Matchups to Exploit - Week 2
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September 13, 2007 @ 16:00:00
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By Hot off the Wire Network Contributors
Edited by Nicholas Minnix
Colts WR Marvin Harrison vs. Titans CB Nick Harper
Colts quarterback Peyton Manning exposed former Colts cornerback Jason David when Indy beat New Orleans in the season opener, and he'll face another former Colt this week. Harper finally made it to the NFL with the Colts; he spent six seasons there and developed into one of the league's most reliable cover guys. But the Colts' system didn't give him freedom to jump a lot of receivers' routes for interceptions. Now he's in a Titans system where he's one-on-one more and can be aggressive. It will be interesting to see if he's aggressive against Harrison, one of the all-time greats. As one Colt said this week, he wouldn't wish covering Harrison, who had four catches for 83 yards and a touchdown in the opener, on anybody. Harrison does a lot of little things that other receivers don't do. Harper is more physical and regarded as a better player than David, so Manning might not try to pick on him as much.
Titans QB Vince Young vs. Colts run defense
Last year, Young killed the Colts on third down. He scrambled for first downs seven times, six on third down, in the game at Nashville. He ran for 121 yards in the two games they played. The Colts' run defense is faster and hits harder, but what to do with Young? He's about 235 pounds, so you can't risk putting the nickel and dime packages out there to maximize speed all of the time. If you stick with the base defense, the linebackers have to account for him; it's fair to say that Young is faster than all of the Colts' linebackers. The Colts may be without weakside linebacker Freddy Keiaho (elbow), too, which means the run defense may not be as stout as it was when it shut down New Orleans in the season opener.
Titans RBs Chris Brown and LenDale White vs. Colts run defense
One week after rushing for the second-most yards in franchise history (282), the Titans face the Colts, and they'll try to pound the ball again. Brown had the most success against the Jacksonville Jaguars, piling up 175 yards, but White's heavy rushing style might get him more carries against a faster, undersized Indy defense.
Packers QB Brett Favre vs. Giants pass defense
Last week the Giants gave up 345 yards and four touchdown passes to Dallas quarterback Tony Romo. The secondary in general and starting cornerbacks in particular are a weak link for New York. With receiver Donald Driver (foot) close to full strength from a sprained foot and No. 2 receiver Greg Jennings (hamstring) more likely to play this week after missing last week because of a strained hamstring, Favre has a good shot at getting the Packers' offense on track after it failed to score a touchdown last week against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Packers WR Donald Driver vs. Giants CB Corey Webster
Driver is the most senior of Favre's receivers, and certainly the most accomplished. Webster is still struggling and showed deficiencies as a tackler last week against Dallas. This could turn into Favre's showcase deep connection, especially since Driver had only 66 yards and no touchdowns on six catches in last week's win over Philadelphia. Driver will certainly want the ball after making the Pro Bowl in 2006 with 92 catches and 1,295 receiving yards. More than that, head coach Mike McCarthy is going to want to get the passing game going after the Packers had just 10 first downs and 215 total yards last week. The Giants need to show better coverage skills.
Giants WR Plaxico Burress vs. Packers CBs Al Harris and Charles Woodson
Burress is a big-play receiver who excels at attacking 50-50, jump-ball type throws. However, both Harris and Woodson have decent size - both are 6-foot-1 - and physical corners who will jam him hard at the line of scrimmage. Burress basically undressed Dallas corner Jacques Reeves while recording three touchdowns and 144 yards receiving last week against the Cowboys, but Harris and Woodson have a decent shot at keeping him from putting up huge numbers. Woodson is far better off in talent and experience than the career backup Reeves. Woodson didn't get a lot of business last week, making three tackles and no interceptions. Still, the 6-foot-5 Burress should be able to outleap the 6-foot-1 Woodson on the fade pass. Harris (elbow) didn't give up a reception last week after spraining his right elbow in the first half and having his arm heavily taped to keep the elbow immobile. He'll wear a brace to immobilize his elbow this week.
Giants RB Derrick Ward vs. Packers run defense
Ward will be filling in some for Brandon Jacobs (knee) as the big tailback recovers from a sprained right MCL. Ward came in for Jacobs in the second quarter and produced 89 yards on 13 carries, including a 44-yard run that set up a field goal. He also caught four passes for 27 yards and a touchdown. Ward, a fourth-year player, showed savvy and strength, which could work against a Green Bay defense that gave up 103 rushing yards last week. The overall defense, led by middle linebacker Nick Barnett's 14 tackles, held the Eagles to just 13 first downs. It won't be easy for Ward, since the Packers have a better defense than the Cowboys. But his strength could carry him to a good day, assuming others don't cut into his carries.
Bengals WRs Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. Browns secondary
Cleveland's secondary struggled against the Pittsburgh Steelers and got little pressure on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Quarterback Carson Palmer and his primary receivers, Johnson and Houshmandzadeh, should have a field day if the line can keep Palmer clean from the pass rush.
Bengals RB Rudi Johnson vs. Browns LB D'Qwell Jackson
Johnson was limited to 50 yards on 18 carries versus the Baltimore Ravens but could bust loose this week. In his last five games versus the Browns, he has rushed for 706 yards and seven touchdowns on 133 carries for a 5.3-yard average. Jackson was active in the opener, recording seven tackles, including one for a loss. He also had a quarterback pressure. He's undersized, so he needs help from the line.
Browns WR Braylon Edwards vs. Broncos CB Deltha O'Neal
Edwards has been held to eight catches in three games versus the Bengals, but that includes an effort in which he recorded four receptions for 110 yards early last year. Edwards had some chemistry with quarterback Derek Anderson last year, and Anderson's arm strength could enable Edwards to get deep. O'Neal had three passes defensed in the opener.
Browns offense vs. Bengals team defense
The Bengals forced six turnovers from the Ravens and should have another big day against a struggling Cleveland offense. The Browns committed five turnovers and allowed six sacks. The Cincinnati defense could take big advantage of the unsettled situation at quarterback, where the Browns traded their opening day starter, Charlie Frye, to Seattle. Derek Anderson will start, and rookie Brady Quinn will be No. 2.
Texans QB Matt Schaub vs. Panthers pass defense
Schaub put together a solid performance last week - he completed 16 of 22 passes for 225 yards and one touchdown. It was a pretty good debut for Schaub, but it won't likely work against a stronger defense. Schaub will have a tougher test this week when he faces the Panthers' pass rush and defensive end Julius Peppers. Schaub was sacked twice last week but recovered to get rid of the ball faster and ended up making better decisions as the game went on. It's a big week for the Texans and Schaub, who will be playing in the stadium where quarterback David Carr now resides as the backup to Jake Delhomme. Carr won't see the field, but it will be on everyone's mind.
Panthers RB DeShaun Foster vs. Texans run defense
Foster had the eighth-best rushing performance in the league last week with 94 yards on just 17 carries. He didn't have a touchdown, but he moved the offense. The Texans are coming off a big game themselves in run defense - they held the Kansas City Chiefs to just 72 rushing yards. That tied them for sixth in the league after Week 1 in that category. The Texans will rely heavily on their defensive linemen as well as linebacker DeMeco Ryans and the linebacking corps. Ryans always seems to be there when anyone bursts through the defensive line. He led the team again last week with eight tackles.
Panthers WR Steve Smith vs. Texans CB Dunta Robinson
Smith is coming off an impressive season opener, and he has a favorable matchup with just about any defensive back. Robinson is no exception, and he'll need plenty of help from the safeties because Smith can't be stopped with one-on-one coverage. New offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson is trying to confuse defenses by moving putting Smith in motion more often.
Texans OT Eric Winston vs. Panthers DE Julius Peppers
Houston's tendency to give up sacks has been a problem throughout the franchise's existence. Winston will have his hands full against Peppers, who has the speed to get by any tackle in the league. The Texans will have to give Winston blocking help from the tight ends. Last week against the St. Louis Rams, the Panthers moved Peppers around more than ever. At times, he stood up and dropped into coverage. That will continue, but his biggest strength always will be his ability to rush the passer.
Saints WR Marques Colston vs. Buccaneers CB Ronde Barber
Colston, at 6-foot-4, has a distinct height advantage against the 5-foot-10 Barber. In last season's game against the Bucs in Raymond James Stadium, Colston caught 11 passes for 123 yards and one touchdown. Colston is coming off a six-catch, 47-yard effort in the Saints' season opener against the Colts. After getting three interceptions in one game against the Saints (and then-quarterback Aaron Brooks) in 2005, Barber had no interceptions in two games against Drew Brees last season. Barber was busy in the secondary nonetheless. He had 13 total tackles in the two meetings in 2006, both Tampa Bay losses.
Buccaneers WR Joey Galloway vs. Saints CBs Jason David and Mike McKenzie
In six career games against the Saints, Galloway has caught seven touchdown passes and scored an eighth on a 59-yard punt return. He always seems to catch at least one touchdown pass in games against the Saints. In last year's first game against New Orleans, Galloway led four catches for 110 yards and one touchdown. In the second game, he had four catches for 97 yards and two scores. David allowed three touchdown passes in last week's loss to the Colts, and McKenzie doesn't possess the speed he once did that can make up for assignment errors against faster wide receivers.
Buccaneers QB Jeff Garcia vs. Saints pass defense
Garcia has taken note of the way Colts receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne beat up on David. Garcia is going to look for Galloway deep a lot in this game. The first thing he's going to do, though, is soften up that defense by hitting them with a lot of short passes. He's also going to look to run more. He didn't do much of that last week, and it cost the Bucs a bit. Garcia has to make good use of his run-pass option ability to keep defenses honest and set them up for the big strike. He'll do that this week.
Bills quarterback J.P. Losman vs. Steelers pass defense
A total of 11 different Steelers were responsible for six sacks and 12 hurries or pressures against the Browns, and that could mean trouble for Losman. The Bills' quarterback was sacked only twice by the Denver Broncos, but he generated almost no threat in the passing game when he completed 14 passes for 97 yards and one interception. That went for a 57.0 passer rating and less than seven yards per completion. The Steelers also picked off two Browns passes, one by cornerback Ike Taylor, who was not unhappy to see head coach Bill Cowher resign after he was benched last season. Taylor has seen his game improve significantly under new head coach Mike Tomlin. This matchup leans decidedly in the Steelers' favor and could be the key element in deciding the outcome of the game.
Bills WR Lee Evans vs. Steelers CB Deshea Townsend
Evans was shackled last week by Broncos All-Pro cornerback Champ Bailey. That was no surprise at all. Evans had just two catches for five yards. The Bills are certain to make every effort to get Evans back in the game plan this week. Townsend is a 10th-year veteran who does not have the speed to stay with Evans. Many expected third-year corner Bryant McFadden to push Townsend for his starting spot in preseason this year, but he wasn't able to do it. The question is: Can the Bills' pass protection hold up long enough for Losman to get the ball to Evans? The Bills had trouble with Denver's zone blitzes in Week 1. Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is the master of zone blitzing. Look for Pittsburgh to send the house at Losman this week. Look for the Bills' pass protectors to struggle. The Bills will still try to hit Evans deep several times. Evans may not have a big day in terms of number of catches, but he should be able to catch one or two long ones.
Bills KR/PR Roscoe Parrish vs. Steelers special teams
Tomlin sounded almost sinister this week when he referred to Parrish as "a dangerous man." Of course, he was referring to Parrish's ability to jitterbug through kick coverage units, a skill that produced a 74-yard punt return and one of the Bills' two touchdowns in a 15-14 loss to the Broncos last Sunday. The Steelers spent more time working on special teams in training camp than in recent seasons under Cowher, and it paid off Sunday in Cleveland. Rookie punter Daniel Sepulveda, selected in the spring when the Steelers traded up in the fourth round, had none of his six punts returned. Browns kick returners amassed only 98 total yards on four kickoffs.
Steelers RB Willie Parker vs. Bills run defense
This probably will sound like a broken record, but every running back facing the Bills defense should be a must-start in every fantasy league. The Bills gave up 171 rushing yards to Denver last week. Parker gained 109 yards versus Cleveland last week. The Bills defense is even further depleted this week. Three starters are out. It appears the team's fourth option at outside linebacker, John DiGiorgio, will start in place of Coy Wire. DiGiorgio normally is a middle linebacker, but he has better speed than the next best option, Mario Haggan. Further, the Steelers have a mismatch on the line, with All-Pro offensive guard Alan Faneca facing undersized, second-year nose tackle Kyle Williams. This puts Bills rookie linebacker Paul Posluszny in a tough spot, because he has little interference in front of him from the Bills' defensive tackles. Look for Parker to exploit the Bills wide to the strong side (where Haggan plays) and between the tackles, behind Faneca.
Falcons RBs Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood vs. Jaguars run defense
The Titans were able to rush for 282 yards on 49 carries against the Jaguars in Week 1. The Falcons have led the league in rushing for the last three seasons but were held in check in the opener against the Minnesota Vikings. They will look to cut Dunn and Norwood loose on some of the same runs that Titans rushers Chris Brown and Lendale White made last week. They will stay away from the middle of the field, where defensive tackles Marcus Stroud and John Henderson hold sway. Linebacker Mike Peterson admits he and the rest of the Jags defense did not play well last Sunday. This week he'll keep close tabs on Dunn. Dunn, who's coming off back surgery, had 55 yards on 22 carries against Minnesota. Norwood had five carries for 33 yards. Look for the Falcons to establish one of the backs and go with the hot hand. Dunn returns to the state where he performed so well as a collegian (Florida State) and would love to turn in another strong game this week in his pursuit of reaching 10,000 career rushing yards before the Jaguars' Fred Taylor does. Both need a little over 400 yards to reach that goal with Taylor holding a 13-yard lead (9,529-9,516) over Dunn going into this week's game.
Falcons QB Joey Harrington vs. Jaguars pass defense
The Jaguars will make it clear from the start that they will be primed to stop the Atlanta ground game, thus challenging Harrington to throw against the secondary. Pro Bowl cornerback Rashean Mathis leads the group and added to his team career interception total with his 21st career pick last week. Harrington wasn't particularly effective in the opener in Minnesota, and the Jaguars will be more geared to stop the run than the pass. That could result in single coverage of Falcons receivers, which could result in a big game for Harrington if he's on the mark.
Jaguars RB Fred Taylor vs. Falcons run defense
Taylor was not happy with his meager total of 16 yards in the opener against Tennessee and more upset about only getting six carries. His goal of 20-25 rushes and over 100 yards could be obtained if the Jaguars stick to their plan of running the ball. The concern is the speed of the Falcons defense, which could contain Taylor and running mate Maurice Jones-Drew. But Taylor is at his best on cut backs, which are often the best way to counter a quick defensive team. Taylor wanted to reach the 10,000-yard figure by the fourth game of the season, and after the 16-yard effort in the opener, he will be looking for a big game this Sunday.
Falcons OT Wayne Gandy vs. Jaguars DE Bobby McCray
Against Minnesota, four of their six sacks came over the left side of the Falcons' offensive line, and two came directly against Gandy, who was beaten on outside speed rushes. McCray, who led the Jaguars with a career-high 10 sacks last season, has developed in to a top-notch sack-master. He didn't get any in the opener, but he had one quarterback hurry. The Falcons will likely chip a tight end or fullback to help Gandy, who's getting a little long in the tooth.
49ers RB Frank Gore vs. Rams run defense
Gore rushed for 261 yards in two games against the Rams last season, and he figures to be the main offensive weapon for the 49ers again. The Rams struggle in defending the run. They ranked 31st in the league last season and did not show much improvement in the season opener against the Panthers, allowing 186 rushing yards. Gore rushed for 55 yards on 18 carries against the Arizona Cardinals and figures to get the ball a lot on Sunday against the Rams.
Rams WRs Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce vs. 49ers CBs Nate Clements and Walt Harris
The Rams rarely went downfield to Bruce and Holt in the season-opening loss to Carolina. They averaged only 8.5 yards per catch against them. It won't be easy to pass the ball on veterans Harris and Clements, who form one of the league's better cornerback tandems. That pair combined to hold the Cardinals' Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald to seven catches for 42 yards. Last season, Harris did a fine job against Holt, holding him to 30 yards receiving in both games. Now, Harris is generally regarded as the 49ers' No. 2 cornerback behind Clements.
Rams RB Steven Jackson vs. 49ers LB Patrick Willis
Willis had a strong opening game with 15 tackles, while Jackson struggled in the Rams' season opener with 58 yards rushing on 18 carries and two fumbles. Willis gives the 49ers an athletic presence at linebacker that they have not had in recent memory. He is fast and a sure tackler. Jackson will probably try to run over him rather than around him. Because the 49ers have confidence in their corners, they are likely to put strong safety Michael Lewis in the box to defend the run.
Rams offensive line vs. 49ers front seven
With offensive tackle Orlando Pace (shoulder) out for the season, and center Richie Incognito (ankle) expected to miss his second game with a high ankle sprain, the Rams could have three of their five offensive line positions manned by people different from those in the season opener. Foremost among the changes will be moving Alex Barron from right tackle to left tackle. San Francisco's blitz-happy 3-4 will try to confuse the Rams' patchwork offensive line, making it difficult for quarterback Marc Bulger to get settled in the pocket.
Lions QB Jon Kitna vs. Vikings pass defense
If the Lions can get out to a lead, they won't have to worry as much about Vikings running back Adrian Peterson because the Vikings will be forced to throw. But that won't be easy. The Vikings have a formidable defense that caused problems for Kitna in one particular game last year. Defensive tackle Pat Williams forced a fumble that was recovered in the end zone for a touchdown, and linebacker E.J. Henderson returned an interception for a touchdown, as the Vikings came back from a 17-3 deficit to beat the Lions 26-17.
Lions WR Calvin Johnson vs. Vikings CB Marcus McCauley
The two rookies could see a steady diet of each other Sunday because of the way Minnesota uses its nickel package. McCauley takes over at the left corner in passing situations because veteran Antoine Winfield is better playing in the slot. This means the Lions should be able to match the 6-foot-5, 239-pound Johnson against the 6-foot-1, 203-pound McCauley. In what is sure to turn into a chess game, Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier will try to get his youngster some safety help. Still, it will be interesting to see if that's enough. McCauley received positive reviews for his performance last Sunday against Atlanta, but this promises to be a significant step up in terms of competition.
Lions WR Roy Williams vs. Vikings CB Cedric Griffin
The second-year corner will be going against his former University of Texas teammate. It would make sense for the Vikings to try to get Griffin matched up against Williams as much as possible, in part because the cornerback likely knows a few of Williams' tricks from their days practicing together. Griffin had his best game of the season as a rookie at Ford Field, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording an interception, recovering a fumble and forcing a fumble on the opening kickoff in the Vikings' 30-20 victory last Dec. 10.
Vikings RBs Adrian Peterson vs. Lions run defense
The Vikings like to play low-scoring games. They win by running the ball and playing good defense. They will want to control the ball and keep the Lions' potent passing attack off the field. How the Lions handle Peterson could have a huge impact on this game. Peterson had 19 carries for 103 yards - plus a 60-yard catch-and-run touchdown - his NFL debut Sunday against Atlanta. The Lions allowed the Oakland Raiders 4.0 yards per carry Sunday. Lions defensive tackle Rogers can be a disruptive force at the line of scrimmage and could be the key to slowing a Vikings running game that is expected to be one of the best in the NFL this season, though. Vikings running back Chester Taylor (oblique, hip) left in the first quarter due to a strained oblique muscle. Taylor's status for Sunday isn't certain, but Peterson is ready to go. He could see a steady diet of Rogers; middle linebacker Paris Lenon also will be counted on to help in run support.
Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander vs. Cardinals run defense
Alexander has had some of the best games in his career against the Cardinals. Because they have always been a gambling defense, Alexander's skill at finding the open space and cutting back against the grain has been a match made in heaven. In 10 games against them, he has averaged 96.2 yards rushing and 1.5 touchdowns, with the Seahawks winning seven of the 10 games. He also equaled his career-high two years ago with an 88-yard touchdown run when the Cardinals played in Sun Devil Stadium. While the Cardinals do have a new head coach in Ken Whisenhunt, their defensive coordinator is still Clancy Pendergast. The Cardinals defense was solid last week, though, holding 49ers running back Frank Gore to 55 yards and pressuring quarterback Alex D. Smith much of the night. The Cards have historically done better against Alexander in Arizona. They should be in even better shape now that they have their 3-4 hybrid look built in part to improve themselves against the run. Linebacker Karlos Dansby, who was just moved inside this year, had 11 tackles and was impressive in his "inside" debut. Linebacker Calvin Pace also looked better than expected while filling in for the injured Chike Okeafor (biceps).
Cardinals RB Edgerrin James vs. Seahawks run defense
This is the first real test for the defense that has five new starters because they were gouged so often last season. Frank Gore, Chester Taylor, Larry Johnson... the list went on and on last year. Injuries and a lack of depth on the defensive line killed Seattle on the ground. Well, this year, they have five new defensive linemen joining Chuck Darby, Rocky Bernard, Darryl Tapp and Craig Terrill. Everyone knows the pitiful offense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Qwest Field was no test. Trying to stop "Edge" at University of Phoenix Stadium will speak volumes of where they are as a team.
Cardinals QB Matt Leinart vs. Seahawks pass defense
Leinart struggled mightily in his first game. He took all of the blame, although Whisenhunt said there was plenty of blame to go around. That said, Leinart must find a way to get the ball downfield and utilize his Pro Bowl receivers, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, more often. That means beating the Seahawks' corners, Marcus Trufant and Kelly Jennings, much better than he did in San Francisco. Leinart must also trust Boldin and Fitzgerald to make plays in tight quarters and not be gun-shy after an interception on the first play of the season.
Cowboys WR Terrell Owens vs. Dolphins CB Travis Daniels
Even though Daniels was repeatedly toasted by Washington receiver Antwaan Randle El for most of the 162 receiving yards the Redskin had in their 16-13 win over the Dolphins, it'll likely be Daniels who shadows the Cowboys' elite receiver. Daniels, who played safety at Louisiana State, is the Dolphins' only cornerback that has the physicality and size (6-foot-1, 192 pounds) needed to counter Owens' physical play.
Cowboys TE Jason Witten vs. Dolphins LB Joey Porter
While Porter helped limit Redskins tight end Chris Cooley to one catch for 10 yards last week, he had plenty of help from the Dolphins' safeties. With safety Yeremiah Bell (Achilles') suffering a season-ending Achilles' tendon injury expect there to be some communication issues with whoever his replacement is. Travares Tillman, the likely starter, usually struggles with balls in the air. The unfamiliarity could benefit Witten, who was a beast against the Giants last week, catching six passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.
Dolphins WR Chris Chambers vs. Cowboys CBs Jacques Reeves and Anthony Henry
Neither was around when Chambers lit up the Cowboys in 2003 for three touchdowns. Chambers has the size to handle press coverage and the speed to get deep. His hands are somewhat inconsistent. Reeves and Henry must be sure tacklers because Chambers is good after the catch too. They did not play much press coverage versus New York last week, but quarterback Trent Green does not have Giants passer Eli Manning's arm, so they might want to disrupt the timing with more bump-and-run this week.
Cowboys OT Flozell Adams vs. Dolphins DE Jason Taylor
Taylor is among the game's best pass rushers. His quickness off the ball gives every tackle fits, and Adams does not move as well as he did a few years ago because of a knee injury. But Adams has improved on his angles, forcing defensive ends to take longer routes to the quarterback. The offensive line was near flawless last week versus New York, but it will be tested again by Taylor. Adams must be focused the entire game and stay away from false-start penalties.
Chiefs RB Larry Johnson vs. Bears run defense
The Bears held San Diego Chargers back LaDainian Tomlinson to 25 yards on 17 carries last week, so running lanes will be difficult for Johnson to find. Tomlinson is a superstar with all the traits you look for in a back, but the first thing he tries to be is elusive. The Bears have speed all over the field and are built to contain that kind of back. He simply could not outrun the pressure. Johnson, on the other hand, is a bruising runner who will go through a defender instead of trying to juke him at times. He is more capable of making yardage even when there is no hole. These burly, physical runners are the ones that have given the Bears troubles at times. Johnson will get more action this week than he did in Houston last week, when he had only 10 carries. The Chiefs ran the ball well against the Texans but had to go away from their running game because they fell behind. Miami's Ronnie Brown busted loose for 159 yards last season, and the year before, the Steelers' Jerome Bettis bounced off tacklers all afternoon in Pittsburgh. It's essential for the Bears to keep Johnson under wraps. That will force Kansas City into obvious passing downs, when the Bears should be able to flummox quarterback Damon Huard.
Bears QB Rex Grossman vs. Chiefs pass defense
The Chiefs' best, and maybe only, chance in this game is to harass Grossman into making mistakes, which he will do if given the opportunity. The Chargers forced the Bears into four turnovers, which is something the Chiefs must also do. The Chiefs need to do a better job of putting pressure on the quarterback than they did against Houston because Grossman has some receivers who can do some damage if he has the time. This is the final game of Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen's suspension. The Chiefs could use him against the Bears.
Bears RB Cedric Benson vs. Chiefs run defense
The Bears' new feature back was nothing to feature in the opener at San Diego. While Kansas City has a respectable front seven, the Bears badly need to get Benson going. His career needs some real momentum in Year 3 now with him out from behind running back Thomas Jones' (New York Jets) shadow. The organization is painfully aware of this and will do everything in its power to get Benson running free against the Chiefs. He's going to be a big part of the game plan, and the club is set on seeing him succeed. General manager Jerry Angelo badly needs Benson to play well with $16 million invested in the former No. 4 overall pick, and this is an obvious situation for him to have success with the team returning home. Call it a hunch play if you must, but Benson should shine Sunday.
Jets RB Thomas Jones vs. Ravens run defense
The Ravens limited Cincinnati running back Rudi Johnson to 50 yards on 18 carries, a 2.8-yard average. It was the same last season, when the Ravens didn't allow any teams to run. The Ravens sometimes have trouble with finesse backs like Jones, but few backs gain 100 yards against them. Jones gained 42 yards on 14 carries in his debut with the Jets.
Jets WR Laveranues Coles vs. Ravens CB Chris McAlister
Quarterback Kellen Clemens will start against the Ravens with Chad Pennington (ankle) hurt. Expect the Jets to go mostly with three-step drops and quick timing routes against the aggressive Baltimore front seven. On opening day the Jets' shaky pass protection, particularly on the left side, resulted in Pennington being sacked four times and eventually injured. Coles did have seven receptions and two touchdowns, though, and even if he isn't working with Pennington, the veteran possession receiver figures to again be the No. 1 option when the Jets try to pass. McAlister can shut down any receiver when focused. He has the size and speed to match up well with Coles. In his last meeting with Ravens, Coles had one catch for 16 yards.
Ravens RB Willis McGahee vs. Jets run defense
McGahee enjoys saying hello to Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma, his friend and former University of Miami (Fla.) teammate, especially after McGahee has crossed the line of scrimmage. The former Bill rushed for 42 yards on eight carries in his first meeting with the Jets as a rookie in 2004, but he has run for at least 113 yards in each subsequent game. He has rushed for 663 yards and three touchdowns in those five games, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He has cracked 100 yards every time. He was particularly effective last season, rushing for 265 yards on 42 carries, an average of 6.3 yards per carry. McGahee had 77 yards on 19 carries in the Ravens' season-opening loss to Cincinnati and appears primed to have another big game against the Jets.
Broncos WR Javon Walker vs. Raiders CBs Fabian Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha
Walker has 10 catches for 261 yards with three touchdowns in three games against the Raiders. He opened the season with nine receptions for 119 yards against Buffalo. Walker and Denver quarterback Jay Cutler had a very good thing working, especially in the clutch. Cutler looks for Walker when he needs a big play. Walker is good enough to exploit a good cornerback, and Asomugha is still learning. Look for Denver to try to keep him away from Asomugha when they can, though, and instead go after Washington. Washington was victimized for a touchdown by Detroit rookie Calvin Johnson last week and was picked on repeatedly when the first team was in the game during preseason. The Lions only went in Asomugha's direction once in 36 passes. Asomugha had a nice season last year, as he established himself as an interception threat and a solid cover corner.
Raiders WR Ronald Curry vs. Broncos CB Champ Bailey
Curry had a nice day against Detroit last week, as he caught 10 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown. But he isn't facing the Lions anymore. Bailey is the best cornerback in the NFL. Last week, Bills quarterback J.P. Losman boasted that he would test Bailey with the Bills' top receiver, Lee Evans. Well, Evans had two catches for five yards. Some might say that Evans is a better player than Curry, so the Raiders can't expect for Curry to have another big game.
Broncos C Tom Nalen vs. Raiders LB Kirk Morrison
Nalen is the key to Denver's zone-blocking scheme and will be charged first with helping to double-team defensive tackle Terdell Sands. Then he'll move to the second level and deal with Morrison. Morrison was Oakland's leading tackler last season and also led the Raiders in tackles in Week 1 against Detroit. Like Nalen, Morrison is smallish for his position, and the battle will be one of technique and quickness rather than brute force.
Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Patriots run defense
Tomlinson had just 25 rushing yards in the season-opening contest against the Bears but will likely find running room against the Patriots easier to come by. Tomlinson has played four career games against New England, counting last season's playoff encounter, and has averaged 137 yards per game. One of his four career 200-yard rushing performances came against the Patriots, when he had 217 yards in 2002. New England is missing two key defensive starters in five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Richard Seymour (knee) and veteran safety Rodney Harrison (suspension). Since the Patriots have had trouble containing Tomlinson even with those players, it figures to be even tougher to slow down the NFL's reigning MVP without them.
Chargers TE Antonio Gates vs. Patriots LB Adalius Thomas
A big reason the Patriots opened the vault for Thomas is to cover guys like Gates, the Colts' Dallas Clark and the Chiefs' Tony Gonzalez in the passing game. Last October, as a Raven, Thomas held Gates to four catches and 41 yards. If he could do that again, the Patriots would be happy and would probably have more freedom in their play calling on defense.
Patriots WR Randy Moss vs. Chargers secondary
Moss served notice that he is healthy and motivated in the Patriots' opener by catching nine passes for 183 yards and a touchdown against the Jets. That's a scary proposition for the Chargers' defensive backfield, which has had trouble defending the pass at times. Cornerbacks Quentin Jammer, Drayton Florence and Antonio Cromartie need to be on their game; Patriots quarterback Tom Brady finally has a top-of-the-line target. The Patriots may continue to move Moss around, but he figures to play against Jammer most. Jammer is the type of corner - big and physical - that could give Moss trouble by playing aggressively at the line. It's risky, though, to play Moss that way. If Moss can off the jam, it could be lights out. Moss is a serious upgrade over the since-departed Reche Caldwell (Washington Redskins), who torched the Chargers with a key 49-yard gain to set up the winning field goal in last January's playoff meeting. Moss also wouldn't mind putting up big numbers against Chargers head coach Norv Turner, his former head coach for one season in Oakland.
Chargers OT Marcus McNeill vs. Patriots DE Jarvis Green
Green was spectacular against Jets offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson last week. This figures to be a bigger challenge because Green will be going up against a player carrying close to a 50-pound edge in size to the matchup. The Chargers spent a lot of time motioning tight ends to the left and running behind McNeill in the teams' January playoff game, so expect more of this come Sunday. In the nickel, Green often moves inside, so this is probably a running-game showdown only.
Redskins RBs Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts vs. Eagles run defense
Portis ran for 98 yards on 17 carries against the Dolphins, and Betts added 59 on his 17 attempts. The Eagles, ranked 26th against the rush last season, seemed much better against the Packers (46 yards on 17 carries), but then again, they were tackling runners no one would call established. In the last meeting, a 21-19 Eagles win Dec. 10, Betts ran for 171 yards on 33 carries (Portis was injured). The Eagles hope new starter Brodrick Bunkley, at defensive tackle, has changed that equation a little. Eagles defensive tackle Kimo von Oelhoffen, who barely played against the Packers, also might play a bigger role this week.
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb vs. Redskins pass defense
McNabb looked rusty, harried and uncomfortable under pressure versus the Packers, completing just 5 of 16 passes in the second half of his first game since undergoing ACL surgery in November. He isn't likely to be able to settle in much better against the Redskins, who allowed just 273 net yards in beating the Dolphins in overtime. Linebacker London Fletcher seems to be presiding over a dramatically improved unit. There was a time when, if you covered his wideouts, as the Packers did, McNabb could take off and move the chains with his legs. He seemed not at all confident in his ability to do that in his first game back, though.
Eagles WR Kevin Curtis vs. Redskins CBs Carlos Rogers and Fred Smoot
In his Eagles debut, Curtis had two catches for 53 yards. Rogers and Smoot, meanwhile, started as a duo for the first time and had a so-so day. Both committed penalties to keep Miami drives alive; Smoot gave up at least five receptions. Because the Eagles run more three-receiver formations than Miami, cornerback Shawn Springs is expected to see more time, and that's a good thing for the Redskins defense. In the preseason and Week 1, Smoot and Rogers gave way too much cushion, even with safety help behind them. It would behoove the Eagles to pick on Smoot early.
Redskins OT Todd Wade vs. Eagles DE Jevon Kearse
In his first game since last September, Kearse had a productive day at Green Bay, with one sack, two quarterback hits and one fumble recovery. The Redskins have again needed to retool their offensive line. Right tackle Jon Jansen (broken leg, dislocated ankle) is out for the season, and the Redskins made the wise choice to start the veteran Wade (nearly 90 NFL starts) over rookie feel-good story Stephon Heyer (one NFL game). Wade is massive, so his biggest task is handling Kearse's athleticism. Left tackle Chris Samuels was effective last week in his return, so the Redskins will probably concentrate any double teams on the right side of the line.
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