Archive for October, 2003

Analysis and Preview

Wednesday, 22 October, 2003

By Zack Cimini
Notjustagame.com

How bad can a team be haunted by one team? All-Pro kicker Olindo Mare missed not one but two field goals, and than their awesome defense allowed an 82 yard touchdown in overtime. It?s crazy how the NFL works but now the AFC East is stocked again. Especially, now that Chad Pennington is expected back in the next week or two.

The two unbeaten teams both barely stayed alive in Minnesota and Kansas City. Can these two teams stay undefeated until their match up later in the season? I doubt it, they?ll both be lucky to survive a couple of more weeks.

How about the offensive performances by Dallas and New Orleans? Quincy Carter continues to grow in confidence, and their defense continues to play stellar. For how bad the Saints have started out the season they are right in the mix of things; especially if they can beat Carolina this week.

Well here is a preview of week eight. Don?t forget Atlanta, Green Bay, Washington, and Oakland all have byes this week.

New York Giants vs. Minnesota
The Giants continue to lose close games, and are losing ground quickly on the Cowboys. It?s hard to believe a team this talented is struggling to produce. This team has always been known for being able to go from hot to cold quickly. Well, now is the time to switch to the ?on? button. The Giants defense should be able to limit the Vikings offense, but it?ll be up to the Giants offense to win this game. They?ve been plagued by turnovers and that?s always the number one reason for a loss.

Cleveland vs. New England
The Patriots are back on top of the AFC East, and will probably stay there for awhile. If the Browns were in any other division they?d probably be in trouble, but they have a great chance of winning their mediocre division. In order to do that though, they need to get some solid wins out of their division. It?ll be tough this week against a pumped up Patriots team.

Carolina vs. New Orleans
The Panthers are known for rolling off wins, with the ability to roll off losses as well. They?re hoping that isn?t the case this year, but if Stephen Davis doesn?t produce they will continue to fall. Jake Delhomme definitely can?t carry this team. The Saints season is far from over, and they still have the most talent offensively out of any team in their division. They just need to do something with it.

Dallas vs. Tampa Bay
Not many people are talking about the Buccaneers 3-3 start, but I bet with another loss they?ll be talked about. The Cowboys are for real, and could be the strongest team in the league right now. They have one of the best defenses, and their offense is loaded at wide receiver. The only question that might haunt them is Quincy Carter. Is he a settled down quarterback or will we see his erratic style of play come back out of him? As long as he doesn?t throw costly interceptions, than this should be a winnable game for the Cowboys.

Tennessee vs. Jacksonville
McNair vs. Leftwich is one of those match ups that you love to see. Of course McNair is going to tear him up this season, but in four or five years it?ll be Leftwich?s turn to do it to end McNair?s career. For now though, it?s all about McNair who is the MVP of the NFL right now. Just look at what he is doing with an average Eddie George and a group of no name receivers.

Denver vs. Baltimore
It?s going to be hard for the Broncos to win without Plummer in the lineup. When Steve Beuerlein was in the game he had a very hard time moving the Broncos offense. Danny Kanell did a great job, but the Vikings didn?t game plan for him. They won?t have to do too much offensively against the Ravens, because of Kyle Boller. But they?ll need to put up around 17 to 20 points.

Detroit vs. Chicago
The Bears have been playing tough lately, and should be able to win this battle of one win teams. Joey Harrington has struggled since week one, and will continue without Charles Rogers.

Seattle vs. Cincinnati
Surprise, surprise the Bengal?s can actually put up points now. Their offense has been moving the football well all season, and if Corey Dillon can get back to 100 percent watch out. You have to remember this division is very weak, and the Bengals have actually been playing solid on defense as well. Seattle is 5-1 but their schedule has been very questionable. If the Bengal?s defense shows up, they should be able to get a ?W?

St. Louis vs. Pittsburgh
Eh, remember that quarterback Kurt Warner? Everyone has forgotten about Warner with the way Bulger has handled this team. Just imagine how well he?ll be able to lead this team with a healthy Marshall Faulk. Torry Holt has become one of the NFL?s elite receivers, and is no longer in the shadows of Isaac Bruce. His play has been exceptional and the Rams are where they want to be. The Steelers are in serious trouble and this is a turning point game for their season. They had a bye week off and should be poised to come out strong.

San Francisco vs. Arizona
The 49ers had a great win against the Buccaneers, and now will need to avoid a let down to the Cardinals. The 49ers have realized that Terrell Owens is their key to winning, and expect them to keep going at him this week. For Arizona they are going to need to limit their turnovers on offense. Jeff Blake has been hounded every week, and it seems like they are never on the field.

Houston vs. Indianapolis
Peyton Manning and company need to keep winning to stay ahead of the Titans. The Colts know that they?ll need a bye this year, and in order to get that they need to win the division. They shouldn?t have a problem this week, and I?d expect a big game from Marvin Harrison.

NY Jets vs. Philadelphia
The Eagles season was saved thanks to Brian Westbrook. The Jets are creeping right behind their AFC East mates, and could make a run later in the season. This game will likely be low scoring, and could come down to a last second kick.

Buffalo vs. Kansas City
Kansas City has been able to hang on for three weeks now, and sooner or later that luck is going to fall. If Drew Bledsoe can air it out and keep up with the Chiefs than this could be the week. Travis Henry vs. Priest Holmes should also be a great match up, but in the end I think it?ll come down to whichever revamped defense plays better.

Miami vs. San Diego
Wow, who scheduled this great game? The Dolphins are going to need this one to recover from last week. For Olindo Mare that type of game could pay off in the future. When an All-Pro kicker has a game like that, it?ll usually make him focus even more. When he makes a game winning late season kick or playoff, he?ll be able to look back on that game.

Analysis and Preview

Wednesday, 15 October, 2003

By Zack Cimini
Notjustagame.com

Can you believe we are almost halfway through the football season? It?s amazing and has been a year filled with disappointments. So far players like Ricky Williams, Donovan McNabb, Donte Stallworth, and many others have been destroying their fantasy football teams. Teams like the Raiders and Saints have been horrendous. It just goes to show why the NFL is the best sport, because there are so many changes year in and year out.

It looks like everyone jumped on the Bills band wagon to early. Every year there is a team that over achieves in the first couple of weeks, and this year it was Buffalo. They are still a great team, but all of the sudden they aren?t getting anything from Drew Bledsoe. He is an All-Pro quarterback and will get this team back on track. A wild card is still not out of the question for them.

As far as week six went, how about the Carolina Panthers? They fought off a Colts game tying touchdown, and kept it together without running back Stephen Davis. Jake Delhomme also opened up the passing game a little bit and now all of the sudden the Panthers are looking like serious contenders.

The Cowboys have to be the other surprise team in the league, and should be able to win their division with the way everybody else is playing. Quincy Carter has found his niche with Parcells, and is playing like a fifth year starter. He is adding confidence each and every week, and it could build into greatness by the playoffs.

The New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers are known for their slow starts, and are going to have to overcome them again to get into the playoffs. With the Giants they just need to limit their turnovers on offense, and start utilizing their weapons. Kerry Collins is getting beat up, and needs the time to get the ball down field to his talented receivers. With Pittsburgh they just aren?t playing well yet. Bill Cowher still hasn?t found the way to distribute carries between Zereoue and Bettis, and that has resulted in a weak running game.

Well let?s get ready for week seven. Remember Indianapolis, Arizona, Pittsburgh, and Jacksonville all have byes this week.

Baltimore vs. Cincinnati
Corey Dillon is expected to be healthy this week, and that means Corey Dillon vs. Jamal Lewis. This will be a grind it out football game, and will come down to which running back does better. Dillon has been unhealthy all season and will be out to prove that he is still a top ten back in the league. The Bengals have one thing that the Ravens don?t have and that is a solid passing game. Chad Johnson and Peter Warrick have quietly been one of the best one-two tandems in the league. It could end up being the deciding factor if Dillon can establish the ground game early on.

San Diego vs. Cleveland
No one has talked about Tim Couch?s two straight victories. If you remember this team started off 0-3, and has came on late thanks to William Green. He has had two solid weeks and has complemented Couch well. When the Browns started winning towards the end of last season it was also because of Green, so I guess that is a little hint to the rest of the league. You will win if you can stop the Browns running game. The Chargers haven?t been able to stop any offense all season, so William Green would be a great start in your fantasy football leagues.

Dallas vs. Detroit
If before the season you asked which quarterback was better, ten out of ten people would have said Harrington. Now I bet seven to eight would say Carter, and a win this week would put the Cowboys at 5-1. The Lions don?t present much of a challenge, and this should be another easy win to add to the Cowboys easy schedule.

Green Bay vs. St. Louis
The Rams looked impressive Monday Night and now will have to keep things going against Green Bay. Green Bay may be 3-3 but they?ve been playing solid football lately. They lost a tough one to Kansas City, and will need to limit the Rams offense if they?re going to win this one. If you?re Kurt Warner you might want to try to find a new team, because he isn?t going to step on the field again in St. Louis unless Bulger gets hurt.

New England vs. Miami
Miami could be undefeated if they wouldn?t have overlooked their opening day match up against the Texans. Both of these teams have played some memorable games against each other, and the Dolphins still have last season?s finale on their mind. They had the game all but won, and blew it in the last few minutes and then in overtime. This is a whole new season though, and the Patriots are going to need a passing attack to win this one. Tom Brady has struggled all season, and we all know that Miami won?t give up 150 yards on the ground.

Denver vs. Minnesota
Is this a preview of the Super Bowl? I doubt it, but it is an interesting game. Both teams rely on high potent offenses, with average defenses that get the job done. The status of Jake Plummer is still unknown but expect him to play. They?ll need his abilities on the field to keep up with the Vikings offense.

Philadelphia vs. NY Giants
This is a crucial game for both teams, and both of them really can?t afford to lose. Pretty much which ever team loses will have a hard time getting back in the playoff picture. Teams have finally figured out McNabb and he is no longer able to win games by himself. He came close last week against Dallas, but fell just short. He?ll need a big game from Brian Westbrook or some one else to step up if they are going to win this game.

New Orleans vs. Atlanta
Two of the most disappointing teams in the league will be playing in this game. It?s going to be a sloppy free for all out there, and won?t be shocked to see a couple of defensive touchdowns. The Falcons are hoping for a win just so Michael Vick will have a chance at resurrecting their season.

Tennessee vs. Carolina
In years past the Panthers couldn?t keep up in offensive shoot outs, but now they have the talent. They scored a couple of touchdowns early in the third quarter in a quick span against the Colts, and have been able to turn it on whenever needed. Steve McNair has been the MVP of the league, and he still isn?t getting enough credit. Other quarterbacks are loaded at receiver but who does he have besides Derrick Mason? Exactly, McNair is the best at his position right now.

NY Jets vs. Houston
The Jets finally got a win in the books, and Curtis Martin put out his first solid game of the year. It was only eighty yards but it was good to see him actually do decent. The Texans are on their way, but they?ll need to get a running back next season. Stacey Mack hasn?t been getting it done, and it?s been all on David Carr?s shoulders. Unless Vinny Testaverde goes interception happy the Jets should be able to win. Their defense has too much talent and will force David Carr into some bad decisions.

Washington vs. Buffalo
Both of these teams started off the season great, and have folded as of late. Both teams are still in the thick of things and just need to get back on track. This should be a shoot out with the way both of their quarterbacks like to throw it. Buffalo though has the better running back in Travis Henry and should be able to mix it up a little more.

Tampa Bay vs. San Francisco
The 49ers have been plagued by losing games by crucial mistakes. They lost to the Rams because of Cedric Wilson, and last week because of a botched extra point. If they don?t straighten up they could end up being the last place in this division. Usually a talented team like this will start to give up on a season, and I wouldn?t be surprised to see that happen. They have a young talented team that came in with high expectations.

Chicago vs. Seattle
The Seahawks better keep winning because the Rams are right behind them. Matt Hasselbeck has yet to have a break out game, but the Seahawks keep winning. Their schedule has been soft so there are many doubters on whether this team is a serious threat. Chicago has the ability to pull off this upset, especially if Anthony Thomas continues on a tear.

Kansas City vs. Oakland
This could be it for the Raiders season. The Chiefs would love to put the stamp on that, and go to 7-0. They have been close to losing their past couple of weeks, and sooner or later it?s going to happen. But as long as the Raiders can?t stop the run it?ll be extended another week.

Are The Raiders Finished?

Wednesday, 15 October, 2003

By Zack Cimini
Notjustagame.com

How often do you see a returning AFC champion struggle through their first six games? Well if you haven?t, now you have with the Oakland Raiders who are now 2-4. In fact, they could very easily be 0-6. Their wins against San Diego and Cincinnati could have easily been losses. So what is wrong with this team?

Have the Raiders really aged that quickly? From the looks of it they do look old, but for the most part they just aren?t putting it together on the field. Rich Gannon has struggled to move the ball effectively, and their whole offense has been non existent. In years past their ability to move the ball up and down the field on short passes worked tremendously. Now it just dies out because they can?t get any momentum going.

Another huge reason is that the Raiders have been missing Joey Porter. He brings so much to the teams wide receivers and takes a lot of pressure off of Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. Last year while Joey Porter used his physical skills, Rice and Brown were able to use their knowledge of the game to have big seasons. Let?s face it Rice and Brown are no longer number one options at receiver, and they need Porter to be that option.

Charlie Garner also needs to be more of a factor. The Raiders have been known for abandoning the run and it has cost them in the past. Garner is a top ten back if he would get the touches. They have a great stable of running backs, with all different types of abilities. If they could utilize them more, they could control the clock again.

Rich Gannon has looked shaky in the pocket, but he hasn?t lost much. He still has plenty of mobility, and just needs a little more protection in the pocket. All last season he was known for his 300 plus passing games week in and week out, and now he is struggling to reach the 200 yard mark. He is a solid veteran, and if anyone can turn it around he can.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Raiders defense hasn?t done much to help out their offense. In fact they are leading the league in yards given up on the ground. It seems like every week the best rushing game is coming against the Raiders. Last week William Green had his best game of the year, and things don?t get easier this week against Priest Holmes.

Overall at 2-4 the Raiders aren?t necessarily finished. A big win this week against the Chiefs could turn their whole season around. That?s the type of win that could lead them to a four or five game winning streak. The Titans were in a similar situation last season, and pulled off a long winning streak. If the Raiders are going to do it, it?ll have to start this week. At 2-5, I don?t think they?d be able to win seven of their last nine.

Updated Quarterback Rankings

Thursday, 9 October, 2003

By Zack Cimini
Notjustagame.com

Here they are.

Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning
2. Drew Bledsoe
3. Trent Green
4. Daunte Culpepper
5. Steve McNair
6. Rich Gannon
7. Marc Bulger
8. Donovan McNabb
9. Jeff Garcia
10. Patrick Ramsey
11. Jake Plummer
12. Matt Hasselbeck
13. Brad Johnson
14. Quincy Carter
15. Kerry Collins
16. Aaron Brooks
17. Byron Leftwich
18. Jeff Blake
19. Brett Favre
20. Tom Brady
21. David Carr
22. Tommy Maddox
23. Jon Kitna
24. Jay Fiedler
25. Tim Couch
26. Drew Brees
27. Joey Harrington
28. Doug Johnson
29. Jake Delhomme
30. Vinny Testaverde
31. Kyle Boller
32. Kordell Stewart

Analysis and Preview

Wednesday, 8 October, 2003

By Zack Cimini
Notjustagame.com

Week five of the NFL season was one of the craziest weeks in a long time. We saw one of the best comebacks ever, and Dante Hall return a kick for the fourth straight week. We also saw a star NFL player in Emmitt Smith have one of those games that makes you think he is done. Every star NFL player has that game that finally catches up to them, and makes them realize they need to call it quits. Who can forget Dan Marino?s Thanksgiving disaster, and then his playoff collapse against Jacksonville?

Give David Boston a lot of credit for what he did last week. He has been facing a lot of torment from everybody and bounced back from it with a huge game. Also Terrell Owens came back from the dead, and had a solid game against Detroit.

How about all of the surprising teams so far this season? Dallas, Carolina, and the Colts are doing what nobody thought they could do. In fact both the Panthers and Colts are undefeated, which means their match up is the game of the week.

NY Giants vs. New England
The Patriots are the scariest 3-2 team in the league, especially if they can continue to get great play out of Mike Cloud. Both of these teams have had an up and down start to their season, and a win could propel that team into a winning streak. New England?s offensive line better be ready this week, because Strahan and that defensive line are going to get after Brady.

Chicago vs. New Orleans
The Bears finally got their first win of the season, and looked solid in doing it. For the second straight week Anthony Thomas has shocked people, and now looks like a solid starter in fantasy leagues. The Saints are by far the biggest disappointment on the season, and a loss here would be disastrous. Does anyone know what happened to Donte Stallworth?

Tampa Bay vs. Washington
Ouch, the Buccaneers have had two of the worst losses a team could possibly have. Their loss to the Panthers was the result of poor special teams, and last week it was just a total breakdown. What is it with Monday Night that brings out huge fourth quarter comebacks? We saw something very similar a few seasons ago with Miami and the Jets. Washington has been on a two game slide, and needs this one to get back on track. It all boils down to which Tampa Bay defense shows up to play. If it?s the one that played in the second half, than Patrick Ramsey and Lavernues Coles are going to have career days.

Miami vs. Jacksonville
It looks like Jacksonville is set at quarterback for a long time. Leftwich was very impressive against the Chargers, and this time he didn?t throw any interceptions. But that was against a weak defense, and this week he?ll face a tougher challenge against Miami. Expect Miami to throw in a lot of different packages to confuse Leftwich. The key to this game will be Fred Taylor, who always seems to have huge games against Miami?s defense.

Oakland vs. Cleveland
The Raiders are one more loss away to being tied with the Saints as the biggest disappointments. At 2-3 the Raiders are lucky that they aren?t 0-5. Their two wins against San Diego and Cincinnati could have easily been losses. Tim Couch has rejuvenated this team, and looks like he can get them back into the division title race.

Philadelphia vs. Dallas
With the Redskins and Giants struggling, the Eagles have already made up for their early season losses. With a win against Dallas they could end up in a four way tie with Washington, Philadelphia, and Dallas. If you?re those three teams you have to be kicking yourselves for letting the Eagles back into the race.

Kansas City vs. Green Bay
Hey Green Bay, keep the ball away from Donte Hall. A lot of people forgot that the Seahawks were undefeated with the way that the Packers destroyed them. Kansas City is going to fall sooner or later, so why not this week? The Packers match up well with the Chiefs and should put up a great game.

Houston vs. Tennessee
The old Titans will try to show the new Texans that they still control both cities. The key to this game is Steve McNair. He played great last week, but didn?t get enough support from his defense. The Texans aren?t going to light up the scoreboard, so all McNair needs to do is have one of his average games.

Carolina vs. Indianapolis
A great offense vs. a great defense is always a great game. Last week the Colts proved that the offense can out duel a great defense. The reason the Colts even had a shot is because the Buccaneers didn?t do a great job in ball control. That has been the Panthers strength all season, and they?ll ride Stephen Davis until the clock runs out.

Pittsburgh vs. Denver
Jake Plummer and the Broncos suffered their first loss of the year, while the Steelers lost big time to Cleveland. The Steelers just have not been getting enough out of their running game, and their defense isn?t as top notch as it used to be. The Steelers defense should be able to stop Plummer, but the key is can they stop Portis?

Buffalo vs. NY Jets
Santana Moss will get his first start of the year, and could be the key ingredient the Jets have needed. Drew Bledsoe and the Bills survived a scare from the Bengals last week, and will need to play better or they?ll be handed another loss. The Jets should be able to win this game if Vinny Testaverde doesn?t have to throw on every down.

Baltimore vs. Arizona
Marcell Shipp will get the start this week and could surprise people with his skills. The Ravens will continue to do what their game plan has been all year, and that is let Jamal Lewis win them games not Kyle Boller. If the Cardinals could play together they would be a .500 team, but they can?t and the Ravens defense will force plenty of pressure on the Cardinals O-line.

San Francisco vs. Seattle
The 49ers can get back into things if they can knock off the Seahawks. The Seahawks defense has been lit up on several occasions, and will have trouble stopping the 49ers set of receivers. Matt Hasselbeck will need to be more effective, or the Seahawks could go a long losing streak.

Atlanta vs. St. Louis
If only Michael Vick would be playing. Doug Johnson did his best last week, but the Falcons defense couldn?t stop Randy Moss. If they can?t stop him alone, just imagine what Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce will be able to do.

What Are The Cardinals Thinking?

Wednesday, 8 October, 2003

By Zack Cimini
Notjustagame.com

Emmitt Smith will be out indefinitely with a fractured shoulder. The injury is based on a week to week evaluation, and he could be out for a good portion of the season. That means Marcell Shipp will get an opportunity to prove that he is the better running back for the Cardinals. If he does play well, just imagine the situation the Cardinals will be in. Smith still has one year left on his contract and we all know he doesn?t want to sit next season. With all that in mind, it brings up the question; did Emmitt Smith do the right thing in coming to Arizona?

With two Super Bowl rings and many NFL records, it is hard to say why Smith would want to keep playing football. Sure he wanted to prove to the rest of the league that he could still start and play effectively, but it hasn?t happened. In coming to Arizona he thought he would have it easy with a huge offensive line, which was supposed to open up holes for him. Instead the offensive line has been the weakness of this offense, and has Jeff Blake running for his life.

Even when Smith was having solid games he wasn?t getting enough opportunities to carry the football. The Cardinals were down by so many points that Smith was a non factor in second halves.

The main reason the Cardinals brought in Smith was to have a super star player on their team. It didn?t matter what Smith?s age was or if he could still play, the Cardinals just wanted a big name. With the future hall of fame player, more tickets were expected to be sold. It just goes to show if you aren?t producing on the field as a team, fans still won?t show up. A lot of the blame has gone on Arizona fans but Phoenix Coyotes, Diamondbacks, and Suns games all have solid crowd attendance.

This team is the youngest team in the league with a lot of talent. That?s exactly what we all were saying four years ago, but the Cardinals front office let their players get away. They have a young defense, a solid young offensive line, and now solid young receivers. Marcell Shipp was effective on a couple running plays last week, and could end up being their young running back. A team that young at every position should have done that at quarterback as well.

Jeff Blake is an old veteran and in two years will probably need to be replaced. When that time comes the rest of the team will be molded but will have to start all over with a new quarterback. It?s that kind of logic that keeps setting the Cardinals franchise back.