By TLarner
The games from Week 6 have resulted in a new rule regarding “head shots” and “devastating hits”. Will these new rules have an immediate impact on Week 7? Check out news from around the league and get your predictions for Sunday.
Monday Night’s Results: Ten 30, Jac 3
The Tennessee Titans easily handled the Jacksonville Jaguars to keep pace with AFC South leaders Houston and Indianapolis. However, both teams left with some major injuries. The Titans got the ball rolling with Vince Young throwing a touchdown pass to Kenny Britt, who is emerging as the top receiver he was expected to be. On the next drive, Young injured his knee while trying to recover a fumbled snap, and in came Kerry Collins. The second quarter began with an interception thrown by David Garrard of Jacksonville to safety Michael Griffin. Collins and tight end Bo Scaife were on the same page early, and on the ensuing drive, the backup QB hit Scaife for a short touchdown pass. On the next drive, an ineffective Garrard was hit by linebacker Will Witherspoon, and left the game with a concussion. Former Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards took the remaining snaps, and he also struggled. In the fourth quarter, down 23-3, Edwards had the Jaguars on the two-yard line. It appeared receiver Tiquan Underwood had caught a touchdown, but Vincent Fuller ripped the ball from Underwood’s hands for another interception. Chris Johnson, trying to reach the 100-yard mark, found the end zone on a 35-yard run on a fourth down play with less than two minutes left.
Young was only 3-5 for 61 yards. Collins finished 11-16 for 110 yards. Johnson ran for 111 yards, his fourth 100-yard game of the year. Scaife had four catches for 53 yards, and rookie receiver Damian Williams caught four passes for 48 yards. Rookie corner Alterraun Verner also had an interception. Garrard completed seven passes for 48 yards. Edwards went 14-24 threw for 140 yards. Maurice Jones-Drew was a not a factor. He ran for a mere 57 yards. Mike Thomas lead all receivers with eight catches for 88 yards. Tennessee improves to 4-2, and Jacksonville falls to 3-3.
News & Notes
The biggest new this weeks in the NFL is the addition of suspensions and heavier penalties for “head shots” and “devastating hits”. This came in a week filled with violent hits that not only looked bad, but knocked many players out with concussions.
Falcons corner Dunta Robinson leveled Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson, a hit in which both players left with head injuries. Steelers linebacker James Harrison said he considered retiring after hearing about the new restrictions. Harrison took out Brown’s receivers Joshua Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi. Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather deliberately hit Baltimore tight end Todd Heap head-to-head.
Vice President of Football Operations for the NFL, Ray Anderson, described plays like these as “disturbing”. Many current and former players have spoken out against the new rule, saying it will take away from the intensity of the game, while others claim it is vital to protect the health of the athletes.
Harrison was fined $75,000, while Robinson and Meriweather were fined $50,000. On Friday alone, more 12 players were tagged with fines.
On the other hand, many defenders are wondering if the NFL plans on creating any rules to protect the defense. Many new regulations are designed to protect quarterbacks and defenseless receivers. Green Bay linebacker Nick Barnett and Bronco’s safety Brian Dawkins are two of the many against the new rule, saying it tilts the game even more in the favor of the offense.
Injury Report
Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard will miss this week with a concussion, and Trent Edwards has a sprained thumb on his throwing hand. Todd Bouman is expected to start.
Vince Young has not been ruled out of this weekend’s game against Philadelphia. He did not practice on Friday and is listed as questionable with a leg injury. Kerry Collins is ready to start if needed.
Chargers’ receivers Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee are currently listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against New England. Tight end Antonio Gates has a better chance of playing with a sprained toe.
Atlanta corner Dunta Robinson will miss this weekend with a concussion he suffered after his bone crunching hit that also left Philadelphia receiver DeSean Jackson with a concussion. Jackson will also miss this weekend.
Cleveland Browns’ receiver and Pro Bowl kick returner Joshua Cribbs practiced Friday, and appears to be ready for Sunday’s game against New Orleans. Mohamed Massaquoi will sit out. Both were victims to devastating hits from Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison last week.
Indianapolis Colts’ star tight end Dallas Clark will miss the rest of the year with a wrist injury. He was placed on injured reserve Friday. He met with multiple doctors to seek opinions before deciding he would have surgery. Clark had 37 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns.
The Baltimore Ravens listed tight end Todd Heap as questionable, meaning there is a high probability that he will play against the Bills. Heap suffered from a neck injury after being hit in the helmet by Patriot safety Brandon Meriweather. Ed Reed could return from the Physically Unable to Perform list. Reed has been out all season after undergoing hip surgery in the offseason. Reed practiced all week, but neither Coach John Harbaugh nor Reed would make a clear statement on Reed’s chances of playing.
Raiders’ quarterback Jason Campbell will be a game time decision. His injured left knee is improving, giving him an opportunity to start. If not, Kyle Boller will be named the starter, as Bruce Gradkowski continues to nurse a shoulder injury.
The Carolina Panthers’ offense will be happy to see the return of Steve Smith against the 49ers. Smith has been on the bench since spraining his left ankle against New Orleans.
Game of the Week: Minnesota at Green Bay
Once again, Brett Favre will return to Lambeau Field to face his old team, the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings are hoping they can remain in the hunt for the NFC North Championship, while the Packers are trying to surpass Chicago for the number one spot in the division. Minnesota, 2-3, is coming off a big win against Dallas. The Packers have lost three of their last four games by only a field goal, and are currently 3-3.
The Vikings made a big splash by re-acquiring Randy Moss from the Patriots to revamp their stagnate offense. They are 27th in points scored (17.4) and 24th in yards per game (301.8). Favre has struggled so far this year. He has thrown only six touchdowns, and has turned the ball over 11 times. He has a 72.1 passer rating. Adrian Peterson has continued to run hard. He rushed for 145 yards and a touchdown against Miami and 160 with two scores against Detroit, his best two performances of the year. After battling injury in the preseason, Percy Harvin has emerged as the team’s best receiver in the absence of Sidney Rice. Harvin has a team high 20 catches for 224 yards with three touchdowns, and also returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Moss, who started off slow in New England, has nine catches for 136 yards and a score since joining the Vikings. Jared Allen, who is feared for his ability to attack quarterbacks, has only one sack so far this season. Linebacker E.J. Henderson has 37 tackles, and a team high two interceptions.
The Green Bay Packers started off on the right foot, but have stalled since. After starting 2-0, they have lost close games against Miami, Washington, and Chicago. Aaron Rodgers has thrown for over 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also leads the team with three rushing touchdowns. Brandon Jackson had his first game with 100 yards rushing against Washington in Week 5. Donald Driver and Greg Jennings both over 300 receiving yards, and have combined for seven touchdowns. Tight end Jermichael Finley was placed in injured reserve with a knee injury. The Green Bay defense is tied for second in the league with 21 sacks. Individually, linebacker Clay Matthews leads the NFL with 8.5 sacks.
Key Matchup: Favre vs. Rodgers
Everyone’s eyes will once again be on the two quarterbacks. Apparently, Rodgers will never be able to escape comparisons between him and Favre. Brett was able to sweep the Packers last year. During their first game against each other in 2009, Rodgers threw for 384 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick. Favre threw for 271 yards with three scores and no interceptions. In their second meeting last season, Favre threw four touchdowns, while Rodgers threw three. While he has struggled in the first weeks of the season, in the past two games , Favre has thrown four touchdowns and only one interception, whereas Rodgers has seen his accuracy and passer rating decline. It will also be important to see which team can better protect their QB. Both defenses have great pass rushers.
Prediction
The Packers have been faltering in recent weeks, but the Minnesota Vikings have also had their fair share of troubles this season. The Vikings found a little life after defeating the Cowboys, and the momentum will carry over this week. Minnesota’s defense is sixth against the pass, allowing only 192 yards a game. On the other hand, the Green Bay defense is 21st against the run, allowing 112.3 yards per game on the ground, giving Adrian Peterson a chance to take this game out of Favre’s hands. The Vikings will win their second consecutive game, and become one step closer to reaching the playoffs.
Best of the Rest: (Home team in italics)
Cincinnati over Atlanta
Pittsburgh over Miami
Baltimore over Buffalo
Kansas City over Jacksonville
New Orleans over Cleveland
Washington over Chicago
San Francisco over Carolina
St. Louis over Tampa Bay
Philadelphia over Tennessee
Seattle over Arizona
New England over San Diego
Denver over Oakland
New York Giants over Dallas
Last week’s results: 8-6
Have any NFL Splinters? Share them here.
FALCONS -3.5 over Bengals
How great is it that VH1, the TV channel in which washed-up stars go to die, ran reality shows with T.O. and Ochocinco this summer? How did we not realize that was a bad omen?
Redskins (+3) over BEARS
Are the Bears 4-2 or 4-12? I can’t remember. Also, who takes longer to run the two-minute drill — Chris Berman or Donovan McNabb?
BUCS (-2.5) over Rams
At what point does Cadillac Williams have to change his name to Hyundai? Five games, 190 rushing yards (2.5 per carry), 127 receiving yards, zero touchdowns … are we there yet?
RAVENS (-13) over Bills
The old “We got too conservative and blew what should have been a great win last week, let’s take it out on a crappy team at home, and by the way, Ed Reed is back!” game, right?
PANTHERS (+3) over Niners
What’s more enticing than a poorly coached, erratic West Coast team coming off a big win flying cross-country and playing a game at 10 a.m. PT against an 0-5 team that it’s almost definitely taking for granted?
Bill —
Ravens over the Bills? Gee … way to go out on a limb !
The good thing about the Bills – Ravens game is that it will take place in Baltimore.
Vikings (+2.5) over PACKERS
Did you know that Brett Favre used to play for Green Bay?
COWBOYS (-2.5) over Giants
The week New York’s special teams comes back to haunt them. Crap, that wasn’t a question.
BREAKING NEWS – THE BILLS GET A THREE AND OUT ON THE FIRST POSSESSION. THAT IS, THE BILLS STOPPED THE RAVENS – THREE AND OUT!
TOUCHDOWNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN BUFFALOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
UPSET ALERT! POTW ALERT! TOUCHDOWNNNNNNN! BUFFALOOOOOOOO!
ARMAGEDDON! TOUCHDOWN BUFFALO!
Casey, you should know better. This season, the Bills have acted like kids on xmas morning – you know, they get excited real early, it’s a frenzy, but in a little while, they’re no longer interested, and pretty soon have run off to another room. So the Bills run the score up early, and then coast their way to a loss.
I know. I know. Sadly, I know.
Casey, Casey, Casey. I’m shakin’ my head here … as I’m sure Bill R was yesterday. You should be flagged for premature jubilation and sentenced to a one day suspension from the Pine for rejoicing over Buffalo’s non-victory well before the game was over.
Really now … “UPSET ALERT!” …. “POTW ALERT” … “ARMAGEDDON” … are you kidding??? You of all people should know better than to jinx your team with crap like this. So as you’re standing there now, with hands on knees, staring blankly at the ground wondering what went wrong … you should see …. there, I just threw it … a little yellow flag coming to rest next to your feet. You’ve been suitably penalized for premature jubilation. That carries a 1 day suspension from the Pine and the removal of a helmet sticker. Don’t let it happen again. 🙁
And Ralph Wilson would like to see you in his office immediately. He doesn’t know where that is exactly, but that’s another issue ….
Not a week goes by without Lovie Smith again proving why he’s probably the dumbest coach in America … working for the dumbest team owners in America.
Sure … Duh Bares have enough to overcome each week with no offensive line, terrible WRs and a scatter-armed QB in Cutler …. but each week also offers the opportunity for Love Smith to totally freakin’ screw up on the most basic things. Take yesterday for example. Duh Bares are up by 4 midway through the 3rd and driving. Cutler just completed a long pass and Duh Bares were down to the Redskin 1 yard line. 1st and goal. The QB sneak is called and although Cutler did not surge into the endzone, when he was upright he held the ball clearly over the plane of the goal for 1/2 a second before being pushed back and then fumbling the ball, which the Skins recovered. So … Duh Bares will certainly challenge and appeal for an instant replay review, right???? I mean … this is huge … Duh Bears could go up by 11 and be in complete control of the game, whereas they would give up the ball with no points clinging to a 4 point lead. Surely, Dummy Smith will throw the little red bag and make sure Duh Bares get their TD. Throw the red bag. Lovie … throw the red bag … THROW IT! THROW IT …. Doh!
Oh well … Duh Bares lost by 4 … it’s not like they desperately needed those 7 freakin’ points!!!! HOW CAN AN NFL COACH BE THIS INCOMPETENT???
Stay tuned for next week’s episode of “As Duh Bares Squirm”.
Wally, Wally, Wally
I don’t know where to begin, so I won’t.