Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day Football Preview

November 25th, 2009 7:39 pm
by Big Dog

Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday that traditionally brings a lot of thankfulness to Detroit. They’ve lost their last few national appearances by wide margins and it’s a tough task again for them this week.

Green Bay Packers

Detroit’s pass defense is not doing the team any favours and it’s pretty reasonable to expect that Green Bay will be able to open up the field and let Rodgers put up some good numbers. If the Packers O-Line can get it together then Green Bay’s passing game should spread the Lions defense and create room for Grant when he’s needed.

Green Bay’s run defense is setting a standard. They haven’t let any rusher gain 100 yards since week 3, and they’ve faced the Vikings twice in that time. Detroit have struggled to put together a real ground game, often defaulting to the screen which can be effective but isn’t really the same thing.

What they’re thankful for: That they’re playing Detroit.

Detroit Lions

There’s a good chance that Detroit will struggle to live up to offensive expectations against Green Bay’s defensive backs. This will be especially true if Stafford really doesn’t play. If that happens then Culpepper will be required to manage the clock and minimise risks.

The Lions’ run defense is marginally better than their pass defense, and this week they’re helped by the fact that Ryan Grant isn’t the most electrifying running back in the league. Mostly this contest will come down to the battle at the line. If Detroit’s D-Line can gain dominance against the Packers O-Line then they’re in with a chance. Of course, this also depends on the line not making any embarrassing mistakes.

What they’re thankful for: That turkey, stuffing and beer will render most of their fans numb to the result.

Prediction

It seems pretty clear that Green Bay have the advantage in this holiday showdown. Packers 31 – 17

Posted in Aaron Rodgers, Analysis, Daunte Culpepper, Detroit Lions, Game, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Players, NFL Thanksgiving Day Football, NFL on television, NFL schedule | No Comments »

NFLGA Week 7 Sunday Night Football Preview Arizona @ NY Giants

October 25th, 2009 7:02 pm
by Big Dog

Arizona is coming off an impressive win at Seattle. This was set up by a much improved QB Kurt Warner and great hands by the WRs. On the opening drive Arizona faced a succession of third downs and made plays through accurate passing and clean catches. The key, however, was that Warner got the ball out of his hands. Arizona will need positive first down plays. On third and long Warner always holds on waiting for receivers to uncover. Given the problems faced by the Giants last week at the Superdome, if the Giants cannot generate a pass rush they will get shredded.

QB Eli Manning and his offense will need fast start. Look for New York to work out of play action early, before establishing the run. The Cardinals, despite a better effort last Sunday, have struggled with basic defense this season. It has been big plays, rather than consistent pressure, chasing, covering and tackling, that has got the Cardinals off the field. The Giants will back themselves to drag SS Adrian Wilson up to the line to assist the suspect Cardinals run defense, and then hit the big play over the top. If the Cardinals double the wideouts, look for TE Kevin Boss to eat up the intermediate passing game.

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New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins Monday Night Football Week 5 Preview

October 12th, 2009 8:38 am
by Big Dog

The Jets picked up their first loss of the season last week and the Dolphins finally proved that they could win. Who will gain the upper hand in week 5? Let’s take a closer look at the teams and find out.

New York Jets

Coach Rex Ryan and his 4th ranked defense played a great game last week, but in the end it was some vital errors from rookie QB Mark Sanchez that proved decisive. What will really prove Sanchez’s status will be if he can bounce back this week with a performance that makes a statement. His coach certainly believes that it’s a possibility. The other interesting element will be the addition of Braylon Edwards to the team. The Jets have paid heftily to secure the trade, but if Sanchez and Edwards connect then this could be the final piece of the puzzle that makes the Jets into a real contender. Of course the Jets defense will need to continue dominating at the line, and will definitely need to contain the Dolphins’ wild run if they want to bounce back from last week. Expect the return of Calvin Pace to make bring a real boost to the intensity of this defense.

Miami Dolphins

Despite my initial doubts, it appears that the wildcat is working for the Dolphins. At least if you measure success in terms of yards gained. The team’s averaging 180+ yards on the ground per game, but have still only managed to win one of their first four outings. Chad Pennington is now out for the season and while the Fins’ one win came with Chad Henne behind centre, he was hardly an inspirational quarterback. And to be fair, you have to expect that it will take the guy a little time to settle into the starting position. The big question for the Dolphins is if they can turn their yardage on the ground into points on the board. That will be a tough ask against a newly reinforced Baltimore Jets defense. Right now there are big questions over the Dolphins and a shortage of clear answers.

Prediction

It’s clear that the battle for dominance on the ground will be decisive in this matchup and based on form so far this season it also seems equally clear that the Jets defense is in a more dominant position than the Dolphins offense. The Dolphins have struggled to convert where it counts, on the scoreboard. I’m predicting a strong Sanchez comeback and a Jets win 27 – 14

Posted in Analysis, Chad Pennington, Game, Miami Dolphins, Monday Night Football, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Players, NFL on television, NFL schedule, New York Jets, Week 5 Instant Analysis | No Comments »

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots – Week 4 Preview

October 4th, 2009 11:46 am
by Big Dog

In a week when it’s arguable that most games will have relatively foregone conclusions, the Baltimore and New England face-off is an opportunity for some interesting and potentially surprising gameplay.

New England Patriots

As long as Tom Brady can stay upright and throw a football, the Patriots are almost certainly going to be favourites heading into pretty much any game. But as the New York Jets and Rex Ryan proved a couple of weeks ago, the Patriots are very beatable. Especially if you can put Brady under pressure. This has been the key weakness in the Patriots offense for several years now and they’ve really only been getting away with it because of their enduring ability to come through with strong offense when they need it most. If the Patriots O-Line can buy Brady enough time to let his receivers get deep then you have expect that they will be able to outperform the Ravens secondary.

Baltimore Ravens

Given that Coach Ryan made his name at Baltimore, you can expect the Ravens to have learned a lot from what they saw the Jets do. That said, you can also bet that the Patriots learned a hell of a lot from that game as well. In fact, given the identical ahem, similar nature of the Jets and Ravens defense this season, it’s very possible that New York’s success will be to Baltimore’s disadvantage. If the Ravens can manage to get to Brady a few times, rush him and disrupt his rhythm, then the game will be theirs for the taking. If in the attempt they create space for Brady to throw into, then it will be their undoing.

Prediction

The smart money has to be with the Patriots at home against a defense they’ve already seen this season. But that’s why I don’t look after our Best Bets page, I’m not known for sticking with the smart money. I’m calling it for the Ravens 17 – 13.

Posted in Analysis, Baltimore Ravens, Bill Belichick, Game, NFL, NFL Betting, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Players, NFL on television, NFL schedule, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Tom Brady | No Comments »

NFL Game Selections – Week 4 Selections

October 4th, 2009 11:25 am
by Big Dog

Our Week 4 Selections are up and ready for your ridicule. ProSet is determined to redeem himself after a poor showing in the last couple of weeks. Truthfully this isn’t likely to be his week to make up a lot of ground on Big Dog as they’ve seen most of the week the same way. We’ll soon know how right they are.

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Carolina Panthers @ Dallas Cowboys Monday Night Football Preview

September 28th, 2009 8:38 pm
by Big Dog

Ok, this one’s in brief.

Basically Carolina are screwed. They’re playing the Cowboys at home and this is a Dallas outfit that needs to secure a win at home. Of course the Panthers are motivated coming off a shaky start to the season, but this isn’t going to be their week. The Cowboys running game will continue to be strong and as long as their defense can pressure the Carolina O-Line and Quarterback, they should be able to create enough disruption.

It’s going to be an entertaining game, but the Cowboys will seal the deal with their first home victory.

Prediction

Dallas 34 – 24

Posted in Analysis, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Game, Monday Night Football, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL on television | No Comments »

Indianapolis Colts @ Miami Dolphins Monday Night Football Preview

September 21st, 2009 10:37 am
by Big Dog

Monday Night Football rushes headlong toward us in a week already full of some amazing football. Neither of these two team were particularly impressive in their first week games, although the Colts did come away with the win. It will be interesting to see which team has made the better adjustments coming into week 2.

Indianapolis Colts

It’s got to be tough being Jim Caldwell and inheriting a successful and cohesive unit. Even though he’s been a part of the Colts organisation for many years one has to wonder how open these veterans are to new ideas and new styles of play, and whether Caldwell really will be able to make his own mark in Indianapolis football history. The Colts certainly looked edgy in their first real game of the season and narrowly escaped with the victory against a plucky Jacksonville. With Anthony Gonzalez out due to injury, the Colts lose an important piece of their passing game, and limit their options offensively. This may not be critical though, as the Indy defense has shown that Caldwell’s new philosophy is yielding success, particularly in the pressure they were able to bring against the pass last week. If they can build on their early offensive success and improve their running production this game is there for the Colts to grab.

Miami Dolphins

Even though they suffered yet another ignominious defeat in the first week of the season, Miami can take some positives from their run defense in that game. If they can contain the Colts’ running game and force the pass then they will start to open the game up a little. That said, offensive production is a major issue for the Dolphins right now. Far too many turnovers were allowed last week, and no team in the NFL can afford to give the ball away repeatedly. Pennington is a solid but aging quarterback who is struggling to find his rhythm with a line that allowed 4 sacks last week. In short the Dolphins aren’t carrying themselves like a team that believes they can win, let alone a team that is determined to win. The Wildcat isn’t fooling anyone, the overuse of any system or tactic guaranteeing bland predictability, and so it’s demise cannot come soon enough. If the Dolphins want to win, they need to get back to basics.

Prediction

It’s possible that the Dolphins will pull out an upset here, but based on current performance I think it’s far more likely that the Colts defense will get the job done. Until the Dolphins learn how to play basic football again they’re all roar and no claws.

Indianapolis 24 – 17

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New England Patriots @ New York Jets Preview

September 19th, 2009 1:03 pm
by Big Dog

Well it’s not really a surprise to anybody that the Patriots are coming off a win against Buffalo. What IS surprising, is how they very nearly didn’t. You can make all the excuses you like, but the simple truth is that the Patriots don’t have it together yet. Brady was very pressured by the Bills‘ pass rush, especially in the first half, and the characteristic Patriots cohesion just wasn’t on display.

At the same time the New York Jets just monstered Houston with the Texans’ only score the result of a combined INT and Fumble Recovery. Rookie QB Mark Sanchez is certainly stirring up the enthusiastic support of Jets fans and with good reason. So far he seems to be stepping up to playing at the elite level with a great deal of poise, maturity and mental presence – all of which he’ll need if he wants to win on Sunday.

New England Patriots

Brady and the Patriots offense put up good numbers last week, with 378 passing yards and 12 receptions each for Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Their running game was seriously hampered and had its lowest output in a while. This formula can’t hold up against the newly revitalised Baltimore Jets defense. Quite simply, the Patriots need to get more yardage on the ground and contain the brutal defensive onslaught the Jets unleashed on the Texans last week. If they can do that, then the Patriots will get the job done.

New York Jets

New head coach Rex Ryan is off to a strong start and has established a foundation for his right to the position on the basis of his defense’s miserly allowance of only 183 total yards against Houston. If his defense can bring that same intensity and success to this Sunday’s game, then they’re in with a chance. The New York Giants showed the way to beat the Patriots in Superbowl XLII, hit Brady hard and often (and pull off a miracle or two). Unsettle the passing game and disrupt the run. Make no mistake, Mark Sanchez is a very good rookie quarterback, but if the Jets are going to beat the Patriots, it will be the defense that wins the game.

Prediction

Any rational football fan has to take the Patriots here. Expect them to bring a journeyman, work-a-day approach to the game, looking to systematically pick the Jets apart. A cold, clinical and methodical approach.

But I’m not a rational fan when it comes to the Patriots. I can respect the team and their success (and I do), but I don’t like their flavour of kool-aid, so I’m not buying it. This might be a case of wishful thinking, but I’m going with the hubris of youth in Sanchez, the point to prove in Rex Ryan and the renewed passion of Jets fans, and most of all – the ferocity of their defense.

New York Jets 31 – 28

Posted in Analysis, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Game, Houston Texans, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Players, NFL on television, NFL schedule, NY Giants, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Randy Moss, Superbowl, Superbowl XLII, Tom Brady, Wes Welker | No Comments »

San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders Preview

September 14th, 2009 9:48 pm
by Big Dog

Quick question, why are the Oakland Raiders still allowed to play in the NFL? When you’ve set all kinds of records for losing streaks (six straight seasons with at least 11 losses, anyone?), surely it’s time to think seriously about whether or not football is right for you?

Things don’t improve at all for the Raiders as they line up to face fate, destiny, the Chargers again to open their season tonight.

San Diego Chargers

Last season Philip Rivers unequivocally proved that he is the right man to lead this offense, with great improvement with his all round skills, decision-making, pressure plays and reads. Expect him to make good use of tonight as a bonus preseason warmup game. If LaDainian Tomlinson also exhibits some of his potential, then tonight will in all likelihood be a whitewash. Even with the potential distractions of Shawne Merriman’s off-field dramas, I don’t think we can really expect the Chargers to be outmatched, outclassed or overwhelmed in this matchup.

Oakland Raiders

It’s hard to feel sorry for the Raiders anymore. Their management has taken the team beyond lost history and pride, and turned it into a modern day joke. They’ve had about a million coaching changes in the last few years (ok, ok – 5 coaches in six years, but is that really anything to brag about?) and their current coach is allegedly having fights with his assistants. Even so, it’s hard to feel sorry for the guy in spite of the fact that he’s clearly feeling the pressure. Anyone who signs on as the coach of the losingest team in football has to be a glutton for punishment. Even with the trade of former Patriots DE, Richard Seymour, the simple truth is that nobody likes the Raiders.

Conclusion

The Raiders suck, we all know they suck. Heck, the Chargers don’t even have to play good to win this thing. The Raiders have to play great just to avoid dying of embarrassment.

Prediction

Chargers 43-9

Posted in Analysis, Game, LaDainian Tomlinson, Monday Night Football, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Players, NFL on television, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers, Shawne Merriman | No Comments »

Philadelphia Eagles @ Carolina Panthers Preview

September 13th, 2009 8:29 am
by Big Dog

Welcome to the 2010 season, football fans. In a week full of interesting matchups and the beginning of the race to the playoffs, let’s take a quick look at the Eagles @ Panthers game and see what information we can glean.

Philadelphia Eagles

Historically speaking, Andy Reid isn’t renowned for a strong start to the season with his teams. Couple that with some unexpected personnel decisions during the off-season and there are a lot of unanswered questions facing the Eagles this Sunday. The first and biggest of these is surely the Offensive Line, faced with the challenge of holding a very tough Panthers defense while buying McNabb enough time to get the passing game going. If McNabb starts getting sacked, expect his passes to start being rushed and increasingly off target. Unfortunately due to his history with injury, Donovan’s not as light on his feet as he once was, which means that scrambling isn’t much of an option for him. While the Panthers’ corners have been giving away plenty of room in the pre-season, this will only make the job easier for McNabb if his front line holds.

Carolina Panthers

On paper at least, the Eagles look vulnerable up the middle. With a rookie Safety/CB in Victor (Macho) Harris and various troubles in the MLB position, it’s possible that Jake Delhomme will be able to catch the defense off-guard. On the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers really have to win the battle at the line. As mentioned above, their corners have been giving away too much room so far in the pre-season. That has to stop now. If Julius Peppers can unleash the pain he dearly loves to, then the Eagles will really be in trouble.

Conclusion

Ultimately this game will be about one matchup only. The Eagles O-Line vs the Panthers D-Line. The game will be won and lost there. While there are a lot of questions over the Eagles Line, at this stage it looks to me like the Panthers are not playing tight enough in the middle and McNabb/Reid will punish them for this.

Prediction

A close fought game, but Eagles 21-17

Posted in Analysis, Andy Reid, Carolina Panthers, Donovan McNabb, Game, Julius Peppers, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Players, NFL on television, NFL schedule, Philadelphia Eagles | No Comments »