Is the Curse Broken? LenDale White and Keith Bulluck Try to Make Amends

December 21, 2008: After defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers for the top seed in the 2009 AFC Playoffs, LenDale White and Keith Bulluck disrespected the Steelers’ signature Terrible Towel. Since that fateful day (including the last game of the 2008 regular season, one playoff game, and six games so far this year), the Titans have come apart, not winning a single game. 

Three weeks ago, I wrote an article stating that the reason the Titans have yet to win a game this year was because of the curse of the Terrible Towel . Turns out, the Titans may be realizing the error of their ways.

According to WTAE-TV , the ABC affiliate in Pittsburgh, LenDale White and Keith Bulluck have decided to make amends with not only Steeler fans, but with the man that most believe hold the power of the curse, Myron Cope.

White and Bulluck have sent one of the beloved Terrible Towels to the Allegheny Valley School, the school for handicapped children that owns the patent to the Terrible Towel, autographed by both men, with a note asking to have the curse released.

White made sure to say “This is not an apology,” and added that he would not apologize unless he played for the Steelers. “I’ll probably never apologize unless I’m playing with the Steelers one day…”

The Towel is going to be auctioned off for the school.

Two key points in this are, was this enough to satisfy the curse and will the Titans losing ways now stop?

And why would White mention one day playing with the Steelers? There was speculation that the Steelers were going to draft White in the 2006 NFL Draft. Instead, they traded up in round one to take Santonio Holmes, only the second time in Steelers history they traded up in the first round to take a player (Troy Polamalu-2003).

White lasted until the 13th pick of the second round, when he was selected by the Tennessee Titans.

The Steelers have since drafted a running back in the first round, 2007 – Rashard Mendenhall, so there may not be a need for White, but could White be interested in joining the Steelers? It certainly seems so, but at this point, would Steeler Nation welcome him?

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Game Plan Week Eight: How the Raiders Will Beat the Chargers

Last week is last week. Nothing went right. Lets be real, our season lies in the balance of this next game. We have a bye coming up after this game, and will get some players back from injury. Its time to man up and leave it all on the field, or we will be looking at another lost season. 

It is important that our guys know this we expect 60 minutes of heart. You give us this, most of us are good no matter what happens.

The Chargers are flying high coming off an impressive win on the Road against another Division Rival. We cannot afford to make mistakes. We cannot turn the ball over. We must keep it close early. Do this, and the game can open up.

Its time to lay down wood, take them to the woodshed or get took. We need to go old school Raider Football on these guys, and take it to them.

We expect for those 2-4 year young Raiders who have seen this team 4-8 times to take the lead, work hard, and bring us to the promise land.

 

*****Updated Section*****

I watched the Chiefs vs Chargers game of last week to see what success the Chargers were having.

In this game, the Chiefs did not run at all.  This is why Larry Johnson was so mad.
That was the first mistake. To beat the Chargers, you have to get physical with them up front like we did in Week One.

The Chargers were running the West Coast Offense most of the game, and the Chargers game plan included a great deal of quick passes. We did not see this in Week One.

This approach, I’m sure, stems from not having an effective running game with LT not doing well. Don’t get me wrong, Sproles is damn good running. He’s just not a banger.

Both the receivers and tight ends were just taking a few steps, and the pass was there.  They were lined up in the slot often. The TE just kept the DB to the outside by positioning his big body on the inside, and caught and ran for six, or seven yards. This short passing attack opened up the long jump balls that Rivers was throwing to the tall (Vincent Jackson). Rivers knows Jackson can out jump anyone. Finally, they mixed in the run and Sproles was a first read on many short passes.

To defend this,

* It is critical that the Raiders shadow Sproles the entire game with Huff, or Mitchell

* It is also very critical that our DB’s and Linebackers bump on the bump and run.
if we do not get the bump in, it will spell big trouble. If we do get the bump in,
the whole play is disrupted, and Rivers may panic, or get frustrated when getting plummeted. Nice thought huh?

* Focus on frustrating Rivers like we did the first game. He almost lost his head during the first game. More importantly put some heavy hits on him. On Monday, make sure he knows he was in a battle.

 

When on Offense,

* Every week we have been saying: Run, Run, Run, Run, Run. Do not put our QB in a bad spot. There will be plenty of chances to throw later in the game. We have to pound the ball, soften up the line, and pull the DB’s in.

* Do not give the Chargers D a break. After a long successful run, do a hurry up offense play so they cannot substitute. Run again. Once the rhythm is established on the next hurry up, it will be time to take a shot deep. The DLine will be tired, and there should be time to throw. Send a WR to the deep post, and get him behind coverage.

* Pound with the ball with Bush early, then bring in Russell and Fargas to pound, then Dash.

* Go to Zach Miller until they can stop him. Send him on circle routes just a few yards out to start.

* The two TE set worked very well against the Eagles. Go with what works.
All the TE’s have good hands. Even send Myers in if you can for a three-man rotation.

* I don’t know if Michael Bush has dropped a pass this year. Send him out a little further, he can catch. Line him up on the line of scrimmage and try to get a LB to match up with him.

* As far as our Wide Receivers go, we all expect a better showing this week. We expect to see aggressiveness and focus. They can all catch, they just have to be more fearless, keep their focus and run good routes.

****End of Updated Section ****

 

Field Position

If you win the toss. Choose to kick off. They will not be expecting this, and it will throw them off a bit. The entire team needs to be on the same page here.

Special teams have to know the importance of this. Kick the ball and pin them back. The Defense has to focus on three-and-out. The Chargers will run on two-of-three plays for sure. If it works out, we will get the ball early at about mid field.

 

Run Hard, Run all game

Run the first three downs. Take it to them physically from the get go. The linemen must be ready to tear into the Chargers DLine. Keep running with maybe only one designed play action rollout option in the first few series. The goal here is to maintain possession, score first, and get at least a field goal. At minimum, allow Shane Lechler
to pin them back again.

Run all game long. Take no risks, and only pass once the running game is established. Run on 3rd-and-7. Do not pass on 3rd-and-long, especially in our own territory. Throw high percentage passes after the run is established.

Only then can we take a shot, or two deep.

If we get behind early, don’t panic, and do not abandon the run. Never abandon the run. Its our only chance to get on track.

Position Players

Wide receivers

You have a game under your belt already against these guys, and you have an idea what to expect. Time for you to shine. This is where the experience of that one game becomes your advantage.  Study film on their DB’s and use what you already know to exploit them. You too, must be ready to lay the wood.

 

Tight ends

You played well against these guys in the first game. Time to take what you have already accomplished and improve on this. Block like hell on running plays. Communicate with your QB in the huddle and on the sidelines when you see something that needs to be exploited or addressed.

 

Offensive Line

We have been saying this all season. This game is on you. Its always on you. You see a problem when lining up, communicate this to the QB. Let him know if he should call timeout if you see a play will not work. We out physicaled them the first game. Time to man up and repeat this. If for any reason, your guy gets free on a passing down, be ready to yell out to the QB so he has a chance to tuck the ball. Use coded signals if you have to.

 

Defensive backs

Be ready for blind jump balls from Rivers. Rivers takes a lot of chances, but they work out because his receivers know that he will throw up jump balls, and they are taller and physical. Be ready to go up and fight for these balls. That receiver starts to jump, you get up in the air an battle. If he catches it in the air, punch that ball away or pull one of his arms off. Lets go!! Time for a big game from you guys.

LT had a decent game last week, and so did Sproles. Whenever either is in the game, someone has to be assigned to shadow. Like we used to to with Tony Gonzalez, we must dedicate a body to either.

 

Defensive Line  

Time for redemption. You played hard last week in a physical game. You were on the field too long. Time to forget about it. After last week, every team you now face will try to run first. They will attempt to mimic the success that the Jets had. Be ready for this, and set the tone early.

Focus on what you did in Week One against the Chargers. You were very successful, but ran out of gas in the end. Get yourselves off the field by focusing on 3-and-outs. Bear down on 3rd down. Make sure everyone is on the same page—3rd down is yours, and the most important down. Sproles or LT will be the go to on 3rd down. Don’t allow the LB’s to play so far back this game. Slam Rivers like he has never been slammed before.

Linebackers, play to your strength. Use your speed an leverage.  Get in the backfield to disrupt the play. Position you body so you are unblockable. Get to the gap before the blocker does. Fill the empty holes on the line, many plays are designed to go one way, then cut back into the open hole after you already committed to the direction of the play and vacated the hole.

 

Coaches, put your team in position for success. Play within our capabilities first, then build on this. We have been over-extending our young guys on Offense asking them to do the impossible.

We have talent at many positions. Use Seabass, use Lechler, use Mike Mitchell. Let Darrius Heyward-Bey return kicks like Tim Brown use to. Allow Michael Bush to run and Churn all day then once they are softened, bring Fargas fresh off the bench to run through a dinged up defense.

Send the tight ends on Circle routes just behind the linebackers—allowing our TE’s to put the hits on thier DB’s. Execute that end-around to DHB, or Higgins, but they must be in motion at least one play prior. 

Trust your QB, but also do not put him in impossible situations. With our line banged up and no offensive identity, only if we run, will he have the opportunity to succeed.

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2009 NFL Season: Week 8 Preview

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Brett Favre vs. Green Bay Packers: Which Song Best Describes Divorce?

This is officially an addendum/afterthought to an article I wrote a couple months ago entitled “Packer Fans ‘Betrayed’ Mentality Regarding Brett Favre Irrational,” which defended both Favre and the Packers for their respective decisions.  This “popcorn” article is written simply to have a little fun before Sunday’s big matchup at Lambeau Field. 

So, I pose a question to all fans – pro-Favre, pro-Packer or indifferent:  What song best represents the Favre vs. Packer Nation divorce?   Whether sung from Favre to the fans or vice versa, I welcome your creative contributions. 

As for my pick, I thought it might be cathartic for all parties involved to listen to Dave Mason’s classic “We Just Disagree” and imagine as if good ol’ Brett was singin’ the letter he wrote ya:

Been away, haven’t seen you in a while.
How’ve you been?
Have you changed your style and do you think
That we’ve grown up differently? Don’t seem the same
Seems you’ve lost your feel for me

So let’s leave it alone, ’cause we can’t see eye to eye.
There ain’t no good guy, there ain’t no bad guy.
There’s only you and me and we just disagree.

I’m going back to a place that’s far away. How bout you?
Have you got a place to stay? Why should I care?
When I’m just trying to get along We were friends
But now it’s the end of our love song…

So let’s leave it alone, ’cause we can’t see eye to eye.
There ain’t no good guy, there ain’t no bad guy.
There’s only you and me and we just disagree.

 

Hopefully, when a few years go by and the dust settles, Favre will Lambeau Leap back into Packer fans’ hearts, and a happier song will take its place. 

Until then, however, let’s see whatcha got!

 

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Broncos-Ravens Preview: Keys to Victory for Denver in Week Eight

The Denver Broncos are off to one of the most magical starts in recent NFL history.  After an offseason of verbal beatings, Josh McDaniels has led his resurgent Denver team to a 6-0 start, and following their bye week, they face one of their toughest tests yet.

For their Week Eight matchup, the Broncos will travel east to take on the Baltimore Ravens, one of the NFL’s feel good stories from the 2008 season. 

After a quick 3-0 start, many considered the Ravens to be one of the best teams, if not the best team in the entire NFL. Since then, they have dropped three straight games and find themselves two back of the Steelers and Bengals in the AFC North.

Denver and its number one defense travel to Baltimore to take on one of the league’s most explosive offensive units, led by Joe Flacco and Ray Rice.

If Denver is going to improve to a perfect 7-0 this season, they are going to have to do so against a balanced Baltimore attack. Here are my keys to victory for Denver in Week Eight.

 

1. Imprint Joe Flacco’s No. 5 on the turf

By this, I obviously mean that Denver and its top pass rush need to keep the pressure on Joe Flacco, and often.

Elvis Dumervil leads the NFL with ten sacks through six games, and is on pace to absolutely shatter Michael Strahan’s single season record of 22.5 quarterback take-downs. 

The Broncos do a great job of mixing things up with their blitz packages with disguises and eight or nine man fronts. They are able to blitz much more often than not because of their superb talent in the defensive backfield.

The Ravens have been able to throw the ball all over the field this season due to a partial lack of talent on behalf of their opponents, because Baltimore does not have the most imposing group of receivers.

Baltimore will try to counter Denver’s pass rush with a barrage of screen passes, which were extremely effective in the second half of their bout with Minnesota two weeks ago.

 

2. Denver’s Passing Attack

The Ravens’ clear weakness lies with their defensive backs, who combined with a relatively quiet pass rush have given the Ravens the NFL’s 24th ranked pass defense.

This is an area Denver clearly needs to take advantage.

The Broncos are ranked 13th in the NFL in passing offense, but that number has risen every week so far this season. Kyle Orton’s only interception this year came on a hail mary pass at the end of the first half against the New England Patriots, so the Broncos play an efficient pass offense.

They may need to be a bit more aggressive against the Ravens to exploit this weakness, and there is no reason Orton shouldn’t be able to pick and choose where he wants to throw it.

Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal clearly overmatch Baltimore cornerbacks Domonique Foxworth and Fabian Washington, who are speedy but not very physical.

The key for Baltimore lies with Ed Reed, who is bound to have his hands full on Sunday.  The Broncos boast a bevy of talent offensively, and a scouting report given to me by a Vikings analyst indicated that the Ravens were susceptible to the pass over the middle.

Denver needs to exploit this weakness with their physical receivers and with screen passes. Tony Scheffler saw a career high in receiving yards in Denver’s last game and he could be a huge factor on Sunday as well.

One of the most underrated aspects to Denver’s aerial attack is its offensive line, which is absolutely dominant. This group is arguably the best in the NFL, and they have been a huge reason for the Broncos’ offensive success thus far.

3. Create Turnovers

The Broncos started the season with a ton of turnovers, but the last couple of games they have been relatively quiet in that category. Baltimore is plus two in the turnover margin, so they do not often hurt themselves in that venue.

Denver is going to have to instigate the situation, and it starts with my first key to victory which is the pass rush. Joe Flacco is a good quarterback, but his strong arm can get him into trouble at times, and the Broncos need to take advantage.

 

4.  Get out to an early lead

This one is pretty simple, actually.

Denver is the best defensive team in the second half of football games this season, allowing only 10 points through 12 second half quarters.

If the Broncos can get out to an early lead, statistics would indicate that they can hold on to it. The Broncos have had to come back in over half of their games this season, and while the comeback win is still a win, Denver is ninth in the NFL in total offense, and is more than capable of putting up points.

The Broncos have scored 17, 20, and 34 points in their last three games, so their offense is obviously improving.

Getting out to an early lead helps a lot in terms of defense as well. Obviously, if the Broncos get out to a hot start, they will be able to pin their ears back on defense and get after the quarterback.

 

Final Thoughts

The fans in my earlier article picked the Broncos to win by a final count of 231 votes to 27 in favor of Denver. 

Obviously, the Broncos are a team that is gaining respect across the league, but many still consider them to be an underdog in this game. It seems like if a team like New England had similar numbers to Denver, they would be double-digit favorites, but I digress.

This should be a great game, one filled with great coaching and good defense. When it comes down to it though, it seems that this game will be decided on the offensive side of the ball. Which defense will give in first?

Can the Broncos improve to 7-0 on the season and continue their magical run?

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The Key Figure In 49ers Fortunes Is Neither Singletary Nor Smith

If you’re brave enough to watch and not too hungover from the Halloween party the night before, chances are that you, the loyal, hopeful 49ers fan that you are, will venture to take in Niners-Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday morning.

And by, oh, 10:25, you’ll probably want to drink some more.

The Colts are really, really, really good, for a multitude of reasons, but chief among them is they have Peyton Manning and the rest of the league doesn’t.

The analysts on TV, bless their clever little hearts, will try to draw a comparison between Manning and his counterpart on the 49ers, plucky ol’ Alex Smith, two number one overall picks drafted seven years apart. This exercise in compare and contrast will not flatter Smith at all and will most likely make you sad—hence the drinking.

Try not to let the Mean Football-Talking Men on the TV ruin your day; it is not their intent to personally provoke you. Also, if you can help it, try not to cast too envious a glare at Manning.

The 49ers franchise had a fairly decent run of franchise quarterbacks not that long ago, after all.

No matter how lopsided Sunday’s affair gets, the most important thing to remember is that the most influential man in the 49ers organization is not Smith at all. Nor is it Frank Gore, Patrick Willis, or even coach Mike Singletary.

No, the guy who’ll play the biggest role in determining the 49ers future is general manager Scot “I traded the second “t” in my name for Carolina’s first round pick” McCloughan.

Singletary’s face might be the one that’s on all the billboards, but he can only coach the people that McCloughan puts in front of him.

In past seasons the team has gone the Dan Snyder/Al Davis/Jerry Jones route in an effort to improve themselves through the acquisition of past-their-prime free agents, and while it would be unfair to label Nate Clements and Justin Smith as “busts,” neither has lived up to the expectations that their exorbitant paychecks warrant.

Meanwhile, the elite teams such as the Patriots, Colts, and Steelers continue building their rosters through the draft and by making shrewd trades.

The 49ers have been terrible for quite a long time and the only way they’ll pull out of their tailspin is by nailing the draft—especially in the first round—for a few consecutive years and accumulating talent.

Signing him was a god forsaken chore, but if first impressions mean anything, Michael Crabtree will work out as a wise pick from the 2009 draft, which is incidentally the first one that McCloughan has had the final call on.

The 49ers did quite well for themselves in 2007 with Willis and tackle Joe Staley and thanks to Singletary’s tough love, it might turn out that the 2006 pick of Vernon Davis wasn’t all that bad either.

The jury is still out on 2008 first rounder Kentwan Balmer, 2006’s other first rounder Manny Lawson, and of course, on the aforementioned Smith.

San Francisco will have two first rounders next season, their own pick and the Panthers’.

If their intentions go beyond simply contending for the NFC West to contending, period, then it’s imperative for McCloughan to ace both of those picks next April and quite likely the second rounder as well (I’m looking at you, Chilo Rachal). 

For his part, Smith will have a ten game audition period to prove his selection wasn’t a galactic mistake on par with Chernobyl, the Hindenburg, or Crystal Pepsi.

Up to this point Smith’s apologists have had several excuses for his disappointing career and they’ve all been valid to varying degrees.

He was drafted onto what was essentially the roster of an expansion team in terms of talent. He was young and inexperienced. He’s had to overcome awful, and at times neglectful coaching. He missed nearly two full seasons to injury. He’s had to learn a new offense literally every season of his career.

Most of these excuses are no longer applicable. Smith is healthy now; he’s gained experience and perspective, and this is, by his own admission, the most talented roster he’s ever been on.

“It’s not even close,” he said.

It’s true that offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye’s offense was yet another new one for Smith to learn, but how difficult could that have been if opposing coaches seemed to have it down pat by Week Five?

Indianapolis’ defense, which has allowed all of two passing touchdowns in six games, will be a cloudy prism through which to view Smith making his first start since the 2007 season, and having Manning on the opposing sideline does him no favors either.

He deserves a few games to put together a quantifiable body of work with this offense.

If he just doesn’t have it in him though, then rest assured that one of McCloughan’s first round picks will go toward a passer.

And pray that it won’t be Tim Tebow.

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Packer Fans: It Takes a Waffle to Know a Waffle

For the past decade-and-a-half, Sunday afternoons in Wisconsin have sounded something like this:

“Our Favre,
Who art in Lambeau,
Hallowed be thine arm.
The bowl will come,
It will be won.
In (insert Super Bowl city here) as it is in Lambeau.
And give us this Sunday,
Our weekly win.
And give us many touchdown passes.
But do not let others pass against us.
Lead us not into frustration,
But deliver us to (insert Super Bowl city here).
For thine is the MVP, the best of the NFC,
and the glory of the Cheeseheads,
now and forever. Amen”

Well, at least 16 of the past 18 years.

This Sunday, when Favre’s Vikings (oh, you haven’t heard? Favre plays for the Vikings now…) goes to Green Bay to take on the Packers, there will be nothing but a hateful respect.

Meh, who am I kidding. It will be down-right, blinded by rage hate.

Green Bay mayor Jim Schmitt asked Packerland for “tasteful” ways to welcome the former Green Bay god back to Lambeau field. The itinerary for Sunday’s game includes waffle fries (reflecting on the quarterback’s retirement troubles) and has requested that fans wear flip-flops to the game.

Packer fan site cheeseheadtv.com wants to have a video montage of Favre’s interceptions, concluding with his last pass as a Packer, which was an interception in a 23-20 loss to the New York Giants in the 2007 NFC Championship Game. The Pack was 13-3 that season, which was tied for the best record during the Favre era.

They have even temporarily renamed Minnesota Ave in Green Bay to Aaron Rodgers Place.

Never mind that Favre broke every offensive passing record while with the Packers. Never mind the three consecutive MVP awards. Never mind a Green Bay’s first NFL championship in 30 years. Never mind that Green Bay had two winning seasons from 1970 to 1992. Never mind that Green Bay had one losing season from 1992-2007. Never mind that he is one of the most recognizable and respected NFL stars over the last 20 years.

Never mind that he still wanted to play for the Green Bay Packers when they traded him to the New York Jets in 2008.

If anything, Packer fans should be grilling Packers General Manager Ted Thompson for trading the legend in the first place. Favre has shown that he can still obviously play, going 15-8 since leaving the Pack.

If you think that that is interesting, read this:

On KFAN-1130 AM out of St. Louis Park, MN, radio host Dan Barreiro read an e-mail from a fan:

“Aaron is the second best quarterback ever in Green Bay after Bart Starr.”

I don’t know if this was a sincere e-mail from a sincere Packer fan, but it wouldn’t surprise me.

After all, last year’s 6-10 season is behind them. The Packers are 4-2, and one of their losses has come from Favre’s Vikings.

Last Wednesday, there was a long discussion on a local Milwaukee radio station debating A-Rodg’s bid for the Hall of Fame.

Are you kidding me? Obviously it is a case of withdrawal from trading one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. A-Rodg doesn’t have a winning record. He hasn’t won a playoff game, let alone made the playoffs.

Yes, you can argue that he has put up some lofty numbers, but how many legit teams has he beaten?

Rodgers has a career 10-12 record. In 2008 they beat the Lions twice (0-16), they beat the Seattle Seahawks (4-12). Yes he beat the Indianapolis Colts (12-4), the Chicago Bears (9-7), and the Vikings (10-6).

In 2009, off to their hot 4-2 start, they have beat the Chicago Bears (3-3), the Detroit Lions (1-5), the Cleveland Browns (1-6), and the St. Louis Rams (0-7), while they have lost to the Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) and the Vikings (6-1).

We will see what stage Rodgers is at when he plays the tougher part of his schedule (at Pittsburgh, vs. Baltimore, at Arizona) later during the season.

Favre is the only quarterback to have beaten every NFL franchise. 

In a August 2008 interview, Rodgers was quoted as saying, “The things I can’t understand and take personally is when I’m punching in my punch code and somebody says (bleep) you to me. It kinda bothers me. Or when a little kid is yelling swear words. That kinda gets to me.

“The boos, they expect a high level of play and they miss Brett Favre. I understand that. But the (bleep) you, and the little kids saying swear words to me? I don’t understand that. “

It has gone from there to Packer fans, being what they are (waffles) who used to wear at their quarterback now swear by him.

I have nothing against Aaron Rodgers. The guy is a class act and will probably have a good career.

But seriously, Packer fans. All the hype and all the pressure you are putting on this kid is way too much.

You used to have the greatest pressure-situation quarterback of all-time. And you traded him. Brett Favre only comes once in a lifetime. You could have had him for his entire non-bench-sitting career. He would have been remembered as a Packer and only a Packer.

But from now on, when you mention Brett Favre, the Vikings are going to come up.

And for Vikes fans, there is nothing sweeter than to have the best player in your franchise history extend all of his records and play for the “best team he (Favre) have ever played for”, have dramatic come-from-behind wins, be all over the media in Minnesota when you could have kept him in Green Bay.

The only explanation for the sudden Rodgers swing is having Favre in purple. Before, Packer fans didn’t care much. Favre was traded to New York. He was in the AFC.

But now he is back, and he is playing in the division.

The entire anti-Favre pro-Rodgers saga is a defense mechanism. Fans, in my opinion only love Rodgers to get back at Brett Favre.

It is love at second sight. And the only reason that it is love at second sight is that they are desperate.

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Falcons Swoop Into New Orleans To Face Saints in NFC South Showdown

The New Orleans Saints look to match the franchise’s best start ever and continue a magical season when the Atlanta Falcons come into town on Monday night.

The Saints (6-0) can take an early three-game lead in the NFC South race over the Falcons (4-2) with a victory.

The top offense in the NFL faces a defense that’s 11th in points allowed, but just 25th in yards allowed. The Falcons rank in the bottom third of the league in both rushing yards and passing yards allowed.

New Orleans’ defense has contributed significantly to the team’s undefeated record.

They lead the league in passes defended, interceptions per game, defensive touchdowns, and forced turnovers.

They also rank ninth in yards allowed per play and 11th in total yards.

While the defensive improvement has been a team effort, much of the credit goes to free safety Darren Sharper.

Sharper leads the NFL in interceptions (six) and defensive touchdowns (three). His 317 interception return yardage this season ranks third on the all-time list and he’s just one long interception return away from breaking Ed Reed’s record of 358 return yards.

 

Matchups to Watch

1) Drew Brees vs. Falcons’ secondary: Atlanta is 0-2 against teams that possess passing offenses that rank in the top-10.

Tom Brady carved up the Falcons for 277 yards in week three and Tony Romo torched the dirty birds for 311 yards and three touchdowns.

Both of those games, like the showdown against the Saints, were on the road.

2) Tony Gonzalez vs. Saints’ outside linebackers: Gonzalez will be by far the best tight end the Saints have faced all season.

Until now, the most productive tight end the Saints faced was the Eagles’ Brent Celek, who gained 104 yards in Week Two.

New Orleans held Gonzalez to 39 yards last season when he was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, but that was when Tyler Thigpen was tossing the ball his way.

Thigpen is now buried on the depth chart in Miami.

3) Eric Weems vs. Saints’ kickoff coverage: One of the few disappointments for the undefeated Saints has been their coverage units.

Weems ranks eighth in the league in kickoff return average (28.1 yards) among players with at least one kickoff return per team game. Weems has a long return of 62 yards.

The Saints’ defense, while improved over last season, is still not good enough to consistently stop teams from scoring when the starting field position favors the other team.

The Saints will win if…

1) They continue to force turnovers.

New Orleans has forced at least two turnovers in each of their six games this season. The defense has scored on nearly one-third of their forced turnovers and have a touchdown in half of their six games.

2) They keep Brees off the Superdome floor.

Through the first five games, Brees was sacked just four times. Against Miami in game six, he was sacked five times.

Not coincidentally, the Saints quarterback threw three interceptions and the passing game looked out of sync in the first half. Against the Dolphins, the Saints trailed for the first time all season.

That, also, is not a coincidence.

Predictions

The combination of Monday Night Football, an undefeated record, and a game against the hated Falcons will have the home crowd as loud as they’ve ever been.

I expect the dome advantage to be in full force. Look for Matt Ryan and his offensive line to struggle. I’ll give the defense two sacks, a forced fumble, and one interception.

Look for Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell combine for 30 carries, 145 yards, and two touchdowns against run defense that allows 4.6 yards per carry.

I see Drew Brees going 23 of 33 for 307 yards and two touchdowns.

New Orleans 38, Atlanta 24

 

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Pittsburgh Steelers Show Character in Win Over Minnesota Vikings

In a game that was far from perfect, the Pittsburgh Steelers came away from Heinz Field on Sunday with a much needed win. 

Some of the same problems that we’ve seen each week were present:  critical dropped pass, this time by Hines Ward; untimely turnover (Rashard Mendenhall’s fumble); mental breakdown (giving up a kick return for a touchdown, after Brett Keisel’s strip and Lamar Woodley’s scoop and run should have all but ended the game).

The Steelers needed a second spectacular play on defense by Keyaron Fox to finally put the game on ice.

The two spectacular defensive plays marked the first time all year that the defense stepped up and made a big play when they had to in the fourth quarter.  The defense was solid all game, holding Adrian Peterson in check, until the fourth quarter, when he made a train wreck of William Gay. 

Brett Favre, the crafty veteran that he is, looked to have his team poised to steel one (no pun intended) in Pittsburgh.

Dick LeBeau’s group was having none of it.  Despite having a bye next Sunday, the Steelers D should be able to take the momentum of this game into the next two contests (against Denver and Cincinnati), games which will have a lot to do with defining the Steelers season.

A week after this writer called the Steelers an offensive team, two things happened:  the defense stepped up (as previously mentioned) and Bruce Arians returned to his questionable play calling ways.

The Steeler offense, and Ben Roethlisberger, could never get into a rhythm. 

The play calling returned to plain vanilla, with the exception of the three end-arounds.

There were no attempts to stretch the field—I thought at least one deep ball to Mike Wallace per game was a given by now.  The two long pass plays, which accounted for 85 of Ben’s 175 yards passing, were of the catch and run variety.

The best drive of the game for the Steelers was when they were in the no-huddle just before half-time.  Which begs the question:  Why not use the no-huddle in the second half, when the offense was struggling?

Much credit has to go to a tough Viking defense.  But this was a team that was 20th in the league against the pass.

The Steelers are yet to put together a complete game.  But this game was their best from a defensive standpoint, and was the first time all year that they showed heart and determination in the fourth quarter.

A sign that they are indeed ready to repeat as Super Bowl champs.  If only Bruce Arians play calling doesn’t trip them up.

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NFL Playoff Push: Breaking Down The Denver Broncos’ Remaining 10 Games

Even with the extra week off to let it sink in, it’s still hard to believe that we’re actually where we are.

The Denver Broncos are 6-0 and hold a three-game lead over the Chargers in the AFC West.

The Broncos and their fans have been on cloud nine all season long, but as head coach Josh McDaniels reminds the media every week, a 6-0 record doesn’t mean squat. It doesn’t give the Broncos the AFC West, a conference championship, or the Super Bowl ring all coaches and players are after.

All it means to McDaniels and the team is that they had a solid start to the season and they need to be playing their best football in the final weeks. Plenty of teams have started fast throughout NFL history only to crash and burn at the end of the regular season and/or the postseason.

That said, the Broncos are in prime position to make the postseason for the first time since the 2005 season. However, they still face a tough slate of games ahead that will test their mettle and make sure they are playing the best football each and every week, regardless of the “significance” a game holds.

Here’s how the Denver Broncos remaining 10 games should shape up as the Broncos make a push for a division title and a postseason berth:

Nov. 1, at Baltimore Ravens

Many outside observers look at the Ravens as a team in a bit of trouble after their sizzling 3-0 start to the season. The Ravens defense has been anything but fierce and the suddenly explosive offense, led by second year quarterback Joe Flacco, has gone back into its shell. 

However, if there is one thing any coach in the NFL should know is that you never underestimate a defense that has Ray Lewis on it. Lewis is one of the all-time great leaders in NFL history and he will have his unit ready to play against the undefeated Broncos.

Still, I like the Broncos No. 1 defense better here as the Broncos remain undefeated for at least one more week.

Prediction: Broncos win

Nov. 9 vs Pittsburgh Steelers

The Broncos’ second appearance on Monday Night Football in four weeks is a home affair against the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers. The Steelers got off to a bit of a sluggish start in 2009 after All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu went down with an injury, but they have since come roaring back with Polamalu back in the lineup.

If there is one defense in the NFL right now that more dangerous than the Broncos, it’s the Steelers. One only needs to look at the drubbing they put on the previously unbeaten Vikings in Week Seven. Dick LeBeau’s unit swarms from all over the place and will be giving Kyle Orton fits all day.

All in all, I think the Broncos unbeaten streak stops at seven.

Prediction: Broncos lose

Nov. 15 at Washington Redskins

Ever since the Broncos started their magical run, fans have been openly wondering how this team would handle adversity. What would the team do once it lost its first game?

While there is no shame in losing to a solid team like Pittsburgh, Denver gets a chance at what should be an easy bounce back game against the Washington Redskins. I’m not going to re-hash all the Redskins’ problems because every other sportswriter has been writing about them ad nauseum.

That said, this still has the potential to be a trap game for the Broncos. I don’t see that happening, however, as the attitude McDaniels has instilled in this team shouldn’t allow such a thing to happen.

Prediction: Broncos win

Nov. 22 vs San Diego Chargers

The last time the Broncos met the Chargers it was the Eddie Royal Show on Monday Night Football. Royal returned a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown in the Broncos’ 34-23 win. The Broncos were behind at the half, but behind Royal and some great halftime adjustments made by the coaching staff, the Broncos were able to come from behind for the win.

This time the Broncos have the home field advantage and the Chargers could be a very desperate team at this point facing a potential huge deficit in the division. It’s likely Norv Turner could be coaching for his life coming into this game.

I like the Broncos here to do yet another “impossible” task that no one gave them a chance to do at the start of the season: Sweep the series against the Chargers.

Prediction: Broncos Win

Nov. 26 vs New York Giants

The Broncos return to the slate of Thanksgiving Day games—this year playing in the nightcap against the Giants. The Giants got off to yet another strong start this season by winning their first five games. They fell back to Earth the past two games though, getting blown out by the Saints in New Orleans and losing a squeaker at home against the Cardinals.

The Giants’ defense is still their strong suit even with new defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan. Eli Manning has struggled a bit as of late and it is taking time for him to gel with his new receivers. 

I look for the Broncos to give Eli fits, but Kyle Orton might need to have a career day against the Giants to win. I think Denver loses its second game of the year here.

Prediction: Broncos lose

Dec. 6 at Kansas City Chiefs

Once again after a potential loss to a solid team, the Broncos face what should be an easy game to bounce back against an inferior opponent. The Chiefs are in a rebuilding process under first-year head coach Todd Haley with former Tom Brady backup Matt Cassel under center. 

They also have a potential major headache in running back Larry Johnson, whose Twitter escapades earned him a suspension by the team this week. With no solid backup, the Chiefs offense is one of the weakest in the NFL.

In another potential trap game, Denver should win this one no problem. The defense should have no trouble containing the Chiefs’ offense, and the Broncos’ offense should run all over the Chiefs.

Prediction: Broncos win

Dec. 13 at Indianapolis Colts

In what could be a preview of either an AFC divisional playoff game or even the AFC Championship, the Broncos undoubtedly face their toughest task of the 2009 season: Stopping Peyton Manning. No one has been able to do so thus far, and frankly I am not sure if anyone can.

What has been remarkable about the Colts this season is that Manning is working with all new wide receivers, especially with Reggie Wayne out with injury. Manning has his young wideouts looking like seasoned vets. That’s the mark of a truly great quarterback.

With home field advantage throughout the playoffs possibly on the line, Denver will keep this closer than many think it will be. I don’t think it will be enough.

Prediction: Broncos lose

Dec. 20 vs Oakland Raiders

Unbelievably, the Raiders showed signs of life two weeks ago, upsetting the Eagles 13-9.

Then the following week they were promptly shutout by rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez and the Jets, 38-0.

Such are the Oakland Raiders. Who knows who will be under center for the Raiders. Should JaMarcus Russell continue his putrid play? I say who cares? Denver should win this one, too.

Prediction: Broncos win

Dec. 27 at Philadelphia Eagles

In this game, the Broncos face their their last true tuneup before the playoffs start.  The Eagles could still be in the midst of a three-way battle for the NFC East at this point, so the Broncos should expect to see an intense Eagles squad.

The Broncos likely would have the AFC West sewn up at this point, but it seems like that won’t keep McDaniels from getting maximum effort out of his team. Teams that go flat towards the end of the regular season are usually one-and-done once the postseason begins.

I think this game will be a real toss-up, but I like the Eagles here just because they will have more on the line than Denver. It will be a close game throughout.

Prediction: Broncos lose

Jan. 3 vs Kansas City Chiefs

In the regular season finale, the Broncos likely will be resting many starters for the playoffs. That said, I still think the Broncos second-teamers are better than most of the Chiefs’ starters, so I look for the Broncos to win this game.

Prediction: Broncos win

If you tally it all up, I have the Broncos going 12-4 although that could easily be 13-3 depending on the outcome of the game against the Eagles. In a season in which the Broncos were expected to not win more than five games or so, a 12 win season will be cause for celebration in Denver.

The team won’t be celebrating though unless they are able to win the ultimate prize, Super Bowl XLIV in Miami. Could this team be one of the greatest Cinderella stories in league history and bring home the Lombardi Trophy?

With the AFC being ultra-competitive—an 11-5 record did not warrant a playoff trip in 2008—I think the Broncos stand a good chance of getting a first-round bye. They own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Patriots because of the win earlier this season. 

I think the Colts get home field, and the No. 2 seed will come down to Denver and whomever wins the AFC North, which I think will be Pittsburgh. If that’s the case and they beat the Broncos during the regular season, they get the No. 2 seed and Denver faces a wild card team in the first round. 

This is how I see the Broncos finishing the 2009 season, but if there is one thing this team has taught us it is to expect the unexpected and to believe. This team could still go 16-0 at this time.  t’s still a possibility and as long as it still is, the Broncos will continue to pursue that goal.

Buckle up Broncos fans, the fun has just begun.

You can follow Kris Burke on Twitter @KBurkeNFL

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