest his foot may have been wise, even with plenty of time left. Manning had a perfect 158.3 quarterback rating, although nobody honestly knows what that means.
Russell completed another pass, and with 33 seconds left, rather than go to the locker room, the Raiders called timeout to try and set up for anything. They set up a Russell sack and fumble that allowed the Giants to get a field goal and a 31-7 halftime lead for the Giants. Despite Raiders fans pleading for them not to, the Raiders came out for the second half.

After another New York touchdown, Russell had his 3rd lost fumble on the day. The Giants took over at the Oakland 19, and out of sheer mercy and compassion, refused to score another touchdown. A field goal made it 41-7. The Giants added another field goal because they could. Russell for some reason was still in the city, much less the game. I noticed that he has played this year like his jersey, which is # 2. The Giants remain unbeaten, and the Raiders may have to consider benching Russell and giving Bruce Gradkowski a chance. Russell has the physical tools, but not the mental acumen. He does not have pocket presence, and keeps fumbling the ball. Giants (5-0), Raiders (1-4)

Minnesota Vikings (38) – St. Louis Rams (10)
The Vikings are 5-0 for many reasons, and the Rams are 0-5 for every possible reason. Brett Favre took the Vikings down the field, and a short touchdown pass had Minnesota up 7-0. Yet the real entertainment came when Kyle Boller tried to attempt a pass. With nobody around him, the ball slipped out of his hands backwards. The fumble was picked up by Minnesota and returned by Jared Allen for a 52 yard touchdown to put the Vikings up 14-0 and effectively end this game as well before the second quarter could exist.

Boller then led a 14 play, 7 1/2 minute, 93 yard drive that produced no points when Stephen Jackson fumbled at the one yard line and Jared Allen recovered. Yet for all of Favre’s accomplishments, and they are deserved, he is also first place in interceptions in NFL history. He was picked off, setting the Rams back up at the Minnesota 25. They are the Rams, so a field goal was all they mustered. Favre remained calm, either due to his Super Bowl ring or Hall of Fame career. Or perhaps it was the 14-3 lead against a terrible team. He led a drive that was uneventful but productive, and Minnesota led 17-3. Another long Rams drive again was completely wasted with another fumble, this time at the 3 yard line. The Rams had moved the ball but trailed 17-3 at the break.

In the third quarter the Rams punted, and the Vikings took over at their own 10. Adrian Peterson ripped off a 13 yard gain, and Favre then hit Berrian for 12 more. Favre when deep to Rice for a 47 yard gain to the Rams 17. Favre then it Vincent Shiancoe for the 13 yard score to make it 24-3. For the third time in the game, the Rams moved down the field. A 14 play, 6 minute drive went from the St. Louis 19 to a 4th and 6 at the Minnesota 9, where Boller was intercepted in the end zone for a touchback. This game could have been 24-24. Woulda, coulda, shoulda = one “oulda” for each mistake in this 24-3 game.

In the fourth quarter Favre moved the Vikings 80 yards, and they actually do turn their “ouldas” (new statistic) into “dids.” Adrian Peterson ran it in from 7 yards out to have the Vikings cruising 31-3. The Rams actually did complete a drive in the fourth quarter, but Chester Taylor added a one yard touchdown run of his own to complete the blowout. Sometimes records are misleading but records for these two teams accurately reflect what’s going on. Vikings (5-0), Rams (0-5)

Cincinnati Bengals (17) - Baltimore Ravens (14)
The surprising 3-1 Bengals and their reasonably good offense went to Baltimore to take on a tough defense coming off an even tougher loss last week. Cincinnati moved the ball well early on, but a drive came up empty when a short field goal was blocked after a high snap. After a scoreless first quarter, Carson Palmer made the mistake of throwing the ball anywhere near Ed Reed. Reed took the 52 yard interception for his 13th defensive touchdown, a new NFL record. The Ravens led 7-0, and Ed Reed will one day go to Canton when he is done feasting on Cincinnati. Palmer came right back, and from the Cincinnati 23 went deep for a 73 yard gain to Chris Henry. Yet on 1st and goal at the 4, a pair of incomplete passes followed by a sack and a 10 yard loss meant another field goal attempt. Shane Graham put it through as the Bengals closed to within 7-3. Another promising Cincinnati drive ended when Ed Reed forced a fumble. The future Hall of Famer punched it out of the receiver’s hand.

The third quarter was a defensive slugfest, when Cincinnati finally cracked through the Baltimore defense. Cedric Benson broke through for a 28 yard touchdown. The Bengals remain the only team that puts the excitement into the extra point. The snap sailed over the holder’s head, but a defensive penalty gave the Bengals a second try. The uneventful kick had them up 10-7 at the end of the third quarter. Yet with 7 minutes remaining in the game, a simple short pass from Joe Flacco to Ray Rice followed by 3 miss-tackles became a 44 yard touchdown and a 14-10 Ravens lead. Both defenses had played well, but given up one big play on the day.

From midfield, desperately needing a stop, the Bengals survived a scare when Joe Flacco went for all the marbles and overthrew the open receiver. With 2:15 left, the Bengals had the ball at their own 20. Both of these teams have played cardiac games, and this would be another one. On 4th and 1 from their own 47 with 1:47 left, Palmer ran for the first down to keep the drive going. With 48 seconds left, future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis blundered. He leveled Chad Johnson, but it was a late hit on a defenseless receiver. The drive continued, and Palmer hit Henry on the next play to the Baltimore 24 with 43 seconds left. With the Ravens bringing the entire defense, the Bengals fumbled the snap but fell on it and called their last timeout. They faced 3rd and 16 with 34 seconds remaining. Yet an incomplete pass was nullified by defensive pass interference on Ed Reed. The Bengals still had life at the 20 with 27 seconds left.

Palmer then fired to Caldwell for the touchdown with 22 seconds left. As the announcer said it best, “the Cardiac Cats have done it again.” Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are two of the best defensive players of all time. Yet this week the vaunted Baltimore defense was beaten. The win was especially sweet for Bengals Assistant Coach Mike Zimmer. His wife had died earlier in the week at age 50. He decided to work this week, and with many family members in attendance, his pain was eased for a few moments. The Bengals meanwhile, are one bizarre “doink” play in the opening week from being 5-0. They are for real. Bengals (4-1), Ravens (3-2)

Pittsburgh Steelers (28) – Detroit Lions (20)
While it would be tempting to describe this as the very best against the very worst, that would simply be untrue. The defending champions are teetering, and the Lions are no longer the team that went winless. The Lions led 3-0 in this game when Rashard Mendenhall took it in from 7 yards out to put the Steelers up 7-3. The Lions stayed in it early, and a second Jason Hanson field goal had the Lions within 7-6. It would not be close for long.

In the second quarter Ben Roethlisberger led a 12 play, 76 yard drive that culminated in Big Ben tossing a 15 yard score to Heath Miller to make it 14-6. When the Steelers got the ball back, Big Ben threw another touchdown pass. Unfortunately for the Steelers, James plays for the Lions. The 36 yard interception return had the Lions within 14-13. However, Big Ben stayed calm. Perhaps the two Super Bowl rings relaxes him. He came right back with a 17 yard touchdown pass to Hines Ward, who does play receiver for the Steelers. Pittsburgh took the 21-13 lead into the locker room.

With Daunte Culpepper playing this game in place of an injured Matthew Stafford, the Lions embarked on a 6 1/2 minute drive to start the second half that was all for naught due to a missed 49 yard field goal. Roethlisberger went right to work after that, quickly throwing a 47 yard bomb to Wallace to break the game open at 28-13. Yet the Lions kept fighting. Culpepper led Detroit from the Lions 19 to the Pittsburgh 28 before an interception killed the drive. With 5 minutes remaining in the game, Culpepper finished an 82 yard drive with a 25 yard touchdown pass to Dennis Northcutt. The Lions were within 8 points.

The Lions got the ball back at their own 29 with 3 minutes left. Culpepper rapidly moved them 50 yards to a 1st and 10 at the Detroit 21 with 1:54 left. Yet 3…yes 3…straight sacks had the Lions facing 4th and 34 from the Pittsburgh 45. They did not convert. The Lions are improved and the Steelers are struggling, but the better team survived on the road. Steelers (3-2), Lions (1-4)

Cleveland Browns (6) – Buffalo Bills (3)
Out of respect for football fans everywhere, I will make this as brief as possible, which entered the fourth quarter tied 3-3. A fumbled punt with 3 minutes left set up Billy Cundiff with 23 seconds left. Cundiff kicked the winning field goal. Does anybody care who he plays for? No. Derek Anderson completed 2 of 17 passes for 23 yards, and he was on the winning team. At least the Browns have good punt coverage, downing 3 punts at the one yard line. Browns (1-4), Bills (1-4)

Philadelphia Eagles (33) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (14)
The Buccaneers are winless, and the Eagles hung tough when Donovan McNabb got injured. Well “McRib” is back, and looking very sharp early on. A 51 yard bomb to Jeremy Macklin on the second play of the game had the Eagles up 7-0. In the second quarter McNabb fired a 20 yard touchdown to Weaver as the Eagles led 14-0. The Buccaneers finally got on the board when Johnson hit Kellen Winslow form 9 yards out, but the comeback was short lived. McNabb went to Macklin again, and the 40 yard connection had the Eagles up 21-7. Injury? What injury?

Bryan Westbrook ran it in from 7 yards out to have the Eagles rolling at 28-7. Johnson moved the Bucs from the Tampa Bay 20 to the Philadelphia 12, where an interception killed any chance of this turning into a game. Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb can now fade into the background. Andy Reid knows that this is McNabb’s team. He led Philadelphia from their own 9 to the Tampa Bay 27, where a field goal made it 31-7. The Bucs eventually scored a touchdown, but the Philly defense added the exclamation with a safety against Cadillac Williams to wrap things up. Tampa Bay is winless, Jon Gruden is still in the Monday Night Football booth, and the Eagles are still a good team that deals with adversity as well as anyone. Eagles (3-1), Bucs (0-5)

Dallas Cowboys (26) - Kansas City Chiefs (20) OT
If the Chiefs are the worst team in the league, the Cowboys are the biggest underachievers for a team that was supposed to be good. After a scoreless first quarter, a fumbled Dallas punt by Patrick Crayton had the Chiefs at the Dallas 24. They lost 4 yards and kicked a field goal to lead 3-0. Tony Romo then fumbled, and the Chiefs took over at the Dallas 20. Matt Cassel hit Matt Vrabel for a one yard touchdown and a 10-0 Chiefs lead. Romo led an 83 yard, 11 play drive that reached the 5 yard line as a Nick Folk field goal had Dallas within 10-3 at intermission.

Kansas City did add a field goal in the third quarter to lead 13-3, but very late in the quarter Tashard Choice ripped off a 36 yard touchdown run to bring Dallas within 13-10 entering the final quarter. Dallas got the ball back and moved into the red zone, but no further than the 11. A 28 yard field goal tied the game 13-13. With 3 minutes left in the game, the Chiefs had the go ahead field goal attempt. The kick was blocked.
As awful as the Cowboys played, they were playing the Chiefs. Romo threw a short pass to Miles Austin, who broke a tackle and raced 59 yards for the go ahead score with 2:16 left. Cassel borught the Chiefs back, and a long completion had them at the Dallas 35 with 1:26 left. Another completion, this time to Dwayne Bowe, had Kansas City at the Dallas 19 with 1:04 left. On 4th and 7 from the 16, Cassel hit Bowe for the touchdown as all of Dallas went into shock. With 26 seconds left, the Chiefs had tied the game 20-20.

Overtime was uneventful until midway through, when one play ended things. Tony Romo threw another short pass to Miles Austin, who broke a tackle, made it to the corner, and raced down the sideline again. Romo finished with 351 yards passing, while Austin finished with a ridiculous 250 yards receiving on 10 catches. The 60 yard touchdown to end things left the Chiefs winless and the Cowboys breathing heavy sighs of relief, as Jerry Jones did not fire the entire team this week. Cowboys (3-2), Chiefs (0-5)

Denver Broncos (20) – New England Patriots (17)
This game was drenched in subplots, with Darth Vader, aka Bill Bellichick, squaring off against his protégé Josh McDaniels. McDaniels was supposed to be a disaster before the season began, but the Broncos came in at 4-0. They had beaten up a couple of bad teams, but seem to be gelling. This game would be a major test. Early on Denver flunked as Tom Brady moved the Patriots 62 yards. An 8 yard touchdown pass to Wes Welker had New England up 7-0. Stephen Gostkowski added a 53 yard field goal to have the Patriots up 10-0.

The Broncos were bottled up most of the first half when Kyle Orton led the Broncos from their own 10. Yet 10 plays, 5 minutes, and 90 yards later, an 11 yard touchdown pass from Orton to Brandon Marshall made it a 10-7 game. The difference in the game was the field goal kicking of Prater, who has been shaky this year. He missed his first attempt wide before Gostkowski made his. Yet the real problem was that Denver had no answer for Brady, who put on a clinic in the 2 minute drill. 74 yards ended with a 7 yard touchdown pass to Ben Watson with 5 seconds left in the half as New England led 17-7 at what Stuart Scott would call recess.

In the third quarter Orton led a 12 play, 66 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive that could not get past the 7 yard line. Prater hit a 24 yard field goal to get the Broncos to within 17-10 as the game went to the fourth quarter.
Orton took over for the Broncos in the fourth quarter at their own 2 yard line. While John Elway is retired, Orton endeared himself to Denver fans with an impressive drive of his own. 98 yards took 12 plays, and Orton hit Brandon Marshall from 11 yards out to tie the game 17-17. New England went nowhere in the second half, and each team had missed a field goal. With 2 1/2 minutes left, Brady and the Patriots took over at their own 30. New England then fumbled the ball away, and Denver took over at the New England 45. Needing only one first down for a long field goal attempt, Orton was sacked as the game went into overtime.

Denver got the ball, and despite wearing hideous retro uniforms, moved the ball again. A 40 yard field goal attempt by Prater was good, and the Broncos are a stunning 5-0. This time is for real. The post game handshake between Bellichick and McDaniels never occurred because McDaniels was busy lighting up the crowd by pumping his fists after the game. 5-0 is impressive, but McDaniels does not have 3 Super Bowl rings yet as a head coach. If he faces New England in the playoffs, this will be on the bulletin board. As for Orton, he was 35 of 48 for 330 yards. He is much more than a game manager. He is a game winner. Broncos (5-0), Patriots (3-2)

Carolina Panthers (20) - Washington Redskins (17)
At least this game featured a pair of bad teams as the 0-4 Panthers took on a barely better Redskins team. Yet the Panthers fumbled the opening kickoff, and Washington took over from the Carolina 13. Jason Campbell hit Clinton Portis from 10 yards out to put the Redskins up 7-0 before both teams settled into doing nothing. In the second quarter Jake Delhomme led the Panthers on a long drive, but on 4th and goal from the 1, the Panthers fumbled the ball away. Yet Clinton Portis was tackled in the end zone for a safety, as the Panthers were on the board down 7-2. Late in the second quarter Jason Campbell led Washington from their own 21 to the Carolina 19, where a field goal had the Redskins up 10-2 at the break.

In the third quarter Delhomme was intercepted by Hall, who returned it 44 yards to the Carolina one. Portis took it in, and the Redskins were coasting at 17-2. Those who coast in the NFL suffer. Moore returned the kickoff 55 yards to the Washington 40. Delhomme hit Steve Smith for 18 yards and then hit King for the 17 yard touchdown to pull the Panthers to within 17-9. With 2 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter, the Redskins faced 4th and 3 at the Carolina 37. Campbell fired incomplete to Santana Moss, and the Panthers took over. Delhomme led the Panthers to the Washington 25, where a 43 yard John Kasay field goal had the Panthers within 17-12 less than one minute into the fourth quarter.

With 10 minutes left, the Redskins gave the game away by fumbling a punt deep in their own territory. Carolina took over at the Washington 12, and Stewart ran for 4 yards and then the final 8 yards. The 2 point conversion had the Panthers up by a field goal. The Redskins punted, and with 5 minutes left Carolina got the ball back. At the 2 minute warning, Carolina had 3rd and 8 at their own 25. Delhomme ran for 9 yards and a first down to run out the clock. The Panthers now have a win. Panthers (1-3), Redskins (2-3)

Seattle Seahawks (41) - Jacksonville Jaguars (0)
Life is like a box of Forrest Gump chocolates with these teams. They are both erratic this season. The Walrus is still retired, but the Hasselbeck returned from injury. As for Jacksonville, Jack Del Rio had to be pleased with his team’s solid win last week, but this week was a different story. The game was pretty dull early on, with a 47 yard Olindo Mare field goal putting the Seahawks up 3-0 to cap an 11 play drive.

The second quarter featured another 11 play drive and another field goal to make it 6-0 Seahawks. Yet Matt Hasselbeck looked good, and a 34 yard touchdown pass to TJ Houshmanzadeh had the Seahawks leading 13-0. Hasselbeck fired at will, with nearly 200 first half passing yards. A 44 yard touchdown pass to Nate Burleson had the Seahawks cruising at 20-0 at intermission.

The second half was just as ugly for Jacksonville as Hasselbeck kept the foot on the accelerator. A 13 yard strike to Houshmanzadeh and a 5 yarder to Burleson had the Seahawks up 34-0 in a laugher. There was no laughing in Jacksonville. Seattle plays in a terrible division, so despite all their problems, they might win the division again. Seahawks (2-3), Jaguars (2-3)

Atlanta Falcons (45) – San Francisco 49ers (10)
The storyline this year is that Mike Singletary has turned the 49ers into a physical, disciplined team. That made things all the more impressive when the Falcons jumped on them to start the game. Michael Turner ran it in from 7 yards out to start the scoring, and Matt Ryan hit Roddy White for a 31 yard score to have the Falcons up 14-0 early on. Yet the 49ers settled down, and Shawn Hill quickly led the 49ers 78 yards, as Glen Coffee, filling in for Frank Gore, plunged in from 2 yards out to get the 49ers within 14-7.

Joe Nedney added a 39 yard field goal in the second quarter to make it a 14-10 game. Midway through the second quarter, the Falcons were backed up at their own 10. Ryan threw a short sideline pass to White, who raced 90 yards down the sideline in front of a stunned San Francisco crowd as the Falcons led 21-10. White did a summersault in the end zone, and the No Fun League gave him an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

The 49ers fumbled the kickoff, although it clearly appeared that the runner was down. However, with 7 minutes left in the half, the 49ers were out of timeouts and could not challenge the play. From the San Francisco 38, Michael Turner raced 33 yards to the 5. Turner took it into the end zone, and a close game was broken open at 28-10. Singletary is known for defense as a player in Chicago and a defensive assistant in Baltimore. He was disgusted when Ryan found White again down to the one yard line, and Turner ran it in again as the Falcons had a shocking 35-10 lead. It was the most points scored and given up by these respective teams in the first half in their entire histories.

The uneventful second half was best summed up by the announcer with a great quote. “I would love to be in the post game locker room when Singletary addresses the players, but I would hate to be a 49ers player hearing it.” One play that should be shown to the entire league was an interception by Dre Bly. He did his best Leon Lett imitation by showboating after he intercepted the ball, allowing him to fumble on the return and give it right back. As for the Falcons, last year does not seem to be a fluke. Falcons (3-1), 49ers (3-2)

Indianapolis Colts (31) - Tennessee Titans (9)
The Sunday night game. Before the season this was a possible AFC Title Game preview. The Colts at 4-0 was no surprise, Even with Tony Dungy retired. Yet the Titans at 0-4 was a stunner, especially with Jeff Fisher still at the helm. Tennessee has vexed Peyton Manning throughout his career, but not today.

In the first quarter Alge Crumpler fumbled, allowing the Colts to take over at the Tennessee 23. On 4th and 1 from the 3, Manning hit Reggie Wayne for the touchdown and the 7-0 lead. Later in the quarter it was the Colts fumbling a punt, and Tennessee took over at the Indy 37. However, the Titans could not move the ball, settling for a field goal and a 7-3 game. Manning was then intercepted, setting up the Titans at the Indy 34. On 3rd and 19, Kerry Collins hit Bo Scaife for 18. On 4th and 1 from the 25, Jeff Fisher opted not to go for it. The field goal was good, and the Titans were within 7-6.

In the second quarter Manning led a 12 play, 7 minute drive that went 81 yards. Joseph Addai ran it ion from one yard out to give the Colts a 14-6 lead. Collins came right back for the Titans, leading them from their own 20 to the Colts 28. Unfortunately, they had to settle for a third field goal. They only trailed 14-9, but the lack of touchdowns would eventually kill them, especially when playing against a touchdown machine.

The Colts took over at their own 7 yard line with only 57 seconds left. Even Manning could not go 93 yards in less than one minute. Not without help anyway. The Titans provided the help. A roughing the passer penalty moved Indy to their own 30. On 3rd and 1 from the 39 with 35 seconds left, Addai picked up the first down. On the next play another roughing the passer penalty had Indy at the Tennessee 39. Manning then went deep to Collie for the touchdown pass to stun the crowd and give the Colts the 21-9 lead at the break.

The second half began with Collins immediately throwing an interception, setting up the Colts at the Tennessee 31. Manning hit Collie for 6 yards to make it 28-9. The rest of the game was uneventful, except for a Vince Young sighting in the fourth quarter. Collins was benched, although it seemed to be a precautionary measure since he was getting hit and the game was out of reach. Colts (5-0), Titans (0-5)

Miami Dolphins (31) – NY Jets (27)
The Monday Night game. While it is tempting to refer to every game where Bill Parcells faces off against his former team as a “Tuna Bowl,” this needs to be put to rest since he is sitting in a President’s box with no say on coaching or calling plays. It is not even a Chad Pennington bowl since he is injured and out for the season. There was a Chad playing, which was Henne. As for his opponent Mark Sanchez, he faces the same pressure Pennington once did, which is that some already have him in the Hall of Fame.

As for Henne, he started the game and led a 12 play, 7 1/2 minute drive that went 80 yards. Ronnie Brown ran it in on 3rd and goal from the 1 to put the Dolphins up 7-0. The Jets appeared t go 3 and out, but on 4th and 6 from their own 34, a perfectly executed fake punt picked up 26 yards and kept the drive going. A 19 yard completion from Sanchez to Smith moved the Jets just outside the red zone. A defensive pass interference penalty on the next play set the Jets up at the 6 yard line. On 3rd and goal from the 3, Sanchez hit newly acquired Braylon Edwards for the tying touchdown.

The Dolphins struck back quickly when a short pass from Henne to Ricky Williams led to a 59 yard gain. However, Miami moved no further, and settled for a 34 yard field goal and a 10-7 lead. In the second quarter Sanchez moved the Jets from the New York 21 to the Miami 40, where Rex Ryan decided to punt on 4th and 3. In a major surprise, a second fake punt in the same game worked again, as Smith picked up 12 yards. This led to a field goal and a 10-10 game. Miami went nowhere on their next possession, and the Jets took over at their own 44 with one minute left in the half. A 13 yard pass to Leon Washington followed by passes of 8 and 6 yards to Clowney led to a 43 yard Jay Feeley field goal as time expired to put the Jets up 13-10 at halftime.

A scoreless third quarter had Miami on the move. They drove from their own 36 over the final 8 minutes of the period to the New York one yard line. Less than one minute into the fourth quarter, Henne hit Fasano for the touchdown to complete the 15 play drive and put the Dolphins back on top 17-13. To Rex Ryan’s credit, he does not use rookie Mark Sanchez as a game manager. He realizes hit talent and lets him play to win the games, to quote Herman Edwards. Sanchez came out and immediately hit David Clowney on a perfectly thrown 54 yard bomb to the Miami 23. After a very controversial intentional grounding call set up 3rd and 23 from the 36, Sanchez went deep again, and an even more fabulous throw and catch went for a touchdown to Braylon Edwards. Miami challenged the call, and the ball was put back to the one yard line. Thomas Jones ran it in on the next play. The Jets had retaken the lead 20-17, although 12 1 /2 minutes still remained.

The game began to take on the feel of a track meet, as the defenses took a siesta. Bill Parcells and Buddy Ryan groomed Tony Sparano and Rex Ryan, but this game was turning into a shoot-out. Henne went deep to Ted Ginn for a 53 yard touchdown to put the Dolphins back in front 24-20 with a full 10 minutes left.

The quarterbacks kept trading bombs. Sanchez went deep again. Although the ball was on the money, it was dropped. Yet defensive pass interference put the ball on the four yard line, and Thomas Jones piledrived his way in on the next play. The 5th lead change of the game had the Jets up 27-24 with 5 minutes left.

That was more than enough time for Henne, who moved the ball and bled the clock. Pat White, who did not play the whole game, came in on the final drive. Miami even through in a halfback option pass. These are teams unafraid to take chances that would make most coaches squirm. With 10 seconds left, the Dolphins faced 3rd and goal at the Jets 2 yard line. The Dolphins had a timeout, allowing them to keep all options open. Both teams locked in, and Ronnie Brown took a Wildcat snap straight up the middle behind perfect blocking. The 6th lead change with 7 seconds left was the decisive score. The Jets slipped to 3-2 while the Dolphins climbed to 2-3. These teams play again later in the year, and that game is already worth watching. Dolphins (2-3), Jets (3-2)Mike Cardano is the founder of the Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs) and Extra Point (Football Blogs). Mike is also the founder of the fantasy sports games Ultimate Franchise Baseball™ and Ultimate Franchise Football™.
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NY Jets - Miami Dolphins rivalry stands alone as truly one of a kind

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:17:00 +0000

It isn't the NFL's longest standing rivalry, but in a class of most bizarre and strange happenings, the Miami Dolphins - New York Jets rivalry stands alone as truly one of a kind. This rivalry has produced some of the most memorable moments, dramatic finishes, miraculous comebacks, and exciting classic shootouts the NFL has ever seen.

The Dolphins face the Jets tonight on Monday Night Football in an AFC East rivalry that throws off intensity that you don't often find in the NFL. It's more like a great college football rivalry. Sure the Patriots have been the class of the AFC East for some time now, but if you grew up as a Dolphins or Jets fan the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, the Jets vs. Dolphins rivalry is where it’s at.

The Jets hold the all-time series lead in this rivalry at 46-40-1. As for tonight, Miami and their Wildcat offense will wear their orange jerseys for only the fourth time in team history and the first time since 2004. They will be going up against one of the best defenses in the NFL and see the debut of Braylon Edwards as NY Jet.

The game is has sub-stories all around. Pennington out for the year, Parcells at the helm, Mark Sanchez responding to adversity, the Chad Henne era, Braylon Edwards, the Wildcat, the Seminole, and it goes on and on.

Let’s take a look at just a few of the memories this rivalry has produced. I could mention sub-stories for every year, you may have other games prominent in your head, but here are what I think are the top 15 Jets / Dolphins moments / games (in chronological order).

Dec. 2, 1969 in NY: - Joe Namath out-slugs Bob Griese:

In a game featuring two Hall of Fame quarterbacks, Joe Namath and Bob Griese put on a show that would catapult this rivalry for years to come. This game had six lead changes from two high powered offenses as both defensives struggled tremendously. But in the end, it was "Broadway" Joe and the Jets that prevailed by a small margin. Result: New York 34 Miami 31

Nov. 19, 1972 in MIA: - Dolphins beat Jets to keep perfect season intact:

Miami was down during the entire game, but they still managed to keep up with the Jets. Miami scored the final touchdown of the game with less than 1:30 on the clock to keep their undefeated season intact. Miami went on to win Super Bowl VII and finish with an unprecedented, untouched 17-0 undefeated season. The NFL's only perfect season. Result: Miami 28 New York 24

Jan. 23, 1983 in MIA: - A.J. Duhe stars in AFC Championship Mud Bowl:

Probably the biggest game in this rivalry to date was the 1983 AFC Championship, more appropriately known as "The Mud Bowl". After sweeping the Jets during the regular season by scores of 45-28 and 20-19, the two teams would meet again, this time with a trip to Super Bowl XVII on the line. A slippery, sloppy, muddy field kept both teams scoreless in the first half, however that would all change in the second half. All game, it was a classic defensive battle that featured ten turnovers, eight of them were quarterback interceptions. The star of the game was undoubtedly Dolphins linebacker A.J. Duhe who picked off three of Jets quarterback Richard Todd's five interceptions, returning one 35 yards for a touchdown which helped seal the win and sending Miami to Super Bowl XVII. It also marked the third time in Dolphins history that they shutout the Jets and the first time Miami defeated the Jets three times in one season. Result: Miami 14 New York 0

Nov. 10, 1985 in MIA: - "Super" Duper's last minute heroic 50 yard touchdown catch:

After being sidelined for seven weeks with a broken leg, Mark "Super" Duper had the game of his life when he came back on this day to play the Jets. He set a Dolphins club single game record with 217 receiving yards, but not before helping Miami catapult to victory. Down 17-14 with less than a minute to play, Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino fired a 50 yard touchdown pass to "Super" Duper for the win. Result: Miami 21 New York 17

Sept. 21, 1986 in NY: - Ken O' Brien outguns Dan Marino:

In one of the greatest, classic shootouts in NFL history, quarterbacks Ken O' Brien and Dan Marino put on an offensive performance no Dolphin or Jet fan should ever forget. Both defenses looked absolutely foolish as the two quarterbacks combined set NFL single game records of 884 net passing yards and ten touchdown passes, records that still stand to this day. Marino completed 30 of 50 passes for 448 yards and six touchdown passes. Mark Duper and Mark Clayton had big games each having over 100 yards receiving (Duper with 154, Clayton with 174). Ken O' Brien threw four touchdown passes all to wide receiver Wesley Walker, including the one in OT for the win.     Result: New York 51 Miami 45 / OT

Dec. 7, 1987 in MIA: - Marty Lyons clips Dwight Stephenson:

No Dolphin fan will ever forget. Mention the name Marty Lyons to any Dolphin fan, and emotion bordering on hatred will emerge. Miami won the game that night but came out of it with a HUGE loss. Marty Lyons and Dwight Stephenson were teammates at the University of Alabama and were good close friends up until that faithful night in Miami. The hit came on a fumble return when Marty Lyons took a cheap shot by going low and doing an illegal chop block right at the right knee of Dwight. Dwight's knee turned into a mangled mess with permanent ligament and nerve damage, forcing him to retire early. After the game, Marty Lyons so distraught over what he did, went to the Dolphins locker room to apologize, but Dolphins head coach Don Shula chased him out in one of the most ugly profanity-laced tirades in NFL history. Dwight Stephenson is known to many as the greatest center of all time when he was elected to the pro football hall of fame in 1998.     Result: Miami 37 New York 28

Oct. 23, 1988 in MIA: - Dan Marino throws for 500 yards...but loses:

Dan Marino put on another great performance however he came up short. On this day, Dan Marino joined a small, select few of quarterbacks to throw for more than 500 yards in a single game. Marino threw for a career high 521 yards (NFL record: 554 by Norm Van Brocklin). Marino completed 35 0f 60 passes, threw for three touchdown passes, but five interceptions led to his demise.     Result: New York 44 Miami 30

Nov. 12, 1989 in NY: - Pete Stoyanovich's 59 yard field goal:

The second longest field goal in NFL history at the time was made in this game when Miami kicker Pete Stoyanovich nailed a 59 yard field goal with less than 2:30 on the clock to help seal the win.     Result: Miami 31 New York 23

Dec. 22, 1991 in MIA: - Season Finale - Winner takes all, Loser goes home:

The season finale in 1991 between the Jets and Dolphins had so much on the line. The winners would clinch the final AFC Wildcard spot in the playoffs, and the losers would have their season come to an end. It was a seesaw battle all game, but in the end it would be another chapter in this storied rivalry. Miami took the lead 20-17 with 44 seconds remaining, however when the Jets got the ball, they drove down the field, and tied the game to force OT on Paul Allegre's 44 yard field goal. Allegre came through for the Jets once again in OT with a 30 yard field goal, sending the Jets in the playoffs, and sending Miami home.     Result: New York 23 Miami 20 / OT

Nov. 27, 1994 in NY: - Dan Marino's infamous "fake spike":

Undoubtedly the single greatest play in Dan Marino's glorious career. What Dan Marino did on this play absolutely tortured the Jets and their fans so bad, it would haunt them for years to come. Heading into the fourth quarter, Miami was down 24-6 and were simply being outplayed. Marino, however never gave up. He drove the Dolphins to two scores, thus making the score 24-21. Marino got the ball one last time and on this drive, single handedly changed the course of history for the entire Jets franchise. Marino drove the Dolphins down the field and within the Jets five yard line. With 30 seconds remaining, and the clock continuing to wind down, it appeared Marino was going to spike the ball to stop the clock and send out the field goal unit to tie the game. But the kick was never needed. Instead, Marino took the snap from center, and fired the ball in the corner of the end zone, passed Aaron Glenn and into the hands of Mark Ingram. When the snap happened, the entire Jets defense froze thinking Marino spiked the ball. It was Mark Ingram's fourth touchdown catch of the game, which tied a club record with former Dolphins wide receiver Paul Warfield. Miami went on to win and as for the Jets, after that play, for the rest of that year and the following two years, the Jets compiled a record of 4-32. The "fake spike" destroyed the Jets franchise for two years, while during that time, Miami won one AFC East Division title and made the playoffs both years. Result: Miami 28 New York 24

Dec. 13, 1998 in MIA: Sunday Night Football for the Division lead:

After starting 4-0 only to lose to the 1-2 New York Jets in New York by a score of 20-9, these two teams would meet again, this time with identical 9-4 records with the division lead, and possibly the division title on the line. The Jets walked away from this game with the win, the lead, and ultimately their first AFC East Division Title. The Jets would go all the way to the AFC Championship game, only to lose to Denver 23-10. As far as Miami goes, Miami would make it to the second round of the playoffs, only to get blown out by Denver 38-3. Denver eliminated both New York and Miami from the playoffs that year. Result: New York 21 Miami 16

Oct. 23, 2000 in NY: - The Monday Midnight Miracle at the Meadowlands:

It wasn't the 1992 AFC Wildcard game where the Bills made up a 32 point deficit to beat the Oilers 41-38 in overtime, but it sure was similar. Many people say it was the greatest Monday Night Football game in NFL history, and also one of the greatest comebacks in NFL History. The Jets and Dolphins waged a war so big, that the game lasted over four hours. In the first half, everything went right for the Dolphins. They had a long touchdown run, a long touchdown pass, and a trio of field goals. As far as the Jets, everything that could go wrong, did. Quarterback Vinny Testaverde threw three interceptions, running back Curtis Martin had 30 yards on the ground, and the Jets could only manage two first downs in the first half. At halftime, the score was 23-7 in favor of Miami. By the end of the 3rd quarter, Miami had a commanding 30-7 lead and ironically, in the most memorable quote during the game, Dolphins quarterback Jay Fiedler walked over to defensive end Jason Taylor and said this:

Jay: "They ain't coming back on us!"
Jason: "Hell No! You Kidding?! C'mon now."

The jinx was set. From the start of the fourth quarter, the floor fell out from underneath Miami. Vinny Testaverde threw a pair of touchdown passes, one almost intercepted by Dolphins cornerback Sam Madison but caught by Jets receiver Laverneus Coles. The score now went from 30-7, to 30-13, to 30-20. The Jets kept clicking and Miami kept faltering. After a field goal by John Hall, narrowing the margin even more, Vinny Testaverde fired a touchdown pass to Wayne Chrebet to tie the game 30-30. Before the fourth quarter, the Jets were so bad, their fans were actually leaving the stadium. Now all of a sudden, the Jets tied the game and the fans were piling into the stadium again. After the Wayne Chrebet touchdown, it took only two plays for Miami to respond. Jay Fiedler fired a long touchdown pass to Leslie Shepard to retake the lead 37-30. Vinny Testaverde was then given one last chance to tie the game. With less than a minute left on the clock, and the Jets inside Miami's five yard line, the most memorable play of the game happened when Testaverde hit his offensive tackle Jumbo Elliott for a touchdown pass on a tackle eligible play. The score was now 37-37 going into OT. After playing absolutely miserable in the first three quarters, Vinny Testaverde was 18 for 26 for 235 yards and four touchdowns in the fourth quarter alone. He threw five touchdowns overall. After having only five first downs in the first three quarters, the Jets had a whopping 20 in the fourth. In OT, Jay Fiedler was picked off for the third time which set up the dramatic finish. John Hall nailed a 40 yard field goal capping off a 23-point, fourth quarter deficit forever known to Jet fans as the "Monday Midnight Miracle at the Meadowlands".     Result: New York 40 Miami 37 / OT

Oct. 14, 2001 in NY: - Miracle at the Meadowlands..Part II:

It wasn't as dramatic as one year earlier, but the game ended in similar fashion. Once again, for the second consecutive year in New York, the Jets were able to overcome a Miami deficit and secure a win. At halftime, Miami held a lead of 17-0 and outgained the Jets 250-27 in offensive yardage. That would change once again, and in similar fashion the Jets scored 21 unanswered points, which included two long touchdown passes from Vinny Testaverde to Laveranues Coles, and Curtis Martin rushing for 120 yards, which allowed New York to outgain Miami 159-19 in offensive yardage in the third quarter. In the closing moments of the game, Jay Fiedler was giving a chance to lead Miami to a comeback win, however an ill-advised throw in double coverage caused the pass to be picked off by linebacker Marvin Jones, clinching the win for the Jets by a score of 21-17. However the significance of the game happened at a Miami press conference after the game when Miami middle linebacker Zach Thomas came and spoke out about both teams claiming that both teams "suck", which led to their meeting only four weeks later.     Result: New York 21 Miami 17

Sept. 22, 2002 in MIA: - Miami ends eight game losing streak:

The Jets tortured Miami for eight straight games until this day. Two streaks were on the line. The Jets winning streak against Miami, and Miami had a 16 game home winning streak in the months of Sept. and Oct. However, at this time, guess which team was the last to beat the Dolphins in Miami in the months of Sept. and Oct.? Thats right - the New York Jets 24-14 in 1993. Plus, Miami was 2-0 heading into this game. Miami got a lot of help from their new running back Ricky Williams who rushed for 151 yards on 24 carries, including a 53 yard touchdown run. Miami whopped the Jets in this game and in a ironic twist of fate, it was after this game that Vinny Testaverde got benched and the new starting quarterback for the Jets, would be Chad Pennington.     Result: Miami 30 New York 3

Oct. 15, 2006 in NY: - The Miss - The Comeback that Could of Been:

So close, yet so far. Miami tried to exact some revenge from six years ago and have their own "Miracle at the Meadowlands". It was not meant to be. The Dolphins were heading into this game at 1-4 and searching for answers on offense, while the Jets even though at 2-3 were playing great football and playing in tight games. After a 3-0 halftime score in favor of the Jets, the Jets absolutely blew the Dolphins away when Jets kicker Mike Nugent hit another field goal, and quarterback Chad Pennington hit two long touchdown passes to Laveranues Coles to open the score up 20-3 with less than 13 minutes to play. Miami didn't give up though as Dolphins quarterback Joey Harrington who played miserable in the first three quarters was on fire in the fourth. He finished 27 of 43 for 266 yards with a touchdown strike to wide receiver Chris Chambers, but two interceptions cost him. The touchdown to Chris Chambers happened with less than nine minutes on the clock, narrowing the margin to 20-10. With less than four minutes of play time left, Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown, who had his first 100 yard rushing game of the season, had a one yard touchdown run, to narrow the score to 20-17. Miami got the ball one last time. Joey Harrington got Miami in striking distance by firing a trio of passes to wide receivers Wes Welker, Chris Chambers, and rookie Derek Hagan, as well as a strike to tight end Randy McMichael. Miami got in field goal range and called for their kicker Olindo Mare to attempt a 51 yard field goal with 33 seconds left to force OT. Mare kicked it but it was short and wide right, and the Jets held on to win as Miami will have to wait for its miracle another day.     Result: New York 20 Miami 17Brain James is an independent sports journalist. Brian has been covering major professional sports for over 25 years.
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College Football Saturday In 500 Words Or Less

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:06:00 +0000

A recap of what went down and what you should take away from Saturday's college football games.

Tebow concussion missionary Tebow circumcision home school Tebow community Superman Tebow charity leader championship Tebow Tebow Tebow Tebow Tebow Tebow Tebow Tebow Tebow Tebow Tebow. Tebow overload.

Just doing my part.

Primetime was good to us this week. All four games—Florida/LSU, Texas/Colorado, Iowa/Michigan and Georgia Tech/FSU—provided some suspense and intrigue. Tim Tebow came back from injury to lead the Gators to their 15th straight win, while the Longhorns lost their top two running backs with Oklahoma next up on the docket. Iowa squeaked out a victory over conference rival Michigan, quelling any doubters who were still hanging around after a rough start against Northern Iowa and Iowa State. Georgia Tech played well against FSU, but the Seminoles continue to show us that this is just not their year.

Recapping the day in 500 words or less, this is what Saturday taught us about the season:

- Tennessee is on the verge. It won't be long before the Volunteers return to national prominence. It probably won't happen this season, but the Volunteers have a solid, youthful core to build around going forward. The victory over Georgia proved that Tennessee isn't as bad as their critics, and some of their own fans, have said. If they can pull it together on a weekly basis like they did on Saturday, the SEC better take notice of the boys in orange and white.

- Does anybody have an argument for why the SEC is not the best conference in the nation? If you do, I'd love to hear it. Of the six ranked SEC teams, half lost this weekend…to other SEC teams.

- Florida may have been an uncalled Riley Cooper tug of the jersey away from going into the half tied with, or up three on LSU. The touchdown gave the Gators enough separation and momentum to hang onto the lead. Give credit to the Florida defense for holding LSU to only three points.

- Mississippi impressed by holding Alabama out of the red zone on several occasions on Saturday. They just couldn’t manage more than 3 points against the 'Bama defense. At this point, a Florida/Alabama SEC Championship looks eminent. Whoever wins that game, wins the National Championship.

- It wasn't just that Auburn looked bad against Arkansas (besides the 5 minutes in which they scored 3 touchdowns), the Razorbacks looked really good. Ryan Mallett completed 65% of his passes, threw for 274 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Michael Smith rushed for 145 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown for Arkansas. Ben Tate was the star of the Auburn effort, rushing 22 times for 184 yards, including a 60 yarder, and 2 touchdowns. The Tigers will be fine if they can avoid slipping into the dark place they were in last year when they won only 5 games.

- Once Texas went up 17-14 on Colorado early in the second half, forget about it. The Buffalos played like they wanted it in the first half, while the Longhorns played like they were scrimmaging to get ready for the Sooners next weekend. Coming out of the half, it was a whole different story. The early scare may prove to be a positive for Texas moving forward, as good teams rarely make the same mistake twice.

- Is there any question that the Virginia Tech Hokies deserve a top 5 ranking and recognition as the best one-loss team in the nation? They're now ranked 4th and sure played like it on Saturday against Boston College. Dave Shinskie, the Boston College quarterback completed one pass in the game, which didn't come until the second half. Backup Mike Marscovetra fared better, but the Eagles weren't on the board until the fourth quarter when Virginia Tech had wrapped up the win. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams showed that he deserves to be mentioned among the game's elite running backs.

As they stand now, it looks like the BCS National Championship in Pasadena will be played between the winner of the Florida Tebows and Alabama Crimson Tide SEC title game and the Texas Longhorns, provided Texas can get through Oklahoma, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Kansas—all ranked teams at this juncture of the season—and the Big Twelve Championship. The Tebows are facing no cakewalk on their road to the National Championship, either. They must take on a gauntlet of SEC rivals and an in-state rival—Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida State—before they can get to the SEC Championship game. Alabama takes on South Carolina, LSU and Auburn in the regular season. So of course, anything could happen.

This week, Jonathan Crompton Proved He's Worth The Hype bestowed upon him after a 63-7 shellacking of Western Kentucky to start the season. He's still got a long way to go before he can permanently quiet his critics, but he showed some flashes of what got so many Volunteers fans excited in the beginning of the season. Saturday versus Georgia, Crompton was 20 for 27 for 310 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was finding the open man on almost every play, throwing only one pick in the contest.

I'm calling Pittsburgh running back Dion Lewis this week's New Household Name on a week he scored no touchdowns. The freshman has rushed for 738 yards this season, the third highest total in the nation and only 8 yards behind the nation's leading rusher Toby Gerhart of Stanford. On Saturday, he ran for 158 yards against the Connecticut defense, one of the best in the nation. He averaged 6.6 yards per carry on Saturday and averages 5.6 on the season. Keep an eye on this guy throughout what is shaping up to be a great career as he works toward becoming the next great Pitt running back since Tony Dorsett's tenure in the 70's and Craig Heyward's in the 80's.

Next week's big games include a Thursday matchup between a highly ranked Cincinnati team and Big East rival South Florida. On Saturday, Arkansas takes on Florida, Oklahoma takes on Texas, Minnesota travels to Penn State, Texas Tech and their explosive offense visits Nebraska and Virginia Tech takes on Georgia Tech in a battle of ranked ACC teams. The primetime headliners include South Carolina's trip to Alabama and a Missouri/Oklahoma State matchup in the nightcap. - Danny Hobrock

Danny Hobrock is a sports journalist who primarily covers college football and professional baseball. He is a contributor for several sports related blogs and is the former editor of a political and current events website.

Roto-Rx - Answering Your Fantasy Football Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:05:00 +0000

If your question was not answered this time, you can go directly to the source @ https://www.roto-rx.com/where Dr. Roto will answer all your Fantasy Baseball and Football questions.

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: Who gets a better bump in fantasy value, Mark Sanchez or Braylon Edwards from the Edwards move to NY? – Jonathan, Almador City, CA

Jonathan: Dr. Roto will say Sanchez. Edwards is another weapon that should help Sanchez find his other players a bit more (paging Dustin Keller) and open up the offense too.

Question #2: Would you start McNabb this week or wait a week? – Pat, Temple University

Pat: I don't know who your backups are, but McNabb should be a decent play this week against Tampa. Tampa has been horrible on defense and this game should be a nice transition game for McNabb as he recovers from his injury.

Question #3: I have two Steelers running backs and need to dump one to fill other needs. Should I keep Parker or Mendenhall? – Adam, Binghamton

Adam: Willie Parker is still not fully recovered from his injury. Mendenhall is a sure starter against Detroit. Short-term pick is Mendenhall, although keep listening to what Mike Tomlin says about the situation. Willie Parker may be football's version of Wally Pipp.

Question #4: I’ve been offered a trade, Steve Slaton for Brandon Jacobs. Should I pull the trigger for Slaton? – Tim, Baldwin Park, CA

Tim: Slaton finally had a good game last week against the Titans. Jacobs has been struggling somewhat this season, but should get healthy against the Raiders. Tough call here, but I think I would stay with Jacobs. Slaton seems a bit tentative in his running and has had problems holding onto the ball. Jacobs is on one of the top rushing teams in the NFL. Close one, though....

Question #5: Who is the better fantasy QB, Aaron Rodgers or Matt Schaub? – Douglas, Reno, NV

Douglas: Dr. Roto is a fan of both QB's this year. Rodgers has a great arm, plays in an explosive offense and runs very well for a QB. Big problems are that is OL stinks and he has the toughest playoff schedule around. Schaub has some big weapons in Houston. He just needs to stay injury free. Dr. Roto will take Rodgers by a hair...mainly because of those rushing yards which may add up as he runs for his life most games!

The Doctor is out...

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NFL Week #5 Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:16:00 +0000

As often happens when you pick a lot of games you end up relatively flat. We picked 8 games last week and we went 4 & 4. It’s rare that you go 7 -1 or 1 -7, 5 - 3, 3 - 5 or 4 - 4 is more common. It’s easier to pick a small amount of games because you can select only those you have maximum conviction in. But we are here to pick so pick we shall do.

We’re not too disappointed thought because you can’t expect to be + every week, and much like stock trading, part of being successful is to keep you losers small. We did that this week.

Week #1 = + $77.50
Week #2 = + $72.50
Week #3 = + $20.00
Week #4 = - $12.00

Total = + $158.00 after 4 weeks.

Remember, we are using a $1,000 betting pot to start out with so we are up 15.8% after 4 weeks (winnings go to charity). Gotta turn it back around this week, here we go……

Syracuse is week again this year
$75 – West Virginia - 10.0 (-110)

FSU just doesn’t have the horses this year
$40 – Georgia Tech +3.0 (-110)

Rutgers has been playing well since game 1
$40 – Rutgers MONEYLINE (-110)

Until the Rams show me that they can hang with anyone, you have to pick against them.
$50 – Minnesota -10.0 (-110)

Dallas will finally put a good game together
$50 – Dallas – 8.5 (-110)

16 points is a lot to give in the NFL but unless their defense scores, I just don’t see Oakland scoring any points.
$50 - NY Giants -16.0 (-110)

We’ll go with the Jets here in a blow out. If they don’t win convincingly here, our outlook on them this season will change.
$50 - NY Jets (-2.0) (-110)

Robert Fairchild is a professional sports gaming professional. He legally wages on professional and collegiate sporting events for a living. Robert is NOT suggesting that you quit your day job and try to wager on sports for a living. He is contributing his thoughts and experience to assist you in a recreational activity that you as an informed adult may choose to take part in.

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Have a Fantasy Football or Baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.

Do we really need to watch other people live?

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:52:00 +0000

What is it about society that makes so many people interested in watching other people live on TV? I know reality TV shows are popular and that I am in the minority (having no interest in them at all) because they get wonderful TV ratings and advertisers want to pay for them.

Frankly, I don’t care who the subject of the reality TV show is. It could be my favorite sports figure / actor / politician / model etc. I have no interest whatsoever in watching them go about their daily life. Am I the only one who has other things to do and is too busy to watch other people do what they have to do on a given day?

And what about the subjects of the shows? Are these people that desperate to stay or become celebrities that they want to let millions of people watch them live? Why would they want the intimate personal details of their lives broadcast in the public domain?

So now we find out that Michael Vick is going to have a reality TV show on the BET Network. According its producers, "The Michael Vick Project will follow Vick's comeback in Philadelphia and also document his past, including the 2007 arrest for running a dogfighting ring.”

The Michael Vick Project? That’s the best they could come up with?

"I just want people to really get to know me as an individual," Vick said.

Why? Do you guys reading this have a burning desire to let everyone in America get to know you? I don’t want millions of people across the nation to know me. I want my family and friend to know me. Why would I want some character in Blow Hunk Idao to know me? That’s a bit odd don’t you think?

This isn’t an attack on Vick because I am actually one of those in the minority that believes he served his time and is now entitled do any of the privileges of life that the law allows him. The show could be about watching the Pope or the President live and I wouldn’t watch it.

I’m certain that the show will get wonderful ratings and I’m certain that many of you reading will be watching. I won’t, I don’t care because I have my own life to live. I guess you guys can let me know what happens. - Keith A. Baker

Keith A. Baker is a sports agent in Stamford, Connecticut. His goal is to offer a unique insight to the world of sports and Major League Baseball in particular. Comments in his columns are for entertainment purposes only and do not reflect the views and opinions of his firm or his clients.

Roto-Rx

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:26:00 +0000

If your question was not answered this time, you can go directly to the source @ https://www.roto-rx.com/ where Dr. Roto will answer all your Fantasy Baseball and Football questions.

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: Do you think Michael Crabtree will have a fantasy impact THIS YEAR? – Elvis, Irving, TX

Elvis: Crabtree finally signed with the 49ers. Great for him, but not so special for fantasy leaguers. We are in Week 5 now and it should take him at least 4 weeks or so to get accustomed to what they are doing in SF. That put us at Week 9. Then he has to build some trust with Shaun Hill which takes time. Also, remember that the 49ers are a run first team. He may help later in the seaosn, but Dr. Roto is not counting on him.

Question #2: The Saints defense looked good last week. They are not taken in my league, should I grab them? – Lawrence, San Bernardino, CA

Lawrence: Go get 'em. The best part about the Saints is that their offense is so good that most teams will be playing catch up each week. That means more sacks and INT's. Dr. Roto loves the Darren Sharper pick up. The Former William and Mary grad has been a stud in the secondary for the past 12 years...he's way underrated as a defensive player.

Question #3: Which running back on the Dolphins will have the best fantasy year? – Dennis, Notre Dame University

Dennis: No brainer on this one...Ronnie Brown.

Question #4: Joe Flacco seems to be throwing more this year. Would you play him over rookie Mark
Sanchez? - Joseph, St. Petersburg, FL

Joseph: Flacco has a year under his belt and has the confidence of Cam Cameron and John Harbaugh. Sanchez has played well, but he is still a rookie. Flacco was Dr. Roto's sleeper QB before the year started ...no reason to get off his bandwagon now.

Question #5: What is your opinion of Brett Favre at this point in his career? Is he a viable option for my fantasy team? - Carlos, Arlington, TX

Carlos: Favre is a fantasy nightmare. He will have some great games, and he'll have some bad ones. The Vikings are a run first team with the best RB in the NFL. When Peterson has his great days, Favre could be looking at 15-22 for 150 yards and a TD. Favre makes for a great backup/BYE week play. He is certainly worth having on your roster...just not as a starter.

The Doctor is out...

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A letter to Mr. Mangidiot..........

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:45:00 +0000

October 7, 2009 (a day that will live in infamy)

Dear Mr. Mangidiot:

Thank you for giving us wide receiver Braylon Edwards today. I didn’t think that Wesleyan University produced morons, but I see that they have now produced at least one. I expect that by this time next week when I look up the word IGNORAMUS on Wikipedia, that you will be cited in the definition.

Sure Edwards is a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. But if he can do a Plaxico and bring us a Superbowl before he loses it, I’ll take it.

Just to show you that all New Yorkers aren't without class, I would like to give you my best thoughts and wishes.

Best wishes, and I hope you are eternally miserable.

Sincerely,

Mark Foster (Jets fan no matter what)

Thank your Mark for that superbly written letter.

The “Brady Rule” is Making a Joke of the Quarterback Position

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:24:00 +0000

I get it. Carson Palmer got hit low in a playoff game and sat out for a long period of time. It sucked. Tom Brady got hit low and missed an entire season after leading the Patriots through an undefeated regular season the year before. It sucked. Nobody wants to see the star players of the NFL get injured, standing on the sidelines with no pads for long periods of time. I get it.

But that’s football. Injuries happen.

The personal fouls that were called against Baltimore’s defense on two hits (if you can even call them “hits”) on Tom Brady were horrendous and Ray Lewis had every right to make those statements after the game.

If you’re a football fan and don't know what I'm talking about, take a look for yourself.

Terrell Suggs was pushed well after Tom Brady released the ball, and fell into Brady’s legs. And the “Brady Rule” prohibits any hits on the knees or below of quarterbacks – whether the defender leads with his helmet or his shoulder.

However, Suggs barely grazed the leg of the golden boy of the NFL. In fact, there wasn’t even enough contact to make Brady go to the ground. Brady intentionally and successfully dodged Suggs, stayed on his feet and actually argued for a 15-yard penalty.

Are you kidding me?

The New England quarterback reacted in a way that a center in a professional basketball game argues for a charging foul (except there’s more contact on a charging foul in the NBA than there was on this play).

Of course, the roughing the passer call occurred on a critical third down and kept the drive alive. And of course, the Patriots converted that gift from the refs to seven points.

Earlier in the game, Baltimore defensive tackle Haloti Ngata was questionably penalized for roughing the passer and New England turned that into seven points as well.

Ray Lewis was absolutely right when he said, “it is embarrassing to the game.” The referees should be embarrassed. The NFL owners who lobbied for the “Brady Rule” should be embarrassed. And Tom Brady should be embarrassed (although I doubt he is).

The “Brady Rule” might as well include flags on the waist of the quarterback and eliminate contact on the QB all together. All the defender would have to do is pull the flag and that would count as a sack. Because if rules like this one keep being implemented, then the game is going to turn into something close to flag football.

When former Patriot and teammate of Tom Brady, Rodney Harrison, says that Brady should “take off the skirt,” you know that the penalty was a disgrace to the game of football. - Michael Klopman

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Have a Fantasy Football or Baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.

NFL WRAP-UP - Week 4 Final

noreply@blogger.com (Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs)) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Minnesota Vikings (30) - Green Bay Packers (23)
Brett Favre had 3 TD passes for the 66th time and 12th time on Monday night. That’s pretty much all you need to know. Favre has now beaten all 34 NFL teams. Adrian Peterson wasn’t even needed as the Vikings pass rush completely controlled the game with 8 sacks. Jared Allen’s 4 ½ sacks including a safety made this one easy for Favre. So it’s Favre- 1, Packers-0, but they do this again at Lambeau field and that one should be something to behold. Vikings (4-0), Packers (2-2)

Tennessee Titans (17) - Jacksonville Jaguars (37)
What the heck has happened to the Tennessee Titans? From 13-3 to a shocking 0-4. This team has just fallen apart, and Jeff Fisher has every right to be exasperated. The 1st 3 losses all could have went either way. This time though, the Titans put up a clunker. Jacksonville jumped on the Titans from the start. A Josh Scobee field goal and a nine yard run by Maurice Jones-Drew had the Jaguars up 10-0. An 8 minute drive by Tennessee led to a short Rob Bironas field goal, but the rest was all Jacksonville. A pair of touchdown passes of 9 and 15 yards from David Garrard to Sims-Waler sandwiched around another Scobee field goal had the Jaguars rolling 27-3 at intermission.

A Scobee field goal in the third quarter increased the lead to 30-3. By the time the Titans reached the end zone, it was way too little, way too late. The Jaguars may have revived their season with this one. Titans (0-4), Jaguars (2-2)

Washington Redskins (16) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13)
As is often the case, a pair of bad teams can actually make for a good game. If good is defined by close, yes. If defined by quality of play and excitement, then no. Johnson hit Antonio Bryant on a 2 yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, and a field goal in the second quarter had the Pirates of Pewter Pants up 10-0 at halftime.

The third quarter was all Washington. A field goal had them within 10-3, and Jason Campbell tossed a 17 yard touchdown to Chris Cooley to tie the game and a 59 yard touchdown to Santana Moss to put the Redskins up-17-10 after three quarters. Tampa Bay did take 8 minutes and 12 plays to reach the Washington five yard line, but the drive bogged down. A field goal had the Bucs within a field goal with two minutes left. But that was all she wrote. Redskins (2-2), Bucs (0-4)

Chicago Bears (48) - Detroit Lions (24)
The Lions are improved. Matthew Stafford has talent. Yet the Bears are even more improved, and Jay Cutler finally had the breakout game Chicago was expecting of him as the Bears exploded on the scoreboard. It was the Lions that got going early with a one yard run from Smith to put Detroit up 7-0. Cutler responded with a 5 yard run of his own to tie the game 7-7. Yet the Lions came back, and Stafford hit Heller for a 14-7 Lions lead after the opening quarter.

Both teams kept their feet on the offensive accelerator in the second quarter. Cutler threw a pair of short touchdown passes, 2 yards to Davis and one yard to Greg Olsen as the Bears led 21-14. Yet Smith ran it in again, this time from 3 yards out, as the teams went to the locker rooms tied 21-21. Yet while the first half was a pinball machine for both teams, the second half was all Chicago.

Johnny Knox got things going by returning the second half kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown as the Bears led 28-21 and never looked back. Robby Gould connected on field goals of 52 and 22 as the Bears led 34-21 entering the final quarter. Jason Hanson did kick a 35 yard field goal to pull the Lions to within 34-24, but Detroit got no closer. Matt Forte ripped off a 37 yard run for a touchdown, and Wolfe closed out the scoring with a touchdown on the ground from 2 yards out. The final score was a blowout, but the game was closer than the score indicated. Bears (3-1), Lions (1-3) - * Matthew Stafford suffered a knee injury in this game but it doesn’t appear to be anything major as he is listed “day to day”.

Cincinnati Bengals (23) - Cleveland Browns (20) - OT
Normally this is for the right to embarrass all of Ohio, but the Bengals are much improved. The Browns are not. Yet anything can happen in this game. In the first quarter Chad Johnson took a five yard touchdown from Carson Palmer to put Cincy up 7-0. In the second quarter a 75 yard fumble return by Geathers had the Bengals up 14-0, which should have been enough. Yet for all the hype about Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson can play. A one yard touchdown pass to Heiden had Cleveland within 14-7 at the break.

Derek Anderson ran it in from one yard out to tie the game 14-14 in the third quarter. Cleveland twice reached the red zone in the fourth quarter, but had to settle for field goals and a 20-14 lead. However, Cincinnati was doing nothing. Carson Palmer led one final drive to try and win it. With time running out, Palmer found Johnson for the 2 yard touchdown. The Bengals were getting ready to celebrate a fantastic comeback and a typical Cleveland meltdown. Yet in another “are you kidding me?” moment for the Bengals this season, the extra point attempt was blocked. Instead of a 21-20 Bengals win, the last game that anybody would want to have overtime did.

To make matters worse, they played virtually the entire 5th quarter for the right to be the best team in Ohio behind the Ohio State Buckeyes. Sudden death was endless agony. With one minute remaining in overtime, the Bengals faced 4th and 10 at the Cleveland 40. Marvin Lewis decided to go for it rather than try a 58 yard field goal. Palmer escaped the pocket and ran 15 yards for a 1st down. Another screen pass set up a chip shot field goal on the final play. It looked terrible, but was ruled good. Bengals (3-1), Browns (0-4)

Houston Texans (29) - Oakland Raiders (6)
For the seventh straight year, the Raiders are a bad team, and the season appears lost after 4 games. JaMarcus Russell had another miserable day, going 12 for 33. Kris Brown kicked a 26 yard field goal, and Sebastian Janikowski responded with a 46 yarder to make it 3-3 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, reality set in. Brown kicked a 34 yard field goal to put the Texans up 6-3. Slaton then ran 32 yards for a touchdown to make it 13-3. Slaton then took an 18 yard touchdown pass from Matt Schaub as the Texans coasted 20-3. Seabass added another field goal for the Raiders as they trailed 20-6 at intermission. Raiders fans watched the second half under protest through many bitter tears of silver and black wins in days long gone by.

The Texans did not score any points on offense in the second half. Their defense put a safety on the board, as Justin Fargas was tackled in the end zone by Brad Cushing. Jones then returned the free kick 95 yards for the final score of the game as the Raiders managed to play poorly in all three phases of the game. Outside of offense, defense, special teams, blocking, and tackling, the Raiders have hope. Texans (2-2), Raiders (1-3)

Indianapolis Colts (34) - Seattle Seahawks (17)
When a bad team travels on the road to play a good team, miracles usually do not happen. That is why they are called miracles. Brown ran it in from one yard out to put the Colts up 7-0. In the second quarter, Peyton Manning hit Reggie Wayne from 5 yards out to give the Colts a 14-0 lead and end any suspense that should never have existed anyway. An Olidno Mare 38 yard field goal made it 14-3, but Manning then hit Collie, who woofed his way 9 yards into the end zone to make it 21-3 Colts at the half. For some reason, the second half was played.

In the third quarter Joseph Addai ran it in from 12 yards out to make it 28-3. Adam Vinatieri was getting lonely, so the Colts decided in the fourth quarter to stop scoring touchdowns so his leg could have a workout. A pair of field goals made it 34-3. Seattle eventually reached the end zone, but by then the Colts were busy preparing for next week. Colts (4-0), Seahawks (1-3)

New York Giants (27) - Kansas City Chiefs (16)
I’m finding it hard to watch the Giants games as they are largely anti-competitive, at least to date. Once again, a good team with a Manning played a bad team without one. Once again, Goliath beat up David and took his lunch money. Eli Manning hit Steve Smith for a 3 yard touchdown as the Giants led 7-0. A field goal by Succop had the Chiefs within 7-3, but in the second quarter the Giants ended any suspense in another game that was expecting none. Manning hit Smith again, this time for 25 yards, as the Giants led 14-3. A field goal by Tynes in the second quarter and another one in the third quarter had the Giants coasting 20-3 after three quarters.

Manning tossed a 54 yard touchdown to Nicks to make it 27-3. Kansas City did crack the end zone during garbage time, but the score did not reflect the fact that this game was a blowout. Giants (4-0), Chiefs (0-4)

New England Patriots (27) – Baltimore Ravens (21)
If you didn’t notice it was “pink week” in the NFL as breast cancer awareness was in full swing. In this game first quarter a field goal by Stephen Gotkowski had New England on the board first, but Joe Flacco hit Derrick Mason for a 20 yard touchdown to put the Ravens up 7-3. In the second quarter Tom Brady led a 14 play, 76 yard, 8 minute drive that ended with Brady sneaking in from one yard out to put the Patriots back up 10-7. Sammy Morris added a 12 yard touchdown run to put the Patriots up 17-7 at intermission.

In the third quarter the Ravens recovered a fumble in the end zone. The gift touchdown had them within 17-14. Yet Brady hit Randy Moss from 14 yard out to give the Patriots a 24-14 lead. The Ravens hung tough, and early in the fourth quarter Flacco hit Willis McGahee from 13 yards out to pull the Ravens to within 24-21. A New England field goal gave the Patriots a 6 point cushion, but late in the game Flacco moved the Ravens deep on one final drive.

Two years ago the Patriots went 16-0, but the closest they came to a loss was when they played the Ravens. A critical fourth down was stopped twice by the Baltimore defense, but New England was given a third chance, which they used to win. This time it was the Ravens facing 4th and 3 from the New England 15. Flacco threw a perfect pass, and with less than 30 seconds left, Mark Clayton simply dropped it. It was right in his hands. Once again, Bill Bellichick and Patriots find a way to prevail. The Ravens and Pats are both (3-1)

Miami Dolphins (38) - Buffalo Bills (10)
Despite being winless, the Dolphins are not as awful as their record. The Bills are coached by Dick Jauron, which means the Dolphins had every reason to expect to win at home. After a scoreless first quarter, a 33 yard field goal and a 23 yard interception return for a touchdown of Trent Edwards had Miami up 10-0. Ryan Lindell did get the Bills on the board with a 35 yard field goal, but a one yard touchdown run by Ronnie Brown had the Dolphins up 17-3. Chad Pennington did not play in this game, but it did not matter as Henne did the job just fine.

In the third quarter Henne threw a 5 yard touchdown pass to Hartline. When Ricky Williams ran it in from one yard out, the Dolphins led 31-3. The Dolphins were never as bad as their 0-3 record, although Bill Parcells has often said that your record reflects what you are. Dolphins (1-3), Bills (1-3)

New Orleans Saints (24) - New York Jets (10)
The Jets are a very good team, and expectations are rightly raised. However, the Saints are an even better team, and their sky high expectations were enhanced with home field. Mark Sanchez is on his way to a successful career, but Drew Brees is ridiculous. Rex Ryan is a defensive genius, but the problem for the Jets was not Drew Brees in this game. It was the Saints defense that clamped down on the Jets offense.

A 13 play, 7 minute drive led to a 34 yard field goal as the Saints led 3-0 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, Sanchez was intercepted by Darren Sharper, who returned it 99 yards the other way for a shocker that had the Saints up 10-0. Ayodele recovered a fumble in the end zone as the Saints increased their lead to 17-0. Sanchez stayed calm, and a 14 play, 7 minute drive led to a 38 yard Jay Feely field goal to pull the Jets to within 17-3. A 15 yard run by Thomas Jones in the third quarter had the Jets within 17-10, but the Saints closed the door in the fourth quarter with a one yard Pierre Thomas run. Both of these teams are good and Sanchez will learn from his rookie mistakes. If the Jets are going to do any real damage this year though they offensive play calling has to help Sanchez out. When you run a wide receiver 3 yard slant 11 times in the game, I think the defense can figure out what you are going to do after the 6th or 7th time…. Saints (4-0), Jets (3-1)

San Francisco 49ers (35) - St. Louis Rams (0)
As awful as the Rams are, neither team did anything to deserve being on the field in the first half. In the second quarter, McKillop recovered a fumble in the end zone for the only score of the half as the 49ers led 7-0 in a game that was too ugly to describe. For excitement, San Francisco missed a field goal. The second half was played only because NFL television rules require it.

The second half was all 49ers. Shawn Hill hit Vernon Davis for a 13 yard touchdown and Willis returned a Kyle Boller pass 23 yards for another touchdown. Marc Bulger was probably almost glad not to be playing in this debacle. Hill hit Morgan for an 11 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, and Mike Singletary had to be pleased when an 11 yard fumble return became the second defensive touchdown on the day. No, these are not the 1985 Bears, and yes, the Rams are horrendous, but Singletary has the 49ers moving in the right direction from an attitude standpoint. They are one Brett Favre miracle away from being 4-0. 49ers (3-1), Rams (0-4)

Dallas Cowboys (10) - Denver Broncos (17)
The Broncos came in at 3-0, but beating up a pair of Ohio teams and Oakland would not be as tough a test as a loaded Cowboys team. In the opening quarter Nick Folk nailed a 49 yard field goal, and Marion Barber added a one yard touchdown run to put the Cowboys up 10-0 early on. Denver did nothing, but were given a gift, allowing them to start a drive at the Dallas 9 yard line. One play was enough for Kyle Orton to hit Moreno for the touchdown. Dallas had the ball for 18 of the first 25 minutes, and were dominating statistically, yet only led 10-7.

The second half was a defensive game, but late in the fourth quarter a 28 yard field goal by Prater tied the game 10-10. Denver got the ball back, and the crowd erupted when Kyle Orton found Brandon Marshall for a 51 yard touchdown pass with a little over one minute remaining. Tony Romo brought the Cowboys down the field, and with 9 seconds left, Dallas had 3rd down from inside the 10. After an incomplete pass, Dallas had one last shot with 5 seconds left. Another incomplete, pass, and Denver had completed the stunning upset. The Broncos were supposed to be a mess. No Mike Shanahan and no Jay Cutler? No problem. As for Dallas, there is trouble in Big D, and Jerry Jones is watching his 1.2 billion dollar investment fall short. Broncos (4-0), Cowboys (2-2)

Pittsburgh Steelers (38) - San Diego Chargers (28)
Both of these came in with something to prove. While it is difficult to call the defending champs under Mike Tomlin overrated, they need to right the ship. San Diego definitely is overrated, and will remain so under Norv Turner. The first half was a black and gold massacre. The Steelers had Terrible Towels, while the Chargers were just terrible. The first quarter featured a one yard touchdown run by Robert Mendenhall and an 11 yard touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Mewelde Moore. Mendenhall ran it in from 19 yards out to put the Steelers up 21-0 at halftime.

In the third quarter Big Ben Hit Heath Miller for a 5 yard touchdown to give the Steelers a 28-0 advantage. At that point the Steelers got bored, and Mike Tomlin will have plenty to say about heir second half play. Philip Rivers hit Antonio Gates for a 3 yard touchdown pass, but the Steelers still led 28-7 after three quarters. Yet when Hester returned a fumble 41 yards for a score, the Chargers were within 28-14. When Roethlisberger found Miller again for a 6 yard score, the Steelers were back up 35-14, but Rivers kept firing as the Chargers tried to make a furious comeback.

Rivers threw touchdown passes of 30 yards t Gates and 13 yards to Chris Chambers, and a 28-0 deficit was now a ballgame as the Chargers were within 35-28. Yet champions play well when it matters most, even on off nights. A time consuming drive bled the clock, and a 46 yard field goal by Josh Reed iced the game. Rivers had thrown for 254 yards and 3 touchdowns on 21 for 36 passing, but Roethlisberger was a ridiculous 26 for 33 for 333 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Steelers (2-2), Chargers (2-2)Mike Cardano is the founder of the Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs) and Extra Point (Football Blogs). Mike is also the founder of the fantasy sports games Ultimate Franchise Baseball™ and Ultimate Franchise Football™.
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