The Chargers and Chiefs meet tonight in a rematch of a Week 3 game won by the Chargers 20-17.
The Chargers escaped disaster in the first meeting after a late interception by Eric Weddle sealed the victory against a then-winless Chiefs team.
Fast forward five weeks. The Chiefs have won three games in a row to improve to 3-3, as fourth-year running back Jackie Battle has been thrust into the starting job after Jamaal Charles was injured and Thomas Jones was pulled. The Chargers are 2-1 in their last three, losing their last game to the Jets, 27-21. The Chargers held a 21-10 halftime lead, which vanished as the Jets scored 17 unanswered points in the second half. Now these foes meet again as Kansas City has righted the ship, while the Chargers are trying to legitimize their 4-2 record after being inconsistent offensively.
Despite the injuries in their backfield, the Chiefs are currently in the top ten in rushing yards per game, and will rely on Battle to have another productive outing. Battle has averaged nearly 100 yards per game in his last two, and will facing a defense ranked in the bottom half of the league facing the run. The Chargers have allowed 162 yards rushing in each of their last two games, and Battle has been moving the ball well lately.
Through the air, the Chiefs need Matt Cassel to play well. Cassel decimated the Colts in a win three weeks ago, throwing for four touchdowns and no interceptions, while amassing 257 yards against a weak secondary. The Chargers are a better pass defense than the Colts, making a repeat performance against San Diego unlikely.
For the Chargers, Philip Rivers has struggled this season, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, and also fumbling four times. His two interceptions against the Jets last week, helped the Jets steal a win for the Chargers. Rivers has completed 64 percent of his passes this season, but will have to hold onto the ball for the Chargers to win. In the first matchup between these two teams, Rivers threw two interceptions, but was helped by a two-touchdown performance from Ryan Mathews. The Chargers will not be able to rely on Mathews running for nearly 100 yards week in and week out, and will need Rivers to secure the ball and make smart throws.
The Chargers eked out a tight win in the first meeting in San Diego, and we can expect another close game between the Chargers and Chiefs. The Chargers have played well one week, only to struggle the next. The Chiefs have stabilized their offense and believe that they can win after a disappointing start. The Chargers will give the Chiefs a battle, but Cassel will win the game late and move the Chiefs to 4-3 and into a tie for first-place with the Chargers.
Prediction: Chiefs 24, Chargers 17
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Patriots-Steelers preview
Two of the best big game quarterbacks in football meet today in Pittsburgh as the Patriots and Steelers face off.
Combined, Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger have won five Super Bowl titles and appear to both be on the track to the Hall of Fame. Both players lead teams who can be considered title contenders this season. Brady has spread the field throughout the year, leading the Patriots to a 5-1 record, while leading the NFL in passing yardage. The Steelers have become more of an offensive team this season as Roethlisberger has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards en route to a 5-2 record.
These two teams bring different play styles to the table when they play. The Patriots on the right arm of Brady almost exclusively, while the Steelers are content to hand the ball off to Rashard Mendenhall to move the chains.
When the Patriots are on offense, Brady will look to his favorite target, Wes Welker. In normal Bill Belichick fashion, he found another diamond in the rough with Welker, turning him from a reserve in Miami to one of the best receivers in football. Welker is usually found near the top of the receptions list year in and year out, and this season is no exception. With 51 catches for 785 yards, he is one of the most formidable receivers in the NFL.
The Steelers will try to shut down the Patriots offense with one of the best defenses in football. Troy Polamalu will bring disguised blitzes off the edges and try to force Brady into quick throws. James Harrison is another threatening presence on the line. The major problem with the Steelers defense, however, is pass coverage. The Steelers are among the leaders in run defense, but typically struggle against a team that can pass consistently such as the Patriots. It may be smart for Polamalu to inch close to the line and show that he is going to blitz before dropping back into coverage.
The Steelers on offense have a big play receiver that Roethlisberger can look to throw to, in Mike Wallace. In his career, Wallace has averaged over 20 yards per reception along with having a nose for the end zone. Wallace has the speed to separate himself from the defense and get open. Showing his ability, Wallace has amassed 730 receiving yards this season. Antonio Brown has also established himself as a nice complement to Wallace with 25 catches this year.
Belichick will use different tactics throughout the game to keep the Steelers defense off-guard. The Steelers will have to cover Welker and collapse quickly on other receivers as the Patriots have athletic players in every position. In the end, Brady's ability to move the ball down the field will tire the Steelers defense and move the Patriots to 6-1.
Prediction: Patriots 34, Steelers 21
Combined, Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger have won five Super Bowl titles and appear to both be on the track to the Hall of Fame. Both players lead teams who can be considered title contenders this season. Brady has spread the field throughout the year, leading the Patriots to a 5-1 record, while leading the NFL in passing yardage. The Steelers have become more of an offensive team this season as Roethlisberger has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards en route to a 5-2 record.
These two teams bring different play styles to the table when they play. The Patriots on the right arm of Brady almost exclusively, while the Steelers are content to hand the ball off to Rashard Mendenhall to move the chains.
When the Patriots are on offense, Brady will look to his favorite target, Wes Welker. In normal Bill Belichick fashion, he found another diamond in the rough with Welker, turning him from a reserve in Miami to one of the best receivers in football. Welker is usually found near the top of the receptions list year in and year out, and this season is no exception. With 51 catches for 785 yards, he is one of the most formidable receivers in the NFL.
The Steelers will try to shut down the Patriots offense with one of the best defenses in football. Troy Polamalu will bring disguised blitzes off the edges and try to force Brady into quick throws. James Harrison is another threatening presence on the line. The major problem with the Steelers defense, however, is pass coverage. The Steelers are among the leaders in run defense, but typically struggle against a team that can pass consistently such as the Patriots. It may be smart for Polamalu to inch close to the line and show that he is going to blitz before dropping back into coverage.
The Steelers on offense have a big play receiver that Roethlisberger can look to throw to, in Mike Wallace. In his career, Wallace has averaged over 20 yards per reception along with having a nose for the end zone. Wallace has the speed to separate himself from the defense and get open. Showing his ability, Wallace has amassed 730 receiving yards this season. Antonio Brown has also established himself as a nice complement to Wallace with 25 catches this year.
Belichick will use different tactics throughout the game to keep the Steelers defense off-guard. The Steelers will have to cover Welker and collapse quickly on other receivers as the Patriots have athletic players in every position. In the end, Brady's ability to move the ball down the field will tire the Steelers defense and move the Patriots to 6-1.
Prediction: Patriots 34, Steelers 21
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Oklahoma-Kansas State preview
Kansas State has played very well this season, rising to eighth in the BCS poll on the strength of a 7-0 record. Oklahoma was seen as a national title contender before a stunning loss to Texas Tech dropped them to ninth. Today at 3:30 p.m., the Sooners and Wildcats meet in a key game for both teams as the winner will be the Big 12 driver's seat, while the loser will tumble in the rankings.
After being an understudy to Sam Bradford, Landry Jones has taken control of the Oklahoma offense and become one of the best quarterbacks in the country. The junior has completed 65 percent of his passes, with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions. As soon as Jones decides to declare himself eligible for the NFL Draft, he will become a projected high pick for any team looking for a quarterback. For now, Jones will have to stay focused on beating Kansas State.
Jones has Football Bowl Subdivision career receptions leader Ryan Broyles to throw to when he is pressured. Broyles has accumulated eye-popping numbers for the Sooners, with 333 career catches for 4,328 yards and 44 touchdowns. Broyles is always a threat to have a big game and should see plenty of balls thrown his way.
On the ground, the Sooners depend on junior walk-on running back Dominique Whaley to shoulder the load. Whaley is on pace to pass 1,000 yards this year, while also being a threat to catch passes out of the backfield. Whaley slashed the Kansas defense two weeks ago for 165 yards on 30 carries.
For Kansas State, dual-threat junior quarterback Collin Klein holds the reins. Klein leads the team in passing, as well as rushing. Klein has a combined 22 touchdowns and is a threat to scramble when the pocket collapses and in designed quarterback runs. Klein has amassed over 600 rushing yards and 934 passing yards this season.
Head Coach Bill Snyder has turned around the Wildcats program immensely in his second stint in Manhattan. After two seasons around .500, the Wildcats have become one of the best teams in the country.
Oklahoma is a perennial contender under Bob Stoops and always bring a talented squad into any game.
These offenses will battle back and forth, making for compelling action with a high ranking at stake. It will be tight throughout the game, but Oklahoma should win with Jones and Broyles leading the way.
Prediction: Oklahoma 35, Kansas State 28
After being an understudy to Sam Bradford, Landry Jones has taken control of the Oklahoma offense and become one of the best quarterbacks in the country. The junior has completed 65 percent of his passes, with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions. As soon as Jones decides to declare himself eligible for the NFL Draft, he will become a projected high pick for any team looking for a quarterback. For now, Jones will have to stay focused on beating Kansas State.
Jones has Football Bowl Subdivision career receptions leader Ryan Broyles to throw to when he is pressured. Broyles has accumulated eye-popping numbers for the Sooners, with 333 career catches for 4,328 yards and 44 touchdowns. Broyles is always a threat to have a big game and should see plenty of balls thrown his way.
On the ground, the Sooners depend on junior walk-on running back Dominique Whaley to shoulder the load. Whaley is on pace to pass 1,000 yards this year, while also being a threat to catch passes out of the backfield. Whaley slashed the Kansas defense two weeks ago for 165 yards on 30 carries.
For Kansas State, dual-threat junior quarterback Collin Klein holds the reins. Klein leads the team in passing, as well as rushing. Klein has a combined 22 touchdowns and is a threat to scramble when the pocket collapses and in designed quarterback runs. Klein has amassed over 600 rushing yards and 934 passing yards this season.
Head Coach Bill Snyder has turned around the Wildcats program immensely in his second stint in Manhattan. After two seasons around .500, the Wildcats have become one of the best teams in the country.
Oklahoma is a perennial contender under Bob Stoops and always bring a talented squad into any game.
These offenses will battle back and forth, making for compelling action with a high ranking at stake. It will be tight throughout the game, but Oklahoma should win with Jones and Broyles leading the way.
Prediction: Oklahoma 35, Kansas State 28
Cardinals Win World Series
Last night, the St' Louis Cardinals completed their comeback with a 6-2 win over the Texas Rangers. The Cardinals won their 11th title, while the Rangers became the first team since the Braves in 1991-92 to lose two straight World Series.
In order for the Cardinals to be considered a threat to repeat, they have to re-sign Albert Pujols. Pujols is scheduled to become a free agent and every team is baseball will be clamoring to sign him. Pujols is a once in a generation talent and the Cardinals would have difficulty finding a replacement either within the organization or from a different team that could match the production of Pujols.
Chris Carpenter is another key cog for the Cardinals who will be talked about. Carpenter is signed through the 2013 season, but is 36 years old and there is always the question of how many years a pitcher has left. Carpenter has been dominant at times in recent years, but the Cardinals may look for younger pitchers such as Jaime Garcia to move into the role of an ace. At 25 years old and with only two years of major league experience, Garcia may not be ready to become the anchor of the Cardinals staff but is on the rise.
For the Rangers, C.J. Wilson is rapidly becoming a great pitcher in the majors, and will be a hot commodity on the free agent market. Earlier this season, the Rangers traded away two fast-rising pitching prospects in Robbie Erlin and Joe Wieland, making it crucial that they make every effort possible to re-sign Wilson long-term. If the Rangers can keep Wilson together with Derek Holland, and Neftali Feliz, they can continue to have a formidable pitching staff along with a great offense.
Each team will be looking to improve on their rosters during free agency, which will make for an exciting signing period.
In order for the Cardinals to be considered a threat to repeat, they have to re-sign Albert Pujols. Pujols is scheduled to become a free agent and every team is baseball will be clamoring to sign him. Pujols is a once in a generation talent and the Cardinals would have difficulty finding a replacement either within the organization or from a different team that could match the production of Pujols.
Chris Carpenter is another key cog for the Cardinals who will be talked about. Carpenter is signed through the 2013 season, but is 36 years old and there is always the question of how many years a pitcher has left. Carpenter has been dominant at times in recent years, but the Cardinals may look for younger pitchers such as Jaime Garcia to move into the role of an ace. At 25 years old and with only two years of major league experience, Garcia may not be ready to become the anchor of the Cardinals staff but is on the rise.
For the Rangers, C.J. Wilson is rapidly becoming a great pitcher in the majors, and will be a hot commodity on the free agent market. Earlier this season, the Rangers traded away two fast-rising pitching prospects in Robbie Erlin and Joe Wieland, making it crucial that they make every effort possible to re-sign Wilson long-term. If the Rangers can keep Wilson together with Derek Holland, and Neftali Feliz, they can continue to have a formidable pitching staff along with a great offense.
Each team will be looking to improve on their rosters during free agency, which will make for an exciting signing period.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Game Seven Preview
The pen was mere inches from writing "Texas Rangers, 2011 World Series Champions" in the writing book, but then the unthinkable happened.
The Rangers blew not one, not two, but three save opportunities before falling in 11 innings, 10-9 to force a winner-take-all Game Seven tonight. After coming within one strike of franchise history, can the Rangers rebound to take the title or will the Cardinals build off of their dramatic comeback and take Game Seven?
The Cardinals will send their ace, Chris Carpenter to the hill in hopes that Carpenter will pitch the team to a championship. Carpenter will 11-9 during the regular season, but is an undefeated 3-0 during the postseason. The true aces come up biggest in crucial situations, and Carpenter has proven himself to be a big-game pitcher. Carpenter is capable of pitching shutout baseball and it will be interesting to see if he can deliver tonight.
The Cardinals offense will be without Matt Holliday who injured his wrist last night. The injury means rookie Adron Chambers will take Holliday's place in the lineup. Chambers is 1 for 5 this postseason in limited action. However, any team that can send Albert Pujols to the plate has a chance to win.
For the Rangers, Matt Harrison will get the start. Harrison has struggled during the playoffs, including allowed five runs, three of which were earned, in a Game Three loss. While Texas has a potent offense, they will need Harrison to pitch better than he has so far this postseason.
Nelson Cruz and Mike Napoli are both expected to play in Game Seven for the Rangers which will help their offensive potential and chemistry. Cruz strained his groin, while Napoli rolled his ankle last night.
It all comes to Game Seven tonight and all pitchers will be available, according to both managers. The drama will unfold for a compelling night of action as a new champion will be crowned. With both of these teams having explosive offenses, the game should be decided late. In the end, the Cardinals should be able to continue their great play and capitalize on their multiple comebacks last night.
Prediction: Cardinals 7, Rangers 5 (Cardinals win World Series 4-3
The Rangers blew not one, not two, but three save opportunities before falling in 11 innings, 10-9 to force a winner-take-all Game Seven tonight. After coming within one strike of franchise history, can the Rangers rebound to take the title or will the Cardinals build off of their dramatic comeback and take Game Seven?
The Cardinals will send their ace, Chris Carpenter to the hill in hopes that Carpenter will pitch the team to a championship. Carpenter will 11-9 during the regular season, but is an undefeated 3-0 during the postseason. The true aces come up biggest in crucial situations, and Carpenter has proven himself to be a big-game pitcher. Carpenter is capable of pitching shutout baseball and it will be interesting to see if he can deliver tonight.
The Cardinals offense will be without Matt Holliday who injured his wrist last night. The injury means rookie Adron Chambers will take Holliday's place in the lineup. Chambers is 1 for 5 this postseason in limited action. However, any team that can send Albert Pujols to the plate has a chance to win.
For the Rangers, Matt Harrison will get the start. Harrison has struggled during the playoffs, including allowed five runs, three of which were earned, in a Game Three loss. While Texas has a potent offense, they will need Harrison to pitch better than he has so far this postseason.
Nelson Cruz and Mike Napoli are both expected to play in Game Seven for the Rangers which will help their offensive potential and chemistry. Cruz strained his groin, while Napoli rolled his ankle last night.
It all comes to Game Seven tonight and all pitchers will be available, according to both managers. The drama will unfold for a compelling night of action as a new champion will be crowned. With both of these teams having explosive offenses, the game should be decided late. In the end, the Cardinals should be able to continue their great play and capitalize on their multiple comebacks last night.
Prediction: Cardinals 7, Rangers 5 (Cardinals win World Series 4-3
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Rangers-Cardinals Game Six Preview
The Rangers have had great play from unlikely sources throughout this postseason, including on the biggest stage, the World Series. This production has them one way away from capturing a World Series title that eluded them last season in October.
The Rangers have recovered well from a 16-7 loss in Game Three and have taken the last two games of the series to grab a lead. Franchise history is within the grasp of Ron Washington and crew as the Rangers have never won a World Series title.
Colby Lewis will get the start for the Rangers in Game Six after a 14-win regular season. With the exception of his start in the ALCS against the Tigers, Lewis has pitched very well, giving up one run in each of his other two starts. Lewis has thrown his fair share of strikeouts in his career so he has the ability to work himself out of a jam.
Nelson Cruz has been one of the main spark plugs for the Rangers this season and has continued his play in the postseason, leading all American League hitters in home runs and RBIs. Cruz has a hit in four of the five games against the Cardinals, including his home run in Game Three. Although the Rangers have proven that they can win without Cruz playing at his best, he will help the offense to gel.
In the other dugout, the Cardinals have perhaps the best hitter in baseball in Albert Pujols waiting to come to the plate. Pujols has been an offensive force since joining the major leagues in 2001. For the Cardinals to win a title, he will have to play well. While other players have played well during the postseason, Pujols is a proven leader who can carry this team to a championship. If David Freese continues his stellar play, the Cardinals will be difficult to beat.
On the mound for the Cardinals is Jaime Garcia, who appears to be a rising star in baseball at 25 years old. Garcia had 13 wins in the regular season, but has struggled during the postseason. The Cardinals will need Garcia to find his regular season form tomorrow so their offense can scoring runs. Garcia pitched well in Game Two, throwing seven shutout innings and getting a no-decision.
Game Six will be exciting to watch and I think the Rangers will get enough offense from Cruz and others to propel them to their first title in team history.
Prediction: Rangers 5, Cardinals 3 Rangers win series 4-2
The Rangers have recovered well from a 16-7 loss in Game Three and have taken the last two games of the series to grab a lead. Franchise history is within the grasp of Ron Washington and crew as the Rangers have never won a World Series title.
Colby Lewis will get the start for the Rangers in Game Six after a 14-win regular season. With the exception of his start in the ALCS against the Tigers, Lewis has pitched very well, giving up one run in each of his other two starts. Lewis has thrown his fair share of strikeouts in his career so he has the ability to work himself out of a jam.
Nelson Cruz has been one of the main spark plugs for the Rangers this season and has continued his play in the postseason, leading all American League hitters in home runs and RBIs. Cruz has a hit in four of the five games against the Cardinals, including his home run in Game Three. Although the Rangers have proven that they can win without Cruz playing at his best, he will help the offense to gel.
In the other dugout, the Cardinals have perhaps the best hitter in baseball in Albert Pujols waiting to come to the plate. Pujols has been an offensive force since joining the major leagues in 2001. For the Cardinals to win a title, he will have to play well. While other players have played well during the postseason, Pujols is a proven leader who can carry this team to a championship. If David Freese continues his stellar play, the Cardinals will be difficult to beat.
On the mound for the Cardinals is Jaime Garcia, who appears to be a rising star in baseball at 25 years old. Garcia had 13 wins in the regular season, but has struggled during the postseason. The Cardinals will need Garcia to find his regular season form tomorrow so their offense can scoring runs. Garcia pitched well in Game Two, throwing seven shutout innings and getting a no-decision.
Game Six will be exciting to watch and I think the Rangers will get enough offense from Cruz and others to propel them to their first title in team history.
Prediction: Rangers 5, Cardinals 3 Rangers win series 4-2
Monday, October 24, 2011
MNF Preview
The Baltimore Ravens travel to Jacksonville tonight to take on a Jaguars team getting acclimated to a rookie quarterback under center.
The Ravens enter the game with a 4-1 record and are heavy favorites to move to 5-1. In their way is a 1-5 Jaguars team which has struggled passing the ball this season and has put their faith in their first-round pick out of Missouri, Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert has the potential to be a consistent performer in the NFL but needs the experience of playing week in and week out to get there.
With Gabbert gaining a grip on the offense, the Jaguars have relied heavily on Maurice Jones-Drew to carry the load. Jones-Drew has been effective moving the chains this season, racking up 572 yards and two touchdowns. Jones-Drew brings the added ability of receiving to the table, which is crucial for a young quarterback to be able to dump the ball off to his running back when pressured.
Gabbert will be facing one of the best defenses in the league, led by Ray Lewis. This game will be a test for Gabbert after facing the Steelers last week. Gabbert will see constant pressure and will have to go through his progressions quickly to know whether to stay in the pocket or try to scramble. The Ravens have typically been stronger defending the run versus the pass meaning that if the line gives Gabbert time to throw, he can find holes in the Ravens' coverage.
On the opposite sideline, the Ravens are led by one of the fast-rising elite quarterbacks in Joe Flacco. The Ravens are becoming more of a balanced offensive team as Flacco has emerged. The threat of Ray Rice to run the ball for a first down is always present but defenses now have a consistent running back and quarterback to defend. Since Anquan Boldin arrived from Arizona, the Ravens passing game has only gotten stronger. The Ravens defense has been their calling card for the past few years but their offense is emerging as well.
Expect the Jaguars to slightly conservative offensively with a rookie quarterback at the helm. The Ravens should be able to exploit the Jaguars defense for a few touchdowns and grab the road win and improve to 5-1. The Jaguars should keep the game close for much of the first half, but ultimately the Ravens defense will stifle Gabbert and force them to play to the Ravens' strengths.
Prediction: Ravens 24, Jaguars 10
The Ravens enter the game with a 4-1 record and are heavy favorites to move to 5-1. In their way is a 1-5 Jaguars team which has struggled passing the ball this season and has put their faith in their first-round pick out of Missouri, Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert has the potential to be a consistent performer in the NFL but needs the experience of playing week in and week out to get there.
With Gabbert gaining a grip on the offense, the Jaguars have relied heavily on Maurice Jones-Drew to carry the load. Jones-Drew has been effective moving the chains this season, racking up 572 yards and two touchdowns. Jones-Drew brings the added ability of receiving to the table, which is crucial for a young quarterback to be able to dump the ball off to his running back when pressured.
Gabbert will be facing one of the best defenses in the league, led by Ray Lewis. This game will be a test for Gabbert after facing the Steelers last week. Gabbert will see constant pressure and will have to go through his progressions quickly to know whether to stay in the pocket or try to scramble. The Ravens have typically been stronger defending the run versus the pass meaning that if the line gives Gabbert time to throw, he can find holes in the Ravens' coverage.
On the opposite sideline, the Ravens are led by one of the fast-rising elite quarterbacks in Joe Flacco. The Ravens are becoming more of a balanced offensive team as Flacco has emerged. The threat of Ray Rice to run the ball for a first down is always present but defenses now have a consistent running back and quarterback to defend. Since Anquan Boldin arrived from Arizona, the Ravens passing game has only gotten stronger. The Ravens defense has been their calling card for the past few years but their offense is emerging as well.
Expect the Jaguars to slightly conservative offensively with a rookie quarterback at the helm. The Ravens should be able to exploit the Jaguars defense for a few touchdowns and grab the road win and improve to 5-1. The Jaguars should keep the game close for much of the first half, but ultimately the Ravens defense will stifle Gabbert and force them to play to the Ravens' strengths.
Prediction: Ravens 24, Jaguars 10
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Tebow to Start
Tim Tebow has gotten the starting nod for the Denver Broncos today, making his fourth career NFL start.
The Broncos will face the Miami Dolphins in Miami, near where Tebow found college football immortality at the University of Florida. Not only will the game be played in Miami, but the Dolphins will honor the greatest players in Florida Gators history during the game. Perhaps the greatest of them all and one of the most recognized players in recent memory will be standing on the opposite sideline. Whether it was a coincidence or a planned stroke of marketing genius, the game has generated great publicity for both teams for the past week.
There seems to be two types of people when it comes to Tebow. Certain people adore him and believe he will be a great NFL quarterback and there are others who see him as a glorified tight end. Regardless of how you see him, one thing is clear: Tebow knows how to win. He has the intangibles, such as a high football IQ that are difficult to teach a player but can make the difference between a win and a loss.
Tebow showed his potential last season as he became familiar with his receivers and began to thrive. The only major knock on Tebow is his accuracy. As a running quarterback, there are times where he will struggle to set his feet before he throws and the ball will flutter. If he can set his feet consistently before he throws, he could turn into an elite quarterback in the NFL as he has the arm strength to succeed.
The Broncos traded away their best receiver in Brandon Lloyd, meaning Tebow will have to rely more on short throws and using his legs to keep plays alive. If Tebow gets protection from his line today, he will have the added dimension of scrambling for a first down at his disposal.
As with any popular quarterback, every move that Tebow makes will be heavily dissected but he should play well against a winless Miami Dolphins in what is essentially a home game for Tebow. The Broncos should win in Tebow's first start of the year and record their second win of the season.
The Broncos will face the Miami Dolphins in Miami, near where Tebow found college football immortality at the University of Florida. Not only will the game be played in Miami, but the Dolphins will honor the greatest players in Florida Gators history during the game. Perhaps the greatest of them all and one of the most recognized players in recent memory will be standing on the opposite sideline. Whether it was a coincidence or a planned stroke of marketing genius, the game has generated great publicity for both teams for the past week.
There seems to be two types of people when it comes to Tebow. Certain people adore him and believe he will be a great NFL quarterback and there are others who see him as a glorified tight end. Regardless of how you see him, one thing is clear: Tebow knows how to win. He has the intangibles, such as a high football IQ that are difficult to teach a player but can make the difference between a win and a loss.
Tebow showed his potential last season as he became familiar with his receivers and began to thrive. The only major knock on Tebow is his accuracy. As a running quarterback, there are times where he will struggle to set his feet before he throws and the ball will flutter. If he can set his feet consistently before he throws, he could turn into an elite quarterback in the NFL as he has the arm strength to succeed.
The Broncos traded away their best receiver in Brandon Lloyd, meaning Tebow will have to rely more on short throws and using his legs to keep plays alive. If Tebow gets protection from his line today, he will have the added dimension of scrambling for a first down at his disposal.
As with any popular quarterback, every move that Tebow makes will be heavily dissected but he should play well against a winless Miami Dolphins in what is essentially a home game for Tebow. The Broncos should win in Tebow's first start of the year and record their second win of the season.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
407 and Counting
Today, the Penn State Nittany Lions will face Northwestern as legendary coach Joe Paterno looks for win number 408 in his illustrious career.
With a win, Paterno will tie the late Eddie Robinson for the most wins in Division I history. It's safe to say that Paterno is one of the greatest coaches in football history, among the likes of Paul "Bear" Bryant, Amos Alonzo Stagg, and Don Shula. In his 45 seasons at the helm in State College, Paterno has produced 38 winning seasons, including two national championships.
Although Northwestern comes into tonight's game at 2-4 overall, they could prove to be a tough game for Penn State. The Wildcats were mere seconds away from defeating a strong Illinois squad before falling 38-35. Any team that has a dual-threat quarterback such as senior Dan Persa for the Wildcats, is never completely out of a game. Persa has battled injuries throughout his career, but is healthy now and completing nearly 75 percent of his passes on the season. Persa has shown the ability to scramble when the pocket breaks down, adding another man for the Penn State defense to cover without preseason all-conference linebacker Michael Mauti.
When Persa decides to stay in the pocket, expect numerous catches for senior wide receiver Jeremy Ebert. Ebert has established him is the main weapon in the Wildcats receiving corp with 39 catches and six touchdowns. Ebert also has two 100-yard receiving games so far this season.
For Penn State, expect to see both sophomore Rob Bolden and junior Matt McGloin under center in different packages. Both quarterbacks have struggled at times this season as neither has been able to distance themselves as the clear starter. McGloin has completed 57 percent of his passes on the year but has been inconsistent, while Bolden brings added mobility. Regardless of who is under center, senior wide receiver Derek Moye will be a crucial part of the offense. Moye has 485 yards as well as three touchdowns this season.
With the quarterback uncertainty for Penn State, and the strong Nittany Lions defense staring down Northwestern, expect a low-scoring defensive battle. Neither team will light up the scoreboard, and Northwestern will keep the game close. In the end, the Penn State defense will be able to stop the Northwestern offense enough to pull out a victory, and send Paterno into the record books again.
Prediction: Penn State 17, Northwestern 14
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