Week 1 Selections

September 11th, 2009 1:14 am
by Big Dog

ProSet and Big Dog have spent months, weeks, days, hours, about fifteen minutes going over the first week’s matchups and have put their selections up for you to ridicule in the comments. Already there’s division in the ranks as we both saw the Pittsburgh and Tennessee season opener very differently. Check it out and welcome to the 2010 season!

Posted in Game, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans | No Comments »

Gifts from Steve McNair

July 6th, 2009 9:27 am
by Big Dog

It’s hard to know what to say when one of the greats passes away, even harder when the circumstances lend themselves to all sorts of conjecture and speculation. There are so many aspects of his contribution to football that are worth noting. As a football player Steve McNair was a true journeyman. He played hard, he played tough, he played hurt and most importantly of all, he played different.

In a time when scrambling quarterbacks rolled out or danced about in order to keep the pass alive, McNair looked for space and ran the ball forward. This simple strategy (which can easily be overlooked these days due to its common use) changed the way the game was played. It challenged other quarterbacks to make even harder decisions and to be willing to risk more themselves in pursuit of not just victory, but also the right to lead their teams.

Make no mistake, Steve suffered with his team. He took his hits and kept on playing. He pushed through the pain, and kept doing his job. This attitude also changed the way that defenses played against him. All of a sudden they had to cover another option. A broken play wasn’t automatically a good thing, because if your coverage was good, that probably meant that all you’d achieved was to give McNair space. He also changed what teams looked for in a quarterback. Organisations started to look for more from the key offensive position, they wanted the options a McNair type quarterback could bring.

McNair also had the stats to back up his playing style. His college records for passing yards and offensive yards still stand today. He wasn’t just a different style of quarterback, he was a guy who got the job done his way.

Of course, Steve also made great contributions to the communities in which he lived. Literally a man who was willing to serve others, he demonstrated a real humility in his involvement with various charitable endeavours, from paying for football camps to packing boxes for relief efforts following the Katrina disaster, McNair was always a giving man.

We will miss him, we will miss him terribly, but we will be blessed by his legacy for years to come.

For those interested in acknowledging Steve McNair’s contribution to football and the community, I recommend looking at one of the charities he was involved with.

Posted in Analysis, Baltimore Ravens, Game, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, Steve McNair, Tennessee Titans | No Comments »

Vale Steve McNair 1973 – 2009

July 5th, 2009 10:24 pm
by Pro Set

Steve McNair died over the weekend past from four gunshot wounds. Sympathy and prayers are extended to all who were close to the great quarterback. He was a truly great football player.

The details of McNair’s career are well known. I want to focus on two matches that defined his greatest attributes: outstanding individual ability and leadership in the toughest circumstances.

Tennessee Oilers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1998 season Week 10)

This was the first time that I saw McNair in prime time. Jeff Fisher still looked so young. The Bucs had made it to the NFC Divisional Playoff Round in 1997 and already had a reputation as a strong defense. McNair was electric. What struck me most was his decisiveness. He would make a read, and either throw or run.  After the first quarter he continually hit pass rush gaps and evaded open field defenders. Ultimately he won the game on a 71 yd touchdown run into the north endzone. The first instinct to break up the middle differentiated McNair from Steve Young and John Elway. Those 90s legends would scramble out of the pocket, keeping the pass alive, but never threatened to cause continuous carnage as a runner.

Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans (2000 season AFC Divisional Playoff)

By the 2000 season McNair was a national star. His final play Super Bowl slant pass to WR Kevin Dyson was one of the most famous failed plays in NFL history. The Titans were AFC Central Champions and #1 seed. The Ravens were the most fearsome defensive unit, in my opinion, that the game has ever seen. RB Eddie George had been crushed by an early LB Ray Lewis tackle only weeks earlier. McNair’s eyes as he fought for his team are my abiding memory. His courage was exemplary but unrewarded. With the score tied 10-10 in the fourth quarter, K Al Del Greco had a 37 yd FG blocked and returned for a Ravens TD. Then George dropped a pass into the hands of Ray Lewis for an INT TD. McNair deserved better from his teammates that day. To illustrate what he faced, one week later Raiders QB Rich Gannon was embedded in the ground by Ravens DT Tony Siragusa.

As tributes well deserved continue to pour in, our thoughts are with McNair’s loved ones and also with the family of Sahel Kazemi in their time of grief. The loss that we as football fans have suffered pales in comparison. We will always remember McNair as one of the greatest, but we hope that his children will have enduring memories of a loving father.

Posted in Baltimore Ravens, Jeff Fisher, NFL, NFL on television, Oakland Raiders, Ray Lewis, Steve McNair, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans | No Comments »

AFC 2009 Power Previews – AFC South

July 5th, 2009 10:31 am
by Big Dog

AFC South

The AFC South is devoid of massive media markets, but the division deserves some attention. Tennessee, the surprise 2008 champion, faces a quarterback controversy. Indianapolis, Jacksonville, and Houston will all consider themselves to be playoff contenders.

Tennessee Titans

ProSet Proclaims: Jeff Fisher needs his interior defensive linemen to cover the departure of DT Albert Haynesworth in free agency to Washington. DE Jevon Kearse is over the hill. DE Kyle Van Den Bosch has a great motor, but is injury prone. LB Keith Bulluck is a 10 year veteran. If the Titans can’t stuff the middle, last season’s 13 wins will be impossible to replicate. On the other side of the ball, Kerry Collins and Vince Young will dominate the headlines. The miserable performance by Collins in the AFC Divisional Playoff loss means that goodwill is scarce in Nashville. Ten wins would be a very good effort from this staff.

Fearless Prediction: 9-7 with a QB controversy

Big Dog Barks: It’s clear that there are two big questions facing Tennessee this season. The first is how will their defense hold up with the absence of DT Albert Haynesworth. A lot has been made of the Titans’ running game last season and while the dual options afforded by RB Chris Johnson and RB LenDale White are an essential part of last season’s impressive 13-3 record, it’s foolish to ignore the contribution their defense made to that record. It’s simply a lot easier to win games if your opposition are not provided opportunities to score. Defense wins games, and this year Tennessee has a big question hanging over their defense. In particular the defensive line need to have a big start to the season. They need to make a statement in their first few games to remind every opposing team why they should be feared this year. If they can do that, then the second big question the team faces is a little less of a problem… who is their QB? This year will see more competition for attention as Collins and Young compete for starting rights. In reality this issue just won’t matter if the Titans’ defense can’t reproduce their dominance of last year.

Foolhardy Guess: 8-8 with a defensive meltdown

Indianapolis Colts

ProSet Proclaims: I’ve been down on the Colts since they blew my money on the 2008 SNF opener. Tony Dungy, despite being perceived as a defensive coach, has bequeathed poor run defenses even in eras of success. Despite the weekly panegyric to S Bob Sanders, the Colts seem to me to remain weak against the run. DT Raheem Brock is not going to collapse interior running lanes. To beat the Colts in the Manning era, the recipe is simple. Run the ball effectively on first down and shorten the game. Manning will force passes and turn it over. Tennessee has been doing this at least since the 1999 AFC Divisional Playoff. The cross over with the NFC West will provide more wins than tough divisional contests.

Fearless Prediction: 11-5 with a Week 17 loss costing a first round bye

Big Dog Barks: Even with the change in coaching staff, it’s unlikely that the Colts will bring anything particularly new to football this season. Unfortunately for them that probably means that they’ll also bring a season plagued by injuries with them this year. There’s little point in detailed analysis at this stage, if you’re a Colts fan, just stock lots of beer to drown your sorrows, buy stock in your local sports medicine clinic and prepare yourself for the inevitable rebuilding required over the next few years.

Foolhardy Guess: 9-7 with major injury problems all season long

Jacksonville Jaguars

ProSet Proclaims: The small market Jags need a bounce after last season’s 5-11 record. With several veterans departed, including RB Fred Taylor, Jacksonville is desperate to keep QB David Garrard healthy. The passer depth is pitiful. Shunned Rams legend WR Torry Holt will be useless without protection for Garrard. It was no surprise to see JAX select two offensive tackles in the first 40 overall picks. If early season losses arrive, it could be blackout central for the Jaguars market, despite the covered seats. Wayne Weaver will not appreciate the pessimism, but Jags fans, despite Weaver’s marketing efforts, know this will be a tough season. Jack Del Rio bet his career on Garrard. This season will be time enough to judge.

Fearless Prediction: 6-10 with a coaching change at season’s end

Big Dog Barks: WR Torry Holt joins the team as QB Garrard’s primary target and that should help things on the offensive side of the ball. Even so, it remains that the relatively young defensive team is really going to need to step up and get the job done when they’re on the field. The goal for the Jaguars this season needs to be to protect Garrard and Holt, keeping them out of situations in which they need to take major risks. If Garrard can get the protection he needs and the defense can produce some consistently good performances then the Jags might just wind up making some noise this season.

Foolhardy Guess: 7-9 but don’t worry – it’s unlikely anybody will be watching anyway

Houston Texans

ProSet Proclaims: Zero playoff games and a failed No 1 overall QB. It is a bit sad to think that the highlight of the seven seasons of Texans football was their opening game: a nationally televised win over Dallas. The franchise is best known for moments such as last season’s disastrous loss at home to Indianapolis. No 1 overall pick DE Mario Williams will need to pressure the passer, as the Houston secondary is weak. It goes without saying that QB Matt Schaub and WR Andre Johnson need to fire, although you could not pay me enough to be “protected” by the Houston offensive line. Gary Kubiak needs to make that work; otherwise he’ll be another footnote in Texans futility.

Fearless Prediction: 5-11 with Allen Stanford appointed to manage team finances

Big Dog Barks: Last season the Texans continued their lacklustre performance with a disappointing 8-8 record. However, it is important to remember that there were several disruptive factors in the early weeks of the 2008 season, in fact Houston had a great streak in the second half of the season and managed to claw their way back from an abysmal start. If they can improve their consistency on both sides of the ball, but especially become more productive on offense, then this could finally be their year. Most importantly for their offensive efforts is to understand the simple principle of converting yards gained into points won. It sounds simple, but pounding the ground close to the goal is going to need to be a major focus for this team. Victory is founded on this sort of simplicity.

Foolhardy Guess: 11-5 with a surprise draftee becoming an instant superstar

Posted in Analysis, Bob Sanders, David Garrard, Game, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kyle Van Den Bosch, LenDale White, Matt Schaub, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Players, NFL schedule, Peyton Manning, Tennessee Titans, Vince Young | No Comments »

50th Anniversary Season for the AFL

June 28th, 2009 10:31 pm
by Big Dog

So the 2009 NFL season also happens to be the 50th Anniversary Season for the original eight teams of the AFL. Of course this will be celebrated in many ways throughout the coming months but the primary format will be a series of matchups being touted by the NFL as “Legacy Games“.

These Legacy Games will involve the original eight teams (or their modern variations) wearing special historic uniforms and will of course provide the opportunity for a great deal more NFL merchandise to be sold. For the die-hard fan of any one of these franchises it will be all but impossible to not buy a commemorative jersey, cap, tshirt, sweatshirt, jacket, cup, cup-holder, giant foam finger and so forth.

Not to appear overly cynical, I think it’s great that the game’s alive and well today, here 50 years later and still going strong, but it does seem to me that the value of any game – “Legacy” or otherwise – can really only be measured in terms of its contribution to the season as a whole.

Why on earth is it more important that the Tennessee Titans Houston Oilers play the New York Jets Titans of New York on September 27 than that Cleveland and Baltimore go head-to-head on the same day?

It’s important to celebrate the evolving history of the game we love, but let’s all remember to keep it in context. And that context is competition. Win your division, win your conference, win the title… but win. It doesn’t matter if you’re facing a legacy team or the high school from the next town over. The game is the game, and it only rewards winners.

So feel free to buy a commemmorative tshirt, jersey, hat, whatever. Just don’t expect it to make one bit of difference to how well your team plays.

Posted in Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Game, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL schedule, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans | No Comments »

NFL Week 11 Analysis: Tennessee @ Denver

November 20th, 2007 1:04 am
by Big Dog

This was a tough week for the Tennessee Titans, and particularly for their emerging QB Vince Young. Young had a career day passing and was also the Titans’ lead rusher for the day, unfortunately this stellar effort wasn’t enough to bring home the win.

The Denver Broncos were tonight competing to meet theSan Diego Chargers at the top of the division with a 5-5 record. Broncos QB Jay Cutler had a career high 137.0 passer rating for the night and it was certainly deserved as he made several big plays to give Denver an early lead.

The evolving story that is Vince Young continued tonight as he showed considerable poise in the pocket, often holding onto the ball and making crucial passes. For the most part, Young only ran when it was the best option available on the field and managed to turn it into a showcase of how to play the scrambling QB position.

Unfortunately the Titans were let down by several dropped passes and then succumbed to the pressure created by Denver’s mounting lead. That’s not to take anything away from the Broncos, who have been a much more cohesive unit in the last couple of weeks, with players clearly taking more responsibility for the performance of the team as a whole.

The personal highlights of the night came from Denver Head Coach Mike Shanahan with two of his timeout calls. Tonight, the man who gave the NFL the idea for “icing” a kicker called a timeout with 14 seconds left at the end of the 2nd quarter. The ball was snapped and kicked with Tennessee K Rob Bironas missing the 56 yard attempt. Shanahan’s timeout gave Bironas a second chance which was good.

The second point scoring timeout from the Broncos came about halfway through the 3rd quarter. Young was scrambling for the endzone and stretched out, attempting to break the plane with the ball before being forced out of bounds. It wasn’t ruled a touchdown on the field and while the Titans staff were deciding whether to challenge the ruling, the next play was snapped, with Young again scrambling for the endzone in the corner and coming up short. Fortunately for Tennessee Head Coach Jeff Fisher, the Broncos linebackers had called a timeout prior to the snap, which gave him time to challenge the previous play. On review, the call on the field was reversed as Young was ruled to have broken the plane and scored the touchdown prior to being forced out of bounds.

This was an entertaining game of football and shows that Denver have a lot to look forward to if they can carry this momentum into the end of the season. By the same token, the Titans and Vince Young are improving measurably week by week and while this season isn’t likely to be their breakout year, Young is establishing himself as a passer, a leader and a QB, which suggests that Tennessee will be a force to be reckoned with in coming years.

Posted in Analysis, Denver Broncos, Game, Jay Cutler, Jeff Fisher, Mike Shanahan, Monday Night Football, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, Rob Bironas, San Diego Chargers, Tennessee Titans, Vince Young | No Comments »

The AFC so far

October 4th, 2007 9:43 am
by NFL Freak

For most NFL teams, the season is already 25% complete. Let’s examine what’s happened so far in the AFC.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills (1-3)

A season-saving divisional win (vs NYJ) has given a spark to the Bills. The only NFL team based in New York can build on that momentum when Dallas visits Orchard Park for the first MNF game in Buffalo in 13 seasons. The Buffalo folk prefer day games, since so many of their fans have such long car trips to the game. Expect the Bills to be out of contention by the halfway point of the season. Dick Jauron is a nice guy, but he just can’t win playoff games, so there is no future in that relationship.

Miami Dolphins (0-4)

What a contrast for the former San Diego coordinators. MIA Coach Cam Cameron finally gets some heat applied after a terrible loss at home to Oakland. Despite acquiring a veteran (and proven) QB in Trent Green, I think that the Dolphins are just too old on the defensive side of the ball. If I’m Wayne Huizenga, I would ask why LB Zach Thomas and DE Jason Taylor ought not to be traded to real contenders in order to beef up the team in next year’s draft. Sorry, Dolphins fans, but this season will not extend into January. Expect a mid-season rally of sorts, but 0-4 in the AFC is irreparable damage.

New England Patriots (4-0)

The standout team in the entire NFL has been the Patriots. Courtesy of the overzealous hysteria about Spygate, the Patriots have clearly bonded and look to be too good. I missed the Salem witch trials, but it’s always refreshing to see history repeating itself. I’m sure, however, that QB Tom Brady is fired more by the crushing disappointment of consecutive seasons with playoff losses. An NFL career is only ever one play away from ending (as we unfortunately saw with BUF LB Kevin Everett). Most Patriot players are set for life. It is the diminishing window of opportunity that drives them. NE is the clear favourite for now. If Roger Goodell had some steel, he’d instruct the Patriots to print post-season tickets now.

New York Jets (1-3)

It’s been a disappointing 4 years since QB Chad Pennington led the Jets to the AFC East title. With RB Thomas Jones combining with RB Leon Washington, I expected the Jets to be able to run the ball well. Pennington needs good play action to be able to hit WR Laveranues Coles. The loss last Sunday at Buffalo will really hurt. I just cannot see the Jets grabbing an AFC Wild Card without 10 wins. And I don’t think that the Jets can go 9-3 from here with games against Dallas, New England and Baltimore still to go.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens (2-2)

This is the one of the most disappointing 2-2 starts in the NFL. The Ravens are 0-2 in the division and will need to sweep Pittsburgh to win the AFC North. QB Steve McNair looks like he’s just had one campaign too many. There are only so many big plays that SS Ed Reed can make. This team has issues on both sides of the ball. As for Brian Billick, his 2001 axing of Trent Dilfer in favour of a passing philosophy with QB Elvis Grbac should have already led to his removal. The Ravens are in decline.

Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)

Clearly the Bengals have issues on defense. QB Carson Palmer has too much pressure on him to produce scores on every drive. This team will give up at least 24 points per game on average. With RB Rudi Johnson not being a true breakaway threat, this means that Palmer needs to have 35-40 TD passes this season. He might just get there. Whether the Bengals are playoff-calibre or not will be determined by their series against the NFC West. If Cincy cannot dominate a division without a standout team, the show is over. Remember, WR Chris Henry is nominally able to play after midseason (assuming Goodell reinstates him). Henry is better than the nickel corner for most teams. Anything less than a playoff win is a failure for Cincinnati.

Cleveland Browns (2-2)

After an opening week that exceeded even the most dismal prognostications, the Browns are now 2-1 in the division. QB Derek Anderson has been the man of the moment. It also appears that Cleveland has avoided the receiver curse in the draft with WR Braylon Edwards. I’m just not sure what to make of this team. In Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow, Cleveland has top class weapons. Unfortunately for Browns fans, I think that the Dawg Pound will be empty come January. The Browns have 3 divisional road games to come, as well as facing the Patriots. A winning record is possible, and I think that a winning record will save Romeo Crennel from the chop.

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

It’s hard to get a read on the Steelers. They key will be winning divisional games. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, it seems as thought the Steelers can rely on the rest of the AFC North knocking each other off. QB Ben Roethlisberger is the best game management QB in the division. Unlike the other teams in the AFC North, Pittsburgh does not have that brittle edge that can lead to implosion. I see PIT going at least 4-2 in the division, and 3-1 against the AFC East. Splitting their other games brings out a 10-6 record, so expect PIT to make the playoffs.

AFC South

Houston Texans (2-2)

For the first time in my life, I backed the Houston Texans (-3) at Atlanta last Sunday. Despite my retained bitterness, I am still impressed by the 2-2 start. The struggles against JAX (against whom HOU has a great record) and TEN will be fascinating. I like this division as the supplier of two playoff teams. For the Texans, QB Matt Schaub must continue to improve. Unless RB Ahman Green can prove me wrong and show that his best is not yet a distant memory, I think that the Texans can only win through the air. WR Andre Davis will need to stay healthy. I think that the Texans will run out of steam and finish 8-8, but at least HOU season ticket holders will have meaningful football to watch come December.

Indianapolis Colts (3-0)

The Colts are looking good without making too much noise. The Colts are already 2-0 in the division. I can’t see them losing to any team from the NFC either. QB Peyton Manning is now truly an elite NFL QB. I was one of the last doubters. The division is theirs if the Colts defensive front four can stay healthy. The loss of DT Anthony McFarland will be keenly felt. DE Dwight Freeney is deadly when the Colts have the lead in the second half. I still think, despite all the hype about S Bob Sanders, that teams can run on Indy with success. With the Chargers struggling, all signs point to another AFC decider between the Colts and the Patriots. The venue will matter.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1)

The bombshell that began the JAX season has proven to be successful so far. QB David Garrard has led the Jags to wins at Denver and verus Atlanta. JAX coach Jack Del Rio will still be upset that the inevitable teething problems of the Byron Leftwich issue spilled over into an opening day home divisional loss. If JAX misses the playoffs by a game, he will bitterly regret not acting earlier. For mine, RB Fred Taylor is in his final effective season. Between Taylor and RB Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX has to get back to pounding the ball, and then stopping the run through DT John Henderson and DT Marcus Stroud. Remember, however, that TEN ran for over 200 yards at JAX. With JAX already having had their bye, injuries will hurt them more than most as the season progresses.

Tennessee Titans (2-1)

The Titans are looking like the most improved team in the NFL. When one recalls their steamrolling finish to 2006, however, this is to be expected. QB Vince Young has clearly brought a sense of belief and excitement to the team. His passing is still developing, but he has the intangible quality of competitiveness that separates good players from winning players. I have been most impressed with the TEN defense. As long as the Titans can get pressure on the passer with only 4 down linemen, they will win games. With winnable games against AFC West teams and a weak NFC South, TEN should get 10 wins. The crucial games are, obviously, the divisional rivalries. If TEN goes 4-2 in the AFC South, expect them to be returning to the playoffs for the first time since the 2003 season.

AFC West

Denver Broncos (2-2)

Denver have given themselves a reliable start to the season and can build on their early success. Given their performance so far, you have to like the Broncos as they prepare to face the San Diego Chargers this Sunday. There’s no question that Mike Shanahan has his work cut out for him and will need to build more consistency into the team on both sides of the ball, but the Broncos are a real playoff chance.

Kansas City Chiefs (2-2)

The Chiefs crushed the San Diego Chargers last week, and it’s hard to tell if this is more an indication of the Chiefs’ form, or the Chargers’. QB Damon Huard seems to be settling in well and the Chiefs have made some ground on their passing game. That said, there’s still a long way to go till the playoffs – Chiefs fans, don’t hold your breath.

Oakland Raiders (2-2)

Oakland haven’t had the convincing start many expected. While they’ve had some strong wins and individual performances (including Daunte Culpepper against Miami), Oakland will need to win convincingly against the San Diego Chargers in order to convince the rest of us that they’re a genuine prospect.

San Diego Chargers (1-3)

San Diego have by far and away been the shock disappointment of the season so far. Expectations have been high following their 14-2 record of last season. It was big news when Norv Turner was brought in as a replacement coach for a successful team. Many Chargers fans can now justifiably question the sanity of that decision. Despite Turner’s reputation as an offensive specialist, the Chargers have comprehensively failed to ignite that half of their game. Star RB LaDainian Tomlinson has struggled to get things going, and there are serious questions to be asked about QB Philip Rivers’ decision making. At this point it’s difficult to see San Diego being able to realistically aim for much more than trying to finish the season with a winning record. Especially now that they’ve marked themselves as the weak team in the division. Everyone will be gunning for them.

Posted in Ahman Green, Analysis, Andre Davis, Anthony McFarland, Baltimore Ravens, Ben Roethlisberger, Bob Sanders, Braylon Edwards, Brian Billick, Buffalo Bills, Cam Cameron, Carson Palmer, Chad Pennington, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Damon Huard, Daunte Culpepper, David Garrard, Denver Broncos, Derek Anderson, Dick Jauron, Dwight Freeney, Ed Reed, Fred Taylor, Game, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville Jaguars, Jason Taylor, John Henderson, Kansas City Chiefs, Kellen Winslow, Kevin Everett, LaDainian Tomlinson, Laveranues Coles, Leon Washington, Marcus Stroud, Matt Schaub, Maurice Jones-Drew, Miami Dolphins, Mike Shanahan, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Norv Turner, Oakland Raiders, Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Romeo Crennel, Rudi Johnson, San Diego Chargers, Steve McNair, Tennessee Titans, Thomas Jones, Tom Brady, Trent Green, Vince Young, Zach Thomas | No Comments »

NFL Week 3 Instant Analysis: Tennessee Titans @ New Orleans Saints

September 26th, 2007 8:44 am
by Pro Set

Tennessee 31-14 New Orleans

Tennessee improved to 2-1 (2-0 on the road) with a great win at New Orleans (0-3). Let’s reflect on how the game was won. I’ll make sure that I don’t start my analysis with as bad a mistake as Mike (The Choirboy) Tirico. First New Orleans offensive play, Tirico calls a RB Reggie Bush carry as a “reverse”, when it was clear to any literate viewer that an end-around had occurred. Tirico is as tiresome as a teacher who preaches morals all day but is actually employed to educate you about the local Vice Squad.

When Tennessee had the ball, the running back combination of RB LenDale White and RB Chris Brown had seemingly poor numbers (combined 28 carries for 88 yards). What those numbers do not show is that there were hardly any rushes for negative yardage. Tennessee rushed 7 times for a first down. I wrote in the preview that Chris Brown had to be productive on early downs. He did just enough. This allowed QB Vince Young, 14-22 (164; 2 TD; INT) to be dynamic and unpredictable. The true effect of the TEN rush attack was seen in the final quarter when Vince Young (5 carries for 22 yards) rushed 10 yards for a first down on a simple bootleg. New Orleans feared the running backs and crashed down inside.

In the aerial game, Vince Young was solid but not spectacular. I think that the Titans will really miss WR Drew Bennett (now with St Louis). I also think that a mobile QB needs good TE play to block and then release. But I digress. What impressed me the most about Young was the variation in his throws. He hit the central deep in laser beam for the first TEN TD. He was also able to check the ball off without putting too much zip on the ball. The fact that he inspires belief and energy in the team is obvious. Expect Tennessee to have a winning record.

When New Orleans had the ball, the Tennessee front four was superb. It was really pleasing to see two guys in particular have great nights.

DT Albert Haynesworth first came to my attention when he gave away a critical fourth quarter penalty in a 2002 season divisional playoff vs Pittsburgh. That has been my defining recollection of him until tonight. He was a dominant inside force. Big enough to stop the run, but quick enough to put pressure on the pocket and prevent the passer from stepping into his throws.

DE Kyle Van Den Bosch first came to my attention in an old NFC East game at Philadelphia. He had a great motor and the ability to disrupt the pass play whilst being blocked past the QB. This requires great timing, strength and plain football instinct. Between them, Haynesworth and Van Den Bosch are anchoring a very handy TEN front four.

As for the Saints, Drew Brees went 29-45 (225; 0 TD; 4 INT). He was forcing passes all night. For mine, the worst INT was the first. I was disappointed that Ron Jaworski did not demand that more attention be paid to that throw. We saw a great shot from behind Brees that demonstrated that TEN had coverage all around the intended receiver. I wrote in the preview that Brees had to dominate. He tried and failed, which is a real concern. When he did his trademarked look off (3^rd & 5 in TEN territory with 1:55 left in the first half) Van Den Bosch disrupted the play before Brees could attack the middle as intended.

On the ground, the Saints were tepid. The injury to RB Deuce McAllister affected the variety of their running game. The Saints are clearly reticent to slam RB Reggie Bush between the tackles. And to be fair TEN dominated inside. But it does mean that Brees feels pressured to manufacture pass plays that are low percentage. For me, the Saints have to get back to basics. I would like to see them simply set themselves a goal next week of zero turnovers. The Saints are worrying about results, not processes. Look after the ball, hit the first gap, catch the pass, and the first downs, and, hence, scoring opportunities will look after themselves. I’m sure the Saints defense would support this.

Posted in Albert Haynesworth, Analysis, Chris Brown, Drew Brees, Game, Kyle Van Den Bosch, LenDale White, Mike Tirico, Monday Night Football, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, New Orleans Saints, Reggie Bush, Ron Jaworski, Tennessee Titans, Vince Young, Week 3 Instant Analysis | No Comments »

NFL Week 3 Featured Preview: Tennessee Titans @ New Orleans Saints

September 24th, 2007 5:56 am
by Pro Set

Tennessee (1-1) at New Orleans (0-2) Monday Night Football; 8:30pm ET on ESPN

This game is far more important for New Orleans. For Tennessee, a road non-conference loss will not ruin their season. Regarding the Saints, an 0-3 start will ruin their season.

Unless the Saints can absolutely destroy the Titans with their rushing attack, this is the time for QB Drew Brees to take over and dominate this contest. RB Reggie Bush needs to hit the first hole hard and not risk negative plays. RB Deuce McAllister needs to be money on short yardage. When the Saints are throwing, expect Brees to try his favorite trick of looking off the safeties to the sideline before hitting the seam passes. If Brees becomes impatient and tries to force the ball, Tennessee could be in business.

The key for Tennessee will be to frustrate the New Orleans offense. In QB Vince Young, the Titans have a weapon that can be critical in the time of possession game. If the Titans can keep it to 3^rd & 5 or better, the running power of Vince Young can move the chains and frustrate the Saints. So the key here is for RB Chris Brown to be productive on early downs. New Orleans, however, plays in the NFC South and should have plays ready that were designed to corral former Atlanta QB Michael Vick.

I think that the pressure will get to the Saints and that the Titans can win this game. Having said that, I thought that Atlanta would beat New Orleans in Week 3 of last season, when the Saints played like, well, semi-divine beings in manhandling the Falcons.

Anyway, enjoy the battle of the pocket passer (Brees) versus the new-age hybrid QB (Young). This is the first prime-time exposure for Young, and I expect him to handle the spotlight well. Unless there are special teams meltdowns, this should stay close.

Posted in Analysis, Chris Brown, Deuce McAllister, Drew Brees, Game, Monday Night Football, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, New Orleans Saints, Reggie Bush, Tennessee Titans, Vince Young | No Comments »