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New York Giants: Keys to Beating the Arizona Cardinals

Published: October 25, 2009

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1. Rush The Quarterback

It may sound like a broken record, but the No. 1 priority every week is rushing the QB. 

We all saw what happened last week when the Giants couldn’t get a sniff of Drew Brees.  He picked them apart and moved the ball like he was playing a bunch of amateurs.

Kurt Warner might not be what he once was, but he’s still as accurate as anyone, and is talented enough to pick any team apart if given the time.

The Giants defense should be mad, and I don’t expect another repeat of last week’s performance.  But if they can’t generate a pass rush again, it’ll be another long game for the defense.

 

2. Step Up In Secondary

While covering the Saints’ receivers was challenging, covering the Cardinals’ receivers is a whole different ball game.  The Cardinals receiving corps is arguably the best in the game, boasting two of the league’s top receivers. 

Larry Fitzgerald is maybe the best in the league, and Anquan Boldin is one of the toughest players in the game.  Throw in Steve Breaston, who would be a starter on most teams, and you have a dynamic trio, all of whom recorded 1,000 receiving yards last season.

The Giants are going to need to fix whatever problems they had in the secondary, because the Cardinals’ offense runs through their passing game. 

Their 280 passing yards per game is sixth in the NFL, while their 57.6 rushing yards per game is league-worst.

The Giants will also have to deal with running back Tim Hightower as a receiver.  Through five games, he already has 29 receptions for 228 yards.

 

3. Play Disciplined

Last week, the Giants’ sloppy play victimized them to the tune of nine penalties for 110 yards, including two personal fouls on kick returns. 

This is not characteristic of a Tom Coughlin-coached team, and I’m sure he has dealt with the embarrassment in practice this week.

Needless to say, the Giants cannot win games if they rack up 110 penalty yards each week.

 

4.  Keep Pounding The Ball

Last week, the Giants were forced to get away from the run because they were down by so much.  But the few times they did run the ball, they actually looked pretty good. 

Ahmad Bradshaw had a nifty 10-yard touchdown run, and ended up gaining 48 yards on ten carries.

Brandon Jacobs, who has been maligned by the media and fans alike this season, had 33 yards on seven carries; good for a healthy 4.7 yards per carry.  It may not look like much, but it’s a step in the right direction for Jacobs.

The only problem is that they are facing a Cardinals team that is No. 1 in the NFL against the run, allowing under 60 yards per game (and a ridiculous 2.8 yards per carry). 

Still, the Giants shouldn’t let the opponent’s gaudy defensive stats scare them away from their game plan.

If the Giants do not fall behind early again, they will need to keep running the ball so they can establish their offense and eat away at the clock like they did so well last season.

 

5. Get Eli’s Mojo Going

Eli Manning had easily his worst game of the season, completing only 14 of his 31 passes for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception.  The interception was not all his fault, as Ahmad Bradshaw missed a blitz pickup. 

But by the same token, Eli cannot be given all of the praise for his touchdown pass, which was thrown behind Mario Manningham and was almost intercepted by Darren Sharper.  Eli also lost one fumble.

All day, something was just off about Manning’s performance.  Perhaps the play most indicative of this was when he missed a wide open Steve Smith by about one inch on what would have been a long touchdown pass.

This week, Eli will face the second worst pass defense in the NFL, so the goings shouldn’t be quite so tough.

Arizona is allowing 265 yards per game through the air, which is only better than the Titans’ whopping 311 per game.  Against a suspect pass defense, Eli will have every opportunity to get his groove back.

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New York Giants: Keys to Beating the Arizona Cardinals

Published: October 25, 2009

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1. Rush The Quarterback

It may sound like a broken record, but the No. 1 priority every week is rushing the QB. 

We all saw what happened last week when the Giants couldn’t get a sniff of Drew Brees.  He picked them apart and moved the ball like he was playing a bunch of amateurs.

Kurt Warner might not be what he once was, but he’s still as accurate as anyone, and is talented enough to pick any team apart if given the time.

The Giants defense should be mad, and I don’t expect another repeat of last week’s performance.  But if they can’t generate a pass rush again, it’ll be another long game for the defense.

 

2. Step Up In Secondary

While covering the Saints’ receivers was challenging, covering the Cardinals’ receivers is a whole different ball game.  The Cardinals receiving corps is arguably the best in the game, boasting two of the league’s top receivers. 

Larry Fitzgerald is maybe the best in the league, and Anquan Boldin is one of the toughest players in the game.  Throw in Steve Breaston, who would be a starter on most teams, and you have a dynamic trio, all of whom recorded 1,000 receiving yards last season.

The Giants are going to need to fix whatever problems they had in the secondary, because the Cardinals’ offense runs through their passing game. 

Their 280 passing yards per game is sixth in the NFL, while their 57.6 rushing yards per game is league-worst.

The Giants will also have to deal with running back Tim Hightower as a receiver.  Through five games, he already has 29 receptions for 228 yards.

 

3. Play Disciplined

Last week, the Giants’ sloppy play victimized them to the tune of nine penalties for 110 yards, including two personal fouls on kick returns. 

This is not characteristic of a Tom Coughlin-coached team, and I’m sure he has dealt with the embarrassment in practice this week.

Needless to say, the Giants cannot win games if they rack up 110 penalty yards each week.

 

4.  Keep Pounding The Ball

Last week, the Giants were forced to get away from the run because they were down by so much.  But the few times they did run the ball, they actually looked pretty good. 

Ahmad Bradshaw had a nifty 10-yard touchdown run, and ended up gaining 48 yards on ten carries.

Brandon Jacobs, who has been maligned by the media and fans alike this season, had 33 yards on seven carries; good for a healthy 4.7 yards per carry.  It may not look like much, but it’s a step in the right direction for Jacobs.

The only problem is that they are facing a Cardinals team that is No. 1 in the NFL against the run, allowing under 60 yards per game (and a ridiculous 2.8 yards per carry). 

Still, the Giants shouldn’t let the opponent’s gaudy defensive stats scare them away from their game plan.

If the Giants do not fall behind early again, they will need to keep running the ball so they can establish their offense and eat away at the clock like they did so well last season.

 

5. Get Eli’s Mojo Going

Eli Manning had easily his worst game of the season, completing only 14 of his 31 passes for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception.  The interception was not all his fault, as Ahmad Bradshaw missed a blitz pickup. 

But by the same token, Eli cannot be given all of the praise for his touchdown pass, which was thrown behind Mario Manningham and was almost intercepted by Darren Sharper.  Eli also lost one fumble.

All day, something was just off about Manning’s performance.  Perhaps the play most indicative of this was when he missed a wide open Steve Smith by about one inch on what would have been a long touchdown pass.

This week, Eli will face the second worst pass defense in the NFL, so the goings shouldn’t be quite so tough.

Arizona is allowing 265 yards per game through the air, which is only better than the Titans’ whopping 311 per game.  Against a suspect pass defense, Eli will have every opportunity to get his groove back.

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Giants Embarassed By Saints: Game Balls and Game Notes

Published: October 21, 2009

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Drew Brees and the Saints, in beating the Giants 48-27, really exposed the Giants’ pass defense, piling up 360 yards and moving the ball at will all day.

– Some of the problems with the Giants’ defense can be fixed. When Michael Boley returns, the middle of the field shouldn’t be quite as soft. Smartly, the Saints did most of their damage in the middle of the field. Boley’s return would also make it easier for the Giants to guard tight ends.

– When/If Chris Canty and Aaron Ross return, the pass defense will improve on two levels. Canty’s long arms make it hard for the QB to pass across the middle. Aaron Ross’ return would mean that Kevin Dockery will not have to be relied upon as much in the nickel. I like Dockery, but he’s just not nearly as talented as Ross, Corey Webster or Terrell Thomas. The problem is, there is still no timetable for Canty and Ross, although both say they are feeling better (stop me if you’ve heard that before).

– One problem that cannot be fixed is CC Brown. Brown was a good depth signing by Jerry Reese, and he is good enough to stick back there when the pass rush is working. But when the defensive line cannot get a sniff of the QB, Brown can be a liability in pass defense. Aside from his physical shortcomings, he seemed to make some mental mistakes as well. On Marques Colston’s third quarter touchdown, Kevin Dockery released Colston, thinking that he had Brown to pick him up. Unfortunately, Brown was not on the same page, and Colston caught the easy score. Why the Saints’ No. 1 receiver was being covered by Dockery is another question.

– I will not be giving out an offensive or defensive game ball this week. The only game ball will go to kick/ punt returner Domenik Hixon who amassed 281 total yards on nine returns. For the better part of last season and all of this season, I have been calling for Domenik Hixon to be the team’s return man. If not for Hixon, this game would have been even more embarrassing. His 303 all purpose yards (return yards + rush yards + receiving yards) are the most for a Giant. Ever.

Seeing what Hixon can do again makes me think two things:

1) Sinorice Moss does not have the instincts nor the burst of speed to ever be an effective return man.

2) If Hixon is ever taken off of return duties for a non-injury related reason, the entire coaching staff should be fired on the spot.

– Besides Hixon’s great game, some bright spots were young receivers Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham. Manningham made a nice grab on a ball thrown a little late by Eli Manning, snatching it away from Darren Sharper for a touchdown. Nicks had a couple of nice plays in garbage time, including a 58-yard reception and a 37-yard touchdown catch from David Carr.

– Not that it likely would have changed the outcome, but the refs made a handful of bad to awful calls; none worse than the phantom holding call on Shaun O’ Hara that negated a terrific scramble by Eli Manning and a great catch by Brandon Jacobs for a touchdown. There was also a ticky-tack pass interference call on Corey Webster. You could tell by Marques Colston’s bewildered smile that Webster didn’t interfere with him.

There was also a bogus offensive pass interference called on Domenik Hixon as well as a Saints horsecollar against Hixon that went un-called.

Again, these calls probably wouldn’t have changed the outcome, but that doesn’t take any blame away from the refs, who for one game, performed like MLB playoff umpires.

– Nine penalties for 110 yards is not acceptable. As I mentioned above, some of it was due to bad calls, but the majority of the penalties were self-inflicted. Tom Coughlin cannot be pleased, and he will let the players hear it this week. To me, the most disappointing penalties were the face mask and horse collar on the Saints’ kick returns. Those are totally avoidable.

– I also have a beef with a particular NFL rule that came into play Sunday. If a player steps out of bounds, they cannot be the first to touch the ball upon entering. So if that player, who cannot legally touch the ball, makes a catch, why is it a five-yard loss and a re-play of the down? It should be tantamount to an incomplete pass, which would just be a loss of downs. When the QB makes an illegal forward pass, it’s a loss of down. Why is it any different when a receiver makes an illegal catch? It seems like a flaw in the rule to me.

– Not that it made a difference, but Derek Hagan, you’re on the hands team for a reason: to use your hands. Lawrence Tynes kicked a perfect pop-up onside kick that went right into the hands of wide receiver Derek Hagan. But Hagan did his best Ron Dixon impression, and the ball bounced off of his hands and into the ground, where the Saints recovered. Obviously this play meant nothing, but it would have been nice for something to go our way.

Yes, this game looked bad. That’s because it was bad.

But there is some reason for hope. In a potential rematch, if a couple of the five blown calls go in the Giants’ favor and the Giants can manage to get healthy, they can definitely compete with the Saints. The coaching staff will make the necessary adjustments.

Remember, there were a couple of plays early on that really could have changed the landscape of the game: Corey Webster’s dropped interception on the first drive and Eli Manning missing Steve Smith by one inch on what would have been a long touchdown pass. If they were able to execute on those two plays, we would have been looking at a totally different game.

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NFC Power Rankings: Week 7

Published: October 19, 2009

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1. Saints (5-0)

Is it too early to start comparing this offense to the 2007 Patriots? Maybe, so I won’t go that far. But I will say that the Saints are easily the best team in the NFC right now, maybe the NFL. Their offense can score at will when they want to, and their defense is very solid at worst. They may be the only elite team in the NFC. (Last Week: 2)

 

2. Vikings (6-0)

After blowing a lead to a good Ravens team, they mounted an impressive comeback drive to win another tough game late, thanks to a missed 44-yard field goal. The Vikings are a very good team, but how long can they tightrope the line between good and lucky? (3)

 

3. Falcons (4-1)

After a loss to what now looks like a powerhouse New England team, the Falcons came back with an absolute drubbing of a good 49ers team and a hard-fought victory over a good Bears team. They get a good test with the Cowboys next week, and then a battle with the Saints, which could decide the NFC South. (5)

 

4. Giants (5-1)

After what was basically a three-week bye, the Giants lost their first game to only their second legitimate opponent. It may seem like dropping three spots is a Scarlet-like tumble after only one loss to the No. 1 team, but their combined opponents record in the games they won is 8-21. Their 5-0 start looks a lot less impressive after this drubbing at the hands of a contender. (1)

 

5. Bears (3-2)

I was all ready to come out with a bunch of complements for the Bears, win or lose … and then I saw their final drive. This is a good team, but you can’t win football games playing as sloppy as they do. (6)

 

6. Eagles (3-2)

I didn’t see the game, but I’ve seen enough of the Raiders to know that there is no excuse for losing to them. The Eagles aren’t this bad, but this is as embarrassing a loss as there is. (Here’s a hint: when your best player is averaging 8.3 yards per carry, hand him the ball more than six times). Good thing for Philly fans that the Phillies (who scored 11 runs to the Eagles’ nine points Sunday) are rolling into a World Series clash with the Yankees. (4)


7. Cardinals (3-2)

The defending NFC Champs have hit their stride offensively, and they again look like a contender. They have a tough test this week with the angry Giants, but a win would go a long way. Their NFC West race with the 49ers could be a good one. (10)

 

8. Packers (3-2)

Any time you shut an NFL team out, it’s impressive. It should, however, be noted that the Detroit Lions minus Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson is barely an NFL team. Either way, a win is a win. (8)

 

9. 49ers (3-2)

They got shellacked before their bye, and now four of their next five games are against quality opponents (Houston, Indianapolis, Chicago, Green Bay). Maybe rookie Michael Crabtree, the NFL’s newest diva wide receiver, will play his first game this week. (7)

 

10. Cowboys (3-2)

After a hard-fought win over the then-winless Chiefs, the Cowboys look to keep their momentum going against a very good Falcons team. (9)

 

11. Panthers (2-3)

Another win over a bad team, but this one was way too close for comfort. It’s hard to criticize a team after a win … well, no it’s not really. The Panthers are just not that good. (11)

 

12. Seahawks (2-4)

They were barely competitive and they lost one of their best players, Lofa Tatupu, for the season. At this point, it’ll probably be better in the long run if they keep on losing. (12)

 

13. Lions (1-5)

It feels like last year again. Detroit got shelled by the Packers 26-0, albeit without their QB of the future and their star WR. (13)

 

14. Buccaneers (0-6)

On the bright side, they got their third franchise kickoff return for a touchdown. (15)

 

15. Redskins (2-4)

The Redskins have literally played a winless team every week, and they have only two wins to show for it. I don’t care if that is two more wins than the Bucs. When you lose four times to winless opponents, you don’t have a right to complain. Unless you’re complaining about how bad your team is. In that case, fire away. (14)

 

16. Rams (0-6)

Kudos for taking a mediocre Jaguars team to overtime. Still, they may have blown their best chance at a win when they let the Redskins escape with a 9-7 victory in Week Two. (16)

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New York Giants Keys to Beating the New Orleans Saints

Published: October 16, 2009

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Pressure Drew Brees

The Saints’ offensive line is allowing one sack per game, which is one of the reason Drew Brees has a 108.4 quarterback rating. The Giants’ defense is built around pressuring the quarterback, averaging about three sacks per game.

If the Saints line gives Brees time, he can pick apart any secondary. But if the Giants can give him constant pressure, he can be thrown off his game. With the injuries the Giants have suffered in their secondary, the best way to make sure Brees doesn’t beat you is with constant pressure.

 

Cover Jeremy Shockey

Former Giant Jeremy Shockey is still upset that the Giants asked him to watch the Super Bowl from a luxury box and not on the sideline. He feels that he was not treated right during his time in New York, and he wants to show the Giants they made the wrong choice, even though he forced them to trade him.

The Giants are without safety Kenny Phillips and their best coverage linebacker (Michael Boley) is out for at least three more games leaving a hole in the middle of the field. Without Boley, the Giants gave up a handful of “big” plays to Raiders tight end Zach Miller, who caught four passes for 69 yards. Jeremy Shockey is more explosive and athletic than Miller, and the Giants’ defensive backfield will have their hands full with Hofstra Alum Marques Colston and the Saints’ receiving core.

The Giants’ ability to find a way to cover Shockey, whether it be with a linebacker like Chase Blackburn or a defensive back, could determine how well the Saints move the ball, especially in the red zone.

 

Limit Mistakes

The Saints have a league-high ten interceptions, including five by Darren Sharper (who has returned two for touchdowns). Darren Sharper has picked off four Eli Manning passes in his career, returning two for touchdowns. For whatever reason, Sharper has Manning’s number.

The Saints defense has been opportunistic, and they are one of the top blitzing teams in the league. For these reasons, it is imperative that Eli Manning does not make mistakes.

 

Balance Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw

Ahmad Bradshaw has been the Giants’ most productive running back this season, with 375 yards, two touchdowns and a 6.5 yards per carry. But by no means should the Giants abandon their workhorse Brandon Jacobs.

Jacobs has come under fire this season for his inability to hit the holes and blow up opposing defenders. But unless he is hiding an injury, I see no reason why he cannot be the same back he was last season.

The Giants need to keep giving Jacobs a chance to establish himself this season. But at the same time, they need to keep the hot hand on the field. Their ability to rotate between Jacobs and Bradshaw, playing the right guy at the right time, will be key.

 

Convert In Red Zone

The Giants cannot keep up with the Saints by kicking field goals. The red zone offense has been much improved over the past three weeks, but that has a lot to do with the competition. The Saints defense is better than the Raiders, Chiefs or Bucs, but they can be beaten.

If the Giants can maintain their momentum in the red zone, they should win the game. They’ve done a great job of spreading the ball around between Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks, Jacobs and Bradshaw in the red zone.

But if they go back to the way they were playing in the first two weeks and settle for field goals on their trips to the red zone, they’ll have very little chance of keeping up with the Saints’ majestic offensive attack.

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New York Giants Obliterate Oakland Raiders: Game Notes and Game Balls

Published: October 12, 2009

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This game can be summed up in this anecdote: At one point in the game I noticed the Giants had 175 more passing yards than the Raiders. This wouldn’t have been so strange, except for the fact that the Giants had 173 passing yards at the time. You do the math.

Raiders RB Justin Fargas’ father Antonio Fargas played “Huggy Bear” on the 1970s TV show “Starsky and Hutch.” But if any player on the Raiders should inherit the cuddly, unimposing nickname, it’s JaMarcus Russell. The Giants defense and Russel “hugged it out” six times for six sacks, stripping and recovering three fumbles. They might have had an interception if he wasn’t so gosh darn inaccurate. His lack of a presence in the pocket is alarming. It is no stretch to say that the former first overall pick does not strike fear into his opponents.

Eli Manning toughed it out and made the most of his ten pass attempts, completing eight for 173 yards and two touchdowns, good for a perfect 158.3 QB rating. Although Manning did not practice for much of the week, there was really no chance he was going to miss this game.

The bigger mystery is why a rating system that goes to the arbitrary number of 158.3 is still the most accepted way to evaluate a quarterbacks performance, and how you can be perfect with two incompletions.

Although the story of the game was Eli’s ability to play with his injury, the offensive game ball goes to Ahmad Bradshaw. He got the offense going with two first quarter touchdowns to give the Giants a 14-0 lead. On the Giants’ first drive he did what Brandon Jacobs could not, plowing the ball in from a yard out.

His second touchdown was classic Bradshaw, shifting and weaving and making guys miss for a 19 yard gain. He had a couple other plays, such as a 24 yard run and a 55 yard screen pass, to cement the fact that he’s in the business of making guys look foolish. He finished with 110 yards on 11 carries, one reception for 55 yards and two touchdowns. He now has 375 rushing yards on 58 carries, 6.5 yards per carry.

ESPN.com pointed out that Ahmad Bradshaw has been nigh unstoppable this year in the first quarter, with 135 yards and two touchdowns on ten carries (13.5 yards per carry) in the first quarter this year. In all other quarters, Bradshaw is averaging 5 yards per carry, which is still very good.

As far as the other part of the Giants’ two-headed running game, Brandon Jacobs did little to quiet his critics, and for that matter, the fans. Spectators at the stadium were getting irritated with Jacobs’ inability to hit the hole today, and many of them let their feelings be known.

I understand the concern, but I wouldn’t call him out publically. Not only because I still believe that he’s got the goods, but I also wouldn’t criticize him because…well you’ve seen the guy. I don’t want to get on his bad side.

He’s trying to be patient, which is important, but where’s the explosiveness? Where’s the Brandon Jacobs that makes defensive backs pee themselves to sleep? As long as there is no hidden injury, I am confident that Jacobs will get back to his bruising ways sooner or later.

In two games since returning from injury, Hakeem Nicks has five receptions for 104 yards and two touchdowns. He was targeted six times today, the most of any Giant, so it’s clear that they are trying to get the talented rookie involved in the offense. Seems like a good idea to me.

If Domenik Hixon is healthy enough to go, there’s no reason for Sinorice Moss to be this team’s punt and kick returner. He just doesn’t seem to have the right instincts to do the job. He’s quick and speedy, but he makes some questionable decisions (seen today when he muffed a spinning ball to set up the Raiders’ only touchdown*). He also has a habit of falling down or running right into the “teeth” of the defense.

Lawrence Tynes was perfect on all three of his field goal attempts. Yes, they were all under 40 yards, but chip shots have been a problem for him this season. He’ll look to extend his streak of above average games to two next week indoors at the Superdome.

David Carr is no Eli Manning, but he’s got to be one of the better backup QBs in the league. Most teams can ill-afford to lose their starting QB, and the Giants are no exception. But at least for games against cupcake teams like the Raiders, I’d feel confident with the athletic Carr starting.

The defensive game ball goes to…the entire defense. Kind of lame, to give it to everyone, but I don’t feel right singling out just one person from this performance. The D was relentless and Oakland’s offense never had a chance. Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, Dave Tollefson, Michael Johnson and Terrell Thomas combined for six sacks and three forced fumbles. Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Antonio Pierce all recovered fumbles. CC Brown had a fumble return for a touchdown that was wiped out due to a blown call by the referee.

Speaking of blown calls…

[Start Angry Rant]

Is it too much to ask for the officials to get every call right every time?

Maybe, but as a sports fan, that is what I demand!

It’s one thing on plays like Kenny Phillips’ fluke interception of Tony Romo after the ball hit off of Jason Witten’s foot (although I still blame the ref for blowing the call; it’s what I do). But then there are blown calls like the one in Sunday’s game against the Raiders that are unacceptable.

For those of you that didn’t see it, Justin Fargas was stuffed for no gain by Brown and Umenyiora at the Giants’ five yard line. As Fargas was fighting for extra yardage, the ball popped out, was scooped up by Brown and returned 95 yards for a touchdown. Unfortunately, the refs blew the play dead because the running back’s forward motion was stopped.

Replays indicated that the ball was already in CC Brown’s hands by the time the refs blew the whistle. And though everyone could see the incorrect call was made, the complicated instant replay rules indicated that the call could not be reviewed.

Even though the NFL has instant replay, they wrote the replay rules in a way that could render potentially game-changing plays un-reviewable.

If the play was allowed to stand, as it should have been, the Giants would have taken a 35-0 lead, and likely would have shut out the hapless Raiders.

Luckily, the play didn’t really matter in the long run, or that blown call would have been magnified.

Sports fans watch the games to see the athletes compete. When refs blow calls, we blow our lids. But the real shame is when these blown calls play a large part in the outcome of the game.

I will give the NFL credit for at least implementing instant replay and updating their rules every year in an effort to make it better. At least they have acknowledged that it is the 21st century and that technology can help to eliminate some of the human error (from the humans not actually playing the game) to keep the competition balanced and the games more pure.

This is something that the gentleman’s club of Major League Baseball has not done. Baseball refuses to admit that technology can make the game better, and now they are suffering through a postseason marred with game-changing blown calls (including two blown calls on the same play that directly led to the Phillies beating the Rockies on Sunday night).

In conclusion, while the NFL’s instant replay system needs some work, it’s still better than the joke that is Major League Baseball’s “we only review home runs because no other play is important in determining the outcome of a game” policy.

[End Angry Rant]

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NFC Power Rankings: Week 4

Published: October 7, 2009

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1. Giants (4-0) Still number one, but the injuries may begin to take their toll. An already banged up defense lost the emerging star Michael Boley for a few weeks and now Kevin Boss and Eli Manning are hurt. They’re good at everything except staying healthy. (Last Week: 1)

2. Saints (4-0) They beat a very good Jets team at home, and they made it look relatively easy. If this defense is for real, the Saints are scary. (2)

3. Vikings (4-0) Brett Favre looks more like Brett Favre from 2007 than the Brett Favre from 2008, which is a good thing for the Vikings and a bad thing for the rest of the NFL. Although Adrian Peterson has cooled off, the Vikings offense seems to get better and better. Once he starts to get more running room, watch out. (3)

4. Eagles (2-1) The bye week came at the perfect time for the Eagles. With Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook returning from injuries, the Eagles should have no problem moving to 5-1 before a huge week eight matchup with the rival Giants. (4)

5. 49ers (3-1) The Niners took out their anger from their awful loss to the Vikings by destroying the Rams 35-0. It was an impressive display of offense and defense. But then again, it was against the awful Rams… (8)

6. Falcons (2-1) The Falcons had to sit and stew for a week after their first loss, and now they have a key game with the 49ers in San Francisco. They need to get Michael Turner and Roddy White going. (6)

7. Bears (3-1) Like the 49ers, they had an impressive showing against a weak team. Jay Cutler and the Bears offense scored five touchdowns on the Lions defense, and Johnny Knox had a 103-yard kickoff return for a touchdown (that he actually fumbled at the one-inch line in a premature celebration that no one cared to mention). (9)

8. Cowboys (2-2) Maybe Denver is for real, but it’s still a disappointing loss for a team that many thought would be competing for the NFC crown. Tony Romo threw no touchdowns, had two turnovers, and was sacked five times. Even more concerning was the play calling: Two plays from inside the ten to tie the game, and Romo targeted Sam Hurd over Jason Witten both times? (5)

9. Packers (2-2) On the one hand, I’d say they shouldn’t panic, as they lost to a very good Vikings team. On the other hand, I see a team that allowed eight sacks and recorded none of their own. In addition to the sacks, Aaron Rodgers was hit nine times.  The fact is, they are now two games behind a Vikings team they could not beat. (7)

10. Cardinals (1-2) After a long bye week, Arizona will look to get their act together against the Texans in what promises to be a barn burner. Former Iowa Barnstormer Kurt Warner needs to limit his mistakes if the Cards want to even think about catching the 49ers. (10)

11. Panthers (0-3) After facing three very good NFC opponents to start the season, the Panthers come out of their bye with three must-win games over the lowly Redskins, Buccaneers, and Bills. If they are not 3-3 heading into week eight’s matchup with the Cardinals, they can pretty much kiss their chances of making the playoffs goodbye. (11)

12. Lions (1-3) They got destroyed by the Bears.  So what?  The season is already a success. Everything else is icing on the cake. (13)

13. Seahawks (1-3) Seneca Wallace looks alright, but that’s not much of a silver lining in what is becoming another lost year for the once proud Seahawks. At least all of their losses have come against good teams. (12)

14. Redskins (2-2) The sad truth is that their six-point week one loss to the Giants has been their most impressive game. They need to win their next two games against the winless Panthers and Chiefs, because after that, the combined record of their opponents is 25-12. (15)

15. Bucs (0-4) It’ll take a miracle for them to win more than three games. (14)

16. Rams (0-4) See above. (16)

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Five Keys To Beating The Kansas City Chiefs

Published: October 2, 2009

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1. Stop Larry Johnson

The former Penn State superstar is not the player he used to be. In fact, he’s a shell of his former self, at the tender age of 29.

His yards per carry is a sad 2.5, down from 4.5 last year and 5.2 in 2005. Yes, it’s hard to believe that only four years ago, LJ was one of the top players in the league. But this is what happens when your team runs you into the ground (752 carries in 2005-2006) and surrounds you with the kind of talent you’d find on a very good Division I college football team.

But enough about how the Cheifs’ ineptness has ruined Larry Johnson’s career. His 4.5 Yards Per Carry last season leads me to believe that he still has talent buried somewhere in his beat-up body, and the Giants should not underestimate him.

If they can hold the Bucs to 28 yards rushing, they should certainly be able to hold Johnson under 50.

 

2. Sack Matt Cassel

Last Week, the Giants pressured Byron Leftwich, disrupting him all day and hitting him six times. But they came away without a sack, something that certainly raised my eyebrow.

If they perform this week the way they did last week, they should be fine. But I’ll still feel more comfortable going forward if they are able to get at least a couple of sacks against an offensive line that has allowed eight in three games.

The pressure on Cassel so far this season has caused their passing offense to be nonexistent. Their leading receiver, Mark Bradley, has one fewer receiving yard (101) than Kevin Boss, the Giants’ third leading receiver.

The Chiefs are averaging 164 passing yards per game, good for 28th in the league (or should I say bad for 28th in the league?). I see no reason why the Giants shouldn’t be able to continue this trend by putting ample pressure on Matt Cassel.

 

3. Get Boss Involved

Over the last two games, here is the amount of times each receiver has been targeted: Steve Smith- 20, Mario Manningham- 20, Everyone else- 20.

At some point, opposing defenses are going to try to clamp down on Smith and Manningham. And while this is tougher done than said, I’d like to see Eli Manning rely on these two a little less.

I’m not saying that he should force the ball to other receivers. Obviously, Manning should throw to the open man. But the more threats involved in the passing game, the harder the offense is to stop.

But Kevin Boss the team’s third leading receiver, only has six receptions.

The Chiefs have allowed big games to a tight end in two of their three games (Todd Heap: five receptions, 74 yards and a touchdown; Brent Celek: four receptions, 104 yards and a touchdown). The other game was against the Raiders, who do not employ a passing attack, so that doesn’t count.

This week is as good a week as ever to feature Kevin Boss in the passing attack and add another dimension to the offense.

 

4. Stop Getting Injured

For the love of God, stop getting injured. You’re not the New York Mets (and I thank my lucky stars for that every night). Seriously, it’s getting ridiculous. Just stop getting injured and stay healthy. It’s that simple.

 

5. Don’t Sleep Walk

It’s hard for a team to be much worse than the Chiefs have been the first three weeks of the season.

Take a gander: 30th in total offense. 28th in passing offense. 22nd in rushing offense. 24th in points. 21st yards allowed. 20th in passing yards allowed. 19th in rushing yards allowed. 27th in points allowed

Statistics and science suggest that the Giants should be able to walk all over the Chiefs. But they cannot go into Sunday’s game thinking they can sleep-walk over the Chiefs.

The coaches and players are saying all the right things, and I trust that they will not take this game lightly. Just as long as they keep doing what they’ve been doing and don’t try to get cute, they should leave Arrowhead Stadium with a victory.

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NFC Power Rankings: Week 3

Published: September 29, 2009

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1. Giants (3-0) – Not much to say about their 24-0 drubbing of the Bucs.  Just gotta stay healthy. (Last Week: 1)

2. Saints (3-0) – Drew Brees was held in check, and the Saints still handled the Bills on the road.  Maybe their most impressive win yet. (3)

3. Vikings (3-0) – A little luck and a lot of skill helped Brett Favre throw one of his most memorable touchdown passes to win a tight game. (4)

4. Eagles (2-1) – Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook need to get healthy for this team to win against legitimate competition.  At full strength, this team is one of the most balanced in the league. (5)

5. Cowboys (2-1) – The Cowboys bounced back from a tough loss to the Giants to absolutely shut down the Panthers.  The defense hasn’t played up to it’s full potential yet. (6)

6. Falcons (2-1) – Michael Turner’s 3.5 yards per carry is a bit concerning, but the Patriots were due for good performance.  This is still a playoff caliber team. (2)

7. Packers (2-1) – A six point lead over the Rams after three quarters is a little too close for comfort, but they scored 13 unanswered in the fourth quarter. (7)

8. 49ers (2-1) – They showed that they are for real, but you have to win games like this.  They were one inexcusable touchdown pass away from a 3-0 start and a two game lead in the NFC West. (8)

9. Bears (2-1) – Hard fought victory at Seattle after being down 13-0.  Jay Cutler was great, but the defense didn’t exactly dominate a shorthanded Seahawks offense. (10)

10. Cardinals (1-2) – Their game with the Colts was closer than the 31-10 score would indicate.  Still, they didn’t make the big plays when they needed to. (9)

11. Panthers (0-3) – Their schedule has been brutal thus far, but it’s tough to come back from 0-3.  Jake Delhomme deserves some of the blame, but not all of it.  Regardless, I’ll be surprised if they don’t draft a QB next year. (11)

12. Seahawks (1-2) – Seneca Wallace played valiantly, but the offense just isn’t much of a threat without Matt Hasselbeck. (12)

13. Lions (1-2) – Matthew Stafford doesn’t have to win another game the rest of his career.  He has already etched himself a place in the Lions Hall of Fame. (16)

14. Bucs (0-3) – Byron Leftwich has been benched, and that’s probably a good thing for the Leftwich family.  If they play their cards right, the Bucs could end up with a top five pick. (14)

15. Redskins (1-2) – Sigh. (13)

16. Rams (0-3) – At least Steven Jackson is still good. (15)

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Flozell Adams: The 34 Year Old Kindergartner

Published: September 23, 2009

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What more is there to say about Flozell Adams’ “bush league” tripping penalty that injured Justin Tuck?

…I better choose my words carefully.

The play, in which Adams tripped Justin Tuck after he had been beaten by him, is symbolic of Adams as a player.

Not only is he dirty, he’s overrated too.

But how can an offensive lineman be among the league leaders in penalties year in and year out and still make the pro bowl five times?

He made ESPN’s “All Flag Team” in 2007, and is constantly considered by many to be one of the most overrated players in the NFL. When you type “Flozell Adams” into Google, one of the suggestions is “Flozell Adams Penalties.” Even Cowboys fans are tired of him.

And this isn’t the first time he’s attempted to trip a defender.

Via ESPN:

Tuck said it’s not the first time Adams has resorted to tripping, and he hopes the league will take a look at the play.

In fact, Adams was fined $12,500 for tripping Tuck, and for kicking Osi Umenyiora in the fourth quarter.

Sure, he’s talented. But part of the reason he’s getting these penalties, usually holding or false starts, is because his man is beating him or because he is so worried that his man is going to beat him that he jumps early.

Causing penalties is not so good. Getting beaten by your man is not so good.

Not so good = no pro bowl.

Please don’t allow this 340 pound fraud to be honored with another free trip to Hawaii (or Miami this year), in place of someone more deserving, so that he can inhale an entire roasted pig (except for the apple in its mouth) and drink virgin pina coladas on the beach out of a hollowed out coconut.

The $12,500 fine is chump change for a man making $55-million, and it won’t stop him from pulling another classless move like this in the future.

As if his actions aren’t bad enough, Adams is too stubborn to apologize, and too dumb to know he’s being criticized. Via the San Antonio Express-News:

Flozell Adams says his leg whip wasn’t the reason Giants DL Justin Tuck injured his shoulder during the second quarter of Sunday night’s game.

“He said he hurt his shoulder. I’m like, well, stay up,” Adams said. “That’s all I know. He fell down. Stay up.”

Seriously? “He fell down? ” So, like a child, you’re going to deny that you even tripped him?

Via ESPN:

“I didn’t see nothing,” Adams said late Sunday. “Did you see something?”

I guess that answers my question. Video evidence is inconsequential to a 34 year old kindergartner.

Be a man, accept the penalty, apologize, and move on to next week’s game, where you will, no doubt, incur more false starts and holding penalties.

It takes a big man to take responsibility for his actions, and you’re as big as they come. You didn’t get the nickname “The Hotel” for being kind and accommodating.

Via the San Antonio Express-News:

Told that Tuck said the trip was “bush league,” Adams said, “Bush? What does that mean. I’ve never ever heard that term.”

(If you were wondering, Adams got his “education” at Michigan State.)

Hey Flo, do you understand what this means: your penalty cost your team a 36 yard gain. Three plays later, your quarterback threw an interception, which eventually led to a Giants touchdown.

If only you had done your job and blocked your man like a five-time pro-bowler should, you would have won the game.

You cost your team the game. Have you ever heard of that term?

There, I restrained myself.

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