Philadelphia Eagles-New Orleans Saints: Keys to the Game

Getting a win in Week One is vital, but getting a win in Week One can start a roll that can last deep into the season. Every season at least one team does it, and both of these teams are prime candidates to get on such a roll.

The Saints come into Philadelphia toting possibly the most explosive offense in the entire NFL. They’ll face off against the Eagles, who boast one of the most suffocating defenses in the league over the past 10 years. Even without the late, great Jim Johnson, the Eagles defense proved they could dominate last week against the Panthers.

With that said, let’s take a look at what the Philadelphia Eagles must do to take this Week Two game and walk out 2-0.

Health of Donovan McNabb

While I believe the Eagles could beat the Saints with or without McNabb, having him makes the task much easier.

There’s not much debate regarding McNabb’s status as an elite top-five quarterback, so it’s obvious the Eagles are a much better team with him. On the other side of that, Kevin Kolb—who would start in his absence—is unproven, and in fact has done nothing but show that he is incapable of making a push for McNabb’s job.

Just having McNabb on the field adds a new aspect to the offense the Saints defense must worry about, which in itself makes him a vital piece of the game. Broken rib or not, he gives this offense the best opportunity to score points.

Disrupt Drew Brees’ Timing

If the Eagles defense is going to stop the Saints’ high-powered offense, they’re going to have to disrupt Brees’ timing. How do they do that? They do it by blitzing, blitzing, and when all else fails, just blitzing some more.

It does, however, have to be precise and well-planned blitzing, or Brees will pick the defense apart. By this, I mean blitzing a corner from Brees’ blind side, stunting along the line, and just simply blitzing effectively. If the blitzers are getting stone-walled, then Brees will have an easy day.

If Brees has an easy day, the Eagles will lose.

Control the Clock—Keep Brees & Co. On the Sideline

This is the simplest key to achieve, as it should be easy for Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy to run behind Leonard Weaver and this athletic offensive line. The Saints’ defense is below average, and should struggle mightily against the run if the Eagles will commit to it.

This will be a key for every team facing off against the Saints this season, as the defense is obviously nothing to be worried about, but the offense can win games all by itself. Teams will certainly rather have their offense playing the same squad that gave up 27 points to the Detroit Lions rather than the quarterback those nearly beat Dan Marino’s passing yards record last season.

Reid should have Eldra Buckley active this week, as a power back would certainly go a long way in wearing down this defense even further.

 

Also Check Out 2 Minutes to Midnight Green and NFL Spin Zone!

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The Future Revealed: NFL Week Two Hal-Oscopes

Amazing how one week of real football changes many of things we knew were true during five weeks of preseason football.

The Houston Texans and their amazing exploding offense? Yeah, check back next week.

Jay Cutler: best Chicago Bears quarterback ever? Not yet, especially after a four-pick week.

LaDainian Tomlinson back to his old form, ready to rock the perennially pathetic Oakland Raiders? How about ready to rock the walking boot again?

Those are just a few of the many reasons the NFL is consistently awesome and confounding at the same time. In the words of Hollywood screenwriting legend, “nobody knows anything.”

So, in an effort to help and (honestly, just make some jokes), I’ve looked to the stars for advice.

It’s just like a horoscope for prominent NFL players, coaches and management figures, only it’s not based on anything remotely scientific or concrete—which I guess makes more like a real horoscope than I intended.

 

Matt Hasselbeck (Sunday @ San Francisco)

Hasselbeck experienced a cosmic resurgence last week in the home opener against St. Louis, although St. Louis appears to specialize in that kind of thing for opponents.

Hasselbeck looks to have a much tougher week fraught with danger, intrigue and some actual physical contact from the other team. Expect a high ankle sprain and/or a separated shoulder.

 

Kevin Kolb (Sunday vs. New Orleans)

Kolb, pronounced Cobb (as in Randall “Tex”), is in line for his first career start Sunday in Philadelphia. If he were lucky, it would be on the road. If he were any good, it would’ve already happened.

Saturn may be in his retrograde, but Garcia is staring over his shoulder and will be on the field before this one is over, leaving the multi-interception throwing Kolb to reunite with his beloved clipboard again.

 

John Fox (Sunday @ Atlanta)

This week, the Carolina head coach is hoping for a reversal of turnover fortune after QB Jake Delhomme threw approximately 47 picks last week.

Praying for a new lunar cycle may help, but showing blind loyalty and starting the aging-by-the-second Delhomme again definitely won’t. Assume the crash position, Panther fans.

Adrian Peterson (Sunday @ Detroit)

Peterson’s Sunday will prove just being in Detroit doesn’t make one a loser.  Opportunity will knock and Peterson will answer, say hello and spend some quality time with him.

Who knows where his stars are, but Peterson and his offensive line are in Detroit and that means many yards and visits to the house—and not the house of the rising sun.

 

Hunter Hillenmeyer (Sunday vs. Pittsburgh)

Hillenmeyer will be taking over the middle linebacker spot for injured Bear Brian Urlacher this week in Solider Field.

Hillenmeyer, though not as fast, strong, or instinctive as Urlacher, will prominently figure in the outcome of the game, probably by missing a couple of big tackles.

Fortunately for him, Jay Cutler’s chakras are in order, which mean he will throw the ball to the right team, while Big Ben pumps fakes one too many times. Bears in a mild upset.

 

Kerry Rhodes (Sunday vs. New England)

The Jet safety is looking at strong celestial anti-current blowing his way. His is also looking at having his words shoved up his rear end by the best QB-WR combination in football.

Physical and emotionally fragile Texan QB Matt Schaub is one thing, but talking trash and threatening to embarrass the steel-plated Brady almost ensures negative future consequences.

Hasn’t this guy watched the NFL for the last five, six years? What a dummy. 

 

Phillip Rivers (Sunday vs. Baltimore)

Rivers acquired some bad karma last week by taunting of the Raiders after his Chargers squeaked out a win.

Rivers’ distinctly unlikable personality will combine with the Ravens’ distinctly vicious defense to create a surprisingly watchable game where you will find yourself rooting for everyone to kill everyone else.

Except Darren Sproles—everyone likes the lightning bug. The Ravens shut up Rivers. Temporarily.

Steve Slaton (Sunday @Tennessee)

The nocturnal arc of Jupiter tells me Slaton will get more than 17 yards rushing this week against Tennessee, a team he fared very well against last year.

Nocturnal arcs also involve upturns in personal relationships, so maybe Slaton will make friends with the football and stop dropping it when it just wants to be held.

Jerry Jones (Sunday Night vs. New York Giants)

Bright media lights shine and converge on Jones’ gargantuan new stadium this Sunday night against the Giants. Jones’ plastic face and personality will do their best to schmooze the cameras.

But seeing that he is a fire sign, it all figures to burn as they have to re-kick seven straight punts for hitting the too-low video board and the Giants defensive line forces Romo to revert to his normal choking, small-play self.

Jason Campbell (Sunday vs. St. Louis)

The sun, moon and points will rise this week for Campbell. Magical events will take place right before him: receivers will be open, defensive assignments will be missed, interceptions will be dropped.

Though there is no astrological explanation for this good will, there is an earthly one: the Rams stink.

 

Peyton Manning (Monday @ Miami)

Though it figures to be warm and swampy in South Florida, Manning will experience an out-of-body coolness. A one-ness with football, his team and his objective.

Manning will be focused and productive but will also experience great joy, as he realizes will not have to listen to Jon Gruden’s John Wayne-like cadence or Mike Tirico’s gratingly condescending tone. A truly heavenly occurrence for any Monday Night fan.

That’s all the stars and charts tell me for now. Enjoy your Sunday and Monday football everyone, and look for the Hal-oscopes next week.

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Saints-Eagles: Three Things New Orleans Must Do to Beat Philadelphia

Both the New Orleans Saints and the Philadelphia Eagles came into the season surrounded by playoff expectations.

They did nothing in week one to dispel those feelings as they defeated their opponents by a combined 46 points and forced 10 total turnovers.

The two teams should provide each other with much better competition in week two.

A win in Philadelphia would be huge for the Saints. If the Saints want to establish themselves as an elite team in the NFC, they need to win on the road against the league’s best.

Sunday’s victor will have a leg up on the other as they battle throughout the season for a playoff spot and a possible first-round bye.

The Saints’ 2006 regular season victory over the Eagles proved to be pivotal in race for a playoff bye.

Both teams finished the regular season with 10-6 records, but the Saints’ victory allowed them to have a first-round bye. New Orleans then defeated Philadelphia at home to advance to the NFC championship.

The Saints can beat the Eagles whether Donovan McNabb plays or not. In order to win, though, they must play better than they did against the Detroit Lions.

 

Three things the Saints must do to beat the Eagles.

 

1) Cut down on the turnovers.

The Saints were able to defeat the Lions easily despite three turnovers because Detroit lacked production from the their running game and their defense. It also didn’t help the Lions that they were starting a rookie quarterback.

New Orleans will not beat Philadelphia if they commit multiple turnovers, because the Eagles’ defense won’t allow the Saints to score 45 points.

 

2) Improve drastically on special teams.

The Saints special teams play was unacceptable last week against the Lions. Among the miscues were two fumbles (one lost), a blocked field goal, and allowing two returns that gave the Lions field position inside the Saints’ 15-yard line.

These mistakes took three points from the Saints and gave the Lions another 10. If you gift wrap 13 points for a good team like the Eagles, you will get crushed.

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson had an 85-yard touchdown return for the Eagles against the Panthers. The Saints must neutralize him in order to win the field position battle.

The lone bright spot for the Saints on special teams was kickoff specialist/punter Thomas Morstead. He booted several kicks for touchbacks and his two punts averaged 48 yards.

 

3) Run the ball effectively between the tackles.

One of the pleasant surprises we saw from the Saints last week was their ability to run the ball up the middle consistently. Not only did Mike Bell run with authority, but the offensive line opened huge running lanes.

The Saints most effective play is the play-action pass. In order for it to be effective, though, there has to be some threat of a run.

An effective play-action pass slows down the pass rush and sucks in linebackers and safeties to give the wide receivers one-on-one matchups.

Three questions for New Orleans heading into week two.

 

1) Will Jermon Bushrod improve in his second career start?

Even though the left tackle did not allow a sack against the Lions, part of that was because of Brees’ pocket awareness. Brees often had to scramble within the pocket because Bushrod was getting beaten by his man.

 

2) How effective will the pass rush be?

The Saints pass rush produced just one sack and four quarterback hits on Matthew Stafford. Some of the credit goes to the Lions for calling numerous three- and five-step drops for Stafford.

The Saints’ front four only got two of the four quarterback hits, both from Will Smith.

 

3) Does Reggie Bush bounce back after a poor performance?

Bush was one of the few offensive players who had a bad game for New Orleans. His personal box score read as follows:

Seven carries for 14 yards, five catches for 55 yards, three punt returns for 11 yards, and two fumbles (one lost).

While the offense as a whole averaged 7.46 yards per play, Bush averaged just 5.75 yards from scrimmage.

 

Predictions

Running backs Mike Bell and Pierre Thomas will have 30 carries and at least 130 yards on the ground.

Robert Meachem will lead the team in receiving yardage.

Drew Brees will pass for over 250 yards but less than 300. He will throw three touchdowns and one interception.

Jabari Greer and Darren Sharper will each have an interception.

The Saints will allow fewer points against the Eagles than they did against the Lions.

New Orleans 31, Philadelphia 24.

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Come Back To Reality Vikings Fans

During the past week, I have taken a lot of heat for my article on the Vikings not winning the division. Many people have told me I cannot be a Vikings fan or that I was ridiculous for not thinking they would win such an easy division. Personally, I find these accusations outrageous and quite entertaining

Being a fan is not all about blindly following the team and liking every decision they make every step of the way. It is also not about having one hundred percent confidence in them every single year.

The team has made questionable decisions this year that I do not approve of. I do not see how that makes me any less of a fan. People are entitled to their opinions.

My opinion is that Brett Favre is too old and many people are looking at the Favre of the past, the same Favre that has tormented the Vikings throughout all of his years in Green Bay.

Favre is not ageless.

The man is a future hall of fame quarterback and he has one of the best running games in the NFL to work with, so sure, he gives the Vikings a better chance of success than a quarterback (Tarvaris Jackson) that has frequently struggled to keep teams honest, but in my opinion, the Vikings still have a long road ahead of them to the Super Bowl.

The Packers are a very good team this year; you have to tip your hat to Aaron Rodgers, he has become one of the better quarterbacks in the game. Their defense is back from injuries that plagued them last year. It will undoubtedly be a battle for the NFC North this year.

My prediction of the Vikings only making the wild card is not saying I do not like the Vikings. I am taking many different factors into consideration when making the prediction. My personal opinion is that ESPN’s analysts that love Favre have drilled into everyone’s minds that he is god’s gift to the planet, making many people’s views one sided. 

Hopefully the Vikings do make it to the playoffs, make it to the Super Bowl, and win it all. I just have not seen it in them for myself, so for all people accusing me of being a Packer fan, or not knowing the game: Get over it.

The fact of the matter is the Vikings have some competition to deal with. It won’t be a cakewalk for them like ESPN and other analysts make you think, the sooner you come back to reality, the better.

 

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Where in the World Was Glen Coffee for San Fracisco 49ers?

Count me amongst the many fans, analysts, and fantasy football people who thought 49ers rookie running back Glen Coffee would spell veteran Frank Gore often when they met the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday.

While you’re at it, count me amongst the folks who were definitely shocked Coffee got a grand total of ONE carry.

With multiple analysts spending the week leading up to the Arizona game asking not “if” but “how many” carries Gore would lose to Coffee, it makes you wonder what was going on.

It’s not as if Gore was a monster moving the chains. Twenty-two carries for just 30 yards doesn’t leave you with much more than a cringe when you look at the statline. The two touchdowns were very good but in terms of moving the ball, Gore just couldn’t.

It certainly wasn’t Gore’s fault. The offensive line played badly and I counted easily half a dozen or more times where he was met—and hit by—Cardinal defensive players in the backfield.

In fact, his touchdown on the ground highlighted what he can do when he gets some blocks, in this case a nice hit by David Baas.

Yet overall, Gore spent most of his effort trying to get inches not yards. As that’s the case, wouldn’t you expect a little more rest time by utilizing Coffee?

Here are a few things to consider in respect to that question.

1) Rookies struggle with blocking: Quarterback Shaun Hill felt pressure early and often from the Arizona defensive linemen and linebackers. He was at times rushed, he was sacked four times and overall didn’t find as much protection as he needed.

Rookie running backs often struggle with blocking. Well, ROOKIES struggle with blocking but for a wide receiver it isn’t as critical.

While Coffee had a very nice preseason carrying the ball, he’s still improving his blocking. Gore has more experience with it and is better.

If your quarterback is getting hammered, you’re going to keep your more reliable players in to try and stem the tide. That’s Gore.

He’s also a good pass catcher and having Gore in there means you are telegraphing your plays. With Gore in the backfield, he could be a threat to run the ball, or he can slip out to the fault for a nice catch.

It payed off wonderfully in the fourth quarter when Gore did exactly that for a nifty three-yard touchdown which ended up being the difference in the game.

It’s a nice added dimension and on a third down, having a player who can block and catch is almost a necessity for a team.

Can Coffee catch? Sure. But Gore can catch, block and run—so why take him out when you know he’s someone you can count on for all three. 

With fewer snaps, Coffee was just involved less overall. It doesn’t explain just one carry, but it was no doubt a factor.

 

2) Gore is the engine in this offense: When it comes down to it, Frank Gore is the thing that makes this offense effective. We already know Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye wants to run a ratio of about 60 percent run-to-pass plays.

If you plan on doing that, you go with your best back. That’s Gore, no matter how good Coffee looked in the preseason.

If your offense is struggling, you keep hammering with your main guy looking for some momentum. If something is going to spark the offense, it’s going to be that guy.

Despite poor offensive line play, Gore looked good running. He kept his legs moving and fought for every millimeter of ground he could get. When he broke free for that touchdown run, he still had to run an Arizona player over.

You want Gore in there because you know he CAN run that player over.

 

3) It’s early: Frank Gore is healthy and will never feel better this season than he did in week one. As the season goes on he—like every other player—will start to feel the accumulated effects of many weeks of having his body battered.

In fact, the fear that Gore will wear down towards the end of the season is what drove many to predict Coffee would carry the ball early and often.

It is very common, though, for rookies to hit what is termed the “rookie wall.” Particularly running backs who get hit every time they touch the ball, often even on the runs where they don’t get tackled.

For those unfamiliar with the term, the “rookie wall” is usually a point late in the season where a young player just hits a point of exhaustion he cannot overcome.

The NFL season is longer than most college seasons and is much, much harder on the body.

Sure, we’re worried about Gore wearing down. The team may be worried about Coffee wearing down as well.

If Gore can carry the lion’s share of the early load, there is a better chance Coffee can shoulder a bigger burden near the end of the season, when every game could make a difference in a birth for the playoffs.

If the team does make the playoffs, Coffee may still have something in the tank to be a factor in those games.

Meanwhile, if Gore carries the ball a little less in December, he will be more rested for the playoffs.

This may seem like thinking a little further ahead than necessary, but be sure Coach Mike Singletary will be thinking that far ahead on some level.

Keep Coffee fresh early, gradually give him more carries as we get deeper into the season, rest Gore more often towards the end and perhaps have two running backs who are not exhausted for the playoffs.

I haven’t even touched on the idea that Coffee may still need some time to adjust to the speed of the NFL. Preseason doesn’t fully prepare a guy for the difference between college and the NFL.

So Coffee may get eased in, in part because they don’t want to overload him.

None of the three reasons I stated fully explain the paltry three carries for a rookie we all expected to burst out of the gate.

However, I feel they all factor into that low total to some extent.

I believe we will see more of Coffee this Sunday in the game with the Seattle Seahawks.

However, I also believe we will still see a lot more Gore than we originally expected to when we finished the preseason.

And I think, in the end, that will be a good thing for the 49ers and their fans.

 

You may also find this article and many like it at ThunderingBlurb.com!

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Looking Ahead to Browns/Broncos

The Browns made a poor showing the first week of pre-season against a good team, following that up with a fine performance against a much weaker team.

 

The similarities between the first two weeks of the regular season and the first two weeks of the preseason are pretty obvious from a scheduling standpoint. Now let’s hope they stay similar from a performance standpoint.

 

After wetting the bed in Green Bay, head coach Eric Mangini took his team to task the following week and a much better looking team took the field against Detroit. Granted, it’s Detroit, but there was no question the Browns LOOKED better.

 

The Vikings, barring an epic collapse or rash of critical injuries, are most likely playoff-bound. The Broncos, barring a year like the 2008 Miami Dolphins, probably are destined to spend January at home.

 

Facing a much weaker run defense, look for Jamal Lewis to turn it up this week. With no Williams Wall to contend with, I would be surprised if Lewis doesn’t have more yards this week.

 

The offensive line needs to show more focus for obvious reasons. The amount of pre-snap penalties last week added on to an already miserable afternoon.

 

The two areas that need to show the most improvement this week, though, are special teams and coaching, specifically offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s play calling.

 

Special teams play last week resulted in Minnesota getting great field position far too many times with an offense that can kill you 12 different ways.

 

As stated in my earlier columns, Daboll’s play calling was almost criminal vs. the Vikings. Granted, Daboll is a rookie, but through the pre-season and now one week of the regular season, I want to ask Daboll if he understands the basic concept of moving the ball forward.

 

While Mangini took the blame for the Wildcat formation on the goal line, it’s a team effort and both coaches need to do better.

 

I grow tired of watching plays that end before the ball is snapped because I read the play sitting in my living room.

 

As a fan of Ohio teams, I get tired of watching Ohio State and the Browns continually run offenses that are too conservative and get shut down when facing talented defenses.

 

Daboll talked in his press conference this week about things not working out “the way we planned.” That may be because the plan wasn’t very good.

 

While Daboll revealed they have practiced with Joshua Cribbs throwing out of the Wildcat formation, its absence during the game was the main reason the goal line play calling did not work.

 

Cribbs wisely stated it was his job to get in the end zone on the first try, but the coaches, in trying to run the same play twice, doomed the drive to failure.

 

This can’t happen. You have to be smarter than that.

 

Mangini preaches smart football. Smart football was not being played on offense last week.

 

Moving on . . .

 

I’m not talking about the quarterbacks. Our quarterback knows what he needs to do.

 

On the defensive side, I noticed last week Shaun Rogers being lined up as a middle linebacker on a few plays. That was an interesting turn of events and I look forward to seeing what Rob Ryan does with this defense this week.

 

I’m truly excited about the possibilities of this defense, even considering the limited talent pool we have. A good coach brings out the best of the players he has and can make a poor talent pool function effectively.

 

The safety blitzes last week were nice to see, and I’m hoping to see Kyle Orton on his back more than a couple of times this week.

 

The defense was expected to be one of the Browns glaring holes this year, but Ryan and Mangini have got that defense playing smart so far.

 

If it weren’t for the defense just becoming flat-out exhausted in the second half vs. the Vikings, that game would’ve been a lot closer.

 

I look forward to both sides of the team coming together and producing wins.

 

The Broncos, now coached by Josh McDaniels, are a team just as much in transition as the Browns. This is a game the Browns definitely can win, and a game I will truly be upset about if they lose.

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Detroit Lions: The Beautiful Dreamer

How does one really understand the beautiful dreamer of professional sport?

If you have not guessed it, I am talking about the fantasy elite who remain ever vigilant to squeeze every drop of blood out of their pet rock. In this case, the “pet rock” is the perpetual comedy known the Detroit Lions football.

But I suppose the metaphor transcends our local team, making it ubiquitous in the world of sport.  

So that leaves me to ask, what are the archetypes driving the platitudes, optimism, and denial so prevalent in our contemporary moment?

In case you are unfamiliar with the term I am using, an archetype is a pattern that is replicated collectively, often by memes or in the case advocated by the renowned Depth Psychologist, Carl Jung, through the collective unconscious.

Archetypes matter because it perpetuates the myths which help keep a class of sheep in perpetual bondage and servitude to the cause of wealth.

And in the case of professional sports, hope and progress need to be re-marketed from time to time so to disguise the real nature of the beast.

I don’t think it is any secret to anyone that professional sports exist as a capital venture to create as much wealth as possible for their owners.

For anyone who believes otherwise, my advice is to stop reading this essay right now, so to return to the benign and comfortable group-speak point of view to which you have become accustomed.

What perpetuates the fantasy acting out is what I like to call the Harvey Wunkerpud syndrome.

Harvey sub-exists, much like the domesticated animals he keeps in bondage for pleasure or food, while not recognizing he is one of them, also in chains.

Therefore, he is incapable of true compassion for himself or for the beasts he tortures because this type of compassion would require a formidable look from without, from outside his senseless condition.

Additionally, and because his bondage does not bother him or he is simply not aware of it, he fails to recognize political or social dissent.

The right to dissent or to revolt peacefully or with blood, against the cancerous, corporate, gluttonous, materialistic ethos seems to him the exclusive enterprise of some historical ancestor, “the Patriot.”

Finally, Harry refuses to take responsibility for his freedom, or to be responsible for anything worthwhile and good. True rebellion, righteous rebellion, is seen, alternatively, as bad form, a vice, or only to be employed as a means to ensure that the easy and disposable life he is addicted to continues.

Living perpetually in a self-imposed cage, he is anxious of the very idea of the cage’s door opening for good. As such, Harvey will bite the very hand of his liberator. Plenty of food, much diversion are nevertheless accepted.

Like the film Groundhog Day, Harvey wakes up each day to the same surreal and alienated life, parrots the expected script and meaningless text, moves from one thermostatically stable environment to another, pushing buttons, pulling levers, and punching cards.

He has transformed himself into a wheeled cyborg: half human, half car, for whom walking is seen as a form of rebellion, or deviant act he just will not tolerate.

He has substituted moral or righteous indignation with acting out behavior, violence, passive aggressive agitation, incessant complaining, or insufferable whining. His entire vocabulary comes either at the promptings of his handlers or is punctuated by a tendency of self-pity and injured ego dramatics.

The crescendo of his speech covers the spectrum of incessant complaining to insufferable whining and extends easily to projection, stereotype, and personal prejudice.

The world is always wrong for Harvey because of too many environmentalists, progressives, Turks, or Muslims living and working where he is used to whining about every other thing that captures his limited attention.

Of course, we cannot blame him for this. Harvey lacks an understanding of how his own consciousness is affected by propaganda and ideology.

He lacks any understanding of the way language is crafted by others, of how technical jargons make many important facets of life interruptible into a cohesive matrix that might inform him in ecological, social, and/or mythical terms.

Such is Harvey’s predicament and social plight or interminable existential angst against which he is a victim of his own ignorance.

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What I Love About the Green Bay Packers This Season…

The Packers are coming off a huge win against division-rival Chicago. They needed that win, and they got it. Here’s what I love about the Packers in 2009: 

The offense could be very special this season. The combination of Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings worked very well last season, and it did in Week One. Rodgers connected with Jennings for a 50-yard touchdown pass with 1:11 remaining in the fourth quarter.

These two may be one of the best one-two combos in the NFL, only to Tom Brady-Randy Moss, Kurt Warner-Larry Fitzgerald-Anquan Boldin, and Peyton Manning-Reggie Wayne. 

Not to mention, the Packers may have the best receiving corp in the league. Jennings, Donald Driver, Ruvell Martin, Donald Lee, Jordy Nelson, and Jermichael Finley provide Rodgers with enough weapons to spread the ball around, and make teams look dazed after plays. 

The running game also stepped up against the Chicago defense. Ryan Grant took some pressure off Aaron Rodgers, by performing well in the first game of the season. Grant finished with 61 yards and a touchdown.

The defense also stepped up very big, and created scoring opportunities for the offense. They created four interceptions, and had two sacks. Their tackling was on the money, and they did a great job limiting the Bears touchdown opportunities.

The only thing that I think the Packers need to work on is their offensive line. They gave up four sacks, and didn’t protect Rodgers very well. They need to give Rodgers plenty of protection for the offense to be very good this season.

In week two, the Packers play the Cincinnati Bengals at home at 1:00 PM. The Bengals are improved this season, as Carson Palmer, and Chad Ochocinco are healthy. Their defense is also much improved.

Expect Aaron Rodgers to have a huge game, along with Greg Jennings, who is Rodgers favorite target. I also like the defense to show the nation why they will be a top defense in the NFL in 2009.

Prediction: Packers 24, Bengals 10. 

Now sit back and watch the game, as both teams will fight for the victory.  

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What I Love About The Green Bay Packers This Season…

The Packers are coming off a huge win against division-rival Chicago. They needed that win, and they got it. Here’s what I love about the Packers in 2009: 

The offense could be very special this season. The combination of Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings worked very well last season, and it did in Week 1. Rodgers connected with Jennings for a 50-yard touchdown pass with 1:11 remaining in the fourth quarter. These two may be one of the best 1-2 combos in the NFL, only to Tom Brady-Randy Moss, Kurt Warner-Larry Fitzgerald-Anquan Boldin, and Peyton Manning-Reggie Wayne. 

Not to mention, the Packers may have the best receiving corp in the league. Jennings, Donald Driver, Ruvell Martin, Donald Lee, Jordy Nelson, and Jermichael Finley provide Rodgers with enough weapons to spread the ball around, and make teams look dazed after plays. 

The running game also stepped up against the Chicago defense. Ryan Grant took some pressure off Aaron Rodgers by performing well in the first game of the season. Grant finished with 61 yards and a touchdown.

The defense also stepped up very big and created scoring opportunities for the offense. They created four interceptions and had two sacks. Their tackling was on the money  and they did a great job limiting the Bears touchdown opportunities.

The only thing that I think the Packers need to work on is their offensive line. They gave up four sacks and didn’t protect Rodgers very well. They need to give Rodgers plenty of protection for the offense to be very good this season.

In week two, the Packers play the Cincinnati Bengals at home at 1:00 PM. The Bengals are improved this season, as Carson Palmer, and Chad Ochocinco are healthy. Their defense is also much improved.

Expect Aaron Rodgers to have a huge game, along with Greg Jennings, who is Rodgers’ favorite target. I also like the defense to show the nation why they will be a top defense in the NFL in 2009.

Prediction: Packers 24, Bengals 10. 

Now sit back and watch the game, as both teams will fight for the victory.  

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Is JaMarcus Russell Ready To Step Up Against KC: AFC West: QB News

I want to take this opportunity to express my beliefs for week two of JaMarcus Russell’s third go around. I think this game will provide a small glimpse into the future of the Raiders franchise.

I predict JaMarcus’ first 300 yard passing game of the season. So far, in 20 games, JaMarcus has completed 53 percent of his passes. On Sunday, he will complete at least 65 percent.

So far, in 20 games, he has passed for just 3,004 yards. That is an average of about 150 yards per game. Against the Chiefs, he will throw for over 300 yards.

Twenty games down, and JaMarcus has thrown 16 touchdowns; under one per game. On Sunday, I predict he will throw at least three.

I’m not going to get all analytical, and explain why. I am simply going to say that it will happen.

Just ask JaMarcus, who said in a recent interview, “To all the Raider fans, just know that we are busting our tails each and every day. Keep up the great support that you guys have for us, and know that things will change.”

I think JaMarcus is motivated to prove himself after the game he should’ve had against San Diego. I think Dwane Bowe’s remarks have lit a fire under him.

Against the Chiefs, I expect JMR will give you a little taste of what is to come in Oakland.

Phillip Rivers, the counterpart of JaMarcus in Week One, was fined $7,500 for his taunting of Raiders defensive tackle Gerard Warren.

This is fitting of Rivers personality. Some would say he is a bit of a loose cannon with his mouth. He has been lucky so far to stay away from the fine police.

He will be lucky in the future if the Raiders massive D-lineman doesn’t try to tear his head off. I don’t think that is a guy you want to make mad Phillip.

I’m sure Warren will play inspired against the Chargers at the Q, and study some extra film that week to make an everlasting impression on Mr. Rivers. Rivers, perhaps, is not done paying for his childish demeanor on Monday Night Football.

The Chiefs have yet to disclose the status of Matt Cassell for Week Two against Oakland. They are sticking to the line that he is a gametime decision.

It shouldn’t matter who is playing quarterback for Kansas City on Sunday, with the way the defense played for the first 57 minutes against San Diego. Word on the street is that the Raiders prepared like they expected Cassell to play; good move coaches.

Cassell is rumored to have better mobility this week in practice. Perhaps coach Todd Haley is expecting a game-time decision to motivate his players to victory.

Unfortunatly for Cassell, he has limited weapons this time against the Raiders, unlike last year with the Patriots. He did prove he could run in that Patriots-Raiders game though.

But with a banged up knee, I’m not sure Haley should start him. I have a feeling he will be running for his life a lot this weekend. The Raiders defense was their strength last week, and with Richard Seymour getting more used to his line mates this week, and vice versa, I’m not sure it is worth the risk of losing the “franchise quarterback” this early in the year.

Myself, I sort of hope they get bold.

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