Week 6 finally provided a little clarity. The mesquite is heating up as the Cowboys inevitable Super Bowl appearance in Excess Stadium is about to be barbecued to a nice golden brown. Oh, and their potential opponent in San Diego may not be far behind them. Speaking of behinds, Norv Turner and Wade Phillips better start guarding theirs.
Some familiar faces finally grace the Good this week. Indianapolis got the nod based with a walking wounded victory on the road against a credible opponent. New England looked like a team earlier in the decade that won three Super Bowls. New Orleans lived up to their expectations this week. Tennessee staked a claim with the Colts and Texans, who just missed thanks to a porous run defense. And Seattle surprised with a big road victory.
Then there are those counterbalancing this group. Dallas seems to think that winning the stupid penalty battle is a key to success. It certainly is the key to something. Oakland regressed in a yawner. Meanwhile, the Bears, Chargers and Jags would have settled for a yawner.
Many thanks to the GBU contributors (Team Ugly): Any, Arj, Ben, BG, Geto, GFC, Stig, and Ward.
The Good
Indianapolis – The Colts are limping into their bye week after pulling off a win over the Washington Redskins despite a MASH unit of injuries depleting both the offense and defense. Joseph Addai had a great game before being injured, racking up 128 yards on the ground. Peyton Manning turned around a shaky start and passed for over 300 yards and 2 TDs again to make up for Colts turnovers which have become somewhat troubling this season. Pierre Garcon provided the highlight reel catch of the season so far with a one-handed circus catch for the Colts first TD of the game. The Colts defense intercepted McNabb twice and kept his QB rating under 70. The win kept the Colts tied at the top of the AFC South standings and allowed them to enter their bye week on a good note. After a week of rest and getting healthy, the Colts and Texans will rematch in a Monday Night game for first place in the division.
New England – What can you say about Bill Belichick’s squad? The Patriots generated plenty of headlines and “fan chatter” over their 12 day bye. They made a VERY risky move by shipping off their big play receiver and chose to replace him with the 31-year old Deion Branch. Well, after round one, its Pats 1, Naysayers 0. Like most of Belichick’s gambles (aside from 4th and 2), it worked out for the best. In a hard-hitting slugfest, New England overcame a 10 point deficit in the 4th quarter to send the game to OT, where they beat the Ravens on a Gostkowski field goal. In the first half Branch did appear somewhat out of sync, and the Pats sputtered along, trailing most of the way. However in the second half, particularly the 4th quarter, and then also in OT, it was 2003 all over again for Brady and Branch, with Deion playing an integral part in both 4th quarter scoring drives. On the last drive he had two big grabs to help get them into position for the game winning kick. Behind all that hubbub though, the Pats D deserves the bulk of the credit here. They kept Sam Koch busy, forcing 9 punts in all (6 on 3 and outs), including the Ravens last 5 drives. They did so by frustrating Ray Rice, holding him to a paltry Pi yards per carry (3.14 if you prefer), as well as containing Flacco on a good day that easily could have turned great for him. At 4-1, they’re right on the Jets tail for 1st place in the AFC East and look like they’ve regained their old form, at least this week.
New Orleans – With questions swirling about the team lacking the dominance seen last year, the Saints marched into Tampa Bay and pounded the upstart Bucs. Drew Brees spread the ball around to his plethora of weapons hitting three different receivers for TDs. The unknown Chris Ivory, who inherited the RB duties when Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush went down to injuries, showed his stuff by running for 158 yards. The Saints defense also showed up to hold the Bucs to less than 300 yards of total offense and only 6 points. The Bucs had shown to be a thorn in the side of the Saints the last two seasons by splitting wins even when they were an awful team. The Saints did not have problems with them on Sunday and put themselves back into the conversation for best team in the NFC.
Seattle – The list of long-standing trends was daunting. Can’t win on the road. Can’t win on the road against a team with a winning record. Especially can’t win on the road against a team with a winning record and a 10am PST start. Seattle had every reason to lose this game at Soldier Field. Those reasons also included: Russell Okung making his 2nd NFL start going up against Julius Peppers; Matt Hasselbeck looking like the guy who threw INTs and lost games for the Seahawks in 2009; no running game whatsoever; awful pass rush on the road, and even worse pass defense; oh, and with the trade of Deion Branch to the Patriots, Seattle was without its top 3 receivers from last season. This had the makings of a loss by at least 17 points (which, coincidentally, is how much Seattle lost both of their first two road games by). So what happened?
Seattle gave up a quick touchdown, and that’s usually enough to sink the Seahawks on the road. But they fought back. They established newly-acquired Marshawn Lynch as a rusher that had to be respected, and while his numbers themselves weren’t impressive, his presence forced Chicago to put 8 in the box on a regular basis, opening up the passing game and making play action work for the first time this season for Seattle. The offense clicked in a way it hadn’t at any point in the season, with Hasselbeck settling into a game manager role (for which he is best suited at this point in his career) and looking for rejuvenated Mike Williams, who had a career day. The defense was incredibly creative in taking advantage of Chicago’s horrible O-line and put Cutler on the ground 6 times and pressured him countless others. The Bears managed to rack up some yardage in the air against Seattle, but only sniffed the end zone once before Devin Hester’s punt return TD made the score closer than the game actually was.
This was easily Seattle’s most complete effort of the season. It’s not shocking that Pete Carroll’s team was able to put together a complete effort… it’s shocking that they did it on the road, at 10am PST, playing against a team that had the best record in the NFC.
Tennessee – The Titans went into their first divisional game of the season and punched the Jaguars right in the mouth. With Vince Young sidelined by injury following an opening drive resulting in a TD to Kenny Britt, Kerry Collins led the Titans to a convincing win. The Jaguars defense can be happy for mostly containing Chris Johnson except for a garbage time big run and TD but the passing defense was generally ineffective. The Titans defense reciprocated the QB knockout by knocking Garrard around and his replacement Trent Edwards showed why Buffalo gave him the boot by throwing 2 interceptions and several more that could have been picked. The Titans went up early in the game and never let off the gas. The AFC South is a division up for grabs with the Titans, Colts and Texans all tied at the top at 4-2.
The Bad
Dallas – While it’s still early, at 1-4, and in a tough and competitive division, Dallas’ season is all but over. With another disheartening loss, this time to Brett Favre and the Vikings in the Desperation Bowl, the ‘Boys are asking themselves how a once-promising season, filled with Superbowl hype, went so bad. The continued stupid penalties cost the Cowboys again and are inexcusable as Wade Phillips is showing no control over his team. The Cowboys defense stifled the Vikings offense keeping Favre to only 118 yards through the air. But, a special teams blunder allowed Percy Harvin to run for a TD on a kickoff return and two Tony Romo interceptions put the Vikings in good field position. Could it be Wade Phillips and his inept coaching? Possibly. Could it be Tony Romo and the players not executing up to their potential? Possibly. Either way, the prediction of the Cowboys playing in a home SB looks more improbable every week. They’ve got to just about win out to have a shot at the playoffs and that’s almost impossible at this point. Jerry Jones has got to be fuming and Phillips’ seat has to be hotter than ever. A couple more losses and he could be getting the pink slip.
Oakland – Coming off their huge win at home against division rival San Diego, the Raiders put up a dismal performance, handing the Niners their first win of the season. Oakland continues to struggle in the red zone, failing to score a touchdown, and settling for three field goals. With only 69 yards to show for their passing game, fingers of blame are pointing in every direction.The fact is blame rests on the shoulders of Al Davis and the coaching staff. Misuse of talent and questionable play calling are driving the Raiders to their eighth straight losing season.
The Ugly
Chicago – Cutler and Martz are giving new meaning to the term Ugly. In the past two games, Cutler has been sacked 16 times and it appears nobody on the offense has any clue as to where defenders are coming from or how to pass protect. The entire offense looked out of sync behind a patchwork O-line. The biggest victim was Cutler, as Seattle’s D apparently saw the Giants 10 sack performance against Chicago as a green light to go heavy on the blitz. It paid off for them. Cutler was harried all day and suffered 6 more sacks, one for a safety, and unlike last week at Carolina, the running game was not there to bail out a struggling Bears passing attack. It is unbelievable that with a talent like Matt Forte and a good defense that the Bears would have only 14 run attempts in a game. Lovie Smith needs to take control of the offensive side of the team and force Martz to change the pass-first mentality if the Bears have any hope of winning the NFC North.
Jacksonville – I’m guessing even Jaguar fans with the stoutest of hearts went to bed early on this one. Jacksonville only had 3 sustained drives into Tennessee territory all night. On one they settled for a FG and the other two they walked away frustratingly empty with two turnovers in the red zone, including a pick on a 4th and goal at the 1. David Garrard left the game injured midway through the second quarter with just 49 yards passing and an INT and the Jags found Trent Edwards equally futile in relief, where he threw 2 more INTs. The Titans had QB injury problems too. Vince young left the game but the offense didn’t miss a beat with Kerry Collins conducting, and along with Chris Johnson and Javon Ringer the Titans by and large had their way with the Jags defense. if this is a preview of what is to come for Jacksonville then the logjam in the AFCS just lost 1/4 of its weight.
San Diego – The early season struggles which have become a stigma for the Norv Turner-led Chargers continue with a loss to the St. Louis Rams on the road. The Chargers vaunted offense was held to only 3 first half points while their defense struggled. Sam Bradford put up 17 and gave the Rams organization and fans a reason to smile for giving him the largest rookie contract ever. Philip Rivers was sacked 7 times and threw an interception. The Chargers usually pull themselves out of early season holes but they have a lot of work to do if they hope to stave off a surprising Chiefs squad or the Broncos for the division crown.
Honorable Mention
Buffalo and Carolina – Both are to be commended for finding a way to not lose this week. Now if they can schedule 11 more bye weeks they will be fine.
Houston – Give the Texans some credit here. They overcame a number of deficits, including a 10-point hole in last seven minutes and having the ball 86 yards away from the goal line. They racked up over 400 yards of offense and wound up securing a home win against a decent Kansas City team. They did a lot of good, but they also gave up over 400 yards and 228 on the ground to dig their hole.
New England Patriots/Baltimore Ravens – This much-anticipated battle between the Ravens – thought by many to be a Super Bowl favorite in 2010 – and rebuilding former superpower New England – now without the prolific Randy Moss – didn’t disappoint, as fans of both teams were left on the edge of their seats through four quarters and deep into overtime.
Dishonors
David Akers – Ok maybe there is something in the Gatorade this year. It has been an unusually poor year for placekicking thus far, but when a bedrock reliably toed guy like Akers goes 1-4…something is seriously amiss.
Brandon Meriweather – The Patriot safety knocked Baltimore TE Todd Heap out of the game with a vicious helmet-to-helmet hit that will earn him a well-deserved fine. It wasn’t his first attempt at such a hit, and Bill Belichick’s disgust was obvious on his face when Meriweather came off the field. To his credit, Belichick relegated Meriweather to the bench for a long time afterward. The former Miami Hurricane may soon find himself a step down the depth chart as well, as his unwillingness to stick to the game plan and his penchant for cheap shots and dirty hits are making prior Patriot bad boy Rodney Harrison seem tame by comparison.
NFL Braintrust – What next, guys, banning tackling and hitting altogether? They already have numerous ways to deal with “headhunters.” There is no reason to pile on more vague, poorly thought out rules and threats of widespread suspensions. Not every injury requires a new rule. In fact, most just require enforcing what is on the books or shrugging your shoulders and saying “it happens.” Particularly in a contact sport.
Awards
Ciron Black best of the Good: New Orleans. The Saints did pretty much everything right against an opponent that, even at their worst, gives New Orleans fits. A shot of the good stuff goes to New England, not as much for a win against a good opponent, but in looking like the vintage Pats in the process.
Aunt Esther ugliest of the Ugly: Jacksonville. Their MNF performance has people asking why they were on prime time and how did they get to 3-3.
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NFL week 6
NFL Week 6: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
October 19, 2010 - 11:05 pm · 0 comments
by Zack Kelberman
in Community Commentary, Weekly Segments
Week 6 finally provided a little clarity. The mesquite is heating up as the Cowboys inevitable Super Bowl appearance in Excess Stadium is about to be barbecued to a nice golden brown. Oh, and their potential opponent in San Diego may not be far behind them. Speaking of behinds, Norv Turner and Wade Phillips better start guarding theirs.
Some familiar faces finally grace the Good this week. Indianapolis got the nod based with a walking wounded victory on the road against a credible opponent. New England looked like a team earlier in the decade that won three Super Bowls. New Orleans lived up to their expectations this week. Tennessee staked a claim with the Colts and Texans, who just missed thanks to a porous run defense. And Seattle surprised with a big road victory.
Then there are those counterbalancing this group. Dallas seems to think that winning the stupid penalty battle is a key to success. It certainly is the key to something. Oakland regressed in a yawner. Meanwhile, the Bears, Chargers and Jags would have settled for a yawner.
Many thanks to the GBU contributors (Team Ugly): Any, Arj, Ben, BG, Geto, GFC, Stig, and Ward.
The Good
Indianapolis – The Colts are limping into their bye week after pulling off a win over the Washington Redskins despite a MASH unit of injuries depleting both the offense and defense. Joseph Addai had a great game before being injured, racking up 128 yards on the ground. Peyton Manning turned around a shaky start and passed for over 300 yards and 2 TDs again to make up for Colts turnovers which have become somewhat troubling this season. Pierre Garcon provided the highlight reel catch of the season so far with a one-handed circus catch for the Colts first TD of the game. The Colts defense intercepted McNabb twice and kept his QB rating under 70. The win kept the Colts tied at the top of the AFC South standings and allowed them to enter their bye week on a good note. After a week of rest and getting healthy, the Colts and Texans will rematch in a Monday Night game for first place in the division.
New England – What can you say about Bill Belichick’s squad? The Patriots generated plenty of headlines and “fan chatter” over their 12 day bye. They made a VERY risky move by shipping off their big play receiver and chose to replace him with the 31-year old Deion Branch. Well, after round one, its Pats 1, Naysayers 0. Like most of Belichick’s gambles (aside from 4th and 2), it worked out for the best. In a hard-hitting slugfest, New England overcame a 10 point deficit in the 4th quarter to send the game to OT, where they beat the Ravens on a Gostkowski field goal. In the first half Branch did appear somewhat out of sync, and the Pats sputtered along, trailing most of the way. However in the second half, particularly the 4th quarter, and then also in OT, it was 2003 all over again for Brady and Branch, with Deion playing an integral part in both 4th quarter scoring drives. On the last drive he had two big grabs to help get them into position for the game winning kick. Behind all that hubbub though, the Pats D deserves the bulk of the credit here. They kept Sam Koch busy, forcing 9 punts in all (6 on 3 and outs), including the Ravens last 5 drives. They did so by frustrating Ray Rice, holding him to a paltry Pi yards per carry (3.14 if you prefer), as well as containing Flacco on a good day that easily could have turned great for him. At 4-1, they’re right on the Jets tail for 1st place in the AFC East and look like they’ve regained their old form, at least this week.
New Orleans – With questions swirling about the team lacking the dominance seen last year, the Saints marched into Tampa Bay and pounded the upstart Bucs. Drew Brees spread the ball around to his plethora of weapons hitting three different receivers for TDs. The unknown Chris Ivory, who inherited the RB duties when Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush went down to injuries, showed his stuff by running for 158 yards. The Saints defense also showed up to hold the Bucs to less than 300 yards of total offense and only 6 points. The Bucs had shown to be a thorn in the side of the Saints the last two seasons by splitting wins even when they were an awful team. The Saints did not have problems with them on Sunday and put themselves back into the conversation for best team in the NFC.
Seattle – The list of long-standing trends was daunting. Can’t win on the road. Can’t win on the road against a team with a winning record. Especially can’t win on the road against a team with a winning record and a 10am PST start. Seattle had every reason to lose this game at Soldier Field. Those reasons also included: Russell Okung making his 2nd NFL start going up against Julius Peppers; Matt Hasselbeck looking like the guy who threw INTs and lost games for the Seahawks in 2009; no running game whatsoever; awful pass rush on the road, and even worse pass defense; oh, and with the trade of Deion Branch to the Patriots, Seattle was without its top 3 receivers from last season. This had the makings of a loss by at least 17 points (which, coincidentally, is how much Seattle lost both of their first two road games by). So what happened?
Seattle gave up a quick touchdown, and that’s usually enough to sink the Seahawks on the road. But they fought back. They established newly-acquired Marshawn Lynch as a rusher that had to be respected, and while his numbers themselves weren’t impressive, his presence forced Chicago to put 8 in the box on a regular basis, opening up the passing game and making play action work for the first time this season for Seattle. The offense clicked in a way it hadn’t at any point in the season, with Hasselbeck settling into a game manager role (for which he is best suited at this point in his career) and looking for rejuvenated Mike Williams, who had a career day. The defense was incredibly creative in taking advantage of Chicago’s horrible O-line and put Cutler on the ground 6 times and pressured him countless others. The Bears managed to rack up some yardage in the air against Seattle, but only sniffed the end zone once before Devin Hester’s punt return TD made the score closer than the game actually was.
This was easily Seattle’s most complete effort of the season. It’s not shocking that Pete Carroll’s team was able to put together a complete effort… it’s shocking that they did it on the road, at 10am PST, playing against a team that had the best record in the NFC.
Tennessee – The Titans went into their first divisional game of the season and punched the Jaguars right in the mouth. With Vince Young sidelined by injury following an opening drive resulting in a TD to Kenny Britt, Kerry Collins led the Titans to a convincing win. The Jaguars defense can be happy for mostly containing Chris Johnson except for a garbage time big run and TD but the passing defense was generally ineffective. The Titans defense reciprocated the QB knockout by knocking Garrard around and his replacement Trent Edwards showed why Buffalo gave him the boot by throwing 2 interceptions and several more that could have been picked. The Titans went up early in the game and never let off the gas. The AFC South is a division up for grabs with the Titans, Colts and Texans all tied at the top at 4-2.
The Bad
Dallas – While it’s still early, at 1-4, and in a tough and competitive division, Dallas’ season is all but over. With another disheartening loss, this time to Brett Favre and the Vikings in the Desperation Bowl, the ‘Boys are asking themselves how a once-promising season, filled with Superbowl hype, went so bad. The continued stupid penalties cost the Cowboys again and are inexcusable as Wade Phillips is showing no control over his team. The Cowboys defense stifled the Vikings offense keeping Favre to only 118 yards through the air. But, a special teams blunder allowed Percy Harvin to run for a TD on a kickoff return and two Tony Romo interceptions put the Vikings in good field position. Could it be Wade Phillips and his inept coaching? Possibly. Could it be Tony Romo and the players not executing up to their potential? Possibly. Either way, the prediction of the Cowboys playing in a home SB looks more improbable every week. They’ve got to just about win out to have a shot at the playoffs and that’s almost impossible at this point. Jerry Jones has got to be fuming and Phillips’ seat has to be hotter than ever. A couple more losses and he could be getting the pink slip.
Oakland – Coming off their huge win at home against division rival San Diego, the Raiders put up a dismal performance, handing the Niners their first win of the season. Oakland continues to struggle in the red zone, failing to score a touchdown, and settling for three field goals. With only 69 yards to show for their passing game, fingers of blame are pointing in every direction.The fact is blame rests on the shoulders of Al Davis and the coaching staff. Misuse of talent and questionable play calling are driving the Raiders to their eighth straight losing season.
The Ugly
Chicago – Cutler and Martz are giving new meaning to the term Ugly. In the past two games, Cutler has been sacked 16 times and it appears nobody on the offense has any clue as to where defenders are coming from or how to pass protect. The entire offense looked out of sync behind a patchwork O-line. The biggest victim was Cutler, as Seattle’s D apparently saw the Giants 10 sack performance against Chicago as a green light to go heavy on the blitz. It paid off for them. Cutler was harried all day and suffered 6 more sacks, one for a safety, and unlike last week at Carolina, the running game was not there to bail out a struggling Bears passing attack. It is unbelievable that with a talent like Matt Forte and a good defense that the Bears would have only 14 run attempts in a game. Lovie Smith needs to take control of the offensive side of the team and force Martz to change the pass-first mentality if the Bears have any hope of winning the NFC North.
Jacksonville – I’m guessing even Jaguar fans with the stoutest of hearts went to bed early on this one. Jacksonville only had 3 sustained drives into Tennessee territory all night. On one they settled for a FG and the other two they walked away frustratingly empty with two turnovers in the red zone, including a pick on a 4th and goal at the 1. David Garrard left the game injured midway through the second quarter with just 49 yards passing and an INT and the Jags found Trent Edwards equally futile in relief, where he threw 2 more INTs. The Titans had QB injury problems too. Vince young left the game but the offense didn’t miss a beat with Kerry Collins conducting, and along with Chris Johnson and Javon Ringer the Titans by and large had their way with the Jags defense. if this is a preview of what is to come for Jacksonville then the logjam in the AFCS just lost 1/4 of its weight.
San Diego – The early season struggles which have become a stigma for the Norv Turner-led Chargers continue with a loss to the St. Louis Rams on the road. The Chargers vaunted offense was held to only 3 first half points while their defense struggled. Sam Bradford put up 17 and gave the Rams organization and fans a reason to smile for giving him the largest rookie contract ever. Philip Rivers was sacked 7 times and threw an interception. The Chargers usually pull themselves out of early season holes but they have a lot of work to do if they hope to stave off a surprising Chiefs squad or the Broncos for the division crown.
Honorable Mention
Buffalo and Carolina – Both are to be commended for finding a way to not lose this week. Now if they can schedule 11 more bye weeks they will be fine.
Houston – Give the Texans some credit here. They overcame a number of deficits, including a 10-point hole in last seven minutes and having the ball 86 yards away from the goal line. They racked up over 400 yards of offense and wound up securing a home win against a decent Kansas City team. They did a lot of good, but they also gave up over 400 yards and 228 on the ground to dig their hole.
New England Patriots/Baltimore Ravens – This much-anticipated battle between the Ravens – thought by many to be a Super Bowl favorite in 2010 – and rebuilding former superpower New England – now without the prolific Randy Moss – didn’t disappoint, as fans of both teams were left on the edge of their seats through four quarters and deep into overtime.
Dishonors
David Akers – Ok maybe there is something in the Gatorade this year. It has been an unusually poor year for placekicking thus far, but when a bedrock reliably toed guy like Akers goes 1-4…something is seriously amiss.
Brandon Meriweather – The Patriot safety knocked Baltimore TE Todd Heap out of the game with a vicious helmet-to-helmet hit that will earn him a well-deserved fine. It wasn’t his first attempt at such a hit, and Bill Belichick’s disgust was obvious on his face when Meriweather came off the field. To his credit, Belichick relegated Meriweather to the bench for a long time afterward. The former Miami Hurricane may soon find himself a step down the depth chart as well, as his unwillingness to stick to the game plan and his penchant for cheap shots and dirty hits are making prior Patriot bad boy Rodney Harrison seem tame by comparison.
NFL Braintrust – What next, guys, banning tackling and hitting altogether? They already have numerous ways to deal with “headhunters.” There is no reason to pile on more vague, poorly thought out rules and threats of widespread suspensions. Not every injury requires a new rule. In fact, most just require enforcing what is on the books or shrugging your shoulders and saying “it happens.” Particularly in a contact sport.
Awards
Ciron Black best of the Good: New Orleans. The Saints did pretty much everything right against an opponent that, even at their worst, gives New Orleans fits. A shot of the good stuff goes to New England, not as much for a win against a good opponent, but in looking like the vintage Pats in the process.
Aunt Esther ugliest of the Ugly: Jacksonville. Their MNF performance has people asking why they were on prime time and how did they get to 3-3.
You might also like:
Tagged as: gbu, NFL week 6