Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 596 of 1503)

      Patriots win, but issues continue to pile up

      December 13, 2009 /

      While the Patriots managed to earn a 20-10 victory over the Panthers in Week 14, they hardly have reason to celebrate.

      They gained 377 total yards, but turned the ball over three times. They held the Panthers to just 179 passing yards, but gave up 305 net yards. Tom Brady led the Pats on a nice 13-play scoring drive to give them the lead late in the third quarter, but his interception set up Carolina’s first touchdown. Wes Welker caught another 10 passes for 105 yards, but Randy Moss hauled in just one pass for 16 yards…and fumbled it.

      Speaking of Moss, he flat out dogged it on the field today. He ran lackluster routes, was seen pouting on the sidelines and appeared to give up on a pass that was intercepted by Carolina in the first half. In other words, he was the exact opposite of Welker, who continues to give his all on every play.

      Bill Belichick also decided to go for it again on fourth down and once again the Patriots failed. It wasn’t a bad decision because his offense was in no man’s land, but maybe it’s time for Belichick to scale back the aggressiveness if his offense can’t be counted on to convert.

      In the NFL, a win is the only thing that matters and at 8-5, the Pats are still in good position to win their division. But this is hardly an elite team anymore and if they do wind up making the postseason, things are setting up for an early exit for New England.


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      Coaching staff not getting enough credit for Saints’ run at perfection

      December 13, 2009 /

      Do you know why the Saints are currently 13-0 right now? No, it’s not because of their high-powered offense, Drew Brees or their remade defense. It’s not because of their outstanding receiving corps, Darren Sharper’s playmaking ability or a trio of running backs.

      Actually, it’s because of all those things. But one thing that seems to be taking a backseat in the Saints’ run at perfection is their coaching staff, and I’m not only referring to coach of the year candidate Sean Payton either.

      There were two plays in the Saints’ 26-23 victory over the Falcons in Week 14 that had more to do with coaching and less to do with the players on the field.

      The first play came early in the third quarter when the Saints were up 16-9. The Falcons had been getting pressure on Brees by sending multiple defenders throughout the game, and with the Saints facing a 3rd and 19 from Atlanta’s 21-yard line, the Falcons decided to blitz a bevy of players in order to disrupt the play. But the Falcons played right into Payton’s play call, because Reggie Bush took a 21-yard screen pass into the end zone untouched.

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      Jay Cutler loves himself the interception

      December 13, 2009 /

      The good, bad and ugly of Jay Cutler was on full display in Week 14, as the Bears lost to the Packers, 21-14.

      Cutler made some outstanding throws into tight coverage while throwing for 209 yards and two touchdowns. His second touchdown pass (which gave Chicago a 14-13 lead early in the second half) was a laser to Devin Aromashodu (who?), who made an incredible grab along the sidelines.

      But what has often been the case for Cutler in 2009, he threw two horrible interceptions, which aided in the Bears’ demise. On both picks, he underthrew Johnny Knox because the pair weren’t on the same page. Cutler thought Knox would break off his route, while Knox continued to head up field.

      Who’s more at fault? Who knows. The only thing that matters is that Cutler’s first year in Chicago has been a small disaster and the Bears have fallen to 5-8 despite having Super Bowl aspirations in preseason.

      As for the Packers, Aaron Rodgers (16-of-24, 180 yards) didn’t tear up the stat sheet but then again, he didn’t have to. Ryan Grant rushed for 137 yards on 20 carries and the Green Bay defense once again turned in a solid performance in the victory.

      This was actually a bigger win than some may think. After beating the Ravens on Monday night, this could have served as a letdown game of sorts for Green Bay. But they stay focused, earned a win on the road and will now jockey for position in the NFC Wild Card race the rest of the way.


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      Brandon Marshall sets NFL-record for catches

      December 13, 2009 /

      Although it was in a losing effort, Broncos’ receiver Brandon Marshall hauled in an eye-popping 21 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns in Denver’s 28-16 loss to the Colts in Week 14. Marshall broke Terrell Owens’ 20-catch performance from 2000.

      The Colts had Tim Jennings covering Marshall at most times. Who the hell thought that matching the 5’8” Jennings up with a freak like Marshall was a good idea? They might as well set up a rocking chair and hoped Marshall tripped over it coming out of his break.
      (Although hey, who am I to question the coaching staff of an undefeated team?)

      Indy raced out to a 21-0 lead in the first half, but Peyton Manning kept the Broncos in the game by throwing three interceptions. Denver just couldn’t convert on the opportunities that were given to them and their defense had no answer for Manning and the Colts’ offense inside the red zone. (Indy was 4-4 once they got inside the 20.)

      Dallas Clark also had a great day, finishing with five catches for 43 yards and a hat trick of touchdowns. He had some great catches, including a diving grab (pictured above) on a 4th and 4 in the second half that set up the Colts’ third touchdown of the game.

      With this win, the Colts locked up a first round bye in the postseason.


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      Clayton: Tom Brady “should” start vs. Panthers

      December 13, 2009 /

      ESPN’s John Clayton just reported that Tom Brady should be able to start Sunday’s game against the Panthers.

      Brady, who has been dealing with finger, rib and shoulder injuries, was limited in practice this week due to his wife giving birth to their child. It’s unclear at this point whether or not he missed parts of practice due to the injuries or to attend to his wife.

      The Patriots are in mini crisis mode after losing two straight and having four players sent home earlier this week after they showed up late to team meetings. One of those players was Randy Moss and another, Adalius Thomas, is expected to be benched for today’s game.

      But assuming Brady is healthy, I think this is the day the Pats turn the corner by drubbing the Panthers at home. Just when you think Bill Belichick’s team is going to fall apart, they beat the snot out of somebody at home.


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