Tag Archives: NFL

NFL, Tyler Englander

It’s the Patriots, Then Everybody Else in the AFC

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Sitting atop the AFC at 11-2, the Patriots seem destined to make their seventh Super Bowl appearance in the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick era. The Patriots haven’t lost against an AFC opponent since Tom Brady came back as their only loss was a one touchdown loss to Seattle. The Patriots proved in their Monday night win, that even without Rob Gronkowski their offense is lethal and capable of carrying the Pats to Houston for Super Bowl 51. With the Patriots in prime position, we take a look at who can derail the Pats chances of playing for their fifth Lombardi Trophy.

The biggest threat to the Patriots is Andy Reid’s Chiefs. Kansas City is paced by their defense and special teams. The Chiefs defense is led by Eric Berry and Justin Houston. While their statistics don’t jump off the page, their defense is filled with talented players who are capable of containing any offense. The Chiefs special teams has improved as of late, with speedy youngster Tyreek Hill returning a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown in recent weeks. The Chiefs boast a plus eleven turnover rating, which is third in the league. If they continue to win the turnover battle, the Chiefs will be a tough out when it comes January.

Next up on the list is the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders, like the Chiefs have ten wins this season and possess one of the league’s most potent offense. Oakland who ranks sixth in total offense have one of the game’s best quarterbacks in Derek Carr and a good reliable running back in Latavius Murray. The black and silver also have one of the league’s best offensive lines led by all pro offensive guard Kelechi Osemele. The issue with the Raiders is defense. Oakland ranks 30th in the league in total defense, giving up over 24 points a game. If the Raiders defense doesn’t improve, then they will get into a slug-fest with the Patriots, a matchup that they will surely lose. In addition, Oakland leads the league in penalties, which is not a good formula going up against the Patriots, who constantly pounce on opponents mistakes.

The most intriguing team in the AFC this season is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers at 7-5 are leading the North, but need to play well down the stretch just to secure a spot in this years playoffs. What makes the Steelers so intriguing is the fact that they may have the most dangerous team in the AFC. The Steelers have the best running back and wide receiver in the league, with Le’veon Bell and Antonio Brown respectively. With Big Ben, who is still a top ten quarterback, the Steelers are capable of putting up scores in a bunch. If the Steelers big three are able to perform at a high level, they will be difficult for the Patriots to knock off.

Verdict: The biggest challenge for the Patriots will be their defense. The Pats defense struggled temporarily after losing Jaime Collins, but have recovered nicely in the last 3 weeks. If the Patriots are able to secure home field advantage, the AFC is all but theirs. Gillette Stadium is one of the greatest home field advantages in sports, due to the cold weather and roaring fans, and it will be awfully difficult for anyone to go into Brady’s house and knock him off. The Patriots will face tough opposition in the playoffs, but will use their skill and experience to hoist the Lamar Hunt Trophy as AFC Champions.

Jeffrey Siegler, NCAA, NFL

Jim Harbaugh Coaching Possibilities for the 2015 Season

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Jim Harbaugh is a part of the select group of people in this world who have the privilege of working where they want to. There is a high demand for a coach like him in all levels of football. He has been very successful in turning a losing team into a winning team. Harbaugh has done this at Stanford from 2007- 2010 and for the 49ers since 2011. Currently there are are a new wave of teams that want him to coach and rebuild their organization.

At this point Harbaugh’s Alma mater, the Michigan Wolverines are making the biggest effort in acquiring him. They have offered him $48 million dollars over six years. The Wolverines haven’t had the success that they have seen in the past, their last bowl win was the 2012 Sugar Bowl. They are one of the few collegiate teams that still hasn’t decided on a coach. Every day they don’t have a coach they are losing recruits to other teams. Harbaugh has shown a lot of interest in the job and some sources are even saying that a deal is already in place and he will be making his announcement to move after the 49ers season comes to a conclusion. Although these sources claims may not be accurate Harbaugh has recently said that he is torn between going to Michigan and staying in the NFL.

Staying in the NFL could have many meanings. He could remain in San Francisco and continue working toward a championship or become the coach of the struggling Raiders or any other of the bottom tier of teams. Many of these teams have the opportunity to draft a franchise quarterback that can be the cornerstone to building a successful team. Harbaugh has done this successfully twice in his past tenures.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to switching to a college program. As I mentioned earlier every single day of the year is important in recruiting high schoolers. Harbaugh doesn’t currently have this responsibility in the NFL. He has a general manager and owner to work on acquiring players. All he has to worry about is coaching on field. In college he would now hold the responsibility of recruiting, coaching, and all other football operation. In some ways this could be something that he likes because he is in the position of fielding a team that he would be coaching. This responsibility requires him to follow all recruiting rules and attend events that boosters attend. Here the school raises the money that they need to run the program.

I think that it will all come down to what is best for him and his family. At this point his family wants him to go home to Michigan where he can be close to everyone and be a part of a familiar organization . It will be hard for him to turn down Michigan’s offer because of this.

NFL, Tyler Englander

Saturday’s NFL Action to Watch

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Eagles at Redskins (4:30 ET, NFL Network)

Preview:

In the first and only edition of Saturday Football this regular season, there are certainly some interesting story lines leading up to both of the games. In the early matchup at 4:30 eastern time on NFL Network, Chip Kelly’s Philadelphia Eagle’s take on Jay Gruden’s Washington Redskins. The Eagles come into this one on the outside looking in as far as the playoffs go after a tough loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles are trailing the Cowboys in the East by one game as well as the Seahawks and Packers by one game in the wild card standings. The Redskins come into this game with a lot of question marks regarding the futures of both their coach as well as their quarterback, Robert Griffin III. This game is all about pride for the Skins, with former Eagle Desean Jackson going up against the franchise who traded him last off season.

Prediction:

With all the distractions regarding the Redskins as well as the recent struggles, I find it hard to believe that the Skins will have any chance. Also, with the Eagles needing a win and coming off a tough game, I expect them to come out and play one of their best games in a while. I predict the Eagles will win 31-17.

 

Chargers at 49ers (8:25 ET, NFL Network and CBS)

Preview:

The late game features an potentially interesting matchup between the San Diego Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers. Just like the Redskins, the Niners have some distractions regarding their coach, Jim Harbaugh. It has been rumored throughout the season that Harbaugh would be on his way out, but as the season winds down it seems more and more likely that Harbaugh’s firing will become a reality. On the field the Niners have been struggling as well. They scored only seven points last week and with questions regarding the health of their top two running backs, Frank Gore, and Carlos Hyde I find it difficult that their offense will improve against a tough Chargers defense. Speaking of the Chargers, this is a game they need to have to have a chance at making the playoffs. Although this is not an elimination game, if they lose they would be trailing at least three teams heading into their final game against the Chiefs.

Prediction:

The Niners have struggled all season and I don’t see a reason why that would change tonight. The Chargers will come out strong in a game they must have and win by a score of 21-10.

NFL, Zachary D.

Thanksgiving Day Football 2014

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This Thanksgiving we have three very exciting division games. First at 12:30 the Bears (5-6) are facing off against the Lions (7-4). This should be an easy game for the Lions, but the Bears know if they have any shot at catching the Packers or the Lions, they have to win this game. The Packers are 8-3 and the Bears are 5-6, so for them to have a shot at the playoffs, they must win out or win at least 4 of their next 5 games. But for the playoffs to happen, the Packers will have to start losing, which I don’t see happening any time soon. Anyway, for the Bears to win this game, the defense (without Briggs, Tillman, and Conte) will be very weak as the leaders are out due to injury. The most important thing for that defense is to stop Calvin Johnson. He is a deep threat and just a threat in general. In addition to defense, Jay Cutler will have to lead the high potential Bears offense to victory. Having Alshon Jeffery, Brandon Marshall, Matt Forte, and Martellus Bennett on the same team and not winning is crazy. They have the potential to win almost every game of the season. But Jay Cutler has disappointed that team with his awful play this season. If he can get playing like last year, they can easily win even against one of the best defenses in the league. For the Lions, Matt Stafford will have to hit Megatron for some big yardage to win. I’m not as concerned for the 7-4 Lions as they should be able to walk out with a W.

The 4:30 game is a crucial game for both teams, the 8-3 Eagles and the 8-3 Cowboys. Both teams are in the playoff hunt and this game will fuel then winner to a lead in the NFC East. It’s only a battle of those two teams in that division, they closest team is New York who is 5 games back, so the winner will certainly have an advantage. The Eagles will have to get both Matthews and Maclin involved to win. In addition, shady McCoy will have to rush for a decent amount of yardage. The defense will have to deal with a run heavy Dallas offense, but if they get too committed Romo can fry the defense with Dez Bryant.

Last at 8:30 the Seahawks (7-4) are matched up with the San Francisco 49ers (7-4). They are competing for a spot next to the 9-2 Cardinals. If the Seahawks want to win, the defense will need to have an outstanding game. But the offense with Russell Wilson will have to find its groove against the 49ers D. Doug Baldwin will have to actually produce for one more game. And for the rest of the season for that matter. Marshawn will do his thing, and not talk to the media, but he will need to get them down the field continuously, because quite frankly, the Seahawks have little to no passing game. In my mind the fact that they won the Super Bowl amazes me. I know their defense is spectacular and all that, but without offense this game will be tough. The 49ers have a scary defense, but the cannon of an arm in Colin Kaepernick can power the 49ers past the Seahawks defense. Michael Crabtree has been playing great, but Anquan Boldin is looking like the old Anquan, he is putting up numbers as good as anyone in the league right now. So when all is in the books, this game comes down to the offense.

NFL, Zachary D.

NFL Week 12

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This Sunday in the NFL there are a lot of good match-ups. Starting with the Lions (7-3) vs. Patriots (8-2). Both teams are in first place in their divisions and a win on Sunday will be important to sustain that position. Detroit has Green Bay closing in with a relaxed Packers team and for the Patriots they have a bigger cushion in the division, but it is very possible for Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins to jump close to the number 1 spot before the season ends. With one of the best defenses in the league, the Lions need to stop Gronk and the explosive Pats offense. As for the Pats defense, they have one mega problem in stopping Megatron. But they do have to be careful as Golden Tate can do a good amount of damage in the Lions offensive scheme. Next up Arizona (9-1) is facing off against Seattle (6-4). Division game. If the Seahawks can grab a W, then they can gain some ground on Bruce Arians’ red hot Cards. At 9-1 they are off to their best start in franchise history. The Cardinals have a very good defense and a good offense too. Even though Drew Stanton is new to the offense, he can still provide the team with a win as he has shown in the past. The Seahawks defense is going to have to make stops in order for them to win the game. And then they have to make it happen on the flip side. If Russell Wilson can hit targets and beast mode can do his thing, then the Seahawks are in business. For the last big matchup of the day we have is the Dolphins (6-4) vs. the Broncos (7-3). Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins are in good shape right now. In second place behind the Pats they have a shot. Ryan needs to throw for good yards and Lamar Miller needs to do some work on the ground, but it is very possible. With their top 5 defense, they stand a real chance against a banged up Broncos offense. With Emmanuel Sanders (concussion) and Julius Thomas (ankle) both probable, Peyton will have to utilize Jacob Tamme and Wes Welker. Demaryius is always a threat and Anderson is a threat in the backfield, so Brent Grimes and the Dolphins D will have to contain Peyton if they want to gain ground on the 8-2 Patriots. Honorable mention- Packers (7-3) going head-to-head with the Vikings (4-6). Division game for these teams. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers could easily get a win if their offense keeps putting up 50 points, but let’s be real, against a weak Vikings offense and defense, they’ll only need to put up maybe 28. But if the Vikings defense can step up and make Rodgers score more and force turnovers on D, then the Vikings could pull off the win.
NFL, Tanner Horelick

NFL Week 11

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Colts_vs_Patriots_2011_01

A big week is on hand for us during Week 11 when many NFL powerhouses face off in hopes of keeping their hot streaks going, or trying to jump start a new one. Two of the biggest matchups to look forward to are the New England Patriots vs the Indianapolis Colts and the Seattle Seahawks vs the Kansas City Chiefs. The Patriots are entering this game after a bye and on a 5-game winning streak, including an impressive win over the Broncos in Week 9 in which they won 43-21 in commanding fashion. The Colts are also coming into this game after bye but just 3-weeks removed from a game against the Steelers in which they gave up 51 points during a rout of the Colts defense in Pittsburgh. In the next big matchup, the Seahawks have gotten their grove back with some outstanding work from Marshawn Lynch during a 3-game win streak and will look to build off that when they face the Kansas City Chiefs who gave up 115 yards on the ground last week to a Bills running squad without their top two backs. This is going to be a real interesting week as well when Mark Sanchez looks to continue his hot streak as the Eagles face the 6-3 Packers at Lambeau Field. One more matchup to watch is when the 7-2 Lions travel to face the 8-1 Cardinals who are without their number one QB, Carson Palmer.