Superbowl XLII - Pros and Cons

January 31st, 2008 11:11 pm
by Big Dog

The Superbowl’s always an exciting time of year. It’s the culmination of a long and hard season. It’s one of the greatest sporting spectacles on earth. And yet, if your team didn’t make it, the Superbowl presents a very real conundrum. Who do you cheer for?

This year your choice is between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. Each of these teams present their own sets of pros and cons when you consider offering your support.

New England Patriots
Pros

Cons

New York Giants
Pros

Cons

Anyway, no matter who you decide to cheer for this weekend, enjoy the game, enjoy the spectacle and enjoy the football.

Posted in Plaxico Burress, NFL Game Previews, Bill Belichick, Tom Coughlin, Superbowl, Superbowl XLII, Laurence Maroney, NFL Coaches, Randy Moss, NFL Players, NFL Franchises/Teams, Game, Eli Manning, NY Giants, Tom Brady, New England Patriots, NFL | No Comments »

NFL Week 10 Featured Preview: Cleveland Browns @ Green Bay Packers

November 11th, 2007 6:53 am
by Big Dog

This season has seen a revival in the fortunes of the Pittsburgh Steelers thanks to the return to form of QB Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers are 6-2 and looking to continue their great run this season. In the meantime, the Cleveland Browns have been a revelation this season, again due to the exceptional work of their standout QB Derek Anderson. This week’s top of the division (AFC North) clash looks to be one of the best matchups of the round.

Cleveland Browns

While QB Derek Anderson has been at the heart of Cleveland’s renewed fortunes this season, he’ll be the first to tell you that football’s a team game. In addition to his good work, he’s had great targets in TE Kellen Winslow and WR Braylon Edwards. Add to this already potent mix an O-Line that’s giving Anderson time to make good decisions and a Coach (Romeo Crennel) who is determined to show that the Browns in Week 10 are a whole different team to the one Pittsburgh played last time, then you’ve got the recipe for a tough match up.

While it’s clear that Cleveland’s got all the potential you could ask for, potential doesn’t win football games. Execution is what counts on the day and Cleveland has every reason to be concerned about their Offense’s execution on game day. Pittsburgh’s defense is legendary and this season the Steeler’s D has given up fewer points than any other. On top of this, their home record is fierce and this is from a defense that is dissatisfied with their performance, claiming that there is a lot of room for improvement. If Anderson and the Browns Offense can get settled and make a good start, then they can make sure they stay right in this contest.

Pittsburgh Steelers

QB Ben Roethlisberger has returned to form and then some this season. He’s currently sitting second in the league with 20 TD passes (behind Tom Brady) and his TD to INT ratio is third in the league (behind Brady and Peyton Manning). Again, Roethlisberger is backed up on the field with excellent receivers and Pittsburgh’s famously solid running game. However, the real story in this matchup is likely to be Pittsburgh’s defense.

The Steelers have traditionally won against the Browns and dominate the points for and against ratio, but this is more about how stingy their D is, than any other factor. This season Pittsburgh has outscored opponents at home 122-26 and have only given up a total of 98 points this season, a league low by 26 points. This is an explosive and committed defensive unit that is anchoring their team’s fight to stay at the top of the division.

Conclusion: If Cleveland is going to have any chance to win they need to take control of the game early. They’re going to need to overcome one of the toughest and best performing defensive units in the game. In short, if Cleveland want the win, they’re going to have to take it because Pittsburgh’s not going to be giving them anything.

Prediction: Pittsburgh

Posted in Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Braylon Edwards, Derek Anderson, Romeo Crennel, Kellen Winslow, Ben Roethlisberger, NFL Game Previews, Analysis, Game, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, NFL Coaches, NFL | No Comments »

NFL Week 7 Featured Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions

October 17th, 2007 8:24 am
by Pro Set

Tampa Bay (4-2) @ Detroit (3-2) 1pm ET on FOX

Former NFC Central rivals clash in a pivotal conference match-up. The game is especially important for Detroit. The Lions are in danger of falling further behind Green Bay in the NFC North, whereas the Buccaneers are leading the mediocre NFC South.

Detroit

On the ground, Detroit is present in form only. I am sure (with apologies to John Madden) that big old offensive linemen like C Dominic Raiola and T Jeff Backus would prefer more emphasis on the running game. G Damien Woody left the Patriots to come to Detroit. I hope that he actually needed the extra money. RB Tatum Bell is another in a long line of backs that have come from Denver only to struggle at another NFL city. And he has been seeking a trade. With that hope now extinguished, Bell has a chance to prove his professionalism The Buccaneers have been fairly solid in run defense this season. But in truth, looking at the depth chart, the TB front four is a pale shadow of the unit that strangled NFL offenses from 1998 thru 2002, claiming a Superbowl. Statistically, however, the unit is performing.

In the air, it is all about whether QB Jon Kitna can put together a full game. Kitna is completing well over 60% of his pass attempts. He will be looking to hit WR Roy Williams and WR Calvin Johnson over the top of the Bucs pass defense. The Buccaneers used to pride themselves on stopping the deep pass, and tackling any receiver immediately when a reception was made. This means that the key issue here is whether Kitna can hit the talented DET receivers in stride. For the TB pass defense, there is no secret in how to beat Kitna. Pressure up the middle has always brought out the worst in him.

Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay running game is even less threatening than the Detroit version. The Buccaneers traded with Kansas City to acquire RB Michael Bennett. He is a good runner. But to expect him to make a real difference in the famously complex offense of Jon Gruden is unrealistic. Remember, too, that he will be a liability in pass protection. This limits his ability to be a pass catching threat on third down. Expect QB Jeff Garcia to provide the most potent running threat.

In the passing game, the Buccaneers will aim to exploit the Teflon-esque Detriot secondary. There is a reason that NFL watchers keep seeing S Idrees Bashir and S Kenoy Kennedy change teams: they are just not very good. When a team is facing WR Joey Galloway, safety help is critical. With DT Shaun Rogers not playing, the pass rush that DET would have to possess to pressure Garcia will not be there. In a sight for the ages, expect the Buccaneers to march up and down the field. Do not underestimate the depth of the TB tight end group, which could further exploit the poor DET safeties as well as stretching the zone coverage.

Prediction: Tampa Bay

Posted in NFL Game Previews, Jon Gruden, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, Game | No Comments »

NFL Week 6 Featured Preview: New England Patriots at Dallas Cowboys

October 12th, 2007 8:46 pm
by Pro Set

New England (5-0) @ Dallas (5-0) 4:15pm ET on CBS

Two big name undefeated NFL teams dominate this Week 6 schedule.

New England

RB Laurence Maroney is out. RB Sammy Morris has run the ball well, but against Cincinnati and Cleveland. This will be tougher. New England did not run the ball well in their last two big losses: both playoff games. Just because they have the most amazing pass offense for now does not mean it will always be so.

When the ball is in the air, it’s simply a question of whether Dallas can get pressure. If Dallas can’t get to QB Tom Brady, it’s over. Brady is completing passes everywhere. Expect WR Randy Moss to have a monster game. He loves Texas Stadium. Just remember Thanksgiving Day 1999 if in doubt.

Dallas

The Cowboys need to run the ball well in order to maintain possession. They face a smilar challenge to that faced by most opponents of New England: they need to keep the ball for long periods. DAL RB Julius Jones has been solid without being spectacular. I would like to see him attack the line of scrimmage more and carry tacklers forward. It is these yards on early downs that bring up manageable 3^rd down situations.

In the air, we know that QB Tony Romo loves to get rid of the ball. He might be having second thoughts after the bizarre occurrences last Monday at Buffalo. Against the Patriots, if his first 2 reads are covered on short drops, he must be prepared to keep the ball. Romo must avoid turnovers, and therefore put all the pressure on the NE offense. It’s possible that Brady could have a bad day.

Conclusion

New England has more weapons than Dallas. If Dallas pulls off the upset, I think that WR Terrell Owens will have had a big day in yards after the catch.

Prediction: New England

Posted in New England Patriots, Tom Brady, Randy Moss, NFL Game Previews, Dallas Cowboys, Terrell Owens, Game, NFL Franchises/Teams, Tony Romo, NFL | 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 NFL on FOX, NFL Game Previews, DeShaun Foster, Arizona Cardinals, NFL Coaches, Game, Carolina Panthers, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL | No Comments »

NFL Week 5 Featured Preview: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

October 6th, 2007 10:32 pm
by Pro Set

Carolina (2-2) @ New Orleans (0-3) 1pm ET on FOX

This divisional game will be an opportunity for two disappointing teams to get back on track. One of them, however, will fall into a deep abyss.

New Orleans

When the Saints have the ball, RB Reggie Bush needs to be decisive against a supposedly dominant defensive front. With RB Deuce McAllister out (knee), Bush will be doing most of the running. I would like to see New Orleans run Bush from the true I formation. From what I have seen of the Saints this season, running from singleback has not been working. Bush needs to be disciplined and hit the right holes. Good lead blocking will reduce the amount of decisions he needs to make, and allow him to let his talent take over.

In the passing game, some actual catching of the ball would assist QB Drew Brees. WR Marques Colston has to be able to beat CAR CB Chris Gamble or drive back to the ball. Brees has been throwing into coverage and serving up turnovers. To reduce the giveaways (7 INT so far this season) the Saints must block DT Kris Jenkins and DE Julius Peppers. When the Panthers made the Superbowl in the 2003 season, their NFC title game win was highlighted by front four pressure and excellent cover corner play.

Carolina

When Carolina has the ball, QB David Carr is likely to be the leader. QB Jake Delhomme likely won’t start against his former employer. With potential uncertainty in the passing attack, RB DeShaun Foster will be expected to be the showpiece of the offense. Foster is a solid back, but has not progressed sufficiently since taking over from Stephen Davis. Look him to favour right side runs behind road-grader RT Jordan Gross.

Clearly, when Carolina throws, all attention will be upon game-breaker WR Steve Smith. Frustrations were evident last Sunday, in the home loss to Tampa Bay. Carr will need to take advantage of any matchup where Smith is one-on-one. I think that New Orleans has little option but to use CB Mike McKenzie to shadow Smith wherever he lines up. McKenzie, remember, was part of the famous “Stop Moss” draft campaign where the Packers selected whatever defensive backs they could to combat Randy Moss.

Conclusion

This game is hard to read. Carolina looks like the more solid football team. New Orleans, however, has a proven quarterback and an angry team that is coming off a bye week. This game has the feel of a tight contest between clubs with much to lose.

Prediction: New Orleans

Posted in David Carr, Deuce McAllister, Jordan Gross, Kris Jenkins, Steve Smith, Reggie Bush, NFL Game Previews, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, Drew Brees, NFL | No Comments »

NFL Week 4 Featured Preview: New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals

October 1st, 2007 5:07 am
by Pro Set

New England (3-0) @ Cincinnati (1-2) Monday Night Football 8:30pm ET on ESPN

Let’s hope that the Cincinnati defense is ready for some football as the Bengals host their second MNF fixture of the season. New England comes to town undefeated and with more weaponry than most third world armies.

There is really only one issue of note regarding this fixture: how the Bengals will attempt to stop the Patriots. The Bengals, remember, gave up 56 points to the Cleveland Browns in Week 2 at Cleveland.

Cincinnati

When the Bengals have the ball, they need to keep it for as long as possible, whilst scoring points. Whilst this sounds counter-intuitive, the simple fact is that the CIN defense is not good enough to stop the Patriots. So the CIN offense must stop the NE offense from even entering the arena as well as scoring. The Bengals running game must be good enough to prevent the NE defense from launching a full scale assault on CIN QB Carson Palmer. Expect the Patriots to put real pressure on early downs in an effort to set up favourable pass rush situations.

In the aerial game, this is a massive chance for Carson Palmer to demonstrate that he is truly an elite NFL QB. I think that he is close, but not quite there yet. Saints QB Drew Brees had a shocker under pressure last week on the MNF stage. Palmer will need to be decisive in his pre-snap reads. I think that he needs to establish his own game with some lasers early on slants and square in routes. Only then can he exploit the hawkish-ness of CB Asante Samuel and others by hitting the NE secondary on double moves. It’s time for WR Chad Johnson to let his football skills do the talking on national television. He has no excuses.

New England

The issue for NE is how patient the team ought to be. I would like to see the Patriots take over the game early and bury the Bengals. This will require good performances on the ground and in the air. RB Laurence Maroney should have a good night against a team that tackles poorly, with too great an emphasis on stripping the ball. Whilst the returns can be spectacular, such as the four fumbles recovered in Week 1 hosting BAL, it means that the Bengals have no margin for error. The Patriots should be able to construct a dominant running game with good second level blocking. Maroney has been serviceable without showing the level of play required to beat playoff defenses. When you play for the Patriots, it will often be in conditions not suitable for passing. Opponents need to respect the NE rushing attack. If NE can’t run on the Bengals, it might indicate the first real weakness in the 2007 Patriots.

Even if the Bengals can stop the NE running game, the porous CIN secondary will struggle against WR Randy Moss. Let’s not waste space by discussing how to cover Moss. It cannot be done for 60 minutes if Moss is up for the game. Prevention is better than cure. The front four of the Bengals simply has to find a way to get quick and multifaceted pressure on QB Tom Brady. So, even if CIN DE Justin Smith has the kind of performance that a former top-ten overall pick might be expected to have, Brady will step up into the pocket and find the target. It will need to be a combination of central pressure and edge rush to upset Brady.

Conclusion

It’s been a weekend of upsets so far. Cincinnati will need to light up the Patriots and score 30 points to win. I am really looking forward to see how Carson Palmer deals with the pre-snap movement of NE. I am also really looking forward simply to watching the Patriots in all facets of the game. And I expect them to win.

Prediction: New England

Posted in Chad Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals, NFL Game Previews, Justin Smith, Asante Samuel, Carson Palmer, Monday Night Football, Game, NFL Franchises/Teams, New England Patriots, Tom Brady, NFL | No Comments »

NFL Week 4 Featured Preview: Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants

September 28th, 2007 11:07 pm
by Pro Set

Philadelphia (1-2) @ NY Giants (1-2) Sun 8:15pm ET on NBC

It will be hard for the loser of this match to win the division. Philadelphia comes in off an amazing display of offensive power against a Detroit Lions secondary that had clearly been studying film of the 2000 St Louis Rams defense: maybe Mike Martz brought it with him. NY Giants hits the halfway point of its divisional schedule here and will need a win to keep pace with Dallas.

NY Giants

QB Eli Manning was well supported last week by a dependable second half running game. RB Derrick Ward carried the ball effectively and exceeded expectations. The Giants cannot afford to spot the Eagles a 14-point lead like they did the Redskins. It follows that the Giants will need to run the ball with some success early in the match. The Giants should take heart from the way that the Redskins were able to run the ball against the Eagles. WSH was able to ground out long drives by good fundamental blocking. The power and strength of the PHI front seven is somewhat of a concern.

In the passing game, I’m sure that we’ll here at some point that Eli Manning will face some exotic blitzes from PHI defensive co-ordinator Jim Johnson. This is where the Giants have to make a decision. If WR Plaxico Burress is healthy enough, the Giants might be tempted to use a max protect scheme on 3^rd down and try to hit Burress deep against single coverage. If Burress is still troubled by his ankle problem, then TE Jeremy Shockey has to be the hot receiver. If Shockey makes 3^rd down catches that move the chains, the Eagles will be forced to back off the pressure. Eli Manning has a history of losing his mechanics and technique when pressured, so PHI will be loathe to sit back and just play coverage.

Philadelphia

After the surreal nature of last Sunday, QB Donovan McNabb might be expected to enter this game on top of the world. But I think that RB Brian Westbrook is more important. Westbrook has to be decisive and strong against an NYG front that suddenly clicked in the second half last Sunday. Westbrook cannot get greedy and bounce runs outside. I would like to see the Eagles line up and run consistently over the right side of the line, using the nastiest RG / RT combo in the NFC, being RG Shaun Andrews and RT Jon Runyan. I can’t see LB Kawika Mitchell and LB Antonio Pierce shedding those blocks too easily. Of course, if DT Fred Robbins and DT Barry Cofield can disrupt the central rushing lanes, the linebackers will be far more dangerous.

When the Eagles throw the ball, WR Reggie Brown and WR Kevin Curtis have to get open. The Giants secondary was torched by the Cowboys in Week 1, and the Redskins too hit some deep passes last Sunday. I expect the PHI line to provide good pass protection. I think that the Eagles have to try to drive the Giants into softer coverage with a couple of early deep balls on 1^st & 10 or better. I have not been impressed with TE LJ Smith so far and I think that he needs to be a better broken play 3^rd down receiver (much like WSH TE Chris Cooley). The Eagles also should make every effort to use Westbrook on screens and option patterns, since the linebackers will have to sit off him out of respect for his speed. If they don’t, PHI must be prepared to call the wheel route and let Westbrook go deep.

Conclusion

It’s hardly a big call to predict that this will be close. I think, unusually, that it will help the Eagles to be on the road. I think that they need to be a little more conservative on offense and let the Giants force the play. There is an injury doubt over PHI K David Akers, but he is expected to play. I like the Eagles in a close one, mainly due to the fact that Westbrook is a proven game-breaker in this series. Don’t be surprised to see some trick plays, and maybe even fake kicks. This one is too important for both teams to leave any page untried.

Prediction: Philadelphia

Posted in Antonio Pierce, Kawika Mitchell, Fred Robbins, Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown, Jeremy Shockey, David Akers, LJ Smith, Derrick Ward, NFL Game Previews, Eli Manning, NFL Franchises/Teams, Game, Philadelphia Eagles, NY Giants, Brian Westbrook, Donovan McNabb, 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 »

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