Matchups to Exploit - Week 4
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September 27, 2007 @ 16:00:00
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By Hot off the Wire Network Contributors
Edited by KFFL Staff
Texans QB Matt Schaub vs. Falcons secondary
Former Falcons quarterback Matt Schaub, a three-year backup, knows the unit's strengths and weaknesses. He faced them every week while running the scout team. Cornerback DeAngelo Hall is not expected to not play for at least a quarter as part of his penalty for his three-penalty, game-changing tirade against the Carolina Panthers. Rookie corner David Irons is Hall's backup. The Falcons could swap veteran corner Lewis Sanders over to Hall's spot and have rookie Chris Houston man the cornerback position. Schaub will be without his top target, Andre Johnson (knee).
Texans RB Ron Dayne vs. Falcons run defense
Dayne (chest) isn't completely healthy, but the Texans will try to ride him down the field. So far, no Texans running back has had more than 18 carries in a game. Don't expect that to change this week. With Dayne's ribs still bothering him, the Texans will try to get him and running back Samkon Gado going. They hope to exploit the Falcons' run defense, which has given up 143.2 rushing yards per game this season. Dayne's strength is barreling through the middle and carrying blockers with him. Gado has a slightly more finesse-type approach, which the Texans hope throws off the defense as well.
Texans WR Andre' Davis vs. Falcons CB DeAngelo Hall
Davis is the team's biggest threat for big plays this week. He had a 41-yard catch last week, and he also had a critical nine-yard reception on a big fourth-down play. Davis hasn't reached the end zone since 2005, but he could change that this week. It's likely he will have to battle Hall a few times during the game, though, and Hall is coming off a poor week mentally, so he may be motivated. He has just one interception this season, but he will be keying on Schaub or the receivers to make a mistake.
Falcons RBs Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood vs. Texans LB DeMeco Ryans
After leading the league in rushing over the last three seasons, the Falcons have yet to rush for 100 yards in a game this season. They certainly miss quarterback Michael Vick's rushing totals, but Dunn and Norwood have not been able to power the ball at defenses. Dunn may be showing signs of age, as he turned 32 this offeseason. Norwood appears indecisive with his cuts and reads, instead relying on his flat-out speed. If either one of them tries to come between the tackles, the hard-hitting Ryans will be there lurking for the kill shot.
Falcons OTs Wayne Gandy and Todd Weiner vs. Texans DE Mario Williams
The Texans will move Williams around to get the best matchup and try to create pressure off the edge. Williams will likely face Gandy and Weiner. The Falcons have given up 14 sacks this season, but they only gave up one last week to the Panthers and kept defensive end Julius Peppers in check. After being slowed by foot injuries in his rookie season, Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2006 draft, is starting to come into his own.
Ravens RB Willis McGahee vs. Browns run defense
The Ravens have tried to maintain a balanced attack, but there's a sense that they will run heavily against the Browns. Cleveland has the second-worst run defense in the NFL, and they've allowed three 100-yard rushers in three weeks. That's something McGahee should exploit. McGahee's production has increased in each of his first three games with the Ravens; he gained 98 yards against the Arizona Cardinals in his last game. He is ninth in the NFL with 272 yards. He has averaged 4.1 yards per carry and no rushing touchdowns.In his only game against the Browns (2004), McGahee ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns. The Browns have also struggled vs. the pass, allowing 11 touchdowns, so they can't afford to devote all their attention to stopping the run.
Browns QB Derek Anderson vs. Ravens secondary
The Ravens' starting secondary hasn't come up with an interception this season after combining for 19 interceptions and scoring four touchdowns last season. The Ravens should be due for a turnaround considering the talent (cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle along with safeties Ed Reed and Dawan Landry). The secondary has been reeling the past two weeks, giving up a total of three passing touchdowns to backup quarterbacks Kellen Clemens (New York Jets) and Kurt Warner (Cardinals). Anderson has been up and down this season, throwing five touchdown passes in Week 2 and failing to complete half of his passes in Weeks 1 and 3. In Anderson's only start against Baltimore last season, he was 23-for-32 for 223 yards. He threw two touchdown passes and two interceptions.
Browns RB Jamal Lewis vs. Ravens run defense
Facing his former team for the first time should be a stiff challenge for Lewis. He was the fifth pick of the 2000 draft by the Ravens and spent seven years with them; he was the Ravens' all-time leading rusher. Lewis didn't like the way the Ravens went away from the power-running game. He was released in the offseason and signed a one-year contract with the Browns. Lewis is third in the NFL with 307 rushing yards, but 216 came in Week 2 versus the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns fell behind in the first half versus the Raiders and were dominated in time of possession in the second half, so Lewis only had 15 carries for 56 yards. The Ravens rank first in run defense. They have allowed 61.7 yards a game and have only allowed three runs of 10 yards or more (the best mark in the league). The Ravens also haven't allowed a rushing touchdown in 10 straight games. They traditionally stuff power running backs like Lewis.
Raiders QB Daunte Culpepper vs. Dolphins defensive line
Culpepper is likely to start with incumbent starter Josh McCown (toe) expected to sit. Culpepper will likely face a nasty pass rush from a frustrated defense that has accounted for four sacks so far this season. Culpepper still seems to be limping around on a bad knee, so he could present the Dolphins with an immobile target to attack. Expect the Dolphins to go back to their hybrid 3-4 defense that featured defensive end Jason Taylor being used as a jack, moving all over the field like last season. So far opponents have forced Taylor to work exclusively as an end by keeping the Dolphins in the nickel package for most of the game because it creates a favorable matchup.
Raiders RB LaMont Jordan vs. Dolphins LB Channing Crowder
Jordan, a physical runner, has rushed for 290 yards in two weeks. The Dolphins have struggled stopping the run, allowing the opposition to average 166 yards on the ground. Most of that took place with linebacker Zach Thomas (concussion) in the lineup; his status is up in the air. Crowder replaced Thomas as the starting middle linebacker, and head coach Cam Cameron said he did well making the appropriate adjustment calls, but the middle of the Dolphins defense was open all game against the New York Jets. Jordan is also a catching passes out of the backfield, contributing 11 receptions for 121 yards. Crowder is slow at diagnosing whether it's a run or a pass in play-action situations, which Oakland might exploit.
Raiders WR Jerry Porter vs. Dolphins CB Will Allen
Porter has just two catches in his last two games, although both were important ones - a 46-yard touchdown reception from McCown against the Denver Broncos and a 20-yard hookup with Culpepper for a third-and-nine late in the game against Cleveland. Head coach Lane Kiffin has cited the need for improved performance from their wide receivers. Culpepper's likely presence as the starter gives the Raiders more of a drop-back presence instead of a checkdown presence. Look for Porter to get plenty of looks against Allen, who has one interception in 19 games as a Dolphin.
Raiders OT Barry Sims vs. Dolphins DE Jason Taylor
Taylor is listed on the opposite side of Sims, but Miami defensive coordinator Dom Capers is known for taking advantage of matchups, and Sims is known for having trouble with speed rushers. The last time the Raiders were in Miami, in 2002, Taylor beat Sims for three sacks. The Dolphins could also run linebacker Joey Porter behind Taylor to further torment Sims and pressure Culpepper.
Bears QB Brian Griese vs. Lions pass defense
Griese hasn't started a game since October 2005 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and his short, quick passes actually suit the Lions defense better than benched quarterback Rex Grossman's downfield attack. The Lions had success against the likes of Raiders quarterback Josh McCown and Minnesota Vikings passer Tarvaris Jackson. They struggled against Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, who had time to throw downfield and picked them apart.
Bears RB Cedric Benson vs. Lions run defense
Now that Grossman has been demoted, the stakes are raised for the former No. 4 overall pick, Benson, who hasn't yet to live up to his immense billing. The Bears talked about Benson being an upgrade over the man he couldn't beat out in two seasons, Thomas Jones (Jets). However, he has been a mega-bust through the first three weeks and has contributed to the team's disastrous turnover problems with two lost fumbles already. The Lions defense was horrible at tackling in the 56-21 loss to Philadelphia, and if it does not wrap up on Benson, he will bounce off tacklers and gain loads of yardage after initial contact. It's imperative for Benson to run well to get the offense clicking, and the Lions will likely load up with an eight-man front. If Benson runs well, he can keep the heat off the injury-depleted Bears defense.
Lions WR Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson vs. Bears CB Trumaine McBride
Williams had 204 receiving yards last week. He is 6-foot-5 and a veteran who led the NFC in receiving yards last year. If the Lions get this mismatch, they will take advantage of it. Johnson's (back) injury could also be mysteriously healed by the presence of the rookie seventh-round draft pick, McBride, in the Bears' lineup. Starting cornerbacks Nathan Vasher (groin) and Charles Tillman (ankle) are sidelined this week. The 6-foot-5, 239-pound Johnson will dwarf McBride. McBride is generously listed at 5-foot-9, 185 pounds. The Bears' secondary as a whole will be tested by the Lions' high-octane passing game. They preach stopping the run first. That's great, but Detroit doesn't start to run. Look for the Bears to play a lot of their base Tampa 2 scheme to help McBride and fellow corner Ricky Manning Jr. as well as prevent the big play. If strong safety Adam Archuleta asked to help out significantly in the passing game, that's not one of his strengths.
Jets RB Thomas Jones vs. LB John DiGiorgio
Jones is a hard runner between the tackles, and he figures to do some damage against the Bills. DiGiorgio replaces injured linebacker Paul Posluszny (forearm) and is far less stout, at about 228 pounds. He will have trouble taking down Jones, who gained 110 yards against the Dolphins last week. The Jets' running game has started a bit slowly, with poor outings versus the New England Patriots and Baltimore. This looks like a prime week to get the ground game going. The Bills have allowed 100 or more yards rushing in 12 straight games.
Jets WR Jerricho Cotchery vs. Bills secondary
Bills cornerback Jason Webster (forearm) and free safety Ko Simpson (ankle) both are out for the season. Jets quarterback Chad Pennington (ankle) and Cotchery (shoulder), the Jets' most adept receiver at getting yards after the catch, should be able to connect several times. Cotchery had seven receptions for 165 yards against Baltimore and had five catches against Miami despite playing with a shoulder injury. Pennington, likewise, is closer to 100 percent after returning last week from a sprained ankle.
Bills RB Marshawn Lynch vs. Jets run defense
Lynch has yet to crack the 100-yard rushing mark, but he has looked good the first three weeks. The Bills simply have not had enough offensive plays for him to get 100 yards. He has had 19, 18 and 20 carries the first three weeks. The rookie from the University of California has rushed for 228 yards at 4.0 yards per carry in his first three NFL games. He figures to get the call early and often, as Buffalo likely will simplify the offensive game plan with Trent Edwards (Stanford) making his first NFL start in place of quarterback J.P. Losman (knee). The Jets' 20th-ranked run defense allowed Miami running back Ronnie Brown 112 yards and one touchdown on the ground, with Brown averaging 4.9 yards a carry. Last year the Jets were ranked 24th against the run.
Packers WRs Donald Driver and Greg Jennings vs. Vikings CBs Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin
Winfield told reporters in Minnesota this week that he wants to cover Driver on every snap regardless of where he lines up. The veteran, who normally plays the left corner and slides into the slot in the nickel, has tired of teams picking on second-year corner Cedric Griffin and rookie Marcus McCauley. Winfield is the Vikings' best cover man and could help take Driver out of the game, but he will probably still need some double-cover help. Driver had a huge game the last time he played at the Metrodome, accumulating 191 receiving yards in a Packers victory in November 2006. If the Vikings slant their coverage toward Driver, though, Jennings and wideout James Jones could have good days. Last week the two combined for 10 receptions and 161 yards, including Jennings' 57-yard touchdown catch-and-run on a short slant. Considering that Minnesota has probably the best run defense in the NFL with Pat Williams and Kevin Williams at defensive tackle, the Packers are sure to have a pass-oriented attack. Whether Driver will be a big producer or more of a decoy depends on whether Minnesota feels OK with Winfield covering him, or whether the Vikings will try to double him as much as possible. Griffin figures to be busy no matter what happens. If Winfield does end up on Driver, Packers quarterback Brett Favre is likely to look for a Jennings-Griffin matchup. Griffin has seemed to struggle a bit more in coverage this year than he did as a rookie, and his tackling technique has been lacking at times. The Vikings finished tied for last in the NFL last season in pass defense and two weeks ago Detroit had 393 yards against them through the air.
Vikings RB Adrian Peterson vs. Packers LBs A.J. Hawk and Nick Barnett
Barnett has been probably the Packers' best player through three games and was a big factor when the Packers held Chargers back LaDainian Tomlinson to 62 yards rushing, a 2.8-yard average and a long carry of 11 yards last week. Hawk played better against San Diego than he did the previous two weeks, but the Packers still are waiting for him to have a big game as a playmaker. Regardless, they'll have major responsibilities in holding down Peterson, the first-round pick who almost single-handedly has been the Vikings offense this year. Peterson is averaging 4.2 yards per carry and has 271 yards rushing in the first three games. The Packers undoubtedly will be aiming to keep him from beating them, with Hawk and Barnett carrying much of that responsibility. The Vikings don't have a receiving target like San Diego tight end Antonio Gates or a quarterback as good as Philip Rivers. That means the Packers will have fewer weapons to worry about when trying to stop the Vikings' franchise running back.
Vikings WR Robert Ferguson vs. Packers CB Al Harris
Ferguson returns to Green Bay for the first time since the Packers released him during training camp. There is no doubt the veteran will be looking for some revenge. After catching three passes two weeks ago against Detroit, Ferguson was the target of only two passes Sunday at Kansas City against the Chiefs. He would have had a sure touchdown catch on one, but quarterback Kelly Holcomb overthrew him. Harris often lines up on the top receiver for the opposing team. Minnesota doesn't really have a clear-cut No. 1 guy, so it's undetermined if that will happen. Ferguson has the most experience of any Vikings receiver, and Harris likely will match up with him on a few occasions.
Rams WRs Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and Drew Bennett vs. Cowboys secondary
If there's a chink in the Dallas defense, it's the pass defense. The Cowboys rank 23rd in the NFL in pass defense. The Rams will be minus feature back Steven Jackson (groin), so they'll start rookie back Brian Leonard in his place. Can the Rams protect quarterback Marc Bulger (ribs, ankle) and his sore ribs long enough to get the ball downfield? Will the Rams' coaching staff drop the ultra-conservative approach that they used against Tampa Bay and take some downfield shots?
Cowboys WR Terrell Owens vs. Rams CB Ron Bartell
Bartell has performed admirably in the absence of the Rams' top two corners - the injured Tye Hill (back) and the suspended Fakhir Brown. Bartell has size (6-foot-1, 205 pounds), speed and good ball skills, but he has just one pick in his career. He has improved his tackling this season, too. Owens appears to be on top of his game in the red-hot Dallas offense. The Cowboys are moving Owens around to create more mismatches, and it's working. He's tough to bring down after the catch and still has a knack for getting deep. Owens is off to a fast start with three touchdown catches in three games, and he is averaging 20.6 yards per catch. He is doing most of his damage in the second half, but this could be an all-day game for him this week, provided the line can give quarterback Tony Romo time to throw the ball. Teams have yet to be physical with Owens much at the line. He doesn't like press coverage much, and with a free release he is even more dangerous. Bartell will have to disrupt Owens early. Bartell probably won't be isolated on Owens all day, meaning cornerback Lenny Walls will occasionally be called up to cover TO.
Cowboys LBs DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer vs. Rams OLs Alex Barron and Milford Brown
Ware and Spencer came alive last week versus Chicago, combining for three sacks. Last week the Bears did not slide much help to offensive tackle John Tait, and Ware was a terror. The Rams are having a difficult time protecting Bulger because of a banged up offensive line that has undergone a lot of changes. Brown has moved all around. Barron, a former first-round pick, will have to play better. Ware and Spencer can bring speed off the edges. If cornerback Terence Newman (foot) returns to the starting lineup this week, then the Cowboys can take even more chances in the pass rush. That is not good news for Bulger, who is playing with two broken ribs and a bruised knee.
Steelers RB Willie Parker vs. Cardinals run defense
The Cardinals have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in seven straight games (it's not as good as the Steelers not allowing a 100-yard rusher in 24 straight games, but hey, it's something) and Parker would seem to put that to the test. Parker has more speed than the backs the Cards have controlled of late; one crack could give Parker a good chunk of those 100. The Cards have benefited from the play of Adrian Wilson near the line and the progression of Karlos Dansby from outside to inside linebacker. But another key has been nose tackle Gabe Watson, who has improved from his rookie season.
Cardinals QB Matt Leinart vs. Steelers pass defense
Most people can understand why Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt has decided to start Leinart against the Steelers Sunday in Arizona, even though veteran Kurt Warner played so well in relief of a struggling Leinart last Sunday in a loss in Baltimore. Leinart is the future of the franchise at the game's most important position, and he never has failed to throw for at least 200 yards in seven career home starts. Unfortunately, he faces a defense that, while not quite as tricky as that of the Ravens, still gives quarterbacks fits. Warner, 36, is the closest thing to a statue you will find in the desert and would be under intense pressure (from which he probably could not escape) from the Steelers' pass rushers. The Steelers are second in the league with 12 sacks. Leinart or Warner both would have trouble identifying the origin of the rush. Ten players have at least a half-sack, led by linebackers James Farrior, Clark Haggans and LaMarr Woodley. Another problem is strong safety Troy Polamalu, who can be used to cause havoc both at the line of scrimmage and downfield. Leinart must make smart yet quick decisions. If he's not able to do so, do not be surprised if Warner gets some playing time this Sunday. Whisenhunt has made it clear that Leinart will remain the starter and Warner is being used in the no-huddle offense like a coach might use a special package for a second running back or a third receiver.
Cardinals RB Edgerrin James vs. Steelers run defense
The question on everyone's lips is this: Can James do for the second time in three seasons what everyone else has failed to do? The Steelers have played 28 consecutive games without allowing a back to gain 100 yards since James did it as a member of the Colts on Nov. 28, 2005. The Steelers are 19-9 in those games, including a Super Bowl victory and a 3-0 start to this season. The quick start accomplished under rookie coach Mike Tomin can be attributed to the same philosophy that worked so well for former coach Bill Cowher - concentrate on stopping the opponent's running game. The Steelers' three easy victories include defensive efforts that held Browns running back Jamal Lewis to 35 yards (the week before he gained 216 against the Bengals), the Bills' Marshawn Lynch to 64 and the 49ers' Frank Gore to 39. Fundamentally, they are sound, with linemen and linebackers staying in their gaps (a basic Tomlin principle of defense) and allowing only one run of 20 yards or more in 60 attempts. James, though, is rejuvenated under rookie Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt's run-first philosophy, climbing to sixth in the NFL with 277 yards (92.3 per game and 4.6 per rush).
Buccaneers WR Joey Galloway vs. Panthers CB Ken Lucas
The Bucs want to get Galloway matched up against Lucas as much as possible this week, because Lucas doesn't turn and run with fleet-footed receivers as well as cohort Chris Gamble does. Lucas is a strong player, and he's quick for his size, but the Bucs believe Galloway can tie him in knots. Galloway remains the Bucs' best receiver, and there's a good chance he'll get the ball even more than usual this week after fellow wideouts Michael Clayton and Ike Hilliard dropped balls last week against St. Louis.
Panthers WR Steve Smith vs. Buccaneers CB Ronde Barber
Tampa's Cover 2 defense means Barber won't have to stay with Smith constantly, and that's a good thing. Barber doesn't have the speed to stay with Smith for long, and he'll need lots of help from the safeties on anything deep. Barber's challenge will be to keep Smith from doing too much damage in the short- and-medium range passing game. Barber will have to use his experience and intelligence to bring Smith down as soon as he catches any short passes. Smith is so quick that he has the potential to catch a short pass and blow by Barber to produce a big gain.
Buccaneers OT Jeremy Trueblood vs. Panthers DE Julius Peppers
Ordinarily, this would seem like a huge advantage for the Panthers. However Peppers is struggling and off to the slowest start of his career. Peppers still hasn't recorded his first sack of the season and hasn't been getting much pressure on quarterbacks. With Tampa's West Coast offense, there aren't a lot of deep drops that will leave Trueblood exposed for long. He just needs to slow Peppers a bit initially. Peppers' best hope is that the Panthers jump to an early lead and force the Bucs to throw more often and take deeper drops.
Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck vs. 49ers defense
Hasselbeck didn't play in the first game against the 49ers, the fourth full game he missed last season with a knee injury. When he did play in the second game, he wasn't his normally mobile and accurate self, with a 58.4 quarterback rating. Entering this game is healthy and very sharp. He threw touchdown passes to all three wide receivers - Deion Branch, Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson in last Sunday's win. His two interceptions - the first two of the season - were both off of deflections on passes that receivers should have caught. To date this season, Hasselbeck has an impressive 97.1 quarterback rating while completing 65 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and those two interceptions. It will be his job to control the tempo of this game against the aggressive 49ers' defense.
Seahawks WRs Deion Branch and Bobby Engram vs. 49ers CBs Nate Clements and Walt Harris
Clements and Harris are playing extremely well; they give the 49ers a lot of flexibility with their ability in man coverage. The 49ers believe their top-two cornerbacks will be able to contain Branch and Engram in man coverage, which will allow defensive coordinator Greg Manusky the option to turn up the blitz package on Hasselbeck.
49ers RB Frank Gore vs. Seahawks run defense
The 49ers swept the Seahawks last year for the first time in seemingly a generation, and Gore had everything to do with that. Gore, in total, rushed for 356 yards in two 49ers victories. He rushed for a franchise-record 212 yards when the 49ers defeated the Seahawks in San Francisco. He exploded for 110 of his 144 yards during the second half of the win at Seattle in December. Gore had a lot of success against the Seahawks even when they went with eight defenders in the box. He made safety Jordan Babineaux miss some tackles en route to long runs. The Seahawks believe they have upgraded their run game this season, especially at safety with the additions of better tacklers, Deon Grant and Brian Russell. His quickness and ability to sneak in different directions behind the massive 49ers offensive line gave the Seahawks defense fits. There is a perception that Gore surprised a lot of people last season, and it's a different story now that corralling him is a big part of the game plan. To date, he has 175 yards in the three games combined this season. How the Seahawks handle him Sunday is very likely the story of the game.
Broncos RB Travis Henry vs. Colts run defense
Indianapolis' run defense has improved from last year. It is ranked 14th in the NFL and is giving up 95.7 yards a game. While it is better, the Indianapolis run defense can be had and if Denver has any chance to pull off the upset on the road, it has to take advantage of it. Look for Denver to try to keep quarterback Peyton Manning off the field by controlling the clock. That means a healthy dose of Henry. Henry only had 11 carries against Jacksonville last week, but Denver will want him to run upwards toward 30 times. Henry is averaging 5.0 yards a carry and is capable of giving the Colts' run defense fits. Last season, while with Tennessee, Henry ran for 216 yards combined in two games against Indy. Colts strongside linebacker Rob Morris (oblique), who says he will be back after missing two games with an injury, regards Henry as one of, if not the most, physical runners in the league.
Broncos WR Brandon Marshall vs. Colts secondary
While Javon Walker is the Denver No. 1 receiver, and he will get his catches, the Colts secondary must find away to stop No. 2 receiver Brandon Marshall. He has 17 catches and Walker has 19 catches in three games. Marshall needs top receiver attention from defenses because of his size, speed and run-after-the-catch ability. While Walker has to be accounted for, so does Marshall.
Colts WR Marvin Harrison vs. Broncos CB Champ Bailey
The best of the best on the island... It's usually a push. Harrison catches his share of short-range passes, and Bailey takes away Harrison as a deep threat, but it's still fun to watch the two. Harrison caught five passes for 37 yards with a long of 12 in last year's trip to Denver. In their 2005 AFC Wild Card meeting, Harrison had four catches for 51 yards with a long of 24. Don't expect it to change too much. Manning doesn't need to test one of the best corners in the league when he has Wayne, tight end Dallas Clark and rookie receiver Anthony Gonzalez.
Chiefs RB Larry Johnson vs. Chargers run defense
Sooner or later, Johnson will bust loose with a big game, but it doesn't figure to be this week. In four career games against the Chargers in San Diego, Johnson hasn't cracked 100 yards and scored just one rushing touchdown. Though the Chargers are having their troubles, their run defense has been solid if not spectacular. Their defensive front is capable of overpowering the Chiefs' blocking unit, which is having its problems.
Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez vs. Chargers LBs Stephen Cooper and Matt Wilhelm
The Chargers have missed linebacker Donnie Edwards this season, and that figures to continue against the Chiefs. Edwards was one of the best coverage linebackers in the league and usually did an excellent job of covering Gonzalez when the Chargers met the Chiefs. Not Cooper, Wilhelm or even strong safety Clinton Hart will do the job as well as Edwards did. Gonzalez is quarterback Damon Huard's most reliable receiving option. Huard will never be compared with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady or Packers quarterback Brett Favre, but he is completing more than 67 percent of his passes. Gonzalez has a team-best 16 receptions and should be able to find the soft creases in the Chargers' defense. He's more athletic than the linebackers and physically stronger than the safeties. Gonzalez has caught five career touchdown passes against the Chargers.
Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Chiefs run defense
Tomlinson is due for a breakout game, and this could be the right opponent for it to occur. Tomlinson had 199 yards against the Chiefs last season in San Diego, including a career-best 85-yard touchdown run. The Chiefs have defended the pass well this season, so it figures a run-first attack is what the Chargers will employ. Of course, Tomlinson (130 yards in three games) will need a better blocking effort from his offensive line to finally shake loose. He's averaging just 2.3 yards per carry, a figure you'd expect more from a broken-down mule than the reigning MVP.
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb vs. Giants pass defense
McNabb got going in a big way Sunday throwing for 381 yards and compiling a perfect 158.3 passer rating after struggling the first two weeks. In one game, McNabb's passer rating went from 68.8 to 96.7. He needs to stay in that groove against a Giants defense that is ranked 29th against the pass. Giants starting corner Corey Webster was yanked from Sunday's win over the Redskins in favor of rookie Aaron Ross; coach Tom Coughlin hasn't said whether that change is permanent. The Giants have allowed a dozen pass plays of 20 yards or more.
Eagles WR Kevin Curtis vs. Giants CBs Aaron Ross and Sam Madison
Curtis caught 11 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns last week and could do the same if the new starter at right corner, first rounder Aaron Ross, proves as faulty as the guy he replaced, Corey Webster. Ross came into the Washington game in the second quarter right after Webster took a bad angle on a 49-yard completion to Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss and was out of position a couple of plays later on tight end Chris Cooley's touchdown reception. Ross, in contrast, looked good and nearly broke up quarterback Jason Campbell's throw to receiver Antwaan Randle-El at the Giants' 1 that set up the final goal line stand. Ross was also in on defensive lineman Justin Tuck's game-saving tackle of Redskins running back Ladell Betts on fourth down of that stand. Madison comes off his biggest game of the year, with six tackles and three passes defense. If Ross and Madison can get their hands on the shifty Curtis at the line, they'll succeed in throwing McNabb off his game.
Giants QB Eli Manning vs. Eagles pass defense
Using wide receiver Plaxico Burress, tight end Jeremy Shockey and some observant audibling, Manning tore the Redskins' secondary apart in the second half. He converted seven of nine third downs against the best third-down defense in the league. He could do the same this week against a secondary that will play without cornerback Lito Sheppard. Manning was especially effective on a fourth-quarter third-and-5, when he guessed the Redskins would play Cover 2 despite showing blitz. He audibled out of a pass play and called a draw to running back Derrick Ward, who rumbled six yards for a first down to set up the tying touchdown in the fourth quarter. Manning should be able to move the ball against the league's 26th-ranked pass defense providing third-down blockers like fullbacks Reuben Droughns and Madison Hedgecock pick up defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's varied blitzes.
Giants RB Derrick Ward vs. Eagles LB Omar Gaither
Former Eagles middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter tortured and bruised former Giants running back Tiki Barber last year. This year, Gaither has taken Trotter's spot, but the running should not get any easier. That doesn't seem to matter to Ward, who ran most of his career-high 26 carries behind left tackle David Diehl for 94 yards. He's still looking for his first rushing touchdown of the season. The performance marked his second straight 90-yard effort in place of injured running back Brandon Jacobs (knee). The Eagles' run defense ranks fourth in the league thanks in large part to Gaither's play in the middle. They held the predominantly pass-oriented Lions to 39 yards rushing on 12 attempts and held the Giants' rushing attack under 100 yards in both games last year.
Eagles OT Jon Runyan vs. Giants DE Michael Strahan
The Eagles usually give Runyan tight end blocking help against Strahan, but
with starting tight end L.J. Smith out with a groin injury, it's hard to say how that will go Sunday. Strahan had a lot of success against Runyan earlier in their careers, not so much recently. One key to the Eagles' pasting of Detroit was that McNabb, coming back from ACL surgery, finally got time in the pocket to feel comfortable, something lacking in the first two games. (McNabb also took off his knee brace, which he has acknowledged limited his extension on his plant leg through the first two games). Obviously, Strahan, who picked it up along with the rest of the Giants defense in the fourth quarter of the Redskins game, can do a lot to make McNabb less comfortable. Strahan has sacked McNabb 11.5 times, more than he has sacked any other quarterback. That's a bit of a bogus stat - he has faced McNabb many more times than he has faced any other quarterback. All the other NFC East teams have changed quarterbacks several times since McNabb became a starter midway through the 1999 season.
Patriots WRs Randy Moss, Donte' Stallworth and Wes Welker vs. Bengals CBs Deltha O'Neal, Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph
Moss is off to a record-setting start with three 100-yard-plus receiving games; whatever is left on short routes goes to Welker, but Stallworth is a threat if on the field. New England is third in the league in passing offense, at 289.3 yards per game game. The Bengals are in the bottom quarter of the league in pass defense, allowing more than 258 yards per game. O'Neal will have his hands full with Randy Moss, who has five touchdowns and an 18.3-yard average on 22 catches.
Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. Patriots CB Ellis Hobbs
The Patriots' defense usually does well shutting down No. 1 receivers but has had trouble containing the No. 2 at times; the Colts' Reggie Wayne has had some big games against them when wide receiver Marvin Harrison was held in check. Houshmandzadeh had four receptions for 95 yards versus New England last year; Chad Johnson had six catches for just 64 yards. Cornerback Asante Samuel likely gets the Johnson assignment, and third-year Hobbs will have Houshmandzadeh.
Patriots return teams vs. Bengals coverage teams
Yikes. Especially in the kickoff return game, this matchup could be fatal for the Bengals. New England is first in the NFL in average drive start at the 38.4-yard line. The Bengals are 31st in average drive start allowed, at the 35.5-yard line. Hobbs has a 36.4-yard kickoff return average, which includes a 108-yard touchdown.
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