Tag: LaDainian Tomlinson (Page 14 of 15)

Broncos shock Chargers after controversial call

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.

Week 2 NFL Primer

Matt CasselSunday’s Best: Patriots (1-0) at Jets (1-0), 4:15 PT ET CBS
The best game on the Week 2 schedule is actually Monday night when the Cowboys host the Eagles, but there will be plenty of time to hype that game before kickoff. The best and arguably most intriguing matchup Sunday is the Patriots and the Jets. Tom Brady’s season-ending knee injury opens the door for the Jets in the AFC East and a win Sunday would go a long way in proving that the power has shifted in the division. Pats’ backup Matt Cassel played well in New England’s victory over the Chiefs last week, but with a full week to prepare, expect Jets’ head coach Eric Mangini to use multiple defensive fronts in efforts to confuse the inexperienced signal caller. This will also be a great test for the Pats’ secondary (a unit that looks thin on paper), as Brett Favre will look to take chances downfield in the passing game. The Jets are currently 1-point favorites.

Upset Watch: Chargers (0-1) at Broncos (1-0), 4:15 PM ET CBS
San Diego is coming off a devastating last second loss to the Panthers at home, while Denver dismantled Oakland on Monday Night Football. The Chargers will be without linebacker Shawne Merriman (knee) for the rest of the season and now reports have surfaced that running back LaDainian Tomlinson (toe) might not be ready to play either. The Broncos did a tremendous job pressuring JaMarcus Russell on Monday night and if LT can’t go, look for Denver blitz early and often. The Broncos have two corners in Champ Bailey and Dre’ Bly that can play one-on-one with any of the Chargers’ receivers, so expect them to send extra defenders on most plays to try and get QB Philip Rivers to make mistakes. Jay Cutler and the Broncos’ offense will also receive a boost with the return of receiver Brandon Marshall, who was serving a one-game suspension. San Diego is currently a 1-point favorite on the road.

David GarrardIntriguing Matchup: Bills (1-0) at Jaguars (0-1), 1:00 PM ET CBS
Many people figured these teams’ records would be flipped heading into this game. But the Titans absolutely flustered the Jaguars’ offense by taking away the run and sacking QB David Garrard seven times in a 17-10 win, while the Bills used a combination of outstanding special teams and solid defense to destroy the Seahawks in their home opener. The Jags were a perennial Super Bowl contender coming into the season, so it’ll be interesting to see how they respond to their Week 1 loss. And if Buffalo pulls out a win they now become instant contenders in the AFC East with Brady out for the year. Jacksonville is currently a 5.5-point favorite.

Other Notable Games:
Steelers (1-0) at Browns (0-1), 8:15 PM ET NBC
These two teams are expected to battle all season for the AFC North crown, but with how bad the Browns looked last week against Dallas, the Steelers might still be the class of the division.

Bears (1-0) at Panthers (1-0), 1:00 PM ET FOX
Both of these teams played inspired football in Week 1 and the winner of this game might prove to be a sleeper contender in the NFC.

Colts (0-1) at Vikings (0-1), 1:00 PM CBS
High expectations surrounded these teams entering the season, but both squads were embarrassed in last week. Which team will get back on track?

Tomlinson, Grant and McGahee iffy

– LaDainian Tomlinson said on Wednesday that he would “definitely” play this week, but Rotoworld refers to an Adam Schefter report that says that LT2 is in danger of missing the Denver game. The plan was for Tomlinson to start some work on Friday, so keep an eye on his status today. If he practices, he should be good to go. If he doesn’t, it might be time to get worried. Darren Sproles is listed as the top backup on the Chargers’ depth chart.

– Ryan Grant will be the dreaded game-time decision against the Lions on Sunday. He is still bothered by a sore hamstring and it’s starting to look like this is going to go on for a while. If he can’t go, Brandon Jackson would be in line for the most work in a great matchup, but he’s dealing with a concussion and has been limited in practice this week. Kregg Lumpkin (yep, that’s his real name) is listed as the third RB on the Packers’ depth chart.

– Willis McGahee has been limited in practice this week and it’s starting to look more and more that rookie Ray Rice will get the start in a nice matchup with the Houston Texans. Keep in mind that the game was backed up to Monday night (due to Hurricane Ike), which probably increases the chances that McGahee will be cleared to play, though I’m not optimistic.

NFL News and Notes Week 2: LaDainian Tomlinson misses practice

LaDainian Tomlinson– According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates and Antonio Cromartie all missed practice Wednesday. All three are expected to play Sunday.

– The Colts cut DT Ed Johnson following a marijuana arrest. Johnson made the team last year as an undrafted free agent and played in all 16 games.

– Browns’ receiver Donte Stallworth didn’t practice Wednesday and might miss his second straight game due to a quadriceps injury.

– The Jets extended the contract of tight end Chris Baker. He received a three-year extension, which includes $12.2 million in “new money.”

– Texans’ running back Ahman Green is in a walking boot, which means rookie Steve Slaton will likely start this week against Baltimore.

– More bad news for the Patriots as receiver Randy Moss is dealing with a back injury and Tom Brady’s ACL surgery has been delayed 4-6 weeks.

– The Bucs will start Brian Griese at quarterback Sunday against the Falcons. Jeff Garcia is out with an ankle injury.

NFL Week 1 Recap

Below are snippets of all the Week 1 action in the NFL. For more analysis and discussion on each game, click on the links provided.

New England Patriots– Tom Brady was knocked out of the Patriots’ 17-10 win over the Chiefs. It’s unclear at this point the severity of Brady’s injury, and whether or not he’ll be able to play next week.

– Michael Turner rushed for 220 yards and Matt Ryan won his NFL debut as the Falcons crushed the Lions 34-21.

– The Bills won their home opener 34-10 over Seattle, holding the Seahawks to only 85 yards on the ground.

– The Titans intercepted Jaguars’ quarterback David Garrard twice and sacked him seven times in their 17-10 victory. Quarterback Vince Young left the game with a sprained left knee.

– Brett Favre won his Jets’ debut as New York beat the Dolphins 20-14. Thomas Jones also rushed for 101 yards.

– The Saints rallied to beat NFC South rival Tampa Bay 24-20. Drew Brees threw for 343 yards and three touchdowns.

– The Eagles blasted the Rams 38-3 as Donovan McNabb threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns. Philly’s defense held St. Louis to only 166 total yards.

– The Steelers built a 35-3 lead on their way to a 38-17 rout of the Texans. Willie Parker bounced back from a season ending knee injury last year, rushing for 138 yards.

– Joe Flacco won his NFL debut as the Ravens topped the Bengals 17-10. Cincinnati failed to score an offensive touchdown as Carson Palmer was held to under 100 yards passing.

Marion Barber– Tony Romo picked apart the Browns’ secondary for 320 yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys’ 28-10 win. Marion Barber and rookie Felix Jones also combined for 142 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

– Jake Delhomme found Dante Rosario on a 14-yard touchdown pass as timed expired in the Panthers’ 26-24 win over the Chargers. LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 97 yards, but Carolina kept him out of the end zone.

– Kurt Warner passed for 197 yards and a touchdown as the Cardinals topped the 49ers 23-13. Anquan Boldin caught eight passes for 82 yards.

– The Bears spoiled the opening of Lucas Oil Stadium, dominating the Colts 29-13 on Sunday Night Football. Rookie running back Matt Forte rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown.

– In the Thursday Night Game, the defending Super Bowl champion Giants beat division rival Washington 16-7. Brandon Jacobs rushed for 116 yards on 21 carries.

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