Panthers Watch 2009: Wildcat always trumps a
Panther!

More photos » by Nell Redmond - AP

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Praise be to the Miami Dolphins for taking care of business last night against the Carolina Panthers.  The Panthers came into the game as 3 point favorites and almost pulled off an impressive comeback.  The Dolphins jumped on top 14-3, before the Panthers crept to within a field goal.  However, Ricky Williams was simply too much for the Panthers.  Williams finished the game with 119 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown.

Chad Henne was solid enough to get past a rather ugly performance from our man Jake Delhomme.  Delhomme finished the game 19/42 for 227 yards, a touchdown and an interception.  The Panthers rushing attack was solid yet again, but it was just not enough to overcome a solid performance from the Dolphins.  Delhomme and the Panthers had a shot to tie it up at the end of the game, but Delhomme couldn't complete a 26 yard hail mary at the end of the game.

Week 12 - @ NY Jets
This is a very intriguing matchup for the Panthers.  After a hot start, the Jets are struggling with two straight losses, but the Panthers haven't exactly wowed folks.  The Jets head into Gillette Stadium to face the Patriots on Sunday so we might get a better idea of where they're at.  I've felt the Jets were overrated all season long, but I'm certainly hoping they step up in ten days when they host the Panthers.  The good news for 49ers fans, aside from the draft pick perk is the fact that the Panthers were tied with the 49ers in the wildcard race, so every Panthers loss remains an additional plus in that battle.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.ninersnation.com/2009/11/20/1166257/panthers-watch-2009-wildcat-always

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Ricky Williams is a workhorse once again

Ricky Williams #34 of the Miami Dolphins smiles on the bench after he scored his second TD of the game in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 19, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Ricky Williams is having his best season since retiring.

That was in 2004, when a marijuana habit drove Williams out of the NFL. The following year he began a comeback that proceeded fitfully because of Miami Dolphins coaching changes, a season-ending injury and an 18-month suspension.

The Dolphins stuck with Williams, and now he might just save their season. Picking up the slack for injured starter Ronnie Brown, the 32-year-old Williams totaled 221 yards rushing in two games over a five-day stretch, and Miami (5-5) won both to reach .500 for the first time this year.

"It puts us on the right track," Williams said. "We have been trying to get here all year, and we finally got here. It's just the next step to where we want to go."

Williams is leading the way. Making his first start of the year in Thursday's 24-17 victory at Carolina, he rushed for 119 yards and two scores and added a 14-yard touchdown catch. It was his second three-TD game this season, and the first time in his career he scored rushing and receiving in the same game.

"I was really impressed with Ricky," coach Tony Sparano said. "He did a tremendous job. He ran the ball hard, really hard."

Williams scored once as Brown's replacement taking the snap in the wildcat. He scored on a 46-yard dash to seal the win, outrunning the Panthers' secondary to the end zone. He carried 22 times -- not a lot for a back who once had 392 attempts in a season, but his highest total in four years.

The 100-yard game was Williams' 22nd with Miami, extending his franchise record. He's the oldest 100-yard rusher in team history.

"He's not 32, I don't care what he says," rookie receiver Brian Hartline said. "He definitely doesn't look 32 out there, and he definitely has a lot of gas left in his wheels."

Williams never fit the mold of the typical NFL player, and that's still the case. Last spring he agreed to a contract extension for 2010 without an agent or negotiations. Working toward a college degree, he wants to become an osteopath. He's so particular about his diet that Sparano laughingly speaks of "Ricky food."

And Williams remains skittish with the media.

"I don't like talking about myself," he said after Thursday's game.

Instead, teammates gushed about him. Younger players seemed especially tickled to see him trample Panthers.

"He has been here for a long time, and he knows what he's doing," receiver Ted Ginn Jr. said. "When he sees something, he was just trying to run through. That was what he was taught to do as a young 'un."

Sparano said he's confident Williams can handle a starter's workload the rest of the season, and the Dolphins really have no choice but to rely heavily on their only thirtysomething offensive player.

Brown underwent season-ending surgery Friday on his broken right foot. Williams' backup, second-year pro Lex Hilliard, had his first career rushing attempt Thursday night. And the passing attack ranks third-worst in the league.

That means Williams, seven years removed from his NFL rushing title, will try to carry Miami to the playoffs.

"It's hard to replace Ronnie Brown," Hartline said. "But Ricky Williams is still Ricky Williams."

Even with limited playing time this season, Williams is on pace for his first 1,000-yard season since 2003. He's averaging a career-best 5.3 yards per carry. And he ranks among NFL leaders with 10 touchdowns.

At Charlotte, Williams thrived behind a patchwork front. Four Miami offensive linemen left the game with injuries, and the Dolphins used three centers, including one moved from tackle who had not practiced snaps.

"It's tough," Williams said. "Guys are dropping like flies."

"We were down to me going in the game," said Sparano, a former center. "I've never seen anything like it."

Sparano provided no update Friday on the severity of the injuries. Players have the weekend off before beginning preparations to play the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 29.

"We'll get a chance to heal up," Sparano said. "Right now the boys need a bit of rest."

Even Williams "got a little bit dinged" in the fourth quarter but was expected to be fine, Sparano said. The most serious injury appeared to be to nose tackle Jason Ferguson, who hurt his right knee and underwent an MRI.

Despite the heavy toll, Sparano was in a cheerful mood Friday. After winning three games in the first 63 days of the season, the Dolphins won twice in five days, and they're only one victory behind AFC East leader New England.

"There's a lot of football left," Sparano said.

Look for lots of handoffs to Williams in the weeks to come. Over the years the Dolphins are 19-3 when he rushes for 100 yards.

"Hopefully he can rest up these next 10 days," teammate Jason Taylor said, "and do it again next week."Stats Writer,CK0712Wikio

Read The Full Article:
http://ck0712digit.blogspot.com/2009/11/ricky-williams-is-workhorse-once-again.ht
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Big Red does the Shuffle with his LB's-again!

For the second consecutive week, the Eagles will go with a different look at linebacker because of a knee injury to weakside starter Akeem Jordan.

Coach Andy Reid ruled out Jordan for Sunday night's game at Chicago.

Will Witherspoon will again start at weakside LB, and second-year man Joe Mays will start in the middle. Chris Gocong, who started in the middle in last week's loss to San Diego, will move back to his customary spot on the strong side. Rookie Moise Fokou, who started the past two games on the strong side, appears to be the odd man out.

It's the sixth different set of linebackers the Eagles will start in their 10th game of the season.

"A lot will depend on the personnel group (the Bears) put out there," Reid said. "We have some different combinations we can use."

Mays became the starting middle linebacker in training camp when Stewart Bradley went out for the season with a torn ACL. Mays did not play well enough to keep the job when the season opened and lost it to Omar Gaither, who eventually joined Bradley on injured reserve with a foot injury.

"He's been working out there a little bit," Reid said of Mays. "He worked a little bit last week, too. Like I said, there are different combinations we can use."

Mays, a second-year linebacker from North Dakota State, was inactive for five of the team's first six games. He played the past three games, primarily on special teams, and played well on kick teams last week in San Diego.

"It's all come around," cornerback Sheldon Brown said. "I think it might be a good thing. You have Will playing will (weakside), which is his natural position. You have a guy in the middle who is a middle linebacker, and Chris is back on the strong side where he is used to playing."

Brown is used to starting at cornerback. Since he was drafted in 2002, he has played in all 121 regular-season games, plus another 12 playoff games. This week he is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury he suffered in San Diego.

"If I don't play it won't be my choice," Brown said. "I don't know what the percentages are, but I feel like I'm going to play."

The veteran did limited work Thursday and today in practice. Reid said it will be a game-time decision.

"We'll see how it goes there," Reid said. "We'll just see how he does. He moved around pretty good today when he was in the team period. He took all the scout team reps yesterday and felt pretty good coming out of it. We'll see how that works out."Stats Writer,CK0712Wikio

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http://ck0712digit.blogspot.com/2009/11/big-red-does-shuffle-with-his-lbs-again.h
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Update on Anthony Gonzalez offers hope he will
return soon

More photos » by Michael Conroy - AP

FILE -- This is an Aug. 4, 2009, file photo showing Indianapolis Colts receiver Anthony Gonzalez during the NFL team's football training camp in Terre Haute, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

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The silver-lining for Anthony Gonzalez's injury in Week One was the rapid, forced development of wide receivers Pierre Garçon and Austin Collie. And while many have expressed frustration that both Garçon and Collie have been erratic throughout the year, the reality is that inconsistency is the hallmark for all young receivers, good and bad. Also, factor in that it usually takes a receiver three years before they finally start looking like they are worth something. Call it the Reggie Wayne Scale, if you must. I remember from 2001-2003, Colts fans (stupidly) applied the "bust" label to Reggie Wayne, maintaining that the Colts should have taken a defensive player (Kyle Vanden Bosch, maybe?), or not traded down to get Wayne and taken a defensive tackle like Ryan Pickett.

This is why fans are fans and Bill Polian is god.

Today, I'm one of the leading schmucks on the Internets who thinks Reggie Wayne is the best wide receiver in football. And if you compare Pierre Garçon's second year numbers (26 catches, 403 yards, 3 TDs) or Austin Collie's rookie numbers (38 catches, 408 yards, 3 TDs) with Reggie Wayne's second year numbers (49 catches for 716 yards and 4 TDs) you see that both young receivers are well on their way to developing into good players.

Again, this kind of development likely would not have happened had Anthony Gonzalez not gotten hurt.

In a recent Mike Chappell article for the Indy Star, we get an update on Gonzo, who is recovering from surgery earlier this month to help heal his injured knee. Gonzo aggravated the injury (which he initially sustained against the Jaguars) during his rehab process. Now, Gonzo is saying he feels "close" again:

"I felt like I was close the last time," Gonzalez said. "So in that sense, it's a little hard to say. I do feel the 'scope I had helped a lot. Now it's just a matter of getting a little flexibility back and all my strength back.

"But I think I'm close."

In yet another season where key components of the team have gone down with injury, such as the oft-injured Bob Sanders (done for the year), the addition of an important cog like Gonzo to an offense as impressive as the Colts could provide a serious jolt during the December push for playoff seeding.

However, we Colts fans have been through this injury roller-coaster before with another wide receiver, Marvin Harrison. The constant "Will he? Won't he?" for Harrison in 2007 drove me nuts from week to week after Harrison sustained a seemingly career-ending knee injury. With Gonzo, I have no wish to relive that torture. If he does come back, he offers another potent weapon to stretch the field for Peyton Manning.

But, it is important to point out the Garçon and Collie have played well enough (overall) to retain their roles. These two guys have grown up as players right before our eyes. It will be interesting to see how the Colts work with them once Gonzo gets back into the fold.

Tip to Z.Pain

Read The Full Article:
http://www.stampedeblue.com/2009/11/20/1166810/update-on-anthony-gonzalez-offers

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Week 11 NFL Rooting Guide

Alright, I'll be honest, this is not even close to an original idea.  I was over at Acme Packing Company (our Packers blog) and came across an intriguing FanPost from last week.  The author went through the various matchups for the week and who Packers fans should be cheering for.  Given that we're getting into the playoff chase, I think it makes sense to put something like this together each week.  At least as long as the 49ers remain in the playoff chase!

NFC West Standings
1. Arizona Cardinals (6-3)
2. San Francisco 49ers (4-5)
3. Seattle Seahawks (3-6)

NFC Wildcard Standings
1. Philadelphia Eagles (5-4)
2. Atlanta Falcons (5-4)
3. Green Bay Packers (5-4)
4. NY Giants (5-4)
5. San Francisco 49ers (4-5)
6. Chicago Bears (4-5)
7. Carolina Panthers (4-6)

I realize the 3-6 teams are only a game back of the 4-5 teams, but for wildcard purposes, teams behind the 49ers will remain off the list for now.  The Panthers remain on the list because they played early this week, and of course we have the Panther Watch (quick recap coming a little later this morning).  After the jump, we go through this weekend's matchups.  As for the division, the Seahawks were swept by Arizona and really struggling.  If they beat Minnesota this weekend I'll add them in to this guide next week.

49ers-Packers: This is your Captain Obvious matchup of the week, as it always is when the 49ers are involved.  We know what's up here. NN CHOICE: 49ERS

Falcons-Giants: I had a rather extended email conversation with Florida Danny about this matchup.  The first tiebreaker for the playoffs is head-to-head record, and the second tiebreaker is conference record.  The 49ers are actually in decent shape with their conference record.  The Falcons own the head-to-head tiebreaker with the 49ers, while the Giants and 49ers don't play.  Given that Michael Turner is out for at least a week, maybe more, I think I'd prefer the Giants to win this game.  Both teams are 5-4 and an Atlanta win would allow the Falcons to remain the equivalent of two games ahead of the 49ers (because of the tiebreaker).  Atlanta faces Philly in a couple weeks, a game in which we'll be rooting for Philly.  Also, the Giants are 3-3 in conference (49ers are 4-2), so the 49ers hold an edge once they hopefully tie it up with them. NN CHOICE: GIANTS

Cardinals-Rams: Tough call here.  The Cardinals are undefeated on the road, so I'm not holding my breath.  But an upset would be sooooo sweet. NN CHOICE: RAMS

Eagles-Bears: Given that the 49ers hold the tiebreaker over the Bears, we're definitely rooting for the Bears in this game.  Jay Cutler performs much better at home than on the road, while Philly has been a bit inconsistent on the road.  The good news (sort of) is that even if Philly wins, the 49ers head to Philly for what could turn into a monster week 15 matchup.  The 49ers might not have the best chance in the world, but hopefully the game will mean something. NN CHOICE: BEARS

So there you have it.  If you disagree with me on the Giants selection (or the Bears/Eagles as well I suppose), feel free to comment accordingly.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.ninersnation.com/2009/11/20/1165837/week-11-nfl-rooting-guide

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Browns Get Leveled by Ravens in Pitiful 16-0
Monday Night Game

by Tony Dejak - AP

3 days ago: Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs is carried on a backboard after suffering an injury on the final play of the Browns' 16-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

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BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-4)WEEK 10CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-8)VS.160

When I went to the Giants vs. Browns game Monday Night, the excitement running through my veins throughout the game was a euphoric feeling.

When I went to the Ravens vs. Browns game on Monday, there was a completely different feeling: emptiness. Since we're out of contention, I'm beyond the point where I feel "crushed" after a loss. I was very pleased with the performance of the defense, but the continued inept performance by the offense just left me blank.

Let's get to another sad review of the game...

WEEK 10 - BALTIMORE RAVENS VS. CLEVELAND BROWNS (COMPLETE GAME REVIEW)

GOAT OF THE GAME:

• Brian Daboll: Seriously? That was the game plan you came up with in two weeks of preparation? The Ravens' defense, particularly due to their secondary, hasn't been great this season, and we didn't try testing them until there was less than 20 seconds on the clock. Instead, every play we ran played right into the strengths of the Ravens' defense.
  

AWARDING GAME BALLS:

• Rob Ryan: To the opposite side of the spectrum, the game ball goes to Ryan. The Ravens had a decent drive early on when they missed a field goal, but after that, the Browns' defense really only gave up one touchdown. Part of that had to do with the Ravens not looking very impressive on offense either, but the Browns brought enough pressure throughout the game to rattle Joe Flacco, and Ray Rice didn't have a breakout game against us for once.

GENERAL THOUGHTS

"Take it! I don't know what the hell to do with it!"

1. Short Throws All Day: It became annoying that the fans behind me kept bringing this up, but they were right. The only pass plays we were looking for all day were ones that were right at the line of scrimmage. On our first drive or two, I was excited about this -- the Ravens were playing a little off, and the throws played to Quinn's strengths.
   
   Then, as we started to run the same plays throughout the rest of the game, the Ravens kept creeping closer and closer to the line of scrimmage. No adjustments. Not a single one.
   
   
2. Furrey Stumbling: I know that Mike Furrey isn't supposed to be a "catch and run" receiver, but there were two or three plays where he actually had some space to work with and he just stumbled to the ground. On a day where we couldn't do anything right, it became more frustrating to see us slip even when the Ravens finally were out of position.
   
   
3. Running the Wildcat: I don't know how this came across on television, but every time we ran the Wildcat formation, the safeties were almost right on top of the line of scrimmage -- even closer than when Quinn would throw the ball. I guess it's asking too much in that situation to have Cribbs stand in the pocket and deliver a deep throw to someone like Mohamed Massaquoi, who would've had one-on-one coverage.
   
4. Inside Linebackers: With both of our starting inside linebackers done for the year, Kaluka Maiava and David Bowens looked pretty good together. Bowens provided the pass rush, and Maiava made two tackles that stopped a receiver shy of a Ravens first down, which is something I didn't expect from the rookie.
   
   
5. Production Means Nothing: So, I guess we're back to having a head coach who puts too much into the fact that Jerome Harrison isn't a great blocker. The 100+ yard performance he had against the Bengals this season, arguably our best offensive game of the season, doesn't factor into the mix. Not that I'm against Chris Jennings -- yet -- but I'm getting pissed that Harrison is getting the shaft yet again.
   
6. Ray Rice's Pass: The Ravens picked the right time to do a passing play with RB Ray Rice. As soon as he was handed the ball, I knew a pass was coming because the whole offensive line rolled out but made sure they weren't beyond the line of scrimmage. The receiver was wide open, but Rice took an extra second before releasing the ball, allowing our defensive backs to catch up and break up the play.
   
7. What Did the Shifts Accomplish? There were so many times during the game that our team would line up in one formation, and they we'd suddenly have three guys quickly shift to different positions. I guess that's what our offense worked on during the bye week, because it's the only thing we did effectively, albeit with no results, all game.
   
8. Snap the Ball? After our shifts were occurring, the Ravens shifted their whole defense as well. There were times where we could've quickly snapped the ball to catch someone out of position, but that never happened.
   
9. No Huddle Presence: Another thing the Browns -- or both teams rather -- implemented was the "no huddle approach." I don't mind the approach necessarily, but if you're play calling is atrocious and you still take awhile to snap the ball, it's not really accomplishing anything unique. Sure, maybe the Ravens can't substitute, but it's not like they were chasing us down on 20 yard gains every play.
   
10. Reverse to Massaquoi: I haven't checked how it came off on television, but one of the few play calls I liked was the reverse to Massaquoi, because it tried to catch the defense off guard when usually it's just Cribbs who runs the ball. The Ravens read it perfectly though and were right up at the line to stop Massaquoi. Of course, that leads more to the point about Cribbs throwing the ball...
    
11. The New Punter: Our new punter didn't shank any punts, which was a good thing. He doesn't have a great leg though, so if when we're backed up throughout the rest of the season, I'm expecting the scores to become even more ridiculous in favor of the opposition.
    
12. Very Good Kick Coverage: I was impressed with how the Ravens handled their special teams duties of stopping Joshua Cribbs. They had their players quickly down the field, and usually pinned Cribbs in a situation where he had no where to go. On Cribbs' only good return of the day, Brady Quinn blew it with a pick.
    
13. Quinn's Performance: The performance by Brady Quinn was very disappointing, but again I bring the problems back to the horrific playcalling. Why is it that when Derek Anderson plays, he gets to chuck it into the defense? Quinn should have the same "privileges." If he throws an interception, then fine -- at least we'll see evidence that he's not capable of it.
    
14. Leveling Cribbs: Besides the hook-and-ladder play making no sense when we were down by two 8-point possessions, Joshua Cribbs was on the receiving end of a cheap shot. I didn't get a good look at the play live, because after I saw him lateral the ball with nobody but Robert Royal in the area, I had just stood up to make sure I had my gloves and hat with be before I left. Thankfully Cribbs appears to be okay, and the coaches are indicating he might play this Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
    
15. Brownies: Where was Brian Robiskie again? The fans behind me kept saying "WE SHOULD GET THE BALL" after the Ravens' penalty on special teams, but they failed to realize that the five-yard penalty would not have netted a first-down for us. Last year, half the crowd stood the whole game due to all of the exciting plays. This year, the crowd was still standing, but it was because we would attempt a deeper throw, even if it looked god-awful.
    

Up next, the Browns will face the lowly Detroit Lions. I have no faith in the Browns offense, but the defense could very well deliver a performance similar to the Buffalo game for a win. Rookie QB Matthew Stafford has been prone to mistakes, and if our defense creates turnovers, a 6-3 type of game might be enough to win again.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2009/11/20/1166622/browns-get-leveled-by-ravens-in

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Game Preview Week 11: Buffalo Bills at
Jacksonville Jaguars

Buffalo Bills (3-6)Week #11
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)
  

VS.

Date:November 22nd, 2009
Location:Jacksonville, FL
Time:1:00 PM EST
Stadium:The Jack
TV:CBS
Favorite:Jaguars -9
Radio:Click HereOver/Under:43
Weather:
Low 70's, 50% chance of rain
Injury Report:
Click HereSBN Coverage:Buffalo RumblingsCoverage Map
Click Here

 

First, I want to offer an apology for helping drag this site back down into negative territory. I realize that 99% of the people who come to this site are either season ticket holders or do their best to attend as many games as they can. We all appreciate the support you show this team. Now, we have a game to play Sunday!

The Buffalo Bills travel to Northeast Florida this week as something of an enigma. Head coach Dick Jauron was fired on Wednesday and rumors that the Bills are already in talks with Mike Shanahan have already begun to emerge. Not to mentioned benching Trent Edwards for Ryan Fitzpatrick, having the worst run defense in the NFL, and the malignant locker room cancer Terrell Owens.

The Jaguars are coming off perhaps their most impressive road win since the 2007 Wild Card win over Pittsburgh. Maurice Jones-Drew is already within sight of the franchise's single season touchdown record, needing only two more to tie Fred Taylor's record of 14. Mike Sims-Walker's performance against the Jets seems to have signaled his arrival as a #1 wide receiver. The defense has seen a resurgence under the 4-3, and it seems the Jaguars will have meaningful games past Thanksgiving.

What does this all add up to? Well, under Jack Del Rio this usually means the Jaguars will under perform and either squeak out a win or lose. However, something strikes me as it being different this time. Click below to read why.

Jaguars Offense vs Bills Defense

What happens when an unstoppable force meets an easily pushed around object? We'll find out Sunday as Maurice Jones-Drew gets a golden opportunity going against the Bills run defense. The Bills are averaging giving up 173 yards a game on the ground. Yes, you read that right, 173 yards a game.

The Bills do have a good pass defense though. They rank 9th in the league against the pass, though that may be because teams realize they don't need to throw that much to beat them.

The Jaguars will see the return of long time defensive tackle Marcus Stroud. Stroud was traded to Buffalo during the 2008 off season after several injury filled season's seemingly signaled the end of his great career. However, it seems that wasn't the case as Stroud has played in all 25 games since joining the Bills and putting up repectable numbers to boot. If any Bills player will care about the out come of Sunday's game, it will be Marcus.

Offensively, expect the Jaguars to pound the ball to Jones-Drew early and often to see if they even need to throw the ball. The Jaguars managed to gash the Jets #1 rush defense very well last week, and  If you have both Sims-Walker and Jones-Drew on your fantasy team, I think it's obvious who to sit and who to start.

Jaguars Defense vs Bills Offense

This is the match up that be worried. The Jaguars will be without Rashean Mathis and Justin Durant this week because of injuries. That means almost certainly Reggie Nelson will once again be at corner. Let me put this into perspective, Reggie Nelson one on one with Terrell Owens. TO may be over the hill, but I still don't like that match up one bit.

If however, premadonna TO shows up and doesn't care, then I don't think the Bills have much of a chance this week offensively. Marshawn Lynch has been banged up and more of an off the field problem than anything else. In fact, Fred Jackson is their leading rusher at this point in the season. Ryan Fitzpatrick torched the Jaguars last year in Cincinnati, but that 2008 team would lose 34-7 to this year's Jaguars.

Special Teams and Intangibles

Simple this week, the Bills fired their head coach and are being lead out by a man who already knows he doesn't have a chance to even play himself into the position. Some are saying this will lead them to come out being fired up, but I say this team comes out flat and disinterested, only to get even more disinterested when Jones-Drew gets 7 yards everytime he touched the ball.

Player On The Hot Seat

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB

Jones-Drew has the franchise TD record in his sights, and he is going against the worst run defense in the league. Not to mention he'll be needed to chew up clock in case TO and the Bills offense does decide to show up Sunday.

Prediction

Jacksonville Jaguars 31

Buffalo Bills                 10

Maurice Jones-Drew goes off for 210 yards and four touchdowns while the Bills get their only points in garbage time.

-Jonathan Loesche

Read The Full Article:
http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/11/20/1166591/game-preview-week-11-buffalo-bill
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Bengals struggle in California; Benson "doubtful"
to play against Oakland

Californeya has the internet gold rush. So the Bengals have broken several trends this year. They've swept the Steelers for the first time since 1998. Dating back to last year, they've won five straight road games for the first time in franchise history. With a win over the Cleveland Browns, the Bengals will go undefeated in the division for the first time in franchise history -- they've won five divisional games in only six seasons (2009, 2005, 1996, 1990, 1989, 1984).

Another trend remains. Games on the West Coast. Specifically, in California. The Bengals have lost 26 of 35 regular season games in California. Dating back to 1992, they've won only one of ten games. The Bengals history in California is terrible enough that if you take the Bengals all-time record and remove regular season games played in California, the Bengals all-time winning percentage jumps ten points. (Note: I'm a South Park junkie).

Larry Johnson could play Sunday. C Trent Rosecrans writes that Larry Johnson "said his first practice as a Bengal on Wednesday went smoothly, and he's just happy to be practicing." This is important because it's believed that Cedric Benson will miss Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders. Joe Reedy writes that "Benson did not practice for a second straight day, meaning that it is unlikely he will play on Sunday at Oakland." To be honest, I'm interested to see what Johnson can do behind this offensive line.

Moving on...

Great piece by Hobson, detailing the defense on third down.

Charles Robinson writes that Larry Johnson created enough of a disruption with the Chiefs, that he forced his way off the team and joined the 7-2 Bengals.

Don Banks lists Mike Zimmer as a potential head coaching candidate.

The job Zimmer has done with the Bengals defense this season speaks for itself, and if Cincy rides its magic carpet all the way to Miami, who knows how far it might advance a Zimmer candidacy? Strange as it sounds, Zimmer's time in front of the HBO cameras on "Hard Knocks'' probably raised his visibility level significantly within league circles, even though he was known as a quality teacher of the game long before last summer.

Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bernard Scott rushed the football 13 times. Geoff Hobson writes that the Bengals don't want to give Scott "that many touches any time soon."

Sad news: Chris Spielman's wife Stephanie passed away Thursday night.

How great has Kyle Cook been this year?

CNati's Scott Priestle takes a look at Dhani Jones.

---

Notes regarding the Bengals games in California.

All-Time Record2793562.440Games in California9260.257All-Time Record w/o California2703302.450

Games played in California since 1968.

SeasonLocationResult2007San FranciscoL, 13-202003OaklandL, 20-232003San Diego W, 34-27 2001San DiegoL, 14-281998OaklandL, 10-271996San FranciscoL, 21-281996San DiegoL, 14-271994San DiegoL, 10-271993San FranciscoL, 8-211992San DiegoL, 10-271990*Los AngelesL, 10-201990San Diego W, 21-16 1990Los Angeles (Rams) W, 34-31 1990Los AngelesL, 7-241989Los AngelesL, 7-281988Los Angeles W, 45-21 1985Los AngelesL, 6-131984San FranciscoL, 17-231982San DiegoL, 34-501981San Diego W, 40-17 1980OaklandL, 17-281978Los Angeles (Rams) W, 20-19 1978San FranciscoL, 12-281978San DiegoL, 13-221977San DiegoL, 3-241976OaklandL, 20-351975*OaklandL, 28-311974San Francisco W, 21-3 1974OaklandL, 27-301973San Diego W, 20-13 1972Los Angeles (Rams)L, 12-151971OaklandL, 27-311970San Diego W, 17-14 1969San DiegoL, 14-211969OaklandL, 17-371968OaklandL, 10-311968San DiegoL, 13-29* Playoff game.

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Week Eleven Preview: Colts at Ravens

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

Indianapolis Colts quarterback and supposed John Unitas clone Peyton Manning (18) uses the Vulcan head touch to sap the knowledge from Senior Offensive Coordinator Tom Moore's brain. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

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(Warning: This Colts v. Ravens preview is sans Mayflower trucks because, quite honestly, we've been there and done that. Most rational, civilized, well-adjusted people are over it already. Those that aren't need a life).

We made a big brew-ha-ha earlier this year about Baltimore native Barry Levinson's well produced but painfully flawed ESPN documentary titled The Band That Wouldn't Let It Go The Band That Wouldn't Die. The doc's story centered on the old Baltimore Colts marching band and their efforts to keep the spirit of football alive in the city of Baltimore after the Colts left town in favor of Indianapolis in March of 1984. ESPN probably should have waited until this week to air the doc, as it would have likely stirred up the fanbases in both Baltimore and Indy just in time for the now-seemingly annual Colts v. Ravens showdown.

Since 2004, the Colts have played the Ravens at least once a year. With this Sunday's game, the Colts will have played in Baltimore four times while the Ravens have traveled to Indy twice. In all the previous contests, the Colts have flat out owned the Ravens. Whether under the night lights of primetime TV, or in the pressure-packed moments of the playoffs, the Colts have consistently put their foot on the throats of the Ravens and strangled the life out of them each and every time.

Yet, despite the seemingly annual match-up, there does not seem to be any sort of animosity or hatred between the two teams. The reason for this: Peyton Manning. Baltimore fans and players seem to respect Peyton Manning more than any other QB in the league. I've heard more than a few fans from the "City of Firsts" say that Peyton Manning is as close to a clone of Johnny Unitas as they've ever seen. He even walks like unitas did, they say. There is also mutual respect from Colts players towards greats like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Ravens coach John Harbaugh (brother of former-Colts quarterback Jim Harbaugh, a longtime fan favorite).

With this year's match-up, the rivalry now has the added dimension of a potent Ravens offense, led by a very impressive QB named Joe Flacco, and a Colts defense that, right now, is playing better football than the Ravens defense has this season.

John Unitas; quite simply, THE man

Image: pictopia.com

 

First and foremost, I'm a huge Joe Flacco fan. He's a better QB than Matt Ryan, absolutely no question about it. While Ryan is a cool customer who shows an impressive knowledge of the game of football, there is nothing Ryan does better than Flacco. In fact, from what I have seen, Flacco has a better arm and has been able to do more with less than Ryan has.

The Ravens offense is one of the best in football, averaging roughly 25 points per game behind a passing attack from Flacco that has generated 12 TDs and only 7 INTs. The Ravens also boast an impressive ground game behind (arguably) the most under-rated RB in all of football: Ray Rice. Baltimore's rushing attack averages 4.3 yards a carry and has scored 12 TDs. Just like when the Colts had to travel to Tennessee earlier this season and shut down all-world runner Chris Johnson, stopping Rice and the Ravens ground game will be top priority for the Colts defense.

Raymond Berry, one of my favorite players of all time

Image: www.profootballhof.com

 

What has been odd of late has been the play of Baltimore's defense. Though they are only surrendering 17 ppg (ranked 5th in the league), there have been some games this season where the Ravens D has fallen way short of the high expectations we fans set for them. They lost three in a row in October, allowing teams like the Patriots and Vikings to score seemingly at will on them. They righted their ship by defeating the then-undefeated Broncos, but have been a bit erratic ever since. The recent loss of Terrell Suggs will hurt their D, and while they certainly miss the play of departed linebacker Bart Scott (who signed with the Jets this past off-season) you absolutely cannot discount a defense with Lewsi, Reed, and all-galaxy defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who is the cousin of Colts rookie Fili Moala.

Keys to the game:

• Stop the run. In the Ravens two loses to their division rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore's running game was limited. While Flacco is certainly capable of flinging the football around with the best of them, if you take away the running game and force him to throw more than he is comfortable, the results are often turnovers.
• Robert Mathis v. Michael Oher. Oher's story is certainly worthy of a movie, but even if he did not come from abject poverty, Oher's story as an impressive rookie is very much worthy of respect on its own. Still, with Dwight Freeney likely to get loads of attention, Mathis must beat Oher and pressure Flacco. Mathis' play Sunday night was a big difference, flustering Tom Brady and hurrying his throws. Mathis must have a similar impact against Flacco.
• The Patriots focused their defense on Dallas Clark, and the Ravens might do the same. Ed Reed might glue himself to Clark in an attempt to take away Peyton's ace. The Colts must counter this by either moving Clark around (playing him outside, in the slot, or as an H-Back), dictating to the Ravens how they should cover him. Clark is currently third in the league in catches with 64 and 5th in the league in yards. Clark's a tight end, folks. I don't know if I've ever seen a tight end have these kinds of numbers.
  
• Ray Lewis is a student of the game, and he is correct in his praise of the Colts running game. Indy has made it a point to stick with the run, especially in the fourth quarter. The results speak for themselves. For three straight games, the Colts have used good, smart, hard running to close out games in the fourth. With rookie Donald Brown back from his shoulder injury and Chad Simpson flexing his muscles a bit as a running back (36 yards on 4 carries last week), Joseph Addai might finally get some help carrying the load for this team. Also, the decision to start Kyle DeVan at right guard over Mike Pollak has made a difference. Running plays to the right are no longer the lost cause they were earlier in the year.

Gino Marchetti (89) was Dwight Freeney long before Dwight Freeney was Dwight Freeney

Image: assets.espn.go.com

 

Sunday's game will also feature the return of Ravens legend Matt Stover, who spent 13 seasons in Baltimore as their kicker. The Ravens let him go this past off-season, and it was a decision they now openly regret. Stover has been damn impressive filling in for an injured Adam Viantieri. Meanwhile, the Ravens cut the kicker they replaced Stover with, and are now handing the kicking job to journeyman Billy Cundiff.

After a whale of a comeback against the Patriots last week, traveling to Baltimore will prove another tough physical and mental hurdle for the Colts to overcome. They've done this kind of thing before this season, winning a thriller against the Dolphins and then going on the road to face the Cardinals, who they spanked in their house. This will be Indy's first road game in nearly a month. You could really say this is Indy's first road game in almost six weeks. Their last "road" game was at St. Louis against the Rams, where it seemed there were more Colts fans in the stands than rams fans. Indy's last true "road game" was Week Five at Nashville against the then 0-5 Titans.

This road test will likely prove a strong one for the Colts as the Ravens are a very good football team. For more insight into the game, please visit Baltimore Beatdown, SB Nation's outstanding Ravens blog.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.stampedeblue.com/2009/11/20/1166472/week-eleven-preview-colts-at-raven
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McClain, Spikes among Butkus finalists again

Alabama's Rolando McClain, Florida's Brandon Spikes and Missouri's Sean Weatherspoon are once again finalists for the Butkus Award, given annually to the nation's top linebacker.

South Carolina's Eric Norwood and Texas' Sergia Kindle also are finalists.

McClain, Spikes and Weatherspoon were finalists in 2008, when Wake Forest star Aaron Curry took home the award.

Three of this year's finalists are from the Southeastern Conference, and two are from the Big 12. The winner will be announced on or before Dec. 8.

The Butkus Award is selected by a 51-person panel comprised mostly of scouts, coaches and journalists. The award is named after Dick Butkus, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.Stats Writer,CK0712Wikio

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http://ck0712digit.blogspot.com/2009/11/mcclain-spikes-among-butkus-finalists.htm
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