Every Monday morning, the National Football Post’s Matt Bowen breaks down Sunday’s action in the NFL.
Dallas takes control of the East
APThe Cowboys have taken control of the NFC East.
Sunday night’s Cowboys victory was a clear example of what can happen to the Eagles when they have the big play taken out of their game plan. The Dallas defense went into the matchup for first place in the NFC East with their pressure packages as their lead calls, and Eagles WR DeSean Jackson couldn’t get open down the field. Philly is not a team that can go up and down the field with the run game and the short-to-intermediate passing game. It needs big plays and chunks of yardage, and its playmakers didn’t deliver. But the Cowboys’ playmakers did. The double move Miles Austin ran on Sheldon Brown was enough for Tony Romo, who once again looked pretty cool in the pocket. Outside of the ball he forced to Jason Witten down the seam, Romo was consistent and made enough plays for the ‘Boys to take this one on the road. Romo has thrown nine TDs during their current four game-winning streak and continues to play high-level football. I was impressed.
Texans push Indy but can’t finish
There’s a reason the Colts are 8-0, and it’s the same reason the Texans can compete with Indy, can outhit Indy and can look like a playoff team but still come up short at the end of the game. Three turnovers — two of which were in the red zone — plus countless penalties and a missed field goal to send the game into OT. But you look at Indy — especially Peyton Manning — down 17-13 in the fourth quarter, and you don’t doubt that the Colts will find a way to come back, make a big play on defense and stay atop the AFC South. Was this a game the Texans could have had? Sure, they were much more physical up front in my view, but to beat Indy, and to be considered a serious playoff contender, you have to find ways to win on the road. And if you’re kicker Kris Brown, well, as a pro you have to put that one through the uprights. Too many mistakes to win a big game. Houston isn’t there yet.
The Saints continue to make big plays
APBrees and the Saints did it again on Sunday.
New Orleans didn’t play well against the run, and it didn’t make enough plays in the first half — including two Drew Brees turnovers — but as I said above about the Colts, the best teams in this league play well in the second half and shut down opponents in the fourth quarter. Giving up 182-yards rushing to the Panthers will make for a long day in the Saints defensive meeting room today with Gregg Williams, but scoring on defense to seal the eighth win in a row to start the season — part of a 17-0 run to close out the game — is the reason the Saints are so dangerous. They continue to make plays at crucial times, and until someone can challenge them in this regard, who can beat them right now?
The Bengals sweep
The Bengals have to be growing on us because they know what works — and right now it’s the running game of Cedric Benson, who again rushed for 100 yards on the Ravens, and Mike Zimmer’s defense. Sure, Carson Palmer’s play will always make a difference, but as we sit here and look at the first place Bengals, it’s hard not to consider them serious contenders for a postseason spot because of their game plan. That’s now a sweep over the Ravens, and when you can consistently run the ball against a defensive front like Baltimore’s and play fundamentally sound defense against a special back like Ray Rice, you’re getting some work done. This team is a serious threat to the Steelers to win the division.
Fitzgerald gives it to Tillman, Lovie
APFitz tore apart the Chicago secondary.
Love Smith is in a tough spot right now in Chicago. This is his football team, but more important, this is also his defense – the same one that was just carved up at Soldier Field by Kurt Warner and the Cardinals. Cover 2, zone-blitz, man pressure — it didn’t matter, because even without WR Anquan Boldin, the Cards were able to win any one-on-one matchup they wanted against the Bears defense — especially when Larry Fitzgerald matched up with Charles Tillman because he owned the Bears corner throughout the first half. I wrote this weekend that I would pressure Warner if I were making the calls for the Bears defense, but in a game like this — which was over at halftime despite the Bears’ marginal comeback — I wouldn’t know what to call. That’s how much better the Cards were on offense here in Chicago. Fitzgerald finishes with 123 yards and two scores on nine catches, Warner throws five TDs -- and Lovie didn’t have an answer.
Giants go down — again
We all know the Giants are struggling, and Sunday was a clear example of where they are as a team. They should have been able to close out the Chargers at home — especially when Philip Rivers has to go 80 yards for the winning score. But beyond that, some credit is due the Bolts because they went all the way east and beat a very physical Giants team. I didn’t like this matchup for the Bolts because I seriously doubted their front seven’s ability to match up with the Giants running game, and although they weren’t perfect, they were able to contain the rushing attack and force field goals in the red zone. But this game came down to what we didn’t expect from the Giants — penalties in crucial situations and a soft defense on that final drive. Nothing special from the Chargers, including the game winner from Rivers to Vincent Jackson. A basic 7-route. Corey Webster has to find the ball in that situation and know where his safety help is. Another example of how basic fundamentals are killing the Giants — and now they’re at four losses in a row.
Tennessee on a mini-run
APYoung and Johnson led the Titans to their second straight victory on Sunday.
I won’t say that this is eerily similar to the 2006 Titans, who went on a big run in the second half of the season with Vince Young at quarterback, but it’s hard not to notice how different of a football team they’ve been the past two weeks with V.Y. under center — and having Chris Johnson produce big numbers again doesn’t hurt. Because when Johnson runs like he did Sunday (25-135-2 TDs), Young doesn’t have to make a ton of plays to win the game — and his defense has made plays on the football for the second week in a row. This couldn’t happen again like it did in ’06, could it?
Packers stunned in Tampa
I felt the Packers were unprepared to play football for the second week in a row, and this is a good lesson for any player in the league because no matter whom you play, if you turn the ball over, make mistakes in the kicking game and play poorly in the secondary, you’ll lose at this level. And that’s why we have to get past the shock factor of this game because Green Bay didn’t play well enough to beat anyone yesterday. QB Aaron Rodgers didn’t make enough plays, and when your defense allows a rookie QB — in his first-ever pro start — to throw three TD passes, including the game winner when you’re protecting a lead in the fourth quarter, there are some major issues to correct. A big, big loss for a Packers team that needed to win, and a great debut performance by Josh Freeman. Talk about a tough plane ride home for Green Bay.
Randy Moss is still dangerous
APBrady and Moss: Business as usual.
I figured this would be a game that Tom Brady and the Patriots would have to grind out because no one can roll through the Dolphins with the way they control the clock and run the ball on offense. And that’s what happened — Laurence Maroney ran hard and Brady made plays to move the chains. But Randy Moss still has to be the most dangerous weapon in this league when it comes to the passing game. On his 71-yard TD that ultimately gave New England the win, the Pats ran a version of Hi-Lo Crossers, where Moss was the underneath route coming from the other side of the field — matched up with rookie Vontae Davis. No chance, folks. That play was a classic example of how dangerous he is because a simple tackle by Davis forces the Pats to go back to the huddle and try to beat the Miami defense again. But a smooth stiff arm and this game is over. Six grabs for 147 yards and the TD — and New England is starting to pull away from the rest of the AFC East.
Tough day for the rookie
Matthew Stafford’s day was a classic example of what can happen when you play a rookie at the quarterback position. A 17-0 lead, two TD passes and then, an utter collapse. The Lions will learn how to win these games and how to protect a lead, but that will happen only when their QB can protect the ball. Rookie or not, five interceptions won’t cut it in the NFL, especially against a secondary like Seattle’s that Stafford is talented enough to take advantage of.
Turner on a roll
APTurner has been on a roll the past two games.
If you’re an Atlanta fan, you loved seeing Michael Turner start producing in last week’s Monday night loss to the Saints -- and yesterday was another example that his slow start is behind him. I questioned Turner during the first two months of the season because he didn’t look explosive running downhill, and I thought he had lost a step when it came to getting to the second level of the defense. But just like last week when he was able to press the edge of the Saints’ defense, Turner didn’t look like an overworked back while running through the ‘Skins defense for 166 yards and two scores on 18 carries. Atlanta needs this to continue to take some of the game plan away from Matt Ryan — because it has the talent to play postseason football.
MJD puts in some work
Sure, the Chiefs-Jags game probably wasn’t the most watched matchup, but how about the workload Jags RB Maurice Jones-Drew put in -- 29 carries and three receptions. Thirty-two touches in one game? This guy is a workhorse and the reason the Jags can compete on Sundays.
Quick hits
* Lovie Smith has already benched Tommie Harris this season, and yesterday’s stunt of slugging a defenseless player in the head is a good as reason as any to send him back to the bench again. I can’t see this guy returning to Chicago next year.
* How about the debut of WR Chris Chambers in K.C.? The Chargers castoff caught three passes for 70 yards and two TDs.
APIs that Chris Chambers?!
* What happened to the Niners? This team is a long way from that 3-1 start and has now dropped four in a row.
* Peyton Manning threw the ball 50 times Sunday — and completed 14 passes to TE Dallas Clark. Texans rookie LB Brain Cushing struggled in coverage all day when he was matched up with Clark.
* The Packers have now given up a league high 37 sacks. It’s a combination of poor O-line play and Aaron Rodgers eating the ball in the pocket.
* Chris Johnson of the Titans needs to be in the discussion when we talk about the best running backs in the league. I know Adrian Peterson should be the first name we say, but Johnson isn’t far behind.
* The Colts-Patriots matchup this weekend will be big when home field advantage is handed out in January.
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Yes, the Packers suck right now, but I can't wait for Minny fans to get a dose of reality when Favre gets a little tired at the end of the season and you get bounced in the wild card.
What is Lovie's rationale going to be this week? "We just have to play better." I am tired of the comments that this defense will turn it around.
No playmakers= no wins.
It is time for Lovie to be on the hot seat. If the Bears weren't so cheap, he would be gone for sure after the season. No fire from that team.
How can a defensive head coach who calls the plays stand there and say they will get better when his guys come out flat and get run over by the Cards?
Jason C- The Colts build through the draft the last time I checked and they seem to be doing just fine.
Norhwoods Tom -
Yeah building through the draft is fine as long as you know what the hell it is you are doing LOL, i.e. - Justin Harrell, No offensive line help, etc., etc..... That's your comeback Packer fan? Weak. You and all the other TT apologists can just continue to suck from TT's lemon. Bitter, isn't it?
Pats are back where they belong and will run through the AFC...again.
Jason C- I actually think that TT is a bum, but building through the draft is what the best teams do. Snyder and the Skins prove that having no draft and sticking with FA's never work. But, since you got one free agent in Favre, I guess you are the expert.
Matt - I agree with your assessmant that the Packers were unprepared. Directly points to coaching - when will it be time to pull the plug on McCarthy? He is mediocre as a HC at best - 31-25 as a HC with 1 winning season in his 4th season. His game plans are brutal - how can you continue to throw into strong wind gusts against a team with a bad running D when your RBs are averaging 5 yrds per carry and your QB does not have a good day? His biggest failure is his hiring his coaches, though. He has assembled yes men like Philbin and Slocum who will never say anything against him and who are glad to even have a job in the NFL. Philbin as OC was OL coach before, and look, that is the worst position group on that team. I also feel, from all the players comments, that he has already lost this team. Jenkins speaks out, Woodson did before, they are all frustrated since the coaching philosophy they thought they were getting is all reversed now, and things are run just to run some things.
As far as Thompson, I have long backed him, but it really is a time for him to be let go now too. The whole switch to the 3-4 defense was supposed to strengthen Special Teams, put pressure on the QB. Nothing of that. During most of the drafts, players were especially taken since they were special teams players. the first round picks are all disappointing, with the exception of Rodgers. There is not a single guy who is really ready to play come a season. He needs to learn that draft picks are prospects at best, no matter whether 1st pick overall or 7th round. you never know whether a guy can play. With FA veterans, there is a lot of film already and you know what you are getting. But I am sure he is glad that he gets his yearly trophy of fielding the youngest team in the NFL every year. he must be very proud of it.
Here is a prediction: McCarthy will be kept one more year, with another subpar performance of the team. Then he will be fired and a new head coach will be hired, giving Ted another 3 - 5 years, since of course we'll see a new system with a new coach, needing new players. During that time, the team will be mediocre at best. Death of a great franchise. And the undertaker is Ted Thompson.
Matt - re: Packers giving up sacks. I'm not buying the line and Rodgers being the cause of the sacks. Every week, I'm becoming more convinced this is a play calling issue where the Packers are simple trying to throw deep WAY too often and too predictably. You just cannot expect tackles to consistently maintain protection for six seconds against NFL caliber pass rushers when they know they don't have to play the run.
The Cowboys showed that Romo to Williams is still a work in a progress, and that it can be a dominant matchup at times. It was impressive to see how patient Romo was down the stretch.
Their run game was beginning to assert control, several times only one wideout was playing in the second half. A big wideout who could keep people off his back shoulder and play catch with Romo when they wanted to move the chains.
Dallas wore its playoff face to Philly.
The Saints turned it around on their favorite play this season - the 3 go. That play has produced a lot of points and yards for them and their resulting score changed the entire game in the second half.
It seems like Vince Young's mobility really helps runners because the ends stop trailing plays and they widen out enough that a runner can hit a crease and get yards straight upfield. Now that Young is working some situations and plays down his team has the confidence it needs to play competitively.
The Texans just ran into Manning mode, where Peyton is automatic. Houston played well enough to win in most towns, the Colts stars simply played like it was their game. Freeney started up hot on defense, Clark did the same on offense and great players in automatic mode can carry teams to wins.
Miami's quarterback Henne put the ball right on his target's hands. The Dolphins drops kept the opponent in position to win it.
The Packers lost to Tampa. That is pathetic. I guess some of those players aren't really blue chip.
Wow - the Packers are just flat out bad. Aaron Rogers is about as overrated as they come. He sucked today and looked like he quit at the end. The homer press in Wisconsin (Greg Bedard and Mike Hunt at JSOnline the worst offenders) look like the absolute fools and tools (for TT) they are for jumping on the TT and MM trainwreck. The local radio show hosts are ever turning on Aaron Rogers (Gary Ellerson - am 1250 in Milwaukee post game show yesterday) All the Packer fans, myself included, who ripped on Brett Favre are just stupid. That 13-3 season in 2007 - mostly due to Favre. The extended contracts for McCarthy and Thompson - all due to Favre. If Mark Murphy is to be an effective President for the Pack he must run those two out of town and start over. This loss cuts to the core.
Brat guy, The Vikings won't be bounced during wildcard weekend because they will have the first roundbye. The Pack sucks this year and should for years to come.
Well, it looks like the Bears should look to a rebuilding effort and are playing for a good draft pick at this point...Oh wait, they don't have one until the 3rd round. That said, it's now safe to officially declare the Bears a bad team for years to come.
Geez Jason C...you're an idiot. Don't let fandom become your life! Mikal...good call...I don't know if Brat Guy has seen the Vikes schedule recently, but 13-3 or 14-2 is a real possibility. I definitely see the Vikings in the Championship game and I think we actually match up quite well with those Saints.
Scott M, I hate to break it to you...the Packers line STINKS with a stench. Worst in the league and it's not even close.
To this Point I'm shocked to see the Bengals sitting in first place in that AFC North. Where did those guys come from? It really goes to show you how one QB and a few wins can change the whole outlook of a team! It makes everyone play better...
Matt, I've been way to hard on you...Even with that loss on Sunday those Texans are looking good. I think you just may eek out that bet.
Jon, don't go jumping off a bridge yet...I think with Cutler in there at QB you guys are in better shape than last year. You can go and sign a couple of impact guys, draft a couple of linemen and be back in the race after a couple of years. As much as I like my Vikings, QB will be a question mark as soon as Favre hangs it up. Then we're back to square one at the most important postition in the NFL.
Many will defend Lovie Smith "He took us to the Superbowl".
One good year does not a franchise make.
This organization has been dysfunctional for years,
It's evident in the coaching,the scouting,player development,game planning
game management,lack of adjustments in game;and the overall tenor of management.
On top of that,factor in the arrogance of the coaches,refusing to discuss players.
The same tired mantras alienate the fan base for a team with rabid fans.
"Rex is our quarterback,we get off the bus running,we need to play better,
hopefully we can get a win,trust me,we weren't prepared to play,
we need to look at the tape and go from there,sure we are not happy with how we played
but we have to move forward for our next game,we have a lot more football to play".
Bears fans are passionate and know the game of football,
insulting their intelligence will not endear them to coaches,management;or ownership.
Actually, most great teams build exclusively through the draft: the Steelers Colts, Ravens, Eagles, Chargers, etc). Do any of these teams ever go after big name players in free agency? I know the Eagles did that one year when they went after Terrell Owens, but I can't think of any after that incident.
My Steelers won two Super Bowls recently with over 90% drafted players (we signed mid-level free agents like James Farrior, and Justin Hartwig).
The Patriots used to do this (they won their three SUper Bowls with mostly homegrown talent); ironically, they haven't won a Super Bowl since they started spending a bunch of money for expensive free agents (Adelius Thomas, Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, etc).
Penny Pincher - understand what you're saying and not trying to defend the indefensible here, but Buffalo, Jacksonville and Tampa have all allowed more QB hits than GB and KC is one hit behind. On the flipside, Denver is the only team in the league with fewer negative rushes and GB is ranked eight in the league in yards per carry which suggests they are doing pretty well in run blocking. Which is basically my point - a good coach is going to try to focus on the team's strengths (in this case, running and short passes) while working to hide their deficiencies (pass protection). That ain't happening. Regarding your Vikings - all I'm gonna say is let's see how they do over the last five. If Brett can hold up, I'll be the first to congratulate you all but he hasn't done it for five years so we'll see.
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Nov 09, 2009
07:53 AM
Matt -
Time for you to eat a mega dose of humble pie regarding your guy Aaron Rogers and your team the Packers. You have been shilling for him and the Pack all season - especially the love slurp you offered A-Rog after Favre kicked their arses in Minneapolis. It's about time that you and the rest of the NFP staff review your collective undisguised bias against Favre and state the obvious: Thompson is killing this team with his build through the draft only philosophy, McCarthy is not head-coach material, and A-Rog can't carry Favre's jockstrap. As for the Packer fans - they deserve it.