Matchups to Exploit - Week 10
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November 8, 2007 @ 14:11:06
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By Hot off the Wire Network Contributors
Edited by Nicholas Minnix
Rams RB Steven Jackson vs. Saints run defense
Jackson (groin, back), who missed four games before returning for St. Louis Oct. 28, has just 274 rushing yards this season. However, he cracked the century mark Sept. 23 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he had 115 on 30 carries. The bye week helped Jackson's injuries. He won't get a full workload, but if the Rams could get 15 touches and four quarters out of Jackson Sunday, it will help keep the New Orleans defense honest. The Saints have been playing very good run defense lately. They haven't allowed an opposing team to run for 100 yards in the past seven games, tying a franchise record. The Rams have to establish some kind of running game to keep the Saints off quarterback Marc Bulger, and there's no doubt the Rams play with more energy with Jackson in the backfield. As a team, the Rams have rushed for 657 yards this season while the Saints have allowed just 775 yards in eight games, an average of 96.9 per game.
Saints WRs Marques Colston and David Patten vs. Rams CBs Fakhir Brown and Tye Hill
In the last two games, Colston and Patten have combined for 27 catches, 434 yards and four touchdowns. To say they are in a rhythm with Saints quarterback Drew Brees could be an understatement. Colston does much of his damage against zone defense. For a relatively mediocre St. Louis defense (25th overall), the pass defense has been stronger (13th overall). Brown leads the Rams with two of the team's total of five interceptions, but Hill (5-foot-10) and Brown (5-foot-11) are both at a distinct size disadvantage against the 6-foot-4 Colston. Both will physically match up better against the 5-foot-10 Patten.
Rams OT Alex Barron vs. Saints DE Will Smith
Barron has been so-so as Orlando Pace's (shoulder) replacement at left tackle, both as a run blocker and pass blocker. Even though Smith has only two sacks this season, he has recorded a lot of quarterback hits and pressures. If Barron and the rest of the Rams' patchwork offensive line can give Bulger some time, the Saints' secondary is susceptible to the big play. Plus, Rams wide receivers Drew Bennett, Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt are as healthy as they've been in a while, coming off the bye week.
Bills QB J.P. Losman vs. Dolphins SS Cameron Worrell
Losman is back in the saddle at quarterback after a big day versus the Cincinnati Bengals; he is motivated to keep performing because he knows the Bills could go back to quarterback Trent Edwards (wrist) if Losman has a bad game or two. Look for Losman to keep throwing deep, and Miami is an inviting target since they have lost four safeties to injury during the year. The Dolphins are ranked 18th versus the pass. Expect Worrell to be tested in the deep middle. Losman has played well versus Miami in the past. Expect some long completions again this week to wide receiver Lee Evans, who has 26 catches for 497 yards his last five games.
Bills RB Marshawn Lynch vs. Dolphins DE Jason Taylor
The Miami defense ranks 12th against the run, but that's a bit misleading because injuries have weakened them. They yielded 189 yards rushing to the New York Giants two weeks ago and 140 to the Cleveland Browns four weeks ago. When facing a good pass rusher like Taylor, it's always good to run straight at him. Bills left offensive tackle Jason Peters has done well versus Taylor in the past. Look for the Bills to run left, and Lynch should have another good day on the ground. Lynch now is on pace for a 1,380-yard rushing season. Keep him in the lineup.
Bills WR Lee Evans vs. Dolphins secondary
Evans is the type of physical receiver that has given the Dolphins' small cornerbacks problems throughout the season. Evans is coming off his second consecutive 100-yard game of the season, with season highs in yards (165) and receptions (nine) in the Bills' win over the Bengals. His downfield speed should challenge the Dolphins' depleted safety tandem, which presently features Worrell, a career special teamer, and Jason Allen, a disappointing first-round pick from the 2006 draft class. If wideout Roscoe Parrish (quadriceps) isn't healthy enough to play Sunday, look for Evans to get an even larger role in Buffalo's passing game.
Dolphins WR Ted Ginn Jr. vs. Bills secondary
Despite his slow start to the season, Ginn is steadily proving to his teammates and coaches that he's a speedster the Dolphins can use to stretch the field. Quarterback Cleo Lemon has fallen just short of connecting with him on three deep passes in the past three games. On each, Ginn was wide open for what would have been a touchdown. Now that Lemon and Ginn have had more time to work on their timing, don't expect them to continue missing on that streak route. Buffalo is allowing 255.6 passing yards per game and has given up 12 touchdowns through the air. But more telling is the fact that the Bills' opponents are completing 64.5 percent of their passes.
Jaguars RB Fred Taylor vs. Titans DT Albert Haynesworth
Taylor has a duel reason for wanting a strong game against the Titans. He's only 13 yards away from becoming the 21st player in league history to rush for 10,000 career yards. Taylor could have reached the milestone in any of his last three games; however, he has totaled just 54, 68 and 55 in his past three outings after averaging 106 yards per game in his career coming into this year. Taylor also wasn't happy with his production in the first Tennessee game. He had one run for 17 yards but was held to minus-1 yards on five other carries. Haynesworth is enjoying his best year as a professional, with Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio saying Haynesworth "might be the most dominant player in the league right now."
Titans QB Vince Young vs. Jaguars LB Mike Peterson
In the first meeting Peterson hawked Young constantly, so much so that he allowed running backs Chris Brown and LenDale White to run past him for big gains. Peterson was effective in shutting down Young to the tune of 22 rushing yards on 11 carries and only 11 completions for 78 yards; however, the Titans' running game netted most of their yardage up the middle where Peterson should have been. He admitted it was one of his worst games as a professional. He'll keep close tabs on Young, but not to the point of disregarding the Titans' running game this time. Young was not effective against Jacksonville in two games last year, passing for 248 yards and just one touchdown in the two games while rushing for a combined 18 yards and no scores on eight attempts.
Titans RBs LenDale White and Chris Brown vs. Jaguars run defense
Brown (ankle) has been inactive the past three games, but there are indications that he'll be ready to return to the lineup this week against the Jaguars. Based upon what Brown did in the season opener in Jacksonville, he'll want to play. In that game he rushed 19 times for 175 yards to lead the Titans to a 282-yard rushing effort, the most ever allowed by a Jacksonville team. Brown has only rushed for 125 yards in four games since then, however. Whether Brown is active Sunday or the Titans rely solely on White (toe), figure that they'll keep it on the ground plenty against a Jaguars defense that lost one of its top people this week when defensive tackle Marcus Stroud was suspended four games by the league for substance abuse. Defensive tackle John Henderson (personal) may not play, either. What does that mean? White, the team's lead ball carrier from Southern California, could be in for a field day whether or not the Titans activate Brown.
Titans WR Eric Moulds vs. Jaguars CB Rashean Mathis
Part of the reason the Titans offense has struggled in recent weeks is because the team hasn't gotten the ball to Moulds. Moulds doesn't have a catch in the team's last three games, as the Titans have struggled throwing the football. Mathis has just one interception this season, but he's a physical corner that has had success in previous games versus the Titans.
Titans OT Michael Roos vs. Jaguars DE Paul Spicer
Spicer has recorded five sacks in the past five games and leads the team with six. He has also forced three fumbles in the last four games. Roos has been especially effective holding off opposing defensive ends and will be responsible for protecting Young's blind side.
Browns QB Derek Anderson vs. Steelers SS Troy Polamalu
Thank goodness for video, or the Steelers wouldn't recognize the Browns when they come to Heinz Field on Sunday for an AFC North showdown. Anderson was a backup to since traded quarterback Charlie Frye (Seattle Seahawks) in the opener - won by the Steelers, 34-7, in Cleveland - but he became the starter the next day when Frye was traded to the Seahawks. Anderson is directing the fourth-rated offense in the league, with 2,108 yards through the air in seven games. With Anderson (in other words, not counting the Steelers game), the Browns are 5-2 and averaging 31 points per game. Polamalu must watch out for Kellen Winslow, who leads NFL tight ends with 657 yards, without letting wide receiver Braylon Edwards gash the secondary. Polamalu has not been his dynamic, Pro Bowl self, with only one quarterback hurry and no sacks or interceptions. People close to him contend that Polamalu is playing hurt, but he is seldom on head coach Mike Tomlin's injury list.
Browns WR Braylon Edwards vs. Steelers CB Ike Taylor
Edwards is having a huge year, with 42 catches for 736 yards (17.5 average) and nine touchdowns. He was held to five catches (two drops) and no touchdowns last week, but double coverage on him opened up the field for Winslow, who had 11 receptions for 125 yards. Edwards had three catches for 49 yards in the opener versus Pittsburgh and has had reasonable success against the Steelers in his career - 16 catches for 336 yards and a score in four games. He's a tough matchup for Taylor, who has 46 tackles, a sack, two interceptions and seven pass defensed this year.
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger vs. Browns secondary
Roethlisberger is coming off the best game of his career, when he had a perfect passer rating of 158.3 with a career- and franchise-high (tied with quarterbacks Terry Bradshaw and Mark Malone) five touchdown passes in the rain against the Ravens Monday night. Roethlisberger will test cornerback Leigh Bodden's discipline because Roethlisberger is one of the best quarterbacks in the league for completing passes outside the pocket. Roethlisberger has no choice but to scramble at times - he has been sacked 19 times in eight games and is often running for his life. Bodden is the most productive defensive back in a secondary that often struggles, and he is tied for the AFC lead with four interceptions. He will be tested by wide receivers Hines Ward, who is one of the sharpest route runners in the NFL, and Santonio Holmes, who has more receptions (30 to 28), yards (536 to 302) and touchdowns (six to two) than Ward.
Steelers TE Heath Miller vs. Browns SS Sean Jones
Miller has 26 catches for 350 yards (13.5 average) and five touchdowns. In a 34-7 opening win over the Browns, he had four catches for 35 yards and a score. Backup tight end Matt Spaeth added a five-yard touchdown. He has three touchdowns on four catches for the year. The Browns' poor performance covering tight ends has carried throughout the season. They've allowed seven touchdown passes to tight ends, many against Jones, who's having a down year after what appeared to be a breakout season in 2006. Jones has played better the last two weeks, as the Browns have kept tight ends out of the end zone.
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb vs. Redskins pass defense
In the last meeting, McNabb moved the Eagles up and down the field but couldn't solve the mystery of the red zone; the Eagles kicked four field goals and scored no touchdowns despite outgaining the Redskins in yardage, 340-337. Washington kept McNabb to inside completions to his slot receivers and checkdowns to his backs; he couldn't connect up top. Wide receiver Kevin Curtis caught four passes for just 28 yards; wide receiver Reggie Brown, two for 27. Washington is only the NFL's 18th-best pass defense. McNabb might be playing for his job over the next several weeks.
Eagles TEs L.J. Smith and Matt Schobel vs. Redskins LB Rocky McIntosh
McIntosh has struggled the last few weeks covering tight ends, in both man-to-man and zone situations. The Jets' tight ends combined for four catches and more than 10 yards per reception last week. Philadelphia hasn't thrown much to its tight ends this season. Smith and Schobel each have seven receptions. McNabb's short-range target is running back Brian Westbrook. But the Eagles should test McIntosh. He has often guessed wrong and is more effective when rushing the passer. Redskins coaches have credited McIntosh with 81 tackles (second on the team) this season. He has one pass breakup.
Redskins TE Chris Cooley vs. Eagles safeties and linebackers
Cooley caught a touchdown pass in the Redskins' 20-12 victory over the Eagles in Week 2. Since then, several tight ends have done well against the Birds: The Dallas Cowboys' Jason Witten's three catches last week went for 77 yards and a touchdown; another Dallas tight end, Tony Curtis, also caught a touchdown pass. Eagles linebackers have struggled in coverage, and free safety Brian Dawkins is playing only his second game since being injured in the last meeting with Washington, on a collision with tight end Todd Yoder. Dawkins looked rusty against the Cowboys. Quintin Mikell, who had been playing free safety in Dawkins' absence, will move over to strong safety now that Sean Considine (shoulder) has been placed on Injured Reserve.
Redskins OT Todd Wade vs. Eagles DE Jevon Kearse
Kearse has 3.5 sacks and has been overshadowed by fellow defensive end Trent Cole, who leads the Eagles with nine sacks. There could be an opening for Kearse to pressure Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell this week, though. The right side of the Redskins' offensive line, Wade and right guard Jason Fabini, have been inconsistent in pass protection, limiting Campbell's ability to throw downfield. Particularly if the Eagles use overloaded fronts against the Redskins' right side, Kearse is a good matchup one-on-one against any player he faces.
Falcons TE Alge Crumpler vs. Panthers LB Thomas Davis
Davis will likely cover Crumpler much of the time, and this will be a matchup of two outstanding athletes. Davis, a former college safety, is one of the few linebackers that can stay with Crumpler downfield. Crumpler has given the Panthers a lot of trouble through the years, and Davis will likely get some downfield help from strong safety Chris Harris.
Panthers WR Steve Smith vs. Falcons CB DeAngelo Hall
In the first matchup between these two this year, Smith caught only one pass for 10 yards, but it was a pass interference call in the third quarter that led to Hall's in-game implosion. Hall was flagged for a personal foul on the next play; three plays later he picked up an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty before getting into a shouting match with Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino on the sidelines. The Panthers were able to cash in on Hall's 67 yards in penalties and tie the game up before going on to victory. Smith and Hall had a history before that, and this game should be another to add to the collection. Hall has played Smith well at times but never has been able to contain him for an entire game. Hall needs to keep his composure and he'll probably need help from the safeties. Smith may attempt to bait Hall into another loss of composure.
Panthers RB DeShaun Foster vs. Falcons run defense
Foster is off to the best start of his career and is on pace to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark for the first time. He has rushed for more than 100 yards in eight games in his career, and four of them have come against the Falcons, including a 122-yard effort earlier this season. With the Panthers playing a backup quarterback, Foster should get another chance to shred the Falcons' run defense, which is ranked 23rd in the league.
Panthers OT Travelle Wharton vs. Falcons DE John Abraham
Since coming to the Falcons and in games that he has been healthy, Abraham has destroyed the left tackle. Wharton was the victim earlier this season, as Abraham used his speed to repeatedly take the corner on Wharton. Once Wharton started setting up quicker, Abraham shot underneath and to the inside. Look for the Panthers to run at Abraham and try to stay out of obvious passing situations.
Chiefs RB Priest Holmes vs. Broncos run defense
With Kansas City's workhorse running back, Larry Johnson (ankle), likely out with a significant ankle injury, Holmes will have to take over. Holmes is just getting back into shape after a long injury layoff. He had just three carries for eight yards against the Green Bay Packers last week. Holmes couldn't find a softer defense to play against in his first start in more than two years. Yes, Denver's run defense is horrible. They're allowing 161.5 yards rushing per game and ranked No. 32. The Broncos yield a generous 4.9 yards per carry. They haven't held an opponent under 100 rushing yards all season. Perhaps they can finally have a strong performance against Holmes, who needs to prove that he is still a decent - let alone standout - NFL running back. Holmes figures to split the workload in some fashion with rookie back Kolby Smith, so don't expect Holmes to get a lot of touches. Against the Broncos, Holmes could still have a big day, though.
Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe vs. Broncos CB Champ Bailey
With Johnson not available, the Chiefs have no true featured back. Neither Holmes nor Smith is ready to carry the full load, so the Chiefs will likely have to rely more on their passing game than usual. Bailey and his counterpart, cornerback Dre' Bly, won't give it up easily, to Bowe (hamstring) or anyone. However, the Broncos have pass rush problems and have other concerns when defending the pass - namely tight end Tony Gonzalez, who is coming off a big game and is a longtime Broncos killer. That should leave some openings for Bowe, as long as quarterback Damon Huard can take advantage. While the Chiefs' receivers may not do much, the Denver secondary will have to worry about stopping Gonzalez.
Vikings RB Adrian Peterson vs. Packers run defense
Peterson is looking like the NFL's next great running back and will garner most of the attention of the Packers' defense. That is especially true because of Minnesota's weak play at quarterback, where weak-armed but athletic Brooks Bollinger appears likely to start. Coming off an NFL single-game record performance of 296 yards rushing against the San Diego Chargers, Peterson gets his first opportunity to show what he can do at Lambeau Field. Nick Barnett will be among those trying to make sure no records are set on his home field. The Vikings present no consistent passing threat, so the veteran middle linebacker can get up near the line of scrimmage and put his focus on trying to stop Peterson. Barnett, of course, will be one of several defenders given the assignment of trying to slow the rookie sensation. Minnesota also is thin at receiver, where its best player probably is second-round pick Sidney Rice. The Packers presumably will bring up at least one safety, either Atari Bigby or Aaron Rouse, most of the day; perhaps they'll play both closer to the line of scrimmage than normal. Bigby and Rouse, who's a rookie, are both better against the run than in coverage. The Packers are sure to try to make someone other than Peterson beat them.
Packers QB Brett Favre vs. Vikings SS Darren Sharper
Sharper loves going against his former teammate and said this week he hopes Favre lofts a few of those long, deep passes down the middle that have been so successful for the veteran quarterback this season. Be careful what you wish for, Darren. Sharper, who spent eight seasons as a member of the Packers (1997-2004), has played five games against him and intercepted him once. That came last December at Lambeau Field in a Vikings victory. This much is certain: Favre isn't going to be afraid to throw in Sharper's direction.
Packers WR Donald Driver vs. Vikings CB Charles Gordon
Gordon took over as the nickel back in the Vikings defense two games ago; he has done a good job against the Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego. But the Packers will present the second-year player with his biggest challenge in large part because Driver, the Packers' leading receiver, frequently lines up in the slot. There is little doubt quarterback Brett Favre has identified this as a matchup he will try to exploit throughout the afternoon. Driver had seven catches for 58 yards in the Packers' first game against the Vikings, and he spent much of that game going against Antoine Winfield (hamstring), the Vikings' top cornerback, who should play this week but will probably not be 100 percent.
Packers WR Greg Jennings vs. Vikings CBs Marcus McCauley and Cedric Griffin
Last time the teams played, the Vikings put Winfield on Driver all game long; although Driver had seven receptions, they were for only 58 yards. If Winfield plays - he missed last week's game because of a hamstring injury - he may draw the same duty, but not necessarily all of the time. Jennings is showing big-play capability; he should get some favorable matchups against McCauley and Griffin this week.
Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. Ravens pass defense
Ravens starting cornerback Samari Rolle (illness) is out. Fellow starter Chris McAlister (knee) is iffy for the game. Baltimore's pass defense gave up five scoring passes in the first half Monday night at Pittsburgh. Houshmandzadeh has owned the Ravens. In his past seven games against the Ravens, since he became a fulltime starter in 2004, Houshmandzadeh has 53 receptions for 717 yards and five touchdowns against Baltimore.
Bengals RB Rudi Johnson vs. Ravens run defense
Like they've done for the past eight seasons, the Ravens have dominated running backs this season. They are allowing 2.8 yards per carry, a mark that is tops in the NFL. The Ravens have also given up just two rushing touchdowns this season. Johnson has never really cracked the Ravens defense. In 11 career games, Johnson has averaged 51.4 yards. His career high against the Ravens was 114 yards in 2005. In the season opener, the Ravens limited Johnson to 50 yards on 18 carries.
Ravens RB Willis McGahee vs. Bengals run defense
McGahee, one of the most consistent runners in the NFL this season, should have a productive game against a poor-tackling Bengals defense. Cincinnati has allowed six individual running backs to run for 100 yards this season, and they've lost all six times. The Bengals are 28th in rush defense at 143.6 yards per game. McGahee only gained 77 yards against Cincinnati in the first meeting, but he's running more effectively since that season opener. When given at least 19 carries, McGahee has gained over 75 yards in five of six games. He has scored a touchdown in three straight games. McGahee is fifth in the NFL with 689 rushing yards and has two 100-yard games. The Bengals know he will be running at them.
Ravens QB Steve McNair vs. Bengals pass defense
McNair should have a solid game against the 28th-ranked pass defense. This isn't the McNair of old, though. In his last seven games (dating back to last season), he has two touchdown passes and 12 turnovers (six interceptions and six fumbles lost). McNair can't get the ball downfield anymore; he has completed just three passes of more than 20 yards this season. That's why it doesn't matter that the Cincinnati defense is struggling. The Bengals have allowed 20 passing touchdowns this season.
Lions RB Kevin Jones vs. Cardinals run defense
Jones continues to improve after returning from a serious foot injury, and the Lions have made more of a commitment to the run. The Lions have taken advantage of teams who have kept two safeties deep, fearing the Lions' potent downfield passing attack. The Cardinals have a Pittsburgh flavor to them, though, with Ken Whisenhunt as head coach; they look to stop the run.
Lions WR Roy Williams vs. Cardinals CBs Eric Green and Roderick Hood
The Lions have a very good receiving corps, but Williams - who had three touchdowns in a game against the Cardinals two years ago - is the catalyst. Green and Hood have been steady, with the Cards able to hide some of their deficiencies through scheming. With the Lions having so many effective receivers, though, both will have to step up their game.
Cardinals QB Kurt Warner vs. Lions pass defense
Warner (elbow) has a torn ligament in his left elbow, and the Cardinals offense struggled badly Sunday in a 17-10 loss to Tampa Bay. Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz knows Warner well from their days together in St. Louis and could give some pointers to the defense. However, the defense is doing just fine on its own, thank you. The Lions' 24 sacks are tied for fifth in the NFL, and their 14 interceptions rank first.
Cardinals RB Edgerrin James vs. Lions NT Shaun Rogers
James' numbers haven't been great after a fast start, in large part because of injuries and shuffles on the Cards' offensive line. But against Detroit the Cardinals will have their starting offensive line for the first time since the season opener in San Francisco against the 49ers, and Whisenhunt has made it clear that the Cards need James - who had just 15 yards on nine carries in Tampa - and the running game to get going again. Rogers is playing at a Pro Bowl level, dominating against Denver. The Cards must find a way to keep him under control and create some creases for Edge.
Lions offensive line vs. Cardinals defensive line
The Lions' offensive line has been a work in progress. The left side seems solid now that left tackle Jeff Backus has recovered from a strained side muscle and left guard Edwin Mulitalo has lost 45 pounds. Center Dominic Raiola has been consistent. The right side isn't fluid, though. Damien Woody is trying to win the starting right guard job back from Stephen Peterman. George Foster will regain the starting right tackle job, but maybe only because Jonathan Scott (thumb) has a broken thumb. The Cardinals have a good front seven, with a three-man line that could pose big problems.
Bears RB Cedric Benson vs. Raiders front seven
If it doesn't happen Sunday for Benson against the wretched Oakland run defense, ranked 30th, it will be fair to ask if it is ever going to happen for Benson in Chicago. The No. 4 pick of the 2005 draft looks to be a colossal bust compared to former Bears QB Cade McNown at this point, but a stretch of games is coming up for him to get out of first gear. Benson has a woeful 3.1-yards-per-carry average, but the elixir could be here in the Raiders, who have allowed a back to top 100 yards in each of their last five games. If the plodding Ron Dayne (running back, Houston Texans) can do it as he did last week, surely Benson can bust loose. Right? Well, maybe. If he doesn't, he could be watching teammate Adrian Peterson get the bulk of work when the 32nd-ranked Denver run defense comes to town in two weeks.
Raiders RB Justin Fargas vs. Bears front seven
Fargas showed a little burst in his first start last week at Houston, and the Bears have had some woeful tackling performances this season. They've also been top-notch in snuffing out San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson and Kansas City's Larry Johnson. The Bears tend to struggle most with physical backs that can pound their smallish front. They have defenders who play well from sideline to sideline, particularly linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, making them a formidable matchup against Fargas. The Bears won't show a lot of respect for quarterback Josh McCown and are likely to load the box with strong safety Adam Archuleta in an effort to stop the run.
Raiders OG Cooper Carlisle vs. Bears DT Tommie Harris
Harris has seven sacks to lead NFL defensive tackles and is playing a game similar to that of Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp - he's a three-technique player that is quick to penetrate but also can be had by the run. It is here that Carlisle may be able to allow Harris to furnish the momentum to run himself out of the play against a patient zone-blocking scheme. Carlisle, signed as a free agent from Denver, has been Oakland's most consistent lineman.
Bears C Olin Kreutz vs. Raiders DT Terdell Sands
Sands' play has been inconsistent this year; he is one of the reasons Oakland is giving up 152.5 yards per game on the ground and 5.1 yards per carry. He has a good 60 pounds on the 290-pound Kreutz. Sands will be expected to stand his ground, not reach and be pushed out of a play. That would allow fleet linebackers Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard, as well as strong safety Michael Huff, to come in and mop up. The Bears haven't had success running the ball this season, but if Kreutz can handle Sands as most teams have, it could be the first domino to fall and lead to a successful day for Benson.
Cowboys WR Terrell Owens vs. Giants cornerbacks
Owens is coming off a monster game, with 10 catches for 174 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles. He had three catches for 87 yards - but two touchdowns - in the season opener, when cornerback Corey Webster was still in the lineup. Dynamic rookie Aaron Ross commands the left corner now, and corner Sam Madison has moved to the right side. The entire secondary has improved since that change happened in Game 3 in Washington, but Owens was and remains one of the most dangerous deep threats in the game. Whoever gets him is going to need plenty of help from the safeties. The real way to shut him down is for the front to pressure quarterback Tony Romo relentlessly, though. If that doesn't happen, expect Owens to put up some huge numbers.
Cowboys TE Jason Witten vs. Giants LB Mathias Kiwanuka
The last time these two hooked up, Witten buried the lost Kiwanuka with most of his six catches for 116 yards and a touchdown in the 45-35 Dallas win. He has four touchdown catches in nine games against the Giants. The Cowboys do their best to move him around so teams can't get a jump on him, from on the line to H-back to fullback. In that first contest, Kiwanuka was playing his first game at strongside linebacker and didn't come close to covering the tight end. Kiwanuka has more experience, and the Giants should do a better job of giving him help in coverage. Witten is coming off a game against the Eagles in which he again was a major force with three catches for 77 yards (25.7-yard average) and a touchdown, so this should again be a true test. Has Kiwanuka, or any of the Giants linebackers for that matter, truly tightened down on their once nonexistent coverage of tight ends?
Giants WR Plaxico Burress vs. Cowboys CBs Jacques Reeves, Anthony Henry and Terence Newman
Since joining the Giants, Burress (ankle) has been a Cowboy killer. In five games against them he has 25 catches for 383 yards and five touchdowns. In the season opener this year, he had eight catches for 144 yards and three touchdowns. His height makes him tough to defend, and his speed is deceptive. Burress' sprained right ankle didn't heal enough in the bye week for him to get back to practice, and that could hurt the Giants' overall preparation. But it probably won't hurt his performance, considering he leads the team with 37 catches for 564 yards. He barely missed a sure touchdown catch on a deep throw in London in Week 8, but he still leads the NFC with eight touchdown receptions. The Cowboys' rotation at corner is different from what it was in the first game. Henry (ankle) is still gimpy from an ankle injury, Newman didn't play in the opener and Reeves has more experience. They must do a better job at the line on Burress and not give him a free run. If they don't, then look for more of the same. Reeves, who made his first career start in the opener against the Giants, is the weak spot of the secondary and could become Burress' target.
Giants TE Jeremy Shockey vs. Cowboys linebackers
Shockey has been a steady receiver, with 31 catches for 358 yards and two touchdowns, but he hasn't really had that statistical breakout game. With quarterback Eli Manning struggling with the downfield passing game, the Giants could see Shockey as a primary receiver in this one. He had five catches in the opener, but they went for only 41 yards. The Cowboys pass defense is ranked 17th in the league, and Shockey is needed much of the time to either lend a hand blocking pass-rushing linebacker DeMarcus Ware (1.5 sacks last week) or block for the run. If the Giants choose to use the Cowboys' aggressiveness against them, Shockey could be the major weapon in the middle of the field.
Colts RB Joseph Addai vs. Chargers run defense
Addai proved against the Patriots that he can hit you both ways, be it rushing or catching passes. He became the first player in franchise history with 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving in the same game. His 73-yard catch and run for a score against the New England Patriots was a thing of beauty. The Patriots bottled him up in the second half, though; he had one catch for seven yards and 11 rushes for 32 yards. The Chargers' reputation as a solid run defense took a major beating when Minnesota's Adrian Peterson rushed for an NFL-record 296 yards last Sunday; the Vikings had 378 total. Ouch. Before that game, San Diego was allowing less than 100 yards rushing per game. A unit that entered the game seventh in the NFL defending the run dropped to No. 22. Most of Peterson's damage came after defensive end Luis A. Castillo was lost for at least six weeks with an ankle injury. You can be sure Indianapolis will send Addai galloping toward defensive end Jacques Cesaire, Castillo's replacement. Addai, in his second year, has asserted himself as one of the league's most versatile and capable backs. He ranks third in the NFL in rushing with 704 yards and also has 22 receptions. Look for him to get most of the snaps. Backup back Kenton Keith has regressed in the past two games. All of a sudden, after a great game against Tampa Bay, Keith looks real shaky.
Chargers QB Philip Rivers vs. Colts pass defense
Teams have consistently placed eight men in the box to silence running back LaDainian Tomlinson, daring Rivers to beat them. Minnesota stifled the Chargers offense by sending blitzers on nearly every down, and Rivers was unable to take advantage. Indianapolis surely noticed that and will certainly try to put Rivers in stressful situations to see how he responds. Tight end Antonio Gates and wide receiver Chris Chambers are the Chargers' lone reliable receiving targets; you can bet the Colts' secondary, led by strong safety Bob Sanders, will do all it can to confuse Rivers, who has thrown eight interceptions.
Colts OTs Charlie Johnson and Ryan Diem vs. Chargers LBs Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips
Both outside 'backers have 5.5 sacks, but Merriman dominated when these teams met two seasons ago. The Chargers like to flip-flop these guys, but that probably means Merriman will look to take on Johnson, who needed help blocking last week against New England and is an average sub at best for injured rookie left tackle Tony Ugoh (neck). If Ugoh was able to play, he would probably need help, too. The Colts' pass protection, usually among the best in the NFL, has allowed eight sacks. The Patriots sacked quarterback Peyton Manning three times in the fourth quarter last week; that was a key to their comeback. Manning has looked uncomfortable at times because of the pressure, which has come at Tennessee, at Jacksonville and against New England.
49ers RB Frank Gore vs. Seahawks run defense
Gore (ankle) tore through the Seahawks last season, rushing for 356 yards in two games against the Seahawks. The 49ers expect Gore to return to the lineup Monday, and they need to do a better of job of sticking with the running game. The Seahawks have improved their tackling from last season. They are tied for 13th in the NFL in run defense. Earlier this season, they held Gore to 79 yards on 16 carries. The 49ers will likely face a lot of eight-men-in-the-box looks. Gore will have to break some tackles to get big gains. He was able to do that last season against free safety Jordan Babineaux, but it'll be more difficult against veteran safeties Deon Grant and Brian Russell, who start now.
49ers TE Vernon Davis vs. Seahawks pass defense
Davis has become the most explosive player on the 49ers offense. In his past two games, Davis has 13 catches for 148 yards and one touchdown. He creates matchup problems for a defense because of his size and speed. Linebacker Julian Peterson is the Seahawks' best pass rusher, but he will also be counted upon on occasion to match up with Davis. While Peterson is very effective in coverage, the Seahawks will likely opt for Russell and Grant to try to cover Davis down the field. Quarterback Alex D. Smith does not have many threats in the passing game, so he may try to get the ball in Davis' hands as much as possible.
49ers QB Alex D. Smith vs. Seahawks pass defense
It was the ultimate nightmare for Smith in the first meeting between the two teams; he was virtually swallowed by Seahawks defensive tackle Rocky Bernard, which separated Smith's shoulder. The Seahawks had six sacks in that game; they held the 49ers to just nine first downs and 184 yards of total offense on the way to a 23-3 win. Smith is mobile, and conventional wisdom says the pocket will be moving a lot. That's not to mention possible bootlegs and a variety of approaches just to keep Smith as a moving target for the mobile Seahawks defense. Plus, the Seahawks defense was embarrassed by Gore last season and is using these games to make a statement about how much they've improved.
Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck vs. 49ers pass defense
In the first game between these two teams, Hasselbeck had a superb 109.7 quarterback rating, including touchdown passes of 17 yards to wide receiver Bobby Engram and 14 yards to tight end Marcus Pollard. Don't forget about the 130 yards on six catches for wideout Deion Branch (foot). Overall, Hasselbeck threw for 281 yards in that game, but with the way the Seahawks have been unable to move the football on the ground, Hasselbeck has thrown for more than 300 yards in two of the past three games - something that was previously unheard of in this balanced attack. Head coach Mike Holmgren said Monday that the inclination is to make the disparity between the number of passes and runs to be even more pronounced.
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