Three and out: Gates out for an extended period?

Adam Rank | Tags: Three and out, Antonio Gates, Arian Foster, Felix Jones

With the Monday Nightmare out of the way, it is time to look forward. Here are three big stories on a Tuesday morning.

Gates could miss at least a month. (Associated Press)

Closing the Gates? Chargers TE Antonio Gates could be shutting it down, too. The pain in his foot has been persistent, and the San Diego Union-Tribune wondered if this could be the beginning of the end for the 31-year-old Gates. Gates wasn’t ready to label this the end but he will see a specialist on Tuesday. He then will be faced with the dilemma of playing through the pain, or resting for three to five weeks or longer, hoping that does the trick. One doctor, who has not seen Gates, points out that the All-Pro tight end had the entire offseason to rest and there were no mini-camps or OTAs, so all that time off did not clear up the problem. Which is something we don’t want to think about.

Hey, there’s Felix: We had a sighting of Cowboys RB Felix Jones on Monday night. One of the kids reached out to me on the Facebook on Monday and wondered if Jones was going to be able to score four points that night to seal a win for him. Well thankfully for that fantasy enthusiast, Jones scored 15 points –- but he got hurt again. The Cowboys face the Lions this week and have a bye in Week 5, so make sure Jones is handcuffed in all of your leagues because the team could shut him down for the week to get him healthy. Well, as healthy as Jones is going to be.

Foster expected back: Texans coach Gary Kubiak expects Arian Foster to return this week, and plans to give his running back a full workload, especially in the red zone. The Texans have struggled inside the 20 this season, ranking 30th in red zone scoring. Again, fantasy enthusiasts should temper expectations until Foster both returns and proves that he can carry a complete workload. If you have Ben Tate, you might want to start putting him out there in trade offers to see if you can get a nibble. But do not overact and dump him, because there is no guarantee that Foster can return.

You can receive daily fantasy advice from Rank via Twitter or via Facebook. Be sure to catch the latest on the Dave Dameshek Football Program.

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Re-defining fantasy running back success

A big debate around the NFL Fantasy Live newsroom the last couple of days has been about running backs, and how their grand fantasy era is coming to an end.  So today and tomorrow we’ll examine how you can make sense of your team’s RB situation. Because if you’re like me, you’ve been looking at your RBs and saying “Geez, my guys stink.” Maybe not as much as you thought. Why?

The question really is just what is a good fantasy season by a RB in 2011? Through three weeks, running backs’ values are at an all-time low. If you think your high draft picks aren’t performing, you’re not alone. There’s only five players with more than 300 yards on the ground so far (Darren McFadden, LeSean McCoy, Maurice Jones-Drew, Ben Tate and Fred Jackson).  And only five RB’s have more than 2 TDs total (McCoy, Jackson, Adrian Peterson, McFadden and Ryan Mathews).

The top 10 running backs in fantasy have an average of 53 points per person for the season. The next 10 running backs?  They’re averaging just 33 points per person. To put that in perspective, wide receivers with more than 33 fantasy points (NFL.com standard scoring applying) include Torrey Smith, Denarius Moore and Devery Henderson.

So what does it mean?

It means that judging success is much different than it used to be.  The era of the 100-yard-a-game-with-a-TD back is receding.  So while it looks like players like LeGarrette Blount and Ahmad Bradshaw aren’t performing up to standard, it’s to the contrary.  They’re still doing well, but the barometer has changed.  Now, a “good week” for a running back is 75 yards on the ground, maybe 20-30 receiving and possibly a TD.  If these are the stats you’re getting?  Then you’re OK, keep plugging forward.

However, it’s not like you can make an excuse for every running back.  Shonn Greene, Frank Gore and Rashard Mendenhall, for example, are all hovering around the 50-yards-per-game mark and not catching balls out of the backfield (though Greene did have a good day that way Sunday), that is time for concern.  Getting limited production is okay and expected, but getting nothing is still getting nothing.

So, here are the guys to not worry about outside the elite running backs for now: Michael Turner, Matt Forte, Jahvid Best, Bradshaw, Blount and Peyton Hillis.

And the ones to worry about for now: Tim Hightower, Greene, Gore, Mendenhall, Chris Johnson, BenJarvus Green-Ellis.  And worry as in “I should pick up Kendall Hunter or Roy Helu just in case.”

Tomorrow: How this new strategy will affect trades in 2011 and the 2012 draft.

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Data Points: Brady still on pace for 7,000

Published: September 27th, 2011 | Tags: Data Points, Dan Marino, Matthew Stafford, Philip Rivers, Tom Brady, Tony Romo

Last week, we told you that five quarterbacks, after two weeks, were on pace to shatter Dan Marino’s single-season passing yards record. Well, now that three games are in the books, there still are five passers on pace to beat that mark.

Marino’s record of 5,084 yards was set back in1984. Patriots QB Tom Brady remains on pace to throw for a preposterous 7,077 yards. Meanwhile, the five names on this list aren’t exactly the same as last week — Tony Romo dropped off the pace while Lions QB Matt Stafford has entered the picture.

In all, there are nine QBs averaging at least 300 yards per game so far in 2011.

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First and 10: Joined in life, and in death

Published: September 29th, 2011 | Tags: First and 10,

The Philadelphia Eagles defense from 1987-92 was one of the greatest in NFL history, and at the heart of it were Reggie White and Jerome Brown, two players whose legacy you can remember in a special documentarythat premieres on NFL Network Thursday at 10 p.m. ET.

Here’s what else is on tap for Thursday:

Who would have thought a year ago that Buffalo and Detroit would be among the NFL’s elite? Tune into NFL Network’s “Total Access” today at 7 p.m. ET to hear the Lions’ Nate Burleson and the Bills’ Nick Barnett discuss some of the pressing issues of the week.Is it possible that New England could lose two games in a row? NFL Network’s Albert Breer has the latest from Foxborough, where the Patriots are preparing to take on former teammate Richard Seymour in Oakland on Sunday.Colt McCoy‘s arm and stature were questioned coming out of college, but he’s among a group of 10 that scouting legend Gil Brandt says have overcome any perceived weaknesses and are putting the league on notice.Posted in: Around The Web   comments    

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Running your way to an SEC title

Florida coach Will Muschamp has never been around a good football team that was mediocre or worse at running the football.

“And I don’t know that I’ve seen one,” Muschamp said.

It’s no coincidence then that Muschamp’s Gators lead the SEC in rushing offense, averaging 259 yards per game, and head into Saturday’s showdown against No. 3-ranked Alabama knowing that they will need to run the ball at least a little bit if they’re going to win.

Nobody’s suggesting that Florida needs to rush for 250-plus yards to win this game.

[+] Enlarge Kim Klement/US PresswireFlorida will probably need some big plays from Chris Rainey and the running game to beat Alabama on Saturday.But if you can’t run the ball at all against this Alabama defense, then history suggests that you’ve got no shot.

Here’s something else history suggests, at least recent SEC history: If you’re going to win a championship in this league, you better be able to run the football.

Seven of the past eight SEC champions have finished in the top three in the league in rushing offense.

The only one that didn’t was Auburn in 2004, and the unbeaten Tigers were fifth that season. Still, they averaged 183.3 yards on the ground and finished 29th nationally in rushing offense. So it wasn’t like running the football wasn’t a big part of their repertoire.

Remember Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown?

Each of the past four SEC champions have averaged at least 214 rushing yards per game, and all four finished in the top 12 nationally in rushing offense.

Over the past decade, there hasn’t been an SEC champion to average fewer than 139 rushing yards per game. Georgia won the SEC title in 2002, averaging 139.6 yards per game and ranking 67th nationally in rushing offense.

The coaches in this league will tell you that running the football successfully is infectious and that it impacts the entire team.

But those teams that run the ball well also make a commitment to doing so.

“It brings a toughness and a want to man up and be physical,” LSU coach Les Miles said. “I think it’s a positive piece and need of offensive football. I think it makes the defense that goes against you all week tougher. It’s a way you can manage the game with the ball in your hands.

“Running the football is a fundamental that must happen on the offensive side.”

Muschamp calls it a “total program deal” that breeds toughness in every phase of the game.

“It’s a matter of being a good football team,” Muschamp said. “The ones I’ve been around that were good … we ran the ball well.”

Sure enough, you look at the four unbeaten teams in the SEC right now, and three of them are ranked in the top four in the league in rushing offense and all three are averaging more than 214 rushing yards per game.

Alabama is right behind Florida at 230.8 yards per game. South Carolina is fourth and averaging 214.5 yards per game.

SEC teams that run the ball tend to win championships.

YearChampRush YPGNat'l RankConf RankSource: ESPN's Stats & InformationLSU is seventh this week, but averaging 171 yards per game. The Tigers have attempted 171 runs, more than everybody else in the league but Mississippi State (179) and Florida (174), and have already scored 11 rushing touchdowns.

“There are going to be times in every football game where you must run the football,” Miles said.

Every coach talks about the need to be balanced on offense, but the first thing any defense tries to take away from a team is the run.

Granted, the game is continually changing, and the advent of the spread offenses has expanded the quarterback’s role in the running game.

But even when Steve Spurrier was pitching it around the ballpark with his Fun ‘n’ Gun attack at Florida in the 1990s, his offenses could always run the football.

The Gators won four straight SEC championships from 1993-96 and never averaged fewer than 137 rushing yards per game. In fact, they were fourth in the SEC in rushing in both 1995 and 1996, averaging 170 yards or more on the ground both seasons.

What’s been so impressive about Florida’s running game this season, other than the game-breaking speed that both Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps possess, is how the Gators have been able to mix it up.

Neither Rainey or Demps weighs 200 pounds, but the Gators have still had success between the tackles.

“The perimeter run game has been really good, but we’ve also run the ball well inside, and that’s something we’re committed to doing regardless of the size of our backs,” Muschamp said. “If you do one thing too much, the defenses watch film, too.

“So we still run the inside zone, still run the power off-tackle and utilize a lot of the same run game with Jeff and Chris both in there.”

The ultimate test comes Saturday against an Alabama defense that’s been a brick wall against the run. The Crimson Tide are ranked No. 3 nationally in rushing defense, allowing 45.8 yards per game. Opponents are averaging just 1.8 yards per rushing attempt against Alabama, and the Tide have given up just one rushing touchdown this season.

Over its past 51 games, Alabama has allowed just one 100-yard rusher (Tennessee’s Tauren Poole last season), and during that stretch, only two teams (LSU in 2008 and 2010) have rushed for 200 yards against the Crimson Tide.

Obviously, the Gators have their work cut out, but they’re not going to be hard-headed, either.

“Being a defensive coordinator, when you’re one-dimensional, you make it easy on the defense,” Muschamp said. “They prepare for one thing and get into a certain mindset of how they’re going to play. But when you’re multiple and balanced in what you do, now you get them uncomfortable, and generally when defenses are uncomfortable or unsure, that’s when they don’t play very well, even if it’s good players.”

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Get Dolphins RB Thomas in your lineup

NFL.com Staff | Tags: Daniel Thomas, Alfonso Smith, Beanie Wells, Ben Tate, Chris Johnson, Fred Jackson, Jahvid Best, Ken Whisenhunt, Knowshon Moreno, LeGarrette Blount, LeSean McCoy, Maurice Jones-Drew, Michael Turner, Mike Tolbert, Reggie Bush, Ryan Mathews, Willis McGahee

Yesterday we took a look at the surprising WRs who were targeted most in Week 3, and also a glance at some surprising trends that brought us names like Andre Caldwell, Davone Bess and Dane Sanzenbacher (Jim Tressel is smiling somewhere). Today, it’s time to spotlight the RBs and take a look at the “touch leaders” for Week 3.

Most touches (rush + reception) by RBs in Week 3

1. Maurice Jones-Drew – 27.
2. LeSean McCoy – 27.
3. Daniel Thomas – 26.
4. LeGarrette Blount/Ryan Mathews/Willis McGahee – 25.

Yes, the first thing this means is put Thomas in your starting lineup or acquire him in a trade. Reggie Bush is back to the decoy role he had in New Orleans, and Thomas has been given/earned not only the number one job in Miami but also garnered a bigger role in the passing game. Mathews is winning the full-time job in San Diego over Mike Tolbert, which we talked about last week. McGahee? Is this 2008? This job-share in Denver might be more one-sided than it’s let on to be. Knowshon Moreno can’t stay on the field, and McGahee has some fresh legs after a lack of usage the last couple of years. McGahee is a good flex play the next couple of weeks while this trend continues.

OTHER THOUGHTS: Who had more total touches in Week 3 than Ben Tate, Jahvid Best, Fred Jackson, and Chris Johnson? Yup, Alfonso Smith of the Cardinals with 20. Ken Whisenhunt was really impressed by him, and it seems he’s leapfrogged Chester Taylor who was benched after a slow start against Seattle. Grab Smith because you know how Beanie Wells’ health has been throughout his career … Darren Sproles is worth a flex play every week — nine targets Sunday from Drew Brees in the passing game and a TD running. If you’re in a PPR league he’s a must-start … beware Michael Turner. As you get older, you get beat up. When your team isn’t as good as you thought, you’re throwing the football more. Add these up and Turner’s total touches for the season are at 46. Twelve touches a week? Considering MJD leads the way so far in 2011 with 72 through three weeks Turner isn’t what he was. I’d look to deal him and get an upgrade if you could.

– Jason Smith

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Third quarter: Pitt 34, USF 17

PITTSBURGH -- The Panthers built on their lead against USF, taking a 34-17 lead into the final quarter. They continued to pound Ray Graham, but Tino Sunseri also has made some plays and is having his best game for the Panthers so far this season.

Through three quarters, Graham has 150 yards rushing and a touchdown. Sunseri is 21-of-31 for 199 yards and a touchdown but perhaps most importantly -- no interceptions and no egregious mistakes.

But remember, the fourth quarter has been a familiar bugaboo for Pitt this season, so this is the perfect opportunity for the Panthers to learn how to finish. The Panthers have allowed 49 fourth-quarter points this season -- more than double what they have allowed in the second and third quarters this season.

They blew a 24-3 lead to Iowa, and they gave up a fourth-quarter touchdown last week to Notre Dame to lose despite a valiant effort. But the Panthers seem to be playing inspired football tonight on both sides of the ball. The offensive line is just having its best game of the year, especially in pass protection. Pitt has punted just once all game.

The defense has gotten pressure on B.J. Daniels, who is having his worst game of the young season. Daniels has been harassed, and missed open receivers as a result. Because of the large deficit, the Bulls have had to all but abandon the run, which was a strength in the first half. USF only had 13 rushing yards in the third quarter.

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NFC Editor Russ Loede’s Week Three NFL Picks

Last week ATS: 3-11-2

Season ATS: 11-18-3

Week two Lock: 1-0 (New England)

Week two Upset: 0-1 (Miami)

Season Locks: 1-1

Season Upsets: 1-1

SUNDAY

San Francisco (+2.5) at Cincinnati - Benson’s last Sunday of football freedom until Halloween time will not be enough to offset an angry 49ers squad coming off of a heartbreaking loss in overtime to Dallas.  San Francisco 19 Cincinnati 17

New England (-7) at Buffalo – I think the world of Tom Brady.  Belichick will make sure the Bills don’t put up 38+ points for the third consecutive week.  Patriots relish shootouts; and that’s the only way Buffalo can play and win right now.  New England 48 Buffalo 21

Houston at (LOCK) New Orleans (-4) – Last week’s showing by the Saints in the Superdome was the best start to finish balanced performance of the young ’11 NFL campaign.  The Texans can’t beat a Super Bowl contender on the road without a healthy Foster.  New Orleans 35 Houston 24

(Upset) New York Giants (+8) at Philadelphia – A less explosive Vick, tough loss turnaround, and Giant pass rush will eviscerate Eagles.  Furthermore, I like Bradshaw-Jacobs to run rampant against a roughshod Philly run D.  New York Giants 23 Philadelphia 20

Miami (+2.5) at Cleveland – Two teams that can’t win at home.  When was the last time the Browns were above .500 during the regular season?  Dolphins rookie running back Daniel Thomas is the key to Miami’s first win of the season.  Miami 17 Cleveland 16

Denver (+7) at Tennessee – Titans are not a touchdown and an extra point better than the Broncos.  Although the contest is being played in Nashville, I can’t imagine a well-balanced Broncos club being handled that easily.  Tennessee 20 Denver 17

Detroit at Minnesota (+3) – I don’t feel good about this selection.  Picking a team with no aerial attack against one of the top passing units in the league.  On top of that, Jahvid Best is looking strong in the ground game.  “All Day” will have one of “those days” in the Metrodome that we will remember for a long time.  It’s the only way the Vikings win this divisional duel.  Minnesota 28 Detroit 24

Jacksonville at Carolina (-3.5) – Cam Newton resembles Tom Brady, whereas, Blaine Gabbert exhibits David Klinger meets Heath Shuler.  Sooner rather than later (like this Sunday), DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will pound the rock en route to success.  Carolina 30 Jacksonville 17

Kansas City (+14.5) at San Diego – As you can tell, I’m a sucker for the points.  Apparently, I envision a backdoor cover, however, I clearly don’t foresee a Chiefs miracle.  Hoping the extra half-point makes the difference.  San Diego 27 Kansas City 13

New York Jets (-3) at Oakland – Jets win close games, while the Raiders lose close games.  On the other hand, I could see the Jets crushing Campbell, giving us the privilege of a Kyle Boller-sighting.  Craziest game to pick points-wise because it could be an absolute annihilation or an overtime thriller.  Let me choose the latter (push), but not for it being the Raiders’ home opener.  Can’t stand that dump of a stadium!  New York Jets 24 Oakland 21 (OT)

Baltimore (-4) at St. Louis – I would not want to be Sam Bradford going up against an upset Raven defense after last week’s thrashing in Tennessee.  Ray Rice goes exceeds the century mark in both rushing and receiving.  Baltimore 26 St. Louis 20

Arizona (-3.5) at Seattle – Nothing tops the home of the 12th Man, where the 12th Man truly makes a difference, that is, unless your starting signal caller’s first name is Tarvaris.  Give me the more talented team, with a more talented quarterback.  Arizona 27 Seattle 17

Green Bay (-4) at Chicago – Check out the Packers at Bears preview on Bears Gab.  Green Bay 26 Chicago 21

SUNDAY NIGHT

Pittsburgh (-10.5) at Indianapolis – We want Painter!  A guy named Curtis or Kerry under center doesn’t matter against a super-stifling 11-man wrecking crew.  Thinking ahead to next Sunday night’s showdown: Jets at Ravens.  Pittsburgh 26 Indianapolis 6

MONDAY NIGHT

Washington (+6.5) at Dallas – I love me an NFC East clash!  This battle has the chance to become one of the best games of this season.  Early divisional matchup that will live up to all the hype.  Looking forward to the renewing of the rivalry!  Dallas 33 Washington 30 (OT)

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Week Three NFL Picks at the lunch table

Here we go headed into battle Eagle fans. The Giants return to town still licking their wounds and recovering from a massive blow to their egos after last years debacle in The New Meadowlands. I have a feeling that D. Jackson and M.Vick have a huge target on them. Especially now since Vick went out with a concussion last week against the Falcons. Hopefully, his cobwebs are all cleared out. He gets the opportunity this week to face a depleted Giant secondary. The key to winning this game on offense will solely be on the protection Vick gets from his offensive linemen. If he gets the time, look for him to pick apart the Giants. On the other side of the ball defensive coordinator Juan Castillo made some changes at the linebacker position. He has shuffled around his young crew. Look for them to be more aggressive against the run this week. However, Brandon Jacobs is a 270-pound force to be reckoned with coming out of the backfield for the Giants. I have the Birds winning by 10 at home this week, 27-17.

On to the lunch table smack talk. It’s been a quiet few weeks for my friends. There hasn’t been a whole lot of gloating. All of us who use to walk around with our chests sticking out far have been deflated. Like I said in one of my first articles the teams represented at our lunch table are as follows:

Colts 0-2, Panthers 0-2, Vikes 0-2, Saints 1-1, Bungles 1-1, Lions 2-0, and I forgot we had a Broncos fan, 1-1. I actually forgot the Broncos were an NFL team . All that crying coming out of Denver, I just figured they were a Pop Warner team that had all the parents yelling for their kid, Timmy Tebow, to play. Then of course you have me, an Eagles fan. I am not doing that much smack talking this year. Every time Vick takes off out of the pocket I think back to 1991 when Bryce Paup of the Packers ended our season on a hit to our star quarterback Randall Cunningham. So with every exciting Vick play I keep my fingers crossed and my breath held.

Here are THIS Guys’ picks for week 3:

Panthers with their first win with C. Newton: 24-21

49ers over Bungles 28-21

Vikes can’t open 0-3: Vikes over Lions 28-24

Titans clobber the broken Broncos. 27-10

Saints fall to Texans revamped defense: Texans 24-20

Sorry Colt fans. Big Ben explodes over the Colts 31-14

Eagles over G-men 27-17

Pats hold off high powered Bills 38-31

Brownies stomp on the Dolphins 24-14.

RAIDERS (Berman voice) over the J-E-T-S 27-24

Ravens over the Rams 24-17

Bears beat the Pack 34-28

Chiefs fall to the Chargers 34-10

Kolb throws for 300 + yards and beats the Seahawks 34-24

Bucs gut the Dirty Birds 27-17

Finally, MNF I have the Skins going 3-0. They beat the Cowgirls 24-16

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Quarterback mistakes becoming a trend

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Those weren't roosters you heard inside Williams-Brice Stadium, those were boo birds. Lots of them.

That's because embattled quarterback Stephen Garcia just threw his third interception of the game. And again he threw it directly to a defender. Casey Hayward grabbed the first two, but Andre Hal was the beneficiary of Garcia's latest mistake. That was the first of Hal's career.

Fans let Garcia know how they felt, but coach Steve Spurrier probably let him know even more.

However, Vanderbilt quarterback Larry Smith wouldn't let Garcia be outdone in the mistakes department. Three plays after Garcia's blunder at Vandy's 36-yard line, Smith was pressured by South Carolina's Jadeveon Clowney, who forced Smith to fumble the ball. Spur Antonio Allen then picked it up, raced toward the end zone, fumbled and Melvin Ingram recovered the ball in the end zone to put South Carolina up 7-3.

After South Carolina's score, Vanderbilt had minus-9 yards of offense (25 passing, -34 rushing) and South Carolina was working with three Garcia interceptions.

U-G-L-Y.

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Are This Season’s Huge Passing Numbers Leading To More Points?

The explosion in passing yards is not leading to a similar increase in points scored.  Passing yards are at 128.4 and points scored are at 113.5.  (2006 = 100.0); this is the biggest difference between the two since the start of the 16-game era.  There may be more passing yards to be had due to the new kickoff rule pushing starting field position back.  The sample size is only 2 weeks; these numbers can, and probably will change.

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Alabama's C.J. Mosley injures elbow

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama played most of its 38-14 victory over Arkansas on Saturday without starting linebacker C.J.Mosley, who dislocated his elbow.

The Crimson Tide could be without Mosley for two to three weeks, which isn't great timing, especially with Florida coming up next week.

Mosley plays the inside linebacker position on passing downs for Alabama and is one of the Tide's best cover guys. Florida runs a steady diet of speedy running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps on passing routes out of the backfield and slot, and Mosley would play a big role in covering those guys.

Junior Dont'a Hightower moved inside on passing downs Saturday against Arkansas after Mosley was injured in the first quarter. The 6-4, 260-pound Hightower normally lines up outside as a rusher on passing downs.

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Final pregame thoughts: LSU-WVU

MORGANTOWN, W.V. -- There certainly is something special about night games at West Virginia. The big question is how much of an impact the crowd can have in this game.

The Tigers are used to playing night games in venues bigger in the SEC. Their own home stadium at night is a sight to see. LSU is 47-4 in night games under Les Miles, compared to 18-13 during the day. The Tigers already have won two night games away from home -- against Oregon in Texas, and at Mississippi State last week.

One other note: LSU has won 35 straight nonconference regular season games. So a daunting task awaits. But the West Virginia crowd is beyond fired up. A sea of gold will greet the Tigers tonight, with fans furiously waving gold towels. In fact, the stadium was mostly full 45 minutes before kickoff. West Virginia observers say this is the loudest the stadium has been in years.

Fans put on a great show for College GameDay this morning. Some camped out as early as Thursday in anticipation of the game. Now it is finally here. That sea of gold in the stands will be matched with a sea of gold on the field -- West Virginia will wear all gold tonight.

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Manningham Officially Out Sunday

What we feared is now official. Mario Manningham did not make the trip to Philadelphia and will not play Sunday as he tries to recover from a concussion. The loss of Manningham hurts an already depleted receiving core. Victor Cruz, Jerrel Jernigan, Brandon Stokley: step on up.

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McFadden to Play? CB Says He’ll Know in Warmups Sunday Night

Now there’s talk that CB Bryant McFadden is gonna play against the Colts on Sunday night at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Cornerback Bryant McFadden wasn’t listed on Friday’s injury report, but his status for Sunday’s game at Indianapolis remains uncertain because of a tender hamstring. He said there’s more than a 50-50 chance he’ll play. William Gay started last week’s game against Seattle. “I’m not sure if I’ll play until I warm up on Sunday,” McFadden said after Friday’s practice. “There are certain movements and strides that are restricting me. It’s just been a frustrating injury.”

Hmmm…sounds like it would be better to just give McFadden another week to rest. The team should more than be able to get the job done without McFadden, and rushing him back isn’t going to do any good at this point. He will be much more needed the following week when the team travels to Houston to play Matt Schaub and the Texans.

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Five Bold Predictions For The New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles Week Three Game

LeSean McCoy #25 RB

The Philadelphia Eagles lost a heartbreaker in Atlanta to the Falcons, following an exciting comeback performance, and a nice showing from back-up quarterback Mike Kafka. The question going into Philadelphia’s week three game against New York was — Would Michael Vick be recovered from the concussion he sustained against the Falcons? Good news for Philadelphia, as Vick was cleared for practice and is expected to start against the Giants this Sunday.

New York is coming to Philadelphia following a relatively easy win on Monday Night Football against the St. Louis Rams, and are looking to capture an early lead on the division. The rivalry between the Giants and Eagles has heated up substantially in the past few seasons, and this season has been turned to a whole new degree. As last season the Eagles comeback win in the Meadowlands essentially ended the Giants playoff chances, and this game they are coming for revenge.

Here are five bold predictions for the Giants vs. Eagles week three match-up:

5. There Will Be a Number of Turnovers For Both Teams 

In the early goings of the season, both the Giants and the Eagles have struggled with turning the ball over on offense. There have been numerous miscommunications on hand-offs, routes down the field, and even poor blocking, all of which have led to a shockingly high number of turnovers. The Eagles have coughed up the ball in incredibly inconvenient situations, and have managed to give up a defensive touchdown already this season.

The Giants are in a similar situation, as Eli Manning has proven to be incredibly interception happy, and Ahmad Bradshaw has shown that he can be loose with the ball. Both the Eagles and Giants defense will be all-over, and ready to jump on any mistake made by either offense.

4. Philadelphia’s Defense Will Contain Ahmad Bradshaw 

The Eagles rushing defense is the hottest topic in Philadelphia. The Eagles seem to have every single piece together on both the offense and defense, except their linebackers have struggled containing the run. Following last weeks abismal performance from rookie Casey Matthews, he was benched in favor if Jamar Chaney, who started the latter half of last season at middle linebacker.

I feel that the Eagles defense has worked increasingly hard at containing the run, and they will prove this game that they can keep it under control. The move of Chaney back to middle will be huge to the success of the front seven, and it should have an immediate impact on Bradshaw and the Giants running game.

3. Eli Manning Will Struggle Finding Open Receivers

As stated earlier, Manning has had a rough stretch recently. He has been throwing interceptions left and right, and that has not been helped by his lack of receiver depth. There seems to be a curse in New York as every single receiver Manning is getting comfortable with, they go down with injury. The most recent being Domenik Hixon, tearing his ACL last week against the Rams, for the second straight season.

Combine that with Mario Manningham with a questionale status, and Manning is going to have a hard time. Any time a quarterback has to play the Eagles trio of corners, it is never easy, but with the current injuries in New York, it is going to be nearly impossible. Considering that the Giants are now starting Brandon Stokely, that should be some indication of how little Manning has to work with.

2. Michael Vick Won’t Finish The Game 

Last week against the Falcons, Michael Vick was forced to leave the game following a sack in which he fell into an offensive lineman and suffered a concussion. Since then, he has been cleared by team doctors, and also an independent source, and he is reportedly going to start Sunday’s game. The Eagles have had quite a few players suffer concussions, and most have not been able to bounce-back in less than one week.

I have a feeling that Vick will start the game, but he may get pulled due to residing effects of the concussion. The Giants are a physical team, and Vick can only take so many hits after an injury like this. I don’t see how Vick can start and finish a game after getting back into pads, and suffering a concussion less than a week ago.

1. The Eagles Offensive Line Will Look Terrible 

The second most discussed topic this off-season for the Eagles was the offensive line. Despite drafting heavily in offensive lineman, the Eagles still have not improved much from last season. But keep in mind the teams the Eagles have played, (Falcons, Rams), do not have anywhere near the caliber of defensive line that the Giants have. I would venture to say that the Giants have a top-three pass rushing defensive line in the NFL, and will be a true test Philadelphia’s offensive line.

I think this will also be a test that they fail. Considering how poorly the line has done protecting Vick so far this season, I don’t imagine it will turn around much in this game. I am aware that there are technically two starting rookies on the line, but that won’t change the Giants dominating pass rush. Considering the fragile state that Vick is in, with a mediocre offensive line, and an elite pass rush — The Eagles should be worried.

Conclusion: 

The Giants and Eagles always seem to have good games, regardless of who has the better season or better team. It also seems that if the game is not incredibly close and down to the last minute, it will be a blow-out. This is an early season match-up that has not received a lot of attention, but I think it will be one of the best games of the week, and one that will be determined in the fourth quarter. Giants 24 – Eagles 31

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Final: Oklahoma State 30, Texas A&M 29

Down 20-3 at halftime, No. 7 Oklahoma State scored 27 consecutive points in the third and fourth quarters to beat No. 8 Texas A&M 30-29 in College Station, Texas, on Saturday.

Oklahoma state quarterback Brandon Weeden completed 47 of 60 passes for 437 yards and two touchdowns. The Aggies turned the ball over three times during the third quarter when the Cowboys outscored them 21-0. They also turned it over on their final drive of the game.

More to come later.

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Final: Ohio State 37, Colorado 17

Colorado's road losing streak is now at 20 games after getting dominated 37-17 at Ohio State.

Two fumbles (Colorado's first turnovers of the season) and poor special teams play -- including yielding a 90-yard kickoff return -- didn't help the Buffaloes' cause, but Ohio State dominated both lines of scrimamge and won with a true freshman Braxton Miller making his first start at QB.

Miller tossed two touchdown passes but only needed to complete 7 of 16 passes for 110 yards. The Buckeyes outrushed the Buffs 221-75.

Colorado, which falls to 1-3, will play host to Washington State on Saturday, in a game that is critical for both team's longshot bowl hopes.

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Illinois survives scare from Broncos

The Illini are 4-0 for the first time since 1951. But it wasn't easy getting there.

Illinois 23, Western Michigan 20: For much of the preseason and the first two weeks, we talked mostly about the Illini offense. But the past two games, Illinois has gotten the job done with its defense.

The offense was inconsistent most of the day, and the defense repeatedly had to bail the team out. Alex Carder and the Broncos were slinging it around the field all day and basically ignoring the running game. While Western Michigan found plenty of success through the air and managed to tie the game at 20 in the fourth quarter, the Illinois defense made plays when it had to, just as it did last week in a tense 17-14 win against Arizona State. The Broncos had the ball in the final minute with a chance to tie or win but couldn't even get in field goal range as the clock ran out.

Meanwhile, when the Illini needed to win the game, they turned to their running game. Nathan Scheelhaase spent a lot of time in the option, and Troy Pollard and Donovonn Young ran with confidence. Pollard had 133 yards and Young added 100. They weren't able to go in for a score or a kneel down with their final drive, but they ate a lot of clock with that ground game and put Western Michigan in a tough spot.

So Ron Zook's team remains undefeated and will likely stay ranked. This team has some flaws, but it keeps finding ways to win. Up next is the conference opener against Northwestern, and Illinois will enjoy the comforts of home for a fifth straight week to open the season.

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Halftime: UConn 10, Buffalo 3

The Huskies lead Buffalo 10-3, but it has not been pretty. Then again, when has a Huskies game been pretty of late.

Coach Paul Pasqualoni has used all three quarterbacks again. Johnny McEntee has the only touchdown pass of the day, a 4-yarder to fullback Mark Hinkley. That was set up on a nice 64-yard reception from Nick Williams. But once again the Huskies have struggled to run the ball.

They have 43 yards rushing and are averaging 2.4 yards a rush. Lyle McCombs has 36 yards on 12 carries. D.J. Shoemate does not have a carry.

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Final: Washington 31, California 23

Last year, Washington won at California with a clutch touchdown on the final play of the game. This year, Cal had an opportunity to return the favor. It couldn't.

The Bears had a first and goal on the Huskies 2 in the waning moments, trailing 31-23. They needed a touchdown and a 2-point play to force overtime.

But the maligned Huskies defense made a stated. Two incompletions and two runs netted zero yards and Cal turned the ball over on downs.

While the Washington defense surrendered 457 yards, it pitched a shutout in the fourth quarter.

Washington improves to 3-1 and 1-0 in Pac-12 play. Cal falls to 3-1 and 0-1. The win pushes the Huskies up in the Pac-12 North Division. And, of course, does the opposite for Cal.

Huskies quarterback Keith Price, playing on two sprained knees, was again brilliant, completing 19 of 25 for 292 yards with three touchdowns, including a 70-yard scoring toss to Chris Polk that provided the winning margin with 12:13 left.

Price entered the game leading the nation with 11 touchdown passes. According to this calculator, the sophomore first-year starter now has 14, with just three interceptions.

His counterpart, Zach Maynard, had good numbers -- 23 of 43 for 349 yards with a TD and no interceptions -- but he struggled in the redzone.

The Huskies visit Utah on Saturday. Cal has a bye before visiting Oregon.

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Vanderbilt finally breaks through

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- It hasn't been a pretty one so far.

South Carolina has watched as two Stephen Garcia passes have found Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward and the Commodores have run just nine plays for 16 yards.

But that last interception, which Hayward saw coming before Garcia even released the ball, was returned 23 yards to South Carolina's 22-yard line. The Commodores didn't do much, but they kicked a field goal and lead 3-0 as the first quarter winds down.

The Commodores have done a good job of containing South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore. He has just four carries for 8 yards. The Gamecocks have actually come out passing, testing this secondary. So far, that hasn't been wise.

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Redskins at Cowboys MNF Injury Report

REDSKINS

Questionable: S DeJon Gomes (hamstring), S LaRon Landry (hamstring), RB Mike Sellers (ankle), RB Darrel Young (hamstring)

Probable: WR Brandon Banks (knee), TE Chris Cooley (knee), LB Keyaron Fox (back), CB DeAngelo Hall (toe), TE Logan Paulsen (hamstring), CB Josh Wilson (back)

COWBOYS

Out: WR Miles Austin (hamstring), G Derrick Dockery (knee), CB Orlando Scandrick (ankle)

Questionable: WR Dez Bryant (thigh), K David Buehler (right groin), RB Felix Jones (shoulder), QB Tony Romo (ribs)

Probable: C Phil Costa (knee), CB Mike Jenkins (shoulder), G Bill Nagy (neck), CB Terence Newman (groin), LB Anthony Spencer (shoulder)

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NFL.com Creates Tacky Ad

Unless this is some kind of  hoax, South Stands Denver Fancast has found an NFL.com fantasy football ad that is absolutely uncalled for.

What do you think? It would be one thing to show a bunch of injured players in action shots, spreading out the crushed dreams – and maybe getting their permission -, but showing Jamaal Charles in a moment of agony and helplessness truly disturbs.

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Final: UCLA 27, Oregon State 19

At least for a week, UCLA can smile. Oregon State? Not so much.

The Bruins triumphed 27-19 in the Desperation Bowl at Oregon State, as the Bruins evened their record at 2-2 and at least briefly boosted coach Rick Neuheisel's chances of surviving the 2011 season.

And the Beavers, who closed the gap to 21-19 to start the fourth after a 2-point conversion failed, fell to 0-3 for the first time since 1996.

UCLA QB Richard Brehaut threw for a touchdown and ran for another. The Bruins outrushed the Beavers 211 yards to 88.

Making his first career start at QB, Oregon State redshirt freshman Sean Mannion completed 24 of 40 for 287 yards with a TD, an interception and a fumble on the Beavers 4-yard line.

Receiver James Rodgers had a solid return, catching five passes for 76 yards.

UCLA faces a tough task on Saturday at Stanford. Oregon State visits Arizona State.

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Manning Said Pain In Neck Subsided Then Returned

Peyton Manning on Friday talked about why he waited until May to have his first of two neck surgeries that put him on the sideline indefinitely. He experienced a temporary neck issue in February, “but it went away,” Manning told Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star. “March, April and the first part of May were normal and great. I was throwing a lot.”

Then the symptoms resurfaced and persisted, leading to his May 23rd surgery. Manning’s rehabilitation progressed without incident as training camp neared. He opened camp on the physically unable to perform list and was cleared to practice Aug. 29. “I had to get on the field to see where I was,” he said.

“You can only do so much in a gym. I had to get out there. “I kept saying, ‘Boy, things have got to improve,’ and I had been told they could.” When his rehabilitation began to plateau and even regress, he said he “had no choice but to trust the doctors and what they were saying.”

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Redskins at Cowboys MNF Injury Report

REDSKINS

Questionable: S DeJon Gomes (hamstring), S LaRon Landry (hamstring), RB Mike Sellers (ankle), RB Darrel Young (hamstring)

Probable: WR Brandon Banks (knee), TE Chris Cooley (knee), LB Keyaron Fox (back), CB DeAngelo Hall (toe), TE Logan Paulsen (hamstring), CB Josh Wilson (back)

COWBOYS

Out: WR Miles Austin (hamstring), G Derrick Dockery (knee), CB Orlando Scandrick (ankle)

Questionable: WR Dez Bryant (thigh), K David Buehler (right groin), RB Felix Jones (shoulder), QB Tony Romo (ribs)

Probable: C Phil Costa (knee), CB Mike Jenkins (shoulder), G Bill Nagy (neck), CB Terence Newman (groin), LB Anthony Spencer (shoulder)

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Davis: Fitzpatrick’s guts, not smarts, leads Bills

Published: September 21st, 2011 | Tags: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills, Charles Davis, NFL Total Access

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Kudos to the Bills for their 2-0 start. But we know two weeks doesn’t make a season. So the question heading into Week 3 is whether this version of the Bills is any different than any of the teams who haven’t come out on the winning end against the Patriots since 2003.

For some perspective, consider George W. Bush was in his first term as President, Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez was 14 years old and Creed was winning music awards.

These Bills are led by Ryan Fitzpatrick. He’s a Harvard grad. He reportedly scored a 48 on his wonderlic exam. We’re convinced he’s pretty smart. And, as Fitzpatrick goes, so generally go the Bills.

But beyond his smarts, NFL Network analyst Charles Davis says it’s Fitzpatrick’s gritty-gutty style not only epitomizes his offense, but the tough, nothing-to-lose approach is part of what has led to the Bills’ recent success.

“His guts are what defines this offense. This is a guy who (the team) wants to follow because of how tough he is in the pocket and the plays that he makes,” Davis said after checking in with Bills offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins. “This team feels pretty good about itself because the guys who we’re talking about scoring touchdowns, these are guys are who were late draft picks and undrafted free agents who have a lot to prove. They’re not going to walk into New England with any fear. They think they can go out and make plays.”

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Cooley all about Grossman’s confidence

Published: September 22nd, 2011 | Tags: Chris Cooley,

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Recall that QB Rex Grossman showed up at training camp and a couple of days later said the Redskins would win the NFC East.

Sure thing, Rex. Some probably just thought he was slightly confused. The rest raised an eyebrow and shrugged off Grossman as just the latest entry in what’s becoming an NFL epidemic of players and coaches making predictions (thank you, Rex Ryan).

Not so for TE Chris Cooley, who told NFL Network on Thursday the 2-0 Redskins are a confident bunch behind closed doors.

“I thought that was the greatest thing he could have said,” Cooley said. “It’s a little outrageous for a player to say it, but as a teammate and as a friend, you fully support him. I was really proud with his confidence. We’re very confident in this building. You don’t always want to let it out as much as we have. You want to know your quarterback believes, you want to know everyone on your offense is full believer in what you’re doing. If you don’t go into a season expecting to win the division, the Super Bowl, then why are you at work? Why are you practicing? We’ve taken the believe we’re a good football team and we’re going to win games.”

There’s no blame to go around for being confident. But this type of thing works out much better when you’re winning. If they haven’t already, it’s a good bet Grossman’s shot-calling will make it to bulletin boards in New Jersey, Philly and Dallas.

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One voice needed for Big 12's next step

The Big 12 tried to put on its Sunday best at its Thursday night Big 12 revival.

After it ended with everyone confused, it's clear that not much has changed.

There’s still fighting -- this time Missouri and Oklahoma sending mixed messages -- and Texas is sitting satisfied.

Thursday night, OU and Mizzou held simultaneous press conferences.

Oklahoma president David Boren said all remaining schools -- except for Texas A&M -- "agreed" to give a six-year grant of their first- and second-tier television rights to the Big 12. That means that all revenue from the top television games -- shown currently on networks owned by ABC/ESPN and Fox -- would continue to go to the Big 12 even if a school bolts to another league.

Signing over those rights would mean that Oklahoma, or any other school, would not be paid directly for media revenue, regardless of which conference it was in. The money would be paid to the Big 12. If a school left, the Big 12 would collect revenue from the new conference.

Money would then redistributed through the rest of the conference.

In short, the agreement would make Big 12 teams very attractive to the Big 12 -- and no one else.

[+] Enlarge AP Photo/Cody DutyThe loss of Colorado, Nebraska and likely Texas A&M resulted in a loss in confidence with commissioner Dan Beebe.Except that it hasn't happened yet.

While Boren trumpeted it as an agreement, Missouri said no such thing. A source later confirmed that "there was no agreement, only an agreement to work toward that as a potential outcome."

On Missouri's conference call, there were literally two voices speaking, Missouri chancellor Brady Deaton first before wires were crossed and Boren blared above the chairman of the Big 12 board of directors.

Boren and Deaton spoke simultaneously, drowning out their conflicting messages by coming together ... and forming unintelligible noise.

Boren said when he arrived to the podium at Norman that the league's conference call had ended just minutes earlier.

It was probably worth the extra time to get their stories straight before causing yet another black eye for the Big 12, which is trying to rebound from its second major crisis in 18 months.

Contrast that with the Big Ten, Pac-12 or SEC. When was the last time Ohio State's decision-makers, Gene Smith or E. Gordon Gee, talked about anything publicly regarding conference alignment?

Each conference has a singular voice, a leader, a representative of the conference. Whatever the conference does, commissioners Jim Delany, Mike Slive and Larry Scott are the ones voicing it. They lead their conferences.

Dan Beebe never proved to be the leader the conference needed.

He was a good man in an unfortunate situation -- a near untenable one, really, considering what he had to deal with -- but a change was necessary.

Beebe ceded to Texas' desire to create its own network last summer. The Big 12 would have died without it, but ironically, it sparked Texas A&M's decision to apply to the SEC.

The departures of Nebraska, Colorado and Texas A&M, however, resulted in Beebe being seen as an ineffective leader, both inside and outside the conference.

[+] Enlarge Harry How/Getty ImagesInterim commissioner Chuck Neinas will have to battle the perception that Texas runs the Big 12.The Big 12 will have a new commissioner, and interim commissioner Chuck Neinas will have to battle the perception that Texas runs the league if the Big 12 wants to convince anyone it has any stability.

He'll also need to serve as the Big 12's voice if he wants to get anything done and move forward from Thursday's debacle.

The next step is painfully obvious. The Big 12 must have equal revenue sharing if it's going to move forward and not be seen as (or be) dysfunctional, which Thursday night's debacle proved.

Every other league shares its revenue equally. The past 18 months have provided a long enough case study to show that doing otherwise does not work.

Oklahoma made it clear that it's willing to sacrifice its bigger share to fight that battle.

"Would equal distribution mean a financial contribution for the good of the conference? Yes. Would we be willing to do so? Yes," Boren said.

On Wednesday, Dodds told reporters that Texas is committed to equal revenue sharing for Tier 1 and Tier 2 media rights.

But for now, forget revenue sharing, expansion, media rights or anything else on the horizon for the Big 12.

The conference won't move forward until it can settle its biggest and most difficult opponent: Itself.

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TCU defense struggling

TCU remains on course to become a member of the Big East. At least today, anyway. You never know in the changing landscape of college athletics.

With that in mind, I bring to you the first of what will be weekly installments on how the Horned Frogs are faring this season.

The most glaring problem for TCU has been its defense. TCU has finished ranked No. 1 in total defense three straight seasons, but the likelihood of that happening in 2011 is remote.

Right now TCU sits at No. 103 in total defense. TCU has finished outside the Top 25 twice since Gary Patterson became head coach in 2000. That happened in 2003, when TCU was ranked No. 38, and in 2004, when it was ranked No. 99.

Patterson is a defensive guru, so to see his unit struggle like this has been unusual. His team has faced radically different styles of offenses, but the primary problem seems to be against the pass. TCU has four new starters in the secondary, and they have yet to jell completely.

Linebacker Tanner Brock also is expected to miss his third straight game with a foot injury, which has not helped the situation. But Patterson says he has seen incremental progress in three games so far.

TCU gets Portland State this weekend before a huge test against a passing team next week in SMU.

"Here's how I look at it," Patterson said. "In the San Diego State game (last year), we gave up three or four touchdown passes. But we won the Rose Bowl. For us, you've got to keep things in perspective. We're playing so many read-option teams, there's so many other variables we have to work on. I thought we played the pass a lot better in the Air Force game. ULM dinked and dunked. We've made some tremendous strides, but have some good throwing teams coming up."

TCU in NCAA total defense rankings under Gary Patterson:

2010: 1
2009: 1
2008: 1
2007: 15
2006: 2
2005: 25
2004: 99
2003: 38
2002: 1
2001: 24
2000: 1

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Don’t buy into the Broncos’ timeshare

NFL.com Staff | Tags: Knowshon Moreno, Ahmad Bradshaw, Arian Foster, Ben Tate, Brandon Jacobs, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Daniel Thomas, DeAngelo Williams, Denver Broncos, Felix Jones, Houston Texans, Jonathan Stewart, Miami Dolphins, Mike Tolbert, New York Giants, Reggie Bush, Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers, Tashard Choice, Willis McGahee

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Job sharing is the big fantasy topic of the day.  There are seven teams currently dealing with RB situations that involve two (or more) players due to health and production.  So let’s play a bit of ‘If you had to … who do you start this weekend?’

Broncos:  Knowshon Moreno is back at practice. Willis McGahee is coming off 28 carries. This is a full job share. McGahee hasn’t had that kind of workload since 2008.  If at all possible, stay away from both of these guys for this week against Tennessee since Denver will be throwing the football. If you have to? Go with McGahee, because he’ll still get most of the carries with Moreno coming off an injury.

Chargers:  In Week 1 we thought RB Mike Tolbert had the job.  Now?  It’s RB Ryan Mathews.  Tolbert’s nine carries for 10 yards, a fumble, and getting stopped on fourth down inside the 5 against New England has huge implications for Mathews, who had more carries and is much more involved in the passing game.  Mathews will slowly start to seize this job. It’s what he was drafted for, and his talent is starting to come out. But they’re both still worthy in flex positions this week, as Tolbert will still get shots at the goal line (unless he fumbles).

Cowboys:  Felix Jones’ dislocated shoulder notwithstanding, there’s not a lot to like about the Cowboys offense this week.  If you’re desperate Monday night, RB Tashard Choice is your choice (wordplay!), but I’d stay away from everyone on their offense if at all possible.  Jones is hurt and ineffective, Choice is a dice roll, and with QB Tony Romo, WR Miles Austin and WR Dez Bryant all hurt?  I see bad things, and very few points.

Panthers: If you’re still starting RB DeAngelo Williams, stop.  Stop right now.  Carolina is 100 percent quarterback driven.  And this means that RB Jonathan Stewart is back in fantasy owners’ good graces.  He will be the one seeing the ball out of the backfield — he had eight catches for 100 yards last week — and is your better fantasy play right now, but only at a flex.

Dolphins: Rookie RB Daniel Thomas has gone from inactive to stud in one week.  In the same week, RB Reggie Bush has gone from the savior to the decoy.  Thomas will get the football plenty, while expect Bush to average 5-7 carries a week.  But most alarming is how Bush was only targeted once in the passing game last week.  Thomas may be taking over more than we thought.  Thomas is a pretty easy flex choice.

Texans:  Start RB Ben Tate. Can it be simpler? I really don’t see RB Arian Foster being able to go Sunday after Houston made a huge mistake in starting him last week.  Also, with RB Derrick Ward a late add to the injury report, Tate is your guy, and I have him as a strong No. 2.

Giants:  Facing CBs Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie without WR Domenik Hixon and with WR Mario Manningham’s concussion problem means get ready for plenty of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs.  I would play them both — Bradshaw will probably get 25 carries and Jacobs 15.  Bradshaw is a No. 2 and Jacobs a decent flex.

– Jason Smith

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Will the real Ravens please stand up?

Published: September 22nd, 2011 | Tags: Heath Evans, Baltimore Ravens, Jim Mora, No Huddle

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The Ravens were widely considered among NFL observers to be Super Bowl contenders, especially following their season-opening, dominating win over the Steelers. They didn’t look like contenders in their follow up performance against the Titans.

So what do we make of the Ravens after two weeks? NFL Network analyst Heath Evans isn’t so sure.

“What I thought the makeup, the charachter, the DNA of Baltimore was is in question in my mind now,” Evans said. “Baltimore surprised me in every form and fashion in that game — the intensity, the look in their eyes.”

Evans hasn’t been building a fan club in Detroit lately, so maybe Baltimore is next. But the letdown, which was clear to many, might have been inevitable says former coach Jim Mora.

“The put so much on the Pittsburgh game that they had a natural letdown,” said Mora. “If you’re going to be great, that can’t happen.

“I’m not worried about their DNA. I think they got slapped around a little bit. … They had a letdown. I’m not forgiving them for it, it was wrong. They weren’t playing the Titans, they were playing the Steelers. But, I think in the long run, it will be good for them. It will bring them back down to earth.”

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Ravens at Rams Friday Injury Report

RAVENS

Out: WR Lee Evans (ankle), WR David Reed (shoulder), CB Jimmy Smith (ankle)

Questionable: CB Chris Carr (thigh), G Ben Grubbs (toe)

Probable: C Matt Birk (knee), DT Terrence Cody (head), DE Cory Redding (toe)

RAMS

Doubtful: WR Danny Amendola (elbow)

Questionable: DE C.J. Ah You (wrist), RB Steven Jackson (quadricep), LB Ben Leber (groin), RB Carnell Williams (hamstring)

Probable: TE Michael Hoomanawanui (calf), WR Greg Salas (ribs)

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Huskies, Bears battle for No. 3 in the North?

Stanford and Oregon were a combined 24-2 last year and both are presently ranked in the nation's top-10. They are the top of the Pac-12 North. The number of people who don't think one or the other will win the division is 17, and six of them are Norwegian, folks who as you well know are notoriously contrarian when it comes to college football analysis.

Looking up at the Ducks and Cardinal are four other the North teams, but the two top candidates for the three-hole will be in Seattle on Saturday scrapping it out for the right to become a "maybe" contender that could make the Norwegians look like giants of prognostication: California and Washington, neither of whom enjoy hearing about how great Stanford ("Blech," say the Bears) and Oregon ("Pfffftt," say the Huskies) are.

These two combined for 12-13 record last fall, with the Huskies managing to win seven games only because they pried No. 5 away from Cal on what suddenly -- wham! -- became the final play of the Bears season.

[+] Enlarge AP Photo/Marcio Jose SanchezChris Polk's 1-yard touchdown with no time left lifted Washington past Cal last season.That dramatic finish -- a fourth-down, 1-yard TD plunge from Huskies running back Chris Polk as time expired on a 16-13 victory -- was the cornerstone of what is supposed to be a transformative season for Washington.

It was not greeted so warmly in Berkeley, where the Bears found themselves saddled with their first losing record in nine years under coach Jeff Tedford. Bears fans, suffice it to say, grumbled a bit, and the Bears themselves weren't exactly clicking their heels over the program's slide, either.

Tedford, however, is only willing to obliquely note that Cal might come to Seattle with an added chip on its collective shoulder.

"It was motivation through the whole offseason and the summer time, but this is a different team and they're a different team," Tedford said before adding. "It was odd how that game ended. It was somewhere we've never been before."

As if last year's game isn't enough of a poke in the eye, Cal adherents also might recall that the last time the Bears were inside Husky Stadium, they got bombed 42-1o, perhaps Jake Locker's career-best game.

These teams will come at each other with similarities: New starting QBs who have mostly exceeded expectations. And differences: Cal's defense ranks among the conference leaders; Washington's among the conference laggards.

As for Cal's Zach Maynard, this will be his SECOND -- not first, SECOND -- major road test. He mostly passed his first during an overtime win at Colorado, but Husky Stadium is notoriously tough on visiting foes, though it doesn't appear the house will be full.

"I think Zach is on track to become a very good player," Tedford said. "He has a lot of ability. He probably can use his legs better than any quarterback we've had here, so that is an added dimension to our offense."

While Maynard has been solid, sophomore Keith Price has been stellar for the Huskies. He leads the conference with 11 TD passes and ranks fourth in passing efficiency, ahead of some notables such as Arizona's Nick Foles and USC's Matt Barkley.

"He's playing phenomenal football for us right now," coach Steve Sarkisian said. "He's been lights out."

But Price will be playing against a tough Cal defense that has 11 sacks and ranks second in the conference in pass-efficiency defense.

Maynard will face a defense that ranks last in the conference in scoring (36.7 ppg) and 11th in total defense (452.0). Still, a review of the Huskies depth chart -- defensive tackle Alameda Ta'amu, defensive end Hau'oli Jamora, middle linebacker Cort Dennison, cornerback Desmond Trufant -- suggests this crew should be playing better.

Which is why much of the muttering in Seattle this week has been about well-compensated coordinator Nick Holt.

"I trust Nick Holt," Sarkisian said. "I believe in Nick Holt. I believe in our defensive staff. They are tremendous coaches. I've seen them coach for years. And we will get better."

How? Simple. Freaking stop dithering and go hit somebody.

"We're playing with some hesitation," Sarkisian said. "We're not letting loose and letting go. We're a little bit afraid to make a mistake."

The winner Saturday immediately announces itself as a top-half of the division team. And that is a necessary first step toward challenging Oregon and Stanford, who have finished one-two in the conference the previous two seasons.

The Norwegians have high hopes.

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First and 10: ‘A Football Life,’ Part 2

Published: September 22nd, 2011 | Tags: First and 10, Bill Belichick, Blaine Gabbert, Cam Newton, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Jerome Simpson, London Fletcher, Maurice Jones-Drew

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has been called a genius at game-planning, but just watch him struggle to change the clock on his car’s dashboard. Plus Willie McGinest, Mike Mayock and Michael Lombardi share their favorite memories of Belichick when Part 2 of NFL Films’ highly anticipated documentary, “A Football Life” debuts Thursday night at 10 p.m. ET on NFL Network.

Here’s what else is on tap for Thursday:

Tune into NFL Network’s “Total Access” Thursday at 7 p.m. ET to hear from Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew — whose team starts rookie Blaine Gabbert against Cam Newton and the Panthers Sunday — and Washington linebacker London Fletcher, whose Redskins travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys Monday night.Twenty-six years after they stormed through the NFL on their way to 15-1 record, a dominating Super Bowl XX victory and an atrocious music video, the 1985 Chicago Bears have finally been invited to the White House.Police said a package containing 2 1/2 pounds of marijuana was delivered from Eureka, Calif., to the suburban Kentucky home of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jerome Simpson on Tuesday, where authorities say they found six more pounds of marijuana inside.In this week’s Start ‘Em & Sit ‘Em, NFL.com fantasy editor Michael Fabiano explains why Ahmad Bradshaw should put up big totals against the Eagles — and why fantasy owners should beware of some big stars in Big D Monday night.Posted in: Around The Web   comments    

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Bills’ Fitzpatrick reminds Warner of … himself

Published: September 21st, 2011 | Tags: Around the League, Buffalo Bills, Kurt Warner

Most us don’t know what it’s like to get compared to someone likely destined for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ryan Fitzpatrick, welcome yourself to that exclusive club.

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Fitzpatrick, who is tied with some guy named Tom Brady (as well as Matthew Stafford) for the league lead with seven passing touchdowns, is getting a lot of attention around the NFL Network this week. The latest comes from aforementioned quarterback, Kurt Warner.

“I love the way (Fitzpatrick) is playing right now. He reminds me a lot of me,” Warner told “Around the League” Wednesday. “He’s a gunslinger, he’s a guy who attacks you, throws the ball down the field. Unfortunately, I think there’s going to be times this year where he takes a few too many chances and has one of those games with three or four interceptions. But right now, he’s making all the plays for this team.  He’s been extremely impressive and exactly what that young team needs.”

That’s pretty high praise, to say the least. Many questioned the Bills offseason decision not to acquire a quarterback in a trade or the draft. All Fitzpatrick continues to do is prove them right.

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First and 10: Don’t go into Sunday unprepared

Published: September 23rd, 2011 | Tags: First and 10, Brian Billick, Cam Newton, Cedric Benson, Jordy Nelson, Michael Vick, New England Patriots, Tony Romo

Get ready for all of Week 3's matchups with NFL.com’s exclusive Game Center previews, featuring stats, stories, videos and more.

Here’s what else is on tap for Friday:

Tune into NFL Network’s “Around the League” Friday at 5 p.m. ET to hear from Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson on his team’s upcoming clash in Chicago, a rematch of last season’s NFC Championship Game.Cam Newton went undrafted in many fantasy leagues. Nobody’s sleeping on him now, though. Michael Fabiano says it’s time to make the Heisman winner your starting fantasy QB.Behind a record-setting offense, the Patriots had a perfect regular season in 2007. With another high-scoring attack, can they do it again in 2011? Our experts debate which team will be the last to lose.Most of the attention going into games is on the stars, but lesser-known players often end up being difference makers. Bucky Brooks runs down several players who could be in the spotlight in Week 3.Posted in: Around The Web   comments    

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Five ‘eye in the sky’ matchups for Week 3

You have probably heard the phrase “a team is only as strong as its weakest link.” In the NFL, the difference between a team’s weakest link and their strongest can determine the outcome of a game.

Leading up to Sunday, we did a little tape study and tried to find a few links that could be broken:

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Patriots at Bills
Matchup: Bills interior D-Line vs. Dan Connolly

Connolly has stepped in at center for the Patriots, replacing Dan Koppen, and didn’t embarrass himself versus the nose of the Chargers’ 3-4 defense. But against the Bills’ two 4-3 defensive tackles, Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams, he’ll have his hands full.

While a base 4-3 scheme leaves a center uncovered, the Bills shade at least one tackle over the center or an “A-gap.” Across from Connolly, for the most part, will be Williams, who played 40 of his 53 snaps over the center in Week 2. Dareus is almost always shifted over a guard, but he’ll loop around Williams on stunts.

Whether Connolly faces the never-ending motor of Williams or the immense strength of Dareus, he’ll have to anchor and finish blocks if Tom Brady hopes to sit in the pocket and shred Buffalo’s secondary.

Giants at Eagles
Matchup: Trent Cole vs. William Beatty

Beatty, a third-year player out of Connecticut, is in his first full year as the Giants’ left tackle. A leaner, more athletic blind-side protector, Beatty was able to ride the inside shoulder of the Rams’ speed rushers and take them right out of the plays in Week 2.

He won’t have the same luxury versus Cole, however.

Emerging from his four-point stance, Cole is a ferocious defensive end who loves to bring a speed rush and also mix in a heavy bull-rush when the left tackle is off-balance. Last week, Cole jacked Atlanta left tackle Sam Baker with his hands, pushing through the line and registering six tackles — including four for a loss.

This will be Beatty’s chance to prove he can keep the Giants’ offense on schedule by keeping Eli Manning upright.

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Texans at Saints
Matchup: Darren Sproles vs. Texans defense

Houston had a practice run versus a scat back with Reggie Bush and Miami last week, but the Dolphins only threw to him once. They’ll face a real test in the pass game with Bush’s replacement in New Orleans — Sproles.

A cat-quick weapon out of the backfield, Sproles has 15 receptions in two games this week and 7.9 yards per catch. He is a perfect fit for the Saints’ offense on passing downs, which spreads defenses out with multiple receiver sets. Sproles lines up in the backfield or at wide receiver, leaking into voided zones and posing a matchup nightmare for the safety or linebacker who is left to cover him.

Looking at the Texans, they blitzed 59 percent of the time on passing plays in Week 2, which means Sproles might find himself with one man — or maybe no one — to beat for a splash play on offense.

Packers at Bears
Matchup: Aaron Rodgers vs. Bears safeties

In last year’s NFC Championship, the Bears tried to disguise their coverages, rolling their safeties in order to confuse Rodgers. Even if the Bears’ secondary has a new look — Daniel Manning is in Houston, Major Wright is uncertain with a head injury and Chris Harris is on the bench — expect a lot of the same looks from Chicago’s defensive scheme.

On the other hand, Rodgers is a master of manipulating safeties, and Green Bay has the weapons to stretch a defense vertically. Whether it’s Harris, Wright, Brandon Meriweather or Craig Steltz, the Packers will stress the top of the Bears’ defense — and they can’t break.

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Redskins at Cowboys
Matchup: Cowboys linebackers vs. Redskins zone running attack

With Tony Romo and the Dallas wide receivers banged up, the Cowboys’ best offense might have to come through their defense. They will host an efficient Redskins running attack that is the crux of their passing attack. Dallas must make them a one-dimensional passing offense to increase the odds in its favor.

Washington runs Mike Shanahan‘s zone-run scheme, which allows its line to flow in one direction and their running back to pick and choose a hole. That means the Cowboys’ linebackers will have to be disciplined and consistent with their gap integrity.

This defense must close running lanes for Tim Hightower and Roy Helu and limit gains on first and second down.

“Playbook”, the ultimate football Xs and Os show, airs Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network. Check the NFL Network broadcast schedule for further details. Follow “Playbook” on Twitter @NFLN_Playbook.

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Falcons at Buccaneers Friday Injury Report

FALCONS

Out: DT Jonathan Babineaux (knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring)

Questionable: LB Stephen Nicholas (calf)

Probable: DE John Abraham (thigh), DE Ray Edwards (foot), C Todd McClure (knee), DT Corey Peters (knee), QB Matt Ryan (knee), S Shann Schillinger (neck), WR Roddy White (thigh)

BUCCANEERS

Out: T James Lee (knee), WR Sammie Stroughter (ankle)

Doubtful: LB Quincy Black (ankle)

Questionable: DE Tim Crowder (calf), TE Kellen Winslow (knee)

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Giants at Eagles Friday Injury Report

GIANTS

Out: CB Prince Amukamara (foot), DE Osi Umenyiora (knee)

Doubtful: WR Mario Manningham (concussion)

Probable: C David Baas (lower leg) , TE Travis Beckum (hamstring), DT Jimmy Kennedy (knee)

EAGLES

Out: DE Juqua Parker (ankle), DE Darryl Tapp (pectoral)

Questionable: QB Michael Vick (concussion)

Probable: S Nate Allen (knee), TE Brent Celek (hip), DE Trent Cole (hand), WR Riley Cooper (hamstring), TE Clay Harbor (ankle), LB Akeem Jordan (shoulder), T Winston Justice (knee), LB Brian Rolle (quadricep), CB Asante Samuel (finger), WR Steve Smith (knee), QB Vince Young (hamstring)

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Is more Peterson a no-brainer for Vikings?

Published: September 22nd, 2011 | Tags: Adrian Peterson, Around the League, Heath Evans, Minnesota Vikings

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Donovan McNabb says the winless Vikings are in must-win territory, and we’ve heard plenty of suggestions as to how to make that happen against 2-0 Detroit in Week 3.

Maybe that starts with a bigger dose of Adrian Peterson. Sure, that sounds obvious to most of you. Peterson ranks fourth in rushing yards (218) and seventh in attempts (41) and a healthy 5.3 yards per carry. But the Vikings, and Peterson, have been stopped cold in the second half of both games while surrendering double-digit leads. Peterson had seven carries for 24 yards in the second half against the Chargers and 10 rushes for 37 last week against the Bucs.

“I don’t think there’s enough (pressure). When you look at his numbers, this guy does nothing but produce,” Heath Evans said Thursday on “Around the League”. “They need to get the ball in this guy’s hands more. … They can’t feed this guy enough with the way they’re struggling on offense; this is that security blanket. Feed (Peterson) the football.”

Perhaps to no fault of his own, Peterson has been more “Half Day” than “All Day” this season. The Vikings are running out of time to find a solution.

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Bradshaw will flex his muscles in Week 3

It was Duran Duran who did ‘The Reflex’, which honestly was a silly song that didn’t make any sense.  But I needed something to get me into this blog rather than just title it ‘Flex Options I Like For This Week Maybe A Little More Than Other People Do’.  So there you go.

Oh by the way, I think ‘Wild Boys’ is DD’s best. Let’s get on with it.

Ahmad Bradshaw:  OK, so the Giants are going to see WR Hakeem Nicks matched up against CB Nnamdi Asomugha.  And WR Mario Manningham possibly against CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.  The next healthy receiver they have is John Mistler (Too obscure?  Okay, Lionel Manuel, then).  New York is going to run the football 60 times this week in an effort to control the game.  I love Bradshaw and to a lesser extent, Brandon Jacobs, because each of them is going to see at least 15 carries.  Bradshaw will be closer to 25.  I love him this week to the tune of 100 yards and a TD.

Darren Sproles: You can see how things are going with the running back rotation in New Orleans.  Mark Ingram is still finding his way, and Pierre Thomas is doing what he can with the few carries he gets.  Darren Sproles is taking touches away from all of them.  He has 15 catches in the first two weeks, and his role is ever-expanding.  Now, he’ll never run the ball even 10 times a game, but can I see him getting near 10?  Sure.  And with his passing game targets, he’s a tremendous flex option from here going forward.  He’s taken the Reggie Bush role and expanded on it.  If this game against the Texans is the track meet it’s expected to be,  I expect Sproles to do what he had last week — 75 yards and a TD (I mean a real TD, not a tiptoe-out-of-bounds-that-gets-overruled-five-days-later TD).

Mike Sims-Walker:  It took two weeks (and an injury to WR Danny Amendola), but QB Sam Bradford targeted Sims-Walker 11 times in the loss to the Giants.  The door is wide open for him to become Bradford’s go-to guy.  As I said on “NFL Fantasy LIVE” this week, you can make plays downfield against the Ravens in the passing game, and I expect at least 45 passes from Bradford on Sunday.  It’s still going to be a cautious approach with RB Steven Jackson, so expect bigger production through the air.  This is becoming Bradford’s team, so you’ll see more of a slant toward passing over running regardless.  I think Sims-Walker can have 100 yards and a TD.

– Jason Smith

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Multi-running back systems rule the SEC

Houston Nutt has always taken pride in a treacherous rushing attack. Mostly because its success relied on multiple bodies.

There was Darren McFadden and Felix Jones at Arkansas. And more recently at Ole Miss he’s had the combinations of Dexter McCluster, Cordera Eason, Brandon Bolden, Jeff Scott and even a little Enrique Davis.

In Nutt’s three seasons at Ole Miss, his teams have averaged 186.5, 183.6 and 207.6 yards per game during a full season. Most of that damage was done with the help of the use of multiple running backs in the offense.

[+] Enlarge AP Photo/Mark HumphreyRunning back Jeff Scott has had to carry the load for Mississippi because of injuries.Fast forward to 2011, and Nutt finds himself without a strong running game and his Rebels are 1-2, averaging 109 rushing yards a game, which ranks 11th in the SEC.

Nutt watched as his top two backs -- Bolden and Davis -- went down with injuries in Week 1, leaving Scott to carry the load. Scott has been successful, but not having that second punch in the backfield has hurt the Rebels’ offense.

Bolden returned last week, but Ole Miss still couldn’t run the ball effectively. Without a successful multiple rushing attack, Nutt thinks any offense will struggle in this league.

“It’s a must,” Nutt said of having a multi-running back system in the SEC. “You probably gotta have three -- two for sure -- but you need three and sometimes four. This is the guy that’s going to get hit … this is the guy that’s gonna take some shots. How durable you are at the position is really the key for the year.”

Look at past three national champions.

In 2008, Florida basically used four rushers in quarterback Tim Tebow, wide receiver Percy Harvin and running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. Each eclipsed the 600-yard mark and had four or more touchdowns. The Gators averaged 231.1 rushing yards per game and finished 13-1.

Alabama’s 2009 team had one of the toughest running back duos around in Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. Ingram won the Heisman Trophy after rushing for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns. Richardson, then a freshman, had 751 yards and eight scores.

Of course, Auburn’s perfect run last season was fueled by the three-headed rushing monster of quarterback Cam Newton and running backs Michael Dyer and Onterrio McCalebb. Newton and Dyer both rushed for more than 1,000 yards (Newton had 1,400-plus) and McCalebb had 810, giving Auburn a staggering 284.8 rushing yards per game.

Currently, four -- Alabama, Florida, Auburn and Vanderbilt -- of the top six rushing teams in the SEC consistently utilize multiple running backs. Tennessee, Ole Miss and Kentucky are at the bottom of the league in rushing and don’t.

South Carolina, the SEC’s top rushing team, runs on Marcus Lattimore power, something coach Steve Spurrier worries could begin to weaken over time without some help. Lattimore already leads the nation in yards (534) and carries (87).

Alabama coach Nick Saban understands Spurrier’s concern, saying the use of more running backs helps keep players fresh and the offense firing. Saban's combo of Richardson and Eddie Lacy has combined for 619 yards and 11 touchdowns.

“I don’t think there’s any question about it that if you’re going to be able to run the ball it’s always good to have a guy who’s healthy and fresh out there that can give a little change of pace and have a little juice all the time,” Saban said. “That’s been beneficial for us for several years now.”

Seeing two talented running backs lineup together can also have defenses spinning, wondering who and how to attack.

“We’re going to be anywhere from empty to three backs,” said Florida coach Will Muschamp, whose rushing attack averages 210.3 yards a game. “That’s what’s difficult in preparing for our offense.

“There are a lot of multiple formations and shifts and different things that happen with the same personnel on the field.”

For Richardson, he’s thrived in a two-running back operation and loves it, even though he’s the go-to guy. It not only keeps him energized but it makes wearing down defenses that much more fun.

“It’s like, how are you going to control these two guys?” he said. “With the rotation that they have, and with the features they have to bring to the field, it’s kind of hard to slow these guys down.”

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