NFL Week Five: Manning Brothers Continue League Domination

This is usually about the time of the season that we find out which teams are for real and which are the weak links in the division.  This year may be the exception, though.

Teams we expected to be toward the top of their divisions (i.e. Tennessee, Baltimore/Pittsburgh, Dallas etc.) currently find themselves inching towards the panic button.  Well, actually just Tennessee, at this point. 

Even more surprising than Tennessee’s 0-5 start is the Josh McDaniels-lead Denver Broncos’ strong 5-0 start.  Denver most recently knocked off Tom Brady’s Pats this week in OT.

Here is a recap of this past week’s action, which I am hoping to get back to doing every week..

Browns’ Six-Point Performance Gives Them First “W” of Season

Hard to believe, but Cleveland’s QB controversy just got a whole lot worse, even after the win.  Players of the game, RB Jamal Lewis (117 rushing yards) and kicker Billy Cundiff (hit game-winning 18-yard FG with :23 to spare in game), were the only two reasons Eric Mangini’s Browns are no longer win-less, dropping the hapless Bills to 1-4. 

Derek Anderson had, possibly, the worst performance in his four-year quarterbacking career.  Anderson, who Mangini started over the 24-year-old Brady Quinn on Sunday, completed just two of his 17 pass attempts for 23 yards and an interception, compiling a horrific QB rating of 15.1 on the day. 

Turnovers (three) and penalties (13-75) destroyed any hope the Bills had in this low-scoring affair…end of story.  Glad we got this recap out of the way, now let’s get on with Sunday’s good games.

Mendenhall Continues to Thrive as Parker’s Replacement

Second-year running back Rashard Mendenhall got the start for the second straight week with regular starter, Willie Parker, sitting out with an injury.  Mendenhall put out another fine performance, rushing for 77 yards and a TD on 15 carries.  Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for 277 yards and three touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s eight-point victory. 

Detroit’s offense struggled with rookie QB Matthew Stafford and Pro Bowl wideout Calvin Johnson missing time with injuries.  Culpepper made the start, but was sacked seven times by Pittsburgh’s stingy defense.  Three of those seven were recorded by All-Pro linebacker James Harrison, which gives him a total of six in five games this season.  Pittsburgh is now in a two-way tie for second place in the AFC North with a 3-2 record.  Detroit drops to 1-4, fourth place in the NFC North.

Romo, Austin Team Up for OT Thriller

Dallas Cowboys wideout Austin Miles had a career game against the 0-5 Chiefs, catching 10 of Romo’s passes for 250 yards and two TDs, which includes a 60-yard game-winning hook-up halfway through overtime. 

Romo started the game off a little slow, as the Cowboys went into the half down 10-3.  But Romo finished strong as he lead his offense to a late surge, outscoring the Chiefs 23-7 in the last three quarters of play (third, fourth, and OT). 

As a whole, Dallas’ offense was two yards short of breaking 500 total, which allowed them to cruise to victory despite a plethora of penalties (13 for 90 yards) and turnovers (two lost fumbles).

Vikes Continue Hot Streak, Favre Cruises to First 5-0 Start in His Prolonged NFL Career

Minnesota put up 38 points on the win-less St. Louis Rams, but it was a total team effort. The veteran Favre posted a rating of 101.4 (232 yards, one TD), Peterson ran for 69 yards and two TDs and the ball-hawking Minnesota defense limited the Rams to 10 points and forced four turnovers. Quick, powerful defensive end Jared Allen added a defensive score, as well, running back a St. Louis fumble 52 yards for a touchdown in the opening quarter. 

Minnesota remains in the thick of things in their division, as well as the NFC, after putting up 30-plus points for the third time this season.  They haven’t really had much of a test quite yet (Cleveland, Detroit, San Fran, Green Bay, and St. Louis) but will have the perfect chance to prove they belong at the top after taking on the Baltimore Ravens this weekend.  Hard to judge just yet, but we sure will be able to after Week Six.

Eli Shreds Oakland D to Stay Undefeated

New York quarterback Eli Manning left the game early with a foot injury, but still managed to throw for 173 yards and two TDs on 10 pass attempts, while Ahmad Bradshaw ran for 100-plus yards and two TDs. 

New York held the ball for close to 40 minutes and forced three Oakland turnovers in their dominating, 44-point game against the 1-4 Raiders.  New York shut down the Raiders through the air and on the ground, out-gaining them 483-124. 

This week, Manning said he has had no setbacks and expects to play this Sunday against the 4-0 New Orleans Saints, which I expect to be a very high-scoring shootout.  As for Oakland…well, let’s just say they have a long ways to go.

McNabb Picks Apart Tampa in Return

Donovan McNabb sees his first game action since his rib injury in Philly’s Week One matchup with Carolina and he looked stellar, passing for 264 yards and three TDs. 

Even more impressive was rookie WR Jeremy Maclin’s breakthrough performance, in which he caught six passes for 142 yards and two TD receptions.  This performance should be enough for him to be voted NFL’s rookie of the week. 

Tampa held the ball for nearly 35 minutes and young QB Josh Johnson, making his second career NFL start, threw for 240 yards and two TDs, but his three interceptions hurt Tampa’s chances, who remain win-less.

Campbell Goes Mistake-less, ‘Skins Still Fall to 2-3

One of the Redskins’ biggest problems this season has been offensive turnovers and the inability to get the ball in the end zone.  Campbell has thrown five interceptions this season and has fumbled two more times, but the real problem may be in the running game. 

Washington has yet to have a 100-yard rusher (though Clinton Portis has come close a couple times), and has scored on the ground just two times.  Capitalizing on red zone opportunities is very important in this league and it seems as though the ‘Skins have struggled with that through the first five weeks. 

Campbell went INT-less against the Panthers defense on Sunday, but Carolina managed the clock well and outscored the ‘Skins 18-7 in the second to successfully erase a 15-point deficit in the third.  Let’s face it, the ‘Skins need to control the game on both sides of the ball to pull off a win.  Washington fell to 2-3 as Carolina picked up their first win of the season (1-3).

Bengals Knock Off Yet Another AFC North Rival

For the third straight week, the Cincinnati Bengals defeated a rival from the AFC North (Pittsburgh 23-20, Cleveland 23-20 in OT, Baltimore 17-14), extending their win streak to four. 

Running back Cedric Benson, who rejuvenated his troubled career after coming to Cincinnati last season, ran for 100-plus yards for the second time this season.  His 120 yards on the ground snapped Baltimore’s 39-game streak without allowing a 100-yard rusher. 

Cincy’s offense, led by Pro Bowl quarterback Carson Palmer, out-gained Joe Flacco’s Ravens 403-257 and nearly doubled them in first downs (22-12). 

Many Ravens fans have claimed the officials blew the game for Baltimore (which may be true to some extent), but really, this usually stout defense blew the game for the now 3-2 Ravens, who are now on a two-game losing streak.  Baltimore’s defense allowed Palmer to convert a late fourth down with his legs and Ray Lewis gave Cincinnati another 15 yards with an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit on Chad Ochocinco. 

At the end of the game, Baltimore committed a total of 10 penalties for 76 yards.  But, besides the penalties, it’s really hard to win a ballgame when your defense is giving up 400-plus yards and your offense holds the ball for less than half the game.  This victory gave Cincinnati sole possession of first place in the North. 

Let’s see how Baltimore responds to two straight losses when they face off with Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson this Sunday.

Second-Year QB Ryan Leads Atlanta to 3-1 Start

It’s rather clear that San Francisco misses Frank Gore in their backfield, especially since SF’s leading rusher was quarterback Shaun Hill (53 yards on four carries). 

But the story of the game was certainly second-year quarterback Matt Ryan, who threw for 329 yards and two TDs in Atlanta’s 45-10 beating of the Niners. 

Roddy White finally had his breakout game of the season, catching eight of Ryan’s passes for 210 yards and two TDs (31 yards, 90 yards).  Running back Michael Turner had a fantastic game for Atlanta, as well, rushing for 97 yards and three TDs. 

San Francisco’s offense, with Shaun Hill under center, held the ball for just 23 minutes and managed just 13 first downs on 279 total yards.  The now 3-2 ‘Niners will look to bounce back in two weeks when they face Houston after their bye week.

Hasselbeck Dominates in First Game Back from Rib Injury

Not really much to say about this game as Matt Hasselbeck led his 2-3 Seahawks to a 41-0 beating of the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Seattle led 20-0 at the half thanks to two of Hasselbeck’s four TD passes on the day and a little extra help from kicker Olindo Mare (two first-half FGs). 

Seattle dominated the game clock (held the ball 34-plus minutes) and sacked opposing QB David Garrard five times, forcing two Garrard lost fumbles while they were at it.  The other two of Hasselbeck’s touchdown tosses came in the third quarter and rookie DE Nick Reed wrapped up the scoring with a 79-yard fumble returned for a TD early in the fourth quarter. 

Both teams remain in the mix in their respective divisions with 2-3 records after five weeks.

Cards’ Warner Wins Shootout with Houston’s Schaub

Just as I suspected, both teams were pass-happy in this matchup.  Both teams ran the ball for just over 40 yards, but both QBs had 300-plus yards through the air and two TDs. 

Looking at the box score, you would think the Texans would have come out winners, but Matt Schaub’s only mistake proved costly as Arizona’s young defensive back, Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, returned a Schaub INT back 49 yards for a score with just over two minutes to play in the game. 

Schaub finished with 371 yards on 50 pass attempts (completed 35 of those attempts) as his All-Pro receiver, Andre Johnson, caught eight balls for 101 yards and both of Schaub’s touchdowns.  Houston fell to 2-3 as the Cards evened out at 2-2, good enough for second place in the NFC West.

McDaniels’ Broncos Defeat Belichick and Pats in OT

First-year head coach Josh McDaniels, whose Broncos are now 5-0 and first in the AFC West, faced his mentor, Bill Belichick, for the first time ever this past Sunday. 

Belichick’s Pats held the lead for most of the game, but Kyle Orton and Denver’s offense played a spectacular second half and tied the game up late with an 11-yard pass from Orton to troubled receiver Brandon Marshall (who seems to be over his recent problems, for now at least). 

Orton outplayed the great Tom Brady, throwing for 330 yards and two TDs as rookie RB Knowshon Moreno ran for 88 yards on 21 carries in Denver’s win.  The game went into overtime, where Denver kicker Matt Prater nailed his second field goal of the game from 41 yards out. 

McDaniels, not surprisingly, went crazy on the field after the game, running around high-fiving his players and getting hugs from certain players.  It will be interesting to see if Denver can keep this up, especially against teams such as San Diego, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh (their next three opponents).

Manning Continues Campaign for Second Straight MVP Award

Indianapolis Colts’ QB Peyton Manning threw for his fifth straight 300-plus-yard game and added three touchdowns against division rival Tennessee (who are now 0-5) to improve their record to a perfect 5-0.  Manning, who currently leads the league in passing yards and touchdowns, is on pace to win his fourth career league MVP award. 

It’s just amazing what he has been doing, especially at age 33, and he has proven that his success is not due to the fact that he had a very strong supporting cast on offense.  He has allowed young guys such as Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie to be top fantasy pickups over the last few weeks. 

Expect more of the same from Manning and his Colts in the next several weeks, especially since their games are against St. Louis, San Francisco, and Houston.  M-V-P, M-V-P, M-V-P.  Hmmm, Tennessee, get ready to press that panic button anytime now…

Wildcat Formation Leads Miami to Another Win

Chad Henne, making his second start, had a solid game, throwing for 241 yards and two TDs against this blitz-happy Jets defense.  But, the credit for Miami’s 31-27 victory should probably go to running back Ronnie Brown, who had Rex Ryan’s defense on their toes all game. 

Brown was a threat on the ground, rushing for 74 yards and two TDs, and in the passing game (1-for-2, 21 yards).  Every time he lined up behind center in the Wildcat formation, he had the Jets defense guessing, which allowed Chad Henne to breakthrough for his big game.  No one runs this formation better than Ronnie Brown and the ‘Phins. 

The Jets’ offense played solid behind rookie Mark Sanchez (12-for-24, 172 yards, 1 TD) and Braylon Edwards had a solid Jet debut (5 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD) but even New York’s 138 rushing yards wasn’t enough to knock off Ronnie Brown’s Dolphins, who are now just one game behind the Jets in the division with a record of 2-3.

Top Five After First Five Weeks of Play

5. Bengals (4-1)

Knocking off your divisional rivals in three straight weeks is a very tough thing to do (even if one of them is the struggling Cleveland Browns).  This is exactly what Cincinnati did, and they are currently on a four-game win streak. 

Their renewed run offense and smashmouth (surprisingly enough) defense has kept them in games and this offense could be especially scary if Ochocinco played up to his ability week-in and week-out, like the good old days.  The fact that their only loss came against a 5-0 Denver Bronco team certainly helps their case.

4. Vikings (5-0)

Adrian Peterson really hasn’t gotten the ball as much as you would expect just yet, which is why this is so scary.  Once Favre starts getting that inevitable fatigue in his throwing shoulder, AP will get the ball more and actually start burning defenses for 150-160 yards and three TDs. 

The defense has been able to get to opposing QBs and force turnovers, as well, which is always a plus.  The only thing keeping them out of the top three is the strength of the teams they have played so far, which has not been all that great.

3. Saints (4-0)

Drew Brees has cooled off a little bit over the last week or two (two straight games without a touchdown toss), but the Saints, mainly because of the fresh play from the defense, have been able to come away with wins.  The return of Pierre Thomas has helped out a whole lot, as well.  If the Saints can defeat the 5-0 Giants this weekend, they will surely move up on this list.

2. Giants (5-0)

Eli Manning has been nearly flawless; even when he left the game in the second quarter last week, he had already thrown for two touchdowns.  If the foot injury isn’t all that serious, like we have been told, then Manning will continue to lead this team to victory.  They will surely be tested this week against New Orleans, but it is certainly an obstacle that is manageable.

1. Colts (5-0)

This Colts team is as strong as ever, even with Peyton Manning aging (now 33-years-old).  Manning, in fact, is playing as well as ever—passing for his fifth straight 300-plus-yard game this past Sunday—as he currently leads the league in passing yards and TDs (like I stated earlier in this article) and is well on his way to another MVP season. 

With Dwight Freeney back to full strength, this defense is very dangerous, too.  Indy, after Week Five, is without a doubt the best team in the league.

Week Six Preview

Bengals over Texans

Matt Schaub has shown weakness this season, especially against the Jets in Week One, and Houston’s opponents haven’t exactly given him much of a challenge (Houston has played two win-less teams in Tennessee and Oakland). 

With the surge this Bengal defense has been showing against Baltimore and Pittsburgh, I definitely think Carson Palmer’s offense can keep up with Schaub.  Cincy wins to improve to 5-1.

Packers over Lions

I would say that this is winnable for the Lions IF Stafford was in full health, but he’s not, and the Lions may have to go with Daunte Culpepper again if they decide Stafford hasn’t made any progress during practice. 

With Calvin Johnson still a little shaky (did not practice today), the Lions will most likely be one-dimensional against this Packer defense, which will surely limit their chances of scoring.  Aaron Rodgers has a cannon of an arm and I expect him to have a good day passing against this Lion defense. Packers win big.

Vikings over Ravens

Cedric Benson’s 120-yard day against this Ravens’ defense surely gives the Vikings more confidence in their star running back, Adrian Peterson.  We all know he can run and that he will get plenty of opportunities to break through the line, because of this I think the Vikes will come out winners in a very close, exciting matchup in Minnesota.  It may even come down to overtime.

Giants over Saints

Hmmm, if you don’t think the Ravens/Vikings match up is the game of the week, then this one surely is.  Two unbeaten teams (with top-tier QBs) guiding their teams down field.  This may be a bigger shootout than last week’s Warner/Schaub matchup.  This high-scoring affair will come down to the last minute, with the younger Manning brother coming out on top, improving New York’s record to 6-0.

Steelers over Browns

This should be one ugly game and, yes, I will be in attendance!  My first ever game at Heinz Field.  How exciting.  Ben Roethlisberger will burn this weak Cleveland defense for 300 yards and two to three TDs while Mendenhall has another great performance in place of Willie Parker. 

The one thing I am not excited about is Aaron Smith’s season-ending shoulder injury.  This will eventually catch up to the Steelers’ front line, unfortunately.  Cleveland will fall to 1-5 on the season and continue to rot at the bottom of the division.

Panthers over Buccaneers

If QB Jake Delhomme can limit any turnovers and Carolina’s defense can get to the Bucs’ quarterback, then there should be no problem in winning this game.  Delhomme can basically just manage the game and hand the ball to DeAngelo Williams and not try to do too much with it.  Bucs will continue to have questions at the QB position and fall to 0-6.

Redskins over Chiefs

Jason Campbell played a solid game last Sunday, but was unable to get to the end zone often enough.  If Washington can force some Kansas City turnovers and actually capitalize on them, then they should (I repeat SHOULD) cruise to a 21-10 victory, as Kansas City continues to find ways to lose ballgames.

Jaguars over Rams

David Garrard will have a field day against this defense, which has given up far too many points this season.  St. Louis has been outscored 143-34, given up 30-plus points three weeks straight, and has been shutout twice already.

Jacksonville, though coming off a 41-0 shutout loss last week, has put up 30 points twice this season (against division rivals Houston and Tennessee in back-to-back games).  I smell a lot of fantasy points for Garrard and Maurice Jones-Drew this week.

Seahawks over Cardinals

Arizona and quarterback Kurt Warner are coming off a fantastic offensive performance against Houston last week, but they will be facing a Seattle defense that is coming off a 41-0 victory over Jacksonville.  Seattle has two shutouts this season and has given up 30-plus points to just one team—the 5-0 Indianapolis Colts, who have a three-time league MVP under center.

Eagles over Raiders

Well, Donovan McNabb seems to be healthy once again and I sense a struggle for JaMarcus Russell at the quarterback position for Oakland, especially against a defensive unit as good as Philadelphia’s.  Brian Westbrook also seems to be healthy, so look for a productive day offensively and defensively for the Eagles in their 31-10 victory over the pitiful Raiders.

Patriots over Titans

Looks like an 0-6 start for the Titans from Tennessee, especially with the struggling Kerry Collins behind center against a defensive unit which just added formerly-retired LB Junior Seau (don’t underestimate him just because of his age; there’s certainly a reason why Belichick brought him back). 

With Lendale White struggling to gain anything more than two yards, the Titans’ run game is in trouble; Chris Johnson relied on him a lot in his impressive rookie campaign last season.  Pats win 28-14.

Jets over Bills

Buffalo’s defense was hit with another lightning bolt after finding out LB Kawika Mitchell will miss the rest of the season.  Buffalo will struggle to put pressure on rookie QB Mark Sanchez, allowing him more time to throw pretty passes to the likes of Jerricho Cotchery and, of course, new Jet Braylon Edwards, who caught a TD pass in his first game with New York. 

Trent Edwards will get banged up against this smashmouth defense of Rex Ryan’s, forcing him to throw 2-3 INTs, costing Buffalo any chance they had to begin with.

Falcons over Bears

I like what I’m seeing from Matt Ryan so far, and I expect another solid performance from Michael Turner coming out of the backfield for Atlanta.  This Bears’ defense has nothing on Atlanta’s powerful offense, especially without Brian Urlacher in uniform.  I predict a 250-plus yard, two TD performance from Ryan in Atlanta’s 31-14 victory over Jay Cutler’s Bears.

Broncos over Chargers

After an impressive game from Denver against New England, I expect nothing less than that against San Diego, who is coming off a bye.  Orton will play wonderfully and rookie Knowshon Moreno should play up to his ability against this San Diego defense, as well.  It will be a close, back-and-forth game, but I expect to see Denver 6-0 after this MNF match up.

The greatest thing about the NFL?  You just never know what’s gonna happen on any given Sunday.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

AFC East Offensive Players To Watch in ’09

We are getting closer and closer to the start of the NFL season with each passing day, thankfully. I started this series of “Players to Watch” with the AFC North edition in late July, it’s time to take a look at the AFC East, where there are even more headlines. Is Brady back to his ’07, Super Bowl-bound self? Is T.O. poised for the same statistical success that he had in San Fran, Philly, and Dallas? Will Mark Sanchez have a Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco-type rookie season? Can Miami repeat?

Lets take a look at the offensive side of the ball first..

Buffalo Bills

Trent Edwards

I understand that most NFL fans and casuals will be looking more at the acquired superstar Terrell Owens, but if you don’t like reality shows, you may want to forget about Owens and focus your attention on the team’s franchise quarterback instead. The acquisition of Owens will, without a doubt, help Edwards greatly, but a poor running game will hurt him at the same time. I expect Edwards to have more success under center than in ’08 (2,699 yards, 11 TD, 10 INT, 85.4 rating), especially when Pro Bowl running back Marshawn Lynch returns from his three game suspension.

Edwards showed signs of success in ’08 after leading the Bills to a 5-1 start after the team’s 23-14 victory over the eventual AFC West champion San Diego Chargers.  Six of the team’s ten losses after their victory over San Diego in week seven were by 10 or less points. So, Buffalo certainly can play with their opponents, being shut-out just once (13-0 in week 17 match-up with division-rivals New England), and putting up 54 points in a game (against the weak, QB-less Kansas City Chiefs, but still). With the improved offense around him, Edwards is poised for a career-year despite being in the East.

Miami Dolphins

Davone Bess

The elusive, 5’10”, 190-pound wideout is in the thick of the competition in Miami’s training camp this season, and, in my opinion, has a good chance at beating out the 27-year-old Greg Camarillo, who is currently battling a knee injury in camp. Having Bess on the field will boost quarterback Chad Pennington’s confidence and allow him to really air it out. We learned last year that Pennington still has it in him (3,653 yards, 19 TD, 97.4 rating in ’08) to win ball games and Bess’s presence will only bring good things to this team.

Davone’s rookie numbers (54 receptions, 554 yards and a TD) are very similar to Camarillo’s of last year. But, Bess has the edge right now because he is healthy in camp, and is more versatile (can help Ginn Jr. in the return game, as well) than Camarillo.  Davone never really showed super stardom last year (didn’t have a single 100-yard performance), but he is consistent and if he gets more balls thrown his way he should produce.

By the end of training camp, Bess will be the second wideout, behind Ginn Jr., and Camarillo will be the slot receiver.

New England Patriots

Tom Brady

Nothing new here. As always, the All-Pro QB will be (actually, he already is) the center of attention this fall. The big question still looms: is he really healthy, can he come back and have another ’07-like season?? After watching his training camp workouts and listening to his interviews, it appears so. While Brady was working on his comeback this offseason, New England’s front office went out and added a little depth to his offense. They brought in veteran running back Fred Taylor to accompany Laurence Maroney and added a deep threat (Joey Galloway) to add depth around Pro Bowl wideouts Randy Moss and Wes Welker. The offensive line is already filled with Pro Bowlers, but they even helped out the 28-year-old Benjamin Watson, currently battling an undisclosed injury in camp, by acquiring the New York Jets former TE, Chris Baker.

Right now, this offense is looking as dangerous as ever. All-Pro offensive line protecting an All-Pro quarterback, who is throwing to three Pro Bowl wide receivers (11 PB appearances between Moss, Welker and Galloway). You add in the fact that they have a more than capable run game with Maroney and Taylor, and you’ve got yourself the formula of a Super Bowl championship. All the defense has to do is hold their ground.

New York Jets

Thomas Jones

Yes, that’s right, the Jets’ 2009 success doesn’t fall on rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, it falls on the team’s running game, which is led by Jones.  At this point, we don’t even know if Sanchez will start the season under-center (although I really don’t know why you would put your offense in the hands of Kellen Clemens). But, no matter who is playing quarterback for Rex Ryan’s Jets, the offense will need a capable running back. Jones ran for 1,300-plus yards and 13 TDs with Brett Favre playing quarterback last season. This year, Jones may see the ball come his way even more because of the fact that New York’s passing game will be rather weak. Favre’s strong arm will not be throwing passes (for anyone, for that matter) and Laveranues Coles left for Cincinnati this offseason. Those two key losses mean only one thing; New York will be run-heavy again this season.  Truthfully, why not?  When you have a solid RB combination of Thomas Jones and Leon Washington (76 carries, 448 yards, 6 TDs in ’08), I would be a run-heavy offense too.

Jones (36 receptions, 207 yards, 2 TDs) and Washington (47 receptions, 355 yards, 2 TDs) may actually end up being the team’s go-to guys coming out of the backfield as well. This is the effect of having a thin WR corps, and lack of a solid red zone weapon.

Countdown: 35 days until the regular season kicks off!

J.P. Losman Signs With UFL

Free agent quarterback and former first round draft pick, J.P. Losman, has decided to take his football elsewhere.

Instead of testing the NFL free agent market, Losman has signed a one-year contract to play for Las Vegas’s UFL team, ESPN.com reports.  Not a bad idea, if you ask me.  I doubt Losman would’ve signed an NFL contract before the regular season kicked off, so why not get a little more exposure in the football league.

The UFL is a new “minor league” football league that will get underway in October.  There are four teams based in New York, Orlando, San Francisco and Las Vegas.  The league features former NFLers and big-name coaches such as Dennis Green and Jim Fassel who have struggled to keep a steady job in the NFL, as of late.

This is perfect, in my opinion, for Losman.  If he performs well in Las Vegas, he could end up getting a decent contract from an NFL team when he returns to the league in 2010.

Losman spent the ’08 season mostly on the bench in Buffalo, backing up the franchise QB Trent Edwards.  He played a total of five games all season, posting a QB rating of 62.3 and throwing five interceptions.

In his five-year NFL career, Losman combined for a 75.6 rating and threw for more interceptions (34) than touchdowns (33).  Playing in the UFL for a season will help Losman in so many ways, and give him a change in scenery as well.

AFC’s 2009 ‘Wild Card’ Teams

Training camp, kicking off at the end of the month, marks the beginning of the new season for 32 NFL teams, all of which will be striving for the same goal in the dog days of summer: a Vince Lombardi trophy.  As a fan, it’s easy recognizes the teams to beat, but it’s always nice to know which teams to look out for as well.  Here I bring you part one of a two-part mini series as I count down the days until start of training camp and then, of course, opening weekend in the beginning of September.

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1)

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens we all know will be battling for the top spot in the top-heavy AFC North division, but since I have decided to name at least one team per division to look out for, I chose the hungry Bengals from Cincinnati.  Former elite QB Carson Palmer claims he is back to full health, but I guess only time will tell.  If he, in fact, is in full health then the rest of the NFL will have to watch out and not underestimate his ability. 

The reason I said he is a “former” elite QB is because he will have to prove to his critics, once again, that he can stay healthy and let everyone know he can still play.  Despite the continuing drama surrounding Chad Ochocinco, “will he play or not,” the Bengals offense should be at full strength.  The front office brought in New York Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles to help cushion the absence of T.J. Houshmandzadeh.  Cedric Benson has seemed to find a home in Cincinnati, quickly finding comfort in mini-camps, and the defense has had a makeover, as well.

Keith Rivers is looking to make a full recovery this season, anchoring the LB corps alongside veteran middle linebacker Dhani Jones, who recorded a team-high 116 tackles in 2008.  The secondary is in good hands with young, potential-filled CB’s Leon Hall, who led the team in interceptions in 2008, and 25-year old Johnathan Joseph.  Together, Hall and Joseph have a combined five years experience and 12 career interceptions.  Both are good cover men, and are well backed-up by free safety, tackling machine Marvin White (age 25) and strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe (age 24). 

So, yes, the secondary is young, but they have shown a lot of potential over the past couple of years.  If the defense can just do their job and improve on last year’s 12th-ranked overall defense, this team has the chance to surprise a lot of people in 2009.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills (7-9)

It wasn’t just the move to sign Terrell Owens to a one-year deal this off-season that got my attention, but instead the much improved defense and stealthy offense.  Trent Edwards, the team’s franchise QB, improved greatly from 2007 (his rookie year) to 2008, seeing all of his numbers sky-rocket.  Edwards was a play-maker shy of breaking 3,000 passing yards on the year and now that they have T.O. on their side, Edwards’ numbers may go up just a little bit more in ’09.  Edwards has all the traits to become an elite QB in the NFL, the size (6 foot 4, 231 pounds), arm strength, accuracy.  If he can protect the ball a little better he will be great. 

The running game may see a bit of a dip in the first few weeks of play thanks to the suspension of running back Marshawn Lynch.  But, back-up RB Fred Jackson could see some spotlight while filling in for Lynch.  Jackson has shown the potential in his first two seasons, running for 500+ yards on 130 attempts last season (4.4 YPC) and coughing up the ball just once in his 24 career games (188 carries).  Jackson can also catch the ball out of the backfield (8.6 yards per catch on 59 career receptions) which will be a big help to the young Edwards.

What has impressed me most about this team, despite the offensive improvement, is the defensive and special teams units.  The defensive line, which combined for 6.5 sacks in ’08, has a combined 29 years experience, which averages out to just over seven years experience per defensive lineman. 

The linebacking corps isn’t quite as experienced.  In fact, all three of the starting LB’s are under the age of 30.  But, the 24-year old Paul Posluszny (110 tackles, 1 INT in ’08) could be the bright side of the entire defense this year.  He has been under the radar so far in his short career, but this may just be his break-through season as an elite middle linebacker.  Like the team’s linebackers, the Bills secondary is very young and inexperienced. 

They are not the type to pick a whole lot of passes off, so the front seven will need to thrive and create turnovers on their own.  If they can do that and get to the QB early and often, we could see Buffalo in the top ten in total defense this year.  But the real question will be: can Buffalo keep up with the powerhouses in the East (New England and New York)?  Time will tell.

AFC South

Houston Texans (8-8)

For me, this is a no-brainer.  The Texans will not be a division-winner in 2009, but they will, without a doubt, be a wild card contender.  This is the year the Texans get over their years of mediocrity and break that 8-8 streak.  Matt Schaub, the team’s QB, broke 3,000 passing yards in a season for the first time last year thanks to some help from the much-improved running game, and he could see that category, along with his passing TD’s, rise as his INT total drops. 

Running back Steve Slaton had a dreamy rookie campaign in ’08 (1,282 yards, 4.8 YPC, nine TD’s) and will look to improve on that performance this season.  All-Pro Wide receiver Andre Johnson broke 100 receptions for the second time and 1,500 receiving yards for the first in his six-year career.  He even tied his career-high with 8 receiving TD’s.  Johnson, accompanied by 6 foot 3, 215 pound wide-out Kevin Walter at receiver, is one of the NFL’s most underrated WR despite his career-high, All-Pro numbers in ’08. 

Walter set career-highs in receiving yards (899) and TD’s (8) last season, too.  Both Johnson and Walter’s size provide valuable size at the wide-out position.  Do not be surprised if both of their ’08 numbers improve in 2009.  Slaton’s 1,200 rushing yards will see a boost this season, as well.  By the end of the season, people will know just how dangerous the Houston Texans offense really is.

Mario Williams, the 24-year old Texan defensive end, has recorded 30.5 sacks in just three NFL seasons in Houston and his side of the Houston defensive line may be one of most dangerous this season.  Third-year defensive tackle Amobi Okoye is still learning the game (he didn’t start playing football until his sophomore year of HS and knew nothing about the game before that time) but can already be considered armed and dangerous. 

Alongside Mario, Okoye could see himself record 10+ sacks this season (he has 6.5 in his first two NFL seasons), thanks to extra attention paid to Mario.  So, while Williams is being doubled, maybe even triple-teamed, Okoye will be putting several different QB’s on their backs, eating grass. 

The LB group may not have the big names, but middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans, entering his fourth season in the league, already has a Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection to his name along with the 2006 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.  Ryans’ career numbers look great, too: 396 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, two INT’s.  Another accomplishment includes three straight seasons with 100+ total tackles, something that a Zach Thomas/Patrick Willis-type player would do.  Underestimate this team and you could pay a huge price.

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs (2-14)

Say what you want about Matt Cassel’s 2008 success being the result of Bill Belichick’s system, but Cassel has looked good during Kansas City’s mini camps so far.  With new management and coaching, the KC Chiefs are looking for a fresh start and so far, have looked great doing it. 

It appears as though the whole Larry Johnson mess has finally blown over, and if he gets the ball a little more this season and stays healthy for a good portion of the season Johnson could break a 1,000 for the first time since ’06.  Something to keep in mind is that Johnson had the potential to do so last year (he averaged 4.5 YPC), but because of injury only got 193 carries (158 carries for 559 yards in ’07). 

If Johnson continues to struggle in the backfield, KC will most likely turn to second-year RB Jamaal Charles who managed 5.3 YPC on 67 attempts last season while filling in for Johnson.  Cassel will not have All-Pro, future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez, who left for Atlanta this off-season, but will have the 6 foot 2 Dwayne Bowe, who set career-highs in receptions, yards and TD’s last year (86 rec, 1,022 yards, seven TD’s in 16 games).

New Kansas City head coach Todd Haley, a member of the 2008 NFC champion Arizona Cardinals last season, is in the rebuilding process with this Kansas City defense, adding DE Tyson Jackson with the third overall pick and DT Alex Magee with the 67th overall pick in the draft this year. 

Jackson recorded 18.5 sacks in four seasons with the LSU Tigers, good enough for eighth all-time.  Jackson was named to the All-SEC second team in 2006 and 2008.  Jackson is a welcome addition to the Chiefs defensive line, which is currently anchored by second-year defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey. 

Dorsey recorded 46 tackles and one sack with KC last year and was Jackson’s teammate at LSU for three seasons.  The LB corps is in good hands after the front office (new GM Scott Pioli, formerly a member of the New England Patriots organization) went out and signed veterans Zach Thomas and Mike Vrabel.  Vrabel was acquired in the deal that also landed them their new QB Matt Cassel. 

Pioli is very familiar with both Cassel and Vrabel.  Thomas, signed as an unrestricted FA on April 9, 2009, is a huge addition.  He brought his leadership and his tackling ability with him to Kansas City.  According to some of their off-season moves, it looks like Kansas City is actually looking to be a contender this year as opposed to two or three years down the road.

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