Matchups to Exploit - Week 3
|
September 20, 2007 @ 16:00:00
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Hot off the Wire Network Contributors
Edited by Nicholas Minnix
Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown vs. Jets run defense
Brown will be aiming for his third consecutive 100-yard rushing game versus the Jets, a team that struggles against physical backs of his caliber. Brown has averaged 5.0 yards per carry against the Jets, who have allowed its opponents to average 126 yards on the ground this season. Brown hasn't exactly gotten off to a hot start this season, gaining 65 yards on 22 carries, but head coach Cam Cameron said the offense will make a concerted effort Sunday to feed him carries in an attempt to get the ground game going. Brown's productivity picks up significantly the more he carries the ball. On his first five carries he's averaging 3.3 yards on 150 attempts. On carries, 11 through 15, Brown is averaging 4.9 yards on 98 attempts throughout his career.
Dolphins WR Chris Chambers vs. Jets secondary
Chambers' 15 receptions through two games put him in a tie for sixth in the NFL in that category. With the Miami running game still sputtering, the Dolphins may go to the air often against a Jets defense still without a sack or an interception. This might be the week that an opponent tests rookie cornerback Darrelle Revis, whom nobody has tried to pick on yet. Chambers had five catches for 60 yards and a touchdown when the teams met in New Jersey last season.
Jets WR Laveranues Coles vs. Dolphins cornerbacks
This week Miami's defensive backs will face one of the most productive receivers against the Dolphins this decade. Coles has tallied nine touchdowns against the Dolphins throughout his career. His team is 5-2 when he scores against Miami. He had five receptions for 106 yards and two touchdowns when the Jets faced the Dolphins at home in 2006 and had one touchdown catch in each of his prior three games against Miami, including one when he was a Redskin. His two-catch, nine-yard effort on Christmas night last year was due to bad weather and an apparent concussion suffered on a hit from linebacker Zach Thomas. Daniels will likely get the assignment because he's the biggest and most physical cornerback the Dolphins have. But getting cornerback Andre' Goodman (shoulder) back from his shoulder injury could lighten some of that load for this secondary.
Chargers TE Antonio Gates vs. Packers LBs Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk and FS Nick Collins
Gates has been the Chargers' best offensive player this season and might be the best tight end in the game. He is off to a sensational start even though the Chargers offense has been struggling to score points. The Pro Bowl tight end has 16 receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns, numbers made more impressive when you consider the Chargers have passed for 386 yards and three touchdowns as a team. Last week, Barnett, Hawk and Collins did OK against one of the league's better tight ends, the New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey (five receptions, 60 yards), but holding Gates to that will be much tougher. Strongside linebacker Brady Poppinga was a defensive lineman in college and not a strong pass defender, so the Packers won't want him matched up with Gates. Gates is a mismatch problem for most defenses and figures to be tough for the Packers to corral. Cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson are at less than full strength, and the Chargers like to split Gates out wide on occasion. San Diego has the best running back in the league in LaDainian Tomlinson, who will require plenty of attention from the linebackers and safeties as well.
Packers quarterback Brett Favre vs. Chargers secondary
Favre has to be salivating after watching New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady carve up the Chargers secondary last Sunday. Favre might not have receiver Randy Moss on his side, but two-time Pro Bowler Donald Driver is no slouch. Driver, who caught 92 passes last season, has 14 receptions after two games, and his 9.9 yards per catch could rise significantly if the Chargers again have trouble in coverage. Favre is three touchdowns away from tying former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino's career record for touchdown passes (420) and will have the chance to catch Marino if he plays with the same efficiency that Brady did. Cornerbacks Drayton Florence and Quentin Jammer need to upgrade their performances this week.
Packers RBs Brandon Jackson and DeShawn Wynn vs. Chargers NT Jamal Williams
The Packers have had little running game to speak of so far this season and are facing one of the most talented defenses in the league. Williams (elbow) is one of the best nose tackles in the NFL and perhaps the key to the Chargers defense. When Williams injured his elbow last week against New England, the Chargers defense clearly had trouble stopping the run with him playing essentially with only one arm. If he's at far less than 100 percent, the Packers might have a chance to run OK against the Chargers. If the injury improved a lot this week, it probably will be another unproductive day running for the Packers' halfbacks. They could, however, put up decent numbers as receivers, because the Packers probably will turn to the short passing game as a substitute for the running game. They did that last week when Jackson, Wynn, running back Ryan Grant and tight ends Donald Lee and Bubba Franks combined for 13 receptions.
49ers WR Darrell Jackson vs. Steelers CB Ike Taylor
Jackson leads the 49ers with 97 receiving yards on seven receptions in the first two games. He and quarterback Alex D. Smith are still finding their way together. There have been some big plays available for Jackson, who had a season-long 34-yard play last week against the St. Louis Rams. But Jackson has also let a couple of big plays slip through his hands. Last week, he failed to latch onto a perfectly thrown 40-yard pass from Smith early in the game. Taylor had an up-and-down season a year ago, but he has gotten off to a strong start with an interception, a sack and 12 tackles.
49ers RB Frank Gore vs. Steelers run defense
This is no easy assignment for the 49ers against a run defense that has allowed just 74 yards per game. The 49ers believe they have left a lot of yards on the field, though. Gore played last week just four days after his mother died; he missed some running lanes. The 49ers feel confident they can run against an eight-man box, and they'll probably get plenty of opportunities against the Steelers. Strong safety Troy Polamalu will likely be the eighth defender in the box on numerous occasions. Gore has an ability make people miss in the hole. If Smith is able to connect on some one-on-one matchups on the outside, it might loosen up the Steelers defense for Gore.
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger vs. 49ers CB Nate Clements
Roethlisberger led the NFL in interceptions last season with 23, but he has only one in the first two games this season. He - along with running back Willie Parker and a stifling defense - has been a big part of a 2-0 start. Roethlisberger has thrown for 403 yards and five touchdowns, but he must be careful with the 49ers' opportunistic defense. That unit is led by defensive end Bryant Young, who has three sacks, and veteran cornerback Nate Clements, who had one of the team's six sacks last Sunday against Rams quarterback Marc Bulger. The 49ers have an outstanding secondary that includes Clements, cornerback Walt Harris and backup cornerback Shawntae Spencer. Harris and Spencer each have an interception this season. Roethlisberger, who was not totally focused in 2006, needs to remain on top of his game this week after a relatively easy 2-0 start. He has a 101.5 passer rating, 15 touchdown passes and a 10-1 record as a starter against the NFC. If he gets too comfortable due to his fast start and his past fortunes against the so-called weaker conference, the 49ers will make him pay.
49ers offense vs. Steelers third-down defense
For years under former head coach Bill Cowher, the Steelers played a 3-4 defense that allowed the defensive coordinators (Dom Capers, Dick LeBeau and Tim Lewis) to attack from various angles with many different players. Now, the hybrid 3-4, under head coach Mike Tomlin, often morphs into a 4-3 on all downs. It has served LeBeau, the present coordinator, well, as the Steelers defense is as effective as it was in Cowher's best Blitzburgh years. The Steelers share the NFL lead in sacks with the Minnesota Vikings (10) and have allowed the fewest points in the league (10). There has been no one dominant player on defense, as the team leader in sacks (linebacker Joey Porter's replacement, James Harrison) has only 1.5. The 49ers' only answer is Gore, one of the best in the league, but the Steelers haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in a game since November 2005. Plus, the 49ers are last in the NFL, averaging only 190 yards of offense per game.
Bills WR Lee Evans vs. Patriots CB Asante Samuel
Evans has just four catches for 23 yards through two games. He was sixth in the NFL in receiving yards last season. The problem? In Week 1 he faced Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey, and the Bills avoided throwing toward the league's top shutdown corner. That's not particularly troubling. However, in Week 2 the Bills pass offense was not able to make anything happen against a Pittsburgh team that ranked 20th versus the pass in 2006. Every team is going to double-team Evans. It's up to quarterback J.P. Losman to find other receivers to try to loosen things up. Losman has not been effective in getting the ball out of his hands quickly the first two weeks. That's very troubling. The Bills also can move Evans around more - put him in motion, play him in the slot - to try to get him open. This is not a good week to play Evans in fantasy football. The Patriots are famous for taking away the opponent's No. 1 option and making other weapons beat them. Evans' production last year against the Pats: two receptions for 25 yards and one catch for 10 yards. The best hope for Evans this week may be to pick up some garbage receiving yards after the issue is decided.
Patriots QB Tom Brady vs. Bills pass defense
Brady has been electric in New England's first two games. He leads the league in completion percentage, at 79.7 percent, and has averaged 288 passing yards per game, with just one interception against six touchdown passes. Brady is taking full advantage of his receiving corps, with Randy Moss, Wes Welker and tight end Benjamin Watson with seven or more catches each. Buffalo is giving up 267.5 passing yards per game through its first two games.
Patriots RBs Laurence Maroney and Sammy Morris vs. Bills LB Paul Posluszny
Buffalo's linebacking unit has been hard-hit by injuries already, with converted safety Coy Wire (knee) and Keith Ellison (ankle) hurt; the rookie Posluszny is starting. Together, Maroney and Morris have averaged more than 120 yards per game, though they have just one touchdown between them. Buffalo is 30th in the league in run defense, allowing an average of 177 yards per game to Denver and Pittsburgh.
Patriots WR Randy Moss vs. Bills CB Terrence McGee
The 6-foot-4 Moss is not a good matchup for the Bills under the best of circumstances. However, this week the Bills' best cornerback, McGee (ribs), is banged up with sore ribs, but he will likely play. He is only 5-foot-9, though. He's giving up seven-plus inches to the Pats' best receiver. The Bills' other starting cornerback, Ashton Youboty, is 5-foot-11. He's also on the slight side, at 189 pounds. When the Patriots get in the red zone, look for Moss to be an easy target.
Vikings RB Adrian Peterson vs. Chiefs LB Napoleon Harris
Harris is going to want to prove the Vikings made a mistake in not retaining him, and he will get a good chance to have an impact with Peterson figuring to be headed in his direction throughout the afternoon. If running back Chester Taylor (hip) is able to play after missing last Sunday's game because of a hip injury, Harris could find himself extremely busy. Against the Lions, Peterson touched the ball 24 times, including 20 rushing attempts, and it's clear he's going to be a key to any success this offense manages. Peterson is an extremely physical runner and isn't afraid to initiate contact.
Vikings WR Robert Ferguson vs. Chiefs secondary
Ferguson made his regular season debut in a Vikings uniform against the Lions after missing the opener because of an ankle injury. He did not have a great game - three catches for 29 yards - but there is one point of interest: The Vikings want to get him the ball. He was the intended target of eight passes, including two throws from quarterback Tarvaris Jackson that were intercepted. Also, with Ferguson in the lineup, the Vikings did not attempt to get any passes to rookie receiver Sidney Rice. Rice had two catches for 10 yards in the opener.
Chiefs RB Larry Johnson vs. Vikings DTs Kevin Williams and Pat Williams
The Chiefs were unable to get Johnson going against the stingy Chicago Bears last week and could have the same problem against Minnesota. The Williams Wall did not get much of a chance to focus on the run last Sunday against Detroit - the Lions threw the ball 56 times and ran it on only 21 occasions - but that is sure to change this Sunday in Kansas City. Johnson has only 98 rushing yards through two games, but if the Chiefs are going to have any success, they will need to get Johnson on the right track. This might be the game the Chiefs finally make a concerted effort to try to establish Johnson as a threat. The running back should be getting plenty of carries Sunday. Their offense has floundered and has yet to establish an identity. The Vikings had the top-ranked rushing defense in the NFL last season and are ranked sixth this season. They are allowing only 3.1 yards per carry. The Chiefs' best chance to beat Minnesota is to pound away with Johnson and then get some big plays down the field off play-action. This will be a strength-versus-strength matchup that should be fun to watch.
Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez vs. Vikings LB E.J. Henderson
Henderson took over in the middle this season for Napoleon Harris, who had a solid season for the Vikings in 2006 and then signed with the Chiefs as a free agent. Henderson, back at this position after two seasons on the weak side, will focus on run support behind the Williams Wall and also in helping to contain the always dangerous Gonzalez. This could be Henderson's most difficult test in three games considering Gonzalez's pass-catching ability and size. Henderson is quick, though, and appears to be very capable of dropping back into coverage to help pick up receivers.
Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe vs. Vikings CB Antoine Winfield
The rookie Bowe is far from a polished player and won't be burning a solid veteran like Winfield much, if at all. The one area where Bowe has the decided advantage is in the end zone. The 6-foot-2 Bowe showed last week in Chicago an ability to out-jump smaller defensive players to grab touchdown passes. He scored one touchdown that way and had a similar touchdown catch called back because of a penalty. Bowe could be a factor against the 5-foot-9 Winfield.
Lions WR Roy Williams vs. Eagles CBs Sheldon Brown and William James
Williams has 11 catches for 131 yards and two touchdowns in the Lions' surprising 2-0 start. The Eagles will probably be missing Pro Bowl corner Lito Sheppard (knee). James, who changed his name last year from Will Peterson, started an NFL game for the first time since 2005 last week, and he had some ups and downs. He intercepted a pass for the first time since 2004. He also was on Washington Redskins receiver Santana Moss most of the time, and Moss ended up with six catches for 89 yards. Brown is a solid pro who works best as a complement to Sheppard, a more athletic, playmaking performer.
Lions WR Shaun McDonald vs. Eagles backup defensive backs
McDonald is supposed to be the Lions' fourth receiver, behind Williams, Mike Furrey and Calvin Johnson. He leads the Lions with 13 catches and 161 receiving yards, though. Why? Well, he's good. But it's more than that. While defenses pay attention to the other three, McDonald gets to go against the opponent's third and fourth defensive backs. It's almost always a mismatch. The Eagles look thin. They probably will be without Sheppard, and free safety Brian Dawkins (neck) is hobbled.
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb vs. Lions pass defense
McNabb, who is coming back from a torn knee ligament, hasn't looked sharp in his first two games. Lions fans remember Week 3 in 2004, though, when he toasted a 2-0 Detroit team for 356 yards and two touchdowns. The Lions' much-maligned pass defense has six interceptions, but they came against the Oakland Raiders and Minnesota. The Lions must keep McNabb out of synch with his receivers, putting pressure on him and jamming his receivers at the line.
Eagles RB Brian Westbrook vs. Lions run defense
Defensive tackle Cory Redding has been the captain and leader of Detroit's defense this season; he had eight solo tackles, three for a loss, last week in beating the Vikings. With McNabb struggling, Westbrook (knee) has been the Eagles offense. He is averaging 4.9 yards per carry - 37 carries for 181 yards - and he is the leading receiver, with 14 catches for 112 yards. However, Westbrook suffered a knee sprain Monday against the Redskins. If he were unable to play, or was limited, backup Correll Buckhalter has gained just eight yards this season on five carries, and third-round rookie Tony Hunt does not yet have an NFL carry. Given that McNabb clearly is not 100 percent yet as he comes back from ACL surgery, a decent running game is probably crucial to the Eagles avoiding an 0-3 start. The Lions have been only so-so against the run.
Rams RB Steven Jackson vs. Buccaneers run defense
Jackson has gotten off to a slow start with only 118 yards rushing total in two games, with an average of just 3.0 yards a carry. Despite its improved work against the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay is still allowing 119 yards rushing per game and ranks a modest 20th in the league in rushing defense. The Rams need to get Jackson going - for four quarters - to have a chance to win in Raymond James Stadium.
Buccaneers RB Cadillac Williams vs. Rams run defense
Williams is not off to the best of starts. He's averaging just 3.4 yards per carry, but the good news is that he's being used a lot. The Bucs barely used Williams during the preseason, so he's still getting his rhythm and timing down. He figures to get the ball a lot this week against the Rams. Look for Williams to get at least 25 touches, and look for a couple of those to come near the goal line as the Bucs continue to make Williams their go-to guy in goal-to-go situations.
Rams OT Alex Barron vs. Buccaneers DE Gaines Adams
Adams, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2007 draft, has yet to record his first NFL sack. Barron just hopes it's not against him on Sunday. Barron is expected to make just his second NFL start at left tackle against the Bucs; he has been switched there for the rest of the season from right tackle due to Orlando Pace's (shoulder) season-ending shoulder injury. Barron has the athleticism to be an above-average left tackle. The Rams had receivers open all over the field against the San Francisco 49ers, but Barron and the patchwork offensive line must hold up better this week. Rams quarterback Marc Bulger was sacked six times against the 49ers.
Cardinals QB Matt Leinart vs. Ravens FS Ed Reed
Reed has the second-most interceptions in the NFL (28) since 2002. He has a 26.8-yard average for returns on those picks. Leinart has struggled with his accuracy this season, throwing three interceptions. He has to be aware of where Reed is at all times.
Cardinals RB Edgerrin James vs. Ravens run defense
The Ravens have continued their tradition of shutting down running backs. Opponents are averaging 2.5 yards per carry against them. James, who has two touchdowns this season, will have trouble scoring against a Ravens defense that hasn't allowed a rushing touchdown this season.
Ravens RB Willis McGahee vs. Cardinals run defense
McGahee has to run better than he has this season to crack an underrated Arizona defense. He is averaging 87 yards in two games and has scored just one touchdown. McGahee has been very productive against the NFC West during his career, though. Four of his career 14 100-yard rushing games have come against the division. The Cardinals have been tough this season, holding 49ers back Frank Gore (55 yards) and Seattle Seahawks back Shaun Alexander (70 yards) in check.
Ravens TE Todd Heap vs. Cardinals LB Calvin Pace
Heap remains the Ravens' top receiving threat, and you'd figure that he would carry a little extra motivation going against his hometown team. Pace brought with him a ton of question marks to the starting job after linebacker Chike Okeafor (biceps) suffered his season-ending injury. Pace has been remarkably stout in both run support and pass coverage, though, and he has gotten pressure on the quarterback when he rushes. If Pace (and strong safety Adrian Wilson) can find a way to corral Heap, the way the Cards have played run defense so far this year, they should be able to hold down Baltimore on offense.
Cardinals OT Levi Brown vs. Ravens DE Terrell Suggs
Brown, a rookie, has held up surprisingly well thus far; he is a reason the Cards have run for 293 yards in two games and averaged 4.6 yards per carry while allowing just one sack. That will likely be much harder against Baltimore and the so-far sackless Suggs, who grew up in Phoenix. Brown must find a way to neutralize Suggs' rush and also create some holes for James. Brown hasn't had a bad game yet; he can't have one now.
Colts WR Marvin Harrison vs. Texans CB Dunta Robinson
Big-time matchups are what Robinson thrives on. He's off to a great start this season, already picking off two passes. He's a physical and hard-hitting corner that provides problems for any opposing wide receivers. Robinson will have his hands full this week as he tries to help contain the Colts' passing game, which ranks second in the league, averaging 294 yards per game. If Robinson isn't matched up on Harrison, he would be having his hands full with receiver Reggie Wayne, who is ranked 11th in the league and averaging 92.5 receiving yards per game. Harrison is averaging 85 yards per game and ranked 16th.
Texans RBs Ahman Green and Ron Dayne vs. Colts run defense
This is how the Texans defeated the Colts last season, and they will probably try it again. Dayne had 32 carries for 153 yards last December. This season, he will share those carries with Green as the team tries to run down the clock and keep Indy's offense off the field. So far this season, Indy's run defense ranks 21st in the league, allowing 123.5 rushing yards per game. Green and Dayne have virtually split their carries down the middle in the first two weeks. It will likely be more of the same against Indy; the Texans want to make sure the freshest back is on the field.
Texans wide receivers vs. Colts CBs Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden
A sprained PCL for wideout Andre Johnson (knee) is a crippling blow to the Texans offense. It goes beyond his three touchdown catches. Johnson stretches defenses. Without him, Houston has to hope rookie Jacoby Jones along with the unheralded Kevin Walter and Andre' Davis can do the job against the Colts' top defenders. Hayden and Jackson are full-time starters for the first time. Both are physical and can run. Hayden actually leads the Colts with 27 total tackles (based on the coaches' count), while Jackson is third with 22. Both have forced a fumble so far and can surprise passers with an occasional blitz.
Colts OT Tony Ugoh vs. Texans DE Mario Williams
Ugoh gave up his first sack last week in the final minutes when Tennessee Titans defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch got around him on a speed rush. Williams, the No. 1 overall pick last year, is starting to play like it. He had two sacks and returned a fumble recovery 38 yards for a touchdown against Kansas City. Williams was limited to just 4.5 sacks as a rookie because of a serious foot injury. Players and coaches saw his potential, though. Ugoh did a decent job against Saints Pro Bowl defensive end Will Smith in the opener - we didn't notice Smith at all - and handled himself well for most of the day against Vanden Bosch until the late sack.
Jaguars RB Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Broncos run defense
Taylor has been contained in the Jaguars' first two games. Other than a 29-yard gain last week, he has rushed for just 43 yards in 21 carries in the opening two weeks. Both Taylor and Jones-Drew have struggled so far. Taylor has never had luck against Denver. He is averaging 42 yards per contest in four games against the Broncos. Denver has traditionally done well against Jacksonville runners. Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams hasn't been much of a factor for the Broncos in two games, in 2004 and '05, against the Jaguars, though; he started both games but recorded a total of just four tackles. Taylor and backup Maurice Jones-Drew could be ready for a big game after being bottled up the first two weeks. Denver has allowed 156 rushing yards per game thus far.
Jaguars WR Dennis Northcutt and Ernest Wilford vs. Broncos CB Champ Bailey
Bailey will line up on the left side and will likely thus get both Northcutt and Wilford. Bailey said earlier this week that he's not so much concerned about a receiver's speed as he is the guys that work hard to get out of their routes to get open. That describes Northcutt more than Wilford, as Northcutt is a crafty veteran that has the experience to break his pattern if the quarterback is in trouble or he's well-covered. Bailey has never covered any of the Jaguars' receiver other than Northcutt, when the latter was with Cleveland. Teams are still hesitant to throw in Bailey's area, so Dre' Bly, playing the other corner, is likely to get more action than Bailey.
Jaguars QB David Garrard vs. Broncos pass defense
The Broncos' pass defense has been ridiculous after two games. It is leading the NFL in pass defense and has been spectacular. Against the Oakland Raiders last week, the Denver defense allowed 53 gross passing yards. It was the second-lowest total in head coach Mike Shanahan's 13 seasons in Denver. Two weeks ago at Buffalo, Denver allowed 72 gross passing yards. It was tied for the fourth-lowest in the Shanahan era. With Garrard still learning and with the Jaguars' receivers less than special, watch for Bailey and Bly to help bottle up the Jags' passing effort.
Broncos RB Travis Henry vs. Jaguars LB Mike Peterson
Henry has been the lone running threat for the Broncos thus far with 267 yards in 49 attempts. No other Denver running back has more than five carries. But Henry has struggled against the Jaguars in the past. In six games (three with Buffalo, three with Tennessee), he has gained 316 yards in 115 attempts, a mere 2.7 yards-per-carry average. Peterson had one of his better games when the Jaguars and Broncos met in 2005, as he recorded 15 tackles in Denver's 20-7 win. In both games this season Peterson has led the Jaguars in tackles, with 16 and 12, but the 16 stops in the opener against Tennessee often came after Titans runners had gained five yards or more.
Broncos WR Javon Walker vs. Jaguars CB Rashean Mathis
Look for Mathis to spend most of his time flanking Walker. The latter has shown well in two games thus far with a team-best 17 catches for 220 yards. He had a big day against Jacksonville in 2004 as a member of the Green Bay Packers when he recorded 11 receptions for 152 yards in a 28-25 loss. Mathis is the Jaguars' best cover defender and is looking to repeat his Pro Bowl season of a year ago. He has not missed a snap in the team's first two games this year and added to his career interception total (now 21) with a pick in the opener against Tennessee.
Browns WR Braylon Edwards vs. Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha
Edwards (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) had a career day versus the Cincinnati Bengals, catching eight passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Derek Anderson's big arm allows Edwards to get downfield and use his size in one-on-one matchups or jump balls. Asomugha (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) is almost as big as Edwards and could pose a problem. Asomugha had eight interceptions and one touchdown last year.
Browns TE Kellen Winslow vs. Raiders SS Michael Huff
Winslow, the No. 6 overall pick of the 2004 draft, could match up against Huff, the No. 7 overall selection in 2006. Winslow is coming off the best statistical game of his career - six receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. He is flashing the form he had in college and before a motorcycle accident and knee surgery threatened to ruin his career. Huff, in his second year out of the University of Texas, is coming off a solid effort against Denver that included his first career sack. While Huff has not forced or created turnovers as much as the Raiders would like, his pass coverage has been good against AFC West standout tight ends such as Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates.
Raiders RB LaMont Jordan vs. Browns run defense
Jordan is off to a fast start, rushing 40 times for 229 yards, a 5.7 yards-per-carry average and a touchdown. He also has a good history against the Browns, rushing for a career-high 132 yards in 2005 and gaining 128 yards on 20 carries last year. The Browns have been bad against the run for years, and this year hasn't been any different. They rank 29th - they're allowing 172 yards per game. They have also been bad against the pass, allowing 10 touchdown passes and an average of 277 yards.
Raiders C Jake Grove vs. Browns NT Ted Washington
Grove did a solid job blocking against Denver and mammoth defensive tackle Sam Adams. He gets an even bigger challenge in Washington, a former Raider who outweighs Grove by at least 75 pounds. Grove's presence may have hurt in a timing sense - Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin hinted that problems with false starts had to do with the timing of the snap. Grove blocked well on the interior as the Raiders rushed for 200 yards, though. Washington is a classic stand-his-ground nose tackle who is virtually impossible to move.
Bengals QB Carson Palmer vs. Seahawks pass defense
Last week Palmer became one of the few quarterbacks in history to complete six touchdown passes in a game and lose (51-45 at Cleveland). He forms, along with wideouts Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, one of the most dynamic passing combinations in the game today. The Seahawks defense has been erratic at best so far in the first two games. Granted, they have only give up 29 points, but they have continuously given up big chunks of yardage: They struggled to slow down a young Arizona team last week in a 23-20 loss. They failed to get to quarterback Matt Leinart at all. This will be a great barometer of where this defense is, with five new starters trying to settle in.
Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck vs. Bengals pass defense
Hasselbeck has the highest quarterback rating in the NFL over the past two-plus seasons when it comes to the final two minutes of each half. If the Seahawks are close at the end of the game - particularly at Qwest Field - they have a machine-like rhythm to their offense that can get the job done against anybody.
Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander vs. Bengals run defense
Alexander would appear poised for a big game against the Bengals, who surrendered 226 yards to the Browns last week. Alexander rushed for 105 in the opener, his 36th career 100-yard game, pushing the Seahawks' record to 30-6 when he reaches that mark. Running back Jamal Lewis had 216 rushing yards for the Browns. Alexander saw film of the Bengals' defensive debacle. He commented that he hates it when a team has a bad game the week before he plays against it, partly because they're motivated to keep it from happening twice in a row. He is still averaging more than 80 yards per game despite sluggish starts in both games. This is the opportunity for Alexander to have a breakout game and prove he remains one of the elite backs in the game.
Seahawks PR Nate Burleson vs. Bengals special teams
Last season, the Bengals were first in average punt return yards allowed and sixth in kickoff return yards allowed. They are 29th in both categories after two games. They are giving up an average of 14.5 yards per punt return and 27.9 per kickoff return. Burleson has a 13.3-yard average on punt returns with a long of 56 yards. The Bengals are changing special teams on the fly, with linebacker Dhani Jones in and linebacker Andre Frazier out. An otherwise close game could be broken open if the Bengals give up a big play in the kicking game.
Panthers WR Steve Smith vs. Falcons CB DeAngelo Hall
This is always the top matchup when these two teams play because it features the two best players in the NFC South at their respective positions. The two players used to be buddies before Smith became upset with Hall (ankle) over some comments that he made. Now, they'll leave all of the talking in the locker room. Hall is one of the few cornerbacks in the league capable of staying with Smith. He showed up on the injury report today with an ankle injury, though, and that may slow his play. He can stay with Smith at times in single coverage, but nobody can do that for an entire game because Smith is too explosive, and he's off to a very fast start. Smith is clearly over the hamstring woes that slowed him last season. According to the Falcons he represents 53 percent of the Panthers offense, so shutting him down is a must. The Falcons need to give Hall some help from the safeties. Atlanta can afford to do that because Carolina's running game hasn't been consistent. Plus, receivers Keary Colbert and Drew Carter aren't big threats and can be handled with single coverage. If Smith is running around free, Hall and the Falcons secondary will be in for a long day.
Panthers RBs DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams vs. Falcons run defense
The Panthers' backs are averaging 4.5 and 4.0 yards per game, respectively. They were so brazen about running the ball at the Falcons last season that they used Williams at quarterback in the shot gun and had him run sweeps off direct snaps from center. They will no doubt try to pound the ball at the Falcons and then try to connect with Smith deep. With the combination of a deep threat and a strong running game, there should be lanes to run in.
Falcons OTs Todd Weiner and Renardo Foster vs. Panthers DE Julius Peppers
Peppers has been very quiet in the first two games and still is looking for his first sack. But this could be a breakout game for Peppers. The Falcons are on pace to tie the league record for 104 allowed in a season set by the 1986 Philadelphia Eagles. If Foster, an undrafted free agent from Louisville, has to start for the injured Wayne Gandy (hamstring), expect Carolina to attempt to exploit that. The Falcons will have to give either Weiner or Foster lots of help from the tight ends and running backs.
Giants RB Derrick Ward vs. Redskins LB Marcus Washington
Ward has done an admirable job filling in for the injured Brandon Jacobs (knee), picking up 90 yards on 15 carries last week. The trend could continue if the Giants can run at Washington, who could be considered the weak link in a linebacking corps that features a strong middle linebacker in London Fletcher and a rapid up-and-coming second-year player in Rocky McIntosh. Ward can also catch the ball - his touchdown in Week 1 versus Dallas came on a nine-yard screeen. If Ward can power his way through a middle defense of defensive tackles Cornelius Griffin and Anthony Montgomery, he could get a few big gains.
Giants WR Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer vs. Redskins CBs Shawn Springs and Carlos Rogers
Burress' (ankle) 6-foot-5 height is once again an advantage over a fading star like Springs. Both Giants receivers have started strong this season. Burress, fighting a sprained ankle, already has 10 catches for 176 yards and four touchdowns. Toomer has 11 catches for 139 yards. Burress has run some clean routes as his on-field relationship with quarterback Eli Manning grows. Springs has five tackles so far, but he has yet to nab an interception. He won't be easily exploited - the Eagles didn't score a touchdown Monday against Washington - but he could be a favorable matchup for Burress. Whenever either receiver is matched against Rogers, the Giants should try to take advantage. The Eagles challenged Rogers throughout last week's game, throwing his direction 11 times and completing three passes for 30 yards. Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb missed on several open receivers, though.
Redskins QB Jason Campbell vs. Giants pass defense
Take your pick as to which side you'd like to go to. Neither Giants cornerback - Corey Webster nor Sam Madison - did a good job last week. Campbell shows a rocket arm that when, if tamed, can be lethal. The Giants' inability to jam receivers at the line in a heavy bump-and-run system has caused much chasing and much beating downfield. Campbell could find receivers Santana Moss and Antwan Randle El regularly unless the coverage tightens up quickly. Campbell was 16-for-29 for 209 yards with a touchdown and an interception against the Eagles. The Giants' pass defense has a well-deserved 32nd ranking after Packers receiver Donald Driver was allowed to operate unpunished for eight catches, 73 yards and a touchdown.
Redskins TE Chris Cooley vs. Giants linebackers
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten combined with Green Bay's Bubba Franks and Donald Lee for 14 catches for 171 yards and three touchdowns in the first two games against a linebacking corps that looks absolutely lost when called upon to cover tight ends. Mathias Kiwanuka, on the strong side, often seems unaware of his assignments, and middle linebacker convert Kawika Mitchell on the weak side doesn't have the speed to keep up with a good tight end. That would mean he won't catch Cooley, either. Cooley can beat pretty much any linebacker in one-on-one coverage, so look for Campbell to find him early. Cooley is one of the top pass-catching tight ends in the league, having finished last year with 57 catches and six touchdowns. This year he has three catches for 35 yards and a touchdown, but he could crank it up for a Giants team he caught nine passes against in two games last year.
Cowboys WR Terrell Owens vs. Bears CB Charles Tillman
Owens has had a touchdown catch in six straight games, which is one off tying the team record. It's also the longest current streak in the NFL. Owens is much more comfortable this year, and the Cowboys are moving him around to different spots. For years the Bears insisted that their cornerbacks did not shift sides to match up with opposing wide receivers. They stayed true to their scheme. Then the Bears faced the Giants last season in the Meadowlands, and Tillman shadowed Giants receiver Plaxico Burress all over the field. The strategy worked well, as Burress was limited to four receptions for 48 yards. The Bears need to limit Dallas' big-play ability, and Owens has been the key to that thus far, averaging 23 yards per catch with three touchdowns. Tillman should get Owens most of the time. He has good size (6-foot-1, 196 pounds), but Owens' ability after the catch is what makes him special. Facing a tough pass rush, look for the Cowboys to get Owens the ball quickly with slants and crossing routes.
Bears TEs Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen vs. Cowboys SS Roy Williams
Dallas' defense has been opportunistic through the first two games, with six takeaways, five of them interceptions. The Bears' passing offense has been struggling greatly, and many believe quarterback Brian Griese is not far away from replacing Rex Grossman. Grossman, the former first-round draft pick, will get another opportunity, and he relies heavily on his tight ends, as he has been hesitant to force the ball downfield. Olsen (knee), the top pick of the club this year, is expected to make his debut after missing the first two weeks with a sprained left knee. He adds a dimension to the offense that has been missing, and the Bears will need to take advantage of his ability in order to score the points necessary to topple the Cowboys. Meanwhile, Williams is one of the more physical safeties in the league; he could present a challenge for Grossman and the tight ends.
Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware vs. Bears offensive tackles
Ware is still looking for his first sack on the season, but he has forced early throws with his pressure. The Cowboys need more than just pressure from Ware this week. He needs to get to Grossman, who will make mistakes when he sees the pass rush. Ware's speed makes him difficult; Bears offensive tackles John Tait and Fred Miller can struggle with outside rushers. The Bears will give both help with tight ends or backs when they can, but that means other defenders will have to make plays.
Titans QB Vince Young vs. Saints pass defense
The Titans have focused on running the ball the first two weeks, and they will continue to try to pound it against the Saints. But the game plan on Monday will probably give Young opportunities through the air as well. New Orleans has been exposed in the secondary, allowing 216 passing yards per game. Young has just 262 passing yards total in the first two weeks, but should throw it more Monday night.
Titans RBs Chris Brown and LenDale White vs. Saints run defense
White led the Titans' rushing offense last week with 64 yards and a touchdown in 15 carries against an Indianapolis defense that limited the Saints to 106 total yards in Week 1. As a team, the Titans had 141 rushing yards against Indy and enter the game Monday night with the league's best rushing offense, averaging 212 rushing yards per game. Brown had 175 yards on 19 carries in Week 1 against Jacksonville. The Saints rank 22nd in the league in run defense, allowing 125 yards per game. Teams have been running at the middle of the New Orleans defense, particularly at defensive tackles Kendrick Clancy and Brian Young. The latter missed the entire preseason with a broken foot.
Saints RB Reggie Bush vs. Titans run defense
The former Heisman Trophy winner hasn't been a big factor in the Saints' game plan so far, and his big-play impact has been nonexistent. The Titans expect Bush to be more involved Monday, especially on screens to the outside that will get him in space. Titans linebackers Keith Bulluck and David Thornton are speedy on the outside, but they will have to tackle well to keep Bush from breaking free for big gains.
Saints WRs Marques Colston and Devery Henderson vs. Titans secondary
Tennessee is allowing opponents 249 yards per game through the air, and the Saints can be a dangerous passing team if their offense begins to click. Henderson was benched last week against the Bucs for dropping two passes in a first-possession drive; either of the potential catches would have resulted in a drive-sustaining first down. He led the league last season in yards per catch but was out of the game while the Saints attempted to shorten a 21-0 deficit. Don't look for that to happen this week. He should be back in good graces. The Saints, who had the No. 1 passing offense last year, are struggling in the air. Henderson has caught just three passes this season.
More Articles You Will Like
