GO, DOLPHINS!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
NFL 1981 Week 11 Preview
With a big win over New Orleans, Dallas has moved themselves into the lead of the NFC East. The Redskins were upset by Philadelphia, but the Cardinals upset Los Angeles so it all stays close in the East. For years Dallas has been on the verge it seems, maybe this year they will actually hold on and win the Division. The Eagles are an interesting team. With their trade for Howie Long their defense is still awful but playing much better. If they can improve further on defense next season and not lose a step on offense they will be a very dangerous team in 1982.
Green Bay and Detroit split their two games and so sit tied in the NFC Central. The problem is with them beating up on each other the other teams which should have been long out of it by now are still sitting fairly close. This Division is still wide open though the Packers and the Lions are by far the best two teams.
San Francisco pulls into the sole lead of the NFC West with the Rams getting beat by the Cardinals. The 49ers have been so close year after year to winning the Division they seem determined this year to make it all the way. This is going to be a great race down the stretch.
The big shock in the AFC Central is that the Oilers are sitting at 6-4 and on the verge of getting bumped out of the playoffs. They need to start winning, but their passing game and their pass defense are not playing too well right now. They need some big changes if they hope to get into the playoffs and actually have a shot at winning the Conference. Meanwhile the Steelers are hanging on on top. They destroyed the Patriots last week pretty much ending their playoff hopes. They are defiinitely the team to beat right now in the AFC Central.
In the West it's the Chiefs pulling ahead with a win over the Seahawks. The Chiefs are a very good team and looked it this week. The one team to watch here is the Chargers who are back at .500 and moving ever closer. They may end up being the surprise team. Despite Brian Sipe's success in Seattle no one is looking for this team to do much of anything because their defense is so bad. They really need their defense and running game to step up if they hope to win the Division or make the playoffs.
The AFC East meanwhile is the place to be. The Dolphins still sit on top with another impressive win this last week, but the Colts and the Jets also won so it's a very tight race. The story of the year has to be the Jets who have rebounded from losing Joe Namath to retirement and are playing very good ball right. Their defense is their key. They have had a very tough schedule to get to 7-3 and could be a surprise team to win the AFC.
Standings
AFC
East: Miami 8-2; Baltimore, New York 7-3; New England, Buffalo 4-6
Central: Pittsburgh 7-3; Houston 6-4; Cincinnati 3-7; Cleveland 2-8
West: Kansas City 7-3; Seattle 6-4; San Diego 5-5; Oakland 4-6; Denver 2-8
NFC
East: Dallas 7-3; Washington, St. Louis 6-4; Philadelphia 4-6; New York 2-8
Central: Green Bay, Detroit 6-4; Chicago, Minnesota, Tampa Bay 4-6
West: San Francisco 7-3; Los Angeles 6-4; Atlanta, New Orleans 3-7
Statistics
QBs
Dal Roger Staubach 96.3
KC Greg Hendrickson 95.9
Sea Brian Sipe 95.4
RBs
Phi Ricky Bell 974yds
Bal Billy Sims 932yds
Mia Benny Malone 927yds
Recs
Det Mel Jacobs 989yds
Sea Steve Largent 904yds
NYG John Jefferson 855yds
Playoff Picture
AFC
Miami 8-2
Kansas City 7-3
Pittsburgh 7-3
New York 7-3
Baltimore 7-3
Houston 6-4
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Seattle 6-4
NFC
Dallas 7-3
San Francisco 7-3
Green Bay 6-4
St. Louis 6-4
Detroit 6-4
Los Angeles 6-4
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Washington 6-4
Games to Watch in Week 11
Detroit 6-4 at Dallas 7-3
Detroit finds themselves in a very important game. Expect a lot of scoring in this one.
Kansas City 7-3 at San Diego 5-5
If the Chargers want to get back to the playoffs they need to win this game. It will be a battle between the tough Charger defense and the high powered Chiefs offense.
Miami 8-2 at Baltimore 7-3
The key here will be Bert Jones. He has to get back on track if the Colts hope to win this one.
Green Bay and Detroit split their two games and so sit tied in the NFC Central. The problem is with them beating up on each other the other teams which should have been long out of it by now are still sitting fairly close. This Division is still wide open though the Packers and the Lions are by far the best two teams.
San Francisco pulls into the sole lead of the NFC West with the Rams getting beat by the Cardinals. The 49ers have been so close year after year to winning the Division they seem determined this year to make it all the way. This is going to be a great race down the stretch.
The big shock in the AFC Central is that the Oilers are sitting at 6-4 and on the verge of getting bumped out of the playoffs. They need to start winning, but their passing game and their pass defense are not playing too well right now. They need some big changes if they hope to get into the playoffs and actually have a shot at winning the Conference. Meanwhile the Steelers are hanging on on top. They destroyed the Patriots last week pretty much ending their playoff hopes. They are defiinitely the team to beat right now in the AFC Central.
In the West it's the Chiefs pulling ahead with a win over the Seahawks. The Chiefs are a very good team and looked it this week. The one team to watch here is the Chargers who are back at .500 and moving ever closer. They may end up being the surprise team. Despite Brian Sipe's success in Seattle no one is looking for this team to do much of anything because their defense is so bad. They really need their defense and running game to step up if they hope to win the Division or make the playoffs.
The AFC East meanwhile is the place to be. The Dolphins still sit on top with another impressive win this last week, but the Colts and the Jets also won so it's a very tight race. The story of the year has to be the Jets who have rebounded from losing Joe Namath to retirement and are playing very good ball right. Their defense is their key. They have had a very tough schedule to get to 7-3 and could be a surprise team to win the AFC.
Standings
AFC
East: Miami 8-2; Baltimore, New York 7-3; New England, Buffalo 4-6
Central: Pittsburgh 7-3; Houston 6-4; Cincinnati 3-7; Cleveland 2-8
West: Kansas City 7-3; Seattle 6-4; San Diego 5-5; Oakland 4-6; Denver 2-8
NFC
East: Dallas 7-3; Washington, St. Louis 6-4; Philadelphia 4-6; New York 2-8
Central: Green Bay, Detroit 6-4; Chicago, Minnesota, Tampa Bay 4-6
West: San Francisco 7-3; Los Angeles 6-4; Atlanta, New Orleans 3-7
Statistics
QBs
Dal Roger Staubach 96.3
KC Greg Hendrickson 95.9
Sea Brian Sipe 95.4
RBs
Phi Ricky Bell 974yds
Bal Billy Sims 932yds
Mia Benny Malone 927yds
Recs
Det Mel Jacobs 989yds
Sea Steve Largent 904yds
NYG John Jefferson 855yds
Playoff Picture
AFC
Miami 8-2
Kansas City 7-3
Pittsburgh 7-3
New York 7-3
Baltimore 7-3
Houston 6-4
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Seattle 6-4
NFC
Dallas 7-3
San Francisco 7-3
Green Bay 6-4
St. Louis 6-4
Detroit 6-4
Los Angeles 6-4
-------------------
Washington 6-4
Games to Watch in Week 11
Detroit 6-4 at Dallas 7-3
Detroit finds themselves in a very important game. Expect a lot of scoring in this one.
Kansas City 7-3 at San Diego 5-5
If the Chargers want to get back to the playoffs they need to win this game. It will be a battle between the tough Charger defense and the high powered Chiefs offense.
Miami 8-2 at Baltimore 7-3
The key here will be Bert Jones. He has to get back on track if the Colts hope to win this one.
New Orleans 7 and Dallas 31
A big win for the Cowboys, this puts them on top of the NFC East. This was essentially the Roger Staubach, Drew Pearson show for Dallas.
Dallas
Roger Staubach 10/12 229yds 1TD
Earl Campbell 23car/58yds
Drew Pearson 8tt/8rec/212yds 1TD
Calvin Favron 4 tackles 1 sack 1 Int
Thomas Henderson 6 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown
New Orleans
Peil Pennington 21/35 177yds 1TD 1Int 1Fumble
Rick Lockwood 20car/97yds
Larry Burton 6tt/4rec/52yds
Joe Federspiel 5 tackles 1 sack
Dallas
Roger Staubach 10/12 229yds 1TD
Earl Campbell 23car/58yds
Drew Pearson 8tt/8rec/212yds 1TD
Calvin Favron 4 tackles 1 sack 1 Int
Thomas Henderson 6 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown
New Orleans
Peil Pennington 21/35 177yds 1TD 1Int 1Fumble
Rick Lockwood 20car/97yds
Larry Burton 6tt/4rec/52yds
Joe Federspiel 5 tackles 1 sack
New Orleans (3-6) at Dallas (6-3)
N.O. offense 16th 105.8 rush - [8th] / 172.4 pass - [23rd]
defense 6th 57.1 rush - [4th] / 192.8 pass - [15th]
scoring 9.1 for - [28th] / 16.4 against - [9th]
________________________________
Dall offense 15th 98.8 rush - [12th] / 180.9 pass - [18th]
defense 18th 99.8 rush - [20th] / 191.0 pass - [13th]
scoring 24.2 for - [1st] / 17.3 against - [16th]
key matchups:
HB Rick Lockwood (634 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB Thomas Henderson (56 Tackles)
WR Larry Burton (28 rec/354 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Lester Hayes (2 INTs)
prediction:
New Orleans 13, Dallas 23
defense 6th 57.1 rush - [4th] / 192.8 pass - [15th]
scoring 9.1 for - [28th] / 16.4 against - [9th]
________________________________
Dall offense 15th 98.8 rush - [12th] / 180.9 pass - [18th]
defense 18th 99.8 rush - [20th] / 191.0 pass - [13th]
scoring 24.2 for - [1st] / 17.3 against - [16th]
key matchups:
HB Rick Lockwood (634 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB Thomas Henderson (56 Tackles)
WR Larry Burton (28 rec/354 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Lester Hayes (2 INTs)
prediction:
New Orleans 13, Dallas 23
San Diego 13 at Denver 10
Toni Fritsch hits a 41yd field goal with 35 seconds left to clinch the win for San Diego. Despite their slow start the Chrgers are back at .500. Their defense is very very good, so they are a dangerous team and could make a run for the playoffs.
San Diego
Dan Fouts 15/21 170yds
Rickey Young 24car/57yds 1TD
Dwight McDonald 6tt/6rec/71yds
Mark Merrill 10 tackles
Ken Greene 9 tackles 2 knockdowns
Marty Lyons 1 tackle 3 sacks 1 knockdown
Denver
Danny White 20/37 202yds 1TD
Otis Armstrong 20car/78yds
Riley Odoms 11tt/5rec/47yds
Terrence Yunker 5tt/4rec/64yds 1TD
Randy Gradishar 6 tackles
San Diego
Dan Fouts 15/21 170yds
Rickey Young 24car/57yds 1TD
Dwight McDonald 6tt/6rec/71yds
Mark Merrill 10 tackles
Ken Greene 9 tackles 2 knockdowns
Marty Lyons 1 tackle 3 sacks 1 knockdown
Denver
Danny White 20/37 202yds 1TD
Otis Armstrong 20car/78yds
Riley Odoms 11tt/5rec/47yds
Terrence Yunker 5tt/4rec/64yds 1TD
Randy Gradishar 6 tackles
San Diego (4-5) at Denver (2-7)
S.D. offense 20th 59.8 rush - [24th] / 212.0 pass - [4th]
defense 2nd 80.1 rush - [6th] / 134.2 pass - [1st]
scoring 16.7 for - [17th] / 14.4 against - [4th]
________________________________
Den offense 7th 84.6 rush - [17th] / 212.0 pass - [5th]
defense 13th 93.7 rush - [16th] / 183.6 pass - [11th]
scoring 15.9 for - [21st] / 20.1 against - [24th]
key matchups:
HB Otis Armstrong (646 yds/3 TDs) vs. San Diego run D (3.1 rush avg)
DT Manu Tuiasosopo (14 sacks) vs. G Paul Howard
WR Jesse Wolfram (38 rec/726 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Steve Foley (1 INT)
prediction:
San Diego 18, Denver 19
defense 2nd 80.1 rush - [6th] / 134.2 pass - [1st]
scoring 16.7 for - [17th] / 14.4 against - [4th]
________________________________
Den offense 7th 84.6 rush - [17th] / 212.0 pass - [5th]
defense 13th 93.7 rush - [16th] / 183.6 pass - [11th]
scoring 15.9 for - [21st] / 20.1 against - [24th]
key matchups:
HB Otis Armstrong (646 yds/3 TDs) vs. San Diego run D (3.1 rush avg)
DT Manu Tuiasosopo (14 sacks) vs. G Paul Howard
WR Jesse Wolfram (38 rec/726 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Steve Foley (1 INT)
prediction:
San Diego 18, Denver 19
Washington (6-3) at Philadelphia (3-6)
Wash offense 5th 117.1 rush - [3rd] / 188.1 pass - [12th]
defense 23rd 88.3 rush - [11th] / 224.7 pass - [26th]
scoring 21.9 for - [4th] / 17.1 against - [14th]
________________________________
Phil offense 10th 117.2 rush - [2nd] / 170.1 pass - [24th]
defense 26th 93.4 rush - [15th] / 243.9 pass - [28th]
scoring 22.9 for - [3rd] / 28.2 against - [28th]
key matchups:
HB Ricky Bell (897 yds/8 TDs) vs. LB Joe Norman (54 Tackles)
HB Mike Thomas (714 yds/5 TDs) vs. Philadelphia run D (3.5 rush avg)
prediction:
Washington 25, Philadelphia 23
defense 23rd 88.3 rush - [11th] / 224.7 pass - [26th]
scoring 21.9 for - [4th] / 17.1 against - [14th]
________________________________
Phil offense 10th 117.2 rush - [2nd] / 170.1 pass - [24th]
defense 26th 93.4 rush - [15th] / 243.9 pass - [28th]
scoring 22.9 for - [3rd] / 28.2 against - [28th]
key matchups:
HB Ricky Bell (897 yds/8 TDs) vs. LB Joe Norman (54 Tackles)
HB Mike Thomas (714 yds/5 TDs) vs. Philadelphia run D (3.5 rush avg)
prediction:
Washington 25, Philadelphia 23
Seattle 25 at Kansas City 28
Another big win for the Chiefs, this one though very critical. Brian Sipe struggled a bit in this one and that made the difference.
Kansas City
Greg Hendrickson 19/27 219yds 4TDs
Ted Brown 16car/67yds
Armand Jackson 13tt/9rec/134yds 2TDs
Steve Bograkos 8 tackles 1 Int
Durwood Keeton 7 tackles 1 Int
Bob Thornbladh 4 tackles 2 sacks
Seattle
Brian Sipe 24/34 355yds 2TDs 2Ints
Sterling Rolfe 8car/36yds
Steve Largent 14tt/9rec/141yds 1TD
Jerome Dove 4 tackles 1 sack 2 knockdowns
Kansas City
Greg Hendrickson 19/27 219yds 4TDs
Ted Brown 16car/67yds
Armand Jackson 13tt/9rec/134yds 2TDs
Steve Bograkos 8 tackles 1 Int
Durwood Keeton 7 tackles 1 Int
Bob Thornbladh 4 tackles 2 sacks
Seattle
Brian Sipe 24/34 355yds 2TDs 2Ints
Sterling Rolfe 8car/36yds
Steve Largent 14tt/9rec/141yds 1TD
Jerome Dove 4 tackles 1 sack 2 knockdowns
Seattle (6-3) at Kansas City (6-3)
Sea offense 3rd 107.4 rush - [7th] / 208.1 pass - [8th]
defense 15th 97.1 rush - [18th] / 191.0 pass - [12th]
scoring 20.1 for - [6th] / 19.9 against - [23rd]
________________________________
K.C. offense 2nd 110.1 rush - [6th] / 208.2 pass - [7th]
defense 19th 101.0 rush - [21st] / 192.7 pass - [14th]
scoring 23.3 for - [2nd] / 18.6 against - [20th]
key matchups:
HB Ted Brown (670 yds/2 TDs) vs. Seattle run D (4.3 rush avg)
WR Armand Jackson (43 rec/655 yds/6 TDs) vs. CB Ernie Jones
DT John Harty (11 sacks) vs. G Tom Condon
WR Steve Largent (41 rec/765 yds/5 TDs) vs. CB Gary Barbaro (1 INT)
TE Ron Howard (12 rec/181 yds/1 TDs) vs. LB Kim Bokamper (2 INTs)
prediction:
Seattle 19, Kansas City 25
defense 15th 97.1 rush - [18th] / 191.0 pass - [12th]
scoring 20.1 for - [6th] / 19.9 against - [23rd]
________________________________
K.C. offense 2nd 110.1 rush - [6th] / 208.2 pass - [7th]
defense 19th 101.0 rush - [21st] / 192.7 pass - [14th]
scoring 23.3 for - [2nd] / 18.6 against - [20th]
key matchups:
HB Ted Brown (670 yds/2 TDs) vs. Seattle run D (4.3 rush avg)
WR Armand Jackson (43 rec/655 yds/6 TDs) vs. CB Ernie Jones
DT John Harty (11 sacks) vs. G Tom Condon
WR Steve Largent (41 rec/765 yds/5 TDs) vs. CB Gary Barbaro (1 INT)
TE Ron Howard (12 rec/181 yds/1 TDs) vs. LB Kim Bokamper (2 INTs)
prediction:
Seattle 19, Kansas City 25
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Minnesota 0 at New York Giants 13
Any win is a good win for the Giants this year. Their defense is playing much better lately.
New York
Joe Reed 12/21 157yds 1Int
Chuck Muncie 31car/101yds
Craig Brantley 1tt/1rec/60yds
Don Smith 2 tackles 4 sacks
Larry Mallory 6 tackles 1 Int
Jerry Mullane 8 tackles 1 Int
Minnesota
Bob Lee 14/29 139yds 2Ints
Chuck Foreman 11car/77yds 1Fumble
Leonard Willis 5tt/2rec/34yds
Tom Pridemore 10 tackles 1 knockdown 1 Int
Matt Blair 10 tackles
New York
Joe Reed 12/21 157yds 1Int
Chuck Muncie 31car/101yds
Craig Brantley 1tt/1rec/60yds
Don Smith 2 tackles 4 sacks
Larry Mallory 6 tackles 1 Int
Jerry Mullane 8 tackles 1 Int
Minnesota
Bob Lee 14/29 139yds 2Ints
Chuck Foreman 11car/77yds 1Fumble
Leonard Willis 5tt/2rec/34yds
Tom Pridemore 10 tackles 1 knockdown 1 Int
Matt Blair 10 tackles
Minnesota (4-5) at New YorkNFC (1-8)
Minn offense 8th 114.1 rush - [5th] / 176.8 pass - [21st]
defense 17th 94.8 rush - [17th] / 194.2 pass - [18th]
scoring 15.9 for - [20th] / 18.9 against - [22nd]
________________________________
NYG offense 21st 49.3 rush - [28th] / 220.1 pass - [2nd]
defense 22nd 104.2 rush - [22nd] / 198.7 pass - [20th]
scoring 9.1 for - [27th] / 20.2 against - [25th]
key matchups:
DT Don Smith (16 sacks) vs. G Ed White
WR Jim Robinson (33 rec/466 yds/0 TDs) vs. CB Walt Williams (2 INTs)
prediction:
Minnesota 18, New YorkNFC 17
defense 17th 94.8 rush - [17th] / 194.2 pass - [18th]
scoring 15.9 for - [20th] / 18.9 against - [22nd]
________________________________
NYG offense 21st 49.3 rush - [28th] / 220.1 pass - [2nd]
defense 22nd 104.2 rush - [22nd] / 198.7 pass - [20th]
scoring 9.1 for - [27th] / 20.2 against - [25th]
key matchups:
DT Don Smith (16 sacks) vs. G Ed White
WR Jim Robinson (33 rec/466 yds/0 TDs) vs. CB Walt Williams (2 INTs)
prediction:
Minnesota 18, New YorkNFC 17
Cleveland 3 at Baltimore 12
It wasn't a pretty win, but a win none the less. Bert Jones has really been struggling of late and he continued to struggle in this one.
Baltimore
Bert Jones 11/21 206yds 2Ints
Billy Sims 24car/122yds
Bill Malouf 8tt/5rec/127yds
Kirby Criswell 3 tackles 1 Int
Toni Linhart 2 of 4 long of 48yds
Cleveland
Dave Mays 17/39 169yds 1Int
Greg Pruitt 12car/38yds
Steve Holden 3tt/3rec/60yds
Dave Graf 6 tackles 1 sack
Gary Gorrell 8 tackles 1 Int
Baltimore
Bert Jones 11/21 206yds 2Ints
Billy Sims 24car/122yds
Bill Malouf 8tt/5rec/127yds
Kirby Criswell 3 tackles 1 Int
Toni Linhart 2 of 4 long of 48yds
Cleveland
Dave Mays 17/39 169yds 1Int
Greg Pruitt 12car/38yds
Steve Holden 3tt/3rec/60yds
Dave Graf 6 tackles 1 sack
Gary Gorrell 8 tackles 1 Int
Cleveland (2-7) at Baltimore (6-3)
Clev offense 24th 57.3 rush - [26th] / 199.2 pass - [9th]
defense 8th 109.3 rush - [23rd] / 147.9 pass - [2nd]
scoring 11.7 for - [26th] / 17.8 against - [18th]
________________________________
Bal offense 11th 100.2 rush - [11th] / 186.4 pass - [14th]
defense 24th 98.3 rush - [19th] / 223.2 pass - [24th]
scoring 18.4 for - [15th] / 17.7 against - [17th]
key matchups:
HB Billy Sims (810 yds/4 TDs) vs. LB Gary Gorrell (60 Tackles)
TE Doug Marsh (13 rec/136 yds/2 TDs) vs. LB Gary Gorrell (2 INTs)
prediction:
Cleveland 15, Baltimore 21
defense 8th 109.3 rush - [23rd] / 147.9 pass - [2nd]
scoring 11.7 for - [26th] / 17.8 against - [18th]
________________________________
Bal offense 11th 100.2 rush - [11th] / 186.4 pass - [14th]
defense 24th 98.3 rush - [19th] / 223.2 pass - [24th]
scoring 18.4 for - [15th] / 17.7 against - [17th]
key matchups:
HB Billy Sims (810 yds/4 TDs) vs. LB Gary Gorrell (60 Tackles)
TE Doug Marsh (13 rec/136 yds/2 TDs) vs. LB Gary Gorrell (2 INTs)
prediction:
Cleveland 15, Baltimore 21
Chicago 26 at San Francisco 27
With 25 seconds left Bob Avellini hit James Scott for a 36yd touchdown on what looked like the game winning play, but it was not to be. Jim Plunkett hit on three straight pass plays following a good squib kick return to win the game with no time left. A big win for the 49ers since the Rams lost this week.
San Francisco
Jim Plunkett 22/31 271yds 2TDs
Terry Miller 17car/82yds 1TD
Jim Lash 7tt/5rec/92yds 1TD
Aaron Mitchell 9 tackles 1 Int
Chicago
Bob Avellini 20/29 277yds 1TD 1Int
Walter Payton 20car/103yds
Brian Baschnagel 9tt/6rec/97yds
James Scott 7tt/5rec/86yds 1TD
Waymond Bryant 9 tackles 1 sack
Bob Thomas 4 of 4 long of 47yds
San Francisco
Jim Plunkett 22/31 271yds 2TDs
Terry Miller 17car/82yds 1TD
Jim Lash 7tt/5rec/92yds 1TD
Aaron Mitchell 9 tackles 1 Int
Chicago
Bob Avellini 20/29 277yds 1TD 1Int
Walter Payton 20car/103yds
Brian Baschnagel 9tt/6rec/97yds
James Scott 7tt/5rec/86yds 1TD
Waymond Bryant 9 tackles 1 sack
Bob Thomas 4 of 4 long of 47yds
Chicago (4-5) at San Francisco (6-3)
Chi offense 28th 75.1 rush - [21st] / 133.0 pass - [28th]
defense 9th 92.9 rush - [14th] / 170.6 pass - [8th]
scoring 15.1 for - [22nd] / 16.9 against - [11th]
________________________________
S.F. offense 9th 114.9 rush - [4th] / 175.4 pass - [22nd]
defense 11th 76.9 rush - [5th] / 197.1 pass - [19th]
scoring 19.6 for - [10th] / 14.6 against - [5th]
key matchups:
WR Jim Lash (30 rec/432 yds/0 TDs) vs. CB Allan Ellis (2 INTs)
DT Myron Lapka (17 sacks) vs. G John Watson
prediction:
Chicago 15, San Francisco 21
defense 9th 92.9 rush - [14th] / 170.6 pass - [8th]
scoring 15.1 for - [22nd] / 16.9 against - [11th]
________________________________
S.F. offense 9th 114.9 rush - [4th] / 175.4 pass - [22nd]
defense 11th 76.9 rush - [5th] / 197.1 pass - [19th]
scoring 19.6 for - [10th] / 14.6 against - [5th]
key matchups:
WR Jim Lash (30 rec/432 yds/0 TDs) vs. CB Allan Ellis (2 INTs)
DT Myron Lapka (17 sacks) vs. G John Watson
prediction:
Chicago 15, San Francisco 21
Oakland 30 at Buffalo 17
The best game out of the Raiders offense in a few years. The Bills are now officially done for the season.
Oakland
Ken Stabler 17/26 219yds 1TD 1Int 1Fumble
Derrick Jensen 18car/167yds 1TD 1Fumble
Cliff Branch 10tt/6rec/86yds 1TD
Phil Villapiano 12 tackles
Buffalo
Joe Ferguson 6/10 63yds
Gary Marangi 11/22 119yds 1TD
OJ Simpson 19car/54yds
Bob Chandler 8tt/5rec/71yds 1TD
John Anderson 10 tackles
Bob Nelson 10 takles
Doug Jones 5 tackles 1 int
Oakland
Ken Stabler 17/26 219yds 1TD 1Int 1Fumble
Derrick Jensen 18car/167yds 1TD 1Fumble
Cliff Branch 10tt/6rec/86yds 1TD
Phil Villapiano 12 tackles
Buffalo
Joe Ferguson 6/10 63yds
Gary Marangi 11/22 119yds 1TD
OJ Simpson 19car/54yds
Bob Chandler 8tt/5rec/71yds 1TD
John Anderson 10 tackles
Bob Nelson 10 takles
Doug Jones 5 tackles 1 int
Oakland (3-6) at Buffalo (4-5)
Oak offense 22nd 105.1 rush - [9th] / 162.3 pass - [27th]
defense 28th 127.9 rush - [28th] / 223.8 pass - [25th]
scoring 19.0 for - [11th] / 26.0 against - [27th]
________________________________
Buff offense 26th 68.4 rush - [23rd] / 176.8 pass - [20th]
defense 25th 127.9 rush - [27th] / 193.8 pass - [17th]
scoring 12.0 for - [25th] / 18.6 against - [21st]
key matchups:
DT Rod Horn (10 sacks) vs. G Gene Upshaw
prediction:
Oakland 19, Buffalo 22
defense 28th 127.9 rush - [28th] / 223.8 pass - [25th]
scoring 19.0 for - [11th] / 26.0 against - [27th]
________________________________
Buff offense 26th 68.4 rush - [23rd] / 176.8 pass - [20th]
defense 25th 127.9 rush - [27th] / 193.8 pass - [17th]
scoring 12.0 for - [25th] / 18.6 against - [21st]
key matchups:
DT Rod Horn (10 sacks) vs. G Gene Upshaw
prediction:
Oakland 19, Buffalo 22
St. Louis 34 at Los Angeles 31
A fun game, the Cardinals were on fire offensively especially Jim Hart who completed 73% of his passes. This is a big win for the Cardinals on the road.
St. Louis
Jim Hart 25/34 378yds 3TDs 1Int
Terry Metcalf 13car/51yds
Mardye McDole 3tt/3rec/90yds
Norm Thompson 7 tackles 1 Int
Los Angeles
James Harris 16/30 271yds 4TDs 1Int
Lawrence McCutcheon 12car/45yds
George Lantz 8tt/6rec/153yds 2TDs
John Barefield 11 tackles
Monte Jackson 11 tackles 1 sack 2 knockdowns
Ron Kakavonis 1 tackle 3 sacks
Larry Anderson 6 tackles 1 Int
St. Louis
Jim Hart 25/34 378yds 3TDs 1Int
Terry Metcalf 13car/51yds
Mardye McDole 3tt/3rec/90yds
Norm Thompson 7 tackles 1 Int
Los Angeles
James Harris 16/30 271yds 4TDs 1Int
Lawrence McCutcheon 12car/45yds
George Lantz 8tt/6rec/153yds 2TDs
John Barefield 11 tackles
Monte Jackson 11 tackles 1 sack 2 knockdowns
Ron Kakavonis 1 tackle 3 sacks
Larry Anderson 6 tackles 1 Int
Monday, September 28, 2009
Miami 30 at Houston 13
If you want to beat the Dolphins you have to shut down the run and force Bob Griese to beat you. This is exactly what Houston did, but the problem is they have a poor pass defense and when Griese got a hot hand in the 3rd quarter he ran off two quick touchdowns and the entire game came apart for the Oilers. A great win for Miami who looks better each week.
Miami
Bob Griese 11/22 335yds 1TD 1Int
Benny Malone 17car/16yds 1TD 1Fumble
Duriel Harris 6tt/5rec/117yds
Don Bessillieu 6 tackles 1 knockdown 1fumble recovery 1TD
Rick Sanford 7 tackles 1 Int
Houston
Dan Pastorini 22/32 289yds 1TD 1Int 1Fumble
Ronnie Coleman 22car/53yds
Ken Burrough 12tt/9rec/175yds 1TD
Dwight Hicks 7 tackles 1 knockdown
Miami
Bob Griese 11/22 335yds 1TD 1Int
Benny Malone 17car/16yds 1TD 1Fumble
Duriel Harris 6tt/5rec/117yds
Don Bessillieu 6 tackles 1 knockdown 1fumble recovery 1TD
Rick Sanford 7 tackles 1 Int
Houston
Dan Pastorini 22/32 289yds 1TD 1Int 1Fumble
Ronnie Coleman 22car/53yds
Ken Burrough 12tt/9rec/175yds 1TD
Dwight Hicks 7 tackles 1 knockdown
Miami (7-2) at Houston (6-3)
Mia offense 4th 144.7 rush - [1st] / 164.7 pass - [26th]
defense 1st 39.7 rush - [2nd] / 156.8 pass - [3rd]
scoring 20.2 for - [5th] / 9.2 against - [1st]
________________________________
Hou offense 13th 95.3 rush - [14th] / 187.2 pass - [13th]
defense 4th 27.0 rush - [1st] / 211.1 pass - [22nd]
scoring 18.1 for - [16th] / 11.9 against - [2nd]
key matchups:
HB Ronnie Coleman (669 yds/6 TDs) vs. Miami run D (1.9 rush avg)
LB Barry Krauss (12 sacks) vs. T Darryl Carlton
HB Benny Malone (911 yds/6 TDs) vs. LB Barry Krauss (54 Tackles)
DT Larry Bethea (10 sacks) vs. G Ed Fisher
WR Willis Adams (35 rec/472 yds/3 TDs) vs. CB Willie Alexander (2 INTs/1 TDs)
prediction:
Miami 16, Houston 17
defense 1st 39.7 rush - [2nd] / 156.8 pass - [3rd]
scoring 20.2 for - [5th] / 9.2 against - [1st]
________________________________
Hou offense 13th 95.3 rush - [14th] / 187.2 pass - [13th]
defense 4th 27.0 rush - [1st] / 211.1 pass - [22nd]
scoring 18.1 for - [16th] / 11.9 against - [2nd]
key matchups:
HB Ronnie Coleman (669 yds/6 TDs) vs. Miami run D (1.9 rush avg)
LB Barry Krauss (12 sacks) vs. T Darryl Carlton
HB Benny Malone (911 yds/6 TDs) vs. LB Barry Krauss (54 Tackles)
DT Larry Bethea (10 sacks) vs. G Ed Fisher
WR Willis Adams (35 rec/472 yds/3 TDs) vs. CB Willie Alexander (2 INTs/1 TDs)
prediction:
Miami 16, Houston 17
Detroit 10 at Green Bay 13
Certainly not an impressive win for the Packers, but a very important win none the less.
Green Bay
Lynn Dickey 18/35 197yds 2Ints
David Overstreet 24car/19yds 1Fumble
Ken Payne 12tt/7rec/86yds
Dan Hampton 3 tackles 3 sacks 1 fumble recovery
Detroit
Greg Landry 11/32 109yds 1TD 1Int 1Fumble
Dexter Bussey 20car/68yds 1Fumble
Mel Jacobs 12tt/5rec/55yds 1TD
Charles Braswell 6 tackles 1 Int
Green Bay
Lynn Dickey 18/35 197yds 2Ints
David Overstreet 24car/19yds 1Fumble
Ken Payne 12tt/7rec/86yds
Dan Hampton 3 tackles 3 sacks 1 fumble recovery
Detroit
Greg Landry 11/32 109yds 1TD 1Int 1Fumble
Dexter Bussey 20car/68yds 1Fumble
Mel Jacobs 12tt/5rec/55yds 1TD
Charles Braswell 6 tackles 1 Int
Detroit (6-3) at Green Bay (5-4)
Det offense 14th 87.0 rush - [16th] / 194.4 pass - [11th]
defense 12th 80.6 rush - [7th] / 193.6 pass - [16th]
scoring 18.9 for - [12th] / 15.8 against - [8th]
________________________________
G.B. offense 23rd 58.4 rush - [25th] / 208.3 pass - [6th]
defense 3rd 56.0 rush - [3rd] / 161.9 pass - [5th]
scoring 19.8 for - [9th] / 16.9 against - [13th]
key matchups:
HB David Overstreet (393 yds/7 TDs) vs. Detroit run D (3.6 rush avg)
DE Mark Gastineau (10 sacks) vs. T Russ Bollinger
DT Dan Hampton (15 sacks) vs. G Lynn Boden
TE Pat Curran (29 rec/235 yds/3 TDs) vs. LB Charlie Weaver (2 INTs/0 TDs)
HB Dexter Bussey (636 yds/2 TDs) vs. LB Dan Bunz (56 Tackles)
WR Mel Jacobs (56 rec/934 yds/6 TDs) vs. CB Henry Monroe
TE Junior Miller (13 rec/212 yds/1 TDs) vs. LB Dan Bunz (2 INTs)
prediction:
Detroit 18, Green Bay 21
defense 12th 80.6 rush - [7th] / 193.6 pass - [16th]
scoring 18.9 for - [12th] / 15.8 against - [8th]
________________________________
G.B. offense 23rd 58.4 rush - [25th] / 208.3 pass - [6th]
defense 3rd 56.0 rush - [3rd] / 161.9 pass - [5th]
scoring 19.8 for - [9th] / 16.9 against - [13th]
key matchups:
HB David Overstreet (393 yds/7 TDs) vs. Detroit run D (3.6 rush avg)
DE Mark Gastineau (10 sacks) vs. T Russ Bollinger
DT Dan Hampton (15 sacks) vs. G Lynn Boden
TE Pat Curran (29 rec/235 yds/3 TDs) vs. LB Charlie Weaver (2 INTs/0 TDs)
HB Dexter Bussey (636 yds/2 TDs) vs. LB Dan Bunz (56 Tackles)
WR Mel Jacobs (56 rec/934 yds/6 TDs) vs. CB Henry Monroe
TE Junior Miller (13 rec/212 yds/1 TDs) vs. LB Dan Bunz (2 INTs)
prediction:
Detroit 18, Green Bay 21
New England 6 at Pittsburgh 33
Pittsburgh at one point turned the ball over on three straight possessions in the first half, but New England could only manage two field goals. Great defense from the Steelers kept the offense in it and they blew the game open in the second half.
Pittsburgh
Terry Bradshaw 17/33 216yds 3Ints 6car/39yds 2TDs
Franco Harris 24car/107yds 1TD
Theo Bell 6tt/5rec/62yds
Jack Lambert 8 tackles 1 sack
Mike Wagner 5 tackles 2 knockdowns 1Int
Mike Hunt 6 tackles 1 sack
Roy Gerela 4 of 4 long of 35yds
New England
Steve Grogan 13/30 155yds 2Ints 1Fumble
Don Calhoun 16car/24yds
Darryl Stingley 13tt/4rec/49yds
Carlos Pennywell 5tt/3rec/50yds
Dave Waymer 10 tackles 1 knockdown 1 int
Donnie Thomas 11 tackles
Larry McGrew 11 tackles
Mike Haynes 5 tackles 1 int
John Smith 2 for 5 long of 40yds
Pittsburgh
Terry Bradshaw 17/33 216yds 3Ints 6car/39yds 2TDs
Franco Harris 24car/107yds 1TD
Theo Bell 6tt/5rec/62yds
Jack Lambert 8 tackles 1 sack
Mike Wagner 5 tackles 2 knockdowns 1Int
Mike Hunt 6 tackles 1 sack
Roy Gerela 4 of 4 long of 35yds
New England
Steve Grogan 13/30 155yds 2Ints 1Fumble
Don Calhoun 16car/24yds
Darryl Stingley 13tt/4rec/49yds
Carlos Pennywell 5tt/3rec/50yds
Dave Waymer 10 tackles 1 knockdown 1 int
Donnie Thomas 11 tackles
Larry McGrew 11 tackles
Mike Haynes 5 tackles 1 int
John Smith 2 for 5 long of 40yds
New England (4-5) at Pittsburgh (6-3)
N.E. offense 19th 94.0 rush - [15th] / 178.0 pass - [19th]
defense 21st 85.4 rush - [10th] / 213.7 pass - [23rd]
scoring 18.7 for - [14th] / 16.9 against - [12th]
________________________________
Pitt offense 12th 104.9 rush - [10th] / 181.8 pass - [16th]
defense 20th 92.9 rush - [13th] / 202.3 pass - [21st]
scoring 18.9 for - [13th] / 17.9 against - [19th]
key matchups:
QB Terry Bradshaw (17 TDs/1801 yds) vs. New England pass D
HB Franco Harris (713 yds/1 TDs) vs. LB Steve Nelson (52 Tackles)
WR Lynn Swann (42 rec/512 yds/3 TDs) vs. CB Mike Haynes (3 INTs)
HB Don Calhoun (671 yds/7 TDs) vs. LB Lawrence Taylor (63 Tackles)
DE Julius Adams (10 sacks) vs. T Gordon Gravelle
prediction:
New England 18, Pittsburgh 21
defense 21st 85.4 rush - [10th] / 213.7 pass - [23rd]
scoring 18.7 for - [14th] / 16.9 against - [12th]
________________________________
Pitt offense 12th 104.9 rush - [10th] / 181.8 pass - [16th]
defense 20th 92.9 rush - [13th] / 202.3 pass - [21st]
scoring 18.9 for - [13th] / 17.9 against - [19th]
key matchups:
QB Terry Bradshaw (17 TDs/1801 yds) vs. New England pass D
HB Franco Harris (713 yds/1 TDs) vs. LB Steve Nelson (52 Tackles)
WR Lynn Swann (42 rec/512 yds/3 TDs) vs. CB Mike Haynes (3 INTs)
HB Don Calhoun (671 yds/7 TDs) vs. LB Lawrence Taylor (63 Tackles)
DE Julius Adams (10 sacks) vs. T Gordon Gravelle
prediction:
New England 18, Pittsburgh 21
Atlanta 16 at Tampa Bay 11
A big letdown for the Bucs who had been on their way up. This should wipe out any playoff hopes they had. Probably the best game Bubba Bean has ever played, and he did it against a good defense.
Atlanta
Guy Benjamin 16/29 170yds 1Int
Bubba Bean 25car/138yds 1TD
Al Jenkins 8tt/6rec/71yds
Carl Russ 5 tackles 1 sack
Nick Mike-Mayer 3 of 4 long of 50yds
Tampa Bay
Rich Campbell 18/31 230yds 1TD
Charles Alexander 12car/50yds
Morris Owens 10tt/7rec/75yds 1TD
John McKay 10tt/5rec/68yds
Clay Matthews 9 tackles 1 int
Atlanta
Guy Benjamin 16/29 170yds 1Int
Bubba Bean 25car/138yds 1TD
Al Jenkins 8tt/6rec/71yds
Carl Russ 5 tackles 1 sack
Nick Mike-Mayer 3 of 4 long of 50yds
Tampa Bay
Rich Campbell 18/31 230yds 1TD
Charles Alexander 12car/50yds
Morris Owens 10tt/7rec/75yds 1TD
John McKay 10tt/5rec/68yds
Clay Matthews 9 tackles 1 int
Atlanta (2-7) at Tampa Bay (4-5)
Atl offense 18th 78.8 rush - [20th] / 198.0 pass - [10th]
defense 14th 110.4 rush - [24th] / 171.1 pass - [9th]
scoring 16.0 for - [18th] / 16.6 against - [10th]
________________________________
T.B. offense 27th 54.8 rush - [27th] / 167.0 pass - [25th]
defense 5th 90.2 rush - [12th] / 157.6 pass - [4th]
scoring 13.4 for - [24th] / 12.0 against - [3rd]
key matchups:
TE John Spagnola (20 rec/160 yds/3 TDs) vs. LB Clay Matthews (3 INTs)
prediction:
Atlanta 14, Tampa Bay 18
defense 14th 110.4 rush - [24th] / 171.1 pass - [9th]
scoring 16.0 for - [18th] / 16.6 against - [10th]
________________________________
T.B. offense 27th 54.8 rush - [27th] / 167.0 pass - [25th]
defense 5th 90.2 rush - [12th] / 157.6 pass - [4th]
scoring 13.4 for - [24th] / 12.0 against - [3rd]
key matchups:
TE John Spagnola (20 rec/160 yds/3 TDs) vs. LB Clay Matthews (3 INTs)
prediction:
Atlanta 14, Tampa Bay 18
New York Jets 27 at Cincinnati 10
An easy and impressive win for the Jets.
New York
Vince Evans 16/31 288yds 2TDs 1Int
Horace Ivory 19car/79yds 1TD
Ronnie Moore 13tt/7rec/109yds
Trent Smock 2tt/2rec/105yds 1TD
Bob Martin 6 tackles 1 sack
Cincinnati
Ken Anderson 12/35 165yds 1Int
Archie Griffin 12car/33yds
Isaac Curtis 13tt/5rec/71yds
Lucius Sanford 10 tackles
Scott Perry 9 tackles 2 knockdown
New York
Vince Evans 16/31 288yds 2TDs 1Int
Horace Ivory 19car/79yds 1TD
Ronnie Moore 13tt/7rec/109yds
Trent Smock 2tt/2rec/105yds 1TD
Bob Martin 6 tackles 1 sack
Cincinnati
Ken Anderson 12/35 165yds 1Int
Archie Griffin 12car/33yds
Isaac Curtis 13tt/5rec/71yds
Lucius Sanford 10 tackles
Scott Perry 9 tackles 2 knockdown
New YorkAFC (6-3) at Cincinnati (3-6)
NYJ offense 17th 96.8 rush - [13th] / 180.9 pass - [17th]
defense 16th 121.2 rush - [25th] / 167.0 pass - [6th]
scoring 16.0 for - [19th] / 14.8 against - [7th]
________________________________
Cinn offense 25th 70.2 rush - [22nd] / 184.0 pass - [15th]
defense 27th 123.3 rush - [26th] / 225.4 pass - [27th]
scoring 14.4 for - [23rd] / 22.6 against - [26th]
key matchups:
WR Isaac Curtis (36 rec/666 yds/4 TDs) vs. CB Dennis Thurman (1 INT)
prediction:
New YorkAFC 19, Cincinnati 18
defense 16th 121.2 rush - [25th] / 167.0 pass - [6th]
scoring 16.0 for - [19th] / 14.8 against - [7th]
________________________________
Cinn offense 25th 70.2 rush - [22nd] / 184.0 pass - [15th]
defense 27th 123.3 rush - [26th] / 225.4 pass - [27th]
scoring 14.4 for - [23rd] / 22.6 against - [26th]
key matchups:
WR Isaac Curtis (36 rec/666 yds/4 TDs) vs. CB Dennis Thurman (1 INT)
prediction:
New YorkAFC 19, Cincinnati 18
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
NFL 1981 Week 10 Preview
The Chiefs have been struggling this year against their tougher opponents, but at home they handled the Steelers in overtime in week 9 to stay even with the Seahawks who easily defeated Cincinnati. These two still sit atop the AFC West. This was a big win for the Chiefs who have a tough schedule in the second half of the season. The Seahawks are playing better and better, their defense looked really good against Cincinnati something they have not looked much this year. These two teams match up for the first time this week and it should be a great game. Meanwhile don't forget the Chargers. Their defense is so good it makes them dangerous and they have another weak opponent this week in Denver.
Miami now sits alone atop the AFC East after destroying Buffalo while the Colts were destroyed by New England. The big surprise team continues to be the Jets who won at home over Denver, they are now ahead of the Colts in the East. Miami is looking like the best team in the NFL right now and should hold on to win the East. The Jets defense has been playing well and their offense is picking it up, but the Colts are really struggling just as they did last season in the second half. The Patriots could be a danger in the AFC East.
Pittsburgh's loss to Kansas City set them back to even with the Oilers. But it's really just these two teams in the Central and they should both end up in the playoffs either as Division champ or as a wild card.
St. Louis took a hard loss on the road in Minnesota. With Dallas and Washington both winning it puts them behind these two. The Cowboys have struggled in the past over the second half of the season, but they look good right now. The Redskins on the other hand have usually been a terror in the second half of the season and they looked a bit shaky against a bad Giants team this week.
The Lions got a big impressive win over the Packers last week. It was a real blowout. Now they have to turn around and travel to Green Bay for a rematch. Green Bay suddenly doesn't look to good and this Division is very tight. The Lions are in control and have shown themselves to be the best team in the Division. Keep an eye on the Buccaneers who many believed at the beginning of the year to be a real threat here. I don't expect the Bears or the Vikings to pose much of a threat.
It's all Los Angeles and San Francisco in the NFC West. Like the AFC Central these two teams should both make the playoffs.
Standings
AFC
East: Miami 7-2; Baltimore, New York 6-3; New England, Buffalo 4-5
Central: Pittsburgh, Houston 6-3; Cincinnati 3-6; Cleveland 2-7
West: Kansas City, Seattle 6-3; San Diego 4-5; Oakland 3-6; Denver 2-7
NFC
East: Dallas, Washington 6-3; St. Louis 5-4; Philadelphia 3-6; New York 1-8
Central: Detroit 6-3; Green Bay 5-4; Minnesota, Chicago, Tampa Bay 4-5
West: Los Angeles, San Francisco 6-3; New Orleans 3-6; Atlanta 2-7
Stats
QBs
Det Greg Landry 97.7
Sea Brian Sipe 94.9
Dal Roger Staubach 91.8
RBs
Mia Benny Malone 911yds
Phi Ricky Bell 897yds
SF Delvin Williams 854yds
Recs
Det Mel Jacobs 934yds
NYG John Jefferson 826yds
Sea Steve Largent 765yds
Games to Watch
Detroit 6-3 at Green Bay 5-4
After being embaressed last week the Packers have something to prove. This should be a hard hitter.
St. Louis 5-4 at Los Angeles 6-3
The Cardinals need this win if they hope to keep pace with the Cowboys and the Redskins, but don't bet on it.
Seattle 6-3 at Kansas City 6-3
This should be a high scoring shoot out coming right down to the wire.
Miami 7-2 at Houston 6-3
Two great defenses going head to head this should be a great game. The Oilers have revenge on their minds after getting knocked out of the playoffs by the Dolphins last season.
Playoff Standings
AFC
Miami 7-2
Kansas City 6-3
Pittsburgh 6-3
New York 6-3
Houston 6-3
Baltimore 6-3
----------------------
Seattle 6-3
NFC
Washington 6-3
Detroit 6-3
Los Angeles 6-3
Dallas 6-3
San Francisco 6-3
Green Bay 5-4
---------------------
St. Louis 5-4
Miami now sits alone atop the AFC East after destroying Buffalo while the Colts were destroyed by New England. The big surprise team continues to be the Jets who won at home over Denver, they are now ahead of the Colts in the East. Miami is looking like the best team in the NFL right now and should hold on to win the East. The Jets defense has been playing well and their offense is picking it up, but the Colts are really struggling just as they did last season in the second half. The Patriots could be a danger in the AFC East.
Pittsburgh's loss to Kansas City set them back to even with the Oilers. But it's really just these two teams in the Central and they should both end up in the playoffs either as Division champ or as a wild card.
St. Louis took a hard loss on the road in Minnesota. With Dallas and Washington both winning it puts them behind these two. The Cowboys have struggled in the past over the second half of the season, but they look good right now. The Redskins on the other hand have usually been a terror in the second half of the season and they looked a bit shaky against a bad Giants team this week.
The Lions got a big impressive win over the Packers last week. It was a real blowout. Now they have to turn around and travel to Green Bay for a rematch. Green Bay suddenly doesn't look to good and this Division is very tight. The Lions are in control and have shown themselves to be the best team in the Division. Keep an eye on the Buccaneers who many believed at the beginning of the year to be a real threat here. I don't expect the Bears or the Vikings to pose much of a threat.
It's all Los Angeles and San Francisco in the NFC West. Like the AFC Central these two teams should both make the playoffs.
Standings
AFC
East: Miami 7-2; Baltimore, New York 6-3; New England, Buffalo 4-5
Central: Pittsburgh, Houston 6-3; Cincinnati 3-6; Cleveland 2-7
West: Kansas City, Seattle 6-3; San Diego 4-5; Oakland 3-6; Denver 2-7
NFC
East: Dallas, Washington 6-3; St. Louis 5-4; Philadelphia 3-6; New York 1-8
Central: Detroit 6-3; Green Bay 5-4; Minnesota, Chicago, Tampa Bay 4-5
West: Los Angeles, San Francisco 6-3; New Orleans 3-6; Atlanta 2-7
Stats
QBs
Det Greg Landry 97.7
Sea Brian Sipe 94.9
Dal Roger Staubach 91.8
RBs
Mia Benny Malone 911yds
Phi Ricky Bell 897yds
SF Delvin Williams 854yds
Recs
Det Mel Jacobs 934yds
NYG John Jefferson 826yds
Sea Steve Largent 765yds
Games to Watch
Detroit 6-3 at Green Bay 5-4
After being embaressed last week the Packers have something to prove. This should be a hard hitter.
St. Louis 5-4 at Los Angeles 6-3
The Cardinals need this win if they hope to keep pace with the Cowboys and the Redskins, but don't bet on it.
Seattle 6-3 at Kansas City 6-3
This should be a high scoring shoot out coming right down to the wire.
Miami 7-2 at Houston 6-3
Two great defenses going head to head this should be a great game. The Oilers have revenge on their minds after getting knocked out of the playoffs by the Dolphins last season.
Playoff Standings
AFC
Miami 7-2
Kansas City 6-3
Pittsburgh 6-3
New York 6-3
Houston 6-3
Baltimore 6-3
----------------------
Seattle 6-3
NFC
Washington 6-3
Detroit 6-3
Los Angeles 6-3
Dallas 6-3
San Francisco 6-3
Green Bay 5-4
---------------------
St. Louis 5-4
Philadelphia 21 at Dallas 38
The first time Dallas touched the ball was when the Eagles punted on their first posession and Golden Richards returned it for a touchdown. The game pretty much followed that pattern. The Eagles defense played their best game of the year no doubt holding the Cowboys to under 200 yds of total offense, but they gave up close to 400 return yards.
Dallas
Roger Staubach 11/17 132yds 1TD
Doug Dennison 20car/48yds 2TDs
Ozzie Newsome 1tt/1rec/44yds
Golden Richards 5tt/4rec/28yds 1TD 6 punt returns/280yds 1TD 4 kick returns/107yds
Kenny Easley 12 tackles
Thomas Henderson 3 tackles 3 sacks
Philadelphia
John Walton 19/27 196yds 3TDs
Ricky Bell 16car/75yds 1Fumble
Alfred Jackson 2tt/1rec/46yds
Carl Hairston 4 tackles 1 sack
Dallas
Roger Staubach 11/17 132yds 1TD
Doug Dennison 20car/48yds 2TDs
Ozzie Newsome 1tt/1rec/44yds
Golden Richards 5tt/4rec/28yds 1TD 6 punt returns/280yds 1TD 4 kick returns/107yds
Kenny Easley 12 tackles
Thomas Henderson 3 tackles 3 sacks
Philadelphia
John Walton 19/27 196yds 3TDs
Ricky Bell 16car/75yds 1Fumble
Alfred Jackson 2tt/1rec/46yds
Carl Hairston 4 tackles 1 sack
Philadelphia (3-5) at Dallas (5-3)
Phil offense 11th 119.2 rush - [2nd] / 172.0 pass - [22nd]
defense 28th 97.4 rush - [16th] / 259.1 pass - [28th]
scoring 23.1 for - [1st] / 27.0 against - [28th]
________________________________
Dall offense 10th 103.4 rush - [10th] / 188.2 pass - [15th]
defense 18th 99.6 rush - [19th] / 195.5 pass - [17th]
scoring 22.5 for - [2nd] / 16.9 against - [16th]
key matchups:
HB Ricky Bell (822 yds/8 TDs) vs. LB Thomas Henderson (50 Tackles)
WR Charlie Smith (30 rec/568 yds/5 TDs) vs. CB Lester Hayes (2 INTs)
prediction:
Philadelphia 20, Dallas 28
defense 28th 97.4 rush - [16th] / 259.1 pass - [28th]
scoring 23.1 for - [1st] / 27.0 against - [28th]
________________________________
Dall offense 10th 103.4 rush - [10th] / 188.2 pass - [15th]
defense 18th 99.6 rush - [19th] / 195.5 pass - [17th]
scoring 22.5 for - [2nd] / 16.9 against - [16th]
key matchups:
HB Ricky Bell (822 yds/8 TDs) vs. LB Thomas Henderson (50 Tackles)
WR Charlie Smith (30 rec/568 yds/5 TDs) vs. CB Lester Hayes (2 INTs)
prediction:
Philadelphia 20, Dallas 28
Cincinnati 3 at Seattle 21
A good easy win for the Seahawks who continue to improve with Brian Sipe.
Seattle
Brian Sipe 15/27 240yds 3TDs 1Int
James Betterson 10car/44yds
Steve Largent 8tt/4rec/79yds 1TD
Dave Brown 6 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown
Cincinnati
Ken Anderson 12/26 169yds
Archie Griffin 15car/38yds
Isaac Curtis 9tt/4rec/52yds
Lucius Sanford 9 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown
Seattle
Brian Sipe 15/27 240yds 3TDs 1Int
James Betterson 10car/44yds
Steve Largent 8tt/4rec/79yds 1TD
Dave Brown 6 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown
Cincinnati
Ken Anderson 12/26 169yds
Archie Griffin 15car/38yds
Isaac Curtis 9tt/4rec/52yds
Lucius Sanford 9 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown
Cincinnati (3-5) at Seattle (5-3)
Cinn offense 23rd 71.6 rush - [23rd] / 189.0 pass - [14th]
defense 26th 127.1 rush - [26th] / 226.1 pass - [27th]
scoring 15.9 for - [20th] / 22.8 against - [26th]
________________________________
Sea offense 2nd 109.3 rush - [7th] / 206.6 pass - [5th]
defense 21st 101.9 rush - [21st] / 196.9 pass - [19th]
scoring 20.0 for - [9th] / 22.0 against - [25th]
key matchups:
DT John Harty (10 sacks) vs. G Dave Lapham
WR Steve Largent (37 rec/686 yds/4 TDs) vs. CB Scott Perry
WR Isaac Curtis (32 rec/614 yds/4 TDs) vs. CB Ernie Jones
prediction:
Cincinnati 19, Seattle 24
defense 26th 127.1 rush - [26th] / 226.1 pass - [27th]
scoring 15.9 for - [20th] / 22.8 against - [26th]
________________________________
Sea offense 2nd 109.3 rush - [7th] / 206.6 pass - [5th]
defense 21st 101.9 rush - [21st] / 196.9 pass - [19th]
scoring 20.0 for - [9th] / 22.0 against - [25th]
key matchups:
DT John Harty (10 sacks) vs. G Dave Lapham
WR Steve Largent (37 rec/686 yds/4 TDs) vs. CB Scott Perry
WR Isaac Curtis (32 rec/614 yds/4 TDs) vs. CB Ernie Jones
prediction:
Cincinnati 19, Seattle 24
Washington 20 at New York Giants 17 (OT)
The best game the Giants have played this year, but they just couldn't pull off the win. Too many missed scoring opportunities in the first half came back to get them. The Giants finally figured out they have a true superstar on their team and started getting John Jefferson the ball. The Redskins got great bench play in this one.
Washington
Joe Theismann 15/23 159yds
Steve Pisarkiewicz 4/6 98yds 1TD
Mike Thomas 19car/66yds 1TD
Frank Grant 4tt/3rec/102yds
Joe Norman 12 tackles
New York
Joe Reed 29/47 381yds 1TD
Chuck Muncie 21car/61yds
John Jefferson 18tt/11rec/212yds 1TD
Don Smith 5 tackles 4 sacks
Jerry Mullane 10 tackles
Ray Preston 6 tackles 1 sack
Washington
Joe Theismann 15/23 159yds
Steve Pisarkiewicz 4/6 98yds 1TD
Mike Thomas 19car/66yds 1TD
Frank Grant 4tt/3rec/102yds
Joe Norman 12 tackles
New York
Joe Reed 29/47 381yds 1TD
Chuck Muncie 21car/61yds
John Jefferson 18tt/11rec/212yds 1TD
Don Smith 5 tackles 4 sacks
Jerry Mullane 10 tackles
Ray Preston 6 tackles 1 sack
San Diego 21 at Oakland 10
The Chargers defense was simply too much for the Raiders.
San Diego
Dan Fouts 17/26 252yds 1TD
Rickey Young 26car/90yds 1TD 1Fumble
Jesse Wolfram 6tt/5rec/113yds
Woodrow Lowe 5 tackles 1 knockdown
Oakland
Ken Stabler 10/23 192yds 1TD
Derrick Jensen 13car/36yds
Darryl Neely 5tt/4rec/124yds 1TD
Ray Oldham 11 tackles 1 knockdown
Monte Johnson 11 tackles
Phil Villapiano 6 tackles 1 sack
Jack Tatum 6 tackles 1 fumble recovery
San Diego
Dan Fouts 17/26 252yds 1TD
Rickey Young 26car/90yds 1TD 1Fumble
Jesse Wolfram 6tt/5rec/113yds
Woodrow Lowe 5 tackles 1 knockdown
Oakland
Ken Stabler 10/23 192yds 1TD
Derrick Jensen 13car/36yds
Darryl Neely 5tt/4rec/124yds 1TD
Ray Oldham 11 tackles 1 knockdown
Monte Johnson 11 tackles
Phil Villapiano 6 tackles 1 sack
Jack Tatum 6 tackles 1 fumble recovery
Washington (5-3) at New YorkNFC (1-7)
Wash offense 6th 115.7 rush - [4th] / 183.9 pass - [18th]
defense 19th 91.0 rush - [11th] / 205.1 pass - [23rd]
scoring 22.1 for - [3rd] / 17.1 against - [18th]
________________________________
NYG offense 25th 47.1 rush - [28th] / 200.0 pass - [9th]
defense 20th 101.3 rush - [20th] / 195.8 pass - [18th]
scoring 8.1 for - [28th] / 20.3 against - [24th]
key matchups:
DT Don Smith (12 sacks) vs. G Ron Saul
HB Mike Thomas (647 yds/4 TDs) vs. New YorkNFC run D (3.9 rush avg)
prediction:
Washington 21, New YorkNFC 16
defense 19th 91.0 rush - [11th] / 205.1 pass - [23rd]
scoring 22.1 for - [3rd] / 17.1 against - [18th]
________________________________
NYG offense 25th 47.1 rush - [28th] / 200.0 pass - [9th]
defense 20th 101.3 rush - [20th] / 195.8 pass - [18th]
scoring 8.1 for - [28th] / 20.3 against - [24th]
key matchups:
DT Don Smith (12 sacks) vs. G Ron Saul
HB Mike Thomas (647 yds/4 TDs) vs. New YorkNFC run D (3.9 rush avg)
prediction:
Washington 21, New YorkNFC 16
San Diego (3-5) at Oakland (3-5)
S.D. offense 22nd 56.4 rush - [26th] / 207.7 pass - [4th]
defense 3rd 88.2 rush - [9th] / 129.6 pass - [1st]
scoring 16.1 for - [18th] / 15.0 against - [8th]
________________________________
Oak offense 18th 116.4 rush - [3rd] / 161.2 pass - [25th]
defense 27th 133.0 rush - [28th] / 221.0 pass - [26th]
scoring 20.1 for - [8th] / 26.6 against - [27th]
key matchups:
DT Manu Tuiasosopo (13 sacks) vs. G Gene Upshaw
WR Jesse Wolfram (33 rec/613 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Mike Spivey
prediction:
San Diego 21, Oakland 22
defense 3rd 88.2 rush - [9th] / 129.6 pass - [1st]
scoring 16.1 for - [18th] / 15.0 against - [8th]
________________________________
Oak offense 18th 116.4 rush - [3rd] / 161.2 pass - [25th]
defense 27th 133.0 rush - [28th] / 221.0 pass - [26th]
scoring 20.1 for - [8th] / 26.6 against - [27th]
key matchups:
DT Manu Tuiasosopo (13 sacks) vs. G Gene Upshaw
WR Jesse Wolfram (33 rec/613 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Mike Spivey
prediction:
San Diego 21, Oakland 22
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Atlanta 3 at San Francisco 21
An easy win for the 49ers, they really needed a game like this.
San Francisco
Jim Plunkett 16/29 166yds 2TDs
Delvin Williams 27car/167yds 1TD
Jim Lash 7tt/4rec/50yds
Aaron Mitchell 7 tackles 1 sack 3 knockdowns
Atlanta
Guy Benjamin 13/26 175yds 1Int
Bubba Bean 18car/53yds
Joe Stewart 5tt/2rec/64yds
Oliver Davis 9 tackles 1 knockdown
San Francisco
Jim Plunkett 16/29 166yds 2TDs
Delvin Williams 27car/167yds 1TD
Jim Lash 7tt/4rec/50yds
Aaron Mitchell 7 tackles 1 sack 3 knockdowns
Atlanta
Guy Benjamin 13/26 175yds 1Int
Bubba Bean 18car/53yds
Joe Stewart 5tt/2rec/64yds
Oliver Davis 9 tackles 1 knockdown
Atlanta (2-6) at San Francisco (5-3)
Atl offense 14th 81.1 rush - [20th] / 204.0 pass - [7th]
defense 12th 102.0 rush - [22nd] / 174.1 pass - [9th]
scoring 17.6 for - [16th] / 16.0 against - [10th]
________________________________
S.F. offense 13th 107.0 rush - [9th] / 179.0 pass - [20th]
defense 16th 79.0 rush - [7th] / 203.0 pass - [22nd]
scoring 19.4 for - [10th] / 16.0 against - [11th]
key matchups:
HB Delvin Williams (687 yds/2 TDs) vs. LB Fulton Kuykendall (47 Tackles)
prediction:
Atlanta 17, San Francisco 21
defense 12th 102.0 rush - [22nd] / 174.1 pass - [9th]
scoring 17.6 for - [16th] / 16.0 against - [10th]
________________________________
S.F. offense 13th 107.0 rush - [9th] / 179.0 pass - [20th]
defense 16th 79.0 rush - [7th] / 203.0 pass - [22nd]
scoring 19.4 for - [10th] / 16.0 against - [11th]
key matchups:
HB Delvin Williams (687 yds/2 TDs) vs. LB Fulton Kuykendall (47 Tackles)
prediction:
Atlanta 17, San Francisco 21
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Pittsburgh 28 at Kansas City 34 (OT)
This was a game of two halves. The Steelers really dominated the first half going in with a 21-10 lead, but the Chiefs defense played great the second half and allowed the offense to come back and tie it. You had a feeling that whoever won the toss to start overtime would win the game and that's exactly how it worked out. Greg Hendrickson and Ted Brown both played a fantastic game.
Kansas City
Greg Hendrickson 27/38 360yds 4TDs
Ted Brown 19car/151yds 1Fumble
Walter White 8tt/5rec/75yds
Kim Bokamper 5 tackles 1 sack
Bob Thornbladh 4 tackles 2 sacks
Pittsburgh
Terry Bradshaw 15/26 133yds 3TDs
Franco Harris 22car/61yds
John Stallworth 6tt/4rec/36yds
Al Humphrey 6 tackles 2 sacks
Lawrence Taylor 7 tackles 1 fumble recovery 1TD
Kansas City
Greg Hendrickson 27/38 360yds 4TDs
Ted Brown 19car/151yds 1Fumble
Walter White 8tt/5rec/75yds
Kim Bokamper 5 tackles 1 sack
Bob Thornbladh 4 tackles 2 sacks
Pittsburgh
Terry Bradshaw 15/26 133yds 3TDs
Franco Harris 22car/61yds
John Stallworth 6tt/4rec/36yds
Al Humphrey 6 tackles 2 sacks
Lawrence Taylor 7 tackles 1 fumble recovery 1TD
Pittsburgh (6-2) at Kansas City (5-3)
Pitt offense 4th 109.9 rush - [5th] / 190.6 pass - [12th]
defense 11th 82.9 rush - [8th] / 185.3 pass - [12th]
scoring 17.7 for - [15th] / 15.9 against - [9th]
________________________________
K.C. offense 9th 102.2 rush - [12th] / 191.9 pass - [10th]
defense 22nd 105.5 rush - [23rd] / 202.9 pass - [21st]
scoring 22.0 for - [4th] / 17.4 against - [19th]
key matchups:
WR Armand Jackson (39 rec/588 yds/5 TDs) vs. CB JT Thomas
QB Terry Bradshaw (14 TDs/1667 yds) vs. S Steve Bograkos (3 INTs)
HB Franco Harris (652 yds/1 TDs) vs. Kansas City run D (4.0 rush avg)
TE Randy Grossman (9 rec/70 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB Kim Bokamper (2 INTs)
prediction:
Pittsburgh 18, Kansas City 22
defense 11th 82.9 rush - [8th] / 185.3 pass - [12th]
scoring 17.7 for - [15th] / 15.9 against - [9th]
________________________________
K.C. offense 9th 102.2 rush - [12th] / 191.9 pass - [10th]
defense 22nd 105.5 rush - [23rd] / 202.9 pass - [21st]
scoring 22.0 for - [4th] / 17.4 against - [19th]
key matchups:
WR Armand Jackson (39 rec/588 yds/5 TDs) vs. CB JT Thomas
QB Terry Bradshaw (14 TDs/1667 yds) vs. S Steve Bograkos (3 INTs)
HB Franco Harris (652 yds/1 TDs) vs. Kansas City run D (4.0 rush avg)
TE Randy Grossman (9 rec/70 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB Kim Bokamper (2 INTs)
prediction:
Pittsburgh 18, Kansas City 22
New Orleans 13 at Los Angeles 35
An odd game statistically, but an easy win for the Rams who are really rolling right now.
Los Angeles
James Harris 13/22 250yds 3TDs
Lawrence McCtucheon 18car/60yds 2TDs
George Lantz 7tt/4rec/92yds 2TDs
Monte Jackson 6 tackles 1 sack 2 knockdowns
Bill Simpson 7 tackles 1 knockdown 1 int 1 fumble recovery
Isiah Robertson 6 tackles 2knockdowns 1 Int
New Orleans
Peil Pennington 15/39 222yds 1TD 1Int
Rick Lockwood 16car/62yds
Tony Dorsett 9car/64yds
Larry Burton 5tt/3rec/86yds 1TD
Sidney Brown 8 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown
Los Angeles
James Harris 13/22 250yds 3TDs
Lawrence McCtucheon 18car/60yds 2TDs
George Lantz 7tt/4rec/92yds 2TDs
Monte Jackson 6 tackles 1 sack 2 knockdowns
Bill Simpson 7 tackles 1 knockdown 1 int 1 fumble recovery
Isiah Robertson 6 tackles 2knockdowns 1 Int
New Orleans
Peil Pennington 15/39 222yds 1TD 1Int
Rick Lockwood 16car/62yds
Tony Dorsett 9car/64yds
Larry Burton 5tt/3rec/86yds 1TD
Sidney Brown 8 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown
New Orleans (3-5) at Los Angeles (5-3)
N.O. offense 19th 103.0 rush - [11th] / 168.3 pass - [23rd]
defense 6th 57.5 rush - [4th] / 190.5 pass - [16th]
scoring 8.6 for - [27th] / 14.1 against - [4th]
________________________________
L.A. offense 3rd 87.0 rush - [17th] / 214.5 pass - [2nd]
defense 7th 77.0 rush - [6th] / 178.0 pass - [10th]
scoring 18.0 for - [13th] / 14.9 against - [7th]
key matchups:
QB James Harris (14 TDs/1842 yds) vs. New Orleans pass D
HB Rick Lockwood (572 yds/0 TDs) vs. Los Angeles run D (3.0 rush avg)
prediction:
New Orleans 12, Los Angeles 19
defense 6th 57.5 rush - [4th] / 190.5 pass - [16th]
scoring 8.6 for - [27th] / 14.1 against - [4th]
________________________________
L.A. offense 3rd 87.0 rush - [17th] / 214.5 pass - [2nd]
defense 7th 77.0 rush - [6th] / 178.0 pass - [10th]
scoring 18.0 for - [13th] / 14.9 against - [7th]
key matchups:
QB James Harris (14 TDs/1842 yds) vs. New Orleans pass D
HB Rick Lockwood (572 yds/0 TDs) vs. Los Angeles run D (3.0 rush avg)
prediction:
New Orleans 12, Los Angeles 19
New England 23 at Baltimore 3
Colts fans will remember how they completely fell apart the second half of last season, this kind of performance is not going to provide any confidence to the Baltimore faithful.
New England
Steve Grogan 26/39 303yds 1TD 1Int
Don Calhoun 23car/102yds
Darryl Stingley 14tt/9rec/134yds 1TD
Larry McGrew 9 tackles 1 fumble recovery 1TD
Fred Cooper 4 tackles 1 sack 2 knockdowns
John Smith 3 of 4 long of 38yds
Baltimore
Bert Jones 14/34 197yds 1Fumble
Billy Sims 12car/19yds
Roger Carr 10tt/5rec/82yds
Stan White 5 tackles 1 knockdown 1 Int
Kirby Criswell 13 tackles
New England
Steve Grogan 26/39 303yds 1TD 1Int
Don Calhoun 23car/102yds
Darryl Stingley 14tt/9rec/134yds 1TD
Larry McGrew 9 tackles 1 fumble recovery 1TD
Fred Cooper 4 tackles 1 sack 2 knockdowns
John Smith 3 of 4 long of 38yds
Baltimore
Bert Jones 14/34 197yds 1Fumble
Billy Sims 12car/19yds
Roger Carr 10tt/5rec/82yds
Stan White 5 tackles 1 knockdown 1 Int
Kirby Criswell 13 tackles
Friday, September 18, 2009
New England (3-5) at Baltimore (6-2)
N.E. offense 24th 93.5 rush - [15th] / 164.1 pass - [24th]
defense 23rd 92.6 rush - [14th] / 217.0 pass - [25th]
scoring 18.1 for - [12th] / 18.6 against - [21st]
________________________________
Bal offense 8th 109.3 rush - [6th] / 186.4 pass - [16th]
defense 25th 98.4 rush - [18th] / 215.0 pass - [24th]
scoring 20.4 for - [6th] / 17.0 against - [17th]
key matchups:
HB Billy Sims (791 yds/4 TDs) vs. LB Steve Nelson (48 Tackles)
WR Roger Carr (23 rec/456 yds/3 TDs) vs. CB Mike Haynes (3 INTs)
HB Don Calhoun (569 yds/7 TDs) vs. LB Stan White (55 Tackles)
DE Julius Adams (10 sacks) vs. T George Kunz
prediction:
New England 18, Baltimore 23
defense 23rd 92.6 rush - [14th] / 217.0 pass - [25th]
scoring 18.1 for - [12th] / 18.6 against - [21st]
________________________________
Bal offense 8th 109.3 rush - [6th] / 186.4 pass - [16th]
defense 25th 98.4 rush - [18th] / 215.0 pass - [24th]
scoring 20.4 for - [6th] / 17.0 against - [17th]
key matchups:
HB Billy Sims (791 yds/4 TDs) vs. LB Steve Nelson (48 Tackles)
WR Roger Carr (23 rec/456 yds/3 TDs) vs. CB Mike Haynes (3 INTs)
HB Don Calhoun (569 yds/7 TDs) vs. LB Stan White (55 Tackles)
DE Julius Adams (10 sacks) vs. T George Kunz
prediction:
New England 18, Baltimore 23
__________________________________________________
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Green Bay 13 at Detroit 34
An easy win for the Lions to put them atop the NFC Central. Their defense scored 14 of the 34.
Detroit
Greg Landry 13/30 163yds 2TDs
Dexter Bussey 24car/78yds
Mel Jacobs 10tt/6rec/79yds
Gary Shugrue 6 tackles 1 sack
Jim Meeks 1 tackle 5 knockdowns
Charlie Weaver 6 tackles 1 Int 1TD
Ronnie Lott 4 tackles 1 knockdown 1 fumble recovery 1TD
Green Bay
Lynn Dickey 21/46 261yds 1Int
Willie Wilder 3car/8yds
Ollie Smith 13tt/4rec/56yds 1Fumble
Ken Payne 13tt/8rec/109yds
Rickey Jackson 5 tackles 1 sack
Detroit
Greg Landry 13/30 163yds 2TDs
Dexter Bussey 24car/78yds
Mel Jacobs 10tt/6rec/79yds
Gary Shugrue 6 tackles 1 sack
Jim Meeks 1 tackle 5 knockdowns
Charlie Weaver 6 tackles 1 Int 1TD
Ronnie Lott 4 tackles 1 knockdown 1 fumble recovery 1TD
Green Bay
Lynn Dickey 21/46 261yds 1Int
Willie Wilder 3car/8yds
Ollie Smith 13tt/4rec/56yds 1Fumble
Ken Payne 13tt/8rec/109yds
Rickey Jackson 5 tackles 1 sack
Green Bay (5-3) at Detroit (5-3)
G.B. offense 20th 64.5 rush - [24th] / 204.1 pass - [6th]
defense 2nd 52.1 rush - [3rd] / 163.8 pass - [5th]
scoring 20.6 for - [5th] / 14.8 against - [6th]
________________________________
Det offense 12th 87.0 rush - [18th] / 200.4 pass - [8th]
defense 13th 89.4 rush - [10th] / 187.5 pass - [15th]
scoring 17.0 for - [17th] / 16.1 against - [12th]
key matchups:
WR Mel Jacobs (50 rec/855 yds/6 TDs) vs. CB Henry Monroe
TE Junior Miller (12 rec/196 yds/1 TDs) vs. LB Dan Bunz (2 INTs)
HB David Overstreet (389 yds/6 TDs) vs. Detroit run D (3.8 rush avg)
DE Mark Gastineau (10 sacks) vs. T Russ Bollinger
DT Dan Hampton (13 sacks) vs. G Lynn Boden
prediction:
Green Bay 18, Detroit 19
defense 2nd 52.1 rush - [3rd] / 163.8 pass - [5th]
scoring 20.6 for - [5th] / 14.8 against - [6th]
________________________________
Det offense 12th 87.0 rush - [18th] / 200.4 pass - [8th]
defense 13th 89.4 rush - [10th] / 187.5 pass - [15th]
scoring 17.0 for - [17th] / 16.1 against - [12th]
key matchups:
WR Mel Jacobs (50 rec/855 yds/6 TDs) vs. CB Henry Monroe
TE Junior Miller (12 rec/196 yds/1 TDs) vs. LB Dan Bunz (2 INTs)
HB David Overstreet (389 yds/6 TDs) vs. Detroit run D (3.8 rush avg)
DE Mark Gastineau (10 sacks) vs. T Russ Bollinger
DT Dan Hampton (13 sacks) vs. G Lynn Boden
prediction:
Green Bay 18, Detroit 19
Denver 15 at New York Jets 27
Vince Evans and the Jets are looking better each week. He had a brilliant game here. They did lose Clark Gaines who was carried off the field on a stretcher. It's looking like he'll miss the remainder of the regular season.
New York
Vince Evans 18/25 216yds 2TDs
Clark Gaines 22car/66yds
Lou Piccone 5tt/4rec/63yds
Dennis Thurman 9 tackles 1 knockdown
Denver
Danny White 20/37 227yds
Otis Armstrong 13car/36yds 1TD
Riley Odoms 9tt/6rec/75yds
Terrence Yunker 10tt/5rec/54yds
Donald Dykes 10 tackles 1 sack
New York
Vince Evans 18/25 216yds 2TDs
Clark Gaines 22car/66yds
Lou Piccone 5tt/4rec/63yds
Dennis Thurman 9 tackles 1 knockdown
Denver
Danny White 20/37 227yds
Otis Armstrong 13car/36yds 1TD
Riley Odoms 9tt/6rec/75yds
Terrence Yunker 10tt/5rec/54yds
Donald Dykes 10 tackles 1 sack
Denver (2-6) at New YorkAFC (5-3)
Den offense 5th 89.0 rush - [16th] / 211.4 pass - [3rd]
defense 14th 92.4 rush - [12th] / 185.4 pass - [14th]
scoring 16.0 for - [19th] / 19.2 against - [23rd]
________________________________
NYJ offense 17th 95.9 rush - [13th] / 182.4 pass - [19th]
defense 17th 130.2 rush - [27th] / 160.8 pass - [4th]
scoring 14.6 for - [23rd] / 14.8 against - [5th]
key matchups:
HB Otis Armstrong (610 yds/2 TDs) vs. New YorkAFC run D (4.5 rush avg)
prediction:
Denver 15, New YorkAFC 20
defense 14th 92.4 rush - [12th] / 185.4 pass - [14th]
scoring 16.0 for - [19th] / 19.2 against - [23rd]
________________________________
NYJ offense 17th 95.9 rush - [13th] / 182.4 pass - [19th]
defense 17th 130.2 rush - [27th] / 160.8 pass - [4th]
scoring 14.6 for - [23rd] / 14.8 against - [5th]
key matchups:
HB Otis Armstrong (610 yds/2 TDs) vs. New YorkAFC run D (4.5 rush avg)
prediction:
Denver 15, New YorkAFC 20
Tampa Bay 21 at Chicago 17
What a roller coaster ride of a game for the Buccaneers. They completely dominated this game in every aspect. It was their three fumbles in the first quarter that gave Chicago a quick 17-0 lead. Then the Bucs settled down and slowly worked their way back into it. Then the most shocking coaching move. On the Chicago 22 with 48 seconds left in the game on a 4th and 6 Tampa brought in their backup quarterback Steve Fuller. Fuller hit four straight passes clinching the win with 15 seconds left.
Tampa Bay
Rich Campbell 27/41 283yds 1TD 2Fumbles
Charles Alexander 15car/62yds
Morris Owens 10tt/7rec/75yds
Mark Cotney 7 tackles 1 Int
Chicago
Bob Avellini 9/14 76yds 1TD
Walter Payton 15car/50yds
Ronald Parker 5tt/3rec/25yds 1TD
Vaughn Lusby 11 tackles 1 knockdown
Waymond Bryant 5 tackles 1 fumble recovery
Tampa Bay
Rich Campbell 27/41 283yds 1TD 2Fumbles
Charles Alexander 15car/62yds
Morris Owens 10tt/7rec/75yds
Mark Cotney 7 tackles 1 Int
Chicago
Bob Avellini 9/14 76yds 1TD
Walter Payton 15car/50yds
Ronald Parker 5tt/3rec/25yds 1TD
Vaughn Lusby 11 tackles 1 knockdown
Waymond Bryant 5 tackles 1 fumble recovery
__________________________________________________
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Tampa Bay (3-5) at Chicago (4-4)
T.B. offense 28th 54.5 rush - [27th] / 154.0 pass - [26th]
defense 10th 92.5 rush - [13th] / 170.2 pass - [8th]
scoring 12.5 for - [25th] / 11.4 against - [2nd]
________________________________
Chi offense 27th 75.5 rush - [22nd] / 142.6 pass - [28th]
defense 8th 97.4 rush - [17th] / 158.0 pass - [3rd]
scoring 14.9 for - [22nd] / 16.4 against - [13th]
key matchups:
DT Myron Lapka (12 sacks) vs. G Everett Little
TE Ronald Parker (23 rec/220 yds/2 TDs) vs. LB Clay Matthews (3 INTs)
WR Morris Owens (22 rec/311 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Allan Ellis (2 INTs)
prediction:
Tampa Bay 14, Chicago 16
defense 10th 92.5 rush - [13th] / 170.2 pass - [8th]
scoring 12.5 for - [25th] / 11.4 against - [2nd]
________________________________
Chi offense 27th 75.5 rush - [22nd] / 142.6 pass - [28th]
defense 8th 97.4 rush - [17th] / 158.0 pass - [3rd]
scoring 14.9 for - [22nd] / 16.4 against - [13th]
key matchups:
DT Myron Lapka (12 sacks) vs. G Everett Little
TE Ronald Parker (23 rec/220 yds/2 TDs) vs. LB Clay Matthews (3 INTs)
WR Morris Owens (22 rec/311 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Allan Ellis (2 INTs)
prediction:
Tampa Bay 14, Chicago 16
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Fw: NFL 1981 Week 9 Preview--UPSET SPECIAL!
Look for Danny White and 2-6 Denver to jolt the 5-3 Jets in New York!
Buffalo 7 at Miami 34
A very tight first half, the Bills seemed to break midway through the 3rd quarter both offensively and defensively.
Miami
Bob Griese 19/33 281yds 1TD
Benny Malone 28car/88yds 2TDs
Willis Adams 12tt/5rec/126yds 1TD
Ted Bachman 1 tackle 2 sacks 1 knockdown 1 Int
Buffalo
Joe Ferguson 11/26 106yds 1TD 2Ints
OJ Simpson 13car/2yds
Bob Chandler 8tt/4rec/42yds 1TD
Rod Horn 3 sacks
John Anderson 8 tackles 2 knockdowns
Miami
Bob Griese 19/33 281yds 1TD
Benny Malone 28car/88yds 2TDs
Willis Adams 12tt/5rec/126yds 1TD
Ted Bachman 1 tackle 2 sacks 1 knockdown 1 Int
Buffalo
Joe Ferguson 11/26 106yds 1TD 2Ints
OJ Simpson 13car/2yds
Bob Chandler 8tt/4rec/42yds 1TD
Rod Horn 3 sacks
John Anderson 8 tackles 2 knockdowns
Buffalo (4-4) at Miami (6-2)
Buff offense 21st 76.1 rush - [21st] / 191.1 pass - [11th]
defense 24th 126.9 rush - [25th] / 185.4 pass - [13th]
scoring 12.6 for - [24th] / 16.6 against - [14th]
________________________________
Mia offense 7th 145.8 rush - [1st] / 152.6 pass - [27th]
defense 1st 43.8 rush - [2nd] / 168.6 pass - [7th]
scoring 18.5 for - [11th] / 9.5 against - [1st]
key matchups:
HB Benny Malone (822 yds/4 TDs) vs. LB John Anderson (53 Tackles)
prediction:
Buffalo 11, Miami 21
defense 24th 126.9 rush - [25th] / 185.4 pass - [13th]
scoring 12.6 for - [24th] / 16.6 against - [14th]
________________________________
Mia offense 7th 145.8 rush - [1st] / 152.6 pass - [27th]
defense 1st 43.8 rush - [2nd] / 168.6 pass - [7th]
scoring 18.5 for - [11th] / 9.5 against - [1st]
key matchups:
HB Benny Malone (822 yds/4 TDs) vs. LB John Anderson (53 Tackles)
prediction:
Buffalo 11, Miami 21
St. Louis 17 at Minnesota 20
The Vikings upset the Cardinals with big plays on both offense and defense. A bad loss for St. Louis who dominated this game in so many ways.
Minnesota
Bob Lee 11/21 201yds 2TDs
Chuck Foreman 14car/133yds
Ahmad Rashad 12tt/7rec/163yds 1TD
Matt Blair 10 tackles 1 fumble recovery
St. Louis
Jim Hart 25/44 277yds 1TD
Steve Jones 7car/33yds 1Fumble
Ike Harris 13tt/6rec/77yds
Norm Thompson 5 tackles 1 sack
Minnesota
Bob Lee 11/21 201yds 2TDs
Chuck Foreman 14car/133yds
Ahmad Rashad 12tt/7rec/163yds 1TD
Matt Blair 10 tackles 1 fumble recovery
St. Louis
Jim Hart 25/44 277yds 1TD
Steve Jones 7car/33yds 1Fumble
Ike Harris 13tt/6rec/77yds
Norm Thompson 5 tackles 1 sack
St. Louis (5-3) at Minnesota (3-5)
StL offense 1st 82.0 rush - [19th] / 272.9 pass - [1st]
defense 5th 75.1 rush - [5th] / 167.9 pass - [6th]
scoring 20.1 for - [7th] / 16.9 against - [15th]
________________________________
Minn offense 15th 107.5 rush - [8th] / 177.0 pass - [21st]
defense 15th 94.1 rush - [15th] / 184.5 pass - [11th]
scoring 15.4 for - [21st] / 19.1 against - [22nd]
key matchups:
WR Ike Harris (49 rec/674 yds/4 TDs) vs. CB Walt Williams (2 INTs)
prediction:
St. Louis 20, Minnesota 19
defense 5th 75.1 rush - [5th] / 167.9 pass - [6th]
scoring 20.1 for - [7th] / 16.9 against - [15th]
________________________________
Minn offense 15th 107.5 rush - [8th] / 177.0 pass - [21st]
defense 15th 94.1 rush - [15th] / 184.5 pass - [11th]
scoring 15.4 for - [21st] / 19.1 against - [22nd]
key matchups:
WR Ike Harris (49 rec/674 yds/4 TDs) vs. CB Walt Williams (2 INTs)
prediction:
St. Louis 20, Minnesota 19
__________________________________________________
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Houston 19 at Cleveland 12
Houston struggled in this one on the road. Neither their offense nor their defense is playing up to their expected standards right now, but a win is a win.
Houston
Dan Pastorini 14/29 177yds 1Int
Ronnie Coleman 18car/87yds 1TD
Ken burrough 8tt/4rec/59yds
Barry Krauss 8 tackles 5 sacks 2 knockdowns
George Andrews 6 tackles 1 sack
Greg Stemrick 9 tackles 1 knockdown 1Int
Cleveland
Dave Mays 22/47 345yds 3Ints
Greg Pruitt 13car/13yds 1TD
Tom Fleming 10tt/6rec/157yds
Aundra thompson 12tt/4rec/80yds
Gary Gorrell 7 tackles 1 Int
Houston
Dan Pastorini 14/29 177yds 1Int
Ronnie Coleman 18car/87yds 1TD
Ken burrough 8tt/4rec/59yds
Barry Krauss 8 tackles 5 sacks 2 knockdowns
George Andrews 6 tackles 1 sack
Greg Stemrick 9 tackles 1 knockdown 1Int
Cleveland
Dave Mays 22/47 345yds 3Ints
Greg Pruitt 13car/13yds 1TD
Tom Fleming 10tt/6rec/157yds
Aundra thompson 12tt/4rec/80yds
Gary Gorrell 7 tackles 1 Int
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Houston (5-3) at Cleveland (2-6)
Hou offense 16th 93.8 rush - [14th] / 190.6 pass - [13th]
defense 4th 27.5 rush - [1st] / 198.6 pass - [20th]
scoring 18.0 for - [14th] / 11.9 against - [3rd]
________________________________
Clev offense 26th 61.6 rush - [25th] / 185.3 pass - [17th]
defense 9th 109.5 rush - [24th] / 146.4 pass - [2nd]
scoring 11.6 for - [26th] / 17.6 against - [20th]
key matchups:
WR Tom Fleming (22 rec/263 yds/0 TDs) vs. CB Willie Alexander (2 INTs/1 TDs)
HB Ronnie Coleman (582 yds/5 TDs) vs. LB Gary Gorrell (53 Tackles)
prediction:
Houston 18, Cleveland 15
defense 4th 27.5 rush - [1st] / 198.6 pass - [20th]
scoring 18.0 for - [14th] / 11.9 against - [3rd]
________________________________
Clev offense 26th 61.6 rush - [25th] / 185.3 pass - [17th]
defense 9th 109.5 rush - [24th] / 146.4 pass - [2nd]
scoring 11.6 for - [26th] / 17.6 against - [20th]
key matchups:
WR Tom Fleming (22 rec/263 yds/0 TDs) vs. CB Willie Alexander (2 INTs/1 TDs)
HB Ronnie Coleman (582 yds/5 TDs) vs. LB Gary Gorrell (53 Tackles)
prediction:
Houston 18, Cleveland 15
NFL 1981 Week 9 Preview
The NFC East is turning into an interesting three way race between St. Louis, Dallas, and Washington. All three won this week, but St. Louis still holds the edge having beaten the other two. This race looks like it will go through the second half of the season and should be fun to watch. The Giants are definitely the worst team in the NFL and the Eagles have the worst defense in the NFL, so it's just these three of interest in the NFC East.
The NFC Central has also been a battle of three teams here in the first half of the season, the Packers, Lions, and Bears. The Bears don't seem to have the offense for staying power through the second half of the season, and Tampa Bay may make a run if they get it together, but really this is a battle between Green Bay and Detroit and it should be a good one. The key to the Lions is their defense and running game. Greg Landry is having another outstanding season, but the running game is struggling as is the defense. If they play better the second half of the season I believe they win the Central Division, if not it's got to fall to the Packers who simply have the best defense in the NFC.
The 49ers and the Rams have turned the NFC West into a two man race. The Saints started hot, but have absolutely no offense and are out unless things change dramatically, and though the Falcons are playing better they are still a few years off from being a good team. The Rams and the 49ers, old as they are can still get it done. Los Angeles looks great right now. Their running game is getting going and James Harris is having a great season. I look to the Rams to pull away in the second half and take the Division. I believe this will have been the 49ers last shot with this group of players.
The AFC West is also a two man race between Kansas City and Seattle. Brian Sipe has played brilliantly for Seattle and sparked their team. Their defense has not been so hat and will have to improve over the second half if they hope to take the Division. Meanwhile the Chiefs have been very consistent. They easily handle the bad teams, but have struggled against the better opponents, and have lost two in a row. Their schedule is very tough in the second half of the seaosn and that could be their undoing. This leaves the door open for the Chargers to make a run in the second half of the season. They have the same team back that made the playoffs last year, but they will have to start getting their offense going if they hope to turn things around.
In the AFC Central the Steelers are sitting on top to everyone's surprise. They were the second worst team in the NFL last season and now they sit atop the AFC and have beaten some very good teams. Their defense has to play better the second half if they want to stay on top as the Houston Oilers will be coming. The Oilers have struggled at times, but are still a very good team. This should be a great Division race.
The AFC East meanwhile is wide open. The Colts and Dolphins seemed to be running away with things, but the Jets with their new quarterback have spring to life and sit right behind these two. It took a while for thier offense to get going, but they are playing very well right now and could be dangerous in the second half. The Dolphins also started a bit sluggish, but their offense has come around and their defense is by far the best in the League. The wild card here is Baltimore. They collapsed the second half of last season and have been slowing down a bit as the season has progressed. They have to get better play from their defense if they hope to survive and win the Division. Buffalo is another team in this Division who still has a shot. At times their defense has looked brilliant and if they can find consistency there they may make a run at the playoffs.
Standings
AFC
East: Baltimore, Miami 6-2; New York 5-3; Buffalo 4-4; New England 3-5
Central: Pittsburgh 6-2; Houston 5-3; Cincinnati 3-5; Cleveland 2-6
West: Kansas City, Seattle 5-3; Oakland, San Diego 3-5; Denver 2-6
NFC
East: Dallas, Washington, St. Louis 5-3; Philadelphia 3-5; New York 1-7
Central: Green Bay, Detroit 5-3; Chicago 4-4; Minnesota, Tampa Bay 3-5
West: San Francisco, Los Angeles 5-3; New Orleans 3-5; Atlanta 2-6
Statistics
QBs
Det Greg Landry 99.8
Sea Brian Sipe 93.4
Dal Roger Staubach 90.5
RBs
Phi Ricky Bell 822yds
Mia Benny Malone 822yds
Bal Billy Sims 791yds
Recs
Det Mel Jacobs 855yds
Sea Steve Largent 686yds
StL Ike Harris 674yds
Playoff Picture
AFC
Miami 6-2
Pittsburgh 6-2
Kansas City 5-3
Baltimore 6-2
New York 5-3
Houston 5-3
---------------------------
Seattle 5-3
NFC
Green Bay 5-3
Los Angeles 5-3
St. Louis 5-3
Detroit 5-3
San Francisco 5-3
Washington 5-3
--------------------------
Dallas 5-3
Games to Watch
Green Bay 5-3 at Detroit 5-3
A great way to kick off the second half of the season, this is a must win for Detroit at home in this series.
Pittsburgh 6-2 at Kansas Ctiy 5-3
The Chiefs have lost two in a row to teams with winning records. They really need this win at home. The Steelers will have a tough job of stopping the Chiefs dangerous offense, this should be a great game.
The NFC Central has also been a battle of three teams here in the first half of the season, the Packers, Lions, and Bears. The Bears don't seem to have the offense for staying power through the second half of the season, and Tampa Bay may make a run if they get it together, but really this is a battle between Green Bay and Detroit and it should be a good one. The key to the Lions is their defense and running game. Greg Landry is having another outstanding season, but the running game is struggling as is the defense. If they play better the second half of the season I believe they win the Central Division, if not it's got to fall to the Packers who simply have the best defense in the NFC.
The 49ers and the Rams have turned the NFC West into a two man race. The Saints started hot, but have absolutely no offense and are out unless things change dramatically, and though the Falcons are playing better they are still a few years off from being a good team. The Rams and the 49ers, old as they are can still get it done. Los Angeles looks great right now. Their running game is getting going and James Harris is having a great season. I look to the Rams to pull away in the second half and take the Division. I believe this will have been the 49ers last shot with this group of players.
The AFC West is also a two man race between Kansas City and Seattle. Brian Sipe has played brilliantly for Seattle and sparked their team. Their defense has not been so hat and will have to improve over the second half if they hope to take the Division. Meanwhile the Chiefs have been very consistent. They easily handle the bad teams, but have struggled against the better opponents, and have lost two in a row. Their schedule is very tough in the second half of the seaosn and that could be their undoing. This leaves the door open for the Chargers to make a run in the second half of the season. They have the same team back that made the playoffs last year, but they will have to start getting their offense going if they hope to turn things around.
In the AFC Central the Steelers are sitting on top to everyone's surprise. They were the second worst team in the NFL last season and now they sit atop the AFC and have beaten some very good teams. Their defense has to play better the second half if they want to stay on top as the Houston Oilers will be coming. The Oilers have struggled at times, but are still a very good team. This should be a great Division race.
The AFC East meanwhile is wide open. The Colts and Dolphins seemed to be running away with things, but the Jets with their new quarterback have spring to life and sit right behind these two. It took a while for thier offense to get going, but they are playing very well right now and could be dangerous in the second half. The Dolphins also started a bit sluggish, but their offense has come around and their defense is by far the best in the League. The wild card here is Baltimore. They collapsed the second half of last season and have been slowing down a bit as the season has progressed. They have to get better play from their defense if they hope to survive and win the Division. Buffalo is another team in this Division who still has a shot. At times their defense has looked brilliant and if they can find consistency there they may make a run at the playoffs.
Standings
AFC
East: Baltimore, Miami 6-2; New York 5-3; Buffalo 4-4; New England 3-5
Central: Pittsburgh 6-2; Houston 5-3; Cincinnati 3-5; Cleveland 2-6
West: Kansas City, Seattle 5-3; Oakland, San Diego 3-5; Denver 2-6
NFC
East: Dallas, Washington, St. Louis 5-3; Philadelphia 3-5; New York 1-7
Central: Green Bay, Detroit 5-3; Chicago 4-4; Minnesota, Tampa Bay 3-5
West: San Francisco, Los Angeles 5-3; New Orleans 3-5; Atlanta 2-6
Statistics
QBs
Det Greg Landry 99.8
Sea Brian Sipe 93.4
Dal Roger Staubach 90.5
RBs
Phi Ricky Bell 822yds
Mia Benny Malone 822yds
Bal Billy Sims 791yds
Recs
Det Mel Jacobs 855yds
Sea Steve Largent 686yds
StL Ike Harris 674yds
Playoff Picture
AFC
Miami 6-2
Pittsburgh 6-2
Kansas City 5-3
Baltimore 6-2
New York 5-3
Houston 5-3
---------------------------
Seattle 5-3
NFC
Green Bay 5-3
Los Angeles 5-3
St. Louis 5-3
Detroit 5-3
San Francisco 5-3
Washington 5-3
--------------------------
Dallas 5-3
Games to Watch
Green Bay 5-3 at Detroit 5-3
A great way to kick off the second half of the season, this is a must win for Detroit at home in this series.
Pittsburgh 6-2 at Kansas Ctiy 5-3
The Chiefs have lost two in a row to teams with winning records. They really need this win at home. The Steelers will have a tough job of stopping the Chiefs dangerous offense, this should be a great game.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Oakland 34 at Denver 17
Great win for the Raiders over their rival Broncos.
Oakland
Ken Stabler 17/27 144yds 3TDs
Derrick Jensen 18car/47yds 1TD 1Fumble
Cliff Branch 9tt/6rec/69yds
Jack Tatum 8 tackles 1 knockdown 1 Int
Ray Oldham 9 tackles 1 Int
Denver
Danny White 24/41 343yds 1TD 2Ints
Otis Armstrong 17car/30yds 1Fumble
Art Monk 12tt/9rec/89yds
Terrence Yunker 6tt/5rec/144yds 1TD
Tom Jackson 8 tackles 1 knockdown
Oakland
Ken Stabler 17/27 144yds 3TDs
Derrick Jensen 18car/47yds 1TD 1Fumble
Cliff Branch 9tt/6rec/69yds
Jack Tatum 8 tackles 1 knockdown 1 Int
Ray Oldham 9 tackles 1 Int
Denver
Danny White 24/41 343yds 1TD 2Ints
Otis Armstrong 17car/30yds 1Fumble
Art Monk 12tt/9rec/89yds
Terrence Yunker 6tt/5rec/144yds 1TD
Tom Jackson 8 tackles 1 knockdown
Oakland (2-5) at Denver (2-5)
Oak offense 14th 119.6 rush - [3rd] / 163.9 pass - [26th]
defense 26th 143.6 rush - [28th] / 205.7 pass - [22nd]
scoring 18.1 for - [13th] / 28.0 against - [28th]
________________________________
Den offense 10th 93.3 rush - [14th] / 194.7 pass - [10th]
defense 14th 92.1 rush - [11th] / 191.4 pass - [15th]
scoring 15.9 for - [20th] / 17.1 against - [19th]
key matchups:
HB Otis Armstrong (580 yds/2 TDs) vs. Oakland run D (4.7 rush avg)
prediction:
Oakland 18, Denver 25
defense 26th 143.6 rush - [28th] / 205.7 pass - [22nd]
scoring 18.1 for - [13th] / 28.0 against - [28th]
________________________________
Den offense 10th 93.3 rush - [14th] / 194.7 pass - [10th]
defense 14th 92.1 rush - [11th] / 191.4 pass - [15th]
scoring 15.9 for - [20th] / 17.1 against - [19th]
key matchups:
HB Otis Armstrong (580 yds/2 TDs) vs. Oakland run D (4.7 rush avg)
prediction:
Oakland 18, Denver 25
Dallas 41 at Philadelphia 13
The Eagles simply have no defense. A good win on the road for the Cowboys who got a very solid game out of their defense.
Dallas
Roger Staubach 15/22 265yds 3TDs 1Int
Earl Campbell 14car/52yds 1TD
Golden Richards 5tt/4rec/98yds
Kenny Easley 7 tackles 2 knockdowns
Philadelphia
John Walton 14/42 148yds 1Fumble
Ricky Bell 13car/68yds
Charlie Young 9tt/6rec/67yds
Michael Dunn 9 tackles 1 knockdown
Ted Watts 6 tackles 1 knockdown 1 Int 1TD
Dallas
Roger Staubach 15/22 265yds 3TDs 1Int
Earl Campbell 14car/52yds 1TD
Golden Richards 5tt/4rec/98yds
Kenny Easley 7 tackles 2 knockdowns
Philadelphia
John Walton 14/42 148yds 1Fumble
Ricky Bell 13car/68yds
Charlie Young 9tt/6rec/67yds
Michael Dunn 9 tackles 1 knockdown
Ted Watts 6 tackles 1 knockdown 1 Int 1TD
Dallas (4-3) at Philadelphia (3-4)
Dall offense 13th 105.9 rush - [11th] / 177.7 pass - [17th]
defense 21st 97.7 rush - [18th] / 205.7 pass - [21st]
scoring 19.9 for - [6th] / 17.4 against - [20th]
________________________________
Phil offense 6th 120.1 rush - [2nd] / 178.9 pass - [16th]
defense 28th 99.0 rush - [19th] / 258.7 pass - [28th]
scoring 24.6 for - [1st] / 25.0 against - [27th]
key matchups:
HB Ricky Bell (754 yds/8 TDs) vs. LB Thomas Henderson (44 Tackles)
WR Charlie Smith (30 rec/568 yds/5 TDs) vs. CB Levi Johnson
HB Earl Campbell (493 yds/2 TDs) vs. LB John Bunting (43 Tackles)
prediction:
Dallas 22, Philadelphia 24
defense 21st 97.7 rush - [18th] / 205.7 pass - [21st]
scoring 19.9 for - [6th] / 17.4 against - [20th]
________________________________
Phil offense 6th 120.1 rush - [2nd] / 178.9 pass - [16th]
defense 28th 99.0 rush - [19th] / 258.7 pass - [28th]
scoring 24.6 for - [1st] / 25.0 against - [27th]
key matchups:
HB Ricky Bell (754 yds/8 TDs) vs. LB Thomas Henderson (44 Tackles)
WR Charlie Smith (30 rec/568 yds/5 TDs) vs. CB Levi Johnson
HB Earl Campbell (493 yds/2 TDs) vs. LB John Bunting (43 Tackles)
prediction:
Dallas 22, Philadelphia 24
Seattle 24 at San Diego 10
Seattle ran off 21 unanaswered points in the second half of this game as they completely shut down the Chargers offense for a very convincing win. This puts the Seahawks even now with the Chiefs in the AFC West.
Seattle
Brian Sipe 19/30 232yds 2TDs 1Int
Sterling Rolfe 14car/40yds
Steve Largent 8tt/5rec/120yds
Otis Wilson 6 tackles
San Diego
Dan Fouts 15/35 226yds 1TD 1Int
Rickey Young 12car/23yds 1Fumble
Jesse Wolfream 11tt/6rec/146yds 1TD
Mark Merrill 6 tackles 2 sacks
Willie Jones 5 tackles 1 sack
Seattle
Brian Sipe 19/30 232yds 2TDs 1Int
Sterling Rolfe 14car/40yds
Steve Largent 8tt/5rec/120yds
Otis Wilson 6 tackles
San Diego
Dan Fouts 15/35 226yds 1TD 1Int
Rickey Young 12car/23yds 1Fumble
Jesse Wolfream 11tt/6rec/146yds 1TD
Mark Merrill 6 tackles 2 sacks
Willie Jones 5 tackles 1 sack
Seattle (4-3) at San Diego (3-4)
Sea offense 2nd 108.1 rush - [7th] / 207.6 pass - [7th]
defense 23rd 110.4 rush - [24th] / 195.3 pass - [18th]
scoring 19.4 for - [8th] / 23.7 against - [26th]
________________________________
S.D. offense 21st 58.4 rush - [26th] / 207.7 pass - [6th]
defense 1st 84.1 rush - [9th] / 119.6 pass - [1st]
scoring 17.0 for - [17th] / 13.7 against - [6th]
key matchups:
DE Fred Dean (8 sacks) vs. T Marvin Powell
DT Manu Tuiasosopo (13 sacks) vs. G Ron Coder
DT John Harty (8 sacks) vs. G Doug Wilkerson
WR Steve Largent (32 rec/566 yds/4 TDs) vs. CB Mike Fuller
prediction:
Seattle 17, San Diego 23
defense 23rd 110.4 rush - [24th] / 195.3 pass - [18th]
scoring 19.4 for - [8th] / 23.7 against - [26th]
________________________________
S.D. offense 21st 58.4 rush - [26th] / 207.7 pass - [6th]
defense 1st 84.1 rush - [9th] / 119.6 pass - [1st]
scoring 17.0 for - [17th] / 13.7 against - [6th]
key matchups:
DE Fred Dean (8 sacks) vs. T Marvin Powell
DT Manu Tuiasosopo (13 sacks) vs. G Ron Coder
DT John Harty (8 sacks) vs. G Doug Wilkerson
WR Steve Largent (32 rec/566 yds/4 TDs) vs. CB Mike Fuller
prediction:
Seattle 17, San Diego 23
Kansas City 21 at Washington 31
The Chiefs ran into a team with just as good an offense and a much better defense, in other words a better team. A good win for the Redskins.
Washington
Joe Theismann 19/30 279yds 3TDs
Mike Thomas 13car/55yds 1Fumble
Don Westbrook 11tt/9rec/180yds 2TDs
Dave Butz 3 sacks
Kansas City
Greg Hendrickson 15/27 250yds 1TD
Ted Brown 14car/61yds
Armand Jackson 10tt/5rec/92yds
Carl Roaches 8tt/6rec/135yds 1TD
Bob Gregolunas 7 tackles 1 fumble recovery 1TD
Durwood Keeton 7 tackles 1 sack
Washington
Joe Theismann 19/30 279yds 3TDs
Mike Thomas 13car/55yds 1Fumble
Don Westbrook 11tt/9rec/180yds 2TDs
Dave Butz 3 sacks
Kansas City
Greg Hendrickson 15/27 250yds 1TD
Ted Brown 14car/61yds
Armand Jackson 10tt/5rec/92yds
Carl Roaches 8tt/6rec/135yds 1TD
Bob Gregolunas 7 tackles 1 fumble recovery 1TD
Durwood Keeton 7 tackles 1 sack
Kansas City (5-2) at Washington (4-3)
K.C. offense 7th 106.4 rush - [10th] / 187.6 pass - [13th]
defense 18th 100.1 rush - [20th] / 194.4 pass - [17th]
scoring 22.1 for - [2nd] / 15.4 against - [12th]
________________________________
Wash offense 12th 111.9 rush - [4th] / 172.7 pass - [20th]
defense 19th 93.6 rush - [13th] / 202.7 pass - [20th]
scoring 20.9 for - [3rd] / 16.6 against - [15th]
key matchups:
HB Mike Thomas (592 yds/4 TDs) vs. Kansas City run D (4.0 rush avg)
TE Jean Fugett (8 rec/67 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB Kim Bokamper (2 INTs)
WR Armand Jackson (34 rec/496 yds/5 TDs) vs. CB Joe Lavender (1 INT)
prediction:
Kansas City 19, Washington 21
defense 18th 100.1 rush - [20th] / 194.4 pass - [17th]
scoring 22.1 for - [2nd] / 15.4 against - [12th]
________________________________
Wash offense 12th 111.9 rush - [4th] / 172.7 pass - [20th]
defense 19th 93.6 rush - [13th] / 202.7 pass - [20th]
scoring 20.9 for - [3rd] / 16.6 against - [15th]
key matchups:
HB Mike Thomas (592 yds/4 TDs) vs. Kansas City run D (4.0 rush avg)
TE Jean Fugett (8 rec/67 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB Kim Bokamper (2 INTs)
WR Armand Jackson (34 rec/496 yds/5 TDs) vs. CB Joe Lavender (1 INT)
prediction:
Kansas City 19, Washington 21
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Miami 17 at New England 16
Another brilliant game from the Miami defense and some cluch play from Bob Griese and the offense. Down 16-10 the Dolphins took the ball over without 5 minutes left. Griese was almost perfect capping off with the game winning TD and leaving the Patriots with only 44 seconds left.
Miami
Bob Griese 15/25 154yds 2TDs 1Int
Benny Malone 26car/121yds 1Fumble
Willis Adams 7tt/2rec/27yds
Lance Mehl 5 tackles 1 sack
New England
Steve Grogan 10/23 172yds
Don Calhous 14car/24yds
Steve Burks 6tt/2rec/68yds
Fred Cooper 4 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown 1 Int
Donnie Thomas 12 tackles
Steve Nelson 6 tackles 1 fumble recovery
Miami
Bob Griese 15/25 154yds 2TDs 1Int
Benny Malone 26car/121yds 1Fumble
Willis Adams 7tt/2rec/27yds
Lance Mehl 5 tackles 1 sack
New England
Steve Grogan 10/23 172yds
Don Calhous 14car/24yds
Steve Burks 6tt/2rec/68yds
Fred Cooper 4 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown 1 Int
Donnie Thomas 12 tackles
Steve Nelson 6 tackles 1 fumble recovery
Miami (5-2) at New England (3-4)
Mia offense 5th 144.4 rush - [1st] / 155.4 pass - [27th]
defense 3rd 44.9 rush - [2nd] / 172.7 pass - [8th]
scoring 18.7 for - [11th] / 8.6 against - [1st]
________________________________
N.E. offense 20th 101.7 rush - [13th] / 167.6 pass - [24th]
defense 24th 83.7 rush - [6th] / 229.0 pass - [27th]
scoring 18.4 for - [12th] / 18.9 against - [23rd]
key matchups:
HB Don Calhoun (544 yds/6 TDs) vs. Miami run D (2.1 rush avg)
DE Julius Adams (8 sacks) vs. T Darryl Carlton
HB Benny Malone (701 yds/4 TDs) vs. LB Steve Nelson (42 Tackles)
WR Willis Adams (28 rec/319 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Mike Haynes (3 INTs)
prediction:
Miami 19, New England 17
defense 3rd 44.9 rush - [2nd] / 172.7 pass - [8th]
scoring 18.7 for - [11th] / 8.6 against - [1st]
________________________________
N.E. offense 20th 101.7 rush - [13th] / 167.6 pass - [24th]
defense 24th 83.7 rush - [6th] / 229.0 pass - [27th]
scoring 18.4 for - [12th] / 18.9 against - [23rd]
key matchups:
HB Don Calhoun (544 yds/6 TDs) vs. Miami run D (2.1 rush avg)
DE Julius Adams (8 sacks) vs. T Darryl Carlton
HB Benny Malone (701 yds/4 TDs) vs. LB Steve Nelson (42 Tackles)
WR Willis Adams (28 rec/319 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Mike Haynes (3 INTs)
prediction:
Miami 19, New England 17
New York Giants 10 at St. Louis 22
An easy win for the Cardinals who dominated this game from start to finish.
St. Louis
Jim Hart 25/39 354yds 1TD
Terry Metcalf 13car/40yds
Ike Harris 14tt/9rec/97yds
Jeff Griffin 8 tackles
New York
Joe Reed 6/17 130yds 1TD
Chuck Muncie 14car/14yds
John Jefferson 7tt/2rec/60yds 1TD
Larry Mallory 13 tackles 2 knockdowns
St. Louis
Jim Hart 25/39 354yds 1TD
Terry Metcalf 13car/40yds
Ike Harris 14tt/9rec/97yds
Jeff Griffin 8 tackles
New York
Joe Reed 6/17 130yds 1TD
Chuck Muncie 14car/14yds
John Jefferson 7tt/2rec/60yds 1TD
Larry Mallory 13 tackles 2 knockdowns
New YorkNFC (1-6) at St. Louis (4-3)
NYG offense 23rd 51.9 rush - [28th] / 213.1 pass - [3rd]
defense 13th 101.6 rush - [22nd] / 178.1 pass - [12th]
scoring 7.9 for - [28th] / 20.0 against - [24th]
________________________________
StL offense 1st 79.6 rush - [21st] / 266.3 pass - [1st]
defense 9th 83.9 rush - [7th] / 176.4 pass - [10th]
scoring 19.9 for - [7th] / 17.9 against - [21st]
key matchups:
WR Ike Harris (40 rec/577 yds/4 TDs) vs. CB Bill Bryant (1 INT)
DT Don Smith (12 sacks) vs. G Conrad Dobler
prediction:
New YorkNFC 13, St. Louis 23
defense 13th 101.6 rush - [22nd] / 178.1 pass - [12th]
scoring 7.9 for - [28th] / 20.0 against - [24th]
________________________________
StL offense 1st 79.6 rush - [21st] / 266.3 pass - [1st]
defense 9th 83.9 rush - [7th] / 176.4 pass - [10th]
scoring 19.9 for - [7th] / 17.9 against - [21st]
key matchups:
WR Ike Harris (40 rec/577 yds/4 TDs) vs. CB Bill Bryant (1 INT)
DT Don Smith (12 sacks) vs. G Conrad Dobler
prediction:
New YorkNFC 13, St. Louis 23
Baltimore 19 at New York Jets 20
With 3:05 left in the game the Colts scored to cut the Jets lead to one. The Colts went for two and failed. The Jets would run out the clock to end the game. A great win for the Jets, pulling them into contention for the Eastern Division.
New York
Vince Evans 21/28 269yds 1TD
Clark Gaines 25car/77yds 1TD
Howard Satterwhite 5tt/5rec/94yds
Ken Schroy 9 tackles 1 knockdown 1 Int
Baltimore
Bert Jones 13/24 187yds 1Int
Billy Sims 16car/91yds 1TD
Roger Carr 7tt/4rec/93yds
Mike Bell 4 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown
New York
Vince Evans 21/28 269yds 1TD
Clark Gaines 25car/77yds 1TD
Howard Satterwhite 5tt/5rec/94yds
Ken Schroy 9 tackles 1 knockdown 1 Int
Baltimore
Bert Jones 13/24 187yds 1Int
Billy Sims 16car/91yds 1TD
Roger Carr 7tt/4rec/93yds
Mike Bell 4 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown
Baltimore (6-1) at New YorkAFC (4-3)
Bal offense 8th 107.6 rush - [9th] / 186.3 pass - [14th]
defense 22nd 95.7 rush - [15th] / 209.9 pass - [24th]
scoring 20.6 for - [4th] / 16.6 against - [14th]
________________________________
NYJ offense 22nd 92.9 rush - [15th] / 172.6 pass - [21st]
defense 16th 131.6 rush - [27th] / 157.0 pass - [4th]
scoring 13.9 for - [23rd] / 14.1 against - [7th]
key matchups:
HB Billy Sims (700 yds/3 TDs) vs. New YorkAFC run D (4.4 rush avg)
prediction:
Baltimore 17, New YorkAFC 18
defense 22nd 95.7 rush - [15th] / 209.9 pass - [24th]
scoring 20.6 for - [4th] / 16.6 against - [14th]
________________________________
NYJ offense 22nd 92.9 rush - [15th] / 172.6 pass - [21st]
defense 16th 131.6 rush - [27th] / 157.0 pass - [4th]
scoring 13.9 for - [23rd] / 14.1 against - [7th]
key matchups:
HB Billy Sims (700 yds/3 TDs) vs. New YorkAFC run D (4.4 rush avg)
prediction:
Baltimore 17, New YorkAFC 18
San Francisco 20 at New Orleans 10
A good solid win for the 49ers on the road. The Saints appear to be done and will have to start thinking about how they can fix things before next season.
San Francisco
Jim Plunkett 22/31 307yds 2TDs 1Int 1Fumble
Delvin Williams 21car/72yds
Jerry Butler 3tt/2rec/85yds 1TD
Kim Anderson 3 tackles 3 knockdowns 1 Int
New Orleans
Peil Pennington 19/32 166yds 1TD 1Int
Rick Lockwood 16car/51yds
Larry Burton 7tt/6rec/68yds
Randy Rhino 11 tackles 11 tackles 1 sack 1 Int
Joe Federspiel 7 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown
San Francisco
Jim Plunkett 22/31 307yds 2TDs 1Int 1Fumble
Delvin Williams 21car/72yds
Jerry Butler 3tt/2rec/85yds 1TD
Kim Anderson 3 tackles 3 knockdowns 1 Int
New Orleans
Peil Pennington 19/32 166yds 1TD 1Int
Rick Lockwood 16car/51yds
Larry Burton 7tt/6rec/68yds
Randy Rhino 11 tackles 11 tackles 1 sack 1 Int
Joe Federspiel 7 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown
San Francisco (4-3) at New Orleans (3-4)
S.F. offense 19th 107.6 rush - [8th] / 164.0 pass - [25th]
defense 17th 81.4 rush - [5th] / 210.7 pass - [25th]
scoring 19.3 for - [10th] / 16.9 against - [18th]
________________________________
N.O. offense 17th 108.9 rush - [6th] / 171.0 pass - [22nd]
defense 5th 51.0 rush - [4th] / 177.1 pass - [11th]
scoring 8.4 for - [27th] / 13.3 against - [5th]
key matchups:
HB Rick Lockwood (521 yds/0 TDs) vs. San Francisco run D (3.5 rush avg)
HB Delvin Williams (615 yds/2 TDs) vs. New Orleans run D (2.2 rush avg)
prediction:
San Francisco 16, New Orleans 17
defense 17th 81.4 rush - [5th] / 210.7 pass - [25th]
scoring 19.3 for - [10th] / 16.9 against - [18th]
________________________________
N.O. offense 17th 108.9 rush - [6th] / 171.0 pass - [22nd]
defense 5th 51.0 rush - [4th] / 177.1 pass - [11th]
scoring 8.4 for - [27th] / 13.3 against - [5th]
key matchups:
HB Rick Lockwood (521 yds/0 TDs) vs. San Francisco run D (3.5 rush avg)
HB Delvin Williams (615 yds/2 TDs) vs. New Orleans run D (2.2 rush avg)
prediction:
San Francisco 16, New Orleans 17
Friday, September 11, 2009
Cincinnati 16 at Buffalo 19 (OT)
The Bills pull off the win to pull back to .500.
Buffalo
Joe Ferguson 16/27 268yds 1Int
OJ Simpson 23car/97yds 1Fumble
Bob Chandler 8tt/6rec/110yds
Bob Nelson 13 tackles
John Anderson 7 tackles 1 sack
Mario Clark 4 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown
George Jakowenko 4 of 4 long of 40yds
Cincinnati
Ken Anderson 17/27 211yds
Archie Griffin 21car/63yds
Lonnie Allgood 5tt/5rec/67yds
Tommy Casanova 12 tackles 1 fumble recovery
Jesse Renfrow 3 of 5 long of 40yds
Buffalo
Joe Ferguson 16/27 268yds 1Int
OJ Simpson 23car/97yds 1Fumble
Bob Chandler 8tt/6rec/110yds
Bob Nelson 13 tackles
John Anderson 7 tackles 1 sack
Mario Clark 4 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown
George Jakowenko 4 of 4 long of 40yds
Cincinnati
Ken Anderson 17/27 211yds
Archie Griffin 21car/63yds
Lonnie Allgood 5tt/5rec/67yds
Tommy Casanova 12 tackles 1 fumble recovery
Jesse Renfrow 3 of 5 long of 40yds
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Cincinnati (3-4) at Buffalo (3-4)
Cinn offense 24th 68.1 rush - [23rd] / 188.6 pass - [12th]
defense 27th 128.6 rush - [25th] / 220.7 pass - [26th]
scoring 15.9 for - [19th] / 23.3 against - [25th]
________________________________
Buff offense 25th 70.3 rush - [22nd] / 180.7 pass - [15th]
defense 25th 131.3 rush - [26th] / 184.4 pass - [14th]
scoring 11.7 for - [25th] / 16.7 against - [17th]
key matchups:
WR Isaac Curtis (29 rec/562 yds/4 TDs) vs. CB Tony Greene
prediction:
Cincinnati 16, Buffalo 21
defense 27th 128.6 rush - [25th] / 220.7 pass - [26th]
scoring 15.9 for - [19th] / 23.3 against - [25th]
________________________________
Buff offense 25th 70.3 rush - [22nd] / 180.7 pass - [15th]
defense 25th 131.3 rush - [26th] / 184.4 pass - [14th]
scoring 11.7 for - [25th] / 16.7 against - [17th]
key matchups:
WR Isaac Curtis (29 rec/562 yds/4 TDs) vs. CB Tony Greene
prediction:
Cincinnati 16, Buffalo 21
Atlanta 17 at Los Angeles 20
No doubt the Falcons are playing better and they almost stunned the Rams in this one, they were leading with under 7 minutes left in the game. But in the end the Rams won. Another solid game for James Harris and the defense, and more importantly Lawrence McCutcheon looks stronger each week.
Los Angeles
James Harris 22/40 262yds 1TD 1Int
Lawrence McCutcheon 24car/104yds
George Lantz 14tt/5rec/55yds 1TD
Pat Baldinger 6tt/5rec/84yds
Jack Youngblood 5 tackles 2 sacks
Atlanta
Guy Benjamin 11/26 199yds 1TD
Bubba Bean 16car/28yds 1TD
Wes Chandler 5tt/3rec/74yds
Rolland Lawrence 4 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown 1Int
Los Angeles
James Harris 22/40 262yds 1TD 1Int
Lawrence McCutcheon 24car/104yds
George Lantz 14tt/5rec/55yds 1TD
Pat Baldinger 6tt/5rec/84yds
Jack Youngblood 5 tackles 2 sacks
Atlanta
Guy Benjamin 11/26 199yds 1TD
Bubba Bean 16car/28yds 1TD
Wes Chandler 5tt/3rec/74yds
Rolland Lawrence 4 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown 1Int
Atlanta (2-5) at Los Angeles (4-3)
Atl offense 3rd 88.9 rush - [17th] / 211.3 pass - [4th]
defense 10th 100.4 rush - [21st] / 163.4 pass - [7th]
scoring 17.7 for - [15th] / 15.4 against - [11th]
________________________________
L.A. offense 9th 83.3 rush - [19th] / 209.6 pass - [5th]
defense 12th 84.1 rush - [8th] / 181.6 pass - [13th]
scoring 17.7 for - [14th] / 14.6 against - [8th]
key matchups:
QB James Harris (13 TDs/1580 yds) vs. Atlanta pass D
prediction:
Atlanta 16, Los Angeles 20
defense 10th 100.4 rush - [21st] / 163.4 pass - [7th]
scoring 17.7 for - [15th] / 15.4 against - [11th]
________________________________
L.A. offense 9th 83.3 rush - [19th] / 209.6 pass - [5th]
defense 12th 84.1 rush - [8th] / 181.6 pass - [13th]
scoring 17.7 for - [14th] / 14.6 against - [8th]
key matchups:
QB James Harris (13 TDs/1580 yds) vs. Atlanta pass D
prediction:
Atlanta 16, Los Angeles 20
Chicago 13 at Houston 23
A good win for the Oilers at home. They played a solid game on both sides of the ball.
Houston
Dan Pastorini 19/29 197yds
Ronnie Coleman 27car/94yds 1TD
Kellen Winslow 5tt/3rec/37yds
Bobby Byars 5 tackles 1 Int
Skip Butler 3 of 4 long of 48yds
Chicago
Bob Avellini 12/28 197yds 1TD 2Ints
Walter Payton 14car/48yds
Brian Baschnagel 10tt/5rec/116yds 1TD
Waymond Bryant 11 tackles
Houston
Dan Pastorini 19/29 197yds
Ronnie Coleman 27car/94yds 1TD
Kellen Winslow 5tt/3rec/37yds
Bobby Byars 5 tackles 1 Int
Skip Butler 3 of 4 long of 48yds
Chicago
Bob Avellini 12/28 197yds 1TD 2Ints
Walter Payton 14car/48yds
Brian Baschnagel 10tt/5rec/116yds 1TD
Waymond Bryant 11 tackles
Chicago (4-3) at Houston (4-3)
Chi offense 28th 80.1 rush - [20th] / 137.4 pass - [28th]
defense 7th 96.4 rush - [16th] / 153.7 pass - [3rd]
scoring 15.1 for - [21st] / 15.4 against - [10th]
________________________________
Hou offense 15th 92.3 rush - [16th] / 191.0 pass - [11th]
defense 4th 25.3 rush - [1st] / 201.4 pass - [19th]
scoring 17.3 for - [16th] / 11.7 against - [2nd]
key matchups:
WR Ken Burrough (13 rec/140 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Allan Ellis (2 INTs)
HB Walter Payton (335 yds/5 TDs) vs. Houston run D (1.3 rush avg)
DT Myron Lapka (11 sacks) vs. G Ed Fisher
WR James Scott (25 rec/355 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Willie Alexander (2 INTs/1 TDs)
prediction:
Chicago 13, Houston 19
defense 7th 96.4 rush - [16th] / 153.7 pass - [3rd]
scoring 15.1 for - [21st] / 15.4 against - [10th]
________________________________
Hou offense 15th 92.3 rush - [16th] / 191.0 pass - [11th]
defense 4th 25.3 rush - [1st] / 201.4 pass - [19th]
scoring 17.3 for - [16th] / 11.7 against - [2nd]
key matchups:
WR Ken Burrough (13 rec/140 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Allan Ellis (2 INTs)
HB Walter Payton (335 yds/5 TDs) vs. Houston run D (1.3 rush avg)
DT Myron Lapka (11 sacks) vs. G Ed Fisher
WR James Scott (25 rec/355 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Willie Alexander (2 INTs/1 TDs)
prediction:
Chicago 13, Houston 19
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Green Bay 21 at Minnesota 26
With 11 seconds left in the game Dennis Johnson ran into the endzone from the 1yd line to secure the victory for Minnesota. Another solid game from Bob Lee nets another upset victory for the Vikings. A big loss for the Packers in their Division.
Minnesota
Bob Lee 23/31 253yds 2TDs
Chuck Foreman 14car/66yds
Sammy White 8tt/7rec/84yds
Chris Williams 4 tackles 1 Int
Green Bay
Lynn Dickey 14/28 155yds 2TDs 1Int
David Overstreet 10car/34yds 1TD
Ken Payne 7tt/4rec/63yds 1TD
Dan Bunz 10 tackles 2 sacks
Johnnie Johnson 5 tackles 1 sack
Gary Spani 7 tackles 2 sacks
Minnesota
Bob Lee 23/31 253yds 2TDs
Chuck Foreman 14car/66yds
Sammy White 8tt/7rec/84yds
Chris Williams 4 tackles 1 Int
Green Bay
Lynn Dickey 14/28 155yds 2TDs 1Int
David Overstreet 10car/34yds 1TD
Ken Payne 7tt/4rec/63yds 1TD
Dan Bunz 10 tackles 2 sacks
Johnnie Johnson 5 tackles 1 sack
Gary Spani 7 tackles 2 sacks
Green Bay (5-2) at Minnesota (2-5)
G.B. offense 18th 61.1 rush - [25th] / 213.9 pass - [2nd]
defense 2nd 47.1 rush - [3rd] / 160.3 pass - [5th]
scoring 20.6 for - [5th] / 13.1 against - [4th]
________________________________
Minn offense 11th 110.4 rush - [5th] / 175.4 pass - [18th]
defense 15th 95.0 rush - [14th] / 191.4 pass - [16th]
scoring 13.9 for - [22nd] / 18.9 against - [22nd]
key matchups:
TE Stu Voight (19 rec/137 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB Dan Bunz (2 INTs)
HB David Overstreet (355 yds/5 TDs) vs. LB Matt Blair (46 Tackles)
DE Mark Gastineau (8 sacks) vs. T Ron Yary
DT Dan Hampton (12 sacks) vs. G Ed White
WR Ken Payne (26 rec/394 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Walt Williams (2 INTs)
prediction:
Green Bay 20, Minnesota 17
defense 2nd 47.1 rush - [3rd] / 160.3 pass - [5th]
scoring 20.6 for - [5th] / 13.1 against - [4th]
________________________________
Minn offense 11th 110.4 rush - [5th] / 175.4 pass - [18th]
defense 15th 95.0 rush - [14th] / 191.4 pass - [16th]
scoring 13.9 for - [22nd] / 18.9 against - [22nd]
key matchups:
TE Stu Voight (19 rec/137 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB Dan Bunz (2 INTs)
HB David Overstreet (355 yds/5 TDs) vs. LB Matt Blair (46 Tackles)
DE Mark Gastineau (8 sacks) vs. T Ron Yary
DT Dan Hampton (12 sacks) vs. G Ed White
WR Ken Payne (26 rec/394 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Walt Williams (2 INTs)
prediction:
Green Bay 20, Minnesota 17
Cleveland 21 at Pittsburgh 28
The Browns played tough, but it's a good win for the Steelers, though their passing game has struggled a bit over the past two games.
Pittsburgh
Terry Bradshaw 14/29 171yds 2TDs 1Int 7car/44yds 1TD
Franco Harris 23car/94yds 1TD
Lynn Swann 10tt/4rec/58yds
Jack Lambert 6 tackles 1 sack 2 knockdowns
Cleveland
Dave Mays 19/43 278yds 2TDs 1Int
Greg Pruitt 14car/23yds
Tom Fleming 10tt/4rec/44yds
Aundra Thompson 6tt/3rec/105yds 1TD
Gary Gorrell 5 tackles 1 sack
Dave Graf 10 tackles 1 Int
Pittsburgh
Terry Bradshaw 14/29 171yds 2TDs 1Int 7car/44yds 1TD
Franco Harris 23car/94yds 1TD
Lynn Swann 10tt/4rec/58yds
Jack Lambert 6 tackles 1 sack 2 knockdowns
Cleveland
Dave Mays 19/43 278yds 2TDs 1Int
Greg Pruitt 14car/23yds
Tom Fleming 10tt/4rec/44yds
Aundra Thompson 6tt/3rec/105yds 1TD
Gary Gorrell 5 tackles 1 sack
Dave Graf 10 tackles 1 Int
Cleveland (2-5) at Pittsburgh (5-2)
Clev offense 26th 67.1 rush - [24th] / 174.3 pass - [19th]
defense 6th 103.3 rush - [23rd] / 145.7 pass - [2nd]
scoring 10.3 for - [26th] / 16.1 against - [13th]
________________________________
Pitt offense 4th 103.7 rush - [12th] / 196.3 pass - [8th]
defense 11th 91.4 rush - [10th] / 174.3 pass - [9th]
scoring 16.3 for - [18th] / 15.1 against - [9th]
key matchups:
QB Terry Bradshaw (12 TDs/1495 yds) vs. Cleveland pass D
HB Franco Harris (558 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB Gary Gorrell (47 Tackles)
DE Art Still (8 sacks) vs. T Gordon Gravelle
prediction:
Cleveland 13, Pittsburgh 19
defense 6th 103.3 rush - [23rd] / 145.7 pass - [2nd]
scoring 10.3 for - [26th] / 16.1 against - [13th]
________________________________
Pitt offense 4th 103.7 rush - [12th] / 196.3 pass - [8th]
defense 11th 91.4 rush - [10th] / 174.3 pass - [9th]
scoring 16.3 for - [18th] / 15.1 against - [9th]
key matchups:
QB Terry Bradshaw (12 TDs/1495 yds) vs. Cleveland pass D
HB Franco Harris (558 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB Gary Gorrell (47 Tackles)
DE Art Still (8 sacks) vs. T Gordon Gravelle
prediction:
Cleveland 13, Pittsburgh 19
Detroit 0 at Tampa Bay 13
The Detroit defense played a great game holding the Buccaneers to just 95 total net yards of offense. But the Buccaneers defense played even better forcing turnovers and completely shutting out the Lions offense. They gave up quite a few yards, but never allowed the Lions to put any points on the board.
Tampa Bay
Steve Fuller 6/19 73yds
Charles Alexander 21car/40yds 1TD
John McKay 6tt/2rec/28yds
Clay Matthews 9 tackles 1 sack 2 Ints
Mark Cotney 10 tackles 1 knockdown
Barry Bennett 1 tackle 3 sacks
Tom Cousineau 6 tackles 1 sack 1 fumble recovery
Detroit
Greg Landry 21/33 276yds 1Int 1Fumble
Dexter Bussey 20car/57yds
Mel Jacobs 7tt/6rec/112yds
Charlie Weaver 5 tackles
Tampa Bay
Steve Fuller 6/19 73yds
Charles Alexander 21car/40yds 1TD
John McKay 6tt/2rec/28yds
Clay Matthews 9 tackles 1 sack 2 Ints
Mark Cotney 10 tackles 1 knockdown
Barry Bennett 1 tackle 3 sacks
Tom Cousineau 6 tackles 1 sack 1 fumble recovery
Detroit
Greg Landry 21/33 276yds 1Int 1Fumble
Dexter Bussey 20car/57yds
Mel Jacobs 7tt/6rec/112yds
Charlie Weaver 5 tackles
Detroit (5-2) at Tampa Bay (2-5)
Det offense 16th 86.3 rush - [18th] / 195.6 pass - [9th]
defense 20th 96.4 rush - [17th] / 206.6 pass - [23rd]
scoring 19.4 for - [9th] / 16.6 against - [16th]
________________________________
T.B. offense 27th 56.6 rush - [27th] / 168.3 pass - [23rd]
defense 8th 92.6 rush - [12th] / 161.1 pass - [6th]
scoring 12.4 for - [24th] / 13.0 against - [3rd]
key matchups:
TE Bob Moore (33 rec/286 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB Charlie Weaver (1 INT)
HB Dexter Bussey (501 yds/2 TDs) vs. LB Clay Matthews (63 Tackles)
WR Mel Jacobs (44 rec/743 yds/6 TDs) vs. CB Ken Stone (1 INT/1 TDs)
prediction:
Detroit 16, Tampa Bay 18
defense 20th 96.4 rush - [17th] / 206.6 pass - [23rd]
scoring 19.4 for - [9th] / 16.6 against - [16th]
________________________________
T.B. offense 27th 56.6 rush - [27th] / 168.3 pass - [23rd]
defense 8th 92.6 rush - [12th] / 161.1 pass - [6th]
scoring 12.4 for - [24th] / 13.0 against - [3rd]
key matchups:
TE Bob Moore (33 rec/286 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB Charlie Weaver (1 INT)
HB Dexter Bussey (501 yds/2 TDs) vs. LB Clay Matthews (63 Tackles)
WR Mel Jacobs (44 rec/743 yds/6 TDs) vs. CB Ken Stone (1 INT/1 TDs)
prediction:
Detroit 16, Tampa Bay 18
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
NFL 1981 Week 8 Preview
The NFC East has turned into a real fight with three teams now sitting at 4-3. The Redskins, Cowboys, and Cardinals are all right there, but St. Louis has won their last two games over the Cowboys and the Redskins, so they now sit in control in the East. The Eagles are also right there at 3-4 and the most dangerous offense in the League. Their defense is so bad it's hard to imagine them making a run, but you never can tell. They made a smart trade this week bringing in rookie defensive lineman Howie Long who will be a starter.
The NFC Central is also a battle between three teams. The Packers, Lions, and Bears are all above .500. The Bears are the most interesting team in this mix. They have absolutely no passing game to speak of and yet they keep winning games. Like the Eagles it is hard to imagine this team doing much of anything as the year progresses, but if they can get any kind of a passing game going they might prove to be very dangerous. Meanwhile the Packers bounced back with a big win over the Steelers and the Lions were upset by the Chargers so who knows between those two. I still think the Packers are the team to beat despite the long winning history of the Lions.
In the West it's the Rams rising back up from the depths. They suddenly appear to be the team to beat in the West as the 49ers are struggling on both offense and defense and the Saints have completely collapsed. Look for James Harris to be MVP of the NFC if the Rams end up repeating as champs.
In the AFC it was the Dolphins falling in an upset and the Colts bouncing back with a win to put themselves back on top in the East. The Jets, Patriots, and Bills are all also poised to make a run at the playoffs. This would appear to be the toughest division in the league this year.
Despite losing to Green Bay the Steelers are still alone atop the AFC Central as the Oilers were also beaten, upset by the Vikings. The Bengals are trying to make a move, but their defense is about as bad as the Eagles.
In the West the Chiefs are still on top with the Seahawks and Brian Sipe getting their act together. They also have a poor defense, but they can score points which makes them dangerous. The Chargers are getting better each week, look to them to make a real surge as the year progresses. This however is the Chiefs division to lose as they are by far the best team.
Trades
Det 7th year DT Doug English for TB 2nd year WR Calvin Muhammad
SF Rookie DE Howie Long for Phi 7th year WR Marshall Johnson
Standings
AFC
East: Baltimore 6-1; Miami 5-2; New York 4-3; New England, Buffalo 3-4
Central: Pittsburgh 5-2; Houston 4-3; Cincinnati 3-4; Cleveland 2-5
West: Kansas City 5-2; Seattle 4-3; San Diego 3-4; Oakland, Denver 2-5
NFC
East: St. Louis, Washington, Dallas 4-3; Philadelphia 3-4; New York 1-6
Central: Detroit, Green Bay 5-2; Chicago 4-3; Minnesota, Tampa Bay 2-5
West: Los Angeles, San Francisco 4-3; New Orleans 3-4; Atlanta 2-5
Statistics
QBs
Det Greg Landry 104.1
Sea Brian Sipe 93.2
Bal Bert Jones 91.6
RBs
Phi Ricky Bell 754yds
Mia Benny Malone 701yds
Bal Billy Sims 700yds
Recs
Det Mel Jacobs 743yds
SD Dwight McDonald 630yds
StL Ike Harris 577yds
Games to Watch
Kansas City 5-2 at Washington 4-3
This will be a good test for these two defenses. These are two very good offensive teams so it will probably come down to which defense plays best.
Baltimore 6-1 at New York Jets 4-3
If the Jets hope to make the playoffs again these are the kind of games they must win. If they Colts hope to win the Division outright these are the kinds of games they must win. This should be a great game with a lot of offense.
Chicago 4-3 at Houston 4-3
The Oilers should blow the Bears out. It's a good chance for the Bears to prove just how good they are.
The NFC Central is also a battle between three teams. The Packers, Lions, and Bears are all above .500. The Bears are the most interesting team in this mix. They have absolutely no passing game to speak of and yet they keep winning games. Like the Eagles it is hard to imagine this team doing much of anything as the year progresses, but if they can get any kind of a passing game going they might prove to be very dangerous. Meanwhile the Packers bounced back with a big win over the Steelers and the Lions were upset by the Chargers so who knows between those two. I still think the Packers are the team to beat despite the long winning history of the Lions.
In the West it's the Rams rising back up from the depths. They suddenly appear to be the team to beat in the West as the 49ers are struggling on both offense and defense and the Saints have completely collapsed. Look for James Harris to be MVP of the NFC if the Rams end up repeating as champs.
In the AFC it was the Dolphins falling in an upset and the Colts bouncing back with a win to put themselves back on top in the East. The Jets, Patriots, and Bills are all also poised to make a run at the playoffs. This would appear to be the toughest division in the league this year.
Despite losing to Green Bay the Steelers are still alone atop the AFC Central as the Oilers were also beaten, upset by the Vikings. The Bengals are trying to make a move, but their defense is about as bad as the Eagles.
In the West the Chiefs are still on top with the Seahawks and Brian Sipe getting their act together. They also have a poor defense, but they can score points which makes them dangerous. The Chargers are getting better each week, look to them to make a real surge as the year progresses. This however is the Chiefs division to lose as they are by far the best team.
Trades
Det 7th year DT Doug English for TB 2nd year WR Calvin Muhammad
SF Rookie DE Howie Long for Phi 7th year WR Marshall Johnson
Standings
AFC
East: Baltimore 6-1; Miami 5-2; New York 4-3; New England, Buffalo 3-4
Central: Pittsburgh 5-2; Houston 4-3; Cincinnati 3-4; Cleveland 2-5
West: Kansas City 5-2; Seattle 4-3; San Diego 3-4; Oakland, Denver 2-5
NFC
East: St. Louis, Washington, Dallas 4-3; Philadelphia 3-4; New York 1-6
Central: Detroit, Green Bay 5-2; Chicago 4-3; Minnesota, Tampa Bay 2-5
West: Los Angeles, San Francisco 4-3; New Orleans 3-4; Atlanta 2-5
Statistics
QBs
Det Greg Landry 104.1
Sea Brian Sipe 93.2
Bal Bert Jones 91.6
RBs
Phi Ricky Bell 754yds
Mia Benny Malone 701yds
Bal Billy Sims 700yds
Recs
Det Mel Jacobs 743yds
SD Dwight McDonald 630yds
StL Ike Harris 577yds
Games to Watch
Kansas City 5-2 at Washington 4-3
This will be a good test for these two defenses. These are two very good offensive teams so it will probably come down to which defense plays best.
Baltimore 6-1 at New York Jets 4-3
If the Jets hope to make the playoffs again these are the kind of games they must win. If they Colts hope to win the Division outright these are the kinds of games they must win. This should be a great game with a lot of offense.
Chicago 4-3 at Houston 4-3
The Oilers should blow the Bears out. It's a good chance for the Bears to prove just how good they are.
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