Dallas Cowboys @ Denver Broncos Week 4 Preview

October 3rd, 2009 10:54 am
by Pro Set

Dallas (2-1) has not travelled to Denver since 1998 meaning that the Cowboys grace Invesco Field for the first time. Denver embarrassed Dallas in their last meeting on Thanksgiving Day no less. This Cowboys team is feeling very little love despite its winning record. QB Tony Romo (57%; 4 TD; 3 INT) needs to throw the ball better. WR Roy Williams (8 rec; 179 yds; 1 TD) needs to gain his quarterback’s confidence.  It was telling that Jason Garrett ordered an endzone fade to TE Martellus Bennett on MNF in the win over Carolina. When that pass is thrown to Williams on a consistent basis, it will signify that he is the #1 WR. On the ground, both RB Marion Barber (QST) and RB Felix Jones (OUT) will contribute little. RB Tashard Choice, however, has shown enough to warrant respect from the Donkeys (a.k.a Broncos defense). It is critical for Dallas that Choice presents a credible ground threat, in order for TE Jason Witten to get free on play action. A credible ground threat will require a solid performance from the Cowboys O-line. Remember to sink a beer when T Flozell Adams executes his mandatory false start.

Denver (3-0) is faring better than expected in the AFC West. It is important to note that Denver, when it matters, has not trailed by more than a score this season. QB Kyle Orton (56%; 3 TD; 0 INT) is not known from dramatic comebacks. RB Correll Buckhalter (31 car; 230 yds) might be averaging over 7 ypc, but Dallas will provide a sterner test. The Cowboys were able to cause significant disruption on 1st down against Carolina. NT Jay Ratliff will look to get inside penetration adn force Denver to run outside. The Denver interior line will need to drive through the point of attack. If Denver gets its guards onto the Dallas linebackers, the game is theirs to control. This will also set up bootleg passing for Orton.  Dallas, overall, should win as long as points off turnovers work in the Cowboys’ favour.

Posted in Analysis, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Game, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Thanksgiving Day Football, NFL on FOX, NFL schedule | No Comments »

NY Giants @ Dallas SNF Week 2 Preview

September 17th, 2009 5:26 am
by Pro Set

The Giants impressed many, especially FOX network executives, with their win over Washington. In the past, the Giants have played well at Texas Stadium. But of course Sunday night marks the first NFL match at the Jerry Jones theme park known as Cowboys Stadium. To state the obvious, the Giants must run the ball well inside. RB Brandon Jacobs needs to be productive on early downs. Bucs RB Carnell Williams ran over several Cowboys on Sunday. Similar hard running will allow QB Eli Manning to use play action. A poor running game, however, will see Cowboys star DeMarcus Ware at his pass rushing best.

The Cowboys were also impressive with a road win at Tampa Bay. Terrible coverage breakdowns by the Bucs gave easy scores to QB Tony Romo. For all the criticism he recieves, Romo is a good QB. And with serious inury concerns hanging over the entire NYG secondary, Romo and WR Roy Williams will be keen for more big plays. And therein lies they key for the Cowboys. Romo cannot force big plays. His job is to move the chains and exploit the right matchups at the right time: TE Jason Witten should expect a lot of work.

I expect this to be a very close game. NYG will struggle if they fall behind. The Cowboys will not fear the NYG receivers, so if Romo plays a clean game and the Cowboys hold Jacobs in check, the Cowboys should win.

Posted in Analysis, Dallas Cowboys, Eli Manning, Game, Jason Witten, Marion Barber, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL on FOX, NFL on NBC, NFL on television, NY Giants, Roy Williams (DAL), Tom Coughlin, Tony Romo, Wade Phillips | No Comments »

San Francisco @ Arizona Week 1 INSTANT ANALYSIS

September 14th, 2009 9:58 am
by Pro Set

Of all the atrocious football that was served up on Sunday (stand up CAR QB Jake Delhomme and STL Coach Steve Spagnuolo) none was worse than ARZ QB Kurt Warner. The Chicago fake punt with 12:40 left in the final quarter is runner up.

Anyway, at University of Phoenix Stadium, SF could not move the ball. The Cardinals defense owned the SF backfield. But Warner was back to his old habits of holding onto the ball for ever and shifting into the rush. Both INTs were eerily reminiscent of Warner playing for the Rams: disregard for the football. When the opponent cannot run, field position is critical.

Added to the turnovers, the lack of production from the intermediate passing game was pitiful. It took Ken Whisenhunt over a half to utilise crossing routes. When they did, ARZ quickly changed a 13-3 deficit to a 16-13 lead. But it was insufficient. Home divisional losses rarely go unpunished. The 49ers are an ordinary team at best. But they picked up the blitz for one long drive and deserved the win.

Posted in Analysis, Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Game, Ken Whisenhunt, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL on FOX, San Francisco 49ers | No Comments »

Week 13 Analysis: NYG @ Chicago

December 2nd, 2007 9:08 pm
by Big Dog

There’s no pretty way to say this. The Ney York Giants and their battling QB Eli Manning got lucky today. In a game where Manning was continuing his recent and struggling form with two interceptions and a lost fumble, he managed an unexpected fourth quarter comeback that will finally give fans and media in New York something positive to talk about. The best feature of Manning’s game was that he didn’t allow the pressure to get to him. He stayed focused on his job and waited for things to start working. This is a character trait that I’ve long admired in Eli, he copes very well with the additional scrutiny and pressure that is applied to him as a result of his big brother’s stellar career. Eli plays his game and he clearly has the mental toughness to win.

The conditions at Chicago’s Soldier Field were troublesome for both teams. With heavy rain in the morning, and swirling winds throughout the game, it was a difficult game for anyone to get going in the air. Even so, Chicago QB Rex Grossman put in an excellent effort in difficult conditions to complete 25 of 46 passes for 296 yards and a TD. That completion number looks low, but Grossman was especially impressive with his clock management and decision making within the final two minutes of both halves. Good clock management was a real feature of his work and he certainly demonstrated that despite his difficulties earlier in the season, this young QB’s still plenty to offer the Bears. The only consistent flaw in his game today was that he kept getting sacked (6 sacks this game) for big losses by dropping back to allow plays to develop. He should have realised earlier that the best way to beat the Giants’ pass rush (which applied no real pressure on the inside) was to step up into the pocket and buy an extra couple of seconds that way. Doing so would also afforded him better vision of the field.

So, in a simple quarterback comparison, Chicago should have won. As we all know there’s a lot more to football than that. I still believe that there are serious questions to be asked, not just of Eli Manning, but the entire Giants offense and especially Head Coach Tom Coughlin. Manning and his key receivers (WR Plaxico Burress, TE Jeremy Shockey and WR Amani Toomer) have being playing together for several years now and it needs to be asked why these guys haven’t built a better playing relationship. To all appearances they get on very well together and when things work, they work really well, but by now I’d be expecting to see these guys have a better feel and knowledge of what each other is doing on the field. That said, it also needs to be asked of Coach Coughlin, when the QB of the team is struggling with an offense that runs a very vertical passing system, why aren’t there more options in the New York playbook? Where are the mid-range passing plays? Where are the options and adjustments in game?

It’s clear that there are fundamental problems with the Giants offense, but I am unconvinced that the problem is with the players. I have a feeling that it might just be that the team doesn’t know what to do with the players they have. Until the Giants resolve these issues, the best they can hope for is these unconvincing and somewhat fortunate victories.

Posted in Amani Toomer, Analysis, Chicago Bears, Eli Manning, Game, Jeremy Shockey, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, NFL on FOX, NFL on television, NY Giants, Plaxico Burress, Rex Grossman, Tom Coughlin | No Comments »

NFL Week 11 Analysis: Washington @ Dallas – Final

November 18th, 2007 9:23 pm
by Big Dog

The second half of this game was every bit exciting and eventful as expected. The early stages of the 3rd quarter were slow to start but things started to turn when Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Wade Phillips successfully challenged an INT by Washington Redskins LB Rocky McIntosh.

On the very next play, the Redskins were called for pass interference which turned it into a 51 yard play for the Cowboys. Dallas QB Tony Romo then completed a 31 yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens.

That pattern continued for pretty much the rest of the game with Owens receiving all 4 of Romo’s touchdown passes, equalling a Cowboys team record for TD receptions in a game. Owens has also climbed to 3rd all time number of receptions. Romo is additionally on his way to setting a new team record for TD passes in a season.

All of this could lead the casual observer to assume that Dallas had a pretty easy/comfortable time of it, and that would be a mistake. The true story is that while Dallas did come away with the win, they didn’t particularly impress. At the end of the day, they did what everybody expected them to do, win at home. They really only got away with it because Owens managed to make Redskins CB Shawn Springs’ day a living hell.

It almost looked personal in a way. Springs wrestled Owens to the ground on his first reception of the day, and Owens took exception to being manhandled when he’d be forced back far enough that the play should have been called dead. To be fair to Springs, the whistle hadn’t blown and it was his job to keep going until it was blown. No flags on the play, but Owens was visibly emotional for the rest of the game and managed to make big breaks, confuse the Redskins coverage and give Romo enough room to make sure they both had a great day. Springs was meant to be covering TO most of the time, and TO worked hard to make sure he didn’t.

That said, the highlight performance of the game was definitely Washington QB Jason Campbell (33-54, 348yds, 2TD, INT). Campbell showed great patience, presence and poise in the pocket, waiting for plays to develop and executing under intense pressure, particularly from Dallas LB DeMarcus Ware. Campbell was especially good when the Redskins were working their hurry-up offense and seemed more comfortable with the rhythm of that part of the game.

All in all, it was an entertaining and tight game that bodes well for the future of the Redskins. The NFC is now shaping up to be quite a contest with the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys now both 9-1 for the season.

Posted in Analysis, DeMarcus Ware, Denver Broncos, Game, Green Bay Packers, Jason Campbell, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, NFL on FOX, NFL on television, Rocky McIntosh, Shawn Springs, Terrell Owens, Tony Romo, Wade Phillips, Washington Redskins | No Comments »

NFL Week 11 Analysis: Washington @ Dallas

November 18th, 2007 6:54 pm
by Big Dog

First half thoughts:

It’s been an interesting first half, with the improving fortunes of QB Jason Campbell helping to cement the Washington Redskins as early leaders. Washington scoring a TD on their first drive with Campbell completing 3 for 3, hitting TE Chris Cooley twice.

The Dallas Cowboys have struggled in the first half, especially with C Andre Gurode struggling to control his shotgun snaps. Once he has hit QB Tony Romo in the helmet (it deflected into the hands of RB Julius Jones, resulting in a loss of 2 and bringing up 4th down). Twice Gurode has snapped the ball clean over Romo’s head, both times Romo’s scrambled to recover the ball and got passes off. The first was an unfortunate INT caused by a deflection out of WR Terrell Owens’ hands. The second time, the ball again bounced well and sat up for Romo, who turned and fired a bullet to Owens for the first down.

Washington finished the half with a fast drive to find field goal range, burning all their timouts and spiking the ball with 4 seconds left on the clock, to set up a 45 yard FG. The half has finished with Washington leading 10-7, a scoreline that is somewhat flattering to the Cowboys.

That said, the second half is traditionally the Cowboys’ half, so we’ll see how they go.

Posted in Analysis, Andre Gurode, Chris Cooley, Dallas Cowboys, Game, Jason Campbell, Julius Jones, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, NFL on FOX, NFL on television, Terrell Owens, Tony Romo, Washington Redskins | No Comments »

NFL Week 6 Featured Preview: Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals

October 12th, 2007 8:01 pm
by Pro Set

Carolina (3-2) @ Arizona (3-2) 4:05pm ET on FOX

Carolina is undefeated on the road and winless at home. Arizona was a road favourite last week and won. Truth is stranger than fiction.

Arizona

The Cardinals have lost QB Matt Leinart for the season. RB Edgerrin James must continue to improve the running game. Backup QB Kurt Warner has a poor history of fumbling when pressured. This means that the running game cannot be an afterthought. Unless James can get positive yardage on first down, the Panthers will only need to defend the pass.

When the Cardinals throw, the interior offensive line will need to block DT Kris Jenkins. If Jenkins gets pressure up the middle, as he will in obvious passing situations, Warner does not have the speed to break containment and leave the pocket. DE Julius Peppers and DE Mike Rucker will cause havoc in his scenario. If ARZ can protect Warner, WR Larry Fitzgerald could have a big day. WR Anquan Boldin may not play. Expect the Cardinals to throw on first down with no hesitation if they cannot establish the run early.

Carolina

When Carolina has the ball, QB David Carr is questionable. The Panthers may start free agent signing QB Vinny Testaverde. RB DeShaun Foster ran well last Sunday at New Orleans. If C Justin Hartwig can handle DT Darnell Dockett, the panthers should attack the Cardinals straight up the middle. They also look good running right, where RT Jordan Gross has been playing well.

In the passing game, the real issue is whether WR Steve Smith can break the big plays. Last week, Carr struggled to get the ball to Smith on time. When Carr did find Smith on a quick out, Smith broke a tackle and scored. Expect some end around plays and maybe even a reverse in order to get Smith touches. CB Eric Green must be aware of short passes and focus on fundamental tackling skills. If CAR does play a quick pass game, the ARZ pass rush must not get frustrated.

Conclusion

This game looks like a close one. Carolina looks like the more solid football team, and showed great heart last week to win. Arizona needs these home conference wins. With Kurt Warner in better shape than the entire Panthers QB corps, the bottom line here is simple. If Warner stays upright, and thereby avoids turnovers, the Cardinals get the win. It’s time for Russ Grimm to earn his cash.

Prediction: Arizona

Posted in Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, DeShaun Foster, Game, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL on FOX | No Comments »

SEA @ SF – Final Thoughts

September 30th, 2007 7:16 pm
by Big Dog

To be honest, this game has been pretty disappointing. Even Seattle fans don’t have much to be thrilled about. At best you can say that the Seahawks have been able to do what is needed to secure the win. Probably the best aspect of their game has been their clock management. Mike Holmgren is known for running the clock down once he’s established a lead and today was no exception.

While QB Matt Hasselbeck has put up some good numbers, I think the more dominant Seahawks performance has come from their pass rush, which consistently caused problems for the 49ers. In addition, CB Marcus Trufant came away with two interceptions for the game.

While the final score may give the impression that Seattle controlled the game, it would be a mistake to believe that completely. By far the most decisive onfield performance was the San Francisco Offensive Line. They were offensive in almost every way, with 7 penalties, 6 sacks allowed and an inability to provide any kind of consistent protection for QB Trent Dilfer.

This made Dilfer skittish and jumpy, showing a tendency to scramble or throw early and often getting himself and his receivers into trouble as a result. In addition, it eroded the trust need to run an offense successfully. With the QB second guessing his line, the receivers second guessing the QB and nobody trusting anybody, there was no way San Francisco was going to turn this around.

That may sound harsh, but there’s no questioning the fact that San Francisco had their chances. They blocked a punt in the first half and failed to convert the excitement that generated into points. They started the second half with a successful onside kick. The first play of that drive Dilfer threw for an interception. Even when Dilfer was making good throws (and to be fair, he made some excellent throws), his receivers weren’t holding onto them.

At the end of the day, Seattle did what it took to win and San Francisco struggled to do anything at all.

Final score: Seattle 23 – San Francisco 3.

Posted in Analysis, Game, Marcus Trufant, Matt Hasselbeck, Mike Holmgren, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, NFL on FOX, NFL on television, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Trent Dilfer, Week 4 Instant Analysis | No Comments »

SEA @ SF – First Half Observations

September 30th, 2007 5:41 pm
by Big Dog

This game has taken a long time to get going. Neither team could be accused of putting on a display for the fans. ForSan Francisco the first half has been full of sacks, fumbles and a failed challenge. It took until just under 6 minutes to go in the second quarter before Trent Dilfer was able to connect with Frank Gore for the 49ers’ first, 1st down. This was the first of only two plays in which the 49ers looked remotely impressive.

That said, the 49ers defense has generally done a good job of containing Seattle RB Shaun Alexander.

Similarly, while Seattle have managed to rack up 13 first half points (17 yd TD pass from Matt Hasselbeck to Bobby Engram, 2 FG), the truth is that their defense has been the more significant unit on the field. They’ve broken through the SF offensive line over half a dozen times and sacked Dilfer repetitively. They’ve forced multiple fumbles from Dilfer and Gore, and have generally harrassed the SF offense into submission.

At half time, the 13-0 scoreline favours Seattle, but probably gives an unfair impression of how the game is currently going.

Posted in Analysis, Bobby Engram, Frank Gore, Game, Matt Hasselbeck, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, NFL on FOX, NFL on television, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Shaun Alexander, Trent Dilfer, Week 4 Instant Analysis | No Comments »

Week 4 Previews and Fantasy

September 29th, 2007 1:22 pm
by NFL Freak

It’s another big week in football with some key conference matchups.

• To read Pro Set’s preview of Seattle @ San Francisco, click here.
• To read the Philadelphia @ NY Giants preview, click here.

In other news:

• For the last word in Fantasy Football, check out Big Dog’s Love ‘em and Leave ‘em list.
• For the week 4 TV schedule, click here.
• For the inside track on Pro Set’s Best Bets, click here.

Posted in ESPN, Game, Monday Night Football, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL on FOX, NFL on NBC, NFL on Sky Sports, NFL on television, NFL schedule, NY Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks | No Comments »