Patriots vs. Buccaneers (35 - 7)
The Good:
Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes and had more than 300 yards as the Patriots (5-2) beat the Buccaneers 35-7 at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather intercepted Josh Johnson on Tampa Bay's first two drives, including a 39-yard pick-six on the Bucs' opening drive, after which the Patriots never trailed. Meriweather finished with two tackles to go along with his pair of interceptions.
For the Patriots, it was their first victory on the road this season after losses at the New York Jets and Denver Broncos.
The Bad:
The Buccaneers forced Brady into two interceptions, but followed both takeaways with a three-and-out.
The Ugly:
Patriots DE Ty Warren was carted to the locker room with an ankle injury and did not return.
Game Notes:
Tom Brady threw two interceptions, breaking a streak of 184 pass attempts without an interception.
New England has at least one takeaway in 14 straight games.
With two receptions, New England's Kevin Faulk became the 26th RB in NFL history to reach 500 receptions.
Notable Quotes:
"I'm feeling great," Brady said. "I keep rolling. That's two wins in a row. We went out there and put two touchdowns on the board there in the second half. We had plenty of distractions coming over here, but everybody was really energized. To get the win and fly home and have a (bye) week off is just great."
"It's a great way to end this week," Bill Belichick said. "It's been an enjoyable couple days here and glad we could end it on a positive note."
Patriots vs. Titans (59 - 0)
The Good:
It took six weeks, but Brady finally looked like himself, albeit against the Titans' 31st-ranked pass defense. Playing in the rain and snow, Brady completed 19 of his first 20 passes, displaying the accuracy -- especially on the long ball -- that was missing from his first five starts. Brady finished 29 of 34 with 380 yards and tied a career-high with six touchdowns before he was replaced by rookie QB Brian Hoyer on New England's second drive in the third quarter.
Patriots LB Junior Seau was active for the Patriots, finishing with two tackles and a fumble recovery.
Wes Welker caught 10 passes for a career-high 150 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bad:
When you win 59 - 0, not too many things could go bad.
The Ugly:
Patriots RB Sammy Morris left the game in the first quarter with a knee injury and did not return.
Game Notes:
The Patriots' 59 points on 619 total yards are both franchise records. They scored 45 points in the first half, the most for any team in a half since 2002.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
NFL Week 7: Putting it on the Line
Just returned from vacation, but wanted to at least get my picks done. :-)
Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals
Pick - Bengals (coin toss): The Bengals have won four straight over the Bear. The Bears' second-year running back has been a disappointment so far this year. He has more fumbles (three) than touchdowns (one) and is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. Tough to go against the Bears coming off the bye week, but leaning to the Bengals at home.
Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns
Pick - Packers: Green Bay hasn't played in Cleveland since 1995 (Green Bay has split its last four games with Cleveland). Rodgers has been sacked a league-high 25 times. The Browns' best chance to score may come with Cribbs returning punts or kicks or scrambling out of the Wildcat formation. Taking the Packers on the road.
San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans
Pick - Texans (coin toss): Schaub has put up stunning statistics. He has 1,644 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and only four interceptions in the past five weeks. After a lengthy holdout, San Francisco's rookie wide receiver is expected to see plenty of action against the Texans and may even get the start. Frank Gore will be returning from his Ankle injury. Giving the edge to the Texans at home.
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
Pick - Chargers: San Diego has won four of the past five meetings. San Diego swept Kansas City last season, winning each game by a single point. Chiefs QB Matt Cassel has thrown 132 consecutive passes without an interception. The Chargers should have enough offensive weapons to win this game on the road.
Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick - Vikings (coin toss): The teams have split their last eight meetings. Despite suffering a defensive meltdown in the fourth quarter, the Vikings survived to beat the Ravens, 33-31, when Baltimore kicker Steven Hauschka missed a 44-yard field goal try as time expired. QB Brett Favre aims for his fourth straight game with a 100-plus passer rating. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has a 9-1 record against the NFC at home. Since 2007, the Steelers lead the AFC with 104 sacks. Tough to pick against the Steelers, but they are struggling to hold on at the end of games.
Indianapolis Colts at St. Louis Rams
Pick - Colts: Indianapolis has a league-high 14-game regular-season winning streak. Since 2004, the Colts are 48-7 when Manning has at least two touchdown passes. Just can't imagine the Rams having the upset here, even playing at home. Colts didn't need the bye week to prepare.
New England Patriots vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (in London)
Pick - Patriots: These teams have met only six times and the Patriots have won four of those matchups. Tampa Bay has given up the league's third-most passing touchdowns (13) and is allowing opposing quarterbacks a 101.0 passer rating this season. Tom Brady threw for five touchdowns in the second quarter as the Patriots leveled the Titans, 59-0. This is a great matchup for the Patriots to win overseas.
Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers
Pick - Panthers: Carolina QB Jake Delhomme has won eight of his last 10 games against the AFC. When Jonathan Stewart has at least 14 carries, the Panthers are 9-0. Take the Panthers at home.
New York Jets at Oakland Raiders
Pick - Jets: Thomas Jones rushed for a career-high 210 yards last week. JaMarcus Russell has 10 turnovers already this season and Ryan's aggressive scheme is built around forcing mistakes from the opposing quarterback and creating takeaways. Leaning towards the Jets on the road.
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys
Pick - Cowboys (coin toss): Dallas has won four of the past six meetings. Marion Barber has the most rushing touchdowns in the NFC since 2006 with 34. Jason Witten has 422 receptions since 2004, the second-highest number among tight ends. Actually feel Atlanta is a better team, but the Cowboys have had an extra week to prepare.
New Orleans Saints at Miami Dolphins
Pick - Saints: While Brees and the Saints' passing offense gets all the attention, it is actually the running game that is ranked in the top five this season. The Saints are averaging the most points in the league (38.4). Brees has won five straight against the AFC. The Dolphins are 12-8 after a bye. Miami has won two straight at home. Take the Saints until they show they can actually be beaten.
Arizona Cardinals at New York Giants
Pick - Giants (coin toss): The Cardinals established a new team record by allowing just 14 rushing yards last week. The Giants pride themselves on having one of the best and deepest defensive lines in the NFL. That unit, however, is coming off perhaps its worst game of the year against the Saints. Look for the Giants to bounce back at home.
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins
Pick - Eagles: The Redskins have won three of the past four meeting. Washington's offensive struggles continued in a 14-6 loss to previously winless Kansas City. Philadelphia suffered a 13-9 upset loss in Oakland. Still shocked that the Eagles lost to the Raiders last week...look for the birds to get back on track on the road.
Please note, nerangers picks are done for fun only!
Stat info from NFL.COM
wk1: 13-3, wk2: 8-8, wk3: 14-2, wk4: 14-0 wk5: 9-5 wk6: 9-5
Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals
Pick - Bengals (coin toss): The Bengals have won four straight over the Bear. The Bears' second-year running back has been a disappointment so far this year. He has more fumbles (three) than touchdowns (one) and is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. Tough to go against the Bears coming off the bye week, but leaning to the Bengals at home.
Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns
Pick - Packers: Green Bay hasn't played in Cleveland since 1995 (Green Bay has split its last four games with Cleveland). Rodgers has been sacked a league-high 25 times. The Browns' best chance to score may come with Cribbs returning punts or kicks or scrambling out of the Wildcat formation. Taking the Packers on the road.
San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans
Pick - Texans (coin toss): Schaub has put up stunning statistics. He has 1,644 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and only four interceptions in the past five weeks. After a lengthy holdout, San Francisco's rookie wide receiver is expected to see plenty of action against the Texans and may even get the start. Frank Gore will be returning from his Ankle injury. Giving the edge to the Texans at home.
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
Pick - Chargers: San Diego has won four of the past five meetings. San Diego swept Kansas City last season, winning each game by a single point. Chiefs QB Matt Cassel has thrown 132 consecutive passes without an interception. The Chargers should have enough offensive weapons to win this game on the road.
Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick - Vikings (coin toss): The teams have split their last eight meetings. Despite suffering a defensive meltdown in the fourth quarter, the Vikings survived to beat the Ravens, 33-31, when Baltimore kicker Steven Hauschka missed a 44-yard field goal try as time expired. QB Brett Favre aims for his fourth straight game with a 100-plus passer rating. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has a 9-1 record against the NFC at home. Since 2007, the Steelers lead the AFC with 104 sacks. Tough to pick against the Steelers, but they are struggling to hold on at the end of games.
Indianapolis Colts at St. Louis Rams
Pick - Colts: Indianapolis has a league-high 14-game regular-season winning streak. Since 2004, the Colts are 48-7 when Manning has at least two touchdown passes. Just can't imagine the Rams having the upset here, even playing at home. Colts didn't need the bye week to prepare.
New England Patriots vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (in London)
Pick - Patriots: These teams have met only six times and the Patriots have won four of those matchups. Tampa Bay has given up the league's third-most passing touchdowns (13) and is allowing opposing quarterbacks a 101.0 passer rating this season. Tom Brady threw for five touchdowns in the second quarter as the Patriots leveled the Titans, 59-0. This is a great matchup for the Patriots to win overseas.
Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers
Pick - Panthers: Carolina QB Jake Delhomme has won eight of his last 10 games against the AFC. When Jonathan Stewart has at least 14 carries, the Panthers are 9-0. Take the Panthers at home.
New York Jets at Oakland Raiders
Pick - Jets: Thomas Jones rushed for a career-high 210 yards last week. JaMarcus Russell has 10 turnovers already this season and Ryan's aggressive scheme is built around forcing mistakes from the opposing quarterback and creating takeaways. Leaning towards the Jets on the road.
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys
Pick - Cowboys (coin toss): Dallas has won four of the past six meetings. Marion Barber has the most rushing touchdowns in the NFC since 2006 with 34. Jason Witten has 422 receptions since 2004, the second-highest number among tight ends. Actually feel Atlanta is a better team, but the Cowboys have had an extra week to prepare.
New Orleans Saints at Miami Dolphins
Pick - Saints: While Brees and the Saints' passing offense gets all the attention, it is actually the running game that is ranked in the top five this season. The Saints are averaging the most points in the league (38.4). Brees has won five straight against the AFC. The Dolphins are 12-8 after a bye. Miami has won two straight at home. Take the Saints until they show they can actually be beaten.
Arizona Cardinals at New York Giants
Pick - Giants (coin toss): The Cardinals established a new team record by allowing just 14 rushing yards last week. The Giants pride themselves on having one of the best and deepest defensive lines in the NFL. That unit, however, is coming off perhaps its worst game of the year against the Saints. Look for the Giants to bounce back at home.
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins
Pick - Eagles: The Redskins have won three of the past four meeting. Washington's offensive struggles continued in a 14-6 loss to previously winless Kansas City. Philadelphia suffered a 13-9 upset loss in Oakland. Still shocked that the Eagles lost to the Raiders last week...look for the birds to get back on track on the road.
Please note, nerangers picks are done for fun only!
Stat info from NFL.COM
wk1: 13-3, wk2: 8-8, wk3: 14-2, wk4: 14-0 wk5: 9-5 wk6: 9-5
Saturday, October 17, 2009
NFL Week 6: Putting it on the Line
Tough week for picks...lots of coin tosses. Let's look at how Week 6 in the NFL could unfold.
Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals
Pick - Bengals: (coin toss) The Bengals had a 3-0 series lead, until losing last season. They now have a 3-1 edge. For the fifth consecutive week, Cincinnati played a game that was decided in the final minute. Houston was stuffed four times at the goal line in the final minute at Arizona and lost, 28-21. In games against three of the top six run-stopping units in the league (Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Denver), Ced Benson has averaged 91 yards and a touchdown. Now he gets to play the Texans' 26th-ranked run defense.
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
Pick - Packers: Green Bay has owned Detroit over the last decade, having won 15 of the last 17 meetings. The main culprit for Green Bay's sluggish 2-2 start has been its offensive line. The Packers have surrendered a league-high 20 sacks. The Lions have improved from last in total defense to 22nd this year. Lions' Matthew Stafford, and Calvin Johnson still out with knee injuries. Doubt the Packers needed the bye week to prepare for the Lions.
St. Louis Rams at Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick - Jaguars: The Rams were undone by four turnovers in a 38-10 blowout loss to the Vikings. ... Jacksonville showed up in Seattle, but did not exactly perform, in a 41-0 loss to the Seahawks. Backup Kyle Boller failed to energize the Rams' offense in his two-game stint as a starter and now Bulger returns after sitting out with a shoulder injury. WR Mike Sims-Walker was held out last week for the Jags for breaking team rules.
Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings
Pick - Vikings: (coin toss) Baltimore fell victim to Cincinnati's latest fourth-quarter rally, losing 17-14 at home. ... Minnesota jumped on St. Louis early and coasted to a 38-10 victory. Over its two-game losing skid, Baltimore has been called for 19 penalties, resulting in 161 penalty yards. After getting sacked nine times in the first three games, Favre has been taken down just twice in the last two weeks. It may get tougher to avoid sacks against a Ravens defense that already has 11 sacks. Minnesota QB Brett Favre is 5-0 for the first time in his career.
New York Giants at New Orlean Saints
Pick - Saints: (coin toss) Giants Defense vs. Saints Offense! The Giants have won four of the past six meetings. Giants QB Eli Manning, who grew up in New Orleans, is 6-1 as a starter indoors, including a win in Super Bowl XLIII. New Orleans is averaging 36 points per game, which leads the NFL. Coming off the bye week, and playing at home gives the edge to the Saints, although the Giants are the better team in the NFC.
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick - Steelers: The Steelers have beaten the Browns 11 straight time. Pittsburgh's Pro Bowl safety has not played since he suffered a knee injury in Week 1. His absence has had an impact on a Steelers pass defense that has slipped to 14th. Anderson is coming off the worst statistical game of his career, having completed 2-of-17 passes for just 23 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. Steelers have struggled late in games lately...shouldn't be an issue this Sunday though.
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick - Panthers: The two teams have split their last four meetings. Carolina got its first victory of the season by rallying past Washington, 20-17. ... Tampa Bay was unable to keep up with Philadelphia and suffered a 33-14 loss. Panthers QB Jake Delhomme is 8-2 in 10 career starts against the Buccaneers. TE Kellen Winslow had his first 100-yard receiving game for the Buccaneers last week, with nine receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Look for the Panthers to win on the road.
Kansas City Chiefs at Washington Redskins
Pick - Redskins: (coin toss) The Chiefs have dominated this matchup, owning a 6-1 overall series edge. Chiefs LB Mike Vrabel recorded his 11th career touchdown catch last week. ... Kansas City QB Matt Cassel is going for his fourth straight game with two touchdown passes. ... When RB Clinton Portis rushes for 100-plus yards, his teams are 33-10. Going with the home team...only real advantage the Redskins have in this game.
Philadelphia Eagles at Oakland Raiders
Pick - Eagles: Beyond issues with accuracy, decision-making and reading defenses, Russell's biggest problem in recent weeks has been his ability to keep hold of the ball. He has lost four fumbles in the past two weeks. The Eagles have an attacking defense that has forced five fumbles this season, so Russell could be in trouble if he does not improve his ball security.
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks
Pick - Seahawks: (coin toss) Arizona used a goal-line stand to hold off visiting Houston, 28-21. ... Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck had four touchdown passes as the Seahawks leveled the Jaguars, 41-0. In three home games, the Seahawks have 10 sacks (they have only four in two road games) and are allowing just eight points a game. The Cardinals can put up the points though.
Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots
Pick - Patriots: New England struggled offensively in the second half and allowed Denver to rally for a 20-17 overtime win. ... The Titans fell to 0-5 with a 31-9 home loss to the Colts. Since 2007, Tom Brady is 12-0 at Gillette Stadium with 25 touchdowns and just five interceptions. While Brady is completing 61.7 percent of his passes, his precision has deserted him at key moments this season. Tennessee is better than the record reflects, but the Patriots should have enough to get it done at home.
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
Pick - Jets: The Bills have won three of the past five meetings. Buffalo's offense continued to sputter in a 6-3 loss to Cleveland. ... A thrilling Monday Night Football game ended with the Jets suffering a 31-27 defeat at the hands of the Dolphins. In his first game with the Jets, Edwards was sensational, catching five passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. QB Mark Sanchez has a touchdown pass in four of the Jets' five games.
Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons
Pick - Falcons: (coin toss) The Bears have won eight of the last 10. Chicago has struggled to contain opponent's top receivers this season and White is coming off his best game of the year. The Falcons are likely to challenge a vulnerable Bears secondary by getting the ball to White on a variety of patterns. The Georgia Dome is a tough place to play and the Falcons' offense is especially potent on its home turf. Jay Cutler is the first Bears quarterback since 1970 to post a 100-plus passer rating in three straight games. Look for a close game, but Matty Ice wins it at home.
Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers
Pick - Broncos: (coin toss) The Chargers have won five of the last six meetings, are at home and coming off a bye. That should be enough reasons to pick them. Though to go against them, but the Broncos are firing on all pistons right now. Broncos QB Kyle Orton is 26-12 as a starter. ... Denver RB Knowshon Moreno leads all rookies with 337 rushing yards. ... Chargers QB Philip Rivers is 4-0 on Monday Night Football with a 106.9 passer rating.
Please note, nerangers picks are done for fun only!
Stat info from NFL.COM
wk1: 13-3, wk2: 8-8, wk3: 14-2, wk4: 14-0 wk5: 9-5
Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals
Pick - Bengals: (coin toss) The Bengals had a 3-0 series lead, until losing last season. They now have a 3-1 edge. For the fifth consecutive week, Cincinnati played a game that was decided in the final minute. Houston was stuffed four times at the goal line in the final minute at Arizona and lost, 28-21. In games against three of the top six run-stopping units in the league (Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Denver), Ced Benson has averaged 91 yards and a touchdown. Now he gets to play the Texans' 26th-ranked run defense.
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
Pick - Packers: Green Bay has owned Detroit over the last decade, having won 15 of the last 17 meetings. The main culprit for Green Bay's sluggish 2-2 start has been its offensive line. The Packers have surrendered a league-high 20 sacks. The Lions have improved from last in total defense to 22nd this year. Lions' Matthew Stafford, and Calvin Johnson still out with knee injuries. Doubt the Packers needed the bye week to prepare for the Lions.
St. Louis Rams at Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick - Jaguars: The Rams were undone by four turnovers in a 38-10 blowout loss to the Vikings. ... Jacksonville showed up in Seattle, but did not exactly perform, in a 41-0 loss to the Seahawks. Backup Kyle Boller failed to energize the Rams' offense in his two-game stint as a starter and now Bulger returns after sitting out with a shoulder injury. WR Mike Sims-Walker was held out last week for the Jags for breaking team rules.
Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings
Pick - Vikings: (coin toss) Baltimore fell victim to Cincinnati's latest fourth-quarter rally, losing 17-14 at home. ... Minnesota jumped on St. Louis early and coasted to a 38-10 victory. Over its two-game losing skid, Baltimore has been called for 19 penalties, resulting in 161 penalty yards. After getting sacked nine times in the first three games, Favre has been taken down just twice in the last two weeks. It may get tougher to avoid sacks against a Ravens defense that already has 11 sacks. Minnesota QB Brett Favre is 5-0 for the first time in his career.
New York Giants at New Orlean Saints
Pick - Saints: (coin toss) Giants Defense vs. Saints Offense! The Giants have won four of the past six meetings. Giants QB Eli Manning, who grew up in New Orleans, is 6-1 as a starter indoors, including a win in Super Bowl XLIII. New Orleans is averaging 36 points per game, which leads the NFL. Coming off the bye week, and playing at home gives the edge to the Saints, although the Giants are the better team in the NFC.
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick - Steelers: The Steelers have beaten the Browns 11 straight time. Pittsburgh's Pro Bowl safety has not played since he suffered a knee injury in Week 1. His absence has had an impact on a Steelers pass defense that has slipped to 14th. Anderson is coming off the worst statistical game of his career, having completed 2-of-17 passes for just 23 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. Steelers have struggled late in games lately...shouldn't be an issue this Sunday though.
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick - Panthers: The two teams have split their last four meetings. Carolina got its first victory of the season by rallying past Washington, 20-17. ... Tampa Bay was unable to keep up with Philadelphia and suffered a 33-14 loss. Panthers QB Jake Delhomme is 8-2 in 10 career starts against the Buccaneers. TE Kellen Winslow had his first 100-yard receiving game for the Buccaneers last week, with nine receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Look for the Panthers to win on the road.
Kansas City Chiefs at Washington Redskins
Pick - Redskins: (coin toss) The Chiefs have dominated this matchup, owning a 6-1 overall series edge. Chiefs LB Mike Vrabel recorded his 11th career touchdown catch last week. ... Kansas City QB Matt Cassel is going for his fourth straight game with two touchdown passes. ... When RB Clinton Portis rushes for 100-plus yards, his teams are 33-10. Going with the home team...only real advantage the Redskins have in this game.
Philadelphia Eagles at Oakland Raiders
Pick - Eagles: Beyond issues with accuracy, decision-making and reading defenses, Russell's biggest problem in recent weeks has been his ability to keep hold of the ball. He has lost four fumbles in the past two weeks. The Eagles have an attacking defense that has forced five fumbles this season, so Russell could be in trouble if he does not improve his ball security.
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks
Pick - Seahawks: (coin toss) Arizona used a goal-line stand to hold off visiting Houston, 28-21. ... Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck had four touchdown passes as the Seahawks leveled the Jaguars, 41-0. In three home games, the Seahawks have 10 sacks (they have only four in two road games) and are allowing just eight points a game. The Cardinals can put up the points though.
Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots
Pick - Patriots: New England struggled offensively in the second half and allowed Denver to rally for a 20-17 overtime win. ... The Titans fell to 0-5 with a 31-9 home loss to the Colts. Since 2007, Tom Brady is 12-0 at Gillette Stadium with 25 touchdowns and just five interceptions. While Brady is completing 61.7 percent of his passes, his precision has deserted him at key moments this season. Tennessee is better than the record reflects, but the Patriots should have enough to get it done at home.
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
Pick - Jets: The Bills have won three of the past five meetings. Buffalo's offense continued to sputter in a 6-3 loss to Cleveland. ... A thrilling Monday Night Football game ended with the Jets suffering a 31-27 defeat at the hands of the Dolphins. In his first game with the Jets, Edwards was sensational, catching five passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. QB Mark Sanchez has a touchdown pass in four of the Jets' five games.
Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons
Pick - Falcons: (coin toss) The Bears have won eight of the last 10. Chicago has struggled to contain opponent's top receivers this season and White is coming off his best game of the year. The Falcons are likely to challenge a vulnerable Bears secondary by getting the ball to White on a variety of patterns. The Georgia Dome is a tough place to play and the Falcons' offense is especially potent on its home turf. Jay Cutler is the first Bears quarterback since 1970 to post a 100-plus passer rating in three straight games. Look for a close game, but Matty Ice wins it at home.
Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers
Pick - Broncos: (coin toss) The Chargers have won five of the last six meetings, are at home and coming off a bye. That should be enough reasons to pick them. Though to go against them, but the Broncos are firing on all pistons right now. Broncos QB Kyle Orton is 26-12 as a starter. ... Denver RB Knowshon Moreno leads all rookies with 337 rushing yards. ... Chargers QB Philip Rivers is 4-0 on Monday Night Football with a 106.9 passer rating.
Please note, nerangers picks are done for fun only!
Stat info from NFL.COM
wk1: 13-3, wk2: 8-8, wk3: 14-2, wk4: 14-0 wk5: 9-5
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Patriot News and Notes (Brady, Seau, Light, etc)
The BIG Play is MIA: "You're right we haven't hit them this year," said Brady. "Coach [Bill Belichick] hammered into us today we haven't had a pass over 40 yards yet this year in five games. It's something that I got to do a better job at. There is only one way to do it and that's to go out there and work on it, and you know ultimately we got to hit 'em. That's why you go out there and play quarterback you got to go out there and complete the balls that are there, and when you have opportunities down the field, you don't get them often and you have to take advantage of them."
It's official: Junior Seau is back with the Patriots: "It's good to have Junior back," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "He brings a lot of energy and experience and toughness to our team. We've been talking about this for a little while and we're glad we worked it out here in the last day or two and we're glad to have him."
"There’s a linebacking corps that we have now that was probably in first grade when I was a rookie. So there’s a lot of youth, but they can play the game," Seau said. "So if there’s anything I can do to help them either in the meeting room or the weight room, whatever it may take, it’s gong to be fun playing with them. But they're definitely young."
Junior Seau, who officially rejoined the Patriots today, was at practice wearing No. 55. Derrick Burgess, who used to wear No. 55, is now wearing No. 53.
Matt Light Injury Update: Patriots left tackle Matt Light, who injured his right knee in the Patriots' 20-17 loss to the Broncos on Sunday, has no significant ligament damage in his knee or ankle, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Light was hurt on the first play of the fourth quarter, a pass from Tom Brady to Wes Welker. He was helped off the field and eventually to the locker room and did not return. He was wearing a large black knee brace after the game.
Belichick's Thoughts on Tennessee: "Tennessee is one of the most talented teams that we’ve seen in awhile. I know what their record is. But as far as what we have to prepare for, the team that we’re seeing, their coaching staff, their scheme and the players -- they’re very good. [There’s] no real doubt about how they won 13 games last season. They’re really good across the board. They’re a tough team. They’re very physical. They can run the ball. They can stop the run. They are averaging over five yards per carry and giving up less than three, so they do a great job on the line of scrimmage -- on both sides of the ball. They’re an explosive team. [They get] a lot of big plays from Chris Johnson, and in the passing game with Kerry Collins, and his group of receivers and tight ends. All of that’s behind a very good offensive line. Defensively, they’re -- as I said, in the running game -- outstanding, very disruptive. [They] have some very experienced guys in the secondary, big-play guys: [Cortland] Finnegan, [Michael] Griffin, [Chris] Hope and players like that. [They have a] good kicker, good coverage teams. [They are] a lot to get ready for, a very talented team, a team that I have a lot of respect for -- Jeff [Fisher], and the job that they do down there. I’m sure it will be a physical game like it always is against them. They are certainly tough on the line of scrimmage."
Patriot Defense Against the Broncos: "We have to get better than what we played against the Broncos. We have to play better, have to coach better, do a lot of things better. We had some opportunities to make some plays which could have really made a big difference in that game and we fell short. So we have to work to improve in that area. We have to get off the field a little better on third down. We’ve been doing OK in that, though we didn’t do well enough. We had some opportunities on some tipped balls [that] we have to come up with in those situations and we certainly can’t let people drive the length of the field on us. Both [touchdown drives] were aided by some penalties which is something we were doing better early in the year. We have to get back to that." -- Dean Pees
Info from Boston.com
It's official: Junior Seau is back with the Patriots: "It's good to have Junior back," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "He brings a lot of energy and experience and toughness to our team. We've been talking about this for a little while and we're glad we worked it out here in the last day or two and we're glad to have him."
"There’s a linebacking corps that we have now that was probably in first grade when I was a rookie. So there’s a lot of youth, but they can play the game," Seau said. "So if there’s anything I can do to help them either in the meeting room or the weight room, whatever it may take, it’s gong to be fun playing with them. But they're definitely young."
Junior Seau, who officially rejoined the Patriots today, was at practice wearing No. 55. Derrick Burgess, who used to wear No. 55, is now wearing No. 53.
Matt Light Injury Update: Patriots left tackle Matt Light, who injured his right knee in the Patriots' 20-17 loss to the Broncos on Sunday, has no significant ligament damage in his knee or ankle, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Light was hurt on the first play of the fourth quarter, a pass from Tom Brady to Wes Welker. He was helped off the field and eventually to the locker room and did not return. He was wearing a large black knee brace after the game.
Belichick's Thoughts on Tennessee: "Tennessee is one of the most talented teams that we’ve seen in awhile. I know what their record is. But as far as what we have to prepare for, the team that we’re seeing, their coaching staff, their scheme and the players -- they’re very good. [There’s] no real doubt about how they won 13 games last season. They’re really good across the board. They’re a tough team. They’re very physical. They can run the ball. They can stop the run. They are averaging over five yards per carry and giving up less than three, so they do a great job on the line of scrimmage -- on both sides of the ball. They’re an explosive team. [They get] a lot of big plays from Chris Johnson, and in the passing game with Kerry Collins, and his group of receivers and tight ends. All of that’s behind a very good offensive line. Defensively, they’re -- as I said, in the running game -- outstanding, very disruptive. [They] have some very experienced guys in the secondary, big-play guys: [Cortland] Finnegan, [Michael] Griffin, [Chris] Hope and players like that. [They have a] good kicker, good coverage teams. [They are] a lot to get ready for, a very talented team, a team that I have a lot of respect for -- Jeff [Fisher], and the job that they do down there. I’m sure it will be a physical game like it always is against them. They are certainly tough on the line of scrimmage."
Patriot Defense Against the Broncos: "We have to get better than what we played against the Broncos. We have to play better, have to coach better, do a lot of things better. We had some opportunities to make some plays which could have really made a big difference in that game and we fell short. So we have to work to improve in that area. We have to get off the field a little better on third down. We’ve been doing OK in that, though we didn’t do well enough. We had some opportunities on some tipped balls [that] we have to come up with in those situations and we certainly can’t let people drive the length of the field on us. Both [touchdown drives] were aided by some penalties which is something we were doing better early in the year. We have to get back to that." -- Dean Pees
Info from Boston.com
Monday, October 12, 2009
NFL Week 5: Putting it on the line (The Morning After)
Probably would have done better if I could have made my picks later in the week (was traveling). Flipped one pick (Atlanta to San Fran) at the last moment, and of course flipped it wrong. Two other picks I most likely would have changed with info that came out later in the week...12-2 sure would have looked better than 9-5. Here is how week 5 finished up:
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Pick: Ravens (Incorrect) - Everything pointed to a Bengals upset in this game. The Bengals played for defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who was on the sidelines just three days after the death of his wife, and gave him the game ball. Where this game was a coin toss one for me, that would have been enough to flip this pick. With 120 yards on 27 carries, Bengals RB Cedric Benson became the first player to rush for 100 yards against the Ravens in 40 games, while his teammates held the Ravens to 82 yards on 18 carries.
Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills
Pick: Bills (Incorrect) - Even with how bad they have been playing, there is no way the Bill should have lost this game. The Bills fumbled twice, the second of which ultimately cost them the game. Returner Roscoe Parrish muffed a punt with 2:59 left, which gave the Browns great field position at Buffalo's 16-yard line. Browns QB Derek Anderson completed just 2 of 17 for 23 yards and an interception.
Washington Redskins at Carolina Panthers
Pick: Panthers (Correct) - Redskins TE Chris Cooley was held without a catch for the first time since his rookie season (2004). Panthers DE Julius Peppers had a season-high two sacks. ... Special teams led to both of Carolina's touchdowns. A 55-yard kickoff return by Kenneth Moore set up the first score and a recovery of a muffed punt set up the second touchdown.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions
Pick: Steelers (Correct) - The Steelers made the most of their trips inside the red zone, coming away with three touchdowns on all three of their trips. The Lions lost their top offensive threat, WR Calvin Johnson, in the first quarter. He left with a thigh injury and did not return. Going into the season, Ben Roethlisberger was a career 63 percent passer. The Steelers have increased his attempts this season and with that Big Ben has increased his percentage to 74 percent after completing 23 of 30 attempts for 277 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday.
Dallas Cowboys at Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: Cowboys (Correct) - Austin set a club record with 250 receiving yards, eclipsing the previous mark held by Hall of Famer Bob Hayes, who had 246 on Nov. 13, 1966. Aside from catching the winning score, Austin put the Cowboys ahead late in the fourth quarter on a 59-yard touchdown reception.Chiefs QB Matt Cassel threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns, including one to Mike Vrabel, who now has 11 TD receptions in his career.
Oakland Raiders at New York Giants
Pick: Giants (Correct) - Ahmad Bradshaw may not have gotten the most carries, but he clearly made the biggest impact. He gained 110 yards on only 11 rushing attempts and scored two touchdowns. He also added a key 55-yard catch on a third-and-24. JaMarcus Russell fumbled three times, losing all three. Eli Manning left prior to the end of the first half after re-aggravating his foot injury. He did throw for 173 yards and two touchdowns in less than a half of action.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Eagles (Correct) - Welcome back Donavan McNabb. Rookie WR Jeremy Maclin had a breakout game for the Eagles with six receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Tampa Bay wanted to establish Cadillac Williams on the ground, but had to abandon the run after falling behind early. Quarterback Josh Johnson ended up attempting 50 passes.
Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams
Pick: Vikings (Correct) - Vikings DE Jared Allen recovered two fumbles. Allen scooped up an unforced Kyle Boller fumble and took it 52 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. The Rams buried themselves with three turnovers -- all fumbles -- in the first half, then added one more on a red zone interception from Boller in the second half.
Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers
Pick: 49ers (Incorrect) - Originally had picked the Falcons, but drank some the Niners coolade. Should have stuck with the team coming off the bye week and a QB like Matty Ice! Falcons WR Roddy White busted out against the 49ers. He caught eight balls for a franchise-record 210 yards and two touchdowns, including a 90-yarder in the second quarter. Entering the game, the 49ers' fifth-ranked defense had given up an average of 13.2 points per game. Against Atlanta, San Francisco surrendered 477 total yards and 45 points. Atlanta RB Michael Turner, who had two TDs entering the game, rushed for 97 yards and three scores.
Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals
Pick: Cardinals (Correct) - The Cardinals appeared to be losing steam as the Texans rallied from 21 points down to tie the score and were driving to score the go-ahead points. But Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie stepped in front of Schaub's pass and raced 49 yards for what proved to be the winning touchdown. Schaub and Cardinals QB Kurt Warner both topped 300 passing yards, but the key was the one crucial turnover by Schaub.
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
Pick: Patriots (Incorrect) - I don't pick against the Pats...but the Broncos usually do have their number (Denver has won four of its last five against New England). Adding Josh McDaniels to the equation (plus playing at home), it doesn't surprise me that the Broncos did it again. The Broncos drove 58 yards on the first series of overtime to set up Matt Prater's 41-yard winning field goal.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Seattle Seahawks
Pick: Jaguars (Incorrect) - Another pick I would have flipped had I heard Matt Hasselbeck was starting (plus the home field advantage). He had four touchdown passes and pulled together a Seattle offense that had struggled mightily without him. Garrard was sacked five times and lost two fumbles. He was unable to help Jacksonville sustain any drives, because he was consistently pressured when he dropped back. Jaguars WR Mike Sims-Walker was made inactive for breaking team rules.
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans
Pick: Colts (Correct) - Manning was 36-of-44 passing for 309 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. In the final minute of the first half, he led the Colts on a six-play touchdown drive that sent the home team into the locker room to a chorus of boos.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
Pick: Dolphins (Correct) - Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown scored on a 2-yard run with 6 seconds left. Brown's score capped a wild 35-point fourth quarter. Ricky Williams had 138 scrimmage yards, the big game coming on a 59-yard reception. New Jets WR Braylon Edwards scored a touchdown on his first reception with the team.
Game Stats from NFL.com
wk1: 13-3, wk2: 8-8, wk3: 14-2, wk4: 14-0 wk5: 9-5
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Pick: Ravens (Incorrect) - Everything pointed to a Bengals upset in this game. The Bengals played for defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who was on the sidelines just three days after the death of his wife, and gave him the game ball. Where this game was a coin toss one for me, that would have been enough to flip this pick. With 120 yards on 27 carries, Bengals RB Cedric Benson became the first player to rush for 100 yards against the Ravens in 40 games, while his teammates held the Ravens to 82 yards on 18 carries.
Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills
Pick: Bills (Incorrect) - Even with how bad they have been playing, there is no way the Bill should have lost this game. The Bills fumbled twice, the second of which ultimately cost them the game. Returner Roscoe Parrish muffed a punt with 2:59 left, which gave the Browns great field position at Buffalo's 16-yard line. Browns QB Derek Anderson completed just 2 of 17 for 23 yards and an interception.
Washington Redskins at Carolina Panthers
Pick: Panthers (Correct) - Redskins TE Chris Cooley was held without a catch for the first time since his rookie season (2004). Panthers DE Julius Peppers had a season-high two sacks. ... Special teams led to both of Carolina's touchdowns. A 55-yard kickoff return by Kenneth Moore set up the first score and a recovery of a muffed punt set up the second touchdown.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions
Pick: Steelers (Correct) - The Steelers made the most of their trips inside the red zone, coming away with three touchdowns on all three of their trips. The Lions lost their top offensive threat, WR Calvin Johnson, in the first quarter. He left with a thigh injury and did not return. Going into the season, Ben Roethlisberger was a career 63 percent passer. The Steelers have increased his attempts this season and with that Big Ben has increased his percentage to 74 percent after completing 23 of 30 attempts for 277 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday.
Dallas Cowboys at Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: Cowboys (Correct) - Austin set a club record with 250 receiving yards, eclipsing the previous mark held by Hall of Famer Bob Hayes, who had 246 on Nov. 13, 1966. Aside from catching the winning score, Austin put the Cowboys ahead late in the fourth quarter on a 59-yard touchdown reception.Chiefs QB Matt Cassel threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns, including one to Mike Vrabel, who now has 11 TD receptions in his career.
Oakland Raiders at New York Giants
Pick: Giants (Correct) - Ahmad Bradshaw may not have gotten the most carries, but he clearly made the biggest impact. He gained 110 yards on only 11 rushing attempts and scored two touchdowns. He also added a key 55-yard catch on a third-and-24. JaMarcus Russell fumbled three times, losing all three. Eli Manning left prior to the end of the first half after re-aggravating his foot injury. He did throw for 173 yards and two touchdowns in less than a half of action.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Eagles (Correct) - Welcome back Donavan McNabb. Rookie WR Jeremy Maclin had a breakout game for the Eagles with six receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Tampa Bay wanted to establish Cadillac Williams on the ground, but had to abandon the run after falling behind early. Quarterback Josh Johnson ended up attempting 50 passes.
Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams
Pick: Vikings (Correct) - Vikings DE Jared Allen recovered two fumbles. Allen scooped up an unforced Kyle Boller fumble and took it 52 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. The Rams buried themselves with three turnovers -- all fumbles -- in the first half, then added one more on a red zone interception from Boller in the second half.
Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers
Pick: 49ers (Incorrect) - Originally had picked the Falcons, but drank some the Niners coolade. Should have stuck with the team coming off the bye week and a QB like Matty Ice! Falcons WR Roddy White busted out against the 49ers. He caught eight balls for a franchise-record 210 yards and two touchdowns, including a 90-yarder in the second quarter. Entering the game, the 49ers' fifth-ranked defense had given up an average of 13.2 points per game. Against Atlanta, San Francisco surrendered 477 total yards and 45 points. Atlanta RB Michael Turner, who had two TDs entering the game, rushed for 97 yards and three scores.
Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals
Pick: Cardinals (Correct) - The Cardinals appeared to be losing steam as the Texans rallied from 21 points down to tie the score and were driving to score the go-ahead points. But Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie stepped in front of Schaub's pass and raced 49 yards for what proved to be the winning touchdown. Schaub and Cardinals QB Kurt Warner both topped 300 passing yards, but the key was the one crucial turnover by Schaub.
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
Pick: Patriots (Incorrect) - I don't pick against the Pats...but the Broncos usually do have their number (Denver has won four of its last five against New England). Adding Josh McDaniels to the equation (plus playing at home), it doesn't surprise me that the Broncos did it again. The Broncos drove 58 yards on the first series of overtime to set up Matt Prater's 41-yard winning field goal.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Seattle Seahawks
Pick: Jaguars (Incorrect) - Another pick I would have flipped had I heard Matt Hasselbeck was starting (plus the home field advantage). He had four touchdown passes and pulled together a Seattle offense that had struggled mightily without him. Garrard was sacked five times and lost two fumbles. He was unable to help Jacksonville sustain any drives, because he was consistently pressured when he dropped back. Jaguars WR Mike Sims-Walker was made inactive for breaking team rules.
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans
Pick: Colts (Correct) - Manning was 36-of-44 passing for 309 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. In the final minute of the first half, he led the Colts on a six-play touchdown drive that sent the home team into the locker room to a chorus of boos.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
Pick: Dolphins (Correct) - Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown scored on a 2-yard run with 6 seconds left. Brown's score capped a wild 35-point fourth quarter. Ricky Williams had 138 scrimmage yards, the big game coming on a 59-yard reception. New Jets WR Braylon Edwards scored a touchdown on his first reception with the team.
Game Stats from NFL.com
wk1: 13-3, wk2: 8-8, wk3: 14-2, wk4: 14-0 wk5: 9-5
Pats vs. Broncos: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Hard fought game...Patriots struggle against the wildcat offense of the Broncos (aka Wild Horses Offense) and lose it in overtime. Broncos always seem to have the Patriots number. Even more so with Josh McDaniels as coach!
The Good:
Jerod Mayo, the 2008 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, returned to action after missing three games with an injury. Midway through the first quarter, Mayo forced a fumble on a tackle of Denver RB Knowshon Moreno that was recovered by S Brandon McGowan at the Denver 45-yard line.
Runningback Sammy Morris averaged 4 yards per carry (17 for 68) and finished with 107 total yards when you factor in his three catches for 39 yards.
TE Benjamin Watson connected with QB Tom Brady on his third touchdown of the 2009 season with a seven-yarder in the second quarter.
The Bad:
The Patriots were 0 for 6 converting third downs in the second half. In all the Patriots were 5 of 14 on third down.
Stephen Gostkowski missed a 40-yard field goal just left of the goal post, ending a streak of 12 consecutive field goals.
Denver recorded 321 yards through the air, compared to just 209 from New England. Patriots WR Randy Moss was held to just one catch for 36 yards.
Logan Mankins picked up a foolish unnecessary roughness penalty in the second quarter on the end of a 3-yard run by Kevin Faulk, barreling into Wesley Woodward from behind when the play was all but over.
Logan Mankins was also beaten by Vonnie Holliday on the strip-sack of Tom Brady with under two minutes to go, which turned out to be the Patriots' last best chance to win the game.
Brandon Meriweather in the fourth quarter picked up a taunting penalty after he flew in to keep Eddie Royal from catching a pass, which helped set up the tying score. The penalty was a tough call, but Meriweather shouldn't have given the referee a chance to even call it by lingering over Royal and gesturing.
The Ugly:
Losing to the Broncos in overtime of course!
Denver handed Tom Brady his first overtime loss. He fell to 7-1.
Patriots left tackle Matt Light left the game with what appeared to be a right knee injury in the fourth quarter.
Game Notes:
The Patriots eight-yard scoring pass from QB Tom Brady to WR Wes Welker was the first touchdown pass against Denver in 2009.
Randy Moss lined up deep on defense during Denver’s final play of the first half and intercepted a QB Kyle Orton pass to secure New England’s 17-7 first half lead. It is his first career interception.
The New England Patriots have had at least one forced turnover in 13 straight games.
K Stepen Gostkowski’s 53-yard field goal in the first quarter is a career-high, besting a 52-yard field goal he had vs. Chicago on November 26, 2006.
New England scored scored 17 points against a Denver defense that was ranked second and was allowing just 6.5 points per game through the first four games of the 2009 season. New England’s 17 first half points were more than Denver allowed in a single game in 2009.
Notable Quotes:
Denver coach Josh McDaniels may have said all week Sunday's game would be just like any other, but after the 20-17 overtime win, McDaniels said, "I lied."
“Just collectively as an offensive unit, we’re just not consistently doing things as well as we need to do them,” Bill Belichick said. “All the way across the board. It’s not one position, it’s not one player. It’s not one particular type of play. We’re just not as efficient and as precise as we need to be. There’s no other way to put it.”
"Josh is a great coach, so he's obviously learned a lot and he's got the team playing well," Tom Brady said. "Pretty impressive for a first-year coach. He's a hard worker and he certainly deserves it. They're playing well."
Scoring:
Wes Welker catches his first TD of the season, an 8-yard pass from Tom Brady to move the Patriots ahead with 6:44 left in the first quarter. The play capped a seven play, 62-yard drive that burned 4 minutes, 16 seconds off the clock. (Patriots 7, Broncos 0)
The Patriots managed three points after the turnover thanks to Stephen Gostkowski's 53-yard field goal (Patriots 10, Broncos 0)
Broncos WR Brandon Marshall grabbed an 11-yard pass from Kyle Orton in the end zone for Denver's first touchdown of the game. (Patriots 10, Broncos 7)
The Patriots came right back to answer Denver's touchdown using 4:26 to get down field and score when Brady completed a 7-yard pass to Benjamin Watson for the touchdown. (Patriots 17, Broncos 7)
Matt Prater kicked a 24-yard field goal with 7:22 left in the third quarter, helping the Broncos chip away at the Patriots' lead. (Patriots 17, Broncos 10)
Brandon Marshall broke away from Leigh Bodden's grip and dove into the end zone to help the Broncos tie the score at 17-17 with 5:27 left in the fourth. (Patriots 17, Broncos 17)
OT: Denver won the coin toss in overtime and received the ball first. The Broncos remain undefeated, walking away with a 20-17 victory courtesy of Matt Prater's 41-yard field goal in overtime. (Patriots 17, Broncos 20) FINAL
Game Info from NFL.Com and Boston.com
The Good:
Jerod Mayo, the 2008 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, returned to action after missing three games with an injury. Midway through the first quarter, Mayo forced a fumble on a tackle of Denver RB Knowshon Moreno that was recovered by S Brandon McGowan at the Denver 45-yard line.
Runningback Sammy Morris averaged 4 yards per carry (17 for 68) and finished with 107 total yards when you factor in his three catches for 39 yards.
TE Benjamin Watson connected with QB Tom Brady on his third touchdown of the 2009 season with a seven-yarder in the second quarter.
The Bad:
The Patriots were 0 for 6 converting third downs in the second half. In all the Patriots were 5 of 14 on third down.
Stephen Gostkowski missed a 40-yard field goal just left of the goal post, ending a streak of 12 consecutive field goals.
Denver recorded 321 yards through the air, compared to just 209 from New England. Patriots WR Randy Moss was held to just one catch for 36 yards.
Logan Mankins picked up a foolish unnecessary roughness penalty in the second quarter on the end of a 3-yard run by Kevin Faulk, barreling into Wesley Woodward from behind when the play was all but over.
Logan Mankins was also beaten by Vonnie Holliday on the strip-sack of Tom Brady with under two minutes to go, which turned out to be the Patriots' last best chance to win the game.
Brandon Meriweather in the fourth quarter picked up a taunting penalty after he flew in to keep Eddie Royal from catching a pass, which helped set up the tying score. The penalty was a tough call, but Meriweather shouldn't have given the referee a chance to even call it by lingering over Royal and gesturing.
The Ugly:
Losing to the Broncos in overtime of course!
Denver handed Tom Brady his first overtime loss. He fell to 7-1.
Patriots left tackle Matt Light left the game with what appeared to be a right knee injury in the fourth quarter.
Game Notes:
The Patriots eight-yard scoring pass from QB Tom Brady to WR Wes Welker was the first touchdown pass against Denver in 2009.
Randy Moss lined up deep on defense during Denver’s final play of the first half and intercepted a QB Kyle Orton pass to secure New England’s 17-7 first half lead. It is his first career interception.
The New England Patriots have had at least one forced turnover in 13 straight games.
K Stepen Gostkowski’s 53-yard field goal in the first quarter is a career-high, besting a 52-yard field goal he had vs. Chicago on November 26, 2006.
New England scored scored 17 points against a Denver defense that was ranked second and was allowing just 6.5 points per game through the first four games of the 2009 season. New England’s 17 first half points were more than Denver allowed in a single game in 2009.
Notable Quotes:
Denver coach Josh McDaniels may have said all week Sunday's game would be just like any other, but after the 20-17 overtime win, McDaniels said, "I lied."
“Just collectively as an offensive unit, we’re just not consistently doing things as well as we need to do them,” Bill Belichick said. “All the way across the board. It’s not one position, it’s not one player. It’s not one particular type of play. We’re just not as efficient and as precise as we need to be. There’s no other way to put it.”
"Josh is a great coach, so he's obviously learned a lot and he's got the team playing well," Tom Brady said. "Pretty impressive for a first-year coach. He's a hard worker and he certainly deserves it. They're playing well."
Scoring:
Wes Welker catches his first TD of the season, an 8-yard pass from Tom Brady to move the Patriots ahead with 6:44 left in the first quarter. The play capped a seven play, 62-yard drive that burned 4 minutes, 16 seconds off the clock. (Patriots 7, Broncos 0)
The Patriots managed three points after the turnover thanks to Stephen Gostkowski's 53-yard field goal (Patriots 10, Broncos 0)
Broncos WR Brandon Marshall grabbed an 11-yard pass from Kyle Orton in the end zone for Denver's first touchdown of the game. (Patriots 10, Broncos 7)
The Patriots came right back to answer Denver's touchdown using 4:26 to get down field and score when Brady completed a 7-yard pass to Benjamin Watson for the touchdown. (Patriots 17, Broncos 7)
Matt Prater kicked a 24-yard field goal with 7:22 left in the third quarter, helping the Broncos chip away at the Patriots' lead. (Patriots 17, Broncos 10)
Brandon Marshall broke away from Leigh Bodden's grip and dove into the end zone to help the Broncos tie the score at 17-17 with 5:27 left in the fourth. (Patriots 17, Broncos 17)
OT: Denver won the coin toss in overtime and received the ball first. The Broncos remain undefeated, walking away with a 20-17 victory courtesy of Matt Prater's 41-yard field goal in overtime. (Patriots 17, Broncos 20) FINAL
Game Info from NFL.Com and Boston.com
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Week 5: Putting it on the line
Need to make my predictions early this week (will be out of town). On paper, many of these games could go either way. Only have one real upset for the week. Lets look at how week 5 unfolds...
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Pick: Ravens - The Bengals have won six of the past nine meetings. Shayne Graham barely snuck his field goal inside the right upright as time expired in overtime to give the Bengals a 23-20 win over the Browns. Ravens should be fired up after losing a game to the Patriots they felt they should have won.
Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills
Pick: Bills - The Browns have won the last two meetings. Offseason hope has given way to regular-season reality in Buffalo as Owens has failed to make much of an impact for the Bills. Give a slight edge to the Bills playing at home.
Washington Redskins at Carolina Panthers
Pick: Panthers - Washington has won seven of the eight all-time meetings. A coin flip game, but the extra week to prepare, and being at home should give the edge to the Panthers.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions
Pick: Steelers - Pittsburgh has won six of the past seven meetings. The Steelers jumped out to a 28-0 lead and held on late to defeat the visiting Chargers, 38-28. ... Detroit lost quarterback Matthew Stafford to a knee injury and was trounced by Chicago, 48-24. Steelers have not won on the road this year, but that should all change this weekend.
Dallas Cowboys at Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: Cowboys - Dallas has taken three of the last four meetings. Romo has completed only 57.6 percent of his passes with one touchdown and four interceptions in his past three games. The Cowboys are playing bad, but the Chiefs don't have enough to stop them. It is funny to think of this game as a possible upset, but it really wouldn't surprise me.
Oakland Raiders at New York Giants
Pick: Giants - Oakland has won four of the past five meetings. The Raiders suffered breakdowns in every phase and were clobbered in Houston, 29-6. New York finished its three-game road trip undefeated and will finally get to play at Giants Stadium for the first time since Week 1. Look for the fans to be fired up as they welcome home the 4-0 Giants.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Eagles - Tampa Bay has beaten Philadelphia three straight times. McNabb is scheduled to get the start...a good team to come back against. McNabb needs four passing touchdowns to become the eighth player in NFL history with 200-plus passing touchdowns and 25-plus rushing scores.
Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams
Pick: Vikings - St. Louis has taken four of the past five meetings (don't hold your breath this week though). The Vikings look for their first 5-0 start since 2003. Favre is the first quarterback in NFL history to defeat all 32 teams. After a great Monday night game, this one has let down written all over it.
Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers
Pick: 49ers - The Niners have won three of the past five meetings. Atlanta QB Matt Ryan is sixth in the NFL with a 100.4 passer rating. ... 49ers QB Shaun Hill is 7-0 as a starter at home. ... San Francisco LB Patrick Willis had a career-high 2.5 sacks in Week 4. This game could go either way. Falcons are coming off a bye, so they have had extra time to prepare.
Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals
Pick: Cardinals - The Texans have won the only game between the two teams. Cardinals QB Kurt Warner needs one 300-yard passing game to become the fifth player with 50 in a career. Another coin flip game, but give the edge to the Cardinals playing at home, and coming off a bye.
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
Pick: Patriots - The Broncos have won five of the past seven meetings. With a still-developing, young defense, New England has turned to a much more aggressive defense. Since 2006, Brady is 10-0 in October. Denver RB Knowshon Moreno leads all rookies with 249 yards rushing. Giving the edge to the mentor vs. the student.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Seattle Seahawks
Pick: Jaguars - The Seahawks have won three of the five all-time meetings. Seattle TE John Carlson has a touchdown catch in four of his past five home games. In the past two weeks, the Seahawks have allowed Jay Cutler and Peyton Manning to shred their secondary.
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans
Pick: Colts - Tennessee has won three of the past five meetings. The Colts have won 13 straight regular-season games dating back to last season, which is the longest current streak in the NFL. ... Manning is 9-5 in his career against the Titans with 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Titans are struggling...and could be 0-5 by the end of the weekend.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
Pick: Dolphins - New York has won eight of the last ten meetings. Mark Sanchez turned the ball over four times as the Jets suffered their first loss of the season. The Dolphins' second-ranked rushing defense should keep the Jets running game in check. New York's defense ranks third in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing 14.3 points per game. ... Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown is averaging 108.7 yards per game on the ground. These teams are closer than you think and the game could go either way. Going with the Dolphins and the upset for Monday night!
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Pick: Ravens - The Bengals have won six of the past nine meetings. Shayne Graham barely snuck his field goal inside the right upright as time expired in overtime to give the Bengals a 23-20 win over the Browns. Ravens should be fired up after losing a game to the Patriots they felt they should have won.
Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills
Pick: Bills - The Browns have won the last two meetings. Offseason hope has given way to regular-season reality in Buffalo as Owens has failed to make much of an impact for the Bills. Give a slight edge to the Bills playing at home.
Washington Redskins at Carolina Panthers
Pick: Panthers - Washington has won seven of the eight all-time meetings. A coin flip game, but the extra week to prepare, and being at home should give the edge to the Panthers.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions
Pick: Steelers - Pittsburgh has won six of the past seven meetings. The Steelers jumped out to a 28-0 lead and held on late to defeat the visiting Chargers, 38-28. ... Detroit lost quarterback Matthew Stafford to a knee injury and was trounced by Chicago, 48-24. Steelers have not won on the road this year, but that should all change this weekend.
Dallas Cowboys at Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: Cowboys - Dallas has taken three of the last four meetings. Romo has completed only 57.6 percent of his passes with one touchdown and four interceptions in his past three games. The Cowboys are playing bad, but the Chiefs don't have enough to stop them. It is funny to think of this game as a possible upset, but it really wouldn't surprise me.
Oakland Raiders at New York Giants
Pick: Giants - Oakland has won four of the past five meetings. The Raiders suffered breakdowns in every phase and were clobbered in Houston, 29-6. New York finished its three-game road trip undefeated and will finally get to play at Giants Stadium for the first time since Week 1. Look for the fans to be fired up as they welcome home the 4-0 Giants.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Eagles - Tampa Bay has beaten Philadelphia three straight times. McNabb is scheduled to get the start...a good team to come back against. McNabb needs four passing touchdowns to become the eighth player in NFL history with 200-plus passing touchdowns and 25-plus rushing scores.
Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams
Pick: Vikings - St. Louis has taken four of the past five meetings (don't hold your breath this week though). The Vikings look for their first 5-0 start since 2003. Favre is the first quarterback in NFL history to defeat all 32 teams. After a great Monday night game, this one has let down written all over it.
Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers
Pick: 49ers - The Niners have won three of the past five meetings. Atlanta QB Matt Ryan is sixth in the NFL with a 100.4 passer rating. ... 49ers QB Shaun Hill is 7-0 as a starter at home. ... San Francisco LB Patrick Willis had a career-high 2.5 sacks in Week 4. This game could go either way. Falcons are coming off a bye, so they have had extra time to prepare.
Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals
Pick: Cardinals - The Texans have won the only game between the two teams. Cardinals QB Kurt Warner needs one 300-yard passing game to become the fifth player with 50 in a career. Another coin flip game, but give the edge to the Cardinals playing at home, and coming off a bye.
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
Pick: Patriots - The Broncos have won five of the past seven meetings. With a still-developing, young defense, New England has turned to a much more aggressive defense. Since 2006, Brady is 10-0 in October. Denver RB Knowshon Moreno leads all rookies with 249 yards rushing. Giving the edge to the mentor vs. the student.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Seattle Seahawks
Pick: Jaguars - The Seahawks have won three of the five all-time meetings. Seattle TE John Carlson has a touchdown catch in four of his past five home games. In the past two weeks, the Seahawks have allowed Jay Cutler and Peyton Manning to shred their secondary.
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans
Pick: Colts - Tennessee has won three of the past five meetings. The Colts have won 13 straight regular-season games dating back to last season, which is the longest current streak in the NFL. ... Manning is 9-5 in his career against the Titans with 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Titans are struggling...and could be 0-5 by the end of the weekend.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
Pick: Dolphins - New York has won eight of the last ten meetings. Mark Sanchez turned the ball over four times as the Jets suffered their first loss of the season. The Dolphins' second-ranked rushing defense should keep the Jets running game in check. New York's defense ranks third in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing 14.3 points per game. ... Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown is averaging 108.7 yards per game on the ground. These teams are closer than you think and the game could go either way. Going with the Dolphins and the upset for Monday night!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Week 4: Putting it on the Line (the Morning After)
A great weekend of football, ending with Brett Favre becoming the only quarterback in NFL history to defeat all 32 teams in the league! Now that is a cool stat! I too went undefeated by getting all fourteen picks right this week! Here is the NFL review of week 4:
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
Pick: BEARS (correct) - Bears rookie wide receiver Johnny Knox broke the 21-21 tie after halftime, taking the kickoff 102 yards for the first return touchdown of his career. The Lions couldn't get anything going in the second half. After scoring three touchdowns in six drives of the first half, Detroit had minus-8 yards in the third quarter and then could only muster a field goal in three fourth-quarter possessions
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
Pick: BENGALS (correct) - Bengals kicker Shayne Graham nailed a 31-yard field goal during the final seconds of overtime to secure another come-from-behind victory for Cincinnati.
Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans
Pick: TEXANS (correct) - Raiders RB Justin Fargas was tackled in the end zone by Texans rookie LB Brian Cushing for a safety midway through the third quarter. Houston WR Jacoby Jones then took back Oakland's ensuing free kick 95 yards for a touchdown to give the Texans a comfortable 29-6 lead.
Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts
Pick: COLTS (correct) - Seahawks QB Seneca Wallace completed more passes, but only averaged 4.6 yards per pass play. Colts QB Peyton Manning nearly doubled that with 8.6 yards per pass play. The Colts have won 13 consecutive regular-season games, the longest current streak in the NFL.
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: JAGUARS (correct) - The Jaguars scored on five of their first six drives, while the Titans continued to be their own worst enemy. With three more turnovers Sunday, the Titans now have 11 total on the season.
New York Giants at Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: GIANTS - Giants WR Steve Smith caught a career-high 11 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs converted just 2 of 15 third-down attempts.
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots
Pick: PATRIOTS (correct) - Baltimore's potential game-winning drive stalled as Mark Clayton dropped a perfect fourth-down pass that would have given the Ravens a first-and-goal. The Patriots took a knee and ran out the remaining 28 seconds off the clock. The Patriots scored touchdowns on three of five trips inside the Ravens' 20.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Redskins
Pick: REDSKINS (correct) - Tampa Bay CB Aqib Talib had a career-high three interceptions. TE Chris Cooley's 17-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter got Washington kick-started though.
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
Pick: DOLPHINS (correct) - The Dolphins dialed up just 22 passing plays in an attempt to ease Chad Henne into his first career start. That was made possible by a ground game that totaled 250 yards and three touchdowns, including 200 combined rushing yards from Brown and Williams.
New York Jets at New Orleans Saints
Pick: SAINTS (correct) - New Orleans' defense actually outscored its offense. The Saints are known for their explosive passing game led by Drew Brees, but it was the defense that led them past the Jets with two touchdowns.
Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos
Pick: BRONCOS (correct) - The Broncos are off to a 4-0 start for the first time since 2003. ... Kyle Orton is 7-1 in his last eight starts. ... The Broncos have allowed 26 points in four games this season. ... The Cowboys haven't beaten the Broncos since 1995.
St Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers
Pick: 49ERS (correct) - In pitching the shutout, the Niners allowed 177 total yards, had five sacks and scored two defensive touchdowns, including DE Ray McDonald's 11-yard fumble return in the fourth quarter.
San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick: STEELERS (correct) - Mendenhall rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries, all career-high marks. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. It's the first game this season that Roethlisberger finished with more TD passes than interceptions. Jeff Reed hit a 46-yard field goal to give Pittsburgh a 38-28 lead with 43 seconds left. The Steelers led 28-0 in the third quarter but needed the late points to ice the win.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Pick: VIKINGS (correct) - Favre is now only quarterback in NFL history to defeat all 32 teams in the league! The Packers, trailing 30-23, failed to recover an onside kick with less than a minute remaining. The Vikings led 30-14 in the fourth quarter, but had to hold off a rally from Aaron Rodgers and Co.
Game Info from NFL.COM
wk1: 13-3, wk2: 8-8, wk3: 14-2, wk4: 14-0
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
Pick: BEARS (correct) - Bears rookie wide receiver Johnny Knox broke the 21-21 tie after halftime, taking the kickoff 102 yards for the first return touchdown of his career. The Lions couldn't get anything going in the second half. After scoring three touchdowns in six drives of the first half, Detroit had minus-8 yards in the third quarter and then could only muster a field goal in three fourth-quarter possessions
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
Pick: BENGALS (correct) - Bengals kicker Shayne Graham nailed a 31-yard field goal during the final seconds of overtime to secure another come-from-behind victory for Cincinnati.
Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans
Pick: TEXANS (correct) - Raiders RB Justin Fargas was tackled in the end zone by Texans rookie LB Brian Cushing for a safety midway through the third quarter. Houston WR Jacoby Jones then took back Oakland's ensuing free kick 95 yards for a touchdown to give the Texans a comfortable 29-6 lead.
Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts
Pick: COLTS (correct) - Seahawks QB Seneca Wallace completed more passes, but only averaged 4.6 yards per pass play. Colts QB Peyton Manning nearly doubled that with 8.6 yards per pass play. The Colts have won 13 consecutive regular-season games, the longest current streak in the NFL.
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: JAGUARS (correct) - The Jaguars scored on five of their first six drives, while the Titans continued to be their own worst enemy. With three more turnovers Sunday, the Titans now have 11 total on the season.
New York Giants at Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: GIANTS - Giants WR Steve Smith caught a career-high 11 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs converted just 2 of 15 third-down attempts.
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots
Pick: PATRIOTS (correct) - Baltimore's potential game-winning drive stalled as Mark Clayton dropped a perfect fourth-down pass that would have given the Ravens a first-and-goal. The Patriots took a knee and ran out the remaining 28 seconds off the clock. The Patriots scored touchdowns on three of five trips inside the Ravens' 20.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Redskins
Pick: REDSKINS (correct) - Tampa Bay CB Aqib Talib had a career-high three interceptions. TE Chris Cooley's 17-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter got Washington kick-started though.
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
Pick: DOLPHINS (correct) - The Dolphins dialed up just 22 passing plays in an attempt to ease Chad Henne into his first career start. That was made possible by a ground game that totaled 250 yards and three touchdowns, including 200 combined rushing yards from Brown and Williams.
New York Jets at New Orleans Saints
Pick: SAINTS (correct) - New Orleans' defense actually outscored its offense. The Saints are known for their explosive passing game led by Drew Brees, but it was the defense that led them past the Jets with two touchdowns.
Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos
Pick: BRONCOS (correct) - The Broncos are off to a 4-0 start for the first time since 2003. ... Kyle Orton is 7-1 in his last eight starts. ... The Broncos have allowed 26 points in four games this season. ... The Cowboys haven't beaten the Broncos since 1995.
St Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers
Pick: 49ERS (correct) - In pitching the shutout, the Niners allowed 177 total yards, had five sacks and scored two defensive touchdowns, including DE Ray McDonald's 11-yard fumble return in the fourth quarter.
San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick: STEELERS (correct) - Mendenhall rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries, all career-high marks. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. It's the first game this season that Roethlisberger finished with more TD passes than interceptions. Jeff Reed hit a 46-yard field goal to give Pittsburgh a 38-28 lead with 43 seconds left. The Steelers led 28-0 in the third quarter but needed the late points to ice the win.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Pick: VIKINGS (correct) - Favre is now only quarterback in NFL history to defeat all 32 teams in the league! The Packers, trailing 30-23, failed to recover an onside kick with less than a minute remaining. The Vikings led 30-14 in the fourth quarter, but had to hold off a rally from Aaron Rodgers and Co.
Game Info from NFL.COM
wk1: 13-3, wk2: 8-8, wk3: 14-2, wk4: 14-0
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Pats vs. Ravens: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Patriots go to 3-1 after beating a very tough Ravens team. The Patriots held the Ravens to 21 total points (and just 14 points on offense) after the Ravens came into the game ranked second in the NFL averaging 34.3 points per game. Baltimore's potential game-winning drive stalled as Mark Clayton dropped a perfect fourth-down pass that would have given the Ravens a first-and-goal. The Patriots took a knee and ran out the remaining 28 seconds off the clock.
The Good:
Tom Brady's numbers weren't prolific (21 of 32, 258 yards, one touchdown, one fumble lost), but he spread the ball around to nine different receivers and scored the Patriots' first touchdown on a 1-yard QB sneak in the first quarter.
Patriots cornerback Leigh Bodden grabbed the team's first interception of the season with a leaping, sideline, toe-tapping grab to stop a Ravens drive at the Pats' nine-yard line with 1:11 left in the first half.
Before Sunday, the Ravens had not allowed a rushing touchdown in four games. They gave up two to the Patriots.
The return of Wes Welker steadied the Patriots against the blitz-happy Ravens. While he only tallied 48 receiving yards, Welker led the team in receptions (6) and gave Tom Brady a reliable outlet against pressure.
The Bad:
Ravens LB Terrell Suggs blew past Matt Light, then sacked Tom Brady, who fumbled the ball. Dwan Edwards picked up the loose ball in the end zone.
The Ugly:
Patriots safety James Sands appeared to injury his right shoulder with 1:15 left in the first half attempting to chase down Ravens RB Ray Rice.
Ravens tackle Jared Gaither was taken to Mass General for tests on his neck and shoulders.
Game Notes:
The Patriots have started the season with at least three wins in their first four games for the fourth straight season and are the only NFL team to begin each of the last four seasons with a record of 3-1 or better through their first four games.
The Patriots demonstrated marked improvement on offense, converting three of five possessions in the red zone into touchdowns. On the last nine attempts, they only scored one.
With his third-quarter touchdown reception, Randy Moss moved past Marshall Faulk into sixth all-time, with 137 career touchdowns.
The Ravens have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 39 straight games (longest active streak in the NFL).
Notable Quotes:
"Flat out drop...It was a perfect ball. Joe put it on the money. To not come up with it is tough. It cost us the game." -- Ravens WR Mark Clayton
"That was quite a finish...Stop them on fourth down twice in the fourth quarter, that's when you've got to be there. Luckily, we were." -- Patriots Coach Bill Belichick
The Patriots went ahead 10-7 on the next series with a 1-yard sneak by Brady: "Head-to-head with Ray Lewis, I certainly wasn't thinking of that one going to bed last night." -- Patriots QB Tom Brady
Ray Lewis complained about rushing the passer penalties that helped the drives on which Brady and Morris scored. "Without totally going off the wall here, it is embarrassing to the game. Brady is good enough to make his own plays, let him make the play." -- Ravens LB Ray Lewis
Game Scoring:
Patriots strike first on a Gostkowski 32 yd. Field Goal (Patriots 3, Ravens 0)
The Ravens wrapped up an impressive drive with a 20-yard TD pass from Joe Flacco to a leaping Derrick Mason on third and goal. The combo connected six times on the scoring drive. (Patriots 3, Ravens 7)
Tom Brady used his legs on the Patriots first touchdown drive as he ran in the final six yards on two straight runs, including a QB sneak from one-yard out. (Patriots 10, Ravens 7)
Sammy Morris gave the Patriots a 17-7 lead on a 12-yard run. The play capped a six-play, 63 yard drive. (Patriots 17, Ravens 7)
Ravens LB Terrell Suggs blew past Matt Light, then sacked Tom Brady, who fumbled the ball. Dwan Edwards picked up the loose ball in the end zone. (Patriots 17, Ravens 14)
Following the Ravens defensive touchdown, Tom Brady led the Patriots right back down the field throwing a 14-yard toss to Randy Moss. (Patriots 24, Ravens 14)
Ravens QB Joe Flacco threw a 13-yard TD pass to Willis McGahee with 14:17 left in the game. (Patriots 24, Ravens 21)
The Patriots melted 7:07 on a 15-play drive, which was capped by a 31-field goal by Stephen Gostkowski. (Patriots 27, Ravens 21) FINAL
Game Info from NFL.com and Boston.com
The Good:
Tom Brady's numbers weren't prolific (21 of 32, 258 yards, one touchdown, one fumble lost), but he spread the ball around to nine different receivers and scored the Patriots' first touchdown on a 1-yard QB sneak in the first quarter.
Patriots cornerback Leigh Bodden grabbed the team's first interception of the season with a leaping, sideline, toe-tapping grab to stop a Ravens drive at the Pats' nine-yard line with 1:11 left in the first half.
Before Sunday, the Ravens had not allowed a rushing touchdown in four games. They gave up two to the Patriots.
The return of Wes Welker steadied the Patriots against the blitz-happy Ravens. While he only tallied 48 receiving yards, Welker led the team in receptions (6) and gave Tom Brady a reliable outlet against pressure.
The Bad:
Ravens LB Terrell Suggs blew past Matt Light, then sacked Tom Brady, who fumbled the ball. Dwan Edwards picked up the loose ball in the end zone.
The Ugly:
Patriots safety James Sands appeared to injury his right shoulder with 1:15 left in the first half attempting to chase down Ravens RB Ray Rice.
Ravens tackle Jared Gaither was taken to Mass General for tests on his neck and shoulders.
Game Notes:
The Patriots have started the season with at least three wins in their first four games for the fourth straight season and are the only NFL team to begin each of the last four seasons with a record of 3-1 or better through their first four games.
The Patriots demonstrated marked improvement on offense, converting three of five possessions in the red zone into touchdowns. On the last nine attempts, they only scored one.
With his third-quarter touchdown reception, Randy Moss moved past Marshall Faulk into sixth all-time, with 137 career touchdowns.
The Ravens have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 39 straight games (longest active streak in the NFL).
Notable Quotes:
"Flat out drop...It was a perfect ball. Joe put it on the money. To not come up with it is tough. It cost us the game." -- Ravens WR Mark Clayton
"That was quite a finish...Stop them on fourth down twice in the fourth quarter, that's when you've got to be there. Luckily, we were." -- Patriots Coach Bill Belichick
The Patriots went ahead 10-7 on the next series with a 1-yard sneak by Brady: "Head-to-head with Ray Lewis, I certainly wasn't thinking of that one going to bed last night." -- Patriots QB Tom Brady
Ray Lewis complained about rushing the passer penalties that helped the drives on which Brady and Morris scored. "Without totally going off the wall here, it is embarrassing to the game. Brady is good enough to make his own plays, let him make the play." -- Ravens LB Ray Lewis
Game Scoring:
Patriots strike first on a Gostkowski 32 yd. Field Goal (Patriots 3, Ravens 0)
The Ravens wrapped up an impressive drive with a 20-yard TD pass from Joe Flacco to a leaping Derrick Mason on third and goal. The combo connected six times on the scoring drive. (Patriots 3, Ravens 7)
Tom Brady used his legs on the Patriots first touchdown drive as he ran in the final six yards on two straight runs, including a QB sneak from one-yard out. (Patriots 10, Ravens 7)
Sammy Morris gave the Patriots a 17-7 lead on a 12-yard run. The play capped a six-play, 63 yard drive. (Patriots 17, Ravens 7)
Ravens LB Terrell Suggs blew past Matt Light, then sacked Tom Brady, who fumbled the ball. Dwan Edwards picked up the loose ball in the end zone. (Patriots 17, Ravens 14)
Following the Ravens defensive touchdown, Tom Brady led the Patriots right back down the field throwing a 14-yard toss to Randy Moss. (Patriots 24, Ravens 14)
Ravens QB Joe Flacco threw a 13-yard TD pass to Willis McGahee with 14:17 left in the game. (Patriots 24, Ravens 21)
The Patriots melted 7:07 on a 15-play drive, which was capped by a 31-field goal by Stephen Gostkowski. (Patriots 27, Ravens 21) FINAL
Game Info from NFL.com and Boston.com
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Week 4: Putting it on the line
After a great week 3 going 14 - 2, week 4 is definitely more of a challenge to predict. There are a lot of games that could go either way.
Byes: Arizona, Atlanta, Carolina, Philadelphia
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
Pick: BEARS - The Lions finally come into a game on a winning note. They are definitely improved, but I'm not thinking they make it two in a row. RB Kevin Smith was great last week, but got hurt in the game. Chicago has won six of the past eight games, although the Lions almost ended there losing streak last year against them. If the Lions can not expose Chicago's secondary with Charles Johnson, look for the Bears to win at home.
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
Pick: BENGALS - The Bengals have won seven of the last nine meeting and come into this game on a high note (by beating the Steelers week 3). Derek Anderson replaced Brady Quinn at quarterback for the Browns. Although the Browns should be better this week with Anderson at the helm, it won't be enough. Look for the Bengals to eat up the clock with Ced Benson and win this one on the road.
Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans
Pick: TEXANS - The Texans have won three of the last four meetings. Oakland will need to run on Houston to have a chance in this game. Houston was unable to contain Maurice Jones-Drew, who scored three TDs, and lost 31-24 to the Jaguars last week. The Texans will win this one on the road with the passing game though.
Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts
Pick: COLTS - Peyton Manning, enough said! Actually, the Colts have struggled against the Seahawks, who have won three of the past four meetings. Manning is off to one of the best starts of his career though. He leads the AFC in passer rating (117.7) and is also atop the conference in touchdown passes with seven. The Seahawks are banged up, so look for the Colts to win at home.
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: JAGUARS - The Titans have won four of the past five meetings. starting 10-0 last season, the Titans have begun 2009 at 0-3. There has to be a clear sense of urgency for the Titans to win, especially since all of their losses have been close games. Going with the upset here though, and picking the Jaguars to win at home.
New York Giants at Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: GIANTS - The Giants have won six of the past seven meetings and have a dominant 9-2 overall series edge. New York handed the Bucs a 24-0 shutout. The Chiefs went into Philadelphia and got rocked in a 34-14 loss. The Giants rank fifth in the league with five interceptions and rank first in passing defense. It is going to be a long day for Matt Cassel and the Chiefs. The Giants win this one on the road.
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots
Pick: PATRIOTS - This game spells upset all over it the way the Ravens are playing this season, but everyone knows I won't ever pick against the Patriots (why would I since they always find a way to get it done!). All four meetings between these two teams have been won by New England. The Patriots' defense revolves around confusing opposing quarterbacks and forcing them into mistakes. New England held second-year QB Matt Ryan in check last week and hopefully will do the same to Joe Flacco. Ravens will shut down the running game, so it will be up to Tom Brady and the Defense to win this one at home.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Redskins
Pick: REDSKINS - Hand me a coin please... The Bucs have won the past three regular-season meetings. After one of the worst offensive peformances in team history last week, Byron Leftwich will be replaced by Johnson as the team's starting QB. Hopefully the Redskins can rattle Johnson, so take the Redskins at Home.
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
Pick: DOLPHINS - Two teams that are tough to get a read on (another coin toss).The Bills have won four of the past six meetings. Chad Henne's gets his first start at quarterback for Miami. Look for the wildcat and the Miami heat to wear down the Bills. Here is hoping TO goes for zero catches a second week in a row as well! Miami wins at home.
New York Jets at New Orleans Saints
Pick: SAINTS - The Saints have taken four of the past five meetings. Brees is leading the league in passer rating so far this season and has thrown for an NFL-high nine touchdowns. This is a classic battle between one of the league's best quarterbacks (Brees) and one of the league's most innovative defensive minds (Ryan). I usually lean towards defense, but I think offense wins at home this weekend!
Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos
Pick: BRONCOS - Another tough game to pick. The Broncos have won the past three meetings. The Broncos have played phenomenal defense this season and rank first in the league. In perspective though, they have faced the league's worst two offenses the past two weeks and played against Cincinnati's 24th-ranked unit in Week 1. The Cowboys' have the third-ranked offense right now, but is banged up at Running Back. Going to stick with the Broncos for the upset at home.
St Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers
Pick: 49ERS - The 49ers have won six of the past eight meetings. With Frank Gore out this week, the rookie Coffee will take over the starting role at running back. San Francisco's loss last week was about as exruciating a loss as a team can experience. The players must quickly put that defeat behind them and avoid a costly let-down against the winless Rams. Niners QB Shaun Hill has won both of his starts against the Rams. 49ers win at home.
San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick: STEELERS - Pittsburgh has won six of the last seven meetings. The Steelers have dropped two straight close games and find themselves two back of first-place Baltimore. Watch out for Philip Rivers in this game...The quarterback leads the league with 991 passing yards through three games. Chargers Tomlinson looks ready to play, Steelers Parker doubtful to start. Still going with the Steelers at home, but this game definitely has upset written on it.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Pick: VIKINGS - The Packers have won five of six to take a 49-46-1 overall series lead, including the playoffs. They have never played against Brett though! This is the game Favre has been waiting for since leaving Green Bay. This game will end up being about Adrian Peterson though, who is averaging 6.1 yards per carry and already has four rushing touchdowns. Did I mention Green Bay's defense is ranked 23rd against the rush. Vikings win at home.
OK, so going with three Underdogs in the Jaguars (over Titans), Dolphins (over Bills), and Broncos (over Cowboys). There are definitely additional upset teams in the Ravens (over Patriots), Jets (over Saints), Chargers (over Steelers), and Greenbay (over Vikings). That makes seven game out of fourteen that could go either way!
Please note, nerangers picks are done for fun only!
Stat info from NFL.COM
wk1: 13-3 wk2: 8-8 wk3:14-2
Byes: Arizona, Atlanta, Carolina, Philadelphia
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
Pick: BEARS - The Lions finally come into a game on a winning note. They are definitely improved, but I'm not thinking they make it two in a row. RB Kevin Smith was great last week, but got hurt in the game. Chicago has won six of the past eight games, although the Lions almost ended there losing streak last year against them. If the Lions can not expose Chicago's secondary with Charles Johnson, look for the Bears to win at home.
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
Pick: BENGALS - The Bengals have won seven of the last nine meeting and come into this game on a high note (by beating the Steelers week 3). Derek Anderson replaced Brady Quinn at quarterback for the Browns. Although the Browns should be better this week with Anderson at the helm, it won't be enough. Look for the Bengals to eat up the clock with Ced Benson and win this one on the road.
Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans
Pick: TEXANS - The Texans have won three of the last four meetings. Oakland will need to run on Houston to have a chance in this game. Houston was unable to contain Maurice Jones-Drew, who scored three TDs, and lost 31-24 to the Jaguars last week. The Texans will win this one on the road with the passing game though.
Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts
Pick: COLTS - Peyton Manning, enough said! Actually, the Colts have struggled against the Seahawks, who have won three of the past four meetings. Manning is off to one of the best starts of his career though. He leads the AFC in passer rating (117.7) and is also atop the conference in touchdown passes with seven. The Seahawks are banged up, so look for the Colts to win at home.
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: JAGUARS - The Titans have won four of the past five meetings. starting 10-0 last season, the Titans have begun 2009 at 0-3. There has to be a clear sense of urgency for the Titans to win, especially since all of their losses have been close games. Going with the upset here though, and picking the Jaguars to win at home.
New York Giants at Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: GIANTS - The Giants have won six of the past seven meetings and have a dominant 9-2 overall series edge. New York handed the Bucs a 24-0 shutout. The Chiefs went into Philadelphia and got rocked in a 34-14 loss. The Giants rank fifth in the league with five interceptions and rank first in passing defense. It is going to be a long day for Matt Cassel and the Chiefs. The Giants win this one on the road.
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots
Pick: PATRIOTS - This game spells upset all over it the way the Ravens are playing this season, but everyone knows I won't ever pick against the Patriots (why would I since they always find a way to get it done!). All four meetings between these two teams have been won by New England. The Patriots' defense revolves around confusing opposing quarterbacks and forcing them into mistakes. New England held second-year QB Matt Ryan in check last week and hopefully will do the same to Joe Flacco. Ravens will shut down the running game, so it will be up to Tom Brady and the Defense to win this one at home.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Redskins
Pick: REDSKINS - Hand me a coin please... The Bucs have won the past three regular-season meetings. After one of the worst offensive peformances in team history last week, Byron Leftwich will be replaced by Johnson as the team's starting QB. Hopefully the Redskins can rattle Johnson, so take the Redskins at Home.
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
Pick: DOLPHINS - Two teams that are tough to get a read on (another coin toss).The Bills have won four of the past six meetings. Chad Henne's gets his first start at quarterback for Miami. Look for the wildcat and the Miami heat to wear down the Bills. Here is hoping TO goes for zero catches a second week in a row as well! Miami wins at home.
New York Jets at New Orleans Saints
Pick: SAINTS - The Saints have taken four of the past five meetings. Brees is leading the league in passer rating so far this season and has thrown for an NFL-high nine touchdowns. This is a classic battle between one of the league's best quarterbacks (Brees) and one of the league's most innovative defensive minds (Ryan). I usually lean towards defense, but I think offense wins at home this weekend!
Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos
Pick: BRONCOS - Another tough game to pick. The Broncos have won the past three meetings. The Broncos have played phenomenal defense this season and rank first in the league. In perspective though, they have faced the league's worst two offenses the past two weeks and played against Cincinnati's 24th-ranked unit in Week 1. The Cowboys' have the third-ranked offense right now, but is banged up at Running Back. Going to stick with the Broncos for the upset at home.
St Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers
Pick: 49ERS - The 49ers have won six of the past eight meetings. With Frank Gore out this week, the rookie Coffee will take over the starting role at running back. San Francisco's loss last week was about as exruciating a loss as a team can experience. The players must quickly put that defeat behind them and avoid a costly let-down against the winless Rams. Niners QB Shaun Hill has won both of his starts against the Rams. 49ers win at home.
San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick: STEELERS - Pittsburgh has won six of the last seven meetings. The Steelers have dropped two straight close games and find themselves two back of first-place Baltimore. Watch out for Philip Rivers in this game...The quarterback leads the league with 991 passing yards through three games. Chargers Tomlinson looks ready to play, Steelers Parker doubtful to start. Still going with the Steelers at home, but this game definitely has upset written on it.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Pick: VIKINGS - The Packers have won five of six to take a 49-46-1 overall series lead, including the playoffs. They have never played against Brett though! This is the game Favre has been waiting for since leaving Green Bay. This game will end up being about Adrian Peterson though, who is averaging 6.1 yards per carry and already has four rushing touchdowns. Did I mention Green Bay's defense is ranked 23rd against the rush. Vikings win at home.
OK, so going with three Underdogs in the Jaguars (over Titans), Dolphins (over Bills), and Broncos (over Cowboys). There are definitely additional upset teams in the Ravens (over Patriots), Jets (over Saints), Chargers (over Steelers), and Greenbay (over Vikings). That makes seven game out of fourteen that could go either way!
Please note, nerangers picks are done for fun only!
Stat info from NFL.COM
wk1: 13-3 wk2: 8-8 wk3:14-2
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