Gridiron Gab Week Thirteen Preview: Carolina at Seattle

Eleven games into the season, Pete Carroll and his Seattle Seahawks find themselves owning a share of the lead in the NFC West standings. They also welcome in the Carolina Panthers – the National Football League’s worst team this season – for a Week 13 matchup at Qwest Field, yet the head coach isn’t sitting easy.

“It’s as tight as it can get,” said Carroll during his Wednesday press conference from the Seahawks’ Renton, Wash. training facilities of the state of the NFC West where the last place Arizona Cardinals at 3-8 are just two games out of a share of first place.

“Each game matters so much.”

Injuries and inconsistent play have plagued Seattle (5-6) as of late, a team that’s lost four of its last five games, but those same issues have wreaked havoc on Carolina (1-10).

Four quarterbacks have lined up under center so far for the Panthers and three of them have been sidelined to some extent. The team’s starter coming into the season, Matt Moore, is on Injured Reserve. Brian St. Pierre, brought in off the street two weeks ago, dealt with a sore arm after one start and rookie Jimmy Clausen is one game removed from a concussion.

“That would challenge anybody,” said Seattle’s head coach.

The running back position, too, hasn’t been able to sidestep the injury bug, yet Carolina’s current tandem of Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson were able to do something last week in Cleveland that hasn’t been done often this season by the team – collectively run for over 100 yards. In fact, the pair’s 151 combined rushing yards last Sunday were the team’s best total in 2010.

“He’s matured into this monster of a running back,” said Carroll of Stewart whose University of Oregon team played Carroll’s University of Southern California squad while the two called the Pac-10 home.

“But the other kid, Michael Goodson, is a guy that – man – he was on my radar. I’ve known this kid for a long time. I knew him as he was growing up through high school and he was one of the top, if not the top guy we were recruiting at the time, so for him to be such an explosive running back doesn’t surprise me one bit.”

While Carolina is coming off its best rushing performance, Seattle isn’t. Headlined by Marshawn Lynch’s team-leading seven carries, the Seahawks managed just 20 rushing yards as a unit.

“I’m really, I’m so uncomfortable with the fact that we’re not running the football in a better fashion and I’ve said to you [reporters] weeks and weeks that ‘we’re going to get better, we’re going to improve,’ and we have – you know – we still have been in this mode of flux and we have not got it to the point where we need to get it,” said Carroll.

Part of the reason for that is the way Seattle’s lost four of their last five games. With an average final deficit of just over 24 points, the Seahawks haven’t had the luxury of developing a ground attack.

A more even mix might be the key to a Seattle victory Sunday over visiting Carolina because Mike Williams, the team’s top aerial threat with 52 receptions for 654 yards and a touchdown, isn’t expected to take the field.

“There’s a presence that a big receiver gives ya,” said Carroll. “You can just throw the ball at ‘em whenever you need to and they’ll likely make a play for you and that, that’s not existent in – you know – guys that aren’t 6-5.”

Kickoff at Qwest Field for Sunday’s matchup between the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks is set for 4:15 p.m. Eastern.

Can’t get enough SeahawksGab? Follow Editor Devon Heinen on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DevonHeinen.

View the original article here

Sports Gab Network Senior Editor Matt Loede’s NFL Picks for Week Thirteen

Last Week: 8-8
Season: 101-72

Cleveland at Miami – The Dolphins looked good last week in Oakland, and while the Browns won (barely) against the 1-9 Panthers, the Dolphins are the better team, and will get WR Brandon Marshall back this week, and he will have a big game against the Browns secondary and suspect D that can’t get to the QB. Miami 24 Cleveland 17

San Francisco at Green Bay – The Pack rallied but fell short in the ATL a week ago, but return home to take on a 49ers team that won Monday night, but are now without Frank Gore the rest of the way. Look for Aaron Rodgers to have a good day vs the Niners, and the Pack D will force a few mistakes from Troy Smith and the 49ers offense. Green Bay 27 San Francisco 17

Denver at Kansas City – The Chiefs are trying to hold off the pesky Chargers in the AFC West, and need to make sure they don’t have a hiccup here. They were crushed the last time they played the Broncos, and this time they will make sure to learn from their mistakes. This will play out like an old AFL game, but the Chiefs in the end will have enough offense to get it done at Arrowhead. Kansas City 37 Denver 31

Buffalo at Minnesota – Last week Steve Johnson cost the Bills a shot at the upset at home over the Steelers, and now they have to take that hard luck loss and head to Minnesota to play Brett and the Vikings. Minnesota kept their very slim playoff hopes alive with a win in DC, and while the Bills will play the Vikings hard, Minnesota has a few more playmakers that will pull this one out. Minnesota 23 Buffalo 20

Washington at New York Giants – The Giants had issues early with the Jags last week, but found themselves late and pulled out a needed win to keep pace in the East. As for the Skins, they are starting to show wear and tear, and at 5-6 need a win here to keep their playoff hopes alive. Won’t happen, as Eli Manning and the Giants have too much offense for a Skins team that is fading fast. New York Giants 24 Washington 14

Jacksonville at Tennessee – Kerry Collins looks to get the start at QB for the Titans, and he can’t be as bad as rookie Rusty Smith was a week ago, as the Titans laid a big old goose egg on the scoreboard in Houston. The Jags were slammed the last time these two played, and the Titans matchup well with the Jags. Look for another big day for Chris Johnson, and the Titans will roll out a big home win. Tennessee 26 Jacksonville 13

Chicago at Detroit – The Bears look like the best team in the NFC right now, and as long as Jay Cutler doesn’t give up the ball with picks, this team should have enough to get past Drew Stanton and a Lions team that is starting to wear down with too many injuries. Detroit’s two wins this year are at home, but vs the Bears they won’t have much success unless they create at least 3-4 turnovers. Chicago 24 Detroit 10

New Orleans at Cincinnati - Cincy appears to have given up, as they were no match for the Jets on Thanksgiving despite having plenty of chances to take control of the game in the first half. This team needs to re-tool this offseason, and against the Saints they will hang in for a half, but the Saints have way too much offense to fall even on the road in a cold weather city. New Orleans 31 Cincinnati 20

Oakland at San Diego – The Chargers are playing as well as any team in the NFL, and against the Raiders at home they will have no issues getting to Jason Campbell and getting the ball down the field to their wide outs as they roll for another win to keep the heat on the Chiefs in the AFC West. San Diego 29 Oakland 14

Atlanta at Tampa Bay – It was another last second win for the Falcons last week vs the Pack, but they all count, and this week they head to Tampa to look to sweep the Bucs. Tampa Bay needs to get to Matt Ryan, and also need to avoid mistakes to make this thing interesting. They can’t allow Matt Ryan to make plays downfield to Roddy White, but that’s easier said than done. Look for White and Michael Turner to be the difference, as the Falcons fly to 10-2. Atlanta 27 Tampa Bay 23

Dallas at Indianapolis – Last week the Chargers took advantage of Peyton Manning mistakes as the Colts lost a rare home game. This week the Cowboys come in after not playing for a full 10 days, and still smarting after they should have beaten the Saints at home. Dallas is a different team under Jason Garrett, and they have been playing better football. The Colts are in crisis mode, and can’t afford another letdown. Look for Dallas to keep playing better football. Dallas 27 Indianapolis 26

St.Louis at Arizona – Here’s hoping that Derek Anderson doesn’t get caught smiling or laughing, as last week they were awful on Monday night vs the 49ers. Arizona at 3-8 is a team that right now can’t seem to get out of its own way, while the Rams are average at best, but are making strides and will build off a big win in Denver last week. St.Louis 34 Arizona 24

Carolina at Seattle – Can you imagine if the Seahawks, at 7-9, got into the playoffs as the NFC West champs? Don’t laugh, it very well could happen, and a win over a bad Panthers team at home can make it a lot more likely. Look for Seattle, who were beaten at home by the Chiefs last week, to rebound vs a Panthers team that hung in but were wide on what would have been a game winning field goal shot in Cleveland a week ago. Seattle 28 Carolina 14

Pittsburgh at Baltimore – The first of two very good prime time games sees the best two AFC North teams do battle in Baltimore. Ben Roethlisberger’s foot is a big concern, but he says he will be fine, and he’s won his last 5 vs the Ravens, a key. The Steelers should be able to hold the Ravens run game in check, and then try and force some Joe Flacco mistakes. It will be a field goal game, since it always is, and this time the Steelers will get enough and win it late. Pittsburgh 23 Baltimore 20

Monday Night:

New York Jets at New England – Two of the AFC’s best wrap up the week, as the Pats look for revenge vs a Jets team that beat them early in the season. This time the Pats will look to confuse Mark Sanchez, hold the Jets run game, which has had some issues lately, in check, and make sure they are consistent on offense as they have been. They may start a little slow, but look for Brady and his boys to score enough to outduel the Jets and take control of the AFC East. New England 19 New York Jets 13

View the original article here

NFL Gridiron Gab Week Thirteen Preview: Chicago at Detroit

Trap Game: Looking Ahead?

“It’s way too early for that. We ain’t even thinking about that right now.”

—Bears DE Julius Peppers, when asked about the Super Bowl.

The Bears visit the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Brian Urlacher and crew will be facing a 3rd string QB in Drew Stanton, who’s subbing for the injured Shaun Hill, who’s subbing for Mathew Stafford…who never really recovered from his week-one body shot compliments of one Mr. Julius Peppers.

The Bears are 8-3, the Lions 2-9. Should be an easy win, right?

Yep, I agree.

But while you track how many yards and TDs guys like Cutler and Forte put on the board and how many sacks and turnovers the Bears D forces, I’m going to follow (and  take time to appreciate) some of the Bears’ unsung heroes from this surprise, 1st place season. You know, guys like…

Peanut Tillman – Not only is Peanut tied for second on the team with 3 INTs (Chris Harris), he’s 2nd behind only Brian Urlacher in total tackles. Hard to believe he’s in his 8th year, but Tillman is one of the most physical tacklers in the league. True to form, he’s forced 4 fumbles and recovered two others. During the preseason, Bears followers were ready to annoint Zack Bowman the team’s #1 corner, especially after he flip-flopped sides with Tillman. But when the regular season began, it was Peanut whose play allowed him to reclaim that role.

Robbie Gould – The third most accurate kicker in NFL history is up to his old tricks again this year. He’s 18 for 22 on field goals (82% success rate). Every time he trots on the field, I try to stop and appreciate how spoiled we are knowing our kicker is automatic for any attempt less than 50 yards. Gould will hold a home-field advantage against every opposing kicker who enters Soldier Field between now and the playoffs. And should he need to make a big kick in a climate-controlled dome, let’s say…oh…in the ATL next month, he’ll be money.

Chris Harris/Danieal Manning – Besides the Vikings game, I can’t think of another time when the Bears were burned by a deep pass play. Sure, Lovie’s Cover-2 D is predicated on stopping the big play; but you’d expect a busted coverage every once in a while. With Harris and Manning manning the defensive backfield, that hasn’t happened this year. Both players are stout in run support, which has contributed to the Bears lofty second-place league standing in rush defense. The success of Harris and Manning has allowed Lovie to bring Major Wright along slowly, without thrusting the rookie into action before he’s ready.

Earl Bennett – Okay, so he’s becoming more of a household name, especially after last week’s 2-TD game vs. the Eagles. But while Knox and Hester make more of the ESPN-worthy plays, I’ll take me some Bennett any day. Earl reminds me of Tom Waddle – the 5-foot nothing, pasty-white WR who did all the dirty work for Ditka’s offense in the early ‘90s. All Bennett does is make the tough, clutch catches over the middle that turn into first downs. Rarely does he drop a pass. And he’s also played special teams this year, so you know he’s tough.

Frank Omiyale – Poor Frank. Since signing with the Bears in the 2009 offseason, he’s went from left guard, to right tackle, to left tackle. His play of late has kept former first-round tackle, Chris Williams, at left guard. While Frank is still good for a false start and sack allowed per game, he’s settled down to the point where he does more good than bad.

Lions Prediction:

As for the game itself, I’m confident the Bears will put up plenty of points against the Lion’s 25th-ranked defense. And they won’t give up many Lions scores either, considering they’ll be facing a third-string QB making his 2nd career start.

Bears: 30, Lions: 13

View the original article here