I pick ‘em every week and have for years. This season, I’ve been doing most of my picks right here on www.sports-uncut.com, as well as over at bleacherreport.com.

Going into last week (9), I was a solid if unspectacular 82-35, good for a 70.0 percent accuracy rate. Last season was my personal best of 80 percent. This year, I’m looking to improve that!

Over the last two weeks, I’ve been good, going 21-5 and I finished Week 9 with a solid 11-2 record, not bad by my standards.

This week marks the first week of Thursday Night Football on NFL network when the Bears travel to San Fran., and I’m hoping that I don’t have to hear any more of Gumble than necessary…..

It’s a new week, so let’s get on with it!

As always, I’m not picking the spread here folks; I’m picking the straight up winner.
Record
Record from Two Weeks Previous (8): 10-3

Record from Last Week (9): 11-2

Record coming into Week (10): 93-37 (71.5 percent)
Now that the records are out of the way, let’s get right to it!

 

Thursday Night Football,  November 12, 2009:

Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers

Breakdown:

Chicago is coming off of an absolute drubbing at the hands of the Cardinals and one Kurt Warner, who torched the Bears D for 260+ yards and 5….counte 1,2,3,4 FIVE TD’s.  Oddly, Jay Cutler has been under a lot of scrutiny in the “Windy City” for not leading his team to a better record and stronger start.  However, I think that’s somewhat unfair. 

Matt Forte has looked like a newbie out there, and hasn’t been able to get anything going, meaning he’s smack dab in the middle of the dreaded “Sophomore Slump”.  Add to that the fact that there’s still no legitimate threat at the WR spot for Cutler, and No, I don’t consider Devin Hester, Johnny Knox or Earl Bennett legitimate threats.  Cutler has been a bright spot for the Bears this season, however, with limited weaponry, even the smartest General is destined for failure…..

On the other side of the field, the lone bright spot on the 49er roster has been Frank Gore (when he’s been healthy) and has really turned the corner as a threat out of the backfield, and that showed last week with his 75 yards receiving.  The San Fran D however has been lackluster after showing some fight and gumption early this season.

And, unfortunately, I think that’s where the 9ers end up stumbling.  Without a D, as we all know, you’re in trouble and this week, even with the Bears visiting (who haveserious issues of their own), they could be in for a long day.  Alex Smith will have the opportunity to beat the porous Chicago D, but he just won’t do enough.

 VERDICT:  Jay Cutler will exploit San Fran’s #24th ranked passing D, and will lead the Bears to an important win in the bay.

 

Sunday Games, November 15, 2009

 

Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings

Breakdown:

There’s not much to say here.  The Lions are on the path back to respectability, however, for then to get there ol’ Matty Stafford can’t be throwing 5 int’s per game.

The Vikings are a tough squad, and right now may be the #2 team in the NFC behind only the Saints.  brett Favre is holding up and Adrian Peterson is Adrian Peterson, and Rookie of The Year candidate Percy Harvin is emerging as a star for the Vikes.  This one probably won’t be very close.

 VERDICT:  Detroit is bad, and Minnesota isn’t.  brett Favre is going to throw all over the Lions…err…Kitty Cats whenever AP isn’t running all over them.

 

Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers

Breakdown:

Last week, I said that Michael Turner would thoroughly dominate the Redskins D, and he did just that averaging 9.2 ypc on 18 attempts, going for 166 yards and 2 scores.  The thing that boads well for him this week, is that he’s facing a run D that ranks basically the same (23rd as oppose to 25th) as the Redskins.  So, I expect a big day from him because the Panthers do sport the #6 overall passing D.

Carolina, right now, is a team in flux and it’s directly related to their QB.  Jacke Delhomme has been absolutely Tim Couch-esquethis season, and that’s been a HUGE problem for the Panthers.  Steve Smith has been largely uninvolved, and the lone bright spots have been Johnathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams.

That said, Atlanta is currently ranked #24 against the run and #27 against the pass, so, Delhomme and company will pretty much have their choice on how they want to attack the Falcons, and my guess is that J-Stew and D-Will will be running all day.

However, you can’t count “Matty Ice” out of anything.  He’s the next superstar QB in the NFL.  He shows more poise as a second year guy than some 10 year vets do, and when the chips are down, dude can ball.  He has a ton of options with Turner, White, Jenkins and Gonzo, and the guys makes plays.

VERDICT:  This should be a close game, but, I like Atlanta to go in and get a win against a team still trying after 9 Weeks, to find an identity.

 

Tampa bay Buccaneers @ Miami Dolphins

Breakdown:

Last week, the Tampa Buccaneers, in the creamsicle throwbacks, eeked out a win against the Green Bay Packers on the shoulders of rookie QB Josh Freeman.  Freeman was a little erratic at times with his passes, but, for being week 1 under C, and not playing a game for almost a year, I thought he did a tremendous job.  He finished the day 14/31, 20o5 yards and 3 TD’s.  For you fantasy players, that should make Antonio Bryant a little more valuable moving forward.

The Miami Dolphins on the other hand were actually pretty bad last week, and got torched by the trio of Brady, Moss and Maroney pretty easily.  For some reason, Ronnie Brown has not been playing very well over the last 2.  This week however, could be the cure. 

The Dolphins are the #1 running team in the NFL with Ricky and Ronnie doing their thing, and matching up against the #30 overall run D will only make them better this week.  And, running may be what they haveto do to get the W, as the Bucs have a pass D in the upper half of the league, and Chad Henne is still learning the game.

VERDICT:  This too will prove to be a good game, however, I think the Duo of Ricky and Ronnie get this job done this week.

 

New Orleans Saints @ St. Louis Rams

Breakdown:

Can anyone say 9-0?  I can assure you that the Saints will be after this game.  St Louis is NOT a good team.  Hell, they’re not even an average team, and they’re expected to hold New Orleans and the dynamic Drew Brees in check??  Yeah right.

Steven Jackson will have a decent day, and may even get in the end zone, however, the Rams just cannot score along with Saints.  They don’t have the horses to comete in this one.  Sorry Rams fans….

VERDICT:  Drew Breesand the Saints will dominate in this game and will get an easy win to improve to 9-0.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars @ New York Jets

Breakdown:

Every week I mention the power of the bye, and I’m going to talk about it again here.  The Jet’s are coming off a bye, and as always, that means they’ve had 2 weeks the scheme and get healthy prior to this game.  Make no mistake about it, Sexy Rexy has heard the criticism’s and I can assure you that he’ll have his team not only ready to go, but also playing with some fire.

The Jags are coming of a close win against the Chiefs, and the were a little banged up in that game.  The fact of the metter here is though, the Chiefs are nowhere near the caliber of team that the Jets are, and this week I presume we’ll be seeing that on display.

VERDICT:  The J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets show up with a purpose in this game well rested and ready to go and get the W at home.

 

Buffalo Bills @ Tennessee Titans

Breakdown:

Vince Young’s recent insertion into the lineup in place of Kerry Collins has certainly paid off to this point.  Young is 2-0 as a starter and has looked pretty decent in his return.  In 2 games, ol’ Vinny is 27 for 42 with 297 yards and 1 TD, as well as 1 rushing TD.  he has a rating right now of 83.1, and that’s not bad.

The real story however has been Chris Johnson who to this point, has 969 rushing yards with 6 TD’s and 162 receiving yards with 1 TD.  He’s the catalyst for this Titans team, and this week, I expect another HUGE game out of him as Buffalo has the worst run D in the league.  Yep, that means they rank #32…..sad.

Buffalo won’t compete in this game.  Their running game is a mess, their QB play has been horrid all season and defensively, they just look lost at times.  This will be a long day for the Bills.

VERDICT:  Vinny and Chris have their way with the horrid Buffalo D and get a win at home.

 

Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Breakdown:

I’m a little in the air as to where to go on this one.   The Bengals have been playing good football, and with Chris Henry out, call me crazy, I think they’re better.  Cedric Benson has emerged as a legitimate stud in the NFL this season and Ocho Cinco is back.

On the otehr side, the most overrated QB in the game is having a great season, and the emergence of Rashard Mendenhall has soldified the running game, while Mike Wallace, Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes for a nice threesome of WR’s for Ben to find.

This game could go either way, so I like to look at matchups.  Cincinnati has a stout rushing D, currently ranked #2 overall, while Pittsburgh has the #1 overall running D.  Pittsburgh’s passing D is currently ranked 14th, while Cincy’s is ranked 25th.

However, you can throw all that out the window in this one.  This is a late season divisional matchup, and both Cincy and Pittsburgh know how important this game is, especially since Cincy stole one from the Steelers earlier in the season. 

VERDICT:  I think this is going to be a phenomenal game, and I likePalmer, Ocho, Benson and the D to get it done at the “Ketchup Bottle”.

 

Denver Broncos @ Washington Redskins

Breakdown:

Washington is almost as bad as my beloved Cleveland Browns right now, but not quite.  They’re down their starting RB in Clinton Portis, Chris Cooley is gone and Jason Campbell is banged up as well.

On Monday night, I think we learned 2 things about the Broncos:

1.  They’re not as good as everyone thinks they are.  The running game is lackluster at this point, unlike what they were at the beginning of the season and Kyle Orton has been gotten to several times, making him succeptable to the INT.  No pocket = no time = bad throws = INT’s.  Defensively, they’ve cooled too.  the reasons for this are simple and leads me to…..

2.  They’ve become terribly predictable over the last couple of weeks.  When it’s run, run, short pass in the play progression more than 70% opf the time, teams will cue in and elminate the ability to work.  Proof of that can be seen in the fact that they’veonly scored 1 offensive TD in the last 2 games.  Defensively, they’re just on the field too long.

All that said, there’s no way that anyone in his/her right mind would pick Washington over Denver.  Denver’s D is a Top 10 unit, and makes enough plays to get a win, even if the offense doesn’t help.

VERDICT:  The Broncos get back on track with a win against the lowly Redskins

 

Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders

Breakdown:

Not much to say here.  This is the battle in futility for the week. 

Both of these teams are bad, and one’s just less bad than the other,and that’s the Kansas City Chiefs.  Oakland is a horrid team and KC is just a smidgen better.

VERDICT:  Matt Cassel will hook up at least once with either Boweand/or Chambers and Jamaal Charles showed why LJ was expendable.

 

Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers

Breakdown:

I’m sure this is going to be a pretty good game.  Green Bay is coming of a loss at the hands of the Buccaneers and they’ll be looking for a little redemption in this one.  Conversely, Dallas used the bye week a while back to their advantage and definitely got on the right page and have come out refocused.  Witten has been involved, Williams has been involved and everything is looking good there.

Green Bay on the other hand seems to be falling apart a little bit.  Their D is a Top 10 unit, however, the just haven’t been real successful, and last week let a rookie torch them.  Aaron Rodgers is solid as is Donald Driver, but, this team just seems like they have a hitch in their giddy-up to me.

I think Green Bay will be ready for the game, but I think Dallas will too, and base of what I’ve seen from both of these teams recently, I haveto give the edge to the Cowboys.  That said, the environment at Lambeau will make a huge difference in this game.

VERDICT:  Tony Romoand the Cowboys offense make enough plays to win this game, while the D is able to keep Aaron Rodgers at bay and humanlike.

 

Philadelphia Eagles @ San Diego Chargers

Breakdown:

The Eagles are notorious for letting opportunities slip away and in the waning moments of a game, as was evident last week against the Cowboys, when they lost at home.  Of course, there was no Brian Westbrook and the rookie, LeSean McCoy could only do so much.

Dallas’ passing D is ranked 20th, San Diego’s is currently ranked #5 overall.  That tells me that this weak could be tough sledding through the air for the Eagles.  Not to mention, even with  Westbrook back, Andy Reid has been on record as stating that he’ll have an “easy day”, meaning he’s not out there the entire game.

That sets up nicely for the Chargers who, as of late, have been playing good football on the arm of Philip Rivers.  Rivers has matured into a Top 5 NFL QB, and is likely going to lead the Chargers into a playoff contending spot by the end of the season.  Hell, they may even catch Denver.

VERDICT:  The Eagles are beatable, the Chargers have them at home and Philip Rivers can throw on anyone.  Chargers get a big win.

 

Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals

Breakdown:

This game could go either way.  Earlier this season I predicted Seattle to easily beat Arizona, and the cardinals somehow channeled the Steelerin their defensive performance.

This go round, I’m going with the Cardinals.  Here’s why…..

The cardinals now have some resemblance of a team that can run the football.  Chris Wells is starting to come into his own, and with Anquan Boldin back healthy, Seattle doesn’t have the manpower to cover all facets of Arizona’s attacking offense.

That said, the Cards do currently rank 29th against the pass, and matt hasselbeck has shown that, if given time, he can pick apart anyone with surgical like skill.  The problem is he won’t be getting anymore time this week than he did the first time, and he’s still lacking a true running game to help balance the offensive attack.

VERDICT:  The Cardinals win a close one at home.

 

Sunday Night Football – November 22, 2009

New England Patriots @ Indianapolis Colts

Breakdown:

This is going to be a stellar game.  It doesn’t matter whether your a Patriots fan, a Colts fan or just a football fan.  This is going to be a game to remember.  It always is when these 2 teams get together!

Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts have been perhaps the most consistently productive teams in the league both on the Offensive and Defensive side of the football.  New England has been up and down all season, but they’ve started to settle into a groove that’s allowed them to  win a couple in a row, and have started to actually use the running game a little more.

I think what this game comes down to is this, both teams have Top 10 Pass D’s and both teams have serviceable Run D’s.  However, New England can be beat on the ground, currently ranking 20th overall in Run D, and that could be where this one plays out.  Joe Addai has looked very good this year, and with unexpected contributions coming at the WR spot from Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie, the Colts have been able to flourish.

But, perhaps the most underrated part of the Colts is Dallas Clark, how is the best TE in the league right now, bar none.  He’s always open and Peyton likes throwing his direction, as evidenced last week in his 13 receptions.

Tome Brady and Randy Moss are a dynamic pairing and can absolutely kill you before your coordinator even knew what happened, and if they get hot, this could be a shootout.  And yes,  I’m fully aware of the fact that Brady has the advantage head to head against Manning, but I don’t know how much weight those numbers actually carry this week.  The Colts are staring 9-0 in the face, and are certainly going to do whatever they can to get there.

VERDICT:  Indianapolis and Peyton Manning find a way to get the win in the “Oil Can” or Lucas Oil Stadium.

 

 Monday Night Football – November 16, 2009

 

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns

Breakdown:

This is real simple….

Cleveland = Really bad team.  Horribly coached, unmotivated, lacking a leader and ready for the season to end.

Baltimore = Good team still in thick of a playoff berth and ready to dominate.

Word is the Browns fans are going to protesting the team by not being there when the game kicks off.  If that happens, I can tell you this; I will be proud.  Because as a Browns fan, I can honestly say that I am sick and tired of losing, and everyone in Cleveland is too.

After this blowout, Eric Mangini ought to start packing his bags because I feel like it won’t be long after that he’ll be gone!  I say, good riddance!

VERDICT:  The Browns get beat.  Badly.

 

So there it is for this week!  Hope you have a good Fantasy weekend, and we’ll see you for Week 11!

By Jason Jones

In this era, why not take advantage of technology, new media, and Monday Night Football all at the same time. Generally, a person in my position might choose to Live Blog this game. Anyone who has done any live blogging, you realize that there really is not much time to elaborate or editorialize. This will be more of an editorial recap. In addition to the recapping, I will be viewing this on TIVO delay. This will result in the post being later than the actual game. I have a sneaky suspicion that this game could get “chippy” and be rather entertaining. With that being said, lets fast forward through this pregame crap and get into the shenanigans!
-First off, I may be alone in this, but I prefer the Wyoming Cowboys style Gold and Brown throwbacks over the white and brown. The Chargers powder blue throwbacks, however, may be the best uni’s in the history of organized sports.
-Denver kicks off and Darren Sproles gets the Chargers to the 24 yard line.
-It will be very evident that I am rooting for the Denver Broncos, however, am I crazy to be rooting for Tomlinson to do well? And no, it has zero fantasy football bearing. I have always been a fan of my generation in sports having the grandfather complex. “Back in my day”…no one was ever or will ever be better than Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Albert Pulos, etc. I guess I’m just not done watching LT and hope he has a few more “LT” like seasons. Tomlinson for a 4 yd gain.
-Rivers over throws Vincent Jackson. I really don’t like Phillip Rivers. I guess some of it has to do with the relative arrogance that I perceive. I hate to hear him speak, I hate his excuses, he’s just like an annoying step brother. Everything he does grates on my soul. He is a very good football player though, cannot take that away from him.
-Darrell Reid goes completely unblocked between the guard and the center. Really? This is not the Ravens 2000 defense, but don’t they deserve at least a little respect to not let the defensive end just run through the teeth of the offensive line like some garden variety kitchen mouse?
-4th and 7, Chargers punt. 3 and out to start the game. Punt to Eddie Royal who, fumbles it? This may end up being a very strange game. And is consequently swallowed up almost immediately on the Denver 26.
-Wow, I am a Brandon Marshall apologist. That guy is freaky good. He caught the ball a yard short of the marker, and had the presence of mind to instantly cut on a dime to redirect himself back toward the middle of the field and get another 3 yards…amidst three defenders.
-Correll Buckhalter channels his inner Jerome Bettis on an eight yard run.
-Chargers funnel pressure up the middle and Orton is rushed before he can finish his qb drop. Chargers hold on 3rd and 3.
-After a special teams penalty, the Chargers are backed up on their own goal line…Trouble for Rivers? Hell no. Throws a bullet despite the safety blitz for a 20 yard gain to Antonio Gates across the middle.
-Broncos bring the heat with the “cover zero” blitz package…and get burned.
-Clearly, the game plan was to send pressure…maybe that plan should be re-evaluated. This time an awkward shovel pass that looks more like a two handed chest pass to LT. Two consecutive plays of more than 20 yards a piece.
-That latest play makes it 50 yards in 3 plays.
-Tomlinson running like Tomlinson does gets them 1st and goal from the Denver 5.
-LT is good.
-Brian Dawkins looks to have a hamstring issue,
-Broncos defense minus Dawkins hold the Chargers to a FG.
DEN 0 SD 3
-EDDIE FREAKING ROYAL…finds the seam in special teams coverage and makes the Chargers pay. 94 yard kickoff return for a TD!
DEN 7 SD 3
-LT fancy 10 yard gain.
-Andra Davis just got the most perfectly timed jump on the snap, but it didn’t matter. LT busted right through it to get a 3 yard gain instead of a disheartening 7 yard loss.
-Rivers floats the ball perfectly to Gates for a huge gain. Chargers 1st and goal from the 6…again.
-Rivers to Vincent Jackson in the back of the endzone crossing the back line. Jack Williams had no chance.
DEN 7 SD 10
-On a first option screen pass to Knowshon Moreno, an official gets the brunt of the punishment. Not to sound too inconsiderate, I love to see officials get knocked down. They always look so disoriented.
-Kyle Orton is getting enitirely too much time to survey the field. He throws a strike to Jabar Gaffney for a 20+yard gain.
-Knowshon is showing a little patience and wiggle shades of prime Marshall Faulk. Granted a young and inexperienced Marshall Faulk. Remember, Moreno is the guy who thought he could break out the spin move in traffic a couple weeks ago. Still a lot to learn for young Moreno.
-One of these defenses has got to step up. Orton and Rivers are picking these defenses apart. The difference is Orton has all day while Rivers is doing it with next to no time in the pocket.
-Marshall called for “unsportsmanlike conduct” for kicking the ball after the play. Some of these violations seem very petty to me. Kicking the ball really doesn’t effect anything but it is a rule and Marshall violated it.
-Prater evens the score with a short FG
DEN 10 SD 10
-Rivers escapes two potential sacks while running about as fast senior citizen after his jello cup.
-Andre Goodman shoots the gap on a Cornerback blitz to force a Charger punt.
-EDDIE FREAKING ROYAL takes the high but short punt and similar to his kickoff return exploited the seam for a 71 yard punt return for a TD.
DEN 17 SD 10
-These wide open HUGE gains by Antonio Gates is really starting to get annoying. Currently, Gates has 3 receptions for 54 yards, that’s 18 yards a reception.
-Nate Kaeding hits a 48 yard FG to cut the Denver lead to 4.
DEN 17 SD 13
-Orton throws the ball away on 3rd down with only 90 seconds left in the half. But, he had Correll Buckhalter wide open at the first down marker.
-Darren Sproles returns the special teams favor and runs the punt back for a touchdown. 1:03 left in the half.
DEN 17 SD 20
-After a couple safe plays by the Broncos, the Chargers are called for the dreaded “horse collar” tackle penalty. Broncos at mid field with :19 left.
-Once again…the officials miss a critical call. Cromartie went through Gaffney to get to the ball. A serious no call. Prater is now called upon to attempt a LONG FG. Just a little bit wide.
DEN 17 SD 20 at the half. Broncos get the ball to start the 3rd.
Halftime Stats…
SD
Passing-P. Rivers 15/23, 206 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT
Rushing-L.Tomlinson 17 car, 68 yds, 0 TD
Receiving-A. Gates 3 rec, 54 yds, 18 avg, 0 TD, M.Floyd 3 rec, 51 yds, 17 avg, 0 TD
Special Teams-D. Sproles 7 returns, 207 total yards, 1 TD
DEN
Passing-K. Orton-18.26, 172 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT
Rushing-C. Buckhalter 10 car, 45 yds, 0 TD, K. Moreno 12 car, 31 yds, 0 TD
Receiving-T. Scheffler 5 rec, 49 yds, 0 TD, B. Marshall 5 rec, 49 yds, 0 TD
Special Teams-E. Royal 8 returns, 235 yds, 2 TDs
-There’s that dreaded spin move in traffic from Knowshon Moreno. Result=jack squat.
-Ellison called for holding on a 30 yard pass play. Denver on the Denver 40.
-The delay of game penalty is a waste, when not considering the play clock expiring. If a running back spikes the ball immediately after the play. How much time is really being delayed? Consider that it takes at least another 10-20 seconds to get all of the players back to their respective sides. The official to set the ball at the new line of scrimmage, offense to call the play, getting lined up, etc can take up to 3 minutes. The delay of game is just another way for the established old fogies to make the game as boring and unconfrontational as possible.
-The MNF crew just threw up a graffic. Zero points allowed by the Broncos in the second half in the last 4 games. I seriously discount the possibility that such a stat will continue.
-Denver holds the Chargers on a 3rd and long. Nate Kaeding hits a 50 yarder to extend their lead.
DEN 17 SD 23
-Brandon Marshall finally gets involved, in a very Brandon Marshall kind of way. Uncontested and strong. He is visibly not satisfied.
-Buckhalter could’ve broken a large run if he had not slipped, the run was still good enough for a first down.
-One play later they took a shot to Brandon Marshall, even with his body contorted, it looks like he almost had a shot to get it.
-Apparently, Moreno’s 2.6 yards a carry wasn’t good enough. Buckhalter is getting more key touches in the second half.
-On 3rd and 4, Brandon Marshall again for 5 more than needed. Quentin Jammer tried to pull him down by his arm…BMarsh would have none of that.
-On the very next play, Orton to Scheffler in a very receiver (not tight end) fashion. When I visualize Tony Scheffler, I generally do not envision him catching the ball over his outside shoulder in full sprint in the corner while toe dragging the sideline in the endzone. It was sexy though.
DEN 24 SD 23
-Despite have the Broncos up by 1, I can’t help but to wonder if either of these teams will register a turnover in this game.
-Nice insert comment by Mike Tirico. “Broncos 24 Chargers 23, it’s a lot better for Denver fans than the last visit to San Diego. Remember the great success the Chargers had closing out the division 52 to 21”. Talk about “salt in the wound”.
-As odd as it may sound, LT’s 4.0 yards a carry and only a long of 17, actually looks pretty good. It even appears that he could break one at any moment.
-And the Gods said, “let me bestoweth this bountiful turnover unto thee”. Broncos recover a Phillip Rivers turnover. Vonnie Holliday on the recovery.
-In the department of good graphics, ESPN dug up this nifty little stat. Two players drafted in the 2006 draft at the same position. Mario Williams #1 overall has registered 32.5 sacks in his career (note that the overall consensus is now that Williams was the correct choice at #1 over Reggie Bush). Elvis Dumervil was drafted 126th overall (or 29th pick in the 4th round) has registered 35 sacks in his career. Further evidence that value goes deep in the NFL draft. I like the Williams pick, but moreover, it’s a statement to those football fans who don’t follow the pre-draft activity (yes, for the record, I TIVO and watch literally every second of the combine and as many workouts as I can get my eyes on) and think their responsibility as a “die hard NFL fan” stops at the end of the second round of the draft.
-After a couple less than notable plays the Broncos get into the redzone with Marshall.
-Prater connects on a 29 yard FG attempt.
DEN 27 SD 23
-DUMERVIL STRIKES AGAIN. With Antwan Odom out for the remainder of the season, Dumervil leads the league in sacks with 10. Last year’s league leader in sacks was DeMarcus Ware with 10 on the entire season.
-Correll Buckhalter gains 15 yards on a 1st down play…again.
-Buckhalter is not perfect on the day however, coughs up the ball on a 2nd down run for 3 yards. Denver recovers.
-I have to say, one thing that bothers me with McDaniel’s style of playcalling. If its 3rd and one or less, he always without fail, runs it up the middle. The proverbial, “if we can’t get one yard, then we don’t deserve to keep the ball”.
-Antonio Cromartie breaks up a key 3rd and 3 play.
-Another 3 and out and Denver has the ball close to midfield.
-Some local analysts suggested that Rod Smith should work with Brandon Marshall in order to get him to be a better all around wide receiver. Apparently, that mentoring has gone to Tony Scheffler who, at least for tonight looks more like a WR than a TE. Scheffler catches the ball just past the 50 and cuts inside to avoid Kevin Ellison, and outruns Eric Weddle all the way down to the 8 yard line.
-Orton to Stoakley at the goal line, and Stoakley rolls into the endzone, shades of Braylon Edwards back in 2007. The play was ruled a touchdown on the field, however, Stoakley may have been touched before he crossed the plane of the endzone. The question is not whether or not Stoakley was touched before crossing the plane, but instead was he touched before he was downed or not. Cromartie does touch Stoakley but Stoakley was not down yet. It is grey like the continuance rule in basketball.
-Ruling on the field confirms. The explaination is that once the receiver catches the ball, maintained possession and once he was downed he had broken the plane. Touchdown Broncos with 2:55 left in the game.
DEN 34 SD 23
-Gates for 5, clock is running.
-Rivers steps up in the pocket and hits Chris Chambers, ball on the SD 45.
-Rivers to Jackson toe tapping the sideline at the Bronco 35 yard line.
-Rivers hit as he threw, but somehow it lands in Antonio Gates’ arms who finds his way to the 1st down marker.
-Rivers escapes pressure looking to run, and just before the line of scrimmage throws the ball for Tomlinson and hits Wesley Woodyard in the back.
-Rivers is hit in the pocket and loses the ball, luckily Vasquez (OG) recovers for San Diego.
-Jon Gruden, during the Chargers timeout, has sited an interesting observation. Denver may be the best conditioned defense if nothing else. They have blitzed what feels like 80% of the game. The entire game and they look just as strong now as they did in the first quarter.
-Rivers knocked down again on 3rd and 21. Nate Kaeding missed a 55 yard FG attempt.
-Denver ball on their 45 yard line.
-Victory formation, and that’s the game. Denver goes on to 6-0. Which effectively doubles the number of wins at least one of my colleagues forecasted prior to the start of the regular season. This very easily could be the most improbably feel good sports story I have ever experienced. None of their offensive players are among the league leaders in any category. Short of Dumervil, they do not have any on fense either. Yet, they still gut out wins like its their business; refreshing thought actually.
…Michelle TaFoya with Coach McDaniel
MT: Coach, there are four unbeatens left, you guys are 6-0 for the first time since 1998, how do you explain this start from this group of players?
JM: We’ve got a lot of guys who care about the right things, we got a lot of good football players, we just come in and work hard every week, when you do that with a lot of good guys who have the right mind set, uh good things will happen to ya, I believe that.
MT: A lot of people are surprised by the Denver Broncos this season so far, what about this team has exceeded your expectations?
JM: We didn’t put expectations or boundries on our football team, uh, we also know we haven’t done anything yet, we’re 6-0 which is a good start, uh we got a lot of work to do, a lot of improvements to make, but uh, we’re far from perfect, we know that and we got a lot better to play.
MT: You told us last night this team wanted this game, they were waiting for this game, now that you’ve personally experienced this rivalry for the first time, how was coaching it?
JM: It’s a great rivalry, you can tell, this place was electric tonight, I’m sure it’ll be electric when we get it back at Invesco, we play ‘em here in a few weeks, but, uh, we want to win every week and whether its San Diego or Baltimore or on and on and on, we’re going to prepare hard and play every game to win it, and that’s how we prepare.

Mike Tirico: “Maybe the uniforms are ugly, but they’re working”
The Denver Broncos have allowed only 3 points the second half over the last 5 games.
No matter who you are or who you root for, there has to be one question on everyone’s mind. “When will this team lose and who will they lose to?” It’s a fair question. With Baltimore, Pittsburgh, San Diego, New York Giants, Indianapolis, and Philadelphia still on the schedule, they have to lose…right? Baltimore is good, but have shown that they can be beat. Pittsburgh may be the reigning champions, but they are not necessarily playing like it. San Diego in Denver will probably be just as thrilling a game as this one was. The Giants are nasty, but if both defenses show up, I have more faith in Denver’s offense than New York’s. Indy is a different animal that I cannot put my finger on. If Denver can limit Peyton Manning like they have Phillip Rivers, Tom Brady, Tony Romo, and Carson Palmer thus far this season, maybe they could have a shot in the end against Indy. I still would like to believe that Philly will have nothing to play for in week 16, but you never know. As naïve as it may sound, as I readjust my expectations, I cannot imagine a record worse than 11-5 at this point. Call it drinking the Kool-Aid if you want. With the way this team prepares and motivates itself, getting wins against New England, Dallas, and now San Diego, I cannot imagine an alternate reality where they could possibly lose to Washington, Kansas City, Oakland, or Kansas City again. Even as recently as one month ago, 11-5 would have been reprehensible. But with 6 wins in the book, they only have to go 5-5 the rest of the way. For those not keeping score, that’s 1-5 against BAL, PIT, SD, NYG, IND, and PHI, while getting easy wins against WAS, KC, OAK, and KC. Like I said this is an amazing story. Especially if you were paying attention throughout this tumultuous offseason (Jay Cutler trade, only drafting one front seven defensive player in the first few rounds, drafting a running back in the first on a team that was in the top 5 in rushing last year, McDaniel putting his foot down on the Brandon Marshall situation, being as Belicheckian as possible while dealing with us media types, and even his homage to mentor Bill Belicheck [hoodie jr]). Before the season starting, I was someone who would’ve given McDaniel a 15-20% approval rating as a coach. Now, I think he is my favorite coach in the NFL, just barely beating out Mike Tomlin for all of the same reasons I like Tomlin. Even if you are not a Bronco fan, how can you not be pulling for this team?
Josh McDaniel Post Game Press Conference…
JM: Wow, this is a different crowd. Um, it was a hard fought game, give credit to San Diego, they forced us into a lot of issues early in the game, we were fortunate to have two big returns by Eddie (Royal) in the first half, kept us in it. And then our guys fought, made a few adjustments in the second half, and played better football. I’m very happy to get a division win on the road against a good football team that was prepared, and they were. Again, just happy and a credit to our players stick’n it in there and playing for sixty minutes.
JM: You know, I mean, I think everyone would admit that we aren’t the same team we were last year, I think San Diego knew that, you know we came and we played the way we play, not always pretty but tough, I think fairly smart, didn’t make a lot of mental mistakes, didn’t turn the ball over, and hung in there and fought with them for sixty minutes, and made a few more plays than they did ultimately in the second half. We don’t believe in statements, we play again in four or five weeks again and I know they’ll be ready. They’ll come out to Denver and we’ll have another hard fought game then.
JM: We’re a new group, this is only our sixth game together, we’ve got a lot of improvements to make across the board, Kyle’s in that group too, he can continue to get better…that’s a good thing not a bad thing. We believe our team is so new that we should be getting better and better. We hope to be playing our best ball at the end of the season.
Orton: It’s tough to lose when you score twice on special teams. It’s in the numbers, it’s rare to lose when you score points like that.
Royal (with the ESPN crew after the game)
Stuart Scott: The Denver Broncos move to 6-0 for the first time since ’98 which was the last time they won the Super Bowl. Eddie Royal joins us now and it’s interesting, he joins us on what could be described as on off night. For the first time in his two year career he does not have a single catch.
Steve Young: You didn’t do anything tonight Eddie. What happened to you?
Stuart Scott: There was that punt return for a touchdown and that kickoff return for a touchdown. Only the sixth player to do that. At what point in a return do you know…”I’m gone”?
Eddie Royal: As soon as it opens up and I can hit top speed, I feel like I’m gone. It happened just like you draw it up in practice. The hole never opens up that much in a game, but tonight it did.
Stuart Scott: Other than the opening, what do you see and hear during a return touchdown?
Eddie Royal: I don’t hear anything. I just see the blocks and try to set ‘em up as best as I can, and just try to hit it as hard as I can. This time I just kept thinking “don’t get caught”.
Steve Young: Eddie, are you guys surprised at 6-0?
Eddie Royal: You know what? Not at all. We’ve been working hard all camp…ota’s and minicamp to get to this point.
Steve Young: If you’re not surprised, when did you know, with all of the offseason changes and turmoil, when did you sense that this team could be good if not great?
Eddie Royal: The fact that we believe in each other. We play for each other. When you have a team that does that, you have a chance to be good.
Stuart Scott: Eddie, do you like those socks? Tell the truth
Eddie Royal: I don’t mind ‘em, really I don’t.
Stuart Scott: You don’t mind ‘em?
Eddie Royal: We’re 2-0 in those socks, so I don’t mind.
…
FIN (I promise)

By Jason Jones

Every single NFL season exposes a franchise for being a figurative fraud. Generally it is a team that exhibits mediocrity consistently over a period of time. Ineptitude to even give decent teams a run from game to game. Just ask realistic Raider, Ram, Brown, and 49er fans over the last few years, and it will be clear. Fans of those teams (some no longer apply to this discussion, i.e. 49ers) will tell you, that on any given Sunday…they would not expect to win, much less be competitive. This generally is a franchise wide problem that starts at the top and trickles all the way down. S_ _ _ rolls downhill as they say. Every once in a while we can look at a team that is decent, or even good, and say…they are a fraud.

Appearing in a SuperBowl is never a fluke. However, the Chicago Bears vs. the Indianapolis Colts may have been as close as we’ll see.
Some who may be a little naïve to believe just about any spin a team will apply would believe that the most recent SuperBowl Bears team merely followed a blueprint formulated by the 2000 Ravens team. That is a little farfetched for me. Do you really believe that Urlacher was their Ray Lewis, Mike Brown was there Ed Reed, and Tommie Harris was their Terrell Suggs? At each defensive position, the Bears are just not as good as the Ravens. Offensively, they were a little similar. The Ravens were completely inept and depended often on the defense to win 6-3 type games. The Bears were not following a blueprint, they just had lesser players. Or…maybe just maybe…its because they were the Bears that was the reason they were not as good.
Sounds like an odd angle to take, I know. If I were to ask, “name me five of the biggest surprises in the early going of the 2005 season”, I would be willing to put money on the fact that three of those players would be Jay Cutler, Kyle Orton and Cedric Benson. Three players who at some point have played for the Bears (Cutler currently). More importantly, three players who’s numbers were convincingly better on the only other team they each have played for (Cutler-Broncos, Orton-Broncos, Benson-Bengals). Think I’m losing it? Check the numbers. For the record, Cutler went to a team with a lesser quality receiving core and Orton went to a better one. However, both Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal through 5 games compared to 2008 have produced roughly 45-50% less on the field, thus making the Orton argument even more compelling.
In 2009 through the first 5 games Jay Cutler has thrown 75 less yards, has a slightly worse completion percentage (0.3%), the same average of touchdowns and interceptions (2 to 1), a noticeable difference in quarterback rating (-8.1%), and the win loss record could be the same after the bye week (4-1). The average stat line for Jay Cutler in 2009 is 225 yds, 65.3% completion percentage, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception, 93.6 QB Rating per game, and a win loss record of 3-1. As compared to 300 yds, 65.5% completion percentage, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception, 101.7 QB Rating per game and a win loss record of 4-1. Now that the margin loser (by being in Chicago) is out of the way, we can progress toward larger disparages in the numbers.
In 2009 through the first 5 games Kyle Orton has taken the “field general” moniker and added efficiency to the formula. With the Bears in 2008 Orton threw 27 yards less (220), had a slightly worse completion percentage (-1.3), the same number of touchdowns. The interception numbers argument is skewed. Literally, 4 ints to 1. But in actuality the one from 2009 was intercepted by Randy Moss. Yes, that Randy Moss.

It was a desperation interception on an end of the half Hail Mary play. To keep it fair, Orton threw 3 more interceptions through week 5 in 2008 with the Bears than he has through 5 games with the Broncos. The next two categories are a little more impressive. In 2009, Orton is almost literally 2 or 3 more completions away from a 100+ QB Rating. In addition, he has “lead” (if you believe win loss is completely on the QB) the Broncos to a 5-0 record; one of only 5 teams left in the NFL who can boast that.
Now for the fun one…I give you the league leader in rushing, Cedric Benson. Yes, that Cedric Benson. The 4th overall pick that the Bears cut. In his first full season as the starter with the Bengals, there is no better running back in the NFL than Benson…statistically. In 2007 (Benson’s last full season with the Bears) Benson had 184 less rushing yards through the first 5 games. It would’ve taken the first 8 games in 2007 to come close to equaling his total rushing yards through 5 games in 2009. Only 2.9 yards per carry, compared to 4.4 yards per carry in 2009. Two touchdowns and 3 fumbles in 2007. Three touchdowns and 1 fumble in 2009. 25 less receiving yards in 2007 than in 2009. Even though it is not considered a relevant stat for running backs, two more wins and two less losses in 2009.
The Bears are not the Browns or the Raiders or the Rams, but I think we can put to bed the idea that some fans still hold (specifically delusional Bears fans) that the Chicago Bears are an elite franchise in the NFL. This team that lost to the Packers in week one by 6. Had a quality win against a Steeler team who at the time could not run the ball to the bathroom. They then proceeded to get passed the lame and injured Seahawks by the skin of their teeth and doubled up the Lions; in doing so allowing the Lions to score 24 points on them. The Bears are a decent team. However, it may be time to consider that Lovey Smith inherited a decent team and has yet to improve it. This franchise keeps drafting offensive lineman and defensive players in the first day of the draft ignoring skill positions like wide receiver. In game one of the regular season the starter wide receiver’s were 5’11 (Hester) and 5’9 (Davis). If it weren’t for Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox making serious contributions, this team’s receiver’s would be consistently shorter than the cornerbacks covering them. Matt Forte is a very good player and could evolve into a great player, but so what.

The Bears are in the discussion with the Panters (1-3), the Jaguars (2-3), and the Buccaneers (0-5). All teams that have had moderate to substantial success in the last 5 years, but still do not make the personnel moves necessary to sustain success.
These are not bad teams, but they may be less than solid organizations. Of course the players and employees would never admit to such an accusation, but its interesting to dissect. I’m not claiming to be right about it, I’m just saying…

By Daymon Johnson

Well, we’ve all gotten our wish for Braylon Edwards, and the cancer he has become to be shipped out of town.

The questions now becomes apparent.  Where do the Browns go from here, and who’s next out the front door in Berea?

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It’s a debate that has been hashed out many a time, from the shores of Southern California to the chilly North-East of Maine.  I’ve had this debate several times with friends, enemies and the guy 3 seats down at the local bar, and I’m sticking to my guns here.  However, before we can go forward, we have to go back.  Back to a time when I was a wee lad, working on my Uncle Eugene’s Soy Bean farm in Bunker Hill, Indiana through what then seemed like the hottest, longest days ever which led to unending summers. 

 

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