National Football Post Diner News

4 Nov 2008

QUOTE:  “The margin is narrow, but the responsibility is clear. VOTE VOTE VOTE” Author: John F. Kennedy

FROM GENE COLLIER OF THE PITTSBURGH POST GAZETTE... On defense, the Steelers ruled the night." That [onside kick] call is on me, but ours is a defense that allows you to be aggressive," Tomlin said after the Steelers hit the halfway point 6-2. "I just wanted to let [Washington] know that we were comin' and that we were comin' to win." Punctured for field goals on Washington's first two possessions, Dick LeBeau's top-rated defense left no misunderstanding as to why that was. Clinton Portis had to settle for 51 yards on 13 carries. The Redskins, who had but 66 yards a half, finished 143 yards short of their average. From the moment Ike Taylor slammed into Portis on third-and-2 on Washington's first possession, dropping him short of the sticks, the Redskins operated with a skittishness most other defenses have not imposed on them. Portis came into this prime-time appointment with five consecutive 100-yard performances on his dossier, some of which had come against the very defenses that make Washington's division what it is -- 121 yards against Dallas, 145 against Philadelphia. Of course, those defenses aren't this defense, the Steelers' version that hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher this season, the Steelers' version that has allowed only three such occurrences in the previous 74 games. "The main thing was that they had a great running game, but we stop the run," said emergency safety Tyrone Carter. "Every time we step on the field, we feel we're the best. This defense is very tight; we have great camaraderie, brotherhood. We just have to bring our 'A' game every night."

On this night, the Steelers were the better team even though they lost their starting quarterback.  The Steelers could match the Skins toughness, they could handle their run game, and their complex blitz scheme created problems for the Skins passing game.  The Skins now have a bye week to heal their wounds and get ready for the second half of the season.  Pittsburgh was the more desperate team and they needed to find a way to win the game.  This loss for the Skins does not minimize what they have accomplished so far this season.  They are tough, they can cover man to man as well as anyone in the NFL, and when they can run the ball, their passing game is very impressive.  But when you play the Steelers, you have to throw to run and the Skins were not able to do that last night. 

FROM TODD PORTER OF THE CANTON REPOSITORY... By the end of Sunday's loss to Baltimore, with Derek Anderson's backside going head over heels, the chants had to be echoing in his ears. Browns fans, disgusted with the team's 99th loss since Cleveland became an NFL city again in 1999, wanted Brady Quinn to quarterback their beloved team. With Monday's news, they got their wish.  Of course, the backup quarterback is like the date on the rebound. He's the guy everyone loves because he hasn't thrown an interception and he hasn't lost a game. What people fail to realize, though, is he hasn't won one, either.  Is Anderson the reason the Browns lost a two-touchdown lead at home? Against a rookie quarterback and a rookie running back?  No.

Life in the NFL is not fair, but when you are the starting quarterback and you cannot find ways for your team to win, than you have to expect changes.  The Browns’ problems don't all start and end with Derek Anderson, but he is the fall guy.  The fact that the receivers of the Browns cannot seem to catch or stay healthy enough to even get in the game has nothing to do with this.  It all comes down to wins.  Anderson MUST have receivers that can catch the deep ball.  He is NEVER going to be a high percentage passer and when he places the ball right into your lap for a touchdown, the wide receiver has to make the play.  Braylon Edwards has 12 drops already this year and he is one of the main reasons for Anderson heading to the bench.  In addition, Donte Stallworth not being able to play has really affected their season.  His constant muscle pulls are why three teams have not resigned him in spite of all his talent.  The Browns took a calculated risk in signing Stallworth, knowing full well the muscle pulls could be a problem.  Now with Quinn, the same problems will be present.  Quinn is not very accurate with the ball, he does not throw an easy ball to catch, and his deep throws are erratic to say the least.  The Browns are looking for some spark and a positive charge from Quinn's leadership.

FROM PETE DOUGHERTY OF THE GREEN BAY PRESS GAZETTE... On seven occasions Sunday against the NFL’s top-ranked scoring defense, the Packers breached Tennessee territory but came away with only one touchdown. Three of those drives ended in field goals, and three others led to nothing in a low-scoring game where every point was like gold.  Rodgers was hardly the only player responsible for those failings. But he was as responsible as any.  “We had a number of minus decisions down there (in the red zone),” coach Mike McCarthy said Monday of his grading system where a quarterback’s decision is given a plus or minus each play. “We need to do a better job of taking what the defense gives us, staying within the offense. But our decision making was poor as a whole in the red zone, and it factored in the outcome in a number of those series.”

I believe there is never enough time spent on preparing for the red zone.  In fact, the way NFL teams practice (they save Friday for the red zone), I would work on the Red Area every day.  It is more important than any other aspect of the game, and at times, it does not get the attention in terms of practice that it deserves based on how it impacts the game.  And when you play a team you don't normally play, or have any history of playing against in the red zone, coverages and schemes can be a little confusing.  This is an off season project for teams that are well organized to make sure they study and know their non common opponents red zone schemes in full detail.  I am sure the Packers spent a ton of time on the Titans red zone schemes, but what happens is that the film does not always give an accurate measurement of their speed and range.  That only comes from playing against them.  And the other breakdown in the red zone is when teams cannot run the ball very well.  Most often teams will play coverage and force their opponent to run the ball, and if you cannot run the ball with power and break tackles, it makes it even harder to score.  One thing is for sure, Aaron Rodgers has learned from the game and will be better the next time he is down in the red zone. 

FROM JUDD ZULGAD OF THE MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE... Jared Allen wore a wrap on his right shoulder Sunday as he dressed in the Vikings locker room following a 28-21 victory over Houston. Asked about the injury, the Pro Bowl defensive end didn't express much concern."I don't know, it's football, you get beat up," he said. Turns out Allen was more beat up than most. Coach Brad Childress said Monday that Allen suffered a sprained shoulder that could force him to miss Sunday's game against rival Green Bay. "I don't know what exactly he will be able to do this week, or if he will be able to make it to next weekend," Childress said. "We'll just have to evaluate that as we go." Officially, Allen suffered a sprained AC joint, but Childress said that as of early Monday afternoon he had yet to discuss the results of an MRI exam with team trainer Eric Sugarman.

It will be hard for Allen to play, but not impossible.  He can wear a harness, he can take a pain injection, and if the risk of further injury is not too severe, than I would expect him to play.  They need him to be in the lineup because they don't have anyone or anyway to cover the Packers wide outs and they need to slow down the passing game with pressure, not coverage.  No one is going to try and run the ball against the Vikings.  For the Vikings to make the playoffs, they are going to have to prove they can cover and stop the passing game.  And right now when I watch them on tape, I don't see a team capable of doing that well enough. 

FROM LEE RASIER OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS... Starter Michael Pittman (neck) and backup Andre Hall (left hand) were placed on injured reserve by the team Monday. That development comes after rookie prospect Anthony Alridge's season-ending foot injury in the final preseason game and a groin injury that has kept Selvin Young, the incumbent No. 1 entering the season, out of the past three games. It also follows the left elbow injury in training camp that sidelined first-year back Ryan Torain for nearly three months before his NFL debut Sunday. Torain still might not be fully ready. He danced in the backfield some on three carries for 1 yard in a 26-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins and needs time to get acclimated to NFL action. But, in the process of elimination that is the Broncos backfield, here he might come anyway.

Ryan Torain looked like a guy who has never played this past Sunday, which is to be expected, since he has never played and missed all of the preseason.  The Broncos have to find a way to run the ball because no matter how well you can throw, whenever a team is one dimensional, they are easier to defend.  The biggest problem for the Broncos right now is their offensive guards are getting knocked around in the run game and don't have the ability to control the line of scrimmage.  This places the ball in Jay Cutler’s hands and he has been mistake prone to say the least.  The Broncos are not that talented and their lack of talent shows whenever they play a team with physical power. 

FROM JOHYN NIYO OF THE DETRIOT NEWS... Culpepper, a veteran free agent who was expected to sign a two-year contract with the Lions after completing his physical Monday, likely will be the starting quarterback Sunday against Jacksonville at Ford Field.  Dan Orlovsky, who started the last four games after replacing Jon Kitna, had a removable hard cast on his right (throwing) hand Monday, protecting a sprained thumb that could keep him out indefinitely. Center Dominic Raiola also might be out because of a possible broken hand.  We'll see on Wednesday," said Orlovsky, who said he took a pain reliever to finish Sunday's game against the Bears.  Healthy or not, though, Orlovsky knew his days as a starter were numbered last week when the Lions -- after weeks of speculation -- finally brought Culpepper in for a workout. Culpepper, a nine-year NFL veteran, wowed the Lions' coaching staff with his arm and dispelled concerns about his mobility. And by Monday, his new locker stall was ready and waiting with a No. 11 nameplate -- the same number he wore as a three-time Pro Bowl selection with the Minnesota Vikings.

I am anxious to see Culpepper move around and determine what kind of shape he is in right now.  He was very slow last year and was not able to play with athletic ability and quickness.  And what does this say about the Lions signing him and starting him this week?  What is their plan?  They clearly don't have a plan.  Because if they did, once Kitna was injured, they would have signed Culpepper.  The Lions play "Battleship Football", they hope to hit with a certain player and don't have a short or long range plan.  Is there any wonder why Atlanta and Miami can get it turned around in a short time and the Lions cannot?  It's called having a plan, and the Lions won't win until they get a plan that is time tested and has been successful.   

FROM DAVID WHITE OF THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE... What makes anyone think this season won't snowball like every other year since Super Bowl XXXVII? It's not as if the past two games have given any indications otherwise. "I don't know," cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said. "Is that a fair answer? I don't know. I just hope it doesn't." That hope won't float so long as it's double-knotted to a passing offense and run defense that can't pull their dead weight. Raiders interim head coach Tom Cable must find a way to cure both of those plagues, starting Sunday against the visiting Panthers. While he's at it, Cable also must work to keep players from checking out, as some are want to do in seasons gone bad. To that end, he'll need to do more than give water-pump speeches and look players in the eye. "Here we are, we're 2-6," Cable said at his Monday news conference. "Right now, I think it's really getting the brain kind of flushed out and get it back focused as one. That's something we've been trying to do for the last three weeks and we'll get there." Cable better hope so, because this show has all the makings of 2006 redux, when the Raiders went 2-14 because (note a trend here) they neither could throw the ball nor stop the run. "It's a slippery slope and you can't let it fall off," running back Justin Fargas said.

That was pathetic and if the situation does not improve soon, the season will get uglier and uglier.  What will happen is that the games will start and once one bad thing happens, the team will give up.  There will be very little attention to detail and the effort of the players in practice and games will be abysmal.  I watched some of this game, and the Raiders gave very little effort on both sides of the ball.  And until they hire a head coach that the players know they work for, they will never win.  I had a sign in my office in the Hotel that said, "If you don't like change, you will like irrelevance even less".  And the Raiders are and will be irrelevant, until they make some real changes. 

FROM BOB MCMANAMAN OF THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC... "I have no indication otherwise," Whisenhunt responded. Though the coach claims James remains "a valuable part of this team," Hightower, a fifth-round draft pick out of Richmond, again will start Monday night when the Cardinals host the 49ers (2-6).  "That's one game," Whisenhunt said of Hightower's performance Sunday. "We've got to see it over time in order to say Tim has arrived. I'm excited about the way he played, but let's be very clear about this: The reason he played is because he worked hard and earned (it)." And what if Hightower were to get injured? Would James be mentally and physically ready to reassume the starting role? "It would be nice to have Edge available to carry the ball," Whisenhunt said. What about flip-flopping the two backs and using James as the short-yardage and goal-line/situational runner?  "I wouldn't have any problems with that," Whisenhunt said, " . . . but I'm not going to say I'm going to pull Tim out just to give him a break or give it to somebody else, either."

I do the NFL Network every Monday and here is my latest view on the situation in Arizona, as well as around the NFL.  Lombardi on NFL Network

FROM VAUGHN MCCLURE OF THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE... The Bears might have to play two NFC North games without their emerging quarterback. An MRI confirmed quarterback Kyle Orton has a high right ankle sprain, and Orton was told Monday the injury would sideline him three to four weeks, according to a source. The MRI exam revealed no ligament tear, the source said. Orton will miss Sunday's showdown against the undefeated Tennessee Titans as well as a Nov. 16 date with division rival Green Bay at Lambeau Field. After a Nov. 23 game at St. Louis, he could be back in time for a Nov. 30 game at Minnesota if he heals within the three-week window. Orton was relieved the injury wasn't more serious.

In talking to people who know Orton, they feel he can get back sooner than a month and it is really a pain management problem, rather than a ligament problem.  This is good news for the Bears, but they need to make more improvements in how they are playing on defense.  They can no longer win with the kicking game and sound defense.  Their defense is too vulnerable and they are not as dominating as they used to be.  They do not have enough scheme, or enough versatility to be able to stone their opponents, and they are going to need solid quarterbacking play to overcome this problem. 

MIKE CHAPPELL OF THE INDY STAR... We're in the hunt,' coach Tony Dungy said Monday. "That's probably the best thing to say about it, but we've got to get some consistency and get ourselves a winning streak going in the second half.' Winning streaks, especially early winning streaks, have been a Colts hallmark under Dungy, forcing the rest of the conference into a chaser's role. Over the past five seasons, Indy has been 7-1 or better four times at the midpoint because of five-, seven- and eight-game (twice) winning streaks. This season the Colts have won consecutive games once. Why? Inconsistency in the lineup and on the field. Injuries have forced frequent shuffling along the offensive line and in the defensive secondary. Quarterback Peyton Manning hasn't been his normally crisp self, due at least in part to two offseason knee operations. Safety Bob Sanders has missed five starts, running back Joseph Addai two. Even when on the field, though, they and other Colts stars haven't performed at a star-like level.

The hardest thing to do in the NFL is to maintain excellence and be at the top of your game all the time.  And the Colts don't seem to have that look.  I do think at times, the uncertain future of their head coach does affect the team.  I saw this in Dallas when Parcells was always unsure of what he would do from year to year.  It does affect the team as the head coache’s personality comes through and is a part of each team.   The Colts are no longer hard to beat at home and their home field advantage for the defense was not apparent on Sunday, as their defensive line never sacked Cassel.  And that is a huge concern.

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