14 - 2! Redemption after last weeks 8 - 8! Here is how week 3 in the NFL finished up.
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens
Pick: RAVENS (Correct) - Baltimore had 28 first downs to Cleveland's 11, finished with 479 total yards to Cleveland's 186 and turned the ball over just once, while the Browns had four turnovers.
Tennessee Titans at New York Jets
Pick: JETS (Correct ) - With the Titans trailing by seven, Collins finished the game by throwing 13 straight incompletions in the third and fourth quarters. The Jets' Mark Sanchez became the first rookie QB since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970 to win his first three games.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Pick: STEELERS (Incorrect) - The Steelers scored on their first three drives, but faltered down the stretch, punting twice before Roethlisberger's final desperation throw. The Bengals, on the other hand, punted on their first three drives but finished strong, scoring touchdowns on two long drives in the fourth quarter. The Steelers have lost their last three road games.
Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions
Pick: LIONS (Correct) - This was the Lions' first regular-season win since Dec. 23, 2007 as they snapped a 19-game losing skid. Detroit RB Kevin Smith had his third career 100-yard rushing day before leaving the game with a shoulder injury.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
Pick: TEXANS (Incorrect) - Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew rushed for 119 yards and three touchdowns!!! Texans Chris Brown fumble at the one yard line was costly!
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Pick: VIKINGS (Correct) - 49ers running back Frank Gore had one rush before he left the game with an ankle injury in the first quarter. The Vikings went ahead in the game on Brett Favre's 32-yard touchdown pass to receiver Greg Lewis with two seconds left on the clock!
Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots
Pick: PATRIOTS (Correct) - The Patriots have not lost consecutive games since Weeks 9 and 10 of the 2006 season. Running back Fred Taylor totaled 105 rushing yards on 21 carries, including the Patriots' first touchdown. It was Taylor's first as a member of the Patriots.
Kansas City Chiefs at Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: EAGLES (Correct) - The Chiefs were 0-for-11 on third down and were unable to sustain any sort of offensive flow against a swarming Eagles defense. Kolb passed for 327 yards and two touchdowns without committing any turnovers against the Chiefs.
Green Bay Packers at St. Louis Rams
Pick: PACKERS (Correct) - The Packers didn't turn the ball over and scored 13 points off of the Rams' three turnovers.
New York Giants at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick: GIANTS (Correct) - The Giants had 28 first downs, compared to just five by the Buccaneers. The Giant running backs also had huge holes to run through, compiling 226 rushing yards on 49 carries.
New Orleans Saints at Buffalo Bills
Pick: SAINTS (Correct) - Terrell Owens did not make a catch for the first time in 185 consecutive games! Saints RB Pierre Thomas recorded 126 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries, all in the second half.
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks
Pick: BEARS (Correct) - Devin Hester broke a tackle and raced 36 yards for the game's deciding touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders
Pick: BRONCOS (Correct) - The Raiders like to run the ball, but it was the Broncos who controlled the game on the ground. Denver outrushed Oakland, 215-95.
Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers
Pick: CHARGERS (Correct) - Chargers safety Eric Weddle intercepted Chad Henne's pass and returned it 31 yards for a score with 5:45 left to put San Diego up 23-6.
Indianapolis Colts at Arizona Cardinals
Pick: COLTS (Correct) - Colts QB Peyton Manning threw for 379 yards and four touchdowns. The Cardinals turned over the ball three times, including twice inside the red zone. Warner was sacked four times.
Carolina Panthers at Dallas Cowboys
Pick: COWBOYS (Correct)- The Cowboys came into the game without a sack and the defense had not yet forced a turnover. Against the Panthers, the team took down Delhomme three times and forced three turnovers.
Game Stats from NFL.COM
Wk1: 13-3 Wk2: 8-8 Wk3: 14-2
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Pats vs. Falcons: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Pats vs. Falcons: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
A nice win against a good team. Patriots are still struggling in the red zone, trading TDs for Field Goals. It was good to the the Patriots run the ball and get Fred Taylor in the game.
The Good:
Patriots shut down Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez made his first and only catch of the game on a 16-yard reception on the Falcons' first offensive play of the fourth quarter.
Randy Moss and Fred Taylor have both eclipsed 100 yards for the day. At the 2-minute warning, Moss had 9 catches for 108 yards, while Taylor had rushed 20 times for 107 yards.
Despite settling for four field goals in five visits inside the red zone, the Patriots did execute in some key situations. They went 7 for 10 on third-and-short situations and 3 for 3 on fourth downs.
James Sanders recovered an Atlanta fumble forced by fellow safety Brandon McGowan at the Patriots 27 with little less than four minutes to play in the half.
The Falcons erased a potential touchdown when wide receiver Michael Jenkins was called for offensive pass interference (pushing off against Leigh Bodden) on what would have been a 36-yard touchdown reception.
The Patriots' defense surrendered a first-drive touchdown, but, even with an injury to defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, limited the high-flying Falcons to a field goal over the final 54 minutes of play.
Falcons QB Matt Ryan failed to throw a TD pass for the first time this season.
The Bad:
Felt bad for the Falcons having to waste a challenge on this call. Referees totally missed an incomplete pass by Matt Ryan, instead calling it a fumble and Shawn Springs returned the ball for a touchdown. The Falcons challenged immediately and the play was, correctly, reversed to an incompletion.
The Ugly:
Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork was shaken up late in the second quarter while helping to tackle
Atlanta running back Michael Turner. He did not return to the game.
Patriots WR Wes Welker was inactive for the second straight game with a knee injury.
Game Notes:
With a late first-half catch, Randy Moss recorded career reception No. 862, tying him for 12th best on the
NFL's all-time receiving list alongside former Jacksonville standout Jimmy Smith.
The Brady to Baker TD was the 200th TD pass of Brady's career. He is the 27th player in NFL history to reach that milestone and fourth fastest to the mark.
Randy Moss caught 10 passes for 116 yards. His 61 games with at least 100 yards receiving are second most in NFL history to Jerry Rice's 76.
Notable Quotes:
“The plan was for him [Gonzalez] to not have any catches and he had one, so obviously the plan failed (laughter)" -- Patriots safety Brandon McGowan
"We can't keep kicking field goals, I know that" -- Patriots QB Tom Brady
"There are a lot of new faces in the locker room...We're still developing and we still have a pretty explosive offense." -- Patriots TE Chris Baker
"It’s a great win for us and we’ll take it and still understand that there are a lot of things we need to do better. Anytime you beat a good football team like that – and we made some real critical plays: a few fourth downs, some short yardage ones, fourth and one on our own 25 yard line – whatever that was – and made that. That was big for us." -- Patriots QB tom Brady
Scoring:
The Falcons put points on the board in their first possession as Jason Elam boots a 26-yard field goal to cap a 12-play, 72-yard trek over 5:39. (Pats 0 - Falcons 3)
Stephen Gostkowski splits the uprights with a 21-yard field goal to cap a monster 15-play, 81-yard scoring drive that ate 8:39 off the clock. (Pats 3 - Falcons 3)
The Patriots snapped their five-quarter touchdown-less streak with Fred Taylor's 8-yard run early in the second quarter. The drive covered 51 yards on six plays over 2:29. (Pats 10 - Falcons 3)
The Falcons tie the game on a Michael Turner 2-yard touchdown run. The scoring drive covered 59 yards on eight plays over 2:58. (Pats 10 - Falcons 10)
Stephen Gostkowski booted a 33-yard field goal to cap a 12-play, 58-yard scoring drive that covered 3:36. James Sanders' fumble recovery set up the trek. (Pats 13 - Falcons 10)
The Patriots' offense again sputtered in the red zone and New England settled for a 22-yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowski. The drive covered 79 yards on 13 players over 5:59. (Pats 16 - Falcons 10)
Stephen Gostkowski split the uprights with a 33-yard field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter. The boot capped a 70-yard, 16-play scoring drive over 6:59. (Pats 19 - Falcons 10)
Patriots TE Chris Baker hauled in a 36-yard touchdown pass from QB Tom Brady to cap a six-play, 72-yard scoring drive that spanned 3:08. (Pats 26 - Falcons 10) FINAL
Info from boston.com and nfl.com
A nice win against a good team. Patriots are still struggling in the red zone, trading TDs for Field Goals. It was good to the the Patriots run the ball and get Fred Taylor in the game.
The Good:
Patriots shut down Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez made his first and only catch of the game on a 16-yard reception on the Falcons' first offensive play of the fourth quarter.
Randy Moss and Fred Taylor have both eclipsed 100 yards for the day. At the 2-minute warning, Moss had 9 catches for 108 yards, while Taylor had rushed 20 times for 107 yards.
Despite settling for four field goals in five visits inside the red zone, the Patriots did execute in some key situations. They went 7 for 10 on third-and-short situations and 3 for 3 on fourth downs.
James Sanders recovered an Atlanta fumble forced by fellow safety Brandon McGowan at the Patriots 27 with little less than four minutes to play in the half.
The Falcons erased a potential touchdown when wide receiver Michael Jenkins was called for offensive pass interference (pushing off against Leigh Bodden) on what would have been a 36-yard touchdown reception.
The Patriots' defense surrendered a first-drive touchdown, but, even with an injury to defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, limited the high-flying Falcons to a field goal over the final 54 minutes of play.
Falcons QB Matt Ryan failed to throw a TD pass for the first time this season.
The Bad:
Felt bad for the Falcons having to waste a challenge on this call. Referees totally missed an incomplete pass by Matt Ryan, instead calling it a fumble and Shawn Springs returned the ball for a touchdown. The Falcons challenged immediately and the play was, correctly, reversed to an incompletion.
The Ugly:
Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork was shaken up late in the second quarter while helping to tackle
Atlanta running back Michael Turner. He did not return to the game.
Patriots WR Wes Welker was inactive for the second straight game with a knee injury.
Game Notes:
With a late first-half catch, Randy Moss recorded career reception No. 862, tying him for 12th best on the
NFL's all-time receiving list alongside former Jacksonville standout Jimmy Smith.
The Brady to Baker TD was the 200th TD pass of Brady's career. He is the 27th player in NFL history to reach that milestone and fourth fastest to the mark.
Randy Moss caught 10 passes for 116 yards. His 61 games with at least 100 yards receiving are second most in NFL history to Jerry Rice's 76.
Notable Quotes:
“The plan was for him [Gonzalez] to not have any catches and he had one, so obviously the plan failed (laughter)" -- Patriots safety Brandon McGowan
"We can't keep kicking field goals, I know that" -- Patriots QB Tom Brady
"There are a lot of new faces in the locker room...We're still developing and we still have a pretty explosive offense." -- Patriots TE Chris Baker
"It’s a great win for us and we’ll take it and still understand that there are a lot of things we need to do better. Anytime you beat a good football team like that – and we made some real critical plays: a few fourth downs, some short yardage ones, fourth and one on our own 25 yard line – whatever that was – and made that. That was big for us." -- Patriots QB tom Brady
Scoring:
The Falcons put points on the board in their first possession as Jason Elam boots a 26-yard field goal to cap a 12-play, 72-yard trek over 5:39. (Pats 0 - Falcons 3)
Stephen Gostkowski splits the uprights with a 21-yard field goal to cap a monster 15-play, 81-yard scoring drive that ate 8:39 off the clock. (Pats 3 - Falcons 3)
The Patriots snapped their five-quarter touchdown-less streak with Fred Taylor's 8-yard run early in the second quarter. The drive covered 51 yards on six plays over 2:29. (Pats 10 - Falcons 3)
The Falcons tie the game on a Michael Turner 2-yard touchdown run. The scoring drive covered 59 yards on eight plays over 2:58. (Pats 10 - Falcons 10)
Stephen Gostkowski booted a 33-yard field goal to cap a 12-play, 58-yard scoring drive that covered 3:36. James Sanders' fumble recovery set up the trek. (Pats 13 - Falcons 10)
The Patriots' offense again sputtered in the red zone and New England settled for a 22-yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowski. The drive covered 79 yards on 13 players over 5:59. (Pats 16 - Falcons 10)
Stephen Gostkowski split the uprights with a 33-yard field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter. The boot capped a 70-yard, 16-play scoring drive over 6:59. (Pats 19 - Falcons 10)
Patriots TE Chris Baker hauled in a 36-yard touchdown pass from QB Tom Brady to cap a six-play, 72-yard scoring drive that spanned 3:08. (Pats 26 - Falcons 10) FINAL
Info from boston.com and nfl.com
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Week 3: Putting it on the line
Should have just flipped a coin last week, going 8-8. Let's look at week 3:
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens
Pick: RAVENS - Offensively and defensively the Ravens are just clicking on all cylinders. Joe Flacco should not have any problems with the Browns defense. Baltimore has won four of the past six meetings to extend its overall series lead to 13-7. Ravens win at home.
Tennessee Titans at New York Jets
Pick: JETS - Hate taking the Jets, but they are getting it done on defense with just enough offense to win. In Week 12 of last season, the Jets handed the 10-0 Titans their first loss of the season. The Titans are definitely not your average 0-2 team though, but the Jets should be able to contain Chris Johnson. New York has won four of the last five meetings. Jets win at home.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Pick: STEELERS - Going with the Steelers on the road. Cincy is still flying high beating the Packers on the road. Beware of Antwaan Odom in this game...he was a one-man wrecking crew last week tallying five sacks. The Steelers' offensive line has been vulnerable, giving up six sacks already this season. Steelers have won the last five meetings. Steelers win on the road.
Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions
Pick: LIONS - Washington has won three in a row over Detroit. The Redskins were unable to score a touchdown, last week but their defense held strong. I was leaning towards Washington, but if Portis does not play, I think the Lions finally break there losing streak and upset the Redskins. The Lions are definitely improved, and the Redskins are struggling. Lions win at home for the first time in a LONG TIME.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
Pick: TEXANS - The Texans snapped out of funk of week one and put up the points week two. They also gave up 31 pts, and it is a divisional game, so anything could happen. Houston has won four of the past six matchups. Texans win at home.
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Pick: VIKINGS - The top to running backs this season go at it in this matchup. AP is banged up though. I still think you have to go with the Vikings at home. This game could be an upset though since the 49ers are defininitely improved over last year. Still need a passing game though. Vikings win at home.
Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots
Pick: PATRIOTS - Everything points to the Patriots being upset by the Falcons. Is there a healthy Patriot WR even playing? That does not bode well for Brady and the boys. The Falcons have given up an average of 5.1 yards per carry defensively this year and now they are without perhaps their best run-stuffer, rookie DT Peria Jerry. If the Patriots can get the rushing attack going, victory should be theirs! Being a Pats fan, I am going with the home team to pull this game out with Special Teams, a rushing attack, and Defense! Patriots win at home.
Kansas City Chiefs at Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: EAGLES - McNabb is out again, and most likely wont be back till after the bye week. Kolb should be able to get the offense going, even with a banged up Westbrook and Jackson. Eagles win at home.
Green Bay Packers at St. Louis Rams
Pick: PACKERS - The Rams and Packers have split their last eight meetings. The Packers need to redeem themselves after last weeks lost to the Bengals. The Rams defense did well against the Redskins, but the Packers definitely have more offensive weapons to stop! St. Louis has lost its last five home games and is just 2-14 at the Edward Jones Dome. Packers win on the Road
New York Giants at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick: GIANTS - Run, run, run! The Giants running game has not been great, but should have a big day against the Buccaneers. With an established running game, Eli and crew will pick the Bucs apart. New York has captured six of the last nine meetings. Giants win on the road.
New Orleans Saints at Buffalo Bills
Pick: SAINTS - New Orleans has won three of the past five meetings. Saints are banged up at the running back position, but that shouldn't hold Brees and crew off. Buffalo is ranked 31st against the pass. Saints win on the road.
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks
Pick: BEARS - Seattle has won three of the past five games. Tough to pick against the Seahawks at home, but with Hasselbeck out due to injury, the Bears should get it done on the road. Seattle's offense changes significantly with Wallace under center. While Hasselbeck is more of a traditional drop-back passer, Wallace tends to scramble and use his legs to make plays. Chicago's defense should keep him in check. Bears win on the road.
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders
Pick: BRONCOS - The Broncos have won six of the past eight meetings. Oakland hasn't beaten Denver twice in a row since 2002. The Broncos are starting to play like a team, and should have enough offense to roll past the Raiders. Broncos win on the road.
Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers
Pick: CHARGERS - The Dolphins have won seven in a row against the Chargers. If LT doesn't play, the Dolphins could upset the Chargers at home. San Diego failed to score on a touchdown on any of its five trips to the red zone last week, an area in which Tomlinson traditionally excels. Chargers win at home and break the losing streak against the Dolphins.
Indianapolis Colts at Arizona Cardinals
Pick: COLTS - The Colts have won the past three meetings. Last weeks game definitely took its toll against the Colts, eventhough they won in the end. The question is will the Colts have enough in the tank on defense to deal with the rested and high-powered Arizona offense? Colts win a close one on the road.
Carolina Panthers at Dallas Cowboys
Pick: COWBOYS - Battle of the turnover teams. Dallas has won seven consecutive regular-season games against Carolina. If the Cowboys do lose this game at home, keep the knives away from Jerry! Cowboys get their first win at their new stadium.
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens
Pick: RAVENS - Offensively and defensively the Ravens are just clicking on all cylinders. Joe Flacco should not have any problems with the Browns defense. Baltimore has won four of the past six meetings to extend its overall series lead to 13-7. Ravens win at home.
Tennessee Titans at New York Jets
Pick: JETS - Hate taking the Jets, but they are getting it done on defense with just enough offense to win. In Week 12 of last season, the Jets handed the 10-0 Titans their first loss of the season. The Titans are definitely not your average 0-2 team though, but the Jets should be able to contain Chris Johnson. New York has won four of the last five meetings. Jets win at home.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Pick: STEELERS - Going with the Steelers on the road. Cincy is still flying high beating the Packers on the road. Beware of Antwaan Odom in this game...he was a one-man wrecking crew last week tallying five sacks. The Steelers' offensive line has been vulnerable, giving up six sacks already this season. Steelers have won the last five meetings. Steelers win on the road.
Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions
Pick: LIONS - Washington has won three in a row over Detroit. The Redskins were unable to score a touchdown, last week but their defense held strong. I was leaning towards Washington, but if Portis does not play, I think the Lions finally break there losing streak and upset the Redskins. The Lions are definitely improved, and the Redskins are struggling. Lions win at home for the first time in a LONG TIME.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
Pick: TEXANS - The Texans snapped out of funk of week one and put up the points week two. They also gave up 31 pts, and it is a divisional game, so anything could happen. Houston has won four of the past six matchups. Texans win at home.
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Pick: VIKINGS - The top to running backs this season go at it in this matchup. AP is banged up though. I still think you have to go with the Vikings at home. This game could be an upset though since the 49ers are defininitely improved over last year. Still need a passing game though. Vikings win at home.
Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots
Pick: PATRIOTS - Everything points to the Patriots being upset by the Falcons. Is there a healthy Patriot WR even playing? That does not bode well for Brady and the boys. The Falcons have given up an average of 5.1 yards per carry defensively this year and now they are without perhaps their best run-stuffer, rookie DT Peria Jerry. If the Patriots can get the rushing attack going, victory should be theirs! Being a Pats fan, I am going with the home team to pull this game out with Special Teams, a rushing attack, and Defense! Patriots win at home.
Kansas City Chiefs at Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: EAGLES - McNabb is out again, and most likely wont be back till after the bye week. Kolb should be able to get the offense going, even with a banged up Westbrook and Jackson. Eagles win at home.
Green Bay Packers at St. Louis Rams
Pick: PACKERS - The Rams and Packers have split their last eight meetings. The Packers need to redeem themselves after last weeks lost to the Bengals. The Rams defense did well against the Redskins, but the Packers definitely have more offensive weapons to stop! St. Louis has lost its last five home games and is just 2-14 at the Edward Jones Dome. Packers win on the Road
New York Giants at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick: GIANTS - Run, run, run! The Giants running game has not been great, but should have a big day against the Buccaneers. With an established running game, Eli and crew will pick the Bucs apart. New York has captured six of the last nine meetings. Giants win on the road.
New Orleans Saints at Buffalo Bills
Pick: SAINTS - New Orleans has won three of the past five meetings. Saints are banged up at the running back position, but that shouldn't hold Brees and crew off. Buffalo is ranked 31st against the pass. Saints win on the road.
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks
Pick: BEARS - Seattle has won three of the past five games. Tough to pick against the Seahawks at home, but with Hasselbeck out due to injury, the Bears should get it done on the road. Seattle's offense changes significantly with Wallace under center. While Hasselbeck is more of a traditional drop-back passer, Wallace tends to scramble and use his legs to make plays. Chicago's defense should keep him in check. Bears win on the road.
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders
Pick: BRONCOS - The Broncos have won six of the past eight meetings. Oakland hasn't beaten Denver twice in a row since 2002. The Broncos are starting to play like a team, and should have enough offense to roll past the Raiders. Broncos win on the road.
Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers
Pick: CHARGERS - The Dolphins have won seven in a row against the Chargers. If LT doesn't play, the Dolphins could upset the Chargers at home. San Diego failed to score on a touchdown on any of its five trips to the red zone last week, an area in which Tomlinson traditionally excels. Chargers win at home and break the losing streak against the Dolphins.
Indianapolis Colts at Arizona Cardinals
Pick: COLTS - The Colts have won the past three meetings. Last weeks game definitely took its toll against the Colts, eventhough they won in the end. The question is will the Colts have enough in the tank on defense to deal with the rested and high-powered Arizona offense? Colts win a close one on the road.
Carolina Panthers at Dallas Cowboys
Pick: COWBOYS - Battle of the turnover teams. Dallas has won seven consecutive regular-season games against Carolina. If the Cowboys do lose this game at home, keep the knives away from Jerry! Cowboys get their first win at their new stadium.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Week 2: Putting it on the line (the Morning After)
Week 2: Putting it on the line (the Morning After)
Usually I don't crash this bad in my picks till much later in the season! Seven Correct, 8 Incorrect, OUCH! Here is hoping the Colt win so I can at least break even! lol Let's see what went wrong!
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Winner: Falcons (Correct) - Have to thank Tony G for letting me get this one right.
Minnesota Viking at Detroit Lions
Winner: Vikings (Correct) - A moral victory for the Lions for hanging in there with the Vikings and holding AP under 100 yards.
Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers
Winner: Packers (Incorrect) - Can't beat the Bengals when you are flat on your back. Defensive end Antwan Odom sacked Rodgers five times, while rookie LB Rey Maualuga brought down Rodgers once and forced two fumbles.
Arizona Cardinals at Jacksonville Jaguars
Winner: Jaguars (Incorrect) - Arizona went 0-5 last season flying to the coast. Guess it doesn't matter this year! Warner was not sacked by the Jaguars, and had plenty of time to shred the defense and then set an NFL single-game record for completion percentage, at 92.3 percent. So much for picking the Jags due to jet-lag!
Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
Winner: Raiders (Correct) - This game was always a coin toss, one which the Chiefs should have won. Despite losing, the Chiefs dominated the Raiders in total yardage (409-166) and time of possession (38:39 to 21:21).
New England Patriots at New York Jets
Winner: Patriots (Incorrect) - The Jets just outplayed them on Defense, and brought just enough offense to win this one. The Patriots committed 11 penalties for 89 yards, including three for delay of game...That did not help the cause any! If Wes Welker was healthy and played, I think the Pats would have one.
New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles
Winner: Eagles (Incorrect) - What was I thinking??? The Saints offense is for real! The Eagles finished with 463 total yards, but that number is somewhat deceiving. Four Philadelphia drives ended in turnovers.
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans
Winner: Titans (Incorrect) - Close but no cigar! Titans RB Chris Johnson scored three times -- twice rushing and once receiving -- on plays of 57, 69 and 91 yards. Matt Schaub rebounded from a rough outing in Week 1 against the Jets to post 357 yards passing and four touchdowns on the Titans. Schaub completed 25 of 39 passes, 10 of which went to Andre Johnson, who finished with 149 yards and two touchdowns. I should have picked the Texans in the first place since I picked them to go to the play offs!
St. Louis Rams at Washington Redskins
Winner: Redskins (Correct) - Though the Redskins did not finish their drives (they were 0-for-5 in red-zone efficiency), their domination between the 20s helped them hold the ball for almost 35 minutes and wear down St. Louis.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills
Winner: Bills (Correct) - The Buccaneers committed 11 penalties for 97 yards. Bills RB Fred Jackson ran for a career-high 163 yards on 28 carries and added six catches for 25 yards. Enough Said...
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
Winner: Seahawks (Incorrect) - Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck left the game at the end of the second quarter with bruised ribs and did not return. Led by Gore, San Francisco dominated on the ground, outrushing Seattle 256-66. Seattle would have had a better chance with Hasselbeck in the entire game.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears
Winner: Steelers (Incorrect) - The Steelers' final two drives were among their longest of the game, each lasting 10 plays. The drives took more than eight minutes off the clock, but both ended with wide-left field goals by Jeff Reed.
Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos
Winner: Broncos (Correct) - The Broncos recorded 25 first downs to just 11 for the Browns. Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil recorded a career-high four sacks and forced a Josh Cribbs fumble in the third quarter.
Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers
Winner: Chargers (Incorrect) - Another team that traveled well and won on the road. The Chargers struggled mightily in the red zone, kicking four field goals measuring 29 yards or less. Can't swap field goals for touchdowns.
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Winner: Giants (Correct) - The Cowboys turned over the ball four times, including three interceptions thrown by Tony Romo. That led to 24 points for the Giants.
MONDAY NIGHT GAME:
Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins
Favored Colts
Winner: Colts - Even short a WR, there is more than enough Colts offense to go around.
Please note, nerangers picks are done for fun only!
Stat Info from NFL.COM
Usually I don't crash this bad in my picks till much later in the season! Seven Correct, 8 Incorrect, OUCH! Here is hoping the Colt win so I can at least break even! lol Let's see what went wrong!
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Winner: Falcons (Correct) - Have to thank Tony G for letting me get this one right.
Minnesota Viking at Detroit Lions
Winner: Vikings (Correct) - A moral victory for the Lions for hanging in there with the Vikings and holding AP under 100 yards.
Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers
Winner: Packers (Incorrect) - Can't beat the Bengals when you are flat on your back. Defensive end Antwan Odom sacked Rodgers five times, while rookie LB Rey Maualuga brought down Rodgers once and forced two fumbles.
Arizona Cardinals at Jacksonville Jaguars
Winner: Jaguars (Incorrect) - Arizona went 0-5 last season flying to the coast. Guess it doesn't matter this year! Warner was not sacked by the Jaguars, and had plenty of time to shred the defense and then set an NFL single-game record for completion percentage, at 92.3 percent. So much for picking the Jags due to jet-lag!
Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
Winner: Raiders (Correct) - This game was always a coin toss, one which the Chiefs should have won. Despite losing, the Chiefs dominated the Raiders in total yardage (409-166) and time of possession (38:39 to 21:21).
New England Patriots at New York Jets
Winner: Patriots (Incorrect) - The Jets just outplayed them on Defense, and brought just enough offense to win this one. The Patriots committed 11 penalties for 89 yards, including three for delay of game...That did not help the cause any! If Wes Welker was healthy and played, I think the Pats would have one.
New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles
Winner: Eagles (Incorrect) - What was I thinking??? The Saints offense is for real! The Eagles finished with 463 total yards, but that number is somewhat deceiving. Four Philadelphia drives ended in turnovers.
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans
Winner: Titans (Incorrect) - Close but no cigar! Titans RB Chris Johnson scored three times -- twice rushing and once receiving -- on plays of 57, 69 and 91 yards. Matt Schaub rebounded from a rough outing in Week 1 against the Jets to post 357 yards passing and four touchdowns on the Titans. Schaub completed 25 of 39 passes, 10 of which went to Andre Johnson, who finished with 149 yards and two touchdowns. I should have picked the Texans in the first place since I picked them to go to the play offs!
St. Louis Rams at Washington Redskins
Winner: Redskins (Correct) - Though the Redskins did not finish their drives (they were 0-for-5 in red-zone efficiency), their domination between the 20s helped them hold the ball for almost 35 minutes and wear down St. Louis.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills
Winner: Bills (Correct) - The Buccaneers committed 11 penalties for 97 yards. Bills RB Fred Jackson ran for a career-high 163 yards on 28 carries and added six catches for 25 yards. Enough Said...
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
Winner: Seahawks (Incorrect) - Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck left the game at the end of the second quarter with bruised ribs and did not return. Led by Gore, San Francisco dominated on the ground, outrushing Seattle 256-66. Seattle would have had a better chance with Hasselbeck in the entire game.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears
Winner: Steelers (Incorrect) - The Steelers' final two drives were among their longest of the game, each lasting 10 plays. The drives took more than eight minutes off the clock, but both ended with wide-left field goals by Jeff Reed.
Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos
Winner: Broncos (Correct) - The Broncos recorded 25 first downs to just 11 for the Browns. Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil recorded a career-high four sacks and forced a Josh Cribbs fumble in the third quarter.
Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers
Winner: Chargers (Incorrect) - Another team that traveled well and won on the road. The Chargers struggled mightily in the red zone, kicking four field goals measuring 29 yards or less. Can't swap field goals for touchdowns.
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Winner: Giants (Correct) - The Cowboys turned over the ball four times, including three interceptions thrown by Tony Romo. That led to 24 points for the Giants.
MONDAY NIGHT GAME:
Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins
Favored Colts
Winner: Colts - Even short a WR, there is more than enough Colts offense to go around.
Please note, nerangers picks are done for fun only!
Stat Info from NFL.COM
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Pats vs. Jets: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!!!
Maybe I should just call it the Bad and the Ugly this week. It was probably a good thing I couldn't see this game at my home in PA...probably would have thrown something through the TV. Last year, I blamed the Patriots not making the playoffs due to the lost to the Jets that season. Let's hope this is not a repeat of last year! Can't win games settling for Field Goals instead of Touchdowns! This game was definitely the tale of two halves. The Patriots owned the first (time of possession 18:41 and total offense 197 vs. 55), and the Jets the second (the score tells you that)!
The Good: (not much here from a Patriots perspective)
Leigh Bodden recovered a Leon Washington fumble at the Jets 17 (fumbled forced by Vince Wilfork)
Chansi Stuckey appeared to catch a 6-yard touchdown pass from Mark Sanchez, but the Patriots challenged and the call was reversed as Stuckey didn't get both feet down inbounds
The Bad:
The Patriots receiving corps takes a hit with Wes Welker (knee) inactive for today's game
Darrelle Revis intercepts a Tom Brady offering on a deep, play-action toss to Randy Moss
Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather tweaked his right ankle on a kickoff return by Leon Washington in the first quarter and left the game. Meriweather returned to the field with the defense on the opening play of the second half and missed a tackle on 45-yard completion from Mark Sanchez to Jerricho Cotchery.
New York managed 141 yards of total offense in the third quarter and had the ball at its own 42 to start the fourth
The Jets did not sack Brady, but Rex Ryan's constant blitzes (at times using six or seven men to rush the passer) were effective enough to throw the Patriots offense off its game. The Jets hurried Brady 15 times and knocked him down another five times. Expect to see more teams do this against the Patriots.
The Patriots committed 11 penalties for 89 yards, including three for delay of game(two of them coming on consecutive plays in the third quarter).
The Ugly:
THE PATRIOTS LOSING TO THE JETS 16 - 9!!!
Patriots had one last chance to tie the game up as they took over at their own 10 with 1:48 to play. NO Brady magic today though! Figures the final play would be a Tom Brady pass to Joey Galloway being batted down by Jets Safety Kerry Rhodes (guess he backed up his tweeter talk). Why couldn't it have been anyone else!?!?!
Game Notes:
The game was the 100th meeting between the two teams who entered the game tied 49-49-1 in the overall series. Now the Jets are ahead.
Patriots linebacker Gary Guyton has the helmet with the green dot, which indicates that he'll again be the one handling radio signals from the sideline.
Former Patriots backup quarterback Kevin O'Connell was serving as the Jets' emergency third QB today, but was also a captain. He was at midfield for the pregame coin toss. I am sure he was able to help the Jets out more than just those roles, having memorized the Patriots playbook while being Brady's backup.
Notable Quotes:
"Give the Jets credit... they outplayed us, outcoached us, played better than we did for 60 minutes. That's the story of the game. We had our chances, but we didn't finish them." -- Patriot Coach Bill Belichick
"We didn't do much, it was poor execution a lot of the time. We all gotta do a better job, I gotta do a better job throwing the ball, being more accurate, making better reads. A lot of things are correctable, that were not so good today. You gotta give the Jets credit, they played a good game, defensively... We had our chances." -- Patriots QB Tom Brady
"I don’t know what fits as embarrassment. We were able to get the job done and got the win today." -- Jets Safety Kerry Rhodes
"You gotta give credit to the Jets, there's no way to sugarcoat or feel sorry for yourselves, they won the game, they beat us and that's it." -- Patriots WR Randy Moss
"This is Week 2. We're 1-1, we'll go back to the drawing board, get ready for Atlanta. There's a long way to go." -- Patriots TE Chris Baker
Scoring:
Stephen Gostkowski boots a 45-yard field goal for the first points of the game. (Pats 3 - Jets 0)
Stephen Gostkowski kicks a 25-yard field goal to increase the Patriots' lead. The scoring drive covered 53 yards on 9 plays over 3:30. (Pats 6 - Jets 0)
Jay Feeley boots a 33-yard field goal to cap a 10-play, 52-yard scoring drive that spanned 5:31.(Pats 6 - Jets 3)
Stephen Gostkowski splits the uprights with a 29-yard field goal to cap a 14-play, 79-yard drive that spanned 5:42. (Pats 9 - Jets 3)
The Jets wasted little time finding the end zone in the second half with Mark Sanchez completing a 45-yard pass to Jerricho Cotchery before a 9-yard touchdown toss to Dustin Keller. (Pats 9 - Jets 10)
Jay Feely booted a 24-yard field goal to cap an 11-play, 49-yard drive that spanned 3:59 (Pats 9 - Jets 13)
Jay Feely split the uprights with a 39-yard field goal on a that drive covered 63 yards on 14 plays over 8:21. (Pats 9 - Jets 16) FINAL
info from boston.com and nfl.com
The Good: (not much here from a Patriots perspective)
Leigh Bodden recovered a Leon Washington fumble at the Jets 17 (fumbled forced by Vince Wilfork)
Chansi Stuckey appeared to catch a 6-yard touchdown pass from Mark Sanchez, but the Patriots challenged and the call was reversed as Stuckey didn't get both feet down inbounds
The Bad:
The Patriots receiving corps takes a hit with Wes Welker (knee) inactive for today's game
Darrelle Revis intercepts a Tom Brady offering on a deep, play-action toss to Randy Moss
Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather tweaked his right ankle on a kickoff return by Leon Washington in the first quarter and left the game. Meriweather returned to the field with the defense on the opening play of the second half and missed a tackle on 45-yard completion from Mark Sanchez to Jerricho Cotchery.
New York managed 141 yards of total offense in the third quarter and had the ball at its own 42 to start the fourth
The Jets did not sack Brady, but Rex Ryan's constant blitzes (at times using six or seven men to rush the passer) were effective enough to throw the Patriots offense off its game. The Jets hurried Brady 15 times and knocked him down another five times. Expect to see more teams do this against the Patriots.
The Patriots committed 11 penalties for 89 yards, including three for delay of game(two of them coming on consecutive plays in the third quarter).
The Ugly:
THE PATRIOTS LOSING TO THE JETS 16 - 9!!!
Patriots had one last chance to tie the game up as they took over at their own 10 with 1:48 to play. NO Brady magic today though! Figures the final play would be a Tom Brady pass to Joey Galloway being batted down by Jets Safety Kerry Rhodes (guess he backed up his tweeter talk). Why couldn't it have been anyone else!?!?!
Game Notes:
The game was the 100th meeting between the two teams who entered the game tied 49-49-1 in the overall series. Now the Jets are ahead.
Patriots linebacker Gary Guyton has the helmet with the green dot, which indicates that he'll again be the one handling radio signals from the sideline.
Former Patriots backup quarterback Kevin O'Connell was serving as the Jets' emergency third QB today, but was also a captain. He was at midfield for the pregame coin toss. I am sure he was able to help the Jets out more than just those roles, having memorized the Patriots playbook while being Brady's backup.
Notable Quotes:
"Give the Jets credit... they outplayed us, outcoached us, played better than we did for 60 minutes. That's the story of the game. We had our chances, but we didn't finish them." -- Patriot Coach Bill Belichick
"We didn't do much, it was poor execution a lot of the time. We all gotta do a better job, I gotta do a better job throwing the ball, being more accurate, making better reads. A lot of things are correctable, that were not so good today. You gotta give the Jets credit, they played a good game, defensively... We had our chances." -- Patriots QB Tom Brady
"I don’t know what fits as embarrassment. We were able to get the job done and got the win today." -- Jets Safety Kerry Rhodes
"You gotta give credit to the Jets, there's no way to sugarcoat or feel sorry for yourselves, they won the game, they beat us and that's it." -- Patriots WR Randy Moss
"This is Week 2. We're 1-1, we'll go back to the drawing board, get ready for Atlanta. There's a long way to go." -- Patriots TE Chris Baker
Scoring:
Stephen Gostkowski boots a 45-yard field goal for the first points of the game. (Pats 3 - Jets 0)
Stephen Gostkowski kicks a 25-yard field goal to increase the Patriots' lead. The scoring drive covered 53 yards on 9 plays over 3:30. (Pats 6 - Jets 0)
Jay Feeley boots a 33-yard field goal to cap a 10-play, 52-yard scoring drive that spanned 5:31.(Pats 6 - Jets 3)
Stephen Gostkowski splits the uprights with a 29-yard field goal to cap a 14-play, 79-yard drive that spanned 5:42. (Pats 9 - Jets 3)
The Jets wasted little time finding the end zone in the second half with Mark Sanchez completing a 45-yard pass to Jerricho Cotchery before a 9-yard touchdown toss to Dustin Keller. (Pats 9 - Jets 10)
Jay Feely booted a 24-yard field goal to cap an 11-play, 49-yard drive that spanned 3:59 (Pats 9 - Jets 13)
Jay Feely split the uprights with a 39-yard field goal on a that drive covered 63 yards on 14 plays over 8:21. (Pats 9 - Jets 16) FINAL
info from boston.com and nfl.com
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Week 2: Putting it on the line
Week 2: Putting it on the line
Glad week one of the NFL season finally came. There were some great games and match-ups to start off the season. Glad my Patriots pulled off the win against the Bills! Last weeks picks went 13-3 (Missed on the 49ers (picked Cardinals), Jets (picked Texans), and Broncos (picked Bengals). Here are the picks for week 2:
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Favored: Falcons
Winner: Falcons - going with the home team!
Minnesota Viking at Detroit Lions
Favored: Vikings
Winner: Vikings - Sorry Lions, tough to pick you any week!
Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers
Favored: Packers
Winner: Packers - Bengals didn't show much last week against the Broncos, and won't match up against the Pack.
Arizona Cardinals at Jacksonville Jaguars
Favored: Jaguars
Winner: Jaguars - Arizona went 0-5 last season flying to the coast...plus the Cardinals are banged up at WR.
Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
Favored: Chiefs
Winner: Raiders - Hard to go against the Chiefs at home, but the vote is still out on Cassel. I think the Raiders running game and defense will come through in this one on the road.
New England Patriots at New York Jets
Favored: Patriots
Winner: Patriots - I never pick against the Patriots. It might be challenging against the Jets, but the Pats defense will baptize Sanchez into the NFL the right way!
New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles
Favored: Saints
Winner: Eagles - This would have been an easier pick with McNabb in the line-up. I just believe the Eagles Defense is going to step it up against the Saints Offense.
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans
Favored: Titans
Winner: Titans - Houston looked flat last week against the Jets. The Titans played tough against the Steelers. Have to go with the home team!
St. Louis Rams at Washington Redskins
Favored: Redskins
Winner: Redskins - Like the lions, it is going to be tough to pick the Rams any week until they show something.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills
Favored: Bills
Winner: Bills - Bills had the Patriots on the ropes last week, and almost pulled off the upset. This week they role over the Buccaneers
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
Favored: 49ers
Winner: Seahawks - This is going to be a close one, and everything points to the 49ers winning at home. That is why I am taking the Seahawks on the road...offense is going to win out over defense in this game.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears
Favored: Steelers
Winner: Steelers - Tough game on the road for the Steelers. Two great defenses playing each other, but the Steelers will trump that with their offense. They just need to keep Matt Forte in check.
Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos
Favored: Broncos
Winner: Broncos - This is a coin toss between two struggling teams. Leaning towards the Broncos at home. If Moreno gets the running game going, it will help the passing game.
Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers
Favored: Chargers
Winner: Chargers - Don't worry about LT not playing, there is more than enough offense to go around. I don't expect Flacco to have another 300 yard week against the San Diego Defense.
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Favored: Cowboys
Winner: Giants - Yes, going against the Cowboys at home! Both teams are equally matched offensively...the Giants win this one on Defense!
Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins
Favored Colts
Winner: Colts - Even short a WR, there is more than enough Colts offense to go around.
Wow, going with seven road teams and against four favorites! But that is why it is called putting it on the line.
Please note, nerangers picks are done for fun only!
Glad week one of the NFL season finally came. There were some great games and match-ups to start off the season. Glad my Patriots pulled off the win against the Bills! Last weeks picks went 13-3 (Missed on the 49ers (picked Cardinals), Jets (picked Texans), and Broncos (picked Bengals). Here are the picks for week 2:
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Favored: Falcons
Winner: Falcons - going with the home team!
Minnesota Viking at Detroit Lions
Favored: Vikings
Winner: Vikings - Sorry Lions, tough to pick you any week!
Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers
Favored: Packers
Winner: Packers - Bengals didn't show much last week against the Broncos, and won't match up against the Pack.
Arizona Cardinals at Jacksonville Jaguars
Favored: Jaguars
Winner: Jaguars - Arizona went 0-5 last season flying to the coast...plus the Cardinals are banged up at WR.
Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
Favored: Chiefs
Winner: Raiders - Hard to go against the Chiefs at home, but the vote is still out on Cassel. I think the Raiders running game and defense will come through in this one on the road.
New England Patriots at New York Jets
Favored: Patriots
Winner: Patriots - I never pick against the Patriots. It might be challenging against the Jets, but the Pats defense will baptize Sanchez into the NFL the right way!
New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles
Favored: Saints
Winner: Eagles - This would have been an easier pick with McNabb in the line-up. I just believe the Eagles Defense is going to step it up against the Saints Offense.
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans
Favored: Titans
Winner: Titans - Houston looked flat last week against the Jets. The Titans played tough against the Steelers. Have to go with the home team!
St. Louis Rams at Washington Redskins
Favored: Redskins
Winner: Redskins - Like the lions, it is going to be tough to pick the Rams any week until they show something.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills
Favored: Bills
Winner: Bills - Bills had the Patriots on the ropes last week, and almost pulled off the upset. This week they role over the Buccaneers
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
Favored: 49ers
Winner: Seahawks - This is going to be a close one, and everything points to the 49ers winning at home. That is why I am taking the Seahawks on the road...offense is going to win out over defense in this game.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears
Favored: Steelers
Winner: Steelers - Tough game on the road for the Steelers. Two great defenses playing each other, but the Steelers will trump that with their offense. They just need to keep Matt Forte in check.
Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos
Favored: Broncos
Winner: Broncos - This is a coin toss between two struggling teams. Leaning towards the Broncos at home. If Moreno gets the running game going, it will help the passing game.
Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers
Favored: Chargers
Winner: Chargers - Don't worry about LT not playing, there is more than enough offense to go around. I don't expect Flacco to have another 300 yard week against the San Diego Defense.
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Favored: Cowboys
Winner: Giants - Yes, going against the Cowboys at home! Both teams are equally matched offensively...the Giants win this one on Defense!
Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins
Favored Colts
Winner: Colts - Even short a WR, there is more than enough Colts offense to go around.
Wow, going with seven road teams and against four favorites! But that is why it is called putting it on the line.
Please note, nerangers picks are done for fun only!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Pats vs Bills: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!
Patriots 25 - Bills 24 (Brady's Back! Patriots pull off a come from behind victory!)
If you shut off the TV with six minutes to go in the game, figuring the Bills were winning 24 to 13 over the Patriots, then you missed quite a game! Never count the Patriots out! The Patriots played well most of the game, but seemed to be out of rhythm in the first half. Then again, Tom Brady has not played in a significant game since Super Bowl 42! The Patriots did not seem to have an answer for shutting down RB Fred Jackson, but did keep Mr. Owens in check for the night. The Patriots definitely have some things to work on, but came up big when it counted!
The Good:
The Patriots pull out an improbable 25-24 triumph over the Bills as TE Benjamin Watson catches two TD passes from QB Tom Brady over the final 130 seconds of play.
Bills returner Leodis McKelvin fumbled on the kickoff return with Pierre Woods stripping the ball after Brandon Meriweather made the initial stop. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski recovered for the Patriots at the Buffalo 31 with 1:56 to go giving the Patriots one more chance to win the game (and they did!).
Terrell Owens was held to just two catches for 46 yards! He looked slow from all the popcorn he has been eating.
Quarterback Tom Brady threw for 378 yards and two TDs and even rushed for 9 yards to try and get a first down!
The Bad:
Fred Jackson produced a 10-yard touchdown reception on a screen pass from Trent Edwards (Bills 24 - Pats 13) with 5:32 left in the fourth quarter.
Linebacker Adalius Thomas picked up a personal foul penalty for unnecessary roughness after whipping Buffalo QB Trent Edwards to ground at the end of a 10-yard sack.
Aaron Schobel intercepted a Tom Brady offering and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown. Coming off a play-action fake, Brady seemed to want to flip the ball over the oncoming defensive linemen to Sammy Morris, but Schobel simply reached up and grabbed the ball, then outraced Morris to the end zone.
The Ugly:
Patriots second-year linebacker Jerod Mayo was shaken up on a play at 4:19 of the first quarter. Trainers attended to Mayo, looking at his right leg (knee area), before he walked off the field under his own power. Mayo never returned to play in the game.
Scoring:
Stephen Gostkowski missed a 41-yard field goal attempt badly to the right (Patriots 0 - Bills 0).
Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards tossed an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Shawn Nelson. The drive covered 68 yards on six players over 3:17. (Patriots 0 - Bills 7)
Fred Taylor's 1-yard touchdown run capped a 14-play, 72-yard drive that spanned 7:12. (Patriots 7 - Bills 7)
Aaron Schobel intercepted a Tom Brady offering and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown. (Patriots 7 - Bills 14)
Buffalo came up with a defensive stand inside its 10 and the Patriots settled for Stephen Gostkowski's 20-yard field goal on the final play of the first half. (Patriots 10 - Bills 14)
Bills kicker Rian Lindell booted a 40-yard field goal to cap a 42-yard, 7-play drive that spanned 3:25. (Patriots 10, bills 17)
Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski booted a 28-yard field goal to cap an 11-play, 66-yard drive that spanned 5:49. (Patriots 13 - Bills 17)
Fred Jackson produced a 10-yard touchdown reception on a screen pass from Trent Edwards. The scoring drive covered 62 yards on 13 over 6:11. (Patriots 13 - Bills 24)
Benjamin Watson reeled in an 18-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady, but the 2-point conversion pass to Watson failed, keeping Buffalo out front by five with little more than two minutes to play. (Patriots 19 - Bills 24)
Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson reeled in a 16-yard touchdown pass -- his second in little more than a minute -- from Tom Brady as the Patriots have improbably come from behind to take the lead over the Bills. (Patriots 25 - Bills 24) FINAL
Game Notes:
Wide Receiver Randy Moss caught back-to-back receptions on the Patriots' first drive of the second half. With 850 career receptions, Moss leapfrogged Rod Smith into 14th place on the NFL's all-time receptions list. For good measure, Moss caught a third straight pass for career reception No. 851, which tied him with Irving Fryar for 13th on the all-time list.
Notable Quotes:
"Well, that was an exciting game — got that one going. It was a great effort by our team. I’m really proud of the players; not that we played our best, but we hung in there. We kept playing, down by 11 with four or five minutes to go in the game and we came back and made the plays we had to make to win." --Patriots Coach Bill Belichick
"That was as close as it gets. There were a lot of situational plays that we needed at the end that we made, and had we not made them, we probably would not have won. But we put ourselves in that position." --Patriots QB Tom Brady
“There wasn’t a plan, you just have to step up. Everyone has to play. No mistakes. Correct your mistakes. If you make a mistake, hopefully you can come back and make a big play. That’s what happened and we came out with a win. That’s what we’re out here for, to win. Buffalo played a hell of a game, we just made the plays when they counted.” -- Patriots LB Pierre Woods
“If I ever had another chance, I would probably do the same thing. Next time I get the opportunity, I am going to hold on and make a better decision." -- Bills CB Leodis McKelvin
“When I caught the ball, I didn’t know if I had two feet inbounds or if my momentum took me into the end zone. If I downed it, it may have been a safety, so I decided to bring it out.” -- Bills CB Leodis McKelvin
info: boston.com
If you shut off the TV with six minutes to go in the game, figuring the Bills were winning 24 to 13 over the Patriots, then you missed quite a game! Never count the Patriots out! The Patriots played well most of the game, but seemed to be out of rhythm in the first half. Then again, Tom Brady has not played in a significant game since Super Bowl 42! The Patriots did not seem to have an answer for shutting down RB Fred Jackson, but did keep Mr. Owens in check for the night. The Patriots definitely have some things to work on, but came up big when it counted!
The Good:
The Patriots pull out an improbable 25-24 triumph over the Bills as TE Benjamin Watson catches two TD passes from QB Tom Brady over the final 130 seconds of play.
Bills returner Leodis McKelvin fumbled on the kickoff return with Pierre Woods stripping the ball after Brandon Meriweather made the initial stop. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski recovered for the Patriots at the Buffalo 31 with 1:56 to go giving the Patriots one more chance to win the game (and they did!).
Terrell Owens was held to just two catches for 46 yards! He looked slow from all the popcorn he has been eating.
Quarterback Tom Brady threw for 378 yards and two TDs and even rushed for 9 yards to try and get a first down!
The Bad:
Fred Jackson produced a 10-yard touchdown reception on a screen pass from Trent Edwards (Bills 24 - Pats 13) with 5:32 left in the fourth quarter.
Linebacker Adalius Thomas picked up a personal foul penalty for unnecessary roughness after whipping Buffalo QB Trent Edwards to ground at the end of a 10-yard sack.
Aaron Schobel intercepted a Tom Brady offering and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown. Coming off a play-action fake, Brady seemed to want to flip the ball over the oncoming defensive linemen to Sammy Morris, but Schobel simply reached up and grabbed the ball, then outraced Morris to the end zone.
The Ugly:
Patriots second-year linebacker Jerod Mayo was shaken up on a play at 4:19 of the first quarter. Trainers attended to Mayo, looking at his right leg (knee area), before he walked off the field under his own power. Mayo never returned to play in the game.
Scoring:
Stephen Gostkowski missed a 41-yard field goal attempt badly to the right (Patriots 0 - Bills 0).
Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards tossed an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Shawn Nelson. The drive covered 68 yards on six players over 3:17. (Patriots 0 - Bills 7)
Fred Taylor's 1-yard touchdown run capped a 14-play, 72-yard drive that spanned 7:12. (Patriots 7 - Bills 7)
Aaron Schobel intercepted a Tom Brady offering and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown. (Patriots 7 - Bills 14)
Buffalo came up with a defensive stand inside its 10 and the Patriots settled for Stephen Gostkowski's 20-yard field goal on the final play of the first half. (Patriots 10 - Bills 14)
Bills kicker Rian Lindell booted a 40-yard field goal to cap a 42-yard, 7-play drive that spanned 3:25. (Patriots 10, bills 17)
Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski booted a 28-yard field goal to cap an 11-play, 66-yard drive that spanned 5:49. (Patriots 13 - Bills 17)
Fred Jackson produced a 10-yard touchdown reception on a screen pass from Trent Edwards. The scoring drive covered 62 yards on 13 over 6:11. (Patriots 13 - Bills 24)
Benjamin Watson reeled in an 18-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady, but the 2-point conversion pass to Watson failed, keeping Buffalo out front by five with little more than two minutes to play. (Patriots 19 - Bills 24)
Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson reeled in a 16-yard touchdown pass -- his second in little more than a minute -- from Tom Brady as the Patriots have improbably come from behind to take the lead over the Bills. (Patriots 25 - Bills 24) FINAL
Game Notes:
Wide Receiver Randy Moss caught back-to-back receptions on the Patriots' first drive of the second half. With 850 career receptions, Moss leapfrogged Rod Smith into 14th place on the NFL's all-time receptions list. For good measure, Moss caught a third straight pass for career reception No. 851, which tied him with Irving Fryar for 13th on the all-time list.
Notable Quotes:
"Well, that was an exciting game — got that one going. It was a great effort by our team. I’m really proud of the players; not that we played our best, but we hung in there. We kept playing, down by 11 with four or five minutes to go in the game and we came back and made the plays we had to make to win." --Patriots Coach Bill Belichick
"That was as close as it gets. There were a lot of situational plays that we needed at the end that we made, and had we not made them, we probably would not have won. But we put ourselves in that position." --Patriots QB Tom Brady
“There wasn’t a plan, you just have to step up. Everyone has to play. No mistakes. Correct your mistakes. If you make a mistake, hopefully you can come back and make a big play. That’s what happened and we came out with a win. That’s what we’re out here for, to win. Buffalo played a hell of a game, we just made the plays when they counted.” -- Patriots LB Pierre Woods
“If I ever had another chance, I would probably do the same thing. Next time I get the opportunity, I am going to hold on and make a better decision." -- Bills CB Leodis McKelvin
“When I caught the ball, I didn’t know if I had two feet inbounds or if my momentum took me into the end zone. If I downed it, it may have been a safety, so I decided to bring it out.” -- Bills CB Leodis McKelvin
info: boston.com
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Hold Out Over - Seymour to the Raiders!
According to multiple reports, former Patriots defensive end Richard Seymour is reporting to the Raiders today, ending the five-day saga that followed his trade from the Patriots to the Raiders last Sunday in exchange for a 2011 first-round pick. Unless Seymour fails his physical with the Raiders, his reporting would consummate the deal for good.
Seymour told the paper he was "blindsided" by the trade and that he planned to be in uniform for Oakland on Monday night when they open the season against the San Diego Chargers.
"When you get blindsided, you should take a moment to gather your thoughts. I have a lot of personal issues more pressing than football." Seymour said the personal issues involved relocating his family to South Carolina after the trade, which forced a significant change of plans for his family.
Seymour told the paper he was "blindsided" by the trade and that he planned to be in uniform for Oakland on Monday night when they open the season against the San Diego Chargers.
"When you get blindsided, you should take a moment to gather your thoughts. I have a lot of personal issues more pressing than football." Seymour said the personal issues involved relocating his family to South Carolina after the trade, which forced a significant change of plans for his family.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Putting it on the line: My 2009 NFL Super Bowl Prediction
Everyone one else does it, so why not me? Here is my 2009 NFL Super Bowl Prediction...with a little help from statistics and my gut!
Bill James invented a formula called the Pythagorean expectation to estimate how many games a team "should" have won based on the number of points they scored and allowed. I won’t go into all the math that is involved, but it is interesting how it can be applied to predict wins for the following season. I like using it to try and predict how NFL teams will do during the season. Based on the criteria the theory uses, here is a list of teams that will improve from last season (played under their potential and will win more games), or regress (played over their potential and will win less games). The Pythagorean expectation usually has about a 75% accuracy rate. Don’t get confused…improving doesn’t imply they will make the play-offs! See Detroit Lions!
Note – the wins in ( ) is how many the team won in 2008.
Teams that should Improve:
Jacksonville Jaguars (5 wins), San Diego Chargers (8 wins), Kansas City Chiefs (2 wins), Philadelphia Eagles (9 wins), Green Bay Packers (6 wins), Detroit Lions (0 wins!), New Orleans Saints (8 wins), Seattle Seahawks (4 wins)
Teams that should Regress:
Miami Dolphins (11 wins), Indianapolis Colts (12 wins), Denver Broncos (8 wins), Dallas Cowboys (9 wins), Washington Redskins (8 wins), Carolina Panthers (12 wins), Atlanta Falcons (11 wins)
My Predictions: (Note - I have five teams not returning to the play-offs from the previous year)
AFC East:
New England Patriots (in play-offs)
Miami Dolphins (out of play-offs)
New York Jets
Buffalo Bills
Notes: The Patriots return to the top of the division, and a first round bye in the play-offs. The Dolphins do regress as predicted – no play-offs this season!
AFC North:
Pittsburgh Steelers (return to play-offs)
Baltimore Ravens (return to play-offs)
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns
Notes: The Super Bowl Champs defend their title and home field during the playoffs…the Ravens right behind them!
AFC South:
Indianapolis Colts (return to play-offs)
Houston Texans (in play-offs)
Tennessee Titans (out of play-offs)
Jacksonville Jaguars
Notes: Although predicted to regress, I think there is too much talent for the Colts not to win the division. Texans beat Titans on tie breaker! Sorry Titans, no play-offs this year. Although predicted to improve, I don’t it will be enough for the Jags against the other three teams in the league.
AFC West:
San Diego Chargers (return to play-offs)
Denver Broncos
Oakland Raiders
Kansas City Chiefs
Notes: Chargers definitely will be improved and win the division again. Regressing sure seems like the right prediction with everything that is going on in Denver! Improving from 2 games shouldn’t take much for the Chiefs. Still will be at the bottom of the division though
NFC East:
Philadelphia Eagles (return to play-offs)
New York Giants (out of play-offs)
Dallas Cowboys
Washington Redskins
Notes: The Eagles are picked to improve, and should win the division and make the play-offs again (last year wild card). The Giants are close but do not make it in this year. The Cowboys and Redskins are both picked to regress…and I can see that happening to both teams.
NFC North:
Green Bay Packers (in play-offs)
Minnesota Vikings (return to play-offs)
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Notes: A much improved Green Bay Packers team wins the division and makes it to the playoffs…a close second will be the Vikings returning to the play-offs by winning a wild card spot. The Lions are listed to improve, so one measly win should not be out of the question this season (they could get lucky against the Rams or the Browns!)
NFC South:
New Orleans Saints (in play-offs)
Carolina Panthers (return to play-offs)
Atlanta Falcons (out of play-offs)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Notes: Saints predicted to improve, and should win the division…Panthers win other wild card slot. The Falcons are close, but do not make it in. Tampa Bay gets first pick in the 2010 draft!
NFC West:
Seattle Seahawks (in play-offs)
Arizona Cardinals (out of play-offs)
San Francisco 49ers
St. Louis Rams
Notes: Seahawks predicted to improve, and should win the division…Cardinals drop out of the play-off hunt. Sorry, last year was a nice run, but a lucky one!
AFC Play-offs:
Steelers – first round bye
Patriots – first round bye
Chargers vs. Texans
Colts vs. Ravens
Steelers vs. Colts
Patriots vs. Chargers
Steelers vs. Patriots
AFC Champion - Patriots
NFC Play-offs:
Eagles – first round bye
Packers – first round bye
Saints vs. Panthers
Seahawks vs. Vikings
Eagles vs. Vikings
Packers vs. Saints
Eagles vs. Packers
NFC Champion - Eagles
Super Bowl: Eagles vs. Patriots (Winner PATRIOTS)
Hey, would you expect anything less from a Patriots fan trapped in Eagles Country??? Would love to have a rematch against Green Bay though!
Bill James invented a formula called the Pythagorean expectation to estimate how many games a team "should" have won based on the number of points they scored and allowed. I won’t go into all the math that is involved, but it is interesting how it can be applied to predict wins for the following season. I like using it to try and predict how NFL teams will do during the season. Based on the criteria the theory uses, here is a list of teams that will improve from last season (played under their potential and will win more games), or regress (played over their potential and will win less games). The Pythagorean expectation usually has about a 75% accuracy rate. Don’t get confused…improving doesn’t imply they will make the play-offs! See Detroit Lions!
Note – the wins in ( ) is how many the team won in 2008.
Teams that should Improve:
Jacksonville Jaguars (5 wins), San Diego Chargers (8 wins), Kansas City Chiefs (2 wins), Philadelphia Eagles (9 wins), Green Bay Packers (6 wins), Detroit Lions (0 wins!), New Orleans Saints (8 wins), Seattle Seahawks (4 wins)
Teams that should Regress:
Miami Dolphins (11 wins), Indianapolis Colts (12 wins), Denver Broncos (8 wins), Dallas Cowboys (9 wins), Washington Redskins (8 wins), Carolina Panthers (12 wins), Atlanta Falcons (11 wins)
My Predictions: (Note - I have five teams not returning to the play-offs from the previous year)
AFC East:
New England Patriots (in play-offs)
Miami Dolphins (out of play-offs)
New York Jets
Buffalo Bills
Notes: The Patriots return to the top of the division, and a first round bye in the play-offs. The Dolphins do regress as predicted – no play-offs this season!
AFC North:
Pittsburgh Steelers (return to play-offs)
Baltimore Ravens (return to play-offs)
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns
Notes: The Super Bowl Champs defend their title and home field during the playoffs…the Ravens right behind them!
AFC South:
Indianapolis Colts (return to play-offs)
Houston Texans (in play-offs)
Tennessee Titans (out of play-offs)
Jacksonville Jaguars
Notes: Although predicted to regress, I think there is too much talent for the Colts not to win the division. Texans beat Titans on tie breaker! Sorry Titans, no play-offs this year. Although predicted to improve, I don’t it will be enough for the Jags against the other three teams in the league.
AFC West:
San Diego Chargers (return to play-offs)
Denver Broncos
Oakland Raiders
Kansas City Chiefs
Notes: Chargers definitely will be improved and win the division again. Regressing sure seems like the right prediction with everything that is going on in Denver! Improving from 2 games shouldn’t take much for the Chiefs. Still will be at the bottom of the division though
NFC East:
Philadelphia Eagles (return to play-offs)
New York Giants (out of play-offs)
Dallas Cowboys
Washington Redskins
Notes: The Eagles are picked to improve, and should win the division and make the play-offs again (last year wild card). The Giants are close but do not make it in this year. The Cowboys and Redskins are both picked to regress…and I can see that happening to both teams.
NFC North:
Green Bay Packers (in play-offs)
Minnesota Vikings (return to play-offs)
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Notes: A much improved Green Bay Packers team wins the division and makes it to the playoffs…a close second will be the Vikings returning to the play-offs by winning a wild card spot. The Lions are listed to improve, so one measly win should not be out of the question this season (they could get lucky against the Rams or the Browns!)
NFC South:
New Orleans Saints (in play-offs)
Carolina Panthers (return to play-offs)
Atlanta Falcons (out of play-offs)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Notes: Saints predicted to improve, and should win the division…Panthers win other wild card slot. The Falcons are close, but do not make it in. Tampa Bay gets first pick in the 2010 draft!
NFC West:
Seattle Seahawks (in play-offs)
Arizona Cardinals (out of play-offs)
San Francisco 49ers
St. Louis Rams
Notes: Seahawks predicted to improve, and should win the division…Cardinals drop out of the play-off hunt. Sorry, last year was a nice run, but a lucky one!
AFC Play-offs:
Steelers – first round bye
Patriots – first round bye
Chargers vs. Texans
Colts vs. Ravens
Steelers vs. Colts
Patriots vs. Chargers
Steelers vs. Patriots
AFC Champion - Patriots
NFC Play-offs:
Eagles – first round bye
Packers – first round bye
Saints vs. Panthers
Seahawks vs. Vikings
Eagles vs. Vikings
Packers vs. Saints
Eagles vs. Packers
NFC Champion - Eagles
Super Bowl: Eagles vs. Patriots (Winner PATRIOTS)
Hey, would you expect anything less from a Patriots fan trapped in Eagles Country??? Would love to have a rematch against Green Bay though!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Patriot News and Moves
The Patriots have traded defensive lineman Richard Seymour to the Oakland Raiders for a 2011 first-round draft choice. Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports the Oakland Raiders will use DL Richard Seymour as a right end and occasionally slide him inside. Cable said he's talked with Seymour, and Seymour told him he wants to be with the Raiders. "We have attempted to make a deal. There are some issues still between him and the Patriots that are being worked out. Hoping that will be resolved as quickly as possible. We know that the player wants to be here, but we have no control really over those issues. That’s really all I’m going to talk about it for now."
Former Patriots quarterback Kevin O'Connell has been traded to the New York Jets. O'Connell was waived by the Patriots last Monday and was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions, who used the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft to select Matthew Stafford. It's possible that Rex Ryan is looking for an edge by bringing in O'Connell to get information on the Patriots, who play the Jets at the Meadowlands on Sept. 20.
The Patriots released receiver Greg Lewis. Lewis, a seven-year veteran, was acquired from the Eagles in March. The Patriots acquired Lewis along with a seventh-round draft choice for a fifth-round draft pick.
The Patriots announced that DT Titus Adams, WR Terrence Nunn and DT Darryl Richard have been signed to the practice squad. All three players were with the team in training camp.
The Patriots announced that they have added four players to their practice squad:
T Patrick Brown, DL Adrian Grady, QB Isaiah Stanback, and CB DeAngelo Willingham
Former Patriots offensive lineman Ryan O'Callaghan has been awarded to the Kansas City Chiefs on waivers.
The Patriots have claimed safety Bret Lockett on waivers from the Cleveland Browns. Lockett, who played in college at UCLA, had signed with the Browns as a rookie free agent after the draft.
Former Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who retired last Monday after 13 seasons in New England, didn't take long to find a post-pro football career. Bruschi is going to be part of ESPN's football lineup, the network confirmed.
Former Patriots quarterback Kevin O'Connell has been traded to the New York Jets. O'Connell was waived by the Patriots last Monday and was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions, who used the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft to select Matthew Stafford. It's possible that Rex Ryan is looking for an edge by bringing in O'Connell to get information on the Patriots, who play the Jets at the Meadowlands on Sept. 20.
The Patriots released receiver Greg Lewis. Lewis, a seven-year veteran, was acquired from the Eagles in March. The Patriots acquired Lewis along with a seventh-round draft choice for a fifth-round draft pick.
The Patriots announced that DT Titus Adams, WR Terrence Nunn and DT Darryl Richard have been signed to the practice squad. All three players were with the team in training camp.
The Patriots announced that they have added four players to their practice squad:
T Patrick Brown, DL Adrian Grady, QB Isaiah Stanback, and CB DeAngelo Willingham
Former Patriots offensive lineman Ryan O'Callaghan has been awarded to the Kansas City Chiefs on waivers.
The Patriots have claimed safety Bret Lockett on waivers from the Cleveland Browns. Lockett, who played in college at UCLA, had signed with the Browns as a rookie free agent after the draft.
Former Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who retired last Monday after 13 seasons in New England, didn't take long to find a post-pro football career. Bruschi is going to be part of ESPN's football lineup, the network confirmed.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Here are your New England Patriots!
Here is the breakdown of the Patriots' 53-man roster:
Quarterback (2): Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer (Note - it will be interesting to see if the Patriots go after a Veteran QB, since Hoyer was an undrafted rookie)
Running back (5): Kevin Faulk, Fred Taylor, Laurence Maroney, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Sammy Morris (No real surprise here that the Patriots held five RBs, especially where three are over the age of 30,,,RB Chris Taylor (shoulder) has also been placed on IR)
Tight end (3): Chris Baker, Benjamin Watson, Michael Matthews (Note - A suprise that Dave Thomas was traded to the Saints, and that the Patriots picked up Matthews from the Giants. The Patriots had given up a 2010 fifth round pick for Alex Smith who was cut)
Receiver (6): Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Joey Galloway, Greg Lewis, Julian Edelman, Sam Aiken
Offensive line (9): Matt Light, Logan Mankins, Dan Koppen, Stephen Neal, Nick Kaczur, Sebastian Vollmer, Rich Ohrnberger, Ryan Wendell, Dan Connolly
Defensive line (7): Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Richard Seymour, Jarvis Green, Ron Brace, Myron Pryor, Mike Wright
Hybrid defensive end/linebacker (2): Derrick Burgess, Tully Banta-Cain
Linebacker (6): Jerod Mayo, Adalius Thomas, Gary Guyton, Pierre Woods, Eric Alexander, Rob Ninkovich (Note - Rob Ninkovich made the team in place of Ray Ventrone ... George Bussey (knee) on season-ending injured reserve, Shawn Crable (groin) has been placed on season-ending injured reserve)
Cornerback (5): Shawn Springs, Leigh Bodden, Jonathan Wilhite, Darius Butler, Terrence Wheatley
Safety (5): Brandon Meriweather, James Sanders, Pat Chung, Brandon McGowan, Matthew Slater
Specialists (3): Stephen Gostkowski (K), Chris Hanson (P), Jake Ingram (LS)
The Patriots released the following players today:
DL Titus Adams
OL Wesley Britt
CB Herana-Daze Jones
LB Paris Lenon
CB Jamar Love
WR Terrence Nunn
OL Ryan O'Callaghan
DL Darryl Richard
TE Alex Smith
S/WR Ray Ventrone
Quarterback (2): Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer (Note - it will be interesting to see if the Patriots go after a Veteran QB, since Hoyer was an undrafted rookie)
Running back (5): Kevin Faulk, Fred Taylor, Laurence Maroney, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Sammy Morris (No real surprise here that the Patriots held five RBs, especially where three are over the age of 30,,,RB Chris Taylor (shoulder) has also been placed on IR)
Tight end (3): Chris Baker, Benjamin Watson, Michael Matthews (Note - A suprise that Dave Thomas was traded to the Saints, and that the Patriots picked up Matthews from the Giants. The Patriots had given up a 2010 fifth round pick for Alex Smith who was cut)
Receiver (6): Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Joey Galloway, Greg Lewis, Julian Edelman, Sam Aiken
Offensive line (9): Matt Light, Logan Mankins, Dan Koppen, Stephen Neal, Nick Kaczur, Sebastian Vollmer, Rich Ohrnberger, Ryan Wendell, Dan Connolly
Defensive line (7): Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Richard Seymour, Jarvis Green, Ron Brace, Myron Pryor, Mike Wright
Hybrid defensive end/linebacker (2): Derrick Burgess, Tully Banta-Cain
Linebacker (6): Jerod Mayo, Adalius Thomas, Gary Guyton, Pierre Woods, Eric Alexander, Rob Ninkovich (Note - Rob Ninkovich made the team in place of Ray Ventrone ... George Bussey (knee) on season-ending injured reserve, Shawn Crable (groin) has been placed on season-ending injured reserve)
Cornerback (5): Shawn Springs, Leigh Bodden, Jonathan Wilhite, Darius Butler, Terrence Wheatley
Safety (5): Brandon Meriweather, James Sanders, Pat Chung, Brandon McGowan, Matthew Slater
Specialists (3): Stephen Gostkowski (K), Chris Hanson (P), Jake Ingram (LS)
The Patriots released the following players today:
DL Titus Adams
OL Wesley Britt
CB Herana-Daze Jones
LB Paris Lenon
CB Jamar Love
WR Terrence Nunn
OL Ryan O'Callaghan
DL Darryl Richard
TE Alex Smith
S/WR Ray Ventrone
Friday, September 4, 2009
Patriots: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Pre-season game 4)
Patriots 38 - Giants 27
The Good:
The Patriots scored 38 of the game's final 41 points to rally from a three-touchdown, first-quarter deficit. New England wraps the exhibition season at 3-1 overall, its only loss a 7-6 defeat here at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis rumbled on a 32-yard touchdown run, his third touchdown of the night. His other two TDs were 1 yard runs.
Defensive back Brandon McGowan returned an errant Andre Woodson offering 27 yards for the Patriots first score of the night.
Rookie wide receiver Terrence Nunn returned a kickoff 49 yards and also drew an unnecessary roughness penalty on kicker Lawrence Tynes (tackling out of bounds) to set up a short field.
The Bad:
The Giants completed all nine passes they attempted against the Patriots' reserve defense for 229 yards and 3 TDs to open a big lead early. David Carr was 6 of 6 passing for 153 yards and 2 TDs, while receiver Sinorice Moss reeled in a pair of touchdown catches.
Special teamer Matthew Slater injured his left arm while returning a kickoff after the Giants' third score of the night. Slater tried to brace his fall with an extended arm and it bent at an odd angle.
The Ugly:
Can't be too critical since it is the fourth exibition game of the season. Most of the starters were not playing.
Game Notes:
Patriots owner Robert Kraft used "executive privilege" to add recently retired linebacker Tedy Bruschi to the team's 50th anniversary squad, naming the 13-year standout the defensive captain.
This year, less than a week after the Patriots released second-year QB Kevin O'Connell, Bill Belichick gave all the snaps to undrafted rookie Brian Hoyer while veteran Andrew Walter remained on the sideline. Hoyer completed 18 of 25 passes for 242 yards for one touchdown with no interceptions. (Note - Andrew Walter's was cut by the Patriots the next day)
Quotes:
"OK, well that’s, I thought, a good way for us to end the preseason. Obviously, spotting them 21 points isn’t the way we want to start the game. But I thought we came back, competed hard and played at a good level after we kind of got the things righted a little bit there in the second quarter." -- Patriots Coach Bill Belichick
“The game is four quarters. We were down early but we try to play four quarters and try to pull out the win and keep doing our job and keep competing on every play and things just turned around for us.” -- Patriot RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
“I just looked to help backside and he threw me ball. I looked at him, but I didn’t expect him to throw it since I was sitting right there. Obviously he gave me a gift.” -- Patriots S Brandon McGowan
Additional News:
The Patriots have released backup quarterback Andrew Walter. Walter's release leaves the Patriots with just Tom Brady and rookie Brian Hoyer at quarterback and could be a precursor to the acquisition of a veteran backup QB.
Info from Reiss Pieces, boston.com
The Good:
The Patriots scored 38 of the game's final 41 points to rally from a three-touchdown, first-quarter deficit. New England wraps the exhibition season at 3-1 overall, its only loss a 7-6 defeat here at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis rumbled on a 32-yard touchdown run, his third touchdown of the night. His other two TDs were 1 yard runs.
Defensive back Brandon McGowan returned an errant Andre Woodson offering 27 yards for the Patriots first score of the night.
Rookie wide receiver Terrence Nunn returned a kickoff 49 yards and also drew an unnecessary roughness penalty on kicker Lawrence Tynes (tackling out of bounds) to set up a short field.
The Bad:
The Giants completed all nine passes they attempted against the Patriots' reserve defense for 229 yards and 3 TDs to open a big lead early. David Carr was 6 of 6 passing for 153 yards and 2 TDs, while receiver Sinorice Moss reeled in a pair of touchdown catches.
Special teamer Matthew Slater injured his left arm while returning a kickoff after the Giants' third score of the night. Slater tried to brace his fall with an extended arm and it bent at an odd angle.
The Ugly:
Can't be too critical since it is the fourth exibition game of the season. Most of the starters were not playing.
Game Notes:
Patriots owner Robert Kraft used "executive privilege" to add recently retired linebacker Tedy Bruschi to the team's 50th anniversary squad, naming the 13-year standout the defensive captain.
This year, less than a week after the Patriots released second-year QB Kevin O'Connell, Bill Belichick gave all the snaps to undrafted rookie Brian Hoyer while veteran Andrew Walter remained on the sideline. Hoyer completed 18 of 25 passes for 242 yards for one touchdown with no interceptions. (Note - Andrew Walter's was cut by the Patriots the next day)
Quotes:
"OK, well that’s, I thought, a good way for us to end the preseason. Obviously, spotting them 21 points isn’t the way we want to start the game. But I thought we came back, competed hard and played at a good level after we kind of got the things righted a little bit there in the second quarter." -- Patriots Coach Bill Belichick
“The game is four quarters. We were down early but we try to play four quarters and try to pull out the win and keep doing our job and keep competing on every play and things just turned around for us.” -- Patriot RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
“I just looked to help backside and he threw me ball. I looked at him, but I didn’t expect him to throw it since I was sitting right there. Obviously he gave me a gift.” -- Patriots S Brandon McGowan
Additional News:
The Patriots have released backup quarterback Andrew Walter. Walter's release leaves the Patriots with just Tom Brady and rookie Brian Hoyer at quarterback and could be a precursor to the acquisition of a veteran backup QB.
Info from Reiss Pieces, boston.com
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Patriot News and Moves (Brady, Bruschi, and more)
Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi announced his retirement at an "important player announcement" Monday morning (10:45) at Gillette Stadium. Bill Belichick was emotional when speaking of Tedy Bruschi, calling him the “perfect player.”
QB Tom Brady's shoulder should be fine: Christopher L. Gasper, of The Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots QB Tom Brady (shoulder) still has a sore right shoulder, but a source close to the situation said there are not any concerns about it at this time.
The Patriots confirmed the release of quarterback Kevin O'Connell today, and also released veteran long-snapper Nathan Hodel. The departure of Hodel appears to signal that rookie Jake Ingram has won the long-snapping job. -- Reiss Pieces, Boston.com
Patriots interested in QB A.J. Feeley? Jason LaConfora, from NFL Network, reports New England is one of several teams looking at veteran options at the quarterback position. The Patriots are among the many teams to express an interest in Philadelphia's A.J. Feeley. Some execs believe New England is where Feeley will end up, but, according to a source, the Eagles do not plan on parting with Feeley until they know how long Michael Vick will have to sit out. -- Jason LaConfora - NFL Network
•Rookie ILB Tyrone McKenzie (knee) has been placed on season-ending injured reserve.
•OT Mark LeVoir (shoulder) has been placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list.
•Rookie WR Brandon Tate (knee) has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.
QB Tom Brady's shoulder should be fine: Christopher L. Gasper, of The Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots QB Tom Brady (shoulder) still has a sore right shoulder, but a source close to the situation said there are not any concerns about it at this time.
The Patriots confirmed the release of quarterback Kevin O'Connell today, and also released veteran long-snapper Nathan Hodel. The departure of Hodel appears to signal that rookie Jake Ingram has won the long-snapping job. -- Reiss Pieces, Boston.com
Patriots interested in QB A.J. Feeley? Jason LaConfora, from NFL Network, reports New England is one of several teams looking at veteran options at the quarterback position. The Patriots are among the many teams to express an interest in Philadelphia's A.J. Feeley. Some execs believe New England is where Feeley will end up, but, according to a source, the Eagles do not plan on parting with Feeley until they know how long Michael Vick will have to sit out. -- Jason LaConfora - NFL Network
•Rookie ILB Tyrone McKenzie (knee) has been placed on season-ending injured reserve.
•OT Mark LeVoir (shoulder) has been placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list.
•Rookie WR Brandon Tate (knee) has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.
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