NFL Week 4 Awards: Mark Sanchez is MVP...For the Other Team

According to ESPN's "Numbers Never Lie" there was a combined 7,886 passing yards in Week 4, the most ever in a single week in league history.

So that means a lot of big plays from quarterbacks and wide receivers. Which also means an entertaining race for Week MVP. But while some quarterbacks were doing everything possible to win their game there were a few who seemed to do everything possible to blow it.

Who stood out in victory? Who was embarrassed? Here are the awards for Week 4.


MVP of the Week

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

His performance against the Broncos was just sheer brilliance. He had a 76-percent completion rate, 408 yards passing (career-high) and four passing touchdowns (tying a career-best) to go along with 36 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns. He became the first player ever to record 400 passing yards, four passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. He was responsible for six of the team’s seven scores (the other coming on defense from a pick-six). And his Packers remain undefeated.

There’s really not much more to say. Rodgers has really made his case for best quarterback in the NFL and on a day like Sunday you wonder what else is there for him to do?

Honorable Mentions: Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions; Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears; Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants

Bust of the Week

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets

If you didn’t know better an innocent bystander would have thought that “The Sanchise” was in cohoots with the Ravens to help them win the game. He completed only 11 of 35 passes. He registered a 30.5 quarterback rating. But his turnovers were unforgivable.

Sanchez threw one interception on the day and it was returned by the Baltimore defense for a touchdown. He fumbled the ball four times. Three of those fumbles were recovered by the Ravens. Two of them were returned for touchdowns.

So that means Sanchez gifted Baltimore 21 points (the Jets lost by 17) while managing to lead the Jets to zero points (New York scored on a kickoff return, an interception return and a field goal).

Sanchez not only didn’t help his team, he actually performed better for his opposition.

(Dis)Honorable Mentions: Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys; Ronnie Brown, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Surprise of the Week

Detroit Lions

The Dallas Cowboys were grooving throughout the first half. And when Jason Witten scored on a one-yard pass at the start of the third quarter to make the score 27-3, surely the Lions perfect season would be coming to an end.

Detroit had made a 20-point comeback the week before, surely they didn’t have another one in them, right?

But thanks to two huge mistakes from Tony Romo and tremendous play from wide receiver Calvin Johnson, the Lions roared all the way back to win the game.

After the Witten touchdown, Romo threw two interceptions that the Lions returned for touchdowns and brought the deficit down to 10 points. And in the fourth quarter Johnson caught two touchdown passes, including the game winner on a leaping grab with only 1:39 left to play.

That makes two consecutive 20-plus point comebacks for the Lions, making them the first team to do so in NFL history.


Honorable Mentions: Cincinnati Bengals; Curtis Painter, QB, Indianapolis Colts; Vince Wilfork’s second interception of the season

Disappointment of the Week

Philadelphia Eagles

The team that got all the hype in the (brief, yet fast-moving) offseason. The team that some called the best football team ever assembled (a bit of hyperbole). After blowing a 20-point halftime lead at home against the San Francisco 49ers the Eagles are 1-3 and dead last in the NFC East.

“It's unacceptable to give up a lead that size in the second half,” defensive tackle and one of those high-priced acquisitions Cullen Jenkins told reporters after the game. “If we don't win, we're just a bunch of talented people who haven't done anything, and there’s a lot of teams like that.”

Along with the big lead, the Eagles wasted a standout performance from QB Michael Vick (career-best 416 yards passing, two passing touchdowns and a team-best 75 yards rushing). Reasons for the downfall: a fumble (throwaway) on the 49ers’ one-yard-line by Ronnie Brown, a blocked field goal, a missed field goal and a Jeremy Maclin fumble with 2:06 remaining in the game to ruin any chance of a late comeback.

Maybe expectations were too high to start the season but this is a poor effort from the Eagles.

(Dis)Honorable Mentions: Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys; Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens; Buffalo Bills

Rookie of the Week

Stevan Ridley, RB, New England Patriots

The LSU-alumnus gave Pats fans a glimpse of why he was selected in the third round, even with fan favorites BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead ahead of him on the depth chart.

Ridley showed a nice blend of power and finesse, carrying the ball ten times for 97 yards (a whopping 9.7 yards per carry). His touchdown run was for 33 yards and showed a nice burst through the hole, shed three would-be-tacklers and had a nice sprint down the sidelines to the end zone.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him eat into more of BJGE’s carries as the season goes on.

Honorable Mentions: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers; Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons; A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Tough Luck

Beanie Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals

After missing Week 3 with a hamstring injury Wells returned to have a career day. Unfortunately for him though his team still lost.

Wells had 138 yards (a career-high) on 27 carries and scored three touchdowns. It seemed like his third score would be the nail in the coffin, giving the Cardinals a 27-17 lead with just over five minutes remaining in the game.

The Cardinals lackluster defense allowed Eli Manning and Co. to march down the field and score in four plays. Then Arizona got unlucky on the Giants’ next drive with the most controversial officiating call of the week: Manning completed a pass to Victor Cruz, who was not touched but went down to the ground. Since he was not touched the play seemingly wasn’t dead, yet Cruz put the ball on the turf and went to go to the huddle. The Cardinals picked it up, insisting Cruz’s gaffe was a fumble, but the referees ruled that he had given himself up. The Giants would then score the game-winning touchdown later on in that drive.

Wells did everything he could to propel the Cardinals to victory, but it was not in the cards for the Arizona running back.

Honorable Mentions: Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans; Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Photo Credits.
Mark Sanchez: AP Photo/Nick Wass

Twitter Report: What the Pros Had to Say About NFL Week 4

Turns out that professional athletes are just like all of us: On Sundays in fall they too enjoy posting on the couch and watching the NFL all day.

Most of the insight of the day came from the Detroit Lions’ thrilling comeback victory over the Dallas Cowboys, showing tweets of excitement from Michigan natives, tweets of awe for Calvin “Megatron” Johnson and tweets of disappointment from Cowboys fans.

Here’s what the pros had to Tweet about while watching that game and many others around the NFL.

Blake Griffin, NBA, Los Angeles Clippers: @blakegriffin “Big shout out to football season for making it okay to not get off my couch all weekend.”

LeBron James, NBA, Miami Heat: @KingJames “Give credit to Megatron and the Lions on the win. Very good team. They got #swag right now”

Kevin Durant, NBA, Oklahoma City Thunder: @KDTrey5 “Megatron hahaha best in the league”

Grant Hill, NBA, Phoenix Suns: @realgranthill “@jrich23 The ghosts of R. Porcher, Herman Moore, Lomas Brown and Scott Mitchell did us in. Congrats JRich for beating us 4 the 1st time.”

Shane Battier, NBA, Memphis Grizzlies: @ShaneBattier “@realgranthill33 sorry grant about your boys, just just like the Chrysler commercial says, The D is back.”

Dax McCarty, MLS, New York Red Bulls: @DaxMcCarty11: “After watching football highlights, I've decided Calvin Johnson should permanently change his name to Megatron. Just that. Dude is a freak.”

Paul Rabil, professional lacrosse player, Boston Cannons and Washington Stealth: @PaulRabil “#Megatron”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, professional wrestler, WWE: @TheRock “Huge Lions win. On fire. Detroit's a helluva city - kicked ass there many times. Dallas?”

Jimmy Rollins, MLB, Philadelphia Phillies: @JimmyRollins11 “@eackley1023 well I want the niner's to win........ But don't wanna see the eagles blow the lead!! Tuff spot for me”

Herculez Gomez, professional soccer player, Estudiantes Tecos (Mexico) & USA: @herculezg “SF fans, what are the 49ers doing? That was the worst clock management I have ever seen. Wow. #thatjusthappend”

Jose Bautista, MLB, Toronto Blue Jays: @JoeyBats19 “let's go @steelers!! time to go get a W!! #beastmode”

Jonny Flynn, NBA, Houston Rockets: @J_Flynn “Its like Aaron Rodgers is in a video game every Sunday. You see his #’s & make the ‘really’ face”

Brandon Phillips, MLB, Cincinnati Reds: @DatDudeBP "This game is not looking good for the @Bengals but maybe next half will be better... #WhoDey"

Alejandro Bedoya, professional soccer player, Rangers FC (Scotland) & USA: @AleBedoya17 “Sucks to be Miami #Dolphins fan!! On a positive note former #Hurricanes still holding active record streak for a touchdown in NFL,143 weeks”

Photo Credits.
Calvin Johnson: AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

NFL Week 4 Picks: Seattle Seahawks to Upend the Atlanta Falcons

Last weekend 12 out of the 16 NFL games were decided by a touchdown or less.

Nine teams won games by overcoming a fourth quarter deficit.

The cliché of “On any given Sunday,” proves so true in the NFL this year. People liked the Bills and Lions to improve this year, but to come into Week 4 both undefeated? What about the Titans leading their division, or the Rams winless and last in theirs?

With that in mind, I think the Seahawks at home with the less-than-stellar quarterback play of Tarvaris Jackson can actually upend the Falcons, a popular preseason pick to make it to the Super Bowl.

Other things to watch this week: Can Michael Vick stay in the game for its duration? Which team will come out on top in the battle of the winless, the Vikings or the Chiefs? Can Chris Johnson pick up the slack and lead the Titans to another victory and keep them atop the AFC South?

Who do you think will win this weekend?

Carolina (1-2) at Chicago (1-2)

Last week the Panthers prevented the Jaguars from making a play in the end zone. While Chicago’s offense has sputtered lately, it’s hard to imagine this happening again.

The Bears O-line needs to step up and Matt Forte needs to get going after a nine-carry, two yard performance last week but the Bears have faced some stiff competition the first three weeks of the season.

The Panthers aren’t close to the level of the Packers, Saints and yes, even the 1-2 Falcons. They could be battle tested and ready to put a beat down of their own on a lesser team.

Chicago wins.

Buffalo (3-0) at Cincinnati (1-2)

The Bills are the highest scoring team in the league.

The Bengals couldn't even score a touchdown against the 49ers, putting up eight points thanks to a safety.

Buffalo wins.

Tennessee (2-1) at Cleveland (2-1)

The Titans strength has been the passing game. That takes a huge hit with the loss of Kenny Britt.

To say running back Chris Johnson has been underwhelming is an understatement. He has yet to rush for 100 yards total over three games (98). He's going to need to step it up for the Titans offense to be respectable.

For Cleveland, riding a two-game win streak, running back Peyton Hillis returns after missing last week with an illness.

Cleveland wins.

Detroit (3-0) at Dallas (2-1)

Dallas was able to stay in the game last week against Washington thanks to six field goals from kicker Dan Bailey and the defense holding the inept Washington offense to only one touchdown.

Things won’t be as simple against the Lions. Detroit’s offense is much more dynamic and will be tougher to keep pace with.

Also there is Ndamukong Suh, who will be like a shark circling a wounded seal when he goes after Tony Romo. It’ll be hard enough playing straight-up against Suh, but if the Cowboys have more fumbles and miscommunications between center and quarterback it could be a very long day for the Cowboys.

Detroit wins.

Minnesota (0-3) at Kansas City (0-3)

It's a tough call, but the Vikings are just more dangerous than the Chiefs at the end of the day.

Adrian Peterson is a game changer, while the Chiefs lost their star, Jamaal Charles, to an injury a couple weeks ago.

His first game was bad, but Donovan McNabb has put up respectable numbers the past two games and is still better than Matt Cassel.

The Chiefs have been hit hard by injuries in the early going and just don't have the big play potential that the Vikings have.

Minnesota wins.

Washington (2-1) at St. Louis (0-3)

Rex Grossman has been impressive this year while Sam Bradford has taken a step back but the key in this one will be the running game.

The Rams and Redskins are 11th and 12th in the league in rushing yards per game, respectively. The difference is while the Redskins defense allows just under 100 rushing yards per game (97.7) the Rams are the league’s worst at stopping the run (174.3 yards per game).

Time for Tim Hightower and Roy Helu (5.7 yards per carry) to have a big game, supported by a better passing game than the Rams.

Washington wins.

San Francisco (2-1) at Philadelphia (1-2)

Kicker David Akers makes his return to Philadelphia, and he may be the only way the 49ers score any points.

They scored 13 points last week, registering only one touchdown, and are in the bottom five of the NFL in both passing yards per game and rushing yards per game.

The Eagles have struggled in the early going, and Michael Vick has had difficulty staying in games, but expect a long-overdue explosion from this offense, with the team pinpointing the 49ers secondary as the weak link on the field.

Philadelphia wins.

New Orleans (2-1) at Jacksonville (1-2)

It's tough to look at anything else beyond Drew Brees vs. Blaine Gabbert.

One leads a high powered offense that makes making big plays look easy.

The other is lucky to put up double digits in points week after week.

New Orleans wins.

Pittsburgh (2-1) at Houston (2-1)

The Texans were challenged last weekend against the Saints and although they didn't win the game they responded well.

It was an entertaining game and the Texans traded shots with the Saints in what was a respectable road loss. If they want to be a legitimate playoff contender this is a game, at home, they have to win.

The Steelers just squeaked by a winless Colts team last weekend (one that the Texans demoralized in Week 1).

While the Pittsburgh defense still stepped up when it was needed most, it showed its age and had difficulty throughout the game and containing third-string quarterback Curtis Painter.

The Texans have a better offense and defense than the Colts and the Steelers have not been sharp in the early going.

Houston wins.

New York Giants (2-1) at Arizona (1-2)


To show that this Giants team is still a playoff contender, the team needs to not have a hangover from their big win against the Eagles in Week 3.

Arizona struggled to score points against the Seahawks last week. The Giants will be getting back DE Osi Umenyiora this week, bolstering their usually strong pass rush.
The Giants should also get back leading receiver Hakeem Nicks, making the offense a bit more potent.

New York wins.

Atlanta (1-2) at Seattle (1-2)

The defense for Seattle is playing well enough, but the offense is still having its struggles, as expected. Two things are giving the Seahawks some hope.

Marshawn Lynch had his best game of the season last week, rushing for 73 yards. Atlanta is in the bottom half of the league (20th) in rushing yards allowed per game (112).

To open up lanes for Lynch the passing game desperately needs to improve. They get a big boost from wide receiver Sidney Rice, who played his first game of the year last week and caught eight passes for 109 yards. Atlanta’s pass defense allows 261 yards per game, 22nd in the NFL.

Atlanta has struggled early on this year and the Seahawks play better at home (their lone win so far this year coming in their only home game). With improvements in the offense Seattle can take advantage of a slumping and vulnerable Falcons team.

Seattle wins.

Denver (1-2) at Green Bay (3-0)

The Packers are rolling. It's hard to imagine that a Denver team that seems to make a lot of crucial mistakes in crunch time could upend such a disciplined and finely tuned machine like Green Bay, on the road nonetheless.

Green Bay wins.

New England (2-1) at Oakland (2-1)

The Raiders looked really good in their home opener against the Jets, dominating their defensive line and keeping the Jets offense in check.

The problem is timing. They face a Patriots team that lost last week. And following a loss the Pats are almost unbeatable, as if to make up for the prior week's stumble. And usually it isn't a close game either.

New England wins.

Miami (0-3) at San Diego (2-1)

The Dolphins' problem is not talent; they have a good amount of players with individual skill.

The issues are poor miscommunication and a failure to execute. Those things suggest that the coaching is subpar. So what do they do at practice?

According to Davone Bess and Reggie Bush, in addition to Chad Henne, Jason Taylor and Yeremiah Bell, the team admittedly doesn't work hard enough on the field nor do they pay attention in team and position meetings. Well then...

Promising rookie running back Daniel Thomas has also been ruled out.

San Diego wins.

New York Jets (2-1) at Baltimore (2-1)

The Jets defense, supposedly their strength, was bullied by the Raiders and their rushing game last week.

Baltimore may not hold the top-ranked rushing attack in the NFL but Ray Rice is considered one of the best backs in the league.

The Ravens have put up 30-points in their two victories. The Jets still struggle on offense and will struggle to keep pace with an improved Baltimore offense, even if they aren't scoring loads of points.

Baltimore wins.

Indianapolis (0-3) at Tampa Bay (2-1)

Indianapolis held its own against the Steelers, especially when Kerry Collins was knocked out of the game with a concussion. So kudos to them.

But now they have to start Curtis Painter. The team didn't have faith in him to start at the beginning of the season. Has anything changed other than the fact that another quarterback ahead of him on the depth chart is hurt?

Meanwhile the Buccaneers did enough to beat the much-hyped Falcons last week, doing something they were unable to last year. Maybe this team really is ready to take the next step.

Tampa Bay wins.

Last Week: 10-6

Season: 29-19

Photo Credits.
Marshawn Lynch: AP Photo/ John Froschuer

NFL Week 3 Awards: Eli Manning Bests Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles

There's never a dull moment in the NFL.

Week 3 featured some huge upsets. A few big streaks ended, there were final second and overtime wins and there were even two safeties scored.

With so much going on it was tough to tell who really shined through (and who blew it).

With that in mind here are the awards for the best and worst from Week 3 in the NFL.

MVP of the Week

Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders

After the game McFadden talked about coach Hue Jackson’s philosophy of being a bully on the field, and McFadden showed that he is fully buying into that as he dominated one of the best run defenses in the league on Sunday.

McFadden became only the third player to rush for 100-plus yards against the Jets since Rex Ryan took over as head coach in 2009, as he rushed for 171 yards and two touchdowns in the Raiders ten-point victory over the Jets. He outran the Jets offense himself, as their entire team only ran for 100 yards total.

Honorable Mentions: Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens; Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants; Dan Bailey, K,Dallas Cowboys

Bust of the Week

Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

All the talk during the week was about whether Vick would play or not because of a concussion. Well maybe he shouldn’t have.

Only 176 yards passing. Zero touchdowns to one interception. Three fumbles, although they were all recovered by the Eagles. An early exit from the game because of a hand injury. And the team lost.

Could anything have gone worse for Vick? Is he starting to break down under immense pressure of being the $100 million man?

(Dis)Honorable Mentions: Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots; Willis McGahee, RB, Denver Broncos;New York Jets defense

Surprise of the Week

Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants

Manning had two touchdowns and two interceptions coming into the game. He had been very inconsistent at quarterback, missing his passes, getting sacked and turning the ball over. Talk had started whether the Giants would be better off getting the No.1 draft pick and taking Andrew Luck.

Going against the Philadelphia Eagles and their much-hyped secondary, not much was expected from Manning.

Then he went and had a phenomenal game: 70-percent completion percentage, 254 yards, four touchdowns, 145.7 quarterback rating, and ZERO turnovers of any kind.

Who knew he had it in him?

Will this upcoming week start a new, successful trend for Manning? Or was this just a one-week fluke?Either way he was a big surprise in Week 3.

Honorable Mentions: two safeties scored (one by the Bengals, the other by the Panthers); Detroit Lions 20-point comeback; Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

Disappointment of the Week

New England Patriots

The loss to the undefeated Bills in Buffalo isn’t the bad part. Or even that the Pats had won 15 consecutive games against the Bills; every streak eventually comes to an end.

It’s everything about how they lost that is disappointing, well, at least for the team and all its fans.

New England gave up a 21-0 lead to start the game. They blew a 24-17 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Tom Brady threw four interceptions. The defense didn’t create a single sack.

Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski had great games and deserved a win for their efforts. But the Patriots went back to their old ways, failing in the fourth quarter of games.

It’s not time to hit the panic button yet, but this was not a good day for the Patriots at all.

(Dis)Honorable Mentions: Miami Dolphins; Philadelphia Eagles; Atlanta Falcons

Rookie of the Week

Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens

His first three receptions of his career? All touchdowns.

Smith, filling in for the injured Lee Evans, had three touchdowns all in the first quarter, putting the Ravens up 21-0, dictating the pace of the game. It was all Ravens on the scoreboard and they were going to do it by gaining a lot of yards on offense.

Smith finished the game with five receptions for 152 yards and three touchdowns.

The Rams secondary will never forget watching Smith run past all of them.

Honorable Mentions: Dan Bailey, K, Dallas Cowboys; Kendall Hunter, RB, San Francisco 49ers; Julio Jones,WR, Atlanta Falcons

Tough Luck

Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee Titans

The Rutgers-alumnus was having the best start to his career. He had 17 receptions, 289 yards and three touchdowns.

He was clearly emerging as a true No.1 wide receiver for the Titans, a position they’ve been lacking at the past couple of years and although many thought Britt had great potential, he hadn’t lived up to it until this season. New quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has gone as far to say that Britt is the best player on the Titans roster.

Then he tore his ACL and MCL. And now he’s out for the season.

Not only will he miss a season of development, but it seriously hurts the chances of the Titans to surprise a lot of people and win the AFC South. Currently they’re tied for first with a 2-1 record, but with Chris Johnson struggling and a lack of wide receivers stepping up that offense could seriously stall.

Honorable Mentions: Minnesota Vikings; Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots; Rob Gronkowski, TE,New England Patriots

Photo Credits.
Eli Manning: AP Photo/Alex Brandon

NFL Week 3 Picks: Buffalo Bills to End 15 Game Skid Against New England Patriots

It’s only Week 3 and there are some huge divisional matchups already.

The NFC East dukes it out against each other with the Giants looking to get revenge against the Eagles after last year’s fourth quarter meltdown and the Redskins look to remain undefeated and at the top of the division against their archrivals, the Cowboys.

In the AFC East both the Patriots and Bills are 2-0 when they will square off so something will have to give. Can Buffalo overcome 15 straight losses to New England and remain undefeated?

The NFC South will see Atlanta travel to Tampa Bay. Who will be the steadier and more consistent quarterback, Matt Ryan or Josh Freeman? And who will be the bigger workhorse on the ground, Michael Turner or LeGarrette Blount?

And finally in the NFC North there will be a rematch of last season’s NFC championship game between Green Bay and Chicago, which is always a slugfest.

I have my opinion on who will come out on top. Who do you think will win these games and the rest of the Week 3 matchups?

Houston (2-0) at New Orleans (1-1)

The Texans’ defense and their legitimacy as a playoff contender will be put to the test against the Saints high-powered offense.

Drew Brees always seems to come up big in crucial moments, especially at home, where the team has lost only five total games since 2009. And Brees has a ridiculously large collection of weapons in his arsenal that he can use.

New Orleans wins.

New York Giants (1-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)

Michael Vick was severely banged up last week. But he has been cleared to play.

Working in his advantage is the barrage of injuries the Giants have on the defensive-side of the ball. DE Osi Umenyiora is out and CB Prince Amukamara is questionable. Linebackers Jonathan Goff and Clint Sintim are on injured reserve and their replacements are still in an adjustment period this early. DE Justin Tuck missed the first week and Mathias Kiwanuka missed time in the preseason.

If guys were healthy this defense would be able to get to Michael Vick enough to make him uncomfortable, especially considering how bad the Eagles’ offensive line is. But the Giants are far from healthy, let alone playing well right now.

Philadelphia wins.

Jacksonville (1-1) at Carolina (0-2)

Cam Newton has done well so far in his debut NFL season, but last week against the Packers he showed that he wasn’t quite ready to be the go-to-guy on the Panthers. His three interceptions proved costly as Green Bay scored 23 straight points to come back from being down 13-0.

What Carolina needs to do more of is run the ball. Not only does Newton lead the team in rushing yards, but he’s also first in rushing attempts.

If the Panthers DeAngelo Williams better (who they just resigned to a nice contract this offseason—time to earn your paycheck!) than Newton won’t be forced to try and win the game single handedly. His stats won’t be as good, but the record will improve. And that’s obviously more important.

Carolina wins.

New England (2-0) at Buffalo (2-0)

The Patriots have won 15straight against the Bills. However, this Bills team is pretty strong and to prove that they are a competitive team, this will be the time they finally end the streak thanks in part to home field advantage.

The Patriots will be without tight end Aaron Hernandez, and they released Dan Gronkowski so that leaves them with only one tight end. They have plenty of other options, evident of their No. 1 ranked passing offense, but don’t think the Hernandez injury takes away a wrinkle from that offense.

The Bills can offer something good here though. They have scored the most point in the NFL so far this season (the Patriots aren’t too far behind though to give credit where it is due). The Bills are tied for the biggest point different. Buffalo also has almost half the penalties the Patriots do and 74 fewer penalty yards.

The Patriots pass defense is 31st in the league, so the Bills will be able to pass when they need to and can fight in a shootout. But the biggest help to them will be the running game. They have the top ranked rushing offense, at 193 yards per game and Fred Jackson leads the NFL in rushing yards. So not only will the Bills be able to pass against the Pats defense but they can run the ball, hold onto possession and keep Tom Brady and the Pats prolific offense off the field for good stretches of time limiting the damage they can do.

It’ll be a shootout, but for this game the Bills will at least temporarily end their terrible streak against New England.

Buffalo wins.

Miami (0-2) at Cleveland (1-1)

Since last season Miami is a putrid 1-10 at home. That being said, that also means they are 6-2 on the road. It doesn’t make any sense and they won’t be a good playoff team with that kind of home record but that’s the way things are right now and an away game against a mediocre Browns team could be the trick to earn Miami its first win of the season.

The Dolphins offense is doing well, currently ninth in the league in passing and eighth in rushing. They just need to put the ball in the end zone.

Miami wins.

San Francisco (1-1) at Cincinnati (1-1)

The Bengals did some good things last week against the Broncos, but there was a big distraction this week. On Wednesday police seized 2.5 pounds of marijuana from wide receiver Jerome Simpson’s home. Also present—although he denies taking part in any illegal activities—was tackle Anthony Collins.

Add this to Cedric Benson’s three-game suspension and the Bengals are in a lot of trouble. They continue to have off-field issues with the law and that does take a toll on the team’s play on the field.

San Francisco wins.

Denver (1-1) at Tennessee (1-1)

Even with Chris Johnson only rushing for 77 yards in two games, the Titans’ offense looks good. Matt Hasselbeck looks very good throwing the ball this year and Kenny Britt has been beastly the first two weeks of the season.

Britt has 271 yards and three touchdowns in the team’s two games and is finally living up to some of his potential. He could have another good game against an inconsistent and unimpressive Broncos team.

Tennessee wins.

Detroit (2-0) at Minnesota (0-2)

Even with a 120 yard, two touchdown performance from Adrian Peterson and 220-plus passing yards and no turnovers from Donovan McNabb the Vikings still couldn’t win. They still couldn’t beat the Buccaneers even though they held a 20-10 advantage with 9:41 remaining in the game.

The Lions are one of the hottest and most talked about teams in football right now. They’re fun to watch.

Detroit wins.

Baltimore (1-1) at St. Louis (0-2)

The Ravens should’ve beaten the Titans last weekend, but three turnovers helped to make the Ravens look like they came into the game overconfident. Two of those three turnovers were Joe Flacco interceptions.

The Ravens were also 3-10 on third downs, and the later the game got with the Ravens still behind the more they needed to throw. Flacco completed only 47-percent of his passes.

The point is the Ravens are at their best when they’re running the ball with Ray Rice. Lucky for them so far this season the Rams are last in defending the run, allowing 177.5 yards per game.

Baltimore wins.

New York Jets (2-0) at Oakland Raiders (1-1)

The Jets defense came up huge against the Jaguars in Week 2, picking off four passes and only allowing the Jags to score a total of three points.

The Jets have had their difficulty on offense, but the Raiders are 21st defending the pass and 27th against the run, giving New York a nice opportunity to finally get the offense going in a positive direction.

The Raiders couldn’t even stop the Bills, who many consider to be the third best team in the AFC East, behind the Jets.

New York wins.

Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) at San Diego Chargers (1-1)

The Chiefs have lost their two games by an average of 39.5 points per game. Safety Eric Berry is out for the season. And the only thing the Chiefs can do well---run the ball—has been severely jeopardized with the season-ending injury to Jamaal Charles.

The Chargers have Philip Rivers, Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, Mike Tolbert and Ryan Matthews. They are also playing at home.

San Diego wins.

Arizona (1-1) at Seattle (0-2)

The cliché is that defense wins games. Yes, it is important to have a good defense, but technically you can’t win if you don’t put points on the board. And the Seahawks have a lot of trouble even moving the ball into field goal range, let alone scoring a touchdown.

Seattle is second-to-last in points scored (17), 28th in passing yards per game (144) and 32nd in rushing yards per game (47.5). Last week against the Steelers the Seahawks didn’t even get past the 50-yard line until the fourth quarter.

Arizona may struggle defensively, but how bad can the Seahawks really hurt them? The Cardinals at least have a nice offense going with Kevin Kolb, Larry Fitzgerald and Beanie Wells.

Arizona wins.

Atlanta (1-1) at Tampa Bay (1-1)

It’s a big early season matchup of teams in the NFC South, and it could go either way.

Tampa Bay and Josh Freeman are incredible at leading comeback victories, but that could be difficult against the Falcons and workhorse running back Michael Turner.

The Falcons are ninth in the league in rushing yards per game (124) while the Buccaneers are 31st in the league in defending the run (156 yards per game allowed).

Tampa Bay gets off to slow starts, scoring only 13 first half points so far this season. If the Falcons do in fact enter the fourth quarter with a lead expect Turner to do a lot of damage to kill the clock.

Atlanta wins.

Green Bay (2-0) at Chicago (1-1)

The Packers bested the Saints, who then went and dominated the Bears. The Packers also beat the Bears two consecutive games and five out of the past seven match-ups between the teams.

Expect a big game from Aaron Rodgers and his stable of good receivers against the Bears secondary.

Green Bay wins.

Pittsburgh (1-1) at Indianapolis (0-2)

Pittsburgh shutout the Seahawks last week and didn’t even allow them to play on their side of the field until the fourth quarter.

The Colts are still without Peyton Manning.

Pittsburgh wins.

Washington (2-0) at Dallas (1-1)

Dallas’s injury list is insanely long right now and it features some very important players.

Wide receiver and Week 2 hero Miles Austin is doubtful with a hamstring injury and didn’t practice Friday. Counterpart Dez Bryant is doubtful with a quadriceps injury, didn’t practice Friday and missed Week 2 because of the injury.

The Cowboys rushing game has not been very good this season early on, ranking 31st in the league with only 54.5 yards per game. Worse news is that leading runner and starting running back Felix Jones is questionable with a shoulder injury.

And then there’s quarterback Tony Romo. His punctured lung has healed but he still has the broken rib. He wasn’t at practice Friday and is listed as questionable. It’s never a good sign though when you have an injury that prevents you from breathing.

If he does happen to play not only will he be without some of his playmakers, he’ll also be hurting in the protection area. Guard Derrick Dockery is out with a fractured tibia and center Phil Costa is questionable with a knee injury. A banged up offensive line means the defense will be able to get to Romo that much easier, and they have already said they’re going to target his ribs.

Washington wins.

Last Week: 9-7

Season: 19-13

Photo Credits.
Ryan Fitzpatrick: AP Photo/Ed Zurga

Rafa Marquez At the Center of New York Red Bull's Problems

Many things have plagued the New York Red Bulls this season, who after finishing first in the East in 2010 are 7-7-15 and on the brink of missing the playoffs this season, despite the fact that the postseason was expanded to include 10 teams (out of the 18 in the league).

One of those things is the play, attitude and salary of centerback Rafa Marquez.
Don’t tell him that though.

The Red Bulls lost to Real Salt Lake on Wednesday 3-1, seemingly reaching their lowest point of the season. And dragging the team down with him was Marquez, who was responsible for the third goal when he did not stop the ball and let Fabian Espindola dribble down the middle of the field.

“I'm focusing on really performance at my highest level. That doesn't mean that the whole back line can perform at that same level, so that's a problem,” Marquez told reporters after the game. “I think this is a team game, and unfortunately there isn't an equal level between my teammates and I.”

Someone should tell him the boos from the Red Bulls fans every time he touched the ball were indeed for the captain of the Mexican National Team, not Tim Ream or Jan Gunnar Solli.

As a Designated Player, Marquez is making $4.6 million this season. He’s only played in 15 of the team’s 29 matches, mostly because of his commitment to his National Team. He plays well for Mexico. He’s played in 11 games for his country in 2011, made his 100th cap for the team and scored in this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, en route to winning the trophy.

When he suits up for the Red Bulls it’s a different story though.

He’s supposed to be the backbone of the defense and the veteran leader. However Marquez often looks passive and uninterested in the game at hand. He’s sloppy, no longer the crisp passer he was when he came over last season. He’s lazy. Too often the Red Bulls get beat by a player slicing down the middle of the field and on set pieces either because Marquez refuses to step to the ball or he does not pick up a man in the box. He also spends more time complaining to the referees than anything else.

To start the season he was relieved of corner kick duties, not hitting a good enough ball. Coincidentally enough the game after he was removed from that role the team scored off a penalty kick.

It’s gotten to the point where the team plays better without him.

Saturday in Dallas Marquez did not play and the Red Bulls got their first win since July 6, winning 1-0.

Then he’s back in the lineup in a home game against Real Salt Lake and they lose 3-1. Coincidence? I think not.

Marquez has been detrimental to the team on the field. And now his poor demeanor is showing up off the field and affecting the team’s play even more.

The veteran should know better. He should know nothing good comes out of publicly criticizing and bashing your teammates, especially when you’re a big part of the problem.

Marquez should be accountable for his actions both on and off the field. His play, his attitude and his comments deserve to be punished. That punishment can only be one thing at the very least: a benching.

And maybe without Marquez around the Red Bulls can get back to team play and winning. And they won’t need to waste $4.6 million on him.

Photo Credits.
Rafa Marquez: AP Photo/Rich Schultz

NFL Week 2 Awards: Miles Austin Has Huge Game for Dallas Cowboys

Big passes, clutch touchdowns and reckless tackles dominated the NFL in Week 2.

People are saying the NFL has become a passing league and some quarterbacks are continuously putting up gaudy numbers. But that also means that the wide receivers are reaping the benefits.

And in clutch situations the best quarterbacks have their go-to-guy, the one they have the upmost confidence in and can rely on to make the huge play.

There was plenty of great quarterback-to-wide receiver combinations that had big days.

Here’s the good, bad and ugly from Week 2.

MVP of the Week

Miles Austin, WR, Dallas Cowboys

The Monmouth University alumnus had a huge day propelling the Dallas Cowboys to their first victory of the 2011 NFL season.

Austin collected nine passes for 143 yards and three touchdowns. Two of those touchdown passes came in the second half and from two different quarterbacks.

He made a fantastic play on the third touchdown, which brought the Cowboys within three points of the lead with 6:55 to go in the fourth quarter. He leaped in the air to make the catch and once the ball was in his hands he began falling to the ground. When it looked like he would be down at the three-yard line, Austin planted his foot before his knee hit the ground and lunged into the end zone.

Honorable Mentions: Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots; Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo Bills; Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

Bust of the Week

Dunta Robinson, CB, Atlanta Falcons

Robinson must have some kind of secret vendetta against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Last season Robinson made a helmet-to-helmet hit against Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson, giving both him and Jackson concussions. He was fined $50,000 for the hit (Robinson appealed the fine and it was lessened to.

Sunday night Robinson lined up Philadelphia receiver Jeremy Maclin, going in head-first right into Maclin’s helmet, taking him out of the game for a few plays. Even though it was his second offense to the rule, Robinson was fined only $40,000 and received no suspension $25,000).

I’m not sure what’s the worst part of this situation: that Robinson doesn’t know how to tackle a guy without using his head, that head coach Mike Smith supported him, that Robinson didn’t learn from last year or that the NFL didn’t punish him worse for a second offense.

It’s a dirty play, it could hurt not only the guy getting hit but also the guy doing the hitting and it’s making the NFL’s policy look a bit like a farce.

(Dis)Honorable Mentions: Luke McCown, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars; Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City Chiefs; Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Surprise of the Week

Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys

He can put up the numbers, we all know that. What we don’t know is what kind of grit Romo has, what kind of poise and clutch ability he has. Time and time again, Romo will find a way to lose the big game, to lose a close game. Turnovers in clutch moments have scarred his legacy thus far in his career.

Sunday, he did something different though.

Romo did not have a single turnover through the game’s entirety, not even in the game’s final and crucial moments. Instead Tony Romo led two scoring drives (one touchdown and one field goal) in the final 6:55 of the game to erase a 10-point deficit. On the drive that sent the game into overtime Romo completed five of six passes. Then in overtime he completed a 77-yard pass to Jesse Holley, who was tackled at the one-yard line before the Cowboys kicked a field goal to win the game.

Oh, and he did all this with a fractured rib.

Romo stepped up big time when many expected him to crumble and fail.

Honorable Mentions: Tennessee Titans; Washington Redskins

Disappointment of the Week

Baltimore Ravens

When the Ravens blew out the Steelers in Week 1 it was thought that it was a statement to the rest of the league that this was going to be the team to beat. Perennial playoff contenders the Ravens put the smackdown on their biggest rival and toughest competition for the division championship.

But the team did not come prepared to play the Titans. It seemed like one of those situations when a team just thinks they’re going to go into the game and wipe the floor with the opposition. The effort and execution weren’t there and the Titans put it to the Ravens.

Turnovers did nothing to help the Raves, throwing two interceptions and fumbling once. Joe Flacco had a bad game posting a 51.2 quarterback rating. And the secondary, something that has been a concern for the Ravens for the past few years, was picked apart by Tennessee quarterback Matt Hasselback (30-42, 358 yards).
Proof that in this league you have to do more than just show up.

(Dis)Honorable Mentions: Jason Hill, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars; Mike Tolbert, RB, San Diego Chargers; Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers

Rookie of the Week

Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Yes, Cam Newton threw for 400-plus yards (432) for the second straight week and also rushed for another touchdown. But he threw three interceptions hurting the Panthers chances at a major upset in a game they led 13-0 early on.

Dalton followed up an abbreviated Week 1 debut with a very good game. He completed 66-percent of his passes, threw for 332 yards, had two touchdown passes and did not throw any interceptions.

Dalton completed at least two passes to seven different receivers, really trying to get everyone to have an impact on the game. And the Dalton and A.J. Green combination looked great, combining for 10 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown. He also got 136 receiving yards from Jerome Simpson.

The Bengals need to improve on third downs, where they went 1-11, but Dalton has the early makings of a very good quarterback.

Honorable Mentions: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers; A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals; Daniel Thomas, RB, Miami Dolphins

Tough Luck

Oakland Raiders

Forget that they blew an 18-point first quarter lead.

Forget that the Bills responded to a late-Raiders touchdown with seven points of their own with only 14 seconds left.

The Raiders still had a chance to win it. And they almost did. But as the saying goes, almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. It’s just exactly how close they came to pulling off the victory that’s tough.

At their own 44-yard line Jason Campbell tossed the ball all the way into the end zone with no time remaining. Wide receiver Denarius Moore (who already had a 50-yard touchdown catch) caught the ball, but so too did Bills cornerback Da’Norris Searcy and the two came down to the ground each clutching the ball. The two wrestled on the ground for a moment, but Searcy pulled away with the ball.

Game over.

Honorable Mentions: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers; Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets, for not getting to match-up against Jacksonville Jaguars WR Jason Hill; Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Photo Credits.
Miles Austin: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez