NFL Week 9 Featured Preview: Seattle Seahawks @ Cleveland Browns

November 2nd, 2007 6:15 am
by Big Dog

This is one of the more intriguing matchups of the week. While the NFC West has been particularly uninspiring this season and the Seattle Seahawks have managed to live up to expectations holding the number one position, it’s much more remarkable that the Cleveland Browns are still in the running in the much more competitive AFC North.

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle are fresh off a bye week, and while a rest usually brings a team back fresh, Seattle needed this break as they had key injuries to nurse. In particular, QB Matt Hasselbeck took an extra couple of days to rest a strained oblique on the advice of training staff. Hasselbeck is still a little sore, but he will play. This could be an important factor as the Seahawks are already caught in a lacklustre season.

The other issue facing the Seahawks on offense is Shaun Alexander. For better or worse Alexander has been under a lot of pressure to perform this season and fans have been more than disappointed. With only 107 yards from 44 carries in his last three games, Alexander has a lot of ground to make up both literally and figuratively. Adding to Alexander and Hasselbeck’s difficulties is the underperforming offensive line which has managed to allow eight sacks in Hasselbeck’s last three games.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns have been brought back to life this season with QB Derek Anderson sitting at second in the NFL with 17 touchdown passes. Anderson has plenty of receiving options available to him in WR Braylon Edwards, WR Joe Jurevicius and TE Kellen Winslow.

Edwards already has nine touchdown receptions for the season and is only five shy of setting a team record for touchdown receptions in a season. Anderson has been posting very consistent performances and threw for three touchdowns and no interceptions last week in St Louis.

If Cleveland can exploit the weaknesses in the Seattle offensive line and apply pressure to Hasselbeck, they could create enough of an opportunity for the Browns offense to win the game.

Prediction: Cleveland

Posted in Braylon Edwards, Matt Hasselbeck, Derek Anderson, Kellen Winslow, Joe Jurevicius, Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks, Analysis, Game, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, Shaun Alexander, NFL | 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 Mike Holmgren, Seattle Seahawks, Trent Dilfer, Matt Hasselbeck, Week 4 Instant Analysis, Marcus Trufant, NFL on FOX, San Francisco 49ers, Analysis, Game, NFL on television, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Coaches, NFL Players, NFL | 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 Frank Gore, Seattle Seahawks, Bobby Engram, Trent Dilfer, Week 4 Instant Analysis, Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, NFL on FOX, Analysis, Game, NFL on television, NFL Franchises/Teams, San Francisco 49ers, NFL Players, NFL | 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:

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

NFL Week 4 Featured Preview: Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers

September 27th, 2007 8:31 pm
by Pro Set

Seattle (2-1) @ San Francisco (2-1) 4:05pm ET on FOX

This is a game that Seattle must win in order to have a successful season. San Francisco will be heavily reliant on running the ball. I will be surprised if either team scores over 24 points without help from defensive or special teams returns.

San Francisco

When SF has the ball, RB Frank Gore will see a heavy 1st down workload. Gore is carrying a hand injury as well as the burden of being the lone offensive threat. The SF rushing attack must be creative, consistent, and avoid negative yardage plays. This is a combination that very few NFL teams can accomplish.

I see no alternative for the 49ers but to pound away with Gore for most of the first half. Gore is excellent at hitting the first hole and running directly upfield. If T Jonas Jennings and G Larry Allen can open up the B gap on the left side, that might be the most consistently positive point of attack for SF. As such, the pressure will be on DT Rocky Bernard to stand up to Allen and come off the block to make the tackle. As Matt Millen used to say, “It’s no sin to be blocked in the NFL, but it is a cardinal sin to stay blocked.”

The other thing to beware is the tendency of the SEA run defense to be undisciplined. I have often seen SEA players try to avoid the lead blocker and give up the big play, rather than take on the lead blocker and slow the impetus of the runner. SEA must know that SF cannot put up big passing numbers, so run defense discipline (especially maintaining backside containment) will be instrumental in stopping SF.

With TE Vernon Davis out, the SF passing game is simply a function of whether WR Darrell Jackson can get quickly open. SF QB Alex Smith cannot afford to take sacks. I suspect that he will play off a three and five step drops and have only two reads. After that it’s scramble time. Look for the 49ers to try some early down screens and swings to Gore or FB Norris. If Smith takes on the SEA secondary and loses, the game is un-winnable. If he avoids this confrontation, and allows SF to punt when they can’t run the ball, SF has a chance.

If I were coaching the SEA defense, I would resist the temptation to blitz the young QB. I don’t think that SF has the receiving talent to get open looks for Smith against a seven-man coverage scheme. If SEA blitzes and SF gets lucky and hits the big play, that could inspire the upset. I think that SEA should only blitz regularly if SF demonstrates twice that the offense can move the ball.

Seattle

This is a game where the offense should not be under pressure to score touchdowns on every possession. Without wishing to be too conservative, I think that the SEA offense should concentrate primarily on winning the battle of field position. With SF likely to go 3 & out on multiple occasions, all SEA needs to do is pick up first downs.
The key to the SEA offense controlling this game is obviously RB Shaun Alexander. It is now confirmed that Alexander has a broken bone in his wrist. This means that RB Maurice Morris will need to step up and run the ball in several drives. Expect the 49ers to be very determined to stop first down rushing plays. This will tempt SEA coach Mike Holmgren to throw early. I would like to see him stick to the ground and be patient.

The reason I am so persistent on this point is that I have noticed that QB Matt Hasselbeck has an unfortunate tendency to force passes on the road. This was noticeable last year at Chicago (regular season) and in the famous playoff loss at Green Bay (2003 season). I’m sure that CB Walt Harris and CB Nate Clements are ready to break on some throws. Hasselbeck needs to concentrate less on proving that he is a good NFL passer and more on getting results. As it happens, I do believe that he is a good QB. Part of being a good QB, however, is recognising that the other team is struggling on offense and that a mistake free performance from the SEA offense will deliver the win. Adding to this is the fact that PIT showed last Sun that the SF rush defense will lose containment if it is playing from behind and trying to force the big play.

Conclusion

This game is, in cliché form, one for Seattle to lose. I just can’t see San Francisco producing enough offensive output to win the game. The 49ers will need to convert every turnover into points, and must win the special teams battles. With SF having signed infamous beer-truck deliveryman KR Michael Lewis this week, anything is possible. What is probable, however, is a solid but unspectacular SEA win. Holmgren needs to keep the ego at home and play it tight to get the road divisional win. He’ll thank himself come December.

Prediction: Seattle

Posted in Frank Gore, Matt Millen, Mike Holmgren, Jonas Jennings, Michael Lewis (KR), Larry Allen, Seattle Seahawks, NFL Game Previews, NFL Franchises/Teams, Game, NFL Coaches, San Francisco 49ers, NFL on FOX, NFL | No Comments »

Week 2 Fantasy Players

September 16th, 2007 3:38 am
by Big Dog

There’s no question that the Buffalo Bills have had an emotionally challenging week as they’ve dealt with the news of Kevin Everett’s injury and then the nearly miraculous nature of his recover thus far. In spite of the distractions, expect the Bills to be playing with a lot of commitment and energy as their injured defense look to hold up against the attack of the Pittsburgh Steelers as led by Ben Roethlisberger.

That said, Roethlisberger himself has a lot to be playing for this week. He’s been stung by criticism of his decision making, game management and his performance last season. He’s got a lot to prove and teammates have reported that he’s training and playing with the drive and commitment of a man with a chip on his shoulder. Add to this the fact that the Steelers defense managed to force five turnovers and six sacks last week. If that proves to be a trend, then the Steelers offense is going to get plenty of playing time. I’d expect Big Ben to be taking full advantage of the Bills’ injuries this week and looking for some impressive numbers from him.

Plaxico Burress was a popular outlet for Eli Manning last week, with a total of 8 receptions for 144 yards and 3 touchdowns. While Manning remains in doubt with a shoulder injury (he’s almost universally expected to play), it would be reasonable to expect that backup quarterback Jared Lorenzen would look for a similar performance from Burress this week. Either way, expect the ball to fly and for Plaxico to test the Green Bay Packers defense.

Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt hosts his first home game as the Arizona Cardinals face the Seattle Seahawks. It’ll be a tough match as both teams posted some good performances in week 1. I think Seattle Running Back Shaun Alexander will supply some excellent value and entertainment this week. He traditionally averages close to 100 yards against the Cardinals and has scored 10 TDs in their last 5 meetings. If he gets a good jump this week, he could carry the Seahawks all the way to a win.

Champ Bailey will be worth keeping an eye on as the Denver Broncos play host to the Oakland Raiders this week. Coach Mike Shanahan has an excellent record against the Raiders and Champ is an interception specialist. In addition, his expanded duties on special teams ensure his contributions to the Broncos are spread as far across the field as possible. The decision to include the Champ on special teams was more than paid for with his touchdown saving tackle in week 1.

Good luck everyone, for week 2.

Posted in Plaxico Burress, Ben Roethlisberger, Oakland Raiders, Kevin Everett, Jared Lorenzen, Shaun Alexander, Mike Shanahan, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, NFL Players, NFL Franchises/Teams, Analysis, Game, Eli Manning, Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, Ken Whisenhunt, NFL Coaches, NY Giants, NFL | No Comments »