Alex Smith Should Start, Not "Wild" Kaep
By Chris Jackson Wednesday November 21, 2012
SANTA CLARA-Interesting thing for the 49ers to do, and that’s
having Colin Kaepernick starting over Alex Smith no matter what.
Makes me wonder what’s happening.
Yeah Kaepernick played great Monday night against a great Bears
defense, which is ranked among the best in the
NFL.
Colin Kaepernick completed 16 of 23 passes for 243 yards and two
touchdowns against the 11thranked pass defense in Chicago, which
averages giving up 217 yards per game. So that’s pretty good against a good
Chicago defense.
Here’s one thing, Alex Smith is completing 70 percent of his
passes and many analysts say he looks better then Kaepernick in practice and in
the game, but not according to Harbuagh the last few
weeks.
This isn’t about Smith’s concussion either according to Sports
Illustrated. That really makes you wonder what is going on in Santa Clara at the
49ers practice facility.
But Smith doesn’t seem
concerned.
“When the next guy steps up, it’s good for the team,” said Smith
on Kaepernick. “Let’s not get this wrong, it’s a great thing.
Harbaugh says he tends to go with the “hot hand” and he’s 100
percent correct that Kaepernick has the hot hand, but you can’t judge that after
one game, especially in this day and age when people overreact after one game
and proclaim that a certain player is a star.
Take a look at quarterback Matt Flynn last year. He threw for
480 yards and six touchdowns in one game and so many people overreacted and
believed he was a star, but don’t give the fans all the blame, that’s pretty
good numbers in one game.
Then Seattle went crazy and decided to give Flynn a $26 million
contract, and look what happened, he didn’t even win the starting job over
rookie Russell Wilson-who many proclaim doesn’t have enough size even though he
is proving he can be a good quarterback, and that’s not overreacting, that’s a
fact by many front offices standards.
That shows how mislead the Seattle franchise got by Flynn’s
performance in one game last year. Maybe they should have rethought whether he’s
really that good or that was a fluke-the answer to his one game performance is
that it was a fluke.
One thing I’m not saying is that Colin is a bad quarterback,
because he’s pretty good. But he’s not someone I would put all of my trust in.
If I were coach Harbaugh, I would prefer Alex Smith any day over Kaepernick
because he has more experience and think he is more suited to the NFL level. And
don’t get me wrong, Kaep will get his chance someday to be a full time starter,
but this isn’t the year, especially if they want to make a run in the playoffs,
but to be honest, I don’t think either is a Super Bowl quarterback. And now
there’s a controversy over Kaepernick
starting.
Kaepernick doesn’t want a controversy as no one really does, no
matter what they say.
“I don’t want there to be a controversy,” Kaepernick said. “I
just want to do whatever’s best for this team. Whatever is going to help us win
games.”
No one wants this type of controversy. It’s the last thing you
want to deal with in a talented Niner team. They are better off running what
they’ve run all year. Just run Kaepernick out of the wild cat
offense.
In the end, Alex Smith should be the starter, not Wild Kaep.
Kaepernick is a wild cat type player for now, and that’s the bottom
line.
SANTA CLARA-Interesting thing for the 49ers to do, and that’s
having Colin Kaepernick starting over Alex Smith no matter what.
Makes me wonder what’s happening.
Yeah Kaepernick played great Monday night against a great Bears
defense, which is ranked among the best in the
NFL.
Colin Kaepernick completed 16 of 23 passes for 243 yards and two
touchdowns against the 11thranked pass defense in Chicago, which
averages giving up 217 yards per game. So that’s pretty good against a good
Chicago defense.
Here’s one thing, Alex Smith is completing 70 percent of his
passes and many analysts say he looks better then Kaepernick in practice and in
the game, but not according to Harbuagh the last few
weeks.
This isn’t about Smith’s concussion either according to Sports
Illustrated. That really makes you wonder what is going on in Santa Clara at the
49ers practice facility.
But Smith doesn’t seem
concerned.
“When the next guy steps up, it’s good for the team,” said Smith
on Kaepernick. “Let’s not get this wrong, it’s a great thing.
Harbaugh says he tends to go with the “hot hand” and he’s 100
percent correct that Kaepernick has the hot hand, but you can’t judge that after
one game, especially in this day and age when people overreact after one game
and proclaim that a certain player is a star.
Take a look at quarterback Matt Flynn last year. He threw for
480 yards and six touchdowns in one game and so many people overreacted and
believed he was a star, but don’t give the fans all the blame, that’s pretty
good numbers in one game.
Then Seattle went crazy and decided to give Flynn a $26 million
contract, and look what happened, he didn’t even win the starting job over
rookie Russell Wilson-who many proclaim doesn’t have enough size even though he
is proving he can be a good quarterback, and that’s not overreacting, that’s a
fact by many front offices standards.
That shows how mislead the Seattle franchise got by Flynn’s
performance in one game last year. Maybe they should have rethought whether he’s
really that good or that was a fluke-the answer to his one game performance is
that it was a fluke.
One thing I’m not saying is that Colin is a bad quarterback,
because he’s pretty good. But he’s not someone I would put all of my trust in.
If I were coach Harbaugh, I would prefer Alex Smith any day over Kaepernick
because he has more experience and think he is more suited to the NFL level. And
don’t get me wrong, Kaep will get his chance someday to be a full time starter,
but this isn’t the year, especially if they want to make a run in the playoffs,
but to be honest, I don’t think either is a Super Bowl quarterback. And now
there’s a controversy over Kaepernick
starting.
Kaepernick doesn’t want a controversy as no one really does, no
matter what they say.
“I don’t want there to be a controversy,” Kaepernick said. “I
just want to do whatever’s best for this team. Whatever is going to help us win
games.”
No one wants this type of controversy. It’s the last thing you
want to deal with in a talented Niner team. They are better off running what
they’ve run all year. Just run Kaepernick out of the wild cat
offense.
In the end, Alex Smith should be the starter, not Wild Kaep.
Kaepernick is a wild cat type player for now, and that’s the bottom
line.
Week 11 Scores
Thursday
Dolphins 14 Bills 19
Sunday
Cardinals 19 Falcons 23
Browns 20 Cowboys 23 OT
Packers 24 Lions 20
Bengals 28 Chiefs 6
Jets 27 Rams 13
Eagles 6 Redskins 31
Buccaneers 27 Panthers 21 OT
Jaguars 37 Texans 43 OT
Saints 38 Raiders 17
Chargers 23 Broncos 30
Colts 24 Patriots 59
Ravens 13 Steelers 10
Dolphins 14 Bills 19
Sunday
Cardinals 19 Falcons 23
Browns 20 Cowboys 23 OT
Packers 24 Lions 20
Bengals 28 Chiefs 6
Jets 27 Rams 13
Eagles 6 Redskins 31
Buccaneers 27 Panthers 21 OT
Jaguars 37 Texans 43 OT
Saints 38 Raiders 17
Chargers 23 Broncos 30
Colts 24 Patriots 59
Ravens 13 Steelers 10
Week 10 Scores
Thursday
Colts 27 Jaguars 10
Sunday
Giants 13 Bengals 31
Raiders 20 Ravens 55
Titans 37 Dolphins 3
Lions 24 Vikings 34
Falcons 27 Saints 31
Chargers 24 Buccaneers 34
Broncos 36 Panthers 14
Bills 31 Patriots 37
Jets 7 Seahawks 28
Cowboys 38 Eagles 23
Rams 24 49ers 24 OT
Texans 13 Bears 6
Monday
Chiefs 13 Steelers 16 OT
Colts 27 Jaguars 10
Sunday
Giants 13 Bengals 31
Raiders 20 Ravens 55
Titans 37 Dolphins 3
Lions 24 Vikings 34
Falcons 27 Saints 31
Chargers 24 Buccaneers 34
Broncos 36 Panthers 14
Bills 31 Patriots 37
Jets 7 Seahawks 28
Cowboys 38 Eagles 23
Rams 24 49ers 24 OT
Texans 13 Bears 6
Monday
Chiefs 13 Steelers 16 OT
Week 9
Week 9 Scores
Thursday
Chiefs 13 Chargers 31
Sunday
Lions 31 Jaguars 14 Panthers 21 Redskins 13
Ravens 25 Browns 15 Cardinals 17 Packers 31
Bills 9 Texans 21 Dolphins 20 Colts 23
Broncos 21 Bengals 13 Steelers 24 Giants 20
Bears 51 Titans 20 Buccaneers 42 Raiders 32
Vikings 20 Seahawks 30 Cowboys 13 Steelers 19
Monday
Eagles 13 Saints 28
Chiefs 13 Chargers 31
Sunday
Lions 31 Jaguars 14 Panthers 21 Redskins 13
Ravens 25 Browns 15 Cardinals 17 Packers 31
Bills 9 Texans 21 Dolphins 20 Colts 23
Broncos 21 Bengals 13 Steelers 24 Giants 20
Bears 51 Titans 20 Buccaneers 42 Raiders 32
Vikings 20 Seahawks 30 Cowboys 13 Steelers 19
Monday
Eagles 13 Saints 28
Week 8
Week 8 Scores
Thursday
Buccaneers 36 Vikings 17
Sunday
Giants 29 Cowboys 24 Raiders 26 Chiefs 16 Panthers 22 Bears 23 Chargers 6 Browns 7 Seahawks 24 Lions 28 Jaguars 15 Packers 24
Colts 19 Titans 13 OT Patriots 45 Rams 7 Dolphins 30 Jets 9 Falcons 30 Eagles 17 Redskins 12 Steelers 27 Saints 14 Broncos 34
Monday
49ers 24 Cardinals 3
Buccaneers 36 Vikings 17
Sunday
Giants 29 Cowboys 24 Raiders 26 Chiefs 16 Panthers 22 Bears 23 Chargers 6 Browns 7 Seahawks 24 Lions 28 Jaguars 15 Packers 24
Colts 19 Titans 13 OT Patriots 45 Rams 7 Dolphins 30 Jets 9 Falcons 30 Eagles 17 Redskins 12 Steelers 27 Saints 14 Broncos 34
Monday
49ers 24 Cardinals 3
Week 7
Week 7 Scores
Thursday
Seahawks 6 49ers 13
Sunday
Redskins 23 Giants 27 Titans 35 Bills 34 Browns 13 Colts 17 Packers 30 Rams 20 Cardinals 14 Vikings 21 Cowboys 19 Panthers 14
Ravens 13 Texans 43 Saints 35 Buccaneers 28 Jets 26 Patriots 29 OT Jaguars 23 Raiders 26 OT Steelers 24 Bengals 17
Monday
Lions 7 Bears 13
Seahawks 6 49ers 13
Sunday
Redskins 23 Giants 27 Titans 35 Bills 34 Browns 13 Colts 17 Packers 30 Rams 20 Cardinals 14 Vikings 21 Cowboys 19 Panthers 14
Ravens 13 Texans 43 Saints 35 Buccaneers 28 Jets 26 Patriots 29 OT Jaguars 23 Raiders 26 OT Steelers 24 Bengals 17
Monday
Lions 7 Bears 13
The Line
Raiders vs Jaguars Line: OAK by 6 O/U: 44
Bills vs Titans Line: Bills by 3.5 O/U: 46.5
Vikings vs Cardinals Line: Vikings by 6.5 O/U: 40.5
Colts vs Browns Line: IND by 1.5 O/U: 46
Texans vs Ravens Line: HOU by 7 O/U: 48.5
Rams vs Packers Line: GB by 5 O/U: 45.5
Panthers vs Cowboys Line: DAL by 2 O/U: 46
Giants vs Redskins Line: NYG by 6 O/U: 51
Buccaneers vs Saints Line: NO by 2 O/U: 49.5
Patriots vs Jets Line: NE by 10.5 O/U: 47.5
Bengals vs Steelers Line: PIT by 1 O/U: 45
Bears vs Lions Line: CHI by 6.5 O/U: 47.5
Bills vs Titans Line: Bills by 3.5 O/U: 46.5
Vikings vs Cardinals Line: Vikings by 6.5 O/U: 40.5
Colts vs Browns Line: IND by 1.5 O/U: 46
Texans vs Ravens Line: HOU by 7 O/U: 48.5
Rams vs Packers Line: GB by 5 O/U: 45.5
Panthers vs Cowboys Line: DAL by 2 O/U: 46
Giants vs Redskins Line: NYG by 6 O/U: 51
Buccaneers vs Saints Line: NO by 2 O/U: 49.5
Patriots vs Jets Line: NE by 10.5 O/U: 47.5
Bengals vs Steelers Line: PIT by 1 O/U: 45
Bears vs Lions Line: CHI by 6.5 O/U: 47.5
Week 6
Week 6 Scores
Thursday
Steelers 23 Titans 26
Sunday
Raiders 20 Falcons 23 Colts 9 Jets 35 Rams 14 Dolphins 17 Bengals 24 Browns 34 Chiefs 10 Buccaneers 38 Cowboys 29 Ravens 31
Lions 26 Eagles 23 Bills 19 Cardinals 16 OT Giants 26 49ers 3 Patriots 23 Seahawks 24 Vikings 26 Redskins 38
Monday
Broncos 35 Chargers 24
Steelers 23 Titans 26
Sunday
Raiders 20 Falcons 23 Colts 9 Jets 35 Rams 14 Dolphins 17 Bengals 24 Browns 34 Chiefs 10 Buccaneers 38 Cowboys 29 Ravens 31
Lions 26 Eagles 23 Bills 19 Cardinals 16 OT Giants 26 49ers 3 Patriots 23 Seahawks 24 Vikings 26 Redskins 38
Monday
Broncos 35 Chargers 24
Week 5
Week 5 Scores
Thursday
Cardinals 3 Rams 17
Sunday
Browns 27 Giants 41 Dolphins 17 Bengals 13 Packers 27 Colts 30 Ravens 9 Chiefs 6 Eagles 14 Steelers 16 Falcons 24 Redskins 17
Cardinals 3 Rams 17
Sunday
Browns 27 Giants 41 Dolphins 17 Bengals 13 Packers 27 Colts 30 Ravens 9 Chiefs 6 Eagles 14 Steelers 16 Falcons 24 Redskins 17
Week 4
Jets Need To Figure Things Out Fast
By Chris Jackson Sunday September 30, 2012
EAST RUTHERFORD-Rex Ryan can’t hold in his anger, but how could
anyone with their performance?
“I apologize for my language,” said Ryan, so
angry after the 49ers’ 34-0 victory Sunday that he had trouble even getting
started. “I was going to say we got our butt kicked, but really ... there’s no
two ways, in or outs about it.”
And his language expressed his anger.
The Jets got shutout and their defense allowed
34 points. Is there anything worse for a coach?-besides going
0-16.
Now the stats might not show their offense needs
tweaking. They are 17thin the league in passing yards per game (230)
which is surprising. But Mark Sanchez needs to make smarter choices with his
passes. He needs to remain calm in the pocket, and if he has to, throw the ball
away.
They are 2-2, but their defense is in need of
repairs, especially after hearing Darrelle Revis will be out for the year.
Antonio Cromartie has to carry the load in the
secondary. But don’t expect him to carry as big of a load as Revis did before
his injury.
Kyle Wilson has replaced Revis at cornerback,
but with their player in the secondary out, and with a weak front seven, what
can they do? There isn’t many good players on the market that can help out their
defense.
The front seven for the Jets is among the worst
in the NFL. They are giving up 148.7 rushing yards per game-which is
28th in the league. And when you can’t stop the run along with the
pass in the pros, you’re going to be in need of
help.
They gave up 245 yards rushing Sunday against
San Francisco, which left Rex Ryan sick.
“It’s obviously unacceptable,” Ryan snarled. “It
starts with the coaches. The players are not going to be in on Monday or
Tuesday. They’ve got to dig deep, look down at
themselves.”
Along with All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis
out, they got another significant injury to top receiver Santonio Holmes. He
will get an MRI Monday to determine the extent of his foot injury. And if he
misses some time, they will be without their star
players.
“We’ve got to play with who we’ve got,” said quarterback Mark Sanchez,
who was also without injured tight end Dustin Keller. “None of those guys are
going to get better overnight.”
Mark Sanchez completed 13 of 29 passes for 103 yards and an
interception. He also lost a fumble.
By the end of the game, Jets fans were booing the offense and
were chanting Teebow! That’s not what you want from your fans. So if that’s not
what they want, they need to fix their problems
fast.
EAST RUTHERFORD-Rex Ryan can’t hold in his anger, but how could
anyone with their performance?
“I apologize for my language,” said Ryan, so
angry after the 49ers’ 34-0 victory Sunday that he had trouble even getting
started. “I was going to say we got our butt kicked, but really ... there’s no
two ways, in or outs about it.”
And his language expressed his anger.
The Jets got shutout and their defense allowed
34 points. Is there anything worse for a coach?-besides going
0-16.
Now the stats might not show their offense needs
tweaking. They are 17thin the league in passing yards per game (230)
which is surprising. But Mark Sanchez needs to make smarter choices with his
passes. He needs to remain calm in the pocket, and if he has to, throw the ball
away.
They are 2-2, but their defense is in need of
repairs, especially after hearing Darrelle Revis will be out for the year.
Antonio Cromartie has to carry the load in the
secondary. But don’t expect him to carry as big of a load as Revis did before
his injury.
Kyle Wilson has replaced Revis at cornerback,
but with their player in the secondary out, and with a weak front seven, what
can they do? There isn’t many good players on the market that can help out their
defense.
The front seven for the Jets is among the worst
in the NFL. They are giving up 148.7 rushing yards per game-which is
28th in the league. And when you can’t stop the run along with the
pass in the pros, you’re going to be in need of
help.
They gave up 245 yards rushing Sunday against
San Francisco, which left Rex Ryan sick.
“It’s obviously unacceptable,” Ryan snarled. “It
starts with the coaches. The players are not going to be in on Monday or
Tuesday. They’ve got to dig deep, look down at
themselves.”
Along with All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis
out, they got another significant injury to top receiver Santonio Holmes. He
will get an MRI Monday to determine the extent of his foot injury. And if he
misses some time, they will be without their star
players.
“We’ve got to play with who we’ve got,” said quarterback Mark Sanchez,
who was also without injured tight end Dustin Keller. “None of those guys are
going to get better overnight.”
Mark Sanchez completed 13 of 29 passes for 103 yards and an
interception. He also lost a fumble.
By the end of the game, Jets fans were booing the offense and
were chanting Teebow! That’s not what you want from your fans. So if that’s not
what they want, they need to fix their problems
fast.
Week 4 Scores
Browns 16 Ravens 23 Vikings 20 Lions 13 49ers 34 Jets 0 Seahawks 13 Rams 19 Titans 14 Texans 38 Patriots 52 Bills 28 Chargers 37 Chiefs 20
Panthers 28 Falcons 30 Dolphis 21 Cardinals 24 OT Bengals 27 Jaguars 10 Raiders 6 Broncos 37 Saints 27 Packers 28 Redskins 24 Buccaneers 22
Giants 17 Eagles 19
Panthers 28 Falcons 30 Dolphis 21 Cardinals 24 OT Bengals 27 Jaguars 10 Raiders 6 Broncos 37 Saints 27 Packers 28 Redskins 24 Buccaneers 22
Giants 17 Eagles 19
Week 3
Week 3 Scores
Giants 36 Panthers 7 Rams 6 Bears 23 Bills 24 Browns 14 Buccaneers 10 Cowboys 16 Jaguars 22 Colts 17 Bengals 38 Redskins 31
49ers 13 Vikings 24 Lions 41 Titans 44 OT Chiefs 27 Saints 24 OT Jets 23 Dolphins 20 OT Falcons 27 Chargers 3 Eagles 6 Cardinals 27
Texans 31 Broncos 25 Steelers 31 Raiders 34 Patriots 30 Ravens 31 Packers 12 Seahawks 14
49ers 13 Vikings 24 Lions 41 Titans 44 OT Chiefs 27 Saints 24 OT Jets 23 Dolphins 20 OT Falcons 27 Chargers 3 Eagles 6 Cardinals 27
Texans 31 Broncos 25 Steelers 31 Raiders 34 Patriots 30 Ravens 31 Packers 12 Seahawks 14
Goodell and Refs Union Have Been Meeting for Too Long
By Chris Jackson Monday September 24, 2012
The good times are over for these replacement referees and it
may be a long time before Goodell and the refs union come up with an
agreement.
In a day where football is what a lot of people unemployed have,
can these replacement refs turn away any fans from
football?
Yes and no. It is a mixture of
both.
But when you can’t come up with an agreement-and it’s been since
June-it makes Goodell look worse than many fans already interpret him and it
gets players, fans and coaches mad.
CBS’ Shannon Sharpe said, “They’re killing the tempo and flow of
the game.”
ESPN’s Cris Carter said, “There is a great deal of disrespect
from the players to the referees, and we’ve never had this
before.”
And Carter is right.
When you have multiple calls being missed in games, there is
tons of disrespect from the players to the
refs.
Look at the 49ers and Vikings game Sunday-there was a
block-in-the-back called on San Francisco (and they were the kicking team) and
the rules state there can’t be blocking on the kicking team. But after a short
meeting on the field between the refs, the refs took away the call. Harbaugh was
also awarded with two challenges after calling his final timeout-he was awarded
with his first challenge right after he called his final timeout-he got that
call on the field overturned and he got his timeout back along with the
challenge-which doesn’t seem possible after you call your final
timeout.
In Oakland, Raiders wide-receiver Darius Heyward-Bey got a
helmet-to-helmet hit from Steelers safety Ryan Mundy-there was no flag thrown
for the hit and Heyward-Bey laid in the endzone for 12 minutes and was carted
off the field.
Those incidences in Minnesota and Oakland are just a few of
many. So can Goodell and the refs union come up with an agreement?-sources say
both sides are far apart. But in a day where football is all a lot of people
have, Goodell and the refs union is ruining football for
them.
The good times are over for these replacement referees and it
may be a long time before Goodell and the refs union come up with an
agreement.
In a day where football is what a lot of people unemployed have,
can these replacement refs turn away any fans from
football?
Yes and no. It is a mixture of
both.
But when you can’t come up with an agreement-and it’s been since
June-it makes Goodell look worse than many fans already interpret him and it
gets players, fans and coaches mad.
CBS’ Shannon Sharpe said, “They’re killing the tempo and flow of
the game.”
ESPN’s Cris Carter said, “There is a great deal of disrespect
from the players to the referees, and we’ve never had this
before.”
And Carter is right.
When you have multiple calls being missed in games, there is
tons of disrespect from the players to the
refs.
Look at the 49ers and Vikings game Sunday-there was a
block-in-the-back called on San Francisco (and they were the kicking team) and
the rules state there can’t be blocking on the kicking team. But after a short
meeting on the field between the refs, the refs took away the call. Harbaugh was
also awarded with two challenges after calling his final timeout-he was awarded
with his first challenge right after he called his final timeout-he got that
call on the field overturned and he got his timeout back along with the
challenge-which doesn’t seem possible after you call your final
timeout.
In Oakland, Raiders wide-receiver Darius Heyward-Bey got a
helmet-to-helmet hit from Steelers safety Ryan Mundy-there was no flag thrown
for the hit and Heyward-Bey laid in the endzone for 12 minutes and was carted
off the field.
Those incidences in Minnesota and Oakland are just a few of
many. So can Goodell and the refs union come up with an agreement?-sources say
both sides are far apart. But in a day where football is all a lot of people
have, Goodell and the refs union is ruining football for
them.
Cardinals Defense Main Reason For 3-0 Start
By Chris Jackson Sunday September 23, 2012
PHOENIX-Defense.
That is what has helped the Cardinals defense lockdown the
Eagles explosive to just 6 points and to their first 3-0 start since
1974.
"I'm going to enjoy it, don't get me wrong, but the biggest
thing is being 3-0," Kolb said. "Being 3-0 with the teams that we've played and
the fashion that we've won, it's been
exciting."
This 27-6 victory over Philadelphia comes just one week after a 20-18 victory at New
England when Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed the game-winning field
goal at the end.
Arizona’s defense forced 3 Eagles
turnovers.
Eagles quarterback Michael Vick fumbled twice, and one of his
fumbles was returned 93 yards for an Arizona touchdown which basically sealed
the deal.
Vick completed just half of his passes (17-37) for 217 yards and
no touchdowns. He was also sacked five times.
"I wish I had all the answers right now," Vick said. "The only thing I can tell you
is we didn't play our best, Nowhere near what we have potential to
do."
The only real thing that could get past the Cardinals defense
was the Eagles rushing attack. Philadelphia averaged 6 yards per carry and
rushed for 126 yards-LaSean McCoy rushed for 70 yards on 13 carries and Bryce
Brown rushed for 28 yards on 4 carries.
When you can have an accomplished defense along with a solid
running game led by Ryan Williams (80 yards rushing on 13 carries Sunday) and an
Pro-Bowl receiver in Larry Fitzgerald (114 yards on 9 catches for one touchdown
Sunday) this Cardinals squad can be one that can possibly contend for a playoff
spot. But don’t forget about quarterback Kevin Kolb who completed 17 of 24
passes for 222 yards and 2 touchdowns. And so far Arizona is 3-0 and leads the
NFC West-since the 49ers lost at Minnesota and fell to
2-1.
PHOENIX-Defense.
That is what has helped the Cardinals defense lockdown the
Eagles explosive to just 6 points and to their first 3-0 start since
1974.
"I'm going to enjoy it, don't get me wrong, but the biggest
thing is being 3-0," Kolb said. "Being 3-0 with the teams that we've played and
the fashion that we've won, it's been
exciting."
This 27-6 victory over Philadelphia comes just one week after a 20-18 victory at New
England when Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed the game-winning field
goal at the end.
Arizona’s defense forced 3 Eagles
turnovers.
Eagles quarterback Michael Vick fumbled twice, and one of his
fumbles was returned 93 yards for an Arizona touchdown which basically sealed
the deal.
Vick completed just half of his passes (17-37) for 217 yards and
no touchdowns. He was also sacked five times.
"I wish I had all the answers right now," Vick said. "The only thing I can tell you
is we didn't play our best, Nowhere near what we have potential to
do."
The only real thing that could get past the Cardinals defense
was the Eagles rushing attack. Philadelphia averaged 6 yards per carry and
rushed for 126 yards-LaSean McCoy rushed for 70 yards on 13 carries and Bryce
Brown rushed for 28 yards on 4 carries.
When you can have an accomplished defense along with a solid
running game led by Ryan Williams (80 yards rushing on 13 carries Sunday) and an
Pro-Bowl receiver in Larry Fitzgerald (114 yards on 9 catches for one touchdown
Sunday) this Cardinals squad can be one that can possibly contend for a playoff
spot. But don’t forget about quarterback Kevin Kolb who completed 17 of 24
passes for 222 yards and 2 touchdowns. And so far Arizona is 3-0 and leads the
NFC West-since the 49ers lost at Minnesota and fell to
2-1.
Week 2 Scores, Articles, Standings
Week 2 Scores
Bears 10 Packers 23 Buccaneers 34 Giants 41 Raiders 13 Dolphins 35 Chiefs 17 Bills 35 Browns 27 Bengals 34 Vikings 20 Colts 23
Cardinals 20 Patriots 18 Ravens 23 Eagles 24 Saints 27 Panthers 35 Texans 27 Jaguars 7 Cowboys 7 Seahawks 27 Redskins 28 Rams 31
Jets 10 Steelers 27 Titans 10 Chargers 38 Lions 19 49ers 27 Broncos 21 Falcons 27
Cardinals 20 Patriots 18 Ravens 23 Eagles 24 Saints 27 Panthers 35 Texans 27 Jaguars 7 Cowboys 7 Seahawks 27 Redskins 28 Rams 31
Jets 10 Steelers 27 Titans 10 Chargers 38 Lions 19 49ers 27 Broncos 21 Falcons 27
Rebuilding Year In Oakland
By Chris Jackson Sunday September 16, 2012
MIAMI-13 points against Miami Sunday, 27 the last two games is
indicating this season will be a rebuilding season in
Oakland.
They even have lost receiver Jacoby Ford for the season. So what
else is there to show that this is a rebuilding
year?
The Raiders only have a couple of receivers to go to. They are
Denarius Moore, Darius Heyward-Bey and Rod Steater (every once in a
while).
The third down efficiency for the Raiders against Miami was 8
percent (1 for 12) and allowed the Dolphins to convert on third downs 9 of 17
times.
Reggie Bush was all over the Raiders defense. He rushed for 172
yards and 2 touchdowns. He had a 23 yard touchdown run where he broke four
tackles and a 65 yard run where no one could catch him. But wasn’t the Dolphins
running game a weakness for them? Apparently not against
Oakland.
The Dolphins sealed the deal in the final quarter and a half
with touchdown drives of 75 yards and two 80 yard touchdown
drives.
"We felt our tempo would be a key," Bush said. "We pressed that
tempo and felt like we wore them down and just continued to pound the
ball."
Oakland’s running game has been failing these first two weeks.
McFadden had 22 yards rushing on 11 carries this week and just 32 yards rushing
against San Diego last Monday. Seems like the zone blocking scheme is a problem
for him again like it was a few years ago. But the problem is with zone blocking
holes will be open quickly and close quickly and in man blocking there is
usually a hole that is there for most of the play. They are 27th in
the league in rushing yards per game (45).
The defense doesn’t seem to be getting destroyed like last year.
They are 12th in the league in opponent passing yards per game (226)
and 3rd in the league in opponent rushing yards per game (32). At
least they are getting more rushing yards then they are giving
up.
But in the NFL you need offense. This is a passing league and if
the Raiders can’t have all their receivers playing, that will hurt them down the
stretch and could cost them a playoff spot. At least Carson Palmer threw for 373
yards and one touchdown against Miami. But he also threw an interception. If he
can limit interceptions and not force things, this team could improve a whole
lot. But don’t forget, he doesn’t have all of his receivers. And he even has to
target Darren McFadden on a lot of plays, and you can’t go to him all the time,
that gives a lot away to the opposing defense. That’s why San Diego and Miami
have stopped him and the Raiders offense with ease.
Raiders fans can’t even go through another rebuilding year.
They’ve been dealing with these since after their Super Bowl run in 2002. Isn’t
it time they can give the fans what they asked
for?
Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp might not be the long term
solution to the Raiders. He brings a lot of conservative play calling. That
explains why on multiple short third down opportunities against Miami they
didn’t even have a route for a receiver to get to the first down marker.
But if the Raiders don’t make the playoffs again (they haven’t
made them since 2002 and they are 0-2 so far this season) don’t expect fans to pack the Coliseum every game next
year.
MIAMI-13 points against Miami Sunday, 27 the last two games is
indicating this season will be a rebuilding season in
Oakland.
They even have lost receiver Jacoby Ford for the season. So what
else is there to show that this is a rebuilding
year?
The Raiders only have a couple of receivers to go to. They are
Denarius Moore, Darius Heyward-Bey and Rod Steater (every once in a
while).
The third down efficiency for the Raiders against Miami was 8
percent (1 for 12) and allowed the Dolphins to convert on third downs 9 of 17
times.
Reggie Bush was all over the Raiders defense. He rushed for 172
yards and 2 touchdowns. He had a 23 yard touchdown run where he broke four
tackles and a 65 yard run where no one could catch him. But wasn’t the Dolphins
running game a weakness for them? Apparently not against
Oakland.
The Dolphins sealed the deal in the final quarter and a half
with touchdown drives of 75 yards and two 80 yard touchdown
drives.
"We felt our tempo would be a key," Bush said. "We pressed that
tempo and felt like we wore them down and just continued to pound the
ball."
Oakland’s running game has been failing these first two weeks.
McFadden had 22 yards rushing on 11 carries this week and just 32 yards rushing
against San Diego last Monday. Seems like the zone blocking scheme is a problem
for him again like it was a few years ago. But the problem is with zone blocking
holes will be open quickly and close quickly and in man blocking there is
usually a hole that is there for most of the play. They are 27th in
the league in rushing yards per game (45).
The defense doesn’t seem to be getting destroyed like last year.
They are 12th in the league in opponent passing yards per game (226)
and 3rd in the league in opponent rushing yards per game (32). At
least they are getting more rushing yards then they are giving
up.
But in the NFL you need offense. This is a passing league and if
the Raiders can’t have all their receivers playing, that will hurt them down the
stretch and could cost them a playoff spot. At least Carson Palmer threw for 373
yards and one touchdown against Miami. But he also threw an interception. If he
can limit interceptions and not force things, this team could improve a whole
lot. But don’t forget, he doesn’t have all of his receivers. And he even has to
target Darren McFadden on a lot of plays, and you can’t go to him all the time,
that gives a lot away to the opposing defense. That’s why San Diego and Miami
have stopped him and the Raiders offense with ease.
Raiders fans can’t even go through another rebuilding year.
They’ve been dealing with these since after their Super Bowl run in 2002. Isn’t
it time they can give the fans what they asked
for?
Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp might not be the long term
solution to the Raiders. He brings a lot of conservative play calling. That
explains why on multiple short third down opportunities against Miami they
didn’t even have a route for a receiver to get to the first down marker.
But if the Raiders don’t make the playoffs again (they haven’t
made them since 2002 and they are 0-2 so far this season) don’t expect fans to pack the Coliseum every game next
year.
Week 1 Scores, Articles, Standings
Week 1 Scores
Colts 21 Bears 41 Eagles 17 Browns 16 Rams 23 Lions 27 Patriots 34 Titans 13 Falcons 40 Chiefs 24
Jaguars 23 Vikings 26 OT Redskins 40 Saints 32 Bills 28 Jets 48 Dolphins 10 Texans 30
Seahawks 16 Cardinals 20 Panthers 10 Buccaneers 16 Steelers 19 Broncos 31 Giants 17 Cowboys 24
Steelers 19 Broncos 31 Bengals 13 Ravens 44 Chargers 22 Raiders 14
Jaguars 23 Vikings 26 OT Redskins 40 Saints 32 Bills 28 Jets 48 Dolphins 10 Texans 30
Seahawks 16 Cardinals 20 Panthers 10 Buccaneers 16 Steelers 19 Broncos 31 Giants 17 Cowboys 24
Steelers 19 Broncos 31 Bengals 13 Ravens 44 Chargers 22 Raiders 14
Ravens Defense Still Stellar
By Chris Jackson Monday September 10, 2012
BALTIMORE-The Ravens defense forces two turnovers, and holds
Cincinnati to 13 points in a shellacking of the
Bengals.
Baltimore’s defense still dominated even in the first game under
new defensive coordinator Dean Pees. They played without Terrell Suggs, who was
the NFL defensive play of the year last year-recorded 14
sacks.
Both of the turnovers Baltimore forced, they both led to
touchdowns. The first one, Ed Reed intercepted a Andy Dalton pass in the third
quarter for a 34 yard interception return for a touchdown. The second one was a
Ray Lewis fumble recovery in the fourth quarter that led to a Ray Rice one yard
touchdown run.
Along with the two turnovers, the Ravens defense sacked Bengals
quarterback Andy Dalton four times for a loss of 28 yards for Dalton. Haloti
Ngata recorded two of the sacks while Ray Lewis recorded one sack and Courtney
Upshaw and Pernel McPhee assisted on a sack-that means both got a half of a sack
in the statbook.
Ray Lewis led the Ravens with 14 sacks in a dominant effort to
prove that even though he might be past his prime, he is still one of the best
players on the defensive side of the ball.
The entire Ravens team worked as a whole Joe Flacco threw for
299 yards and two touchdowns to go along with the great
defense.
"Joe kind of got us into a rhythm and always kept their defense off balance," Lewis
said. "We've practiced against this offense all offseason, so to see it now,
when everything's real, I think you have to take your hats off to how hard we
worked as a team."
BALTIMORE-The Ravens defense forces two turnovers, and holds
Cincinnati to 13 points in a shellacking of the
Bengals.
Baltimore’s defense still dominated even in the first game under
new defensive coordinator Dean Pees. They played without Terrell Suggs, who was
the NFL defensive play of the year last year-recorded 14
sacks.
Both of the turnovers Baltimore forced, they both led to
touchdowns. The first one, Ed Reed intercepted a Andy Dalton pass in the third
quarter for a 34 yard interception return for a touchdown. The second one was a
Ray Lewis fumble recovery in the fourth quarter that led to a Ray Rice one yard
touchdown run.
Along with the two turnovers, the Ravens defense sacked Bengals
quarterback Andy Dalton four times for a loss of 28 yards for Dalton. Haloti
Ngata recorded two of the sacks while Ray Lewis recorded one sack and Courtney
Upshaw and Pernel McPhee assisted on a sack-that means both got a half of a sack
in the statbook.
Ray Lewis led the Ravens with 14 sacks in a dominant effort to
prove that even though he might be past his prime, he is still one of the best
players on the defensive side of the ball.
The entire Ravens team worked as a whole Joe Flacco threw for
299 yards and two touchdowns to go along with the great
defense.
"Joe kind of got us into a rhythm and always kept their defense off balance," Lewis
said. "We've practiced against this offense all offseason, so to see it now,
when everything's real, I think you have to take your hats off to how hard we
worked as a team."
RG3 Dominates Debut
By Chris Jackson Sunday September 9, 2012
NEW ORLEANS-Robert Griffin dominates in debut as he threw for
320 yards and two touchdowns.
He made himself look like LeBron, just playing so easy waiting
for the right moments to make the big plays.
Along with his 320 yards passing, he rushed for 42 yards on 10
carries.
He completed 19 of his 26 passes for two touchdowns and no
interceptions while getting sacked just once. He had a stunning passer rating of
139.9.
"Robert did an unbelievable job to play the way that he did in
his first game in the National Football League," said Redskins coach Mike
Shanahan, marveling at "the poise that he played with and some of the throws
that he made."
Griffin connected with top receiver Pierre Garcon four times for
109 yards and one touchdown.
"It's great for any quarterback to get a couple of easy passes
at the beginning of a game so you can get into a rhythm," Griffin said. "They
were giving us those looks and I took advantage of
them."
He made it look effortless getting through the Saints
defense.
Drew Brees threw for 339 yards and three touchdowns, but two
interceptions. He completed under half of his 52 pass attempts
(24).
"That makes you angry," Brees said, raising his eyebrows and
shaking his head as he talked about completing less than half of his passes.
"We're better than that and we're going to be better than
that."
But even though it is just the end of week one, will RG3 have a better year than
Andrew Luck?
NEW ORLEANS-Robert Griffin dominates in debut as he threw for
320 yards and two touchdowns.
He made himself look like LeBron, just playing so easy waiting
for the right moments to make the big plays.
Along with his 320 yards passing, he rushed for 42 yards on 10
carries.
He completed 19 of his 26 passes for two touchdowns and no
interceptions while getting sacked just once. He had a stunning passer rating of
139.9.
"Robert did an unbelievable job to play the way that he did in
his first game in the National Football League," said Redskins coach Mike
Shanahan, marveling at "the poise that he played with and some of the throws
that he made."
Griffin connected with top receiver Pierre Garcon four times for
109 yards and one touchdown.
"It's great for any quarterback to get a couple of easy passes
at the beginning of a game so you can get into a rhythm," Griffin said. "They
were giving us those looks and I took advantage of
them."
He made it look effortless getting through the Saints
defense.
Drew Brees threw for 339 yards and three touchdowns, but two
interceptions. He completed under half of his 52 pass attempts
(24).
"That makes you angry," Brees said, raising his eyebrows and
shaking his head as he talked about completing less than half of his passes.
"We're better than that and we're going to be better than
that."
But even though it is just the end of week one, will RG3 have a better year than
Andrew Luck?
Andrew Luck Ok in Debut
By Chris Jackson Sunday September 9, 2012
CHICAGO-Rookie Andrew Luck threw for 309 yards and one touchdown
in a 41-21 loss at Chicago (1-0).
And he did not dazzle like second pick Robert Griffin did for
Washington.
Luck’s touchdown pass was to Donnie Avery early in the fourth.
He also threw three interceptions, lost a fumble and got sacked three
times.
"There will be a lot of positives, a lot of negatives, we'll try
to learn from it," Luck said. "I'm still disappointed fresh off what happened
but we'll get over it."
He completed 23 of 45 passes and on his three sacks he lost 16
yards.
But Luck posted similar statistics in his debut to Peyton
Manning in his NFL debut with the Colts. In Manning’s debut, he threw for 302
yards-seven less then Luck (309) and threw for one touchdown and three
interceptions. He also recorded the loss.
Hopefully Luck goes better than the Colts (0-1) did in Manning’s
his rookie season (2-14).
Don’t forget that Luck faced a talented Bears squad with a solid
defense and a physical running game led by Matt Forte-who rushed for 80 yards on
16 carries for one touchdown. Michael Bush also added 42 yards on 12 carries and
two touchdowns for Chicago. He was mainly the third down and goal-line
back.
Luck connected with former Stanford teammate Coby Fleener six
times for 82 yards and also connected with receiver Reggie Wayne nine times for
135 yards.
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler outperformed Luck for the final 3 ½
quarters-he got sacked multiple times on the first drive of the game. He
completed 21 of 35 passes for 335 yards and two touchdowns. And he also threw
one interception.
CHICAGO-Rookie Andrew Luck threw for 309 yards and one touchdown
in a 41-21 loss at Chicago (1-0).
And he did not dazzle like second pick Robert Griffin did for
Washington.
Luck’s touchdown pass was to Donnie Avery early in the fourth.
He also threw three interceptions, lost a fumble and got sacked three
times.
"There will be a lot of positives, a lot of negatives, we'll try
to learn from it," Luck said. "I'm still disappointed fresh off what happened
but we'll get over it."
He completed 23 of 45 passes and on his three sacks he lost 16
yards.
But Luck posted similar statistics in his debut to Peyton
Manning in his NFL debut with the Colts. In Manning’s debut, he threw for 302
yards-seven less then Luck (309) and threw for one touchdown and three
interceptions. He also recorded the loss.
Hopefully Luck goes better than the Colts (0-1) did in Manning’s
his rookie season (2-14).
Don’t forget that Luck faced a talented Bears squad with a solid
defense and a physical running game led by Matt Forte-who rushed for 80 yards on
16 carries for one touchdown. Michael Bush also added 42 yards on 12 carries and
two touchdowns for Chicago. He was mainly the third down and goal-line
back.
Luck connected with former Stanford teammate Coby Fleener six
times for 82 yards and also connected with receiver Reggie Wayne nine times for
135 yards.
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler outperformed Luck for the final 3 ½
quarters-he got sacked multiple times on the first drive of the game. He
completed 21 of 35 passes for 335 yards and two touchdowns. And he also threw
one interception.