Category: Fantasy Football (Page 213 of 324)

      Matt Cassel beats Brett Favre in first career start

      September 14, 2008 /

      Matt CasselMatt Cassel passed his first test in replacing the injured Tom Brady, guiding the New England Patriots to a 19-10 win over division rival New York. Jets’ QB Brett Favre threw a costly interception while trying to rally NY late in the game.

      Cassel, who hadn’t started at any level since his senior year of high school, was 16-of-23 for 165 yards, Sammy Morris ran for a touchdown and Stephen Gostkowski kicked four field goals.

      The Jets and Patriots receiver Randy Moss said New England was still the team to beat even without Brady, who was lost for the season last Sunday when he injured his left knee against Kansas City.

      The Patriots (2-0) then showed why, ruining the Jets’ home opener and Favre’s first regular-season home start for New York. New England won its 21st straight regular-season game, and beat the Jets for the eighth straight time at the Meadowlands.

      It was easy to get excited about Favre and the Jets after they won their opener, but it was against the Dolphins so maybe we got a little ahead of ourselves. This clearly isn’t the same Patriots team that went 18-0 last year, but at least Cassel looks like he’ll keep them afloat with Brady out. It might be a matter of time before things start to crumble, but for right now New England is still the team to beat in the AFC East. (Although Buffalo looks damn good after two weeks, too.)

      Fantasy Football, NFL

      Broncos shock Chargers after controversial call

      September 14, 2008 /

      Jay CutlerFor the second straight week, the Chargers lost in the final minute of the game as the Denver Broncos converted a 2-point conversion with 24 seconds left to play to edge San Diego 39-38.

      On the Broncos’ game-winning touchdown drive, QB Jay Cutler appeared to fumble while attempting a pass. The Chargers recovered, which would have given them the ball back with under a minute to play and up 38-31, but the officials had blown the whistle to signal an incomplete pass. The call upheld after replays, Denver got the ball back and on fourth down Cutler hit Eddie Royal in the end zone for a four-yard touchdown to make the game 38-37. One play later, the Broncos converted the eventual game-winning 2-point conversion, which was an incredibly gutsy call by head coach Mike Shanahan.

      It was a blown call. Replays clearly showed that Culter’s arm wasn’t coming forward and that it was an apparent fumble. San Diego should be 1-1 on the season, but the bottom line is they need to look in the mirror first and foremost. The Chargers took the lead on a 66-yard Darren Sproles touchdown reception and then the defense proceeded to allow the Cutler and the Broncos’ offense to march up the field on the ensuing series.

      The Chargers’ defense has looked disastrous in back to back weeks now. It also didn’t help that LaDainian Tomlinson was beat up all week and then could only muster 26 yards on 10 carries. It goes without saying – the Chargers are in trouble. And all of a sudden the Broncos are the best team in the AFC West.

      Fantasy Football, NFL

      Bucs defense flusters Matt Ryan, handle Falcons

      September 14, 2008 /

      Matt RyanThings were quite different for rookie QB Matt Ryan and Falcons this week as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers soundly defeated Atlanta 24-9 at Raymond James Stadium.

      Tampa intercepted Ryan twice in the game, the first one coming on the Falcons’ first drive, which the Bucs eventually turned into a touchdown. Ryan was just 13 of 33 passing for 158 yards and started the game 0 of 9 through the air. After rushing for 220 yards last week against the Lions, Michael Turner finished with only 42 yards on 14 carries.

      Brian Griese was efficient in taking over for Jeff Garcia (ankle) throwing a touchdown pass in the win. Earnest Graham chipped in 116 yards on the ground and added a 68-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

      The story of this game was how Monte Kiffin’s defense was once again owned the Falcons. Ryan was under constant pressure all game and while the rookie was incredibly inaccurate, a lot of that had to do with Kiffin disguising his defensive fronts. The Bucs also did a nice job offensively on third downs in the first half when they built a 17-0 lead.

      So did Griese do enough to win the Bucs’ starting quarterback job? He wasn’t spectacular, but he certainly made enough plays for Tampa to cruise to a victory.

      Fantasy Football, NFL

      Memories of Brett Favre: Aaron Rodgers outstanding in win over Lions

      September 14, 2008 /

      Aaron RodgersAaron Rodgers threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns as the Green Bay Packers scored 24 fourth quarter points in a 48-25 rout of the Detroit Lions.

      Green Bay led 21-0 midway through the second quarter, but fell behind by a point with 7:41 left after Calvin Johnson caught his second TD in the fourth quarter.

      The Packers went back ahead with a field goal on the ensuing drive, then turned the game back into the rout it had been with three straight interceptions.

      Charles Woodson and Nick Collins returned two of the picks for touchdowns, giving Green Bay a lopsided lead again.

      Is anyone else tired of the Aaron Rodgers-Brett Favre comparisons yet? Every time the kid completes a pass the announcers can’t wait to say, “Boy, Rodgers looked like Favre on that pass didn’t he?” I know these are comparisons Rodgers will gladly accept, but let him be his own man. Rodgers was great today – it had nothing to do with Brett Favre. Rodgers has shown tremendous presence so far and the Packers are rallying around their young QB.

      What a crushing defeat for the Lions, who had built a nice comeback before the Packers pulled away in the fourth. Calvin Johnson is a special player, but Jon Kinta and the Detroit defense were brutal again for the second week in a row.

      Fantasy Football, NFL

      Lane Kiffin rumors not a distraction, Raiders shutdown Chiefs

      September 14, 2008 /

      Oakland RaidersOn Sunday morning, Lane Kiffin’s job was in jeopardy. By Sunday afternoon, Kiffin’s job may still be in jeopardy, but at least he guided his team to their first win of the season as the Oakland Raiders topped the Kansas City Chiefs 23-8.

      Rookie Darren McFadden had a breakout game, rushing for 164 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Thanks to McFadden’s performance, QB JaMarcus Russell didn’t have to do much as he attempted only 17 passes. He finished 6 of 17 for only 55 yards.

      Defensively, Oakland game planned to stop Larry Johnson and that’s exactly what they did. Johnson finished with only 22 yards on 12 carries as the Chiefs struggled to move the ball all game. In a strange situation, Damon Huard (who only attmpeted four passes) was replaced by reserve wide receiver Marques Hagans. Later in the game, Tyler Thigpen took over under center for KC, and wound up throwing a touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter.

      It’ll be interesting to see how the Kiffin situation pans out. Rumor has it that even if Oakland won Sunday, Kiffin will be fired on Monday. Hmm…

      Fantasy Football, NFL

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