Jeff Kryglik's blog

Jets vs. Chargers

Source: http://www.brettschnacky.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/brettschnacky_nike_stlfrm2.jpg

The last game on the NFL Divisional Weekend consists of LT and his electrically gliding San Diego Chargers against the Rex Ryan led New York Jets. This is a battle of strengths and weaknesses and there are a few key things to look out for.

The Jets have the number one pass defense in the NFL along with the eighth best rushing attack. This defense is a tough matchup for any team, even the "Super Chargers." Obviously the key to the success of this defense, especially in the passing game is All-Everything Cornerback Darrelle Revis. It's a crime that he didn't get defensive player of the year for what he does to the best receivers in the NFL, but kudos to Charles Woodson because he did put up great numbers as well. A lot of what Revis does well doesn't show up on the stat sheet. When the Jets played the Bills in Toronto, the cameras would constantly show shots of Revis getting in the face of Terrel Owens, and manhandling him at the line. Physical play is a disappearing art for the cornerback position in this day and age in the NFL so receivers just don't expect it. In the two games he played against Chad Ochocinco, he held him to 2 catches for 28 yards and a bruised ego. The week following up to the playoff game, Ochocinco said things like "I'm coming to the big apple to give NY what they've never seen, an escape inmate gone wild on Revis Island... try and cover me!" Revis Responded with, "good morning world. i just woke up from this crazy dream. @OGOchoCinco came to Revis Island and disappeared." He has made everyone disappear on his island this year and is the primary reason why the Jets have only given up eight passing Touchdowns. This week, he has another test in 6'5'' Vincent Jackson who is coming off a career year with 68 catches, 1167 yards, and 9 touchdowns. The Chargers have other weapons, but if Revis can stop Jackson, Phillip Rivers might not be able to look down the field as often.

Plain and simple, the Chargers have weapons. LT, Darren Sproles, Jackson, Antonio Gates, Malcolm Floyd, the list goes on and on. Phillip Rivers has the supporting cast this year for the passing game, but as good as those weapons at running back are, their run game is very poor, 31st in the league with 88.9 rush yards a game. However, when your offense averages 28.4 points per game, does it really matter? The Chargers are the only team in the NFL to score 20 points in every game this year, which is pretty hard to do. The games they have lost, they've have been in every one. This team finds a way to score points even with a putrid running game. The old saying goes, "running the football and defense wins championships." That may be true, but what about the Colts during the 2006-2007 season when they won the Superbowl. They were an average defense at best, and weren't much of a running team and they won the Superbowl so anything can happen. The Bolts' defense doesn't get enough credit either. Ron Rivera has got them in the top half of every defensive category, except for run defense. They are very physical and aggressive in the passing game, which can pose a threat to rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. Look for guys like Shaun Phillips and Steven Cooper to bring pressure on the outside and give the young quarterback happy feet. As far as the Chargers offense goes, even though Darrelle Revis is a matchup problem for anyone, look for them to use their other giant at Receiver Malcolm Floyd on the downfield passing game, along with a heavy dosage of Gates in the intermediate passing game, and Darren Sproles in the screen game in space.

The Jets are one of the biggest surprise's in the league this year. They posted a 9-7 record in a "transition year." They were led by a rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez who didn't have the best TD-INT ration (12-20), but he did do one thing and that is win. They have the number one rushing attack in the league with Thomas Jones, who posted his fifth straight one thousand yard season and went for over 1,400 yards this year, and Shonn Greene, who had 500 plus yards in the regular season and had a huge game over the Bengals last week. The key to the Jets success is that offensive line. The whole line could probably make the pro bowl, but the three key contributors are Left Tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Left Guard and nine-time pro bowler Alan Faneca, and two-time pro bowler Center Nick Mangold. These three carry the bulk of the burden for Thomas Jones and allow the Jets to control the clock and manage the game without having Sanchez lose it for them. As underrated as the Chargers defense is, they were 20th against the run this year so look for the best rush offense in the NFL to jam it up the middle, off tackle, and through the Chargers' hearts. The key for the Jets week has to be if their passing game can do enough to help them to win. Braylon Edwards has to play the game of his life not only for the Jets benefit this year, but his own benefit in the offseason. This is his contract year, if he drops another key pass or another touchdown, GM's won't consider him a receiver that deserves top dollar. The Jets have some decent threats in the passing game with their leading receiver Jerricho Cotchery, who ironically was teammates with Phillip Rivers at NC State, Brad Smith, who is used in the "BradCat" the teams version of the wildcat, and Dustin Keller, a versatile Tight End that can block and has very soft hands around the red zone. The difference makers will be Smith and Edwards. If Smith, a former college quarterback at Missouri, can not only be productive in the "BradCat", but also the passing game, watch out Bolts because you may be joining Tiger Woods in the offseason. Also, if Braylon Edwards can finally catch a ball in a clutch situation, the Jets will be dangerous.

The bottom line is the Chargers just have too much firepower on offense for the Jets to handle. They may be the best defense in the League, but the Chargers are much better than the average Bengals offense a week ago. Plus, look for Antonio Cromartie of the Chargers to play physical on the outside with Braylon Edwards to frustrate him early, so that he never gets a rhythm going and loses focus.

Prediction: Chargers defeat the Jets: 24-10

Arizona vs. New Orleans

Source: http://saints-nfl.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-orlean-saints-as-my-mum-would-say.html

Get your guns out this weekend because at 4:30 PM in the Louisiana Superdome, there is going to be another shootout. The Cardinals find themselves in similar territory, facing a high-powered offense with a good running game, and a great quarterback. The only problem for the Cardinals this week, they are facing the best offense in the league, the New Orleans Saints.

This game seems to have all the signs that would point towards a high scoring affair, and expect nothing less than that. Both of these teams have struggled on defense in the second half of the season, and also in the Cards case, the post season as well. Darren Sharper was going to be the defensive player of the year, and then he just disappeared along with the Saints defense. They are a team that thrives on takeaways, but without that, they are pretty much in the same boat as the New England Patriots. They are slightly inexperienced, their secondary isn't the best, and the defensive line is banged up really bad. The loss of pass rushing specialist Charles Grant is a huge blow to this defense. They still have Will Smith who finished in the top five in the NFL's sack category, but look for the Cardinals to double team Smith, or even use Chris "Beanie" Wells or Tim Hightower to chip off the end, and go into the flat. The Cardinals have not really had much of a defense either. Their last two games against the Packers were not the defense's best days. They gave up a combined 88 points in those games, and even though they won their playoff game, they seem as if they forgot how to tackle. The Cardinals are a team that give everyone who watches football a headache. One week, their defense can force several turnovers and hold their opponent to under 14 points, and the next week they give up at least thirty points. They are not good at rushing the passer, with their sack leader being Darnell Dockett their 3 technique who has 7 sacks. Pressure is the key to stopping Drew Brees. Just look at the difference DeMarcus Ware made in their game against the Saints when they were 13-0. He had two sacks, multiple hurries, and a sack and forced fumble on the final play of the game as the Saints were driving. Guys like Anthony Spencer and Bobby Carpenter also gave Brees a headache in that game. These guys are pass rushing specialists, something that the Cards truly lack. The heart of sole of their defense is Karlos Dansby. He is similar to Adalius Thomas in that he can play anywhere on the field: Mike Linebacker, Outside, Safety, Defensive End, etc. He was not used much in the blitzing game this season though, only being credited with one sack. Dansby should bring some pressure up the middle this week,even if he does not get a sack because Brees struggles when he sees pressure in his face, because he is only six foot tall.

The offenses are the keys for victory for both of these teams. Arizona has Kurt Warner, who is probably the second or third best post season quarterback of all time, behind Joe Montana, and Tom Brady. His efficiency in the playoffs is scary in that he almost had a perfect passer rating last week, going 29/33 378 yards and 5 TD's. He has his fair share of weapons in Larry Fitzgerald, who has nine career touchdowns in only five postseason games. He has Steve Breaston, who was one of three receivers for the Cards to have 1,000 yards receiving last season. He has Anquan Boldin, who was out last week, but is expected to play this week. His new target is second-year receiver Early Doucet. Last week, he filled in for Boldin and has 6 receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns. The key to the Cards winning this week, is how well they run the ball. We already know that they can throw it, now it is time for Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower to step up in the playoffs, keep the Saints off the field, and take the pressure off of Warner so he is not forced into situations that can lead to Saints takeaways.

Brees also has his fair share of weapons, but his offense is not all him. The team averaged about 403 yards per game during the season and about 134 of those yards were rushing. They have a three headed monster of Mike Bell, Pierre Thomas, and Reggie Bush. They use Bush in space because he is one of the most athletic backs in the league not named Chris Johnson. Thomas and Bell are more inside the tackles type of runners, but Thomas can be dangerous in space as well. The aerial attack of the Saints, led by Marques Coltson, is a scary good. Brees likes to spread the ball around to everyone, but he has found one guy in particular that is the X-factor in this game and that is second year receiver Robert Meachem. Ever since the Washington Redskins game, people have been jumping on his bandwagon. He has quickly emerged as Brees' number one target. Ever Since the Redskin's game in Week 13, he's had at least four receptions in every game since then, excluding the Carolina game Week 17 where Sean Payton decided to rest some players. The key to Meachem getting so wide open is the way he runs the seam route. He is similar to another player on their roster, Devery Henderson, who has had another solid season for the Saints. What both of these men do so well is find a way to get open. Henderson relies more heavily on his breakaway speed, while Meachem uses his quick footwork out of his stance. He's similar to Reggie Wayne of the Indianoplis Colts in that as soon as the ball is snapped, he breaks right into his route that is all timing. Wayne and Peyton Manning have the short 3 yard slant down to science and where he earns all his yards are after the catch. The same can be said for Brees and Meachem. Look for Brees to split the secondary with Meachem this week because although all their starters played last week, Antrel Rolle and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, both showed signs of still being a little sluggish. Cromartie had a pick last week off of a deflection, but he and starting free safety Rolle, had issues covering Greg Jennings along the sidelines, and Jermichael Finley in the seams. Ifthis weakness for the Cards can be exploited, the Superdome will host two playoff games in the same postseason for the first time in franchise history.

The Saints are coming off of three straight losses, and a losing attitude is never something you want to have going into the divisional round of the playoffs. They only rested players in their last game as well, and two of the losses came in the Superdome. Historically, the Saints have a huge home field advantage because when those fans get into it, the echo in the Superdome is like no other. The Cardinals have the momentum though. they are coming off of one of the most exciting games in post season history, it was a home victory, and they played all four quarters in their win, including a few minutes of overtime. If the Cardinals defense is up to task this week against the number one offense in the National Football League, look for the Cardinals to pull this one out. Plus, Kurt Warner is on the borderline of retiring, so his play is going to be elevated. Expect his teammates to rally around his leadership and win this one for the good 'ol "Bag Boy."

Prediction: Arizona defeats New Orleans 34-27

Mark McGwire: Truly Created a Game of Shadows

Source: http://scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/Sports/images-2/mark-mcgwire-congress.jpg

Growing up in the late nineties, there were two people that I really cared about in baseball and they were Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa. What they did for baseball was bring the long ball into center stage in the baseball world, and we know the old cliche"chicks dig the longball." The 1998 season was perhaps the most exciting baseball season ever as McGwire and Sosa wereee both on pace, and did, break Roger Maris' single season home run record of 61. The record was held for so long that it seemed inhumanely possible to be broken. The fact of the matter is, maybe it really was.

I realize now that with the Mitchell report coming out, as well as former players like Jose Canseco naming people that have you PED's(Performance-Enhancing drugs), that I grew up in the steroid era of baseball. I can't say that my excitement from those years will ever return because, yes during the home run chase i was only seven years old, but it was so cool to see two men just dominate the sport in the way they did. Now knowing that one if not both of them were cheating, I don't think I can ever look at baseball the same way.

As soon as a guy has a good season now, I find myself saying, "He must be on juice/roids", instead of saying, "Wow, he must have put in a lot of hard work in spring training to get ready for this season." Modern medicine has advanced, as well as strength and conditioning regimens, but so have drugs. Hearing the excuse of eye-hand coordination doesn't cut it anymore.

One of the most frustrating things with McGwire's interview with Bob Costas is that he seems upset, but doesn't feel like he took steroids to boost performance. This is one of the most delusional and ludicrous statements that I've ever heard. He talked about how he took low dosages of them, along with HGH(Human Growth Hormones), in order to help recover from his injuries faster. Two problems with this statement: One, if the steroids aren't taken in the first place, then the injuries probably wouldn't have occurred. Second, if he was trying to recover faster than other players do from injuries, then that gives him an advantage, which boosts his performance on the field because he is out there more often. Either way you look at it, McGwire is a cheater, he seems ashamed of it, yet there are still many unanserwed questions. Why would he call the Maris family and apologize if steroids didn't give him an advantage in hitting home runs? Is he just doing this to try and get the Hall of Fame vote because his only good statistics were his home run totals and he feels like they are valid? When he went to Congress in 2005 for his testimony, why did he say nothing then? How is someone like him, a cheater, possibly allowed in the Hall of Fame, yet Pete Rose is banned for gambling? How is Tony LaRussa going to make someone with a skewed career his hitting coach for the upcoming season? Will he ever admit to what Jose Canseco said that he took in regards to steroids? This interview hasn't really helped his legacy, it has pretty much thrown his career into abyss in some baseball writers' eyes.

Baltimore vs. Indianapolis

Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2010/01/10/2010-01-10_rutgers_standout_ray_rice_sets_pace_for_baltimore_ravens_in_win_over_new_england.html

The Baltimore Ravens took John Harbaugh's message to heart. They are going into the playoffs with a shovel and sword in hand and are digging down deep to try and make a huge playoff run. The destruction in Gillette Stadium on Sunday was just a sign of things to come for this Ravens team that has definitely seen its fair share of ups and downs this season. Next stop: Indianapolis to face the Colts who some can say have not played a meaningful football game in about a month.

This game will probably be the most intriguing one on the slate for the NFL this weekend for several reasons. One, how will the Colts respond to the layoff that they have experienced not only with the bye week, but with the rest Head Coach Jim Caldwell has given the starters? Will Joe Flacco be able to bear the pain of injuries to his quadriceps, hip, and ankle? Can Baltimore beat the one of the best teams in the league by only running the ball for the second straight week? Can the Baltimore secondary that has suffered its fair share of injuries step up to the challenge of stopping the record setting four-time NFL MVP, Peyton Manning?

The last two games of the season were very hard to watch if you were a Colts fan. Peyton Manning and several other key players were taken out of the game in the third quarter of their Week 16 contest against the Jets. This was an expected plan of attack, but the Colts players did not seem to respond well. Manning paced backed and forth frantically on the sideline as backup quarterback Curtis Painter eliminated any chances of a perfect season. Manning had his helmet on the whole time just waiting to be called on. Gary Brackett the leader of this defense was also kept on the sidelines and just could not bear to watch his defense just give away the last two games of the season. Without Manning and the other starters in the lineup, the Colts scored an astounding, 0 points. It is clear that Manning is the NFL MVP because without him, this team is nothing. Some say that resting players is a good thing to do because it prevents the threat of your starters getting hurt, i.e. Wes Welker for New England and Anquan Boldin for the Arizona Cardinals. However, just like in the National Title Game in college this year, when teams are coming off of an extended layoff, yes they may be fresh, but there still is that rust factor that they have to shake off. Will the Colts be up to the challenge, or will Baltimore try to jump on them early like they did against New England? Expect the Ravens to try and come with pressure up the middle early to try and wake Manning up and see if he is ready for the organized chaos he is about to experience.

Joe Flacco looked like a car with a flat tire last week. Just watching the pre-game warmups, you could tell how much pain he was in. The cold weather did not exactly help his injury much either because his leg was constantly tightening up on him and his ability to drop back in the pocket, set his feet, throw, and also to pull it down and run it. It seems like this always happens in New England for some reason. Two years ago, Phillip Rivers came into the game playing on a torn ACL, and played well enough to almost earn his team a birth in the Superbowl that season. One of the scariest moments about last weeks game was when Flacco pulled the ball down and tried running into the end zone against the Patriots. He was not at full strength and that play call is still questionable because why would you risk hurting his leg even more? Joe has a few things working in his favor though. Even with his putrid numbers last week, 4-10 34 yards and an interception, he led the team to victory. "Joe Cool", is certainly a winner and has been nothing but a winner since he came into the league last year. A second year quarterback with a 3-1 postseason record, and all the games were on the road, that is impressive by anyone's standards. He is a key contributor to the Ravens being the best road playoff team in NFL History. Another thing Joe has in his favor is the fact that they are playing in a dome stadium next week. The conditions will be perfect so that his leg should not tighten up from the weather. However, he has a short week this week and it can really be a big difference in his play. Film study and practice is not the problem with the short week. He needs as much time as he can with the trainers to get that leg right and one less day could possibly affect him drastically. Flacco will have to pass the ball more this week because the Colts run defense is a little better than the Patriots defense. He needs to look at all his targets in the passing game this week or else guys like Bethea in the secondary will be all over his passes. Todd Heap and Mark Clayton have to step up this week and take some of the pressure off of Derrick Mason because Flacco only looks to him because he has been the only one able to get open. Offensive line play is key as well. In their first meeting, they held two of the best pass rushers in the league, Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney, to one total tackle and no sacks. If the Ravens expect to win this week they have to protect Joe and give him the time he needs to look at all his reads.

Last week, the Ravens truly brought back their three-headed monster of Rice, McGahee, and McClain. Each scored a touchdown, had a fair share of carries, and contributed to the surprising total of 234 rushing yards(the team had 268 total yards of offense). The question is, can this formula work two weeks in a row? To a certain degree it can. The Colts has a fast, yet undersized defense at all positions. Their linebackers are built more like safeties, with the exception of Gary Brackett their Middle Linebacker, and their Defensive Lineman are pretty small as well. Teams tend to run at both Mathis and Freeney to try and drain their energy to take them out of their prominent ability, pass-rushing. The hard nose style of the Ravens, not only kept the Colts' high powered offense off the field in the first meeting, but also tired them out on defense. Willis McGahee has alot more power than people give him credit for, and McClain is just a man child at 6'0'' 260lbs. Ray Rice has that uncanny ability to not only truck opponents, but also using shifty moves to break away from tackles. Other than maybe the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys, this is the best running game in the NFL. That being said, the Colts will be ready for it. All they have to do is watch the film against the Patsand see that the passing game was a nonexistent last week. Yes, partially because of injury and the conditions, although clear, were extremely windy and rigid. If the Ravens take the same approach Rex Ryan took with Mark Sanchez last week against the Bengals, the Ravens have a good chance in winning this one. Give Flacco manageable plays that don't put too much stress on him. They should also look to plays they gave Joe last year for the playoffs. Part of the reason why the Ravens made the AFC Championship game is because of how Flacco managed the game, without turning the ball over. The key for this week will be if the Colts bring pressure, can the Ravens use play action passes and draws to try and get the defense to run by them?

The Ravens secondary has been bruised and battered all season long. Samari Rolle has been a no-go all season. Fabian Washington suffered a torn ACL. Lardarius Webb suffered a similar injury. Ed Reed was banged up for a few games. This season has not been kind to defensive backs for the Ravens. Chris Carr has been asked to play corner back, when primarily his role in the NFL is to be a return specialist. Frank Walker, who normally came in on dime packages and prevent packages last year, is asked to play more of a nickel back type of role. They resigned Corey Ivy for some insurance in the secondary, but have not really used him yet. This group, led by Reed, Dominique Foxworth, and Dawan Landry, stepped it up last week with three interceptions of Tom Brady. Randy Moss was virtually a no-show last week. Julian Edleman, although he had two touchdowns, filled in nicely for Wes Welker, yet did not seem to be a game changer. The Ravens played physical and aggressive in the secondary this week and they will have to do the same, if not better this week against the most prolific passer in the history of the game, Peyton Manning. He has his fair share of weapons as well: Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, the list goes on and on. The key to Manning's success has been not only on his weapons' ability to catch and run, and his ability to get them the ball quickly, but the way he and center Jeff Saturday set up the protection schemes. Before every play, Manning ans Saturday scan the defense. They identify the Mike Linebacker then go from there. He has his fair share of bluff audibles and phantom plays to try and confuse the defense. This makes Manning one of the hardest players in the league to game plan for because he is given a choice of plays by the offensive coordinator, and based on what he sees, he then chooses a play. The key match ups this week will be Dawan Landry versus Dallas Clark, and Dominique Foxworth versus Reggie Wayne. These are Mannings favorite targets and rightfully so. Clark and Wayne are both first down and touchdown machines. As a strong safety, Landry has to be physical with Clark and not allow him to get open as frequently as he did in the first game. Foxworth has to have optimal footwork this week because Reggie Wayne is one of the best receivers in the league in terms of breaking out of cuts. The quick slant is one of his favorite routes, so Foxworth needs to be careful when and when not to jump the route because he may get called for pass interference a few times. The Colts handled the Ravens last year when they came to their house, they will be looking to do the same this week. However, the Ravens seem like a team on a mission and if they can jump out and get a few quick scores in the first half and stop Manning to a degree, look for the Ravens to pull out with a W.

Prediction: Baltimore defeats Indianapolis 21-20

Dallas vs. Minnesota

 
Source:http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/pt/photos/2008/10/081005_NS_5cowlede05gm.jpg

The past thirteen years have been hell for the Dallas Cowboys. No playoff victories, over spending to get players, inconsistency at quarterback, a crying receiver, mediocre coaches, a dictator for an owner/GM, the list goes on and on. The new decade seems to have brought along with it success in the Cowboys direction as they've won their first playoff game in 13 years in dominating fashion over the Eagles. Roy Williams seems to be returning to his old form, Miles Austin is still emerging as one of the best targets in the NFL, they have a three-headed monster for their running game of Felix Jones, Marion Barber, and Tashard Choice, the list goes on and on. This is the hottest team in the NFL along with the San Diego Chargers. The two keys to their success have been the stellar play of their defense, which didn't allow Donovan McNabb to even think in the pocket and also ended the regular season with back-to-back shutouts, and also Tony Romo. Romo has had a monkey on his back ever since the botched snap against the Seattle Seahawks in their 2006 Wildcard match-up. Then there was the T.O. crying incident in 2007 against the New York Giants. This man has faced some trials and tribulations, but he as persevered through them all in the biggest spotlight in the NFL. America's Team has been needing a guy like Romo in their franchise for awhile now. A "ra-ra" type of guy that seems to be creating a successful career for himself. He's eliminated all off the field distractions that he has brought to the team in the past, i.e. Jessica Simpson, vacation during bye week. He has thrown away the stigma placed on the cowboys that they can't play in December and January because the only team they have lost to in those months this year are the San Diego Chargers. He has pulled this team together, put them on his back, and is carrying them on the road to Miami and it does not seem like it is stopping anytime soon.

The Cowboys face the Minnesota Vikings next week, who are coming off of a bye week after dismantling the Giants in Week 17, However, like most of the teams with bye weeks, they didn't end the season with extreme confidence in their own abilities. The Monday Night Game against the Bears showed that the Vikings have to wake up and realize that you can just go through the motions and win in the NFL. This week, they need to rely heavily on their front seven in order to stop the Cowboys' primary offensive weapon, their run game. A few guys to look out for on Minnesota this week are Kevin Williams, Chad Greenway, and Jared Allen. Kevin Williams is an unsung hero on this defense. He doesn't get all the recognition because of a guy named Jared Allen, but he clogs up the middle, along with Pat Williams, better than any defensive tackle in the league. He is facing Andre Gurode, a pro bowl caliber center that is a tough match-up for any tackle. Watch this match-up and see if Dallas tries to go off tackle to avoid the force that is Williams, or try to run right at him. Next is Greenway, the Vikings tackles leader. Heis a major key for this game because he has to watch out for both Miles Austin and Jason Witten, Romo's two favorite targets. Both of these guys like to do out and crossing routes and Greenway is one of the best at laterally closing space so it'll be interesting to see if he goes into his pass drop, or if they try to pressure Romo up the middle with him. Finally, the biggest mismatch in this game for Minnesota has to be Jared Allen versus Flozell Adams. Allen is one of the top sack leaders every season, 14.5 this year. He uses his mixture of size, speed, and moves in order to try and figure out how he can get by every tackle he goes up against. Flozell Adams has seen his fair share of struggles this year with really good pass rushers. The prime example, both times they faced the Giants this year, Flozell Adams had to commit penalties in order to stop Tuck from going by him like sliced bread, and even that didn't hinder the defensive end. If allen can constantly pressure Romo and at least get him once, as soon as he goes into that sack dance he always does, the Metrodome will erupt into chaos and good ol' momentum will be in their favor.

The Vikings have alot of weapons on offense. Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, Adrian Peterson, and of  course Brett Farve. He is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, but he will have a tough challenge this week against the hottest defense in the NFL. Keith Brooking has really stepped up so far in the playoffs and his veteran leadership is one of the keys on their defense. He is making their other leader, Bradie James, that much better at the linebacker position. However, the three biggest X-factors on the Dallas defense this week have to be DeMarcus Ware, Jay Ratliff, and Terrence Newman. First, Ware is one of the best pass rushers in the league, and he will be facing two giants in tackles, depending on where he lines up. Both Bryant McKinnie and Phil Loadholt, the team's tackles, are at least 6'8'' 330 lbs. Ware will have his hands full trying to bum rush the quarterback. The key to this match-up is if the Vikings choose to run at Ware, whatever side he is playing on, will the two giants of tackles be too much for him and tire him out, along with the freight train in the backfield otherwise known as "Purple Jesus"? Also, will Farve be in the Shotgun more to try and eliminate Ware's quickness of the ball that even the New Orleans Saints had trouble with? Next, Ratliff is probably in the top three in terms of best nose tackles in the league. He can control the center and whichever guard chooses to double team him. His most underrated ability is his pass  rush ability. Expect the Vikings to try quick dumpoff passes to their Tight End Visanthe Shiancoe, and Wide Receiver Percy Harvin in order to try and eliminate Farve from making too quick of decisions, rushing his throws, and resorting back to the old Brett Farve ways and causing turnovers. However, if the Vikings feel like they have enough confidence in their run game, they can always pound it with AP and Chester Taylor up the middle, although recently that has not proven successful. Finally, Terrence Newman is the veteran that this secondary needs to have a big game each and every week. He handled DeSean "Action Jackson", fairly well last week, so can he do it again against a much taller, bigger reciever in Sidney Rice? Newman is a very physical corner that likes to get in the face of a reciever and focus more on pass breakups rather than interceptions. He may not boast the best stats, but like Nnamdi Asomugha in Oakland, people hate to throw it to his side. Farve loves to gunsling and throw fade routes at least five times a game to Rice, so watch how Newman responds to his uncanny ability to leap for the ball and catch it at the highest point.

Prediction: Dallas over the Vikings 27-21

 

The BCS Title Game

  
Source: http://www.bnd.com/283/story/1076626.html

A lot of mixed reviews are going around about this year's BCS National Championship game. Some felt that the game wasn't competitive from the start, some liked how a true freshman quarterback almost led the Texas Longhorns to victory. There are many ways to look at this year's title game. It wasn't the best, it wasn't the worst, in the end Alabama deserved to be called National Champions.

First and foremost, this year's BCS Bowl games proved that truly the system isn't completely broken. The right teams were in the game even though some people felt that maybe TCU or Boise State should have been in Texas' shoes. When watching the Nokia Sugar Bowl which pinned Florida against Cincinnati, it was clear that the Big East champions did not belong. According to ESPN.com's Scouts Inc., Tony Pike is the seventh best quarterback available in April's draft. The way Florida handled him makes people wonder, when he gets to the NFL and he faces this speed each and every Sunday, how will the 6'6'' 209lbs quarterback respond to all this added pressure? In terms of TCU, Jerry Hughes, who is Scouts Inc.'s sixth best outside linebacker, had a minute impact in the game against Boise State. His speed rushing ability was not on showcase, and it has to put some questions in NFL scouts' minds in terms of his pass rushing ability against much larger and much quicker NFL tackles. Boise State doesn't really have to worry about sending players away to the draft because they are returning 21 of their 22 starters for next season. This has sparked a little bit of controversy in people's minds about the system though. With Boise State becoming only the second team in the BCS era to go 14-0(first team was Ohio State in 2002), why shouldn't they call themselves National Champions?

As far as the National Championship goes, Alabama truly deserved it. They have one of the best defenses in the nation and they were on display throughout the game. Rolando McClain had an uncharacteristic unsportsmanlike conduct penalty early, but recovered and played like the true quarterback of the defense that he is. Javier Arenas, an Arenas who seems to have his act together, had two interceptions in this game showing the professional scouts just how successful he can be at the next level. Terrence Cody clogged everything up in the middle all night, even though Texas never had much of a run game going into the game. Marcell Dareus took everyone by surprise at the end of the half, when Gilbert threw a shuffle pass to Tre' Newton. The pass was mishandled, and the defensive tackle intercepted the pass and took it to the house with a mere five seconds left in the half. They had to wait until late in the fourth quarter to get their first sack, but it was a big one on Texas true freshman quarterback, Garret Gilbert. Gilbert was hit as he threw, fumbled the ball, and Alabama recovered at the three yard line. Three plays later, Mark Ingram showcased just how he earned 1,002 yards after contact during the regular season, with a one yard plunge into the end zone. To complement the defense's stellar play were the efforts of both Ingram, the Heisman trophy winner, and Trent Richardson, a freshman phenom. Both carried for over a hundred yards in the contest and took the pressure off of junior quarterback Greg McElroy. His numbers, somewhat putrid 6-11, 58 yards. Here's the thing that he did well though, he managed the game without really giving it away to Texas because his coach seemed to almost do that himself.

One of areas of the game that were most interesting was Nick Saban's coaching ability. From the very beginning it seemed as if he didn't know what to expect from the underdog Longhorns. He tried to go Chris Petersen on us and fake a punt from his own 20 yard line on fourth and twenty-three. It's good to have guts and try to catch the other team off guard because of that "rust" factor, but he failed to realize that his team had to shake off some rust initially too. The offensive line wasn't really doing much early on. They gave Texas the ball on a few lazy plays, prim example, Julio Jones on the kickoff. He lets the ball bounce in front of him because he thought that another player was going to grab it. Instead of attacking the ball, his tentative decision making led to the Longhorns getting the ball. Saban did coach a good game in the second and third quarter. He used both of his stud running backs changing the pace on a Texas defense that just hasn't seen a type of runner like Ingram, and then a slasher like Richardson. Saban didn't make McElroy make to many hard decisions either, hence why he only threw the ball eleven times. Saban knew the kid was a winner, considering he hasn't lost a game since eighth grade, so he just wanted him to lead his team and do whatever he could to win the game. Saban went into a bit of a conservative shell in the fourth quarter, which wasn't the best plan of attack because Texas was resilient in the fourth quarter and brought the game within 3 with three minutes to go. Garret Gilbert, the true freshman quarterback that ame in for Colt McCoy after he was injured, didn't have the best numbers, 15-40, 187 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions, but he did whatever he could to bring the Longhorns back. It's a credit to this kids character that he could lead a team who has been led by the most successful quarterback in term of wins in college football history in McCoy. Gilbert was apart of the team's loss, but he was also a focal point in what they were able to do well in this game. Jordan Shipley showcased his abilities with a big game, 10 catches for 122 yards and two scores. However, one of his weaknesseswere exploited by the Tide. Whenever they pressed him, Shipley had trouble getting off of the corner and going into his route. This eliminated the threat of his dangerous and favorite route, the four yard cross. This route allows him to showcase his "Wes Welker-like" abilities against defenses and give defensive coordinators nightmares. Shipley still looks like  good player, but seems like he needs to be more physical off the ball when facing coverage.

The worst part of the National Championship Game had to be watching the post-game interview of LIsa Salters with Colt McCoy, who was hurt on Texas' fifth play from scrimmage. It seemed to be a normal hit, and McCoy has taken much worst hits in the past, this one was just extremely awkward. "My arm is dead," said McCoy after they took him to the locker room for x-rays. The man has a chance to do something special in the NFL, but you have to commend him for wanting to stay in school and also to try and win TExas a National Championship. Mack Brown heard that he probably shouldn't risk putting Colt back in so he didn't to protect his future, and to protect him in general. Like the warrior that he is, McCoy came out of the locker room, knowing that he wouldn't be able to return, with full equipment on so that he could be apart of his team, even though he wasn't on the field. He did not want to receive special treatment on the sideline, he just wanted to be with his teammates. He had on a headset the whole second half, helping out Garret Gilbert with some of the nuances of the Texas offense that he may not fully understand just yet. HE encouraged them every time the team was on the sideline. you could tell that he wanted to be out there, he just could not go. When Lisa salters interviewed him after the game, he was a wreck. He body language showed disbelief, gloom, frustrating, sadness. He was pretty much speechless throughout the interview. Nowadays, there are too many kids that just come to college to play football and possibly make the NFL. McCoy isn't one of those guys though. Yes, he has the ability to play at the next level, but when he  poured his  emotions out like that, when he chose tostay in school, when hecould have taken millions of dollars play in the NFL, it shows that he not only cares about his education, but he also values the success of his team over his own personal accolades.

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