September 2011 - National Football Post

DeSean Jackson is looking out for the health of No. 10

Posted on 30 September 2011 | by Brad Biggs | Leave a Comment

DeSean Jackson is looking out for who is No. 1.

Well, No. 10 actually.

The Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver said his primary goal for this season is to remain healthy as he continues to edge closer to a big-time pay day. Jackson, who is earning $600,000 this season, doesn’t want to do anything that could jeopardize a long-term contract extension. And that’s his top goal, according to Tim McManus of Philly Sports Daily.

“Whether I have the ball in my hands or not, I feel like I already established myself in this league as one of the great receivers,” Jackson said. “I just gotta go out there and keep doing what I can do. Stay healthy is the biggest thing. As long as I can stay healthy, regardless of where I’m playing, I think I’ll be alright. Just stay healthy and go out there and do my thing.”

So the top thing is to stay healthy?

“That’s the No. 1 priority is to stay healthy,” Jackson clarified. “I wouldn’t be able to play the game if I wasn’t healthy. In my book, that’s the No. 1 priority. Winning is next in that category. As long as I’m healthy and we’re winning, regardless of my numbers, I think I’ll be very happy.

“Every time I step on the field I leave it on the line. I never go out there and try to hold anything back because that’s how people get hurt.”

But not getting hurt, right now, is more important to him than anything else. It remains to be seen if the Eagles will be able to work out the kind of deal Jackson is seeking. Otherwise, the franchise tag could be awaiting him after the season. If he gets tagged, Jackson will be able to go into next season concerned about one thing – not getting hurt.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

NFL upholds five-game suspension of Pryor

Posted on 30 September 2011 | by Barry Dorey | Leave a Comment

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell upheld the five-game suspension of Oakland Raiders rookie quarterback Terrelle Pryor on Friday, stating that the former Ohio State quarterback, who had been suspended by the NCAA, had attempted a “deliberate manipulation” of the league's eligibility rules.

“Based on Mr. Pryor’s actions, I believe it is a fair conclusion that he intentionally took steps to ensure that he would be declared ineligible for further college play and would be able to enter the NFL via the Supplemental Draft. Taken as a whole, I found that this conduct was tantamount to a deliberate manipulation of our eligibility rules in a way that distorts the underlying principles and calls into question the integrity of those rules,” the commissioner's office said in a statement.

Pryor and his agent Drew Rosenhaus had accepted a five-game suspension when the Raiders picked the quarterback on Aug. 22 in the third round of the supplemental draft. Goodell made the decision that Pryor would be suspended for five games, the same length of the NCAA ban he would have served at Ohio State, and at the time said he accepted the decision. However, later Pryor decided to appeal to have the suspension reduced or overturned.

The NFL Players Association has filed a greivance regarding Goodell having the power to suspend a player for conduct in college when that player was not yet under the NFL's jurisdiction.

Pryor will be eligible to return after the Raiders' game on Oct. 9 against the Houston Texans.

Follow me on Twitter @TitanInsider247 and @terrymc13

Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com

Texans' Foster set to play vs. Steelers

Posted on 30 September 2011 | by Barry Dorey | Leave a Comment

The on-again, off-again season of Houston Texans running back Arian Foster is back on.

According to the Texans' Twitter site, Foster is ready to go this weekend when the Texans play the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Foster missed the season opener against Indianapolis, played against Miami in week two before reinjuring the hamstring, and then sitting out last week against the New Orleans Saints.

In the meantime, the Texans have been riding backup running back Ben Tate, who had 100 yards rushing in each of his first two games.

Follow me on Twitter @TitanInsider247 and @terrymc13

Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com

Osi Umenyiora hoping to play Sunday at Arizona

Posted on 30 September 2011 | by Brad Biggs | Leave a Comment

Help could be on the way for the banged-up New York Giants.

Osi Umenyiora, the disgruntled defensive end who has yet to play this season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in August, could be ready to debut this season. Umenyiora practiced for the first time on Wednesday and was limited in practices Thursday and today.

“I feel like I can play,” Umenyiora said, according to the New York Daily News. “If they take me on the trip (to Arizona), I'm going to play.”

The key for Umenyiora is that he’s no longer suffering from swelling that had plagued his knee earlier this month. He said he feels good but the club has listed him as questionable.

Fellow defensive end Justin Tuck, who has neck and groin issues, practiced today and is also listed as questionable for the game. Tuck said he doesn’t feel good but plans on going to Arizona and playing.

Stay tuned on these book ends.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

Get Sharp: Are the Gators a smart bet?

Posted on 30 September 2011 | by Barry Dorey | Leave a Comment

Episode 12: Searching for value among three monster college football games
Guest: Caesars Entertainment Senior Race & Sports Analyst Todd Fuhrman
Location: The sportsbook at Caesars Palace

Synopsis: Joe Fortenbaugh sits down with Todd Fuhrman at the Caesars Palace sportsbook to discuss the line movements in the Alabama-Florida, Nebraska-Wisconsin and Texas A&M-Arkansas games.

Follow Todd on Twitter: @ToddFuhrman

Hit me up on Twitter: @JoeFortenbaugh

Prospect of the day: Tennessee DL Malik Jackson

Posted on 30 September 2011 | by Barry Dorey | Leave a Comment

The Breakdown…

Jackson ICONJackson has the frame to intrigue.

DE Malik Jackson: No. 97 (6-5, 270)
A tall, athletically built defensive lineman who possesses a long wingspan and some real violence to his game when asked to use his hands to shed blocks. Coils up decently into his stance, but has a lot of leg and struggles to keep his base down and head up at times. Gets inconsistent with his pad level off the ball as a pass rusher because of it. When trying to shoot gaps at times does a nice job staying low and extending his arms into contact in order to create a jolt. However, for the most part his pad level comes up, head stays down and doesn’t use his long arms to protect himself. Can be jacked on contact and doesn’t create a push as a defensive tackle. Displays some natural athletic ability when asked to loop/stunt inside. However, hasn’t put it together with his pass rush arsenal yet. Is more of a linear guy only at this stage who lacks a counter/ change of direction ability. Nevertheless, consistently gets his long arms up in pass lanes and knocks a lot of throws down.

Displays impressive athletic ability though and when he does get his hands up off the line he can consistently keep himself clean and works like a bear in pursuit. Showcases great range off his frame for the position and demonstrates a good motor to go along with it. Exhibits a natural anchor as well for his size when asked to play the piano down the line. Is coordinated/powerful initially on his punch, can control blocks and work his way in pursuit. However, gets overextended and upright causing him to struggle with balance when asked to breakdown at make a play on the ball. Also, sees time at DE and looks much more coordinated when asked to get into contact, extend his arms and use his violent hands to shed. Lacks the anchor to hold up consistently inside vs. the downhill run game at the next level, as he can be easily sealed on contact. Needs to penetrate and win with his first step in order to be effective vs. the inside run. Holds up very well on the outside though, setting the edge, playing off blocks and working toward the football.

Impression: A great looking athlete. Has some real work to do from a technique standpoint and is playing out of position at Tennessee. However, has a lot of upside as a DE both in a 43 and 34 front in the NFL and looks like a really intriguing developmental defensive lineman at this stage with starting upside long term.

Follow me on twitter: @WesBunting

Prospect of the day: Tennessee DL Malik Jackson

Posted on 30 September 2011 | by National Football Post | Leave a Comment

The Breakdown…

Jackson ICONJackson has the frame to intrigue.

Follow me on twitter: @WesBunting

Can Spurrier break the hex against Auburn?

Posted on 30 September 2011 | by Dave Miller | Leave a Comment

While it's not a divisional game, South Carolina's contest at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia against Auburn on Saturday is huge for an undefeated squad with more than just SEC East title aspirations.

And it's big for head coach Steve Spurrier.

Since his arrival in Columbia in 2005, the Head Ball Coach has yet to beat the Tigers. In fact, no South Carolina team has beaten Auburn since arriving in the conference in 1992.

ICONSteve Spurrier has had a rough time against Auburn as of late.

Spurrier has beaten Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. But a victory over Auburn has yet to occur, despite the fact that Spurrier had a six-game winning streak against the Tigers when he was roaming the sideline in Gainesville. But he’s lost five straight in this series, including a 48-7 pounding in 2005 and twice last season.

At Jordan-Hare Stadium during the 2010 regular season, the Gamecocks fell 35-27 in a game they let slip away, and they were also thrashed 56-17 in the SEC Championship in Atlanta.

While Auburn hasn't exactly played like the defending national champions because of so much roster defection, the Tigers still pose a serious threat to the Gamecocks — especially because Spurrier's squad has issues at quarterback once again.

Stephen Garcia has tossed just three touchdown passes against seven interceptions, including four last week in the win over Vanderbilt. It seems that the fifth-year senior is trying to force the ball to stud receiver Alshon Jeffery, who has caught just 14 passes and one touchdown on the season. And opponents know he's looking for his big receiver often.

While it's exciting for Gamecock fans to have such a productive ground game after years of inconsistency, how much can South Carolina lean on Marcus Lattimore, who has rushed for 611 yards and eight touchdowns, and expect to win week in and week out? While I'm convinced that Lattimore won't tire, one-dimensional offenses hardly are suited to win national titles or big SEC contests.

Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson knows how difficult it was to contain the high-powered Auburn offense last season. Though some of the faces have changed, Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn remains the one constant. And Johnson's unit allowed 79 points its first two games before getting past Navy and holding Vanderbilt to just five first downs and 77 yards of total offense last week. Certainly the Commodores aren't known for their productive offenses, but the Gamecocks will need all the momentum they can get as they head into Saturday's game.

It's a big week for Garcia, the defense and, most importantly, Spurrier. Can the Gamecocks notch that elusive win over the only opponent in the SEC it has never defeated?

Email dave.miller@nationalfootballpost.com or follow me on Twitter at Miller_Dave

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em, Smash 'Em

Posted on 30 September 2011 | by Joe Fortenbaugh | Leave a Comment

KICK MY BUTT, WIN MONEY

Think you have what it takes to beat me in a weekly game of fantasy football? Here’s your chance to find out. $300 in prizes and a guaranteed $5 just for scoring more points than I do. Don’t be scurred, it’s just fantasy.

CLICK HERE to enter!

SURVIVOR SMASH: WEEK 4

Teams Used: Arizona (Week 1), Pittsburgh (Week 2), San Diego (Week 3)

Week 4: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Reason: The Birds are in last place in the NFC East and desperately need a win. On the flip side, San Francisco just spent the whole week chilling in Ohio after grinding out an unimpressive win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Eagles may fail to cover the nine points, but I like them to win the game.

POINT SPREAD SMASH OF THE WEEK

Current Record: 1-1 (no pick in Week 2)

ATLANTA FALCONS (-4) at Seattle Seahawks: Sitting at 1-2 with divisional rivals Tampa Bay and New Orleans in good shape to go 3-1, Atlanta’s back is against the wall…especially when you factor in their Week 5 date with the Green Bay Packers. This is a must-win situation.

And don’t tell me that Qwest Field is a tough place to play. The Falcons went up there last season and came away with a 34-18 win.

CLICK HERE to check out the rest of the Week 4 odds.

START ‘EM UP

ICONStart Jason Campbell? Hell, the Patriots defense is making everybody look good.

Jason Campbell, QB, Oakland Raiders (vs. New England): Campbell isn’t flashy, but for those of you in need of a situational QB start for Week 4, he’s your guy. The six-year veteran is completing 65.9% of his passes in 2011 (9th in NFL) and takes on a New England secondary this Sunday that ranks dead last in the league in pass defense (377.0 yds/gm). In addition, be sure to note that the Pats are surrendering an average of 29.6 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks (2nd-most in NFL). There’s a reason Vegas set this Over/Under at 52 points when they opened the line: They expect a ton of scoring.

Vegas notes: The Patriots opened the week as a 6-point favorite, but that line was immediately bet down to New England -4, leading many to believe that the Raiders may be the play here.

Tim Hightower, RB, Washington Redskins (at St. Louis): Hightower is coming off an 80-yard, one touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys in a game in which the former Arizona Cardinal handled the ball 19 times. Look for the respectable stat lines to continue Sunday in St. Louis against a Rams defense that is giving up an average of 25.6 fantasy points per week to opposing running backs (4th-most in NFL).

Vegas notes: The Rams are 0-3 and have failed to cover a spread so far this season, but keep in mind that the Redskins are 1-5 against the spread in their last six games played on Sunday following a Monday night game. In addition, Washington is 1-8-1 against the spread in their last ten games as a favorite.

Mario Manningham, WR, New York Giants (at Arizona): The four-year veteran has been a bit of a disappointment so far this season, but he’s got a favorable matchup this Sunday at Arizona against a Cardinals team that ranks 25th in the league in pass defense (275.0 yds/gm) and is giving up an average of 25.3 fantasy points per week to opposing wide receivers (9th-most in NFL). We recommend you view Manningham as a WR2/WR3 with upside in Week 4.

Vegas notes: This contest has “letdown game” written all over it for the New York Giants. Coming off a huge win at Philadelphia, this line opened at NYG -3 and was quickly bet down to NYG -1. Don’t be shocked if the Cardinals come away with a win on Sunday.

Greg Olsen, TE, Carolina Panthers (at Chicago): Believe it or not, Olsen currently ranks 10th in scoring among fantasy tight ends this season. In addition, there are two other factors in play here that we’d like you to keep in mind: First, the Bears are surrendering an average of 13.9 fantasy points per week to opposing tight ends this season (3rd-most in NFL) and second, don’t discount the revenge factor here, as Chicago shipped Olsen to Carolina this past summer. He’s going to want to show the Bears they made a big mistake.

Vegas notes: The Panthers are 0-4 against the spread in their last four road games, while the Bears are 4-1-1 in their last six games as a favorite.

Mario Williams and the Texans D/ST is a strong fantasy play in Week 4.

Houston Texans, D/ST (vs. Pittsburgh): Pittsburgh’s offensive line is in shambles while the Texans are currently a top-five fantasy D/ST in standard scoring formats. Look for Houston defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to bring the heat in an effort to disrupt quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s timing and rhythm. In addition, keep in mind that the Steelers are surrendering 14.7 fantasy points per week to opposing D/STs, which is currently the third-highest total in the NFL.

Vegas notes: The Texans are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games as a favorite, while the Steelers are 2-5 against the spread in their last seven games in the month of October.

Kyle Orton, QB, Denver Broncos (at Green Bay): Orton has failed to top 200 passing yards in each of his last two outings, but we have a feeling that trend will change this weekend in Green Bay. No team in the NFL is surrendering more fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks than the Packers (29.8 pts/gm) and with the high likelihood that Denver will be playing from behind, don’t be surprised if Orton does a nice job rolling up some serious garbage time stats.

Vegas notes: The Packers are 6-1 against the spread in their last seven home games, while the OVER is also 6-1 in the last seven Green Bay home contests.

LeGarrette Blount, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Indianapolis): The second-year back out of Oregon is coming off a 24-carry performance against the Atlanta Falcons and we predict more of the same Monday night against a Colts defense that currently ranks 22nd in the NFL against the run (113.3 yds/gm). Keep in mind that Colts middle linebacker Gary Brackett is done for the season (shoulder) and that the Indy defense is giving up an average of 20.3 fantasy points per week to opposing running backs (10th-most in NFL).

Vegas notes: The Buccaneers are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games, while the Colts are 1-4 against the spread in their last five games.

Denarius Moore, WR, Oakland Raiders (vs. New England): One of 2011’s early-season surprises, Moore is averaging 16.5 fantasy points per game (standard scoring) over the past two weeks and is walking into an extremely favorable situation this Sunday against the New England Patriots. Bill Belichick’s team may be able to roll up a ton of points on offense, but his defense ha
s been piss poor this season to say the least. The Patriots currently rank dead last in the NFL in pass defense (377.0 yds/gm) and are surrendering a ridiculous 34.7 fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers (most in NFL). You gotta ride the hot hand.

Vegas notes: I couldn’t care less what the line is for this game. Tom Brady threw four interceptions last week, so you know he’s coming to play. I’ll take the Patriots and have no problem laying the four.

SIT ‘EM DOWN

ICONLeave Tony Romo and his busted ribs on the bench this Sunday.

Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys (vs. Detroit): His ribs are busted, his best receiver is out with a hamstring injury, he’s coming into this game on short rest and he’s got a date this Sunday with defensive monster Ndamukong Suh and a Detroit Lions defense that is giving up only 12.3 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season (3rd-fewest in NFL). Did anything I just mentioned sound positive to you?

Vegas notes: The Cowboys opened the week as 3-point favorites, but the line was quickly bet down to Dallas -1. The early money is on the Lions to go 4-0 for the first time since the 1950’s.

Daniel Thomas, RB, Miami Dolphins (at San Diego): The rookie from Kansas State is battling a hamstring injury and might not be able to play Sunday at San Diego. Even if Thomas manages to find his way into the lineup, there are two big problems with starting him in Week 4: First, his touches will absolutely be limited due to the bad hammy. Second, the Chargers are giving up only 13.1 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs (4th-fewest in NFL). Nothing about this situation looks good for Thomas owners.

Vegas notes: The Chargers opened as 9-point favorites, but this game was quickly bet down to San Diego -7. That might have something to do with the fact that Miami is 5-1 against the spread in their last six games against San Diego.

Anquan Boldin, WR, Baltimore Ravens (vs. New York Jets): In last year’s game against the Jets, Boldin caught seven passes for 110 yards, so you may be asking yourself why we don’t like him this season. Simple: Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis was battling a hamstring injury the last time these two teams got together. With the league’s best cornerback 100% healthy for Sunday night’s showdown, we don’t see Boldin producing the same kind of stat line he did against these guys in 2010.

Vegas notes: The total for this game opened at 40 and is now sitting on the key number of 42. Most people will look at this matchup and think defense, but we think just the opposite. We’re backing the OVER.

Fred Davis, TE, Washington Redskins (at St. Louis): Davis has been a pleasant surprise this season and currently ranks ninth in scoring among fantasy tight ends. But Sunday at St. Louis he runs into a Rams defense that is surrendering just 2.6 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends (fewest in NFL). For those of you who own the former USC Trojan, it’s time to start thinking about Plan B.

Vegas notes: The underdog is 8-2 against the spread in the last ten meetings between these two teams.

Dallas Cowboys, D/ST (vs. Detroit): The Cowboys currently rank fifth in the NFL in total defense, but Sunday they play host to a Detroit Lions team that ranks fourth in the league in scoring. In addition, opposing D/STs are posting an average of only 6.7 fantasy points per game when playing the Lions (7th-fewest in NFL), so we advise you to take a pass on the ‘Boys this Sunday and look for an alternative option. May we suggest the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

Vegas notes: The Lions are 5-0 against the spread in their last five games as an underdog, while the Cowboys are 1-6 against the spread in their last seven games as a home favorite.

Joe Flacco ICONFlacco is coming off a monster game in Week 3, but we are skeptical about his upside for this Sunday.

Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens (vs. New York Jets): We predict that a respectable amount of points will be scored in Sunday night’s showdown between the Jets and the Ravens, but we don’t think Flacco is going to be a big reason why. Be advised that no team in the NFL is giving up fewer fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season than the New York Jets (11.6 pts/gm), so we feel it would be safe if you to go in a different direction at QB for Week 4.

Vegas notes: The Ravens opened as 4.5-point favorites, but this line has dropped as low as Baltimore -3 at some shops. The early action is backing Rex Ryan and the Jets.

Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints (at Jacksonville): The rookie from Alabama scored his first career touchdown last week vs. Houston, but we don’t want that to cloud your judgment entering Week 4. We love Ingram as a running back, but the Jaguars currently rank fifth in the league in rushing defense (83.7 yds/gm) and are surrendering only 11.9 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs (2nd-fewest in NFL). There are better matchups out there.

Vegas notes: The Saints opened as 8-point favorites, but this line dropped as low as NO -6.5 before settling in at NO -7. Some sharp bettors think that New Orleans could be in for a letdown.

Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers (at Philadelphia): Crabtree caught a season-high three passes last week at Cincinnati and we don’t see any reason to believe that number will be any better in Week 4 at Philadelphia. For as bad as the Eagles are at defending opposing running backs and tight ends, they have done an excellent job this season limiting opposing wide receivers. Through three weeks, Philadelphia is giving up an average of just 17.1 fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts (7th-fewest in NFL), so sitting Crabtree for another week is probably the smart decision.

Vegas notes: The 49ers are 0-5 against the spread in their last five games against the Eagles.

Hit me up on Twitter: @JoeFortenbaugh

Bears could be without Chris Harris for 3rd straight week

Posted on 30 September 2011 | by Brad Biggs | Leave a Comment

The Chicago Bears could be without veteran strong safety Chris Harris for the third straight game on Sunday when they face the team he played for in between stints with the Bears – the Carolina Panthers.

Harris suffered a pulled hamstring late in the Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons and it was believed to be minor. He practiced on a limited basis last week and was a full go on Wednesday. But coach Lovie Smith said he experienced soreness on Thursday when he was held out. We’ll see what happens with Harris today, but it looks like he could have suffered a setback.

“It’ll be crucial (getting Harris back),” linebacker Lance Briggs said. “He’s a guy who helps us go. He’s a general back there, and I look at him in the same respect that I looked at Mike Brown when he was here. He’s a playmaker and he’s a guy we need on the field.”

Harris said earlier in the week he would play, and the game means a lot to him. The defense, which has surrendered 57 points over the last two weeks, needs him. But hamstring injuries are the kinds of things that can linger with players for an entire season.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune