Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 1442 of 1503)

      NFL Sunday Night Recap: San Diego 35, Denver 27

      November 19, 2006 /

      Chargers 35, Broncos 27
      This is twice in two weeks where the Chargers fell behind early, only to rally and win in the second half. For as easy as Marty Schottenheimer makes it to criticize him, you have to give him credit for making necessary adjustments at halftime. Not every NFL coach does that, in fact, a lot of them don’t.

      After reaching pay dirt in the second half, LaDainian Tomlinson became the fastest player to reach 100 touchdowns in a career. The guy is phenomenal to watch on a weekly basis. Tomlinson scored four times tonight (three rushing, one receiving) and may single handedly take San Diego to a Super Bowl. I realize Philip Rivers and the defense are playing great too, but Tomlinson can carry a team by himself.

      This has to be a tough loss for Denver. Not only do the Broncos lose a game in the standings, but they also fall at home, where they have regularly owned San Diego. Jake Plummer wasn’t a disaster, but he was far from good. His forth quarter interception and last second fumble essentially sealed the deal for the Chargers. Okay, so he was a disaster.

      NFL

      Weekend Wrap: Late Action in the NFL

      November 19, 2006 /

      Observations from the late games:

      -The 1972 Miami Dolphins can pop the cork on another season of perfection as the Colts fell in Dallas 17-14. The Cowboys didn’t necessarily gash the Colts run defense, but did rack up 117 yards. Tony Romo led two fourth quarter scoring drives that were capped off by Marion Barber touchdown runs. This doesn’t happen much over the course of a season, but other than two touchdown passes, Peyton Manning made three big mistakes in Indy’s loss. On top of two interceptions, the killer was on a fourth and two from the Dallas eight-yard line with just over two minutes left to play in the contest. Manning wound up and slung an incomplete pass halfway to San Antonio, which ended the drive and eventually cost the Colts a shot at tying the game. Similar to the playoff losses, it really seems like the only way to disrupt Manning is to get pressure on him. Easier said than done, I know, but the Cowboys did it Sunday and earned themselves a huge win.

      – With a 20-14 victory over the Seahawks, the San Francisco 49ers are now 5-5 and are actually in position for a playoff run. I doubt it will happen, but with Frank Gore rushing for 212 yards and the defense causing five turnovers, anything can happen. The Niners almost blew the game at the end when Gore fumbled while trying to run out the clock. Seattle recovered, but then Seneca Wallace gift-wrapped an interception to Walt Harris to kill the rally.

      – Thrilling game in the desert as Arizona topped Detroit 17-10. Okay, now I’m really confused on who the worst team in the NFL is.

      NFL

      Weekend Wrap: Early Action in the NFL

      November 19, 2006 /

      Observations from the early games:

      -The headline in the early games is that Donovan McNabb’s season is over. The quarterback suffered a torn knee ligament in a 31-13 loss to the Titans. When it rains it pours apparently in Philadelphia. The Eagles’ quick start must seem like a distant memory for Philly fans. Now this? Ouch.

      -The Bears completed a two-game New Jersey swing by shutting out the Jets 10-0. Other than a big play to Mark Bradley, Chicago leaned on Thomas Jones (23 carries for 121 yards) to squeeze out this victory. The Bears seem to be more balanced on offense than they were earlier in the season.

      -Okay, who pissed off the Patriots? Tom Brady went off for four touchdowns and helped smoked the Packers 35-0. I wrote last week how teams should pay attention to Green Bay. Whoops. It helped the Patriots’ cause that Brett Favre was knocked out of in the second quarter, but still, what a rebound-game for the Patriots after back-to-back losses.

      – Are we starting to see the real Saints? The magic of the Superdome seems to be fading fast as New Orleans was smacked for 21 points in the second half in a 31-16 loss to the Bengals. Chad Johnson was close to another 200-yard day with six receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Cincy’s offense is starting to role and the Saints defense is hurtling back down to earth.

      – Everybody back aboard the Panthers bandwagon again? Good, buckle in because Carolina is back in first place after a 15-0 shutout of the Rams. Rookie DeAneglo Williams carried the ball 20 times for 114 yards, as DeShawn Foster had to leave the game due to an injury. The Panthers are scary team when they can actually run the football consistently and I’m sure all the Carolina Super Bowl talk with start up again in t-minus nine seconds.

      -Two observations from the Ravens 24-10 victory over the Falcons. Number one, Baltimore isn’t that good and two, Greg Knapp (Atlanta o-coordinator) should be fired immediately after this season. The Ravens have survived on second half comebacks all season and that won’t fly against better teams in the playoffs. And Knapp has no clue on how to use Michael Vick and the plethora of talent he has on offense. The media can blame Vick all they want for everything, but it’s obvious that Knapp’s game plans are as shallow as a kiddy pool.

      – Don’t tell me that the Steelers are “back” after a narrow 24-20 escape in Cleveland. Ben Roethlisberger threw three picks, including two in the red zone, only to mange a fluke touchdown pass to Willie Parker at the end of the game. The Browns shut down Parker on the ground, Charlie Frye was better than Big Ben and Braylon Edwards outperformed the entire Pittsburgh receiving unit. Cleveland just couldn’t shut the door after a 20-10 lead.

      – Trent Green didn’t do much in the Chiefs 17-13 win over the Raiders, but he did spark the team after missing ten weeks due to a vicious concussion. Oakland should spend the rest of season trying to get whatever it can for Randy Moss. Moss is pathetic and is giving zero effort. I don’t care what the situation is – play out that mega contract that you’re given you punk.

      – Since hammering Miami on a consistent basis earlier this season, the Dolphins have won three straight and look very sharp. How you win when you gain minus three yards on offense is beyond me, but hey, good for you. It was enough for Miami in the Dolphins 24-20 victory over the Minnesota Boring/Lame Asses. Oh sorry. I mean the Vikings.

      – Even though Washington fell to the Bucs 20-17, welcome to the NFL Jason Campbell (19 for 34, 196 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions). Cadillac Williams (27 carries for 122 yards) actually showed up for Tampa Bay Sunday.

      – And for today’s snooze fest, the Bills beat the Texans 24-21. Houston should absolutely be embarrassed, ashamed and whatever other adjective describes horrified for allowing J.P. Losman to throw for 340 yards and three touchdowns.

      NFL

      Weekend Wrap: College Football

      November 18, 2006 /

      Top 10 Rewind:

      1. Ohio State (12-0) and 2. Michigan (11-1)
      Check out the recap of the Buckeyes 42-39 victory over the Wolverines here.

      3. Florida (10-1)
      As expected, the Gators had no issues with Western Carolina. Florida embarrassed the Catamounts 62-0 on an impressive day by freshman Tim Tebow. Tebow completed 10 of his 12 passing attempts for 200 yards and two touchdowns. He also added to rushing touchdowns. Chris Leak was equally as accurate passing, going nine for 12 for 98 yards and a touchdown. With Rutgers falling in Cincinnati, Florida’s battle is now with itself and USC. The Gators have to take care of their own business next against in-state rival FSU and then in the SEC Championship vs. Arkansas. In that time, UF will probably need USC to fall to Notre Dame in order to make a national title appearance.
      Next Game: at Florida State, Nov. 25.

      4. USC (9-1)
      The Trojans are officially the wild card in the BCS mess. With a 23-9 victory over California, that makes consecutive wins over ranked opponents with a huge bout with the Fighting Irish still left on the docket. The Golden Bears gave USC a scare, but John David Booty hit his two stud wide outs for big plays in the fourth quarter to essentially win the contest. Dwayne Jarrett scored on a 25-yard pass while Steve Smith caught a 37-yard touchdown on a fourth and two from Cal’s 37-yard line. The two receivers combined for 10 receptions for 156 yards and the two scores. The defense held the highest scoring SEC team to only six points (two points came on a safety). USC’s mission still hasn’t changed: win out and let the chips fall where they may.
      Next Game: vs. Notre Dame, Nov. 25.

      5. Arkansas (10-1)
      After putting up a decent effort in the first half, Mississippi State was held scoreless in the final two quarters in its 28-14 loss to the Razorbacks. Heisman candidate Darren McFadden was held relatively in-check by the Bull Dog defense. McFadden was rendered scoreless and finished with 87 yards on 26 carries. With the victory, Arkansas clinched its first outright SEC West title since 1995. The win also sets up an SEC title match with No. 3 Florida. Arkansas is essentially in the same position the Gators are in as far as a national title appearance. AU will need to beat LSU, top Florida in the SEC Championship and then have USC fall to Notre Dame while fending off the Irish in the polls.
      Next Game: vs. LSU, Nov. 24.

      6. Notre Dame (10-1)
      The Irish wrapped up their military tour with a 41-9 victory over Army. After Notre Dame was held out of the end zone in the first quarter, the Irish struck for 20 points in the second and 14 in the third. Darius Walker ran wild and finished with 162 yards and two scores on 25 carries. Brady Quinn hooked up with Jeff Samardzijia nine times for 87 yards and a 16-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. It’s no secret what the Irish need to do to even be considered in the big game – beat USC in Southern Cal next weekend or all hopes are squashed. However, as messed up as the BCS system is, I can’t see ND being considered in the title game with a loss to Michigan earlier in the season.
      Next Game: at USC, Nov. 25.

      7. Rutgers (9-1)
      I’ve written the past two weeks how I thought the BCS mess would sort itself out. After Saturday, I’m on pace to be right. I, much like most of the public, enjoyed the Scarlet Knights ’06 story. Rutgers came from nowhere to crack the top ten, found itself a Hesiman candidate in Ray Rice and were included in national championship discussions. However, a 30-11 loss to a .500 Cincinnati program proves that all the talk about how Rutgers could hang with Ohio State in a title game is preposterous. The Scarlet Knights allowed a senior quarterback, making his first start mind you, to throw for nearly 300 yards and a score. Nick Davila took the first snap under center and fumbled it. Then, with help from nine different receivers and four different runners, Davila settled in and was able to beat the No. 7 team in the country. The Bear Cat defense deserves plenty of praise as well. The unit held Rice to 55 yards on the ground and one score, while forcing four turnovers. The dream is over for Rutgers and it all came at the hands of a team that has never beaten a program ranked higher than No. 9.
      Next Game: vs. Syracuse, Nov. 25.

      8. West Virginia (9-1)
      The Mountaineers racked up 641 total yards of offense in a 45-27 win over Pittsburgh Thursday night. Supermen Pat White and Steve Slaton combined for 435 yards on the ground and four touchdowns. White threw well too, completing just 11 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns. The unbelievable thing about Slaton is that he was held to just seven yards rushing in the first half. Slaton became the first player in school history to have more than 100 yards rushing and receiving (130) in one game.
      Next Game: vs. South Florida, Nov. 25.

      9. LSU (8-2)
      How does LSU get in a tight tussle with Mississippi? I swear the Tigers are the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NCAA. One week they’re beating Alabama and Tennessee and then the next week they’re in tight battles with teams like Mississippi and choking in big games vs. top opponents. Ah well, LSU did hang on to beat the Rebels 23-20 in overtime. JaMarcus Russell threw for 216 yards and three touchdowns. I’m just dumbfounded how LSU needed 13 points in the fourth quarter just to force overtime against a previously 3-7 Ole’ Miss program.
      Next Game: at Arkansas, Nov. 24.

      10. Louisville (9-1)
      Much like West Virginia, the Cardinals bounced back from their first defeat of the season by bounding the next opponent they faced. Louisville beat a pretty decent South Florida team 31-8. Brian Brohm was 19 of 33 for 274 yards and two touchdowns. On both touchdown passes, Brohm connected with junior wide out Harry Douglas, who finished with seven receptions for 86 yards. I wonder how the Cardinals feel after losing to a team that just lost to Cincinnati. Ouch.
      Next Game: at Pittsburgh, Nov 25.

      Most impressed with: Ohio State is the best team in the country and the Buckeyes proved it on Saturday. That makes two #2 teams that OSU has beaten this season.

      Least impressed with: It has to be Rutgers. A lot of people were on the Scarlet Knight bandwagon after the upset of Louisville last week. Cincinnati is just not that good and Rutgers fell victim to looking ahead.

      Biggest upset: What a difference a week makes. Last Thursday the Rutgers faithful stormed the field in New Jersey after the Scarlet Knights topped #3 Louisville. One week later, the Cincinnati faithful are storming the field after a 30-11 pounding of #7 Rutgers.

      Looking forward: Seems like the season gets put on pause after Ohio State-Michigan. However, there is still great football to be played. Nothing tops USC-Notre Dame next week, although Arkansas-LSU and Florida-FSU is worth keeping an eye on.

      College Football

      College Football Wrap: Ohio State 42, Michigan 39

      November 18, 2006 /

      The hype, these teams and this contest did not disappoint. The two best teams in college football played Saturday and in my opinion, the better team won, too.

      Ohio State had a better game plan, was more physical and out-executed Michigan. Think about this: the Buckeyes coughed up three turnovers, which led to 10 points. Take away two bad snaps by a club-handed OSU center and the Buckeyes win by at least two touchdowns.

      Everything that was wrong with Michigan’s defense last year was on display again in this game. Poor run defense, tackling and dumb mistakes plagued UM for four quarters. The tackling and dumb mistakes were on the Wolverines, but credit must be given to Jim Tressel and the OSU offense for the way Michigan’s run defense was shredded for touchdown runs of 52 (Chris Wells) and 56 (Antonio Pittman) yards. Tressel used spread formations with four and sometimes five receivers to get the Wolverines’ talented group of linebackers back on their heels. That created gaping holes for Wells and Pittman and UM did the rest with shoddy tackling. This was a defensive unit that was giving up just over 29 yards on the ground per game coming into this contest and left Columbus surrendering 202.

      Troy Smith should have cemented his claim for the Heisman Trophy tonight. While I thought he was a little careless on the two OSU fumbles (although both not his fault), Smith picked apart the UM secondary, was accurate the entire game and displayed great mobility getting outside the pocket. Smith threw for 318 yards and four touchdowns while connecting with playmaker Ted Ginn Jr. eight times for 103 yards and a 39-yard touchdown. Both Smith and Ginn got Morgan Trent turned around like a top on more than a handful of occasions. I thought the stat of the game for Smith was how he connected with eight different receivers, including four different teammates on his touchdown throws.

      Mike Hart and Chad Henne should not be overlooked in Michigan’s loss. Hart rushed for 140 yards on 23 carries and scored three times. Henne, although not as accurate as Smith was, threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Mario Manningham (six catches, 85 yards) was superb too, although OSU did a nice job of keying on him after the opening drive. While I thought UM was extremely balanced on offense, I’m surprised that they didn’t run Hart even more in effort to keep OSU’s offense off the field. Although you can’t argue with the passing lanes that were created by offensive coordinator Mike DeBord’s scheme, which allowed the Wolverines to pass more than they usually do. While I thought the Buckeye secondary would play a lot better, give credit to Henne for throwing a couple of frozen ropes.

      In the end, the Buckeyes played fundamental ball and had a tremendous game plan on offense to remain balanced. While UM will kick itself for not making better adjustments after giving up 28 points in the first half, the effort given for the late Bo Schembechler shouldn’t be overlooked.

      College Football

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