Sandra has some ideas for the Jaguars

Sandra had some ideas she wanted to share concerning the Jaguars. Here is my side of the conversation. Enjoy! I always do.

- What Sweetheart? Yes, you and I are going to the Jaguar game Sunday.
- I know, you haven't gone since opening day. I've been taking friends.
- Well I'm happy you are going too.
- They might win this week, but they have been struggling.
- How is the quarterback David doing?
- He has some good games and some not so good.
- I saw that, Tim Tebow set the record for rushing touchdowns.
- No, he can't play for the Jaguars, he plays for Florida.
- I'm sorry, I know you knew that. He can't play for both teams.
- Well if he plays for the Jaguars, he gets paid and then he can't play for Florida.
- I don't think he can play for free.
- I know he is from Jacksonville; he probably does want the Jaguars to do well.
- You think he should volunteer to help the team out for free?
- So how would that work?
- I see, he comes over and plays one quarter for free, just to help out.
- And when he gets the Jaguars 21 points, he sits in the stands and watches.
- I don't think anyone has asked him.

- I don't know if it would work.
- Well yes, that would help. But he might get hurt, the blocking hasn't been good.
- Well they have new guys on the offensive line right out of college.
- Why doesn't the little guy teach them to block? I lost you.
- The little guy who blocks really good... I'm still lost.
- The little guy who blocks can teach the others, you mean Maurice Jones Drew?
- Well yes, he does block really well.
- I guess he could help the rookies to learn to block.
- I don't think they asked him.
- Yeah, I guess they should too.
- No, it is a good idea.
- The receivers? They are doing well.
- No, no one has caught one and run all the way for a touchdown.
- I'm sorry, I lost you again, why doesn't the guy who can catch play receiver?
- The guy who can catch who doesn't play receiver, I'm lost.
- The guy who always catches the ball and gets a touchdown. Not following yet.
- The guy with the hair, you mean Rashean Mathis?
- Why isn't Rashean Mathis a receiver? He plays defense.
- Well, they could put him on offense now and then, I guess.
- Well, he does run well when he catches the ball; I guess it is a good idea.
- You are smart, I agree. What? You want me to write your ideas to Wayne?
- Wayne Weaver doesn't decide those things. The coaches do
- Well, I guess he could tell them to do anything he wants, he owns the team.
- How about this, Wayne reads the web site, I'll post it there.
- OK, let me get your ideas straight.
- Tim Tebow volunteers to play one quarter for free to give them a lead.
- Maurice Jones Drew teaches blocking to the offensive line.
- Rashean Mathis plays receiver for a few plays. Got it.
- No, I think they are good ideas, I'll post them.
- Well, when we go to the game, if it happens then they read the site.
- Love you too!

Read The Full Article:
http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/11/6/1119972/sandra-has-some-ideas-for-the

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With the Bengals Flexing Their Muscle; Will NBC
Flex Their Schedule

When the prime time football schedule was released months ago, it was easy to expect not to see the Bengals a part of it.  With the season they had last year, why should NBC, ESPN and the NFL Network reward a team with only 4 wins  by putting them on the schedule?  Oh, wait; the Browns got 2 games on prime time this year with just 4 wins from last season.  Oh, well.  I wonder if ESPN and the NFL Network wish they could flex their schedule.

This season has been far different from last season.  The Bengals have already won more games this season, which is not yet half over, then they did all of last year.  Plus, those wins put them in the middle of the AFC North Division title race with the defending Super Bowl Chumps, I mean Champs Pittsburgh Steelers.  The majority of those wins have had the kind of ending the networks love; close, hotly contested with a last minute scoring drive to win the game.  This was all unexpected from a team that was unable to score points or keep the opposition from doing so.

When NBC re-signed with the NFL to show Sunday night prime time games, they agreed to do a flex schedule starting week 11 to provide the best possible match-up for primetime including those with playoff implication.  With the Bengals playing at such a high level and playoff aspirations in hand, could one or more of their late season games get moved to primetime?

Of course that will depend on how they do over the next two games against divisional rivals Baltimore Ravens and the Steelers.  If they do in fact do what is considered by many to be impossible, and the Bengals sweep them both, it will be a given that at least one game will get moved to primetime regardless what they do against the dysfunctional Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions.  All three of these games should be considered winnable.  But so was the Houston Texans and we know what happened there.

So now, if things go well and the Bengals don't do a sudden swan dive which has been a part of the franchises modes operandi, a game could be moved to primetime.  But which game is most likely to be changed?

The first game that comes to mind is in week 14 against the Brett Farve lead Minnesota Vikings.  Everybody, okay, the media, loves what Brett has been doing since un-retiring to play for the Vikings.  He has defeated his old team, the Green Bay Packers twice and has the Twin Cities thinking Super Bowl with a current record of 7-1. With a favorable schedule as three of the next four games are at home and the only road game against the Arizona Cardinals, the Vikings could be coming into this game with a possible record of 10-2 or 11-1.  If the Bengals do as expected, they could be coming into this game with a record of 9-3 or better at 10-2 making this game very attractive to NBC.

The next possible game that could be flexed is the following week against the San Diego Chargers in San Diego.  But the problem with this team is they are not meeting expectations.  Many prognosticators had the Chargers landing in the Super Bowl due to their high powered offense and supposed tough defense.   Currently at 4-3, they have had a number of games that left you wondering just how good they are.  The schedule leading up to the game is not easy as they face the powers of the NFC East and the Broncos.  The other part of the equation is the Chargers head coach Norv Turner, who has more pedigree as an offensive coordinator then as a head coach.  His teams have a reputation of not living up to the hype or falling over their feet after a good start and missing the playoffs.  Unless this team is an aberration, they could be coming into this game with a record at best of 6-7 pending an upset or two against some tough foes.

Week 17 of the schedule is left wide open for NBC to choose the best possible matchup that will have direct impact on the playoffs.  That is when the Bengals take a trip to New York against the J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets!  This game initially looked good on paper after the first 3 weeks of the season as the Jets start 3-0. Now the Jets have fallen once again into a rut which he team is known for, that could leave them out of the playoffs again making this game less appealing.  Rex Ryan came over from Baltimore to improve a team that Eric Mangini had left in a bit of a mess.  With the drafting of Mark Sanchez and the fast start, Ryan looked like a genius.  Now they have lost 4 of the last 5 with a schedule that does not look favorable as they have games against the Patriots in New England, the Falcons at home and travel to Indy to face the Colts.  Games against Carolina, Jacksonville and the Buffalo Bills could go either way as no one really knows which team will show up.  The game against the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay should be the most winnable game on the remaining schedule, but knowing the Jets, should not be taken lightly.

There will be a number of factors that go into NBC's selection for their impending flex schedule.  They will take into consideration what game most people will want to watch along with how much of an impact it will have on the standings heading into the playoffs.  If the Chargers and Jets get things together for a late season run, those games could play into the decision for their respective weeks.  But if they fail to prove their worth, expect the game against the Vikings to be the only game selected for the flex schedule and the Bengals token appearance on prime time.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.cincyjungle.com/2009/11/6/1119926/with-the-bengals-flexing-their

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Stampede Blue Radio: Come Cry With Us- Open
Thread

Stampede Blue Radio

8PM EasternTonight!
Joe (shake n bake) and I will cry on each others shoulders as we talk about how the injury-riddled Colts are the worst 7-0 team in the history of all creation. Join us in a little group therapy. Consider this your open thread for the podcast.

LISTEN TO PODCAST:

Read The Full Article:
http://www.stampedeblue.com/2009/11/6/1119811/stampede-blue-radio-come-cry-with

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49ers-Titans Final Injury Report

Nothing surprising to close out the week.  The 49ers would appear to be getting Reggie Smith back for Sunday's game, which is a nice little shot in the arm for a secondary that has had injury issues much of the season.  If Smith is active and playing I'm really curious to see how the team utilizes him, given Nate Clements injury.  Mark Roman moved his way up to primary safety backup, so if Roman remains in that role, Smith could be moved around in a variety of other formations.

One thing I wanted to bring up unrelated to injuries: The Sports Guy rolled out his picks for the week today and had these comments about the 49ers-Titans game:

NINERS (-4) over Titans
The strangest line of the year. I don't get it. Vince Young on the road against a good defense getting just four? Really? We're afraid of Chris Johnson that much?

The folks at MCM would have us believe Chris Johnson is a bad, bad man.  He's definitely a quality running back, but the 49ers rush defense is quite solid.  Vince Young will indeed have to make plays if the Titans are going to win this game.

49ers
Out
CB Nate Clements (shoulder)
DE Demetric Evans (shoulder)
OT Joe Staley (knee)

Probable
LB Takeo Spikes (shoulder)
SS Reggie Smith (groin)

Titans
Out
RB Javon Ringer (back)

Questionable
DE Jevon Kearse (knee)
OT Mike Otto (knee)
S Vincent Fuller (groin)
CB Nicholas Harper (forearm)
OT David Stewart (hamstring)
LB David Thornton (hip)

Read The Full Article:
http://www.ninersnation.com/2009/11/6/1119772/49ers-titans-final-injury-report

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Friday Colts injury report

Friday Colts injury report

IR'ed: Hagler, Sanders, Jackson

Out Gonzalez, Vinatieri

Questionable Brown (missed Fri), SIiva (missed Thurs), Moala (missed Fri)

Read The Full Article:
http://www.stampedeblue.com/2009/11/6/1119755/friday-colts-injury-report

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Will We See Andre Smith Against the Ravens

More photos » by David Kohl - AP

Browse more photos »

Is this the weekend the Bengals see their first round draft pick hit the field for the first time this season?  Considering what we were told going into the bye week, no doubt many Bengals fans were thinking, "Yes, I'll finally get to see Andre Smith play when the Ravens come to town," however, those thoughts might have been a bit premature.  It's either that or Marvin Lewis just wants to keep everybody on their toes. 

Or he's just practicing his non-committal skills.

Offensive line coach Paul Alexander would not discuss Smith's status. On Wednesday, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Smith "would have to be one of the best 45 guys" to suit up.

So yeah, that sounds like an "I'll never tell" if there ever was one. It seems the Bengals staff seems really hesitant to use any of the offensive rookies at their disposal. Granted, Smith's ankle and his weight have been issues, but while every other team in the NFL showcases their new offensive talent, the Bengals take "wait and see" to a totally different level.

Now, if you are a defensive rookie with miles of potential, you'll have every opportunity to play through your mistakes. Unfortunately, that same level of approval seems to be missing for known college stars like Chase Coffman, and now Smith. Of course, the lack of Andre Smith "he's playing" talk might just be gamesmanship on the behalf of the coaches. Or it could very well be Lewis and his staff doesn't want Smith to stop working hard, and they feel any news about playing time could affect Smith's preparation.

Considering how well the Bengals have been running the ball, it's hard to not think how an Andre Smith, a player known as being an incredible run-blocker, might improve that aspect even more.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.cincyjungle.com/2009/11/6/1119666/will-we-see-andre-smith-against

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Report: Peyton Manning quits on season, tells
team it is OK to "coast" until technology allows us to clone non-brittle Bob Sanders

More photos » by Tom Strattman - AP

Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell informs Colts fans it is OK to quit on the season because of injuries; opts to spend November and December working on children's book titled "Bob's Big Bad Elbow." (AP Photo/Tom Strattman)

Browse more photos »

Hi. I'm BigBlueShoe, and this is your

Friday Night Open Thread!!!

My job this fun-filled Friday is to inject a little humor into the news cycle, especially in light of all the WONDERFUL injury news we've gotten today. In case you've been living under a rock, or are too lazy to scroll down the blog frontpage, here is a quick recap of the wounded:

• Tyjuan Hagler, done for the year; biceps
  
• Marlin Jackson, done for the year; knee
  
• Bob Sanders, likely done for the year; biceps
  
• Anthony Gonzalez, out until December; knee
  
• Kelvin Hayden, out until December; knee

All these injuries were reported to us in less than 24 hours. As a result, Peyton Manning, Dwight Freeney, and Jim Caldwell have declared that it is OK to quit on the season. All players, fans, and bandwagoners can officially stop thinking about football and focus on Thanksgiving travel plans, Christmas shopping, and whether or not an animated Jim Carrey "playing" Ebenezer Scrooge on the big screen is worth a $10 investment.

Season over. Quit now. We'll see you next year for our pre-draft coverage. Pack it up. Bye-bye season. Bye-bye happiness. Hello off-season loneliness. I think the 2009 season's gonna die.

video details and more

Or...............................

We can look at the team depth chart, take a breath, and look at this logically and intellectually.

• Bob Sanders and Marlin Jackson barely played a lick this season, and the Colts still had the #1 scoring defense without them. 
• Anthony Gonzalez's injury is not season-ending, and like Brandon Stokley in 2004, Gonzo could come back and make a big late-season difference. His injury also hastened the development of Pierre Garçon and Austin Collie, which was a big positive.
  
• Tyjuan Hagler was playing well, but the Colts have Philip Wheeler waiting in the wings. If Wheeler isn't ready, then that's on him and the Colts will simply plug into another backer.
• Kelvin Hayden is expected back.

So, before you slice a razor blade across the throat of the Colts 2009 NFL season, know that the Colts have sustained injuries that are on par with injuries other teams have had to deal with.

The Bears lost Brian Urlacher in Week One. Half of the Packers offensive line is gone. Injuries to the Vikings secondary have made their defense swiss cheese. The Texans lost Owen Daniels. The Giants lost their safety as well. The Chargers lost Jamal Williams, the best player on their defense. The Steelers lost Aaron Smith. 

Welcome to the NFL, fellow football fans! Injuries are as much a part of the game as the pigskin ball, the field goal bars, and stupid pontificating from idiot TV announcers. Before you give up, take a look around the NFL and look at the injury reports for other teams. Shockingly, I bet you'll see their situations are the same as ours.

Go Colts!

Click after the jump to see the text from Bullard47's open thread, which I have combined with this thread to make your disco-tastic Friday night as injury-free as possible.

From Bullard47's thread, which was combined with this one:

For a week leading up to a game against a common opponent that nearly everyone expects us to beat, this one has been just about as stressful as you can ask for.  Let's recap the stupidity first:

 

• Tyjuan Hagler somehow ruptures his bicep(again), out for the season
  
• Marlin Jackson hurts his other kneee, out for the season
• Bob Sanders hurts his elbow, out for the season
• Anthony Gonzalez goes under the knife, out for at least 3 more weeks
• Hayden aggravates a previous injury, out for about a month
• Jackson's injury happens in a practice that according to the Colts, he didn't participate in

So, with that out of the way, there was some good news.  Let's take a second to recap that:

• Donald Brown practiced, looks healthy
• We have great cornerback and safety depth
• Hank Baskett has yet to get acclimated to the offense, and could shine as the year moves on
• Kyle DeVan is more than likely going to get more playing time
• The Star wrote a really great story on the awesomeness of our O-Line
• The media thinks we are done for

With all of that said, I think that should be a lot to talk about.  This might even be a majority-on-topic open thread, but the usual open thread shenanigans are welcome.  I will be running a few errands for a bit, but should be full on into the conversation later tonight.

WAAAHHHH!!!

I can hardly concentrate at work today – not good. But ultimately, we’ve really only lost 1 player who had been contributing, and 2 who hadn’t made it back to contribute significantly (yes, I know, what about Bob’s INT? that was a tipped ball that he happened to catch).

Just hoping that Gonzo and Hayden can complete the journey back and that the only reason their return is meaningless is because we’ve already got the #1 seed locked up.

NEXT MAN UP!

How can you not love a team that does this?

by LovinBlue on Nov 6, 2009 4:33 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

To open this on a lighter note

Captain O’Hagan: I swear to God I’m going to pistol whip the next guy who says, " Shenanigans."
Mac: Hey Farva what’s the name of that restaurant you like with all the goofy shit on the walls and the mozzarella sticks?
Farva: You mean Shenanigans?
Mac: OOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Thorny: OOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
[as they hand the Captain their pistols]

I also wish I had time and motivation to blog at Speed Blue Nation

by Bullard47 on Nov 6, 2009 4:33 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Their next movie's due out in early Dec. I can't wait.

by vintagephoenix on Nov 6, 2009 4:44 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

They're making another one?!?!?!?!?!?

Freakin sweet!

As long as we have Peyton we will always have a chance to win.

by skywalker on Nov 6, 2009 4:46 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Read The Full Article:
http://www.stampedeblue.com/2009/11/6/1119625/report-peyton-manning-quits-on

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Any Given Sunday; Week 9 Preview

Happy Friday everyone and welcome to our Week 9 preview! This week's preview will be slightly abbreviated compared to past editions, but it will still have all the same information and format. As far as the games go, I'm looking forward to the Miami v New England game. These teams have two of the more interesting offenses in the NFL and it should be a close, exciting game.

Sunday and Monday night both feature interesting match ups as well, with Dallas going to Philadelphia on Sunday and Pittsburgh visiting Denver on Monday night. The Cowboys and Eagles almost always play good games, and we will get to see how the Broncos respond to their first loss of the season. So as you can see there is plenty to look forward to this weekend, now on with the preview.

Byes: Bills, Browns, Vikings, Jets, Raiders, Rams

Sunday 1 PM EST

Washington Redskins v. Atlanta Falcons - Georgia Dome

The 2-5 Washington Redskins travel to Atlanta to face a Falcon's team still reeling from a tough loss to New Orleans last week. Atlanta has to be disappointed after losing two consecutive games for the first time under Mike Smith, but the entire season has been a disappointment for Washington. Struggles on their offensive line have mired their entire offense in ineptitude. An inability to protect the quarterback has limited them to a mere 296 yards per game. The Redskins are tied for 5^th in the league having allowed 23 sacks this year.

The Falcons' offense has not been playing well either as of late. In his last three games, quarterback Matt Ryan has thrown 7 interceptions. Fortunately for Ryan, he may be able to rely on running back Michael Turner to carry the team. Turner is coming off his best game of the season after rushing for 151 yards and a touchdown last week against the Saints. If he can have success against the Redskins' 22^nd ranked run defense, the Falcons should be able to win this one at home.

Score: Washington 10 Atlanta 24

Arizona Cardinals v. Chicago Bears - Soldier Field

The Cardinals are coming off a disappointing home loss to the Panthers. Arizona has been inconsistent all season, but they have played better on the road than at home. They have already matched last season's number of road victories with three. If the visiting Cardinals are going to get another win on the road, they will need improved play from their quarterback Kurt Warner. Warner matched his career high with 5 interceptions against Carolina in Week 8, and he also lost a fumble. So far this season his yards per attempt (y/a) is down by almost 1 y/a, from 7.7 y/a last season to 6.8 y/a now. Warner may also be without one of his top playmakers if wide receiver Anquan Boldin is forced to sit out with his ankle injury.

Warner's counterpart, Jay Cutler, has made poor decisions at times. He has thrown eleven touchdowns but also has eleven interceptions. Chicago needs running back Matt Forte to rebound from his slow start and take some of the pressure off of Cutler. Forte had a strong game last week against Cleveland, running for 90 yards and two touchdowns. He will look to continue that success in Week 9 against a Cardinal run defense that gave up 270 rushing yards last week to Carolina. If Chicago is able to win the turnover battle I think they can win this game at home.

Prediction: Arizona 24 Chicago 28

Houston Texans v. Indianapolis Colts - Lucas Oil Stadium

Houston comes into this game in second place in the AFC South, trailing Indianapolis by three games in the loss column, and this game could go a long way in deciding who wins that division. This match up features two of the league's top passing attacks. Peyton Manning and the colts lead the league with 316.3 passing yards per game, while Matt Schaub and the Texans rank 3^rd with 282 passing yards per game. On a side note, has anybody else noticed how bored Schaub looks when he plays?

The difference in this game could be the Colts' pass rushing duo, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. The two have a combined total of 14 sacks this season and are the main reason Indianapolis has the league's 7^th ranked pass defense. Quarterback Peyton Manning was held without a touchdown pass in last week's game against San Francisco, so I expect he will throw a couple extra to make up for it. Houston is a good team, but everything they can do the Colts do better.

Prediction: Houston 21 Indianapolis 31

Baltimore Ravens v. Cincinnati Bengals - Paul Brown Stadium

Baltimore comes into this game at 4-3, 1 game back of Cincinnati in the AFC North. The Bengals won the first game this season with a late touchdown to go ahead 17-14. Despite the fact that Cincinnati won the head to head matchup and has a better overall record, The Ravens actually have a much higher total DVOA. Baltimore ranks 5^th with a DVOA of 35.2%, that's 10 spots ahead of the Bengals. Because of this I think the Ravens are fully capable of going into Paul Brown Stadium and getting a win. The key for Baltimore will be maintaining balance on offense. If they can do that, I think they will have success against Cincinnati's defense.

In past years the Bengals have been known on offense for their passing game, but this year it's all about the running game for Cincinnati. They currently average 127.7 rushing yards per game, which makes them 9^th in the league. However, the Bengals may look to pass more often against a Baltimore defense ranked 4^th against the rush. Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco could be the difference in this game. The eccentric wide out already has 573 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. I don't think Cincinnati will be able to stop the Ravens on defense, so they will need to win this one in a shoot out if they want to sweep the season series.

Prediction: Baltimore 28 Cincinnati 17

Kansas City Chiefs v. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jacksonville Municipal Stadium

It seems I jumped on the Kansas City bandwagon too early. After a Week 6 victory at Washington, I picked them to win at home against the Chargers. The result was a 37-7 victory for San Diego. This week I've learned my lesson and will not be picking them to win on the road. They are just not especially good at anything except for special teams, and that's not enough to win consistently.

Jacksonville is by no means a power house, but they do have better playmakers on offense. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew and receivers Torry Holt and Mike Sims-Walker are all better than their counterparts on the Chiefs. The Jaguars are a physical team and they like to emphasize the running game. I expect they will rely on Maurice Jones-Drew, and he should have success against a Kansas City defense giving up 131 rushing yards per game. They won't win pretty, but Jacksonville should do enough to win this game at home and close the gap between themselves and the Houston Texans.

Prediction: Kansas City 9 Jacksonville 14

Green Bay Packers v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Raymond James Stadium

The league did Green Bay a favor when they scheduled this game. After a disappointing home loss to Minnesota and all the drama that surrounded Brett Favre's return to Lambeau, the Packers could use a gimme and this is about as close as you will get in the NFL. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is playing at an extremely high level this season. He is completing 65% of his passes and has thrown for 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Green Bay is ranked in the top 10 in offense and defense DVOA, but they have struggled on special teams at times. Last week a couple of missed field goals contributed to the loss. Despite these inconsistencies, the Packer should be able to control this game.

Buccaneer's rookie Josh Freeman will get his first career start at quarterback, and Tampa Bay will still lose.

Prediction: Green Bay 32 Tampa Bay 12

Miami Dolphins v. New England Patriots - Gillette Stadium

Miami comes into this game at 3-4 but they are still very much alive in the AFC East. Last week they picked up a win against a tough division opponent, and this week things do not get any easier for the Dolphins. It will be interesting to see how often they run the Wildcat in New England, where they first unveiled the formation. Despite having continued success with it, they have shied away from the Wildcat in the last couple of weeks. Whatever they decide to do on offense, they will need continued production form Ted Ginn on special teams. I think they will need at least two touchdowns from special teams and turnovers to win against a much stronger New England team.

The Patriots had a bye last week, so you know that Bellicheck is going to have this match up game planned masterfully. New England's offense has been spectacular, ranking 3^rd in total yardage with 409 yards per game. Defensively, they are giving up 109.4 rushing yards per game so I would not be surprised if Miami is able to move the ball and put up points against the Patriots defense. But in the end I think Tom Brady and company will be able to outs score the Dolphins.

Prediction: Miami 28 New England 35

Sunday 4:05-4:15 PM EST

Carolina Panthers v. New Orleans Saints - Superdome

A surprising win on the road has the Panthers coming into New Orleans on a high note. Carolina needs to win this game if they want to get back into the NFC South playoff picture. If they are going to have success they will need to be able to run the ball and get pressure on the quarterback. When running back DeAngelo Hall runs for over 110 yards, the Panthers are an impressive 10-0. If they can't rely on their running game, they will not be able to win on the strength of Jake Delhomme's arm alone. Defensively, Julius Peppers has been dominant in the last four games. He recorded six sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception returned for a touchdown during that span.

The hometown Saints continue to prove they are a complete team, ranking 2^nd in offense in 4^th in defense DVOA. They lead the league with 16 interceptions, so you can mark them down for at least one of those against the oft intercepted Jake Delhomme. The improvement in their running game has made them almost unstoppable. They are averaging 39 points per game, and should have no problem scoring enough to go to 8-0.

Prediction: Carolina 17 New Orleans 35

Detroit Lions v. Seattle Seahawks - Qwest Field

Detroit makes a rare journey out to the west coast to visit Qwest Field, in a matchup of NFC bottom feeders. Rookie quarterback Matt Stafford struggled in his first start after missing two weeks with an injury, and he will look to bounce back with a strong showing in Seattle to silence his critics. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson was limited in practice this week due to a knee injury. Obviously it would be a big loss if Johnson could not play in this difficult road game. While the Lions do have a lot of question marks coming into this game, if they play up to their potential they can win this game.

Once again the Seahawks have been hit by a rash of injuries this year. If they want to get back in the race in the NFC West this is a game they need to win. Matt Hassellbeck was 22 of 39 for 249 yards with two touchdowns against the Cowboys. Look for him to have a big game against the Lions 25^th ranked pass defense. Tight end Steve Carlson has caught five touchdown passes in his last seven home games and I expect him to add to that total against Detroit.  The Lions have a punchers chance, especially if Calvin Johnson is able to play, but I think the Seahawks will do enough in the passing game to get this win at home.

Prediction: Detroit 13 Seattle 17

Tennessee Titans v. San Francisco 49ers - Candlestick Park

Obviously this game is covered in excruciating detail on this site and there is not much that I can really add to the discussion. But, I will go ahead and predict that the 49ers will stop their three game losing streak and get their season back on track.

Prediction: Tennessee 10 San Francisco 24

San Diego Chargers v. New York Giants - Giants Stadium

This week San Diego has the tough task of traveling all the way across the country to play the Giants. If this game were played in San Diego I might pick the Chargers, but I don't know if the Bolts will be able to do enough to overcome the disadvantage of playing on the eastern seaboard. Quarterback Phillip Rivers will look to stretch the field against a New York defense that has shown a propensity to give up the big play. Rivers has already thrown for over 2000 yards this season, and he will need to have a strong game if San Diego is going to win. Wide out Vincent Jackson should get plenty of targets as he had over 100 receiving yards in each of his last two games. The big question for the Chargers is whether or not Shawn Merriman will show up in this game. Merriman had been largely invisible until last week when he recorded his first two sacks of the year. If he can have a big game pressuring Eli Manning it could swing the game in San Diego's favor.

After starting 5-0, the Giants have lost their last three games and are now in 3^rd place in the NFC East. Part of the problem has been Eli Manning's tendency to turn the ball over. Manning has thrown six interceptions in the last three weeks and he will need to hold on to the football if he wants to give the Giants a chance to stop their slide. While their quarterback has been struggling, New York has gotten improved play from running back Brandon Jacobs. After coming under heavy criticism this season, Jacobs has averaged over four yards per carry in his last three games. An improved ground game and greater ball security should allow the Giants to get back to their winning ways.

Prediction: San Diego 17 New York 20

Sunday 8:20 PM EST

Dallas Cowboys v. Philadelphia Eagles - Lincoln Financial Field

Dallas and Philadelphia is one of the NFL's great rivalries, and this particular match up has all the makings of a classic. The winner of this game will be in sole possession of first place in the NFC East and will have a 1 game advantage in the season series. Both squads are coming off impressive victories so this game should be a good test for these teams. Tony Romo has righted the ship after getting off to a shaky start. The Dallas quarterback has thrown for seven touchdowns and no interceptions in his last three games. Second year wide out Miles Austin has emerged as a big play threat recently and the Cowboys will rely on Austin as well as their stable of running backs to try and steal a win in Philadelphia.

The Eagles have very quietly compiled a 5-2 record, and this will be a statement game for them. Philadelphia is ranked 2^nd in total DVOA according to Football Outsiders, and they have the added advantage of playing this game at home. Offensively the Eagles have been dynamic, averaging 29 points a game. Much of their success has come from explosive plays. An example would be wide receiver DeSean Jackson who has six touchdowns this season, all of them over 50 yards. Jackson also give Philadelphia a strong return game. On defense the Eagles are as good as anybody in the league. They are ranked number 1 in DVOA and will be a tough test for the Cowboys' offense. In a close game like this I tend to favor the home team so I'm picking the Eagles.

Prediction Dallas 20 Philadelphia 21

Monday 8:30 PM EST

Pittsburgh Steelers v. Denver Broncos - Invesco Field at Mile High

Pittsburgh's road back to the Super Bowl may go through an unexpected destination, Denver. The Broncos are 6-1 and have everybody's attention after their hot start. But their offense may have been exposed by the aggressive Ravens defense in their last game, and they will have to prove they can protect Kyle Orton against a similar Steelers defense.  Pittsburgh has found success throwing the ball this season ranking 4^th in pass offense DVOA, but they will need to protect quarterback Ben Rothlisberger if that is going to continue. The Broncos' Elvis Dumervil is leading the league with 10 sacks and could pose a match up problem for the Steelers. Ben Rothlisberger's ability to keep plays alive could be the x-factor in this game. While he is often criticized for holding on to the ball too long his knack for making something out of nothing can lead to big plays.

After only scoring 7 points in their last game, Josh McDaniel's no doubt made some adjustments to his offensive game plan over the bye week. For the most part Kyle Orton has done a very nice job spreading the ball around in the passing game, but Denver has not had as much success developing a consistent running game. Things will not get any easier against a Pittsburgh defense only giving up 3.8 yards per carry. For this reason I expect the Broncos to play to their strengths and emphasize the spread offense and moving the ball through the air. If Orton gets the protection he needs he should be able to move the ball efficiently against Pittsburgh. The Steelers still have big names like James Harrison and Troy Polamalu on defense, but as a unit they have not performed as well as in past years. Still, I think Pittsburgh will make enough plays to pull this game out in the end.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 17 Denver 14

Read The Full Article:
http://www.ninersnation.com/2009/11/6/1119634/any-given-sunday-week-9-preview

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Breaking: Game between Bengals and Ravens sells
out

Just when you think the Bengals are bound for their first non-sellout in nearly 50 games, somehow, someone (fans perhaps?) pull through. Local 12 Tweets that "*BREAKING NEWS* Bengals game WILL AIR Sunday at 1 p.m. on Local 12. Game is sold out!!" (via Joe Reedy's tweet because we actually don't follow local 12)

No word on how many were sold to fans, or to an area company or to a player looking to hand them out on Saturday. In fact, the team has yet to make the announcement official. We'll update as news breaks through.

But yea. Bengals. Ravens. Local 12. Time to kick some ass.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.cincyjungle.com/2009/11/6/1119591/breaking-game-between-bengals-and

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NOW Wants Cable Suspended for Allegations Towards
Women

The National Organization for Women called on the Raiders to suspend coach Tom Cable while the team investigates allegations he has a history of violent behavior toward women.NOW president Terry O?Neill praised the Raiders in a statement for undertaking a ?serious evaluation? of charges made by Cable?s first wife, Sandy Cable, and former girlfriend, Marie [...]

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http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RaidersGab/~3/19hB8xzQn00/

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