Matchups to Exploit - Week 1
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September 6, 2007 @ 16:00:00
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By Hot off the Wire Network Contributors
Saints WR Marques Colston vs. Colts CB Kelvin Hayden
Colston is coming off one of the best years ever for a rookie wide receiver, At 6-foot-4 he has a four-inch height advantage over Hayden, one of two new starting Indianapolis cornerbacks. Colston missed two weeks of the preseason with a sore knee but came back to play in the finale last week against the Miami Dolphins. He will have no recurring problems. Colston returns this season as the Saints' No. 1 receiver and the favorite target of quarterback Drew Brees. The Saints passing game runs through Colston first, then trickles down the progression to other receivers.
Saints WR Devery Henderson vs. Colts CB Marlin Jackson
Henderson led the NFL last year in yards per catch (23.3) and had five touchdowns. Henderson is the Saints' big-play wideout, and he and Colston are lining up this week against new starters in the Colts' defensive backfield; they're taking over for the departed Nick Harper (Tennessee Titans) and Jason David (Saints). Henderson's five touchdowns last year had an average distance of 48.2 yards. Of Henderson's 32 catches last season, 12 were completions of 25 yards or more and 24 went for first downs. He is Brees' second favorite target behind Colston. Henderson suffered a slight hamstring pull in the Saints' second preseason game and missed the next two games, but he came back in the last preseason game against Miami and showed he's at 100 percent.
Colts WR Reggie Wayne vs. Saints CB Jason David
This won't be pretty. David started for the Colts the past three years, and now in his first game with the Saints, he gets to go up against one of the NFL's best receivers, a guy he used to see every day in practice. As Wayne said Monday, "I'm not worried." He shouldn't be. David gives too much cushion to receivers, as much as 10 or 15 yards. The underneath routes will be there all night. Wayne, coming off his first Pro Bowl, is primed to be the Colts' No. 1 receiver. He's younger and a taller target than Marvin Harrison, and you could make the argument that Wayne has better hands. Wayne has boosted his receptions total every year, from 27 to 49 to 68 to 77 to 83 to 86.
Saints OT Jammal
Brown vs. Colts DE Dwight
Freeney
Interesting matchup between the third-year All-Pro blocker and the NFL's
highest-paid defensive player. It's doubtful that Brown can handle Freeney one-on-one
for the whole game, but the Saint is a big, physical guy who will try to use
his size to beat down the fast Freeney. Brown (knee) recently suffered a deep
knee bone bruise, so he may not be 100 percent. Freeney will be looking to prove
he's worth every penny of his six-year, $72 million contract with a $30 million
bonus, especially after he had a career-low 5.5 sacks last year. The Colts
still paid him because he drew constant double teams, which opened up rush lanes
for his teammates.
Eagles RB Brian Westbrook
vs. Packers defensive line
Westbrook is coming off a career year, but the Eagles
had a lot of trouble running the ball in the preseason. The Packers
defense apparently is greatly improved, especially up front. Westbrook said
he has noticed the differences. Head coach Andy Reid
said he would compare Green Bay's front four to anyone else's in the league.
The Eagles are going to want to run the ball effectively
to take pressure off quarterback Donovan McNabb,
who is returning from ACL surgery. McNabb moved well in the preseason in extremely
limited action.
Packers QB Brett Favre
vs. Eagles pass defense
The Packers quarterback has beaten his old quarterbacks
coach, Reid, only once, seven years ago, and that was a 6-3 game. The other
five meetings Philly has won, including the teams' only playoff encounter, in
January 2004. Favre is 98-for-189 for 985 yards in those six games, with four
touchdowns, 11 picks and a passer rating of only 49.8. Defensive coordinator
Jim Johnson throws a great array of blitz and
coverage mixes at an offense. He has an experienced defense quarterbacked by
free safety Brian Dawkins, who can handle the
range of calls. The Packers' offensive line is improved but still starts two
second-year pros in guards Daryn Colledge and
Jason Spitz; they also have a rookie fullback
who played linebacker in college in Korey Hall.
Rookie halfback Brandon Jackson struggled getting
physically whipped on blitz pickup in training camp. Put it all together, and
this could make another tough day for Favre.
Packers WR Donald Driver
vs. Eagles CBs Lito Sheppard
and Sheldon Brown
Driver (foot) appears to have a decent chance of playing this week after
missing the exhibition finale because of a sprained foot. If he does, he'll
be up against a strong cornerback duo of Sheppard and Brown. With the injury
and the attention Driver is likely to draw, he could end up being a decoy more
than he is filling his usual role as Favre's go-to target. That could leave
key roles for second-year pro receiver Greg Jennings
and rookie receiver James Jones. One of them
will be matched against a backup in three-receiver sets and could become Favre's
primary target much of the day.
Falcons QB Joey Harrington
vs. Vikings defensive backs
This is actually more like Harrington against the Vikings' entire pass defense.
That unit finished tied for last in the NFL in 2006
in large part because the defensive line did not get sufficient pressure on
opposing quarterbacks. It was the back end that really suffered, and Harrington
was one of those who made the Vikings pay the price.
Harrington, then a member of the Miami Dolphins,
helped his team to a 24-20 victory against the Vikings
last November by completing 26 of 42 passes for 254 yards with a touchdown and
an interception. The Dolphins' game plan wasn't unlike that of many other teams;
Miami came out in a spread offense and threw the ball early and often. New Falcons
head coach Bobby Petrino undoubtedly has studied
film of this and knows the Vikings' weaknesses. He also knows Minnesota finished
last season tied for the first in the NFL against
the run. Minnesota free safety Darren Sharper
has turned in a fine career, making three trips to the Pro Bowl and recording
the most interceptions in the league since the 2000 season with 45. He
has three against Harrington from Harrington's days with the Detroit
Lions. Sharper returned one for a touchdown. Harrington needs to
know where Sharper is on every play.
Falcons TE Alge Crumpler
vs. Vikings LB E.J. Henderson
Henderson has moved back to the middle after two seasons of playing on the
weak side. Although Henderson is coming off his best year, he considers the
middle to be his natural position. Now we're about to find out how comfortable
he is playing the spot in the Tampa 2 scheme. This defense will call for Henderson
to drop deep into pass coverage, putting him against a variety of potential
receivers, including the Pro Bowler, Crumpler. Henderson has the speed to play
this position, but his inexperience in this role means Harrington should be
looking for Crumpler on a frequent basis.
Vikings RBs Chester
Taylor and Adrian Peterson vs. Falcons
run defense
Taylor, who figures to be keeping the running back sport warm for the rookie
Peterson, rushed for 1,216 yards last season on a franchise-record 303 carries.
With a young quarterback, both could top 20 carries against a Falcons
defense that has a rookie and three players coming back from offseason surgeries
in Grady Jackson (knee), Rod
Coleman (quadriceps) and John Abraham (groin).
Look for the Vikings to try to help second-year quarterback
Tarvaris Jackson by pounding the ball at the
Falcons' interior defense. The Vikings have said
they plan to use both at the same time on occasion. When they are on the field
together, it's likely that Taylor will split out wide and Peterson will remain
in the backfield. This could present a major headache for the Falcons
defense and coordinator Mike Zimmer. The Falcons
are going to need to decide who will best match up against Taylor if and when
he is used as a receiver.
Dolphins RB Ronnie
Brown vs. Redskins LB London
Fletcher-Baker
Brown is the Dolphins' top running back but is coming off a less than stellar
second season, when he missed three games, gained 1,008 yards and scored just
five touchdowns. Every kind of running back gave the Redskins
problems last year, though. Enter Fletcher-Baker, signed as a free agent from
the Buffalo Bills to shore up the middle of the defense.
Fletcher-Baker is a tackle machine; expect to see him flying through the gaps.
The run defense is key because the Redskins need
obvious pass situations to put pressure on quarterback Trent
Green since they usually have to blitz.
Redskins WR Santana
Moss vs. Dolphins CB Travis
Daniels
Moss is one of the quickest receivers in the NFL.
Redskins head coach Joe
Gibbs said his staff tabulated all of the team's plays that went for more
than 25 yards, and the Redskins had 45 of them last
season. Moss contributed 23 of those 45 big plays, which shows he's a deep threat
and dangerous running after the catch. Daniels is fast, but he's still not all
the way recovered from the ankle injury that limited his productivity last season.
Redskins QB Jason
Campbell vs. Dolphins pass rush
The Redskins will likely be in max protection
most of the game, keeping in a tight end or a back to protect against the Dolphins'
hybrid 3-4/4-3 defense. Don't be surprised if Campbell struggles against the
Dolphins' pass rush anyway. Defensive end Jason Taylor
and linebacker Joey Porter will likely be moving
all over the field before the snap, attacking him from opposite sides on every
given down. Don't be surprised if the Redskins line
struggles making its line calls. A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Taylor enters
the season (his 11th, all with the Dolphins) with 106 career sacks, tied for
17th in league history. Redskins offensive tackle
Chris Samuels missed all of the preseason following
a sprained MCL injury July 30. When at his best, Samuels is capable of handling
his man with no help, but he admits he'll be rusty. It's Campbell's blind side,
so look for the Redskins to give Samuels some help
in the form of a tight end to help contain Taylor.
Chiefs RB Larry Johnson
vs. Texans run defense
Johnson set a Chiefs record with 211 rushing
yards the last time the Chiefs played the Texans
two years ago, so he could be primed for another big outing against a soft Houston
rush defense. Concerns have to do with Johnson's stamina (he had only three
preseason carries after missing all of training camp because of his contract
holdout) and the strength of the Chiefs' offensive
line, which missed left tackle Damion McIntosh
(knee) for all of the preseason because of a knee injury. The Texans
lone test this preseason came with the Dallas Cowboys
at Reliant Stadium. The Texans passed with flying
colors, allowing the Cowboys to rush for a total
of only 57 yards. So far, the team's secondary has only had to deal with
a handful of running backs. The defensive line has stopped the majority and
the linebackers have stopped the rest.
Chiefs QB Damon Huard
vs. Texans pass rushers Mario
Williams, N.D. Kalu and Shantee
Orr
All eyes will be on Williams to see how long it will take him to notch his
first sack. The Chiefs' offensive line had its issues last year keeping pass
rushers away. Huard was sacked 16 times for 106 yards in eight appearances last
season. Williams didn't have a sack in the preseason, but the coaches are preparing
schemes in hopes of freeing him up. Even if Williams can't get through, Orr
and Kalu should find some openings.
Texans QB Matt Schaub
vs. Chiefs pass defense
The Chiefs should be glad they ran into Schaub
in the season opener, before he has a chance to get into a groove with his receivers.
Schaub figures to be a lot sharper as the season wears on. The Chiefs
are still capable at cornerback with Ty Law and
Patrick Surtain; they also have two excellent
coverage linebackers in Derrick Johnson and Donnie
Edwards. The issue for the Chiefs going into
this game is their pass rush. It was lukewarm in the preseason, and suspended
defensive end Jared Allen won't play this week.
Steelers WR Santonio
Holmes vs. Browns CB Eric
Wright
People in Pittsburgh expect a breakout year from Holmes, who's entering
his second season. He'll get the chance to start fast in a matchup with Wright,
a rookie second-round pick from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Holmes started
four games last year, catching 49 balls for 824 yards (16.8 average) and two
touchdowns. He had nine catches, 156 yards and a touchdown in two games versus
the Browns. He won't return kicks this year to concentrate on catching passes,
and new coordinator Bruce Arians is expected
to open up the offense. Wright started all four preseason games and didn't miss
a beat. He is a confident kid who's not worried about starting his first NFL
game or whom he will cover. He's a good athlete who should be able to run with
Holmes.
Browns RB Jamal Lewis
vs. Steelers run defense
The problem with playing the Steelers is that
it's usually difficult to run the football. In the past six seasons, the Steelers
have been ranked first or third in the NFL against
the run five times, including last year, when they were second in the AFC and
third in the league with an average of 88.2 yards allowed. Lewis, formerly of
the Baltimore Ravens, has a history in Cleveland,
with 710 yards rushing there (5.8 yards per attempt). The Steelers
have allowed only one 100-yard rusher in their past 44 games (Edgerrin
James, while he was with the Colts, in Week 12 of the 2005 season) and a
league-best 13 since 2000. Lewis left the Ravens in
the offseason for a team that hates the Steelers
just as much. He said he enjoys the matchups because they're physical battles,
yet only one of his 30 career 100-yard rushing games has come versus the Steelers.
He has faced them 12 times. Lewis is the workhorse in the backfield and the
focal point of the Cleveland offense, so he should get the ball a bunch, anywhere
from 20-30 times depending on the score.
Browns QB Charlie
Frye vs. Steelers pass rush
If the Browns can't run the football, defensive
coordinator Dick LeBeau can get creative with
his defense, which is one of the reasons veteran cornerback Deshea
Townsend has 15.5 career sacks, No. 1 in team history among cornerbacks.
Look out Frye, whose 64.1 percent completion percentage (second in team history)
does not impress the Steelers. Frye hopes to turn to Lewis in this opener at
Cleveland Browns Stadium to take some heat off him,
and why not? If he's not able to do so, though, Frye will under so much pressure
from a swarming Steelers pass rush that added rookie
No. 2 draft choice Lamarr Woodley at outside linebacker. Frye may not be able
to establish a passing game with little threat of a running attack.
Titans QB Vince Young
vs. Jaguars linebackers
Young has plenty of incentive for this game. The Titans
quarterback did not have much success against the Jaguars
last year, connecting on 23 of 51 passes for 248 yards and just one score in
the two contests while netting just 18 yards on eight carries. He'll be closely
watched by the Jaguars linebackers, especially middle
linebacker Mike Peterson, the team's leader on
defense. The Jaguars won't hesitate to send the two
outside backers - Daryl Smith and Clint
Ingram (knee) or backup Justin Durant, all
of whom have the speed to keep Young contained.
Jaguars RBs Fred Taylor
and Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Titans
run defense
A year ago, the Jaguars piled up 375 rushing
yards in two games against the Titans, racking up 202 yards in one game and
173 in another. They averaged 5.4 yards per carry. The Titans
believe they've upgraded the run defense, with a new middle linebacker (Ryan
Fowler) and the acquisition of 320-pound defensive tackle Corey
Simon. The Jaguars will want to run the ball
a lot, including off the left side where Titans
defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and defensive
end Antwan Odom will be waiting. How the battle
in the trenches goes will go long way in determining the outcome.
Jaguars QB David Garrard
vs. Titans cornerbacks
Garrard will have had a week to get over the surprise news he was given
last Friday when the Jaguars inserted Garrard into
the lineup and released starting quarterback Byron
Leftwich. That means Garrard will have a chance to atone for one of the
worst games in his career. Last year against the Titans
he threw three interceptions, two of which Titans
cornerback Pacman Jones (83 yards) and strong
safety Chris Hope (61 yards) returned for touchdowns.
Chances are the Jaguars won't put the ball in the
air 37 times like they did in that game; Taylor had aggravated a hamstring injury
following a 35-yard run in that one. Unless the Jaguars
fall behind, Garrard may only put up 20-22 passes in this game.
Broncos RB Travis Henry
vs. Bills defensive line
The Bills' run defense has been porous the past couple of years. Last year,
Buffalo was ranked No. 28 in the NFL against the
run, giving up 140.9 yards a game. Last December, with the Titans, Henry gained
135 yards on 25 carries at Buffalo. Henry has potential for a similar game Sunday.
He will be in his first game with Denver and he will be fired up. Plus, he has
looked great in the preseason and he is completely healthy. Henry has been dying
to play behind Denver's line; watch for him have a huge Broncos
debut. Bills linebacker Paul
Posluszny jumps into the NFL fire in his first
career start by going against one of the best rushing attacks in the league.
A second-round draft choice, he gives the Bills more
size and a little better speed than they had last year. However, Posluszny is
not nearly as savvy as a veteran. Posluszny chases the ball well, but with the
Broncos running their patented zone-blocking, he
will have to resist the temptation to overrun the play.
Bills WR Lee Evans
vs. Broncos CB Champ Bailey
This could be very intriguing. Buffalo quarterback J.P.
Losman said Wednesday that he hopes he and Evans get in a one-on-one matchup
with Bailey. That is a bold statement. Bailey is clearly one of the best cornerbacks
ever to play in the NFL. Yes, Evans is a fine receiver,
a playmaker and the Bills' No. 1 weapon; Losman's comments clearly show that
he is confident. Evans had a big second half of last season, catching six touchdown
passes in the last seven games. He has 15 touchdowns of 20 or more yards the
past three seasons. But the Bills better be careful.
Bailey can maybe be had once a game. If Buffalo takes several shots at him,
Bailey is going to get an interception or two. Bailey was thrown at about 40
times last season and receivers caught about 10 balls, so the Bills
have to be careful for what they wish for. If he can shut Evans down,
Losman will be forced outside his comfort zone, and the Bills
offense could be in trouble.
Panthers WR Steve Smith
vs. Rams CBs Tye Hill
and Ron Bartell
Smith is healthy and hungry after being slowed by a hamstring injury for
much of the 2006 season. He has a lofty stated goal of 2,000 receiving yards
for the '07 campaign. The days of him lining up against a certain cornerback
are over. In coordinator Jeff Davidson's offense,
Smith is going to line up in different spots and be put in motion often to try
to confuse defenses. Smith's single greatest moment came in a 2003 season playoff
game in St. Louis, when he caught a game-winning touchdown in double overtime.
Smith caught four passes for 90 yards against the Rams
last November, including a 62-yard touchdown pass. The touchdown catch didn't
come against Hill, who held his own against Smith. The Rams
will have to ask their safeties to help keep Smith under control.
Rams RB Steven Jackson
vs. Panthers run defense
Jackson didn't get a single carry from scrimmage during the preseason and
was on the field for only two plays total in the Rams' final three exhibition
games. The NFL's leader in yards for scrimmage last
year, Jackson had only seven carries - and just 14 touches - in a 15-0 loss
at Carolina last year. Will the Rams stay committed
against the run this time against one of the league's best front fours? Even
if they do, Jackson could find the going tough on the ground.
Rams OT Alex Barron
vs. Panthers DE Julius
Peppers
Peppers is under a lot of pressure after an offseason challenge to be more
of a leader by Panthers owner Jerry Richardson. He's
also playing for a contract extension that could make him the league's highest-paid
defensive player. More than ever, the team needs Peppers to dominate as a pass
rusher. There are new faces at safety, and there may be some confusion on deep
balls. Peppers needs to dominate Barron and put pressure on quarterback Marc
Bulger to take pressure off the safeties.
Patriots QB Tom Brady
vs. Jets cornerbacks
Brady is 10-2 against the Jets in his career
as a starter. He has 14 touchdown passes and five interceptions in those games.
He has a much better receiving corps to work with than he did last season, when
he had four touchdowns and two picks against the Jets
in three games, including a wild card playoff. The Jets
could be a bit vulnerable in the secondary, as rookie cornerback Darrelle
Revis figures to see plenty of time with cornerbacks Justin
Miller (hamstring) and Andre Dyson (leg)
just coming back from injuries. Even if Randy Moss
(hamstring) isn't at full strength, receivers Donte'
Stallworth and Wes Welker could have big
games.
Patriots RB Laurence
Maroney vs. Jets SS Kerry
Rhodes
Last year, the Jets stymied the Patriots' running
game by creeping Rhodes to the line and sending him on run blitzes. They could
do it because the threat down the field wasn't there for New England. It should
be interesting to see whether the Jets have the confidence
in Dyson, Miller and Revis to cover the Patriots
receivers downfield. If they do, it will allow Rhodes to play closer to the
line, and then his ability to bring Maroney down in the open field will be key.
Jets RB Leon Washington
vs. Patriots run defense
With halfback Thomas Jones (calf) still not at
100 percent, Washington figures to share the carries with Jones against New
England. Washington was a non-factor against New England last season, but part
of that was because he hadn't made an impact yet when the teams played in Week
2. When they played in November, the muddy conditions weren't conducive to his
style. Jets quarterback Chad
Pennington may not have much time to go down the field Sunday if his pass
protection is shaky, and that could lead to plenty of dump-offs to Washington,
who can turn a simple screen into a long gain. He did that against Miami with
a 64-yard catch-and-run last season.
Jets WR Laveranues
Coles vs. Patriots CB Ellis
Hobbs
This is the rare occasion where Hobbs will have to face the opposition's
top receiver as the right corner. Coles has a history of playing big against
the Patriots. Hobbs should present Coles with a physical challenge, and the
key may be in the receiver's ability to get off the line. Since Hobbs is put
in a position to jam receivers at the line, Coles should be able to make hay
if he can get quick releases into the secondary.
Jets OT D'Brickashaw
Ferguson vs. Patriots DE Jarvis
Green
Green has been excellent as a strong rusher in the nickel with the ability
to come in and play the run. With defensive end Richard
Seymour (knee) out, Green will have to do it on a down-to-down basis. That
will be difficult against the improving, athletic Ferguson. Look for the Jets
to run right behind the left side, especially with the guard position on the
right being an issue.
Lions QB Jon Kitna
vs. Raiders pass defense
Kitna threw for 4,208 yards last year despite being sacked more than any
other quarterback in the NFL, having the worst rushing
attack in the league and having only two reliable wide receivers. He also committed
31 turnovers (22 interceptions, nine fumbles) and struggled in the fourth quarter.
The Lions hope he will be better with a strong supporting
cast that includes new wide receivers Calvin Johnson
and Shaun McDonald. But he faces a challenge
against a defense that likes to play bump-and-run and leaves small windows into
which to throw.
Lions WR Roy Williams
vs. Raiders CB Nnamdi
Asomugha
For all of the hype surrounding rookie wideout Calvin
Johnson, Williams is coming off an 82-catch, 1,310-yard season in which
he broke out as one of the NFL's best wide receivers.
He will have his hands full with Asomugha, who likewise became one of the best
in the NFL last season. Asomugha had eight interceptions,
and he is big enough and physical enough to play with Williams. He will need
help from Oakland's pass rush, reducing the time Kitna has to throw, to combat
Williams' speed.
Lions C Dominic Raiola
vs. Raiders DTs Warren
Sapp and Terdell Sands
Raiola is a smart player, but he isn't a big player (295 pounds). He doesn't
overpower people. He will be giving away 40-45 pounds against Sands and figures
to need some help. Sands was give a four-year contract with a $4 million signing
bonus and moved into the starting lineup to be Oakland's primary run stopper.
He's an immovable object who will require double teams and thus in theory cause
a ripple effect down the line. A future Hall of Famer, Sapp is looking for a
big year and should also give Raiola problems. Sapp had 10 sacks last season
and still didn't go to the Pro Bowl. He responded by losing weight this offseason,
and Raiola said it was noticeable on film. If Raiola can't stop Sapp - if the
Lions' offensive line can't protect Kitna in general - the Lions' passing attack
could break down.
Buccaneers WR Joey
Galloway vs. Seahawks DBs Deon
Grant and Brian Russell
The Bucs will use a lot of short, dink-and-dunk passes as their primary
weapon in this game, but that plan of attack will also serve as a trap. The
idea is to create a situation in which Galloway can get matched up one-on-one
with either Grant or Russell. Grant and Russell are new to the system in Seattle;
they may be a little unsure of where to go and what to do in this opening day
setting. The Bucs want to stretch the field, and if they can get Galloway deep
against these guys, they'll open up the offense and fire long. Quarterback Jeff
Garcia doesn't have the best of arms, but he can get the ball deep. If he
hits Galloway on a couple of bombs, he'll open up the short stuff he excels
at, so look for the Bucs to go Galloway early and often.
Seahawks TE Marcus
Pollard vs. Buccaneers LB Cato
June
In the Tampa 2 defense, the way the middle linebacker drops so deep into
the secondary, this is an interesting opportunity for Pollard - signed as a
free agent in the offseason - to make an immediate impact. Considering head
coach Mike Holmgren's version of the West Coast
offense, Pollard figures to be running a lot of underneath routes in front of
middle linebacker Barrett Ruud. That will generally
set up June to pick up Pollard man-to-man while the zone tries to flush out
the wide receivers. June showed superb ability with the Colts
to cover, and ironically, Pollard ran a lot of routes against him in practice
when the two played together in Indy. This could be the most significant matchup
of the game and set a tone for the season as Pollard tries to fit in.
Seahawks OT Walter
Jones vs. Buccaneers DE Gaines
Adams
Adams, the Bucs' No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft, is playing because starter
Patrick Chukwurah (knee) is injured. Although
Jones (shoulder) has had a tender shoulder, look for the Seahawks
to run running back Shaun Alexander left a lot
behind Jones, to test the rookie. The inclination has always been to run Alexander
left anyway. Jones has been to seven Pro Bowls, and when he's right, the most
dominating tackle in the game. Adams, however, is a 6-foot-5, 260-pound stud
from Clemson - considered by many to be the most athletic defensive lineman
in the draft. The key to this will be Jones' savvy, forcing Adams to use his
speed against himself - by taking him out of the play.
Bears RB Cedric Benson
vs. Chargers LBs Stephen
Cooper and Matt Wilhelm
Cooper and Wilhelm are perhaps the two biggest questions for a team that
is otherwise stacked across the board. Benson is a rugged, powerful runner who
dishes out punishment when contact is made - just recall linebacker Junior
Seau's broken arm last year in New England. Benson's preseason was not very
successful, and he will rely on the offensive line to start generating a better
push. Benson isn't going to slide through some holes like former Bears
back Thomas Jones did. One of the keys will be
how six-time Pro Bowl center Olin Kreutz handles
talented Chargers nose tackle Jamal
Williams, who outweighs him by 50 pounds. If Kreutz can handle him - and
sometimes he struggles with oversized nose tackles - offensive guards Ruben
Brown and Roberto Garza should be able to get
to the second level on first-year starters Cooper and Wilhelm and spring Benson
loose.
Bears KR/PR Devin
Hester vs. Chargers special teams
Chicago's biggest gamebreaker is Hester, who scored a record six touchdowns
on kickoff or punt returns last season. He also returned a kickoff for a touchdown
in the Super Bowl loss to Indianapolis. It will be interesting to see if the
Chargers try to keep the ball away from Hester with
place kicker Nate Kaeding (11 touchbacks last
season) or booming punter Mike Scifres (35 punts
inside the opponents' 20-yard line a year ago). Only 27 of Scifres' 69 punts
were returned last year. Hester, who has moved from defensive back to receiver
to take more advantage of his athletic skills, can change the outcome of a game
all by himself. The Chargers also feature one of
the NFL's top coverage men in Pro Bowler Kassim
Osgood.
Chargers RB LaDainian
Tomlinson vs. Bears run defense
The reigning NFL Most Valuable Player will get
be tested by a defense that ranked sixth against the run last season. Tomlinson
had a season for the ages with a league-best 1,815 yards and a record 31 touchdowns,
28 of which came on the ground. Finding room to run against the Bears
could be a tough chore, though. Defensive tackle Tommie
Harris plugs up the middle, and linebackers Brian
Urlacher (185 tackles) and Lance Briggs (176)
cover a lot of ground. Tomlinson found yards tough to come by the last time
the Chargers and Bears
played, being held to 61 yards on 16 carries.
Bears OTs John Tait
and Fred Miller vs. Chargers
LBs Shawne Merriman and Shaun
Phillips
The combo of Merriman (17 sacks) and Phillips (11.5) combined for 28.5 sacks
last season. Throw in that the Bears allowed just
25 sacks last season, and you can see what an intriguing matchup that lies ahead.
Tait and Miller are both on the wrong side of 30 as bookends on the oldest line
in the league. While Tait solved the Bears' left tackle woes two seasons ago
- he has excellent footwork and good range with the ability to excel in space
- he can struggle at times with athletic pass rushers like Merriman. Miller
is a cagy veteran on the other side, who does well when he gets his powerful
arms into a defenders chest. He, too, struggles with rushers who utilize quickness;
he can be beaten across his face and also has a difficult time redirecting.
Merriman and Phillips pose a huge challenge for the Bears, who were so badly
beaten by an athletic rusher last season in Miami's Jason
Taylor. They will look to utilize tight end Desmond
Clark as help in the pass blocking scheme, and get Benson involved, too.
Quarterback Rex Grossman has struggled under
duress, so expect a lot of short drops and quick throws. It would be sensible
to see some screens and other ploys to slow down the rush, but the Bears
rarely run those plays effectively.
Giants WR Plaxico
Burress and Amani Toomer vs. Cowboys
CB Terence Newman and Jacques
Reeves
This one could go either way, since both players are coming off either shortened
or nonexistent preseasons. Burress (back) hasn't taken a single game snap with
quarterback Eli Manning due to a combination
of ankle, flu and back problems. Newman's (foot) sprained foot has led the Cowboys'
brain trust to wonder if he can be effective come Sunday. If he does play, then
he will serve as the third corner. If he can't make it, the better for Burress
because Newman's replacement, Reeves, a career backup, has started all but one
NFL game. Reeves has excellent speed, but he has
not been able to turn that into playmaking. He has battled inconsistency his
first three years but has been better the last half of training camp. The Giants,
however, will come after him. To help him, the Cowboys
will slide help to his side or max blitz to make sure Manning has to get rid
of the ball early. Burress can eat up a guy like Reeves with his combination
of height (6-foot-5) and basketball-type athleticism. The problem is that Manning
and Burress have to synch up fast. If they don't, expect that combination to
misfire early, leading Manning to look in other directions like receiver Amani
Toomer and tight end Jeremy Shockey.
Cowboys QB Tony Romo
vs. Giants pass rush
This matchup will have a huge impact on the game, especially since no one
really knows how much Giants seven-time Pro Bowl
defensive end Michael Strahan will play after
missing training camp. Strahan is expected to work a rotation with defensive
end Justin Tuck, an athletic and smart backup.
That leaves the bulk of the pass rush to defensive end Osi
Umenyiora's side, and that reduces the pressure on the ultra-mobile Romo.
The quarterback should be able to move around and buy time to find receivers
Terrell Owens and Terry
Glenn (knee) downfield, much as he did in the Cowboys' comeback victory
at the Meadowlands last year. That's when he found tight end Jason
Witten for 42 yards to set up a game-winning field goal in the final seconds.
Strahan, coming off a severe mid-foot sprain from last year, needs to show he
can put up a meaningful pass rush. If he can, Romo's effectiveness should be
reduced.
Cowboys RB Marion
Barber III vs. Giants run defense
Barber is one of the best short-yardage and goal line backs in the league.
He comes off a year where he scored 16 touchdowns, 14 on the ground, but gained
only 654 yards on just 135 carries. He won't get much more work than that this
year with Julius Jones still handling the bulk
of the carries between the 20s. Barber is nearly automatic inside the 5, though.
The Giants' red zone defense was horrible last year, finishing last in the league,
as opponents scored 30 touchdowns in 46 trips there for a 65.7 percent touchdown
rate.
Cowboys WR Terrell
Owens vs. Giants CB Corey
Webster
Owens has been much more relaxed in his second year with the Cowboys. He
feels mire comfortable in the offense, and coordinator Jason
Garrett is moving him around to different spots to create mismatches. Owens
has five touchdowns in six games versus the Giants
in his career. In two games against them last year he had 14 catches for 182
yards and made it to the end zone once.
Bengals QB Carson
Palmer vs. Ravens FS Ed
Reed
Palmer has owned the Ravens in the past five meetings,
throwing 10 touchdown passes and five interceptions. He has averaged 272 yards
passing over that span. Reed, though, has had some of his best games against
Cincinnati. In eight games against the Bengals, he has five interceptions and
has scored a touchdown.
Bengals WR Chad Johnson
vs. Ravens CB Samari Rolle
Rolle is coming off his worst season in the NFL
in which he gave up the most big plays on the team. Rolle allowed 11.0 yards
per pass attempt defended last season, more than any other corner in the league.
He has rededicated himself and wants to re-establish himself as an elite corner
again. Johnson was relatively quiet against the Ravens
last season. In two meetings, he caught 12 passes for 123 yards but didn't score
a touchdown. Everyone knows Johnson will be ready to go on primetime, though.
Expect Rolle to get a lot of deep help from his safeties.
Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
vs. Ravens secondary
With Johnson working the other side of the field, Houshmandzadeh, coming
off his first 1,000-yard season, has hurt Baltimore badly. In last season's
Cincinnati victory at Paul Brown Stadium, he led all receivers in catches (10)
and yards (106). His 40-yard touchdown catch from Palmer provided the eventual
winning points. Houshmandzadeh's career high of 171 yards in a game came in
2004 at Baltimore, and he had a nine-catch, 147-yard game with a touchdown against
the Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium in 2005. In nine
career games against the Ravens, Houshmandzadeh has 55 catches for 784 yards
(14.3 yards per reception) and five touchdowns. That comes out to an average
of 6.1 catches and 87.1 yards per game. He also has had two rushes for 23 yards.
Ravens QB Steve McNair
vs. Bengals pass defense
In 15 games against Cincinnati, McNair has completed 60.0 percent of his
passes, throwing 21 touchdown passes and five interceptions for a 95.7 quarterback
rating. Against the Bengals he has a 10-5 record,
including seven games with a 100-plus rating. The Bengals
were tied for the 31st-ranked pass defense in the NFL
last season. Bengals coaches will play linebacker
Ahmad Brooks in the middle in the base defense,
and they will blitz him often. On third downs, coaches have lined up Brooks
as a defensive end. He can get to the quarterback. If he gets the chance to
drop McNair, Brooks has to come up with the big play to help an iffy defense.
49ers RB Frank Gore
vs. Cardinals run defense
The Cardinals have built their new hybrid 3-4
look on defense in part because it will allow for a stouter run defense after
the team allowed 118 rushing yards a game last season. The transition to a hybrid
3-4 might make it more difficult for them to defend a team such as the 49ers,
who want to run the ball a lot, though. Gore (hand), who rushed for 1,695 yards
last season, is fresh entering the regular season. He did not play in the exhibition
season after sustaining a broken right hand on the second day of training camp.
Gore should be 100 percent for the game, though he will wear a pad on his hand.
He provides an immediate test for a defense that has held back considerably
in the preseason, and he is the obvious focal point for game planning this week.
If the Cards can manage to slow Gore down - especially if they don't have to
use strong safety Adrian Wilson extensively to do
so - it'll make things much harder on a 49ers pass
offense that may try to target the Cardinals' untested cornerbacks.
49ers TE Vernon Davis
vs. Cardinals linebackers and safeties
The 49ers spent a good portion of the offseason
working on ways to get the ball in Davis' hands. They did not give away much
in the exhibition season, but he could be a big part of the game plan in the
opener against the Cardinals. Davis' size and speed mean that it is virtually
impossible for any one person to cover him. Likely, outside linebacker Calvin
Pace will try to reroute him at the line of scrimmage, and either safety,
Wilson or Terrence Holt, will have the unenviable
task of trying to keep up with him down the field.
Cardinals WRs Anquan
Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald vs. 49ers
CB Nate Clements
The 49ers went out and signed Clements in part
to deal with the Cards' two-headed receiving monster of Boldin and Fitzgerald.
Clements can only cover one at a time, of course. In Fitzgerald's six career
games against the 49ers, he has 37 catches for 598 and 3 touchdowns. Boldin,
in his last six games against San Francisco, has 45 catches for 630 yards and
four touchdowns. Some things Clements won't be able to stop - the Cards are
almost sure to use Boldin in a variety of ways, including lining him up in the
backfield, in order to attack the 49ers.
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