Week 11 Notes & Predictions

 

Bye weeks are over, so all your teams are in action in Week 11. There are many big games on this week’s schedule, including Green Bay at Minnesota and New York Giants at Philadelphia.

Monday Night’s Results: PHI 59, WAS 28

Michael Vick and the Eagles embarrassed Donovan McNabb and his Redskins last Monday night. Vick had a historic performance, becoming the first player to throw for 300 yards, rush for 50 yards, throw four passing touchdowns, and run for two more. The Eagles set a new team record with 592 total yards. Philadelphia jumped to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter, starting with an 88-yard play action pass from Vick to DeSean Jackson for a score on the first play of the game. Vick also threw touchdowns to receivers Jeremy Maclin and Jason Advant, as well as running back LeSean McCoy. Jerome Harrison, who Philadelphia acquired in a trade with Cleveland, led the team with 109 yards on the ground, including a 50-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Corner Dimitri Patterson had two interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown in the second half.

McNabb threw for 295 yards with two touchdowns, but was picked off three times. In the second quarter, he found Darrel Young and Keiland Williams for short touchdowns, making the score 35-14 at that point. Williams had a relatively good night. He ran for 89 yards and two touchdowns in the absence of Ryan Torain. He also lead the Redskins with four receptions, totaling 50 yards. Washington was failed to convert a single third down in 10 attempts. They were outgained by over 200 yards on offense. Andre Carter and Brian Orakpo were able to combine for a sack, but that was about the only highlight for the Redskins’ defense.

Thursday Night Football: CHI 16, MIA 0

Neither team had a very successful offensive performance. The Bears’ defense completely shut down the Dolphins, who were down to third string QB Tyler Thigpen. Thigpen threw for 187 yards and was picked off once. Surprisingly, he also lead the team in rushing. He scrambled out of the pocket six times for 27 yards. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams combined for 11 yards on a mere six attempts. Brandon Marshall had three catches for 41 yards before leaving the game with a hamstring injury. Miami converted only one third down attempt. Thigpen was sacked six times, three by Pro Bowl end Julius Peppers.

Jay Cutler did a good job managing the game for the Bears. He only threw for 156 yards and was also intercepted once. Matt Forte ran for 97 yards on 25 attempts. His third quarter touchdown was the only one of the game. Johnny Knox had five catches for 55 yards. Robbie Gould was 3 for 3 on field goals. As previously mentioned, the Chicago defense was all over Thigpen and the Miami offense. They allowed only 187 total yards.

News & Notes

The Detroit Lions signed linebacker Caleb Campbell off the practice squad in time for Sunday’s game against Dallas. Campbell was a star for the Army Black Knights, and was drafted in the seventh round of the 2008 Draft. There was a rule in place allowing Campbell to serve as a recruiter if he made the team, but the policy was suspended and Campbell had commit to his military obligations instead of football. He was released from active duty in May, and rejoined the Lions in the offseason.

Tampa Bay’s standout rookie receiver Mike Williams was arrested and charged with a DUI early Friday morning. He was below Florida’s legal blood-alcohol limit when tested after being pulled over for speeding. However, he will play Sunday against the 49ers. Williams has 40 catches for 627 yards and five touchdowns so far this season.

Former Jaguars lineman Richard Collier keep a promise he made to his wife at their wedding. Collier was able to stand for the ceremony after being paralyzed from the waist down in 2008. He survived being shot 14 times, ending his football career, but not his life.

Injury Report

Joshua Cribbs, the star returner and receiver for the Cleveland Browns, will miss Sunday’s game against Jacksonville. Cribbs dislocated four toes on his right foot in last week’s overtime loss to the New York Jets.

The Vikings activated Sidney Rice from the Physically Unable to Perform list in time for this week’s contest against Green Bay. Rice missed the first nine games after having hip surgery in the preseason. He was the leading receiver for Minnesota last season.

Running backs Joseph Addai and Mike Hart, linebackers Gary Bracket and Clint Session, and corner Justin Tryon are all out this week for the Colts. New England hosts Indianapolis, who has won five of the last six games against the Patriots.

The Saints are optimistic that running back Reggie Bush will return for Sunday’s game against Seattle. Bush broke his leg in Week 2, but was listed as questionable on Friday.

Although he missed practice all week, New York Giants’ offensive lineman Shawn Andrews wants to play against his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Andrews has had two back operations, and left discomfort in his back last week against Dallas. He is officially listed as questionable.

Former first overall pick Jake Long may be done for the rest of the season. The Dolphins’ offensive tackle played with an injured shoulder on Thursday night, but may need surgery. Long hasn’t missed a game since being drafted in 2008.

Game of the Week: Indianapolis at New England

 This game has often been a battle between the top two teams in the AFC, and always a possible playoff matchup. The Colts are currently first in the AFC South at 6-3, while the Patriots are tied for the AFC East division lead at 7-2. Tom Brady has won 24 straight home games, and with a big win over Peyton Manning today, he would tie Brett Favre’s record of 25 consecutive home victories. The Colts have been battling the injury bug in 2010. With Dallas Clark on injured reserve, Indianapolis is now down starting running back Joseph Addai. Donald Brown and Javarris James will carry the load in the ground game. New England is first in points scored with 28.7 per game, while the Colts are fourth with 26.7. Neither team is great on defense. The Patriots are 29th in yards allowed with 390.8 per game. Indianapolis is 29th in the league in rushing yards allowed with 133.2 per game. Last season, the Colts came back from a 13 point deficit with 2:30 remaining to win 35-34.

Key Matchup: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning

Who is the better quarterback, Brady or Manning? That is the question. Both QB’s are considered the best in the game, but which one has the edge? So far this season, Manning has thrown for 2,663 yards with 16 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Brady has thrown for 2,176 yards with 17 touchdowns and also has four interceptions. Since both teams are in the bottom half of the league in rushing, I would expect this game to be decided on who has the better arm on Sunday. Brady will have to be aware of the infamous Indianapolis pass rush. Robert Mathis has seven and a half sacks, while Dwight Freeney has six.

Prediction

Last week, the Patriots topped the Steelers, who some thought were the best team in the league. On the other hand, the Colts won a close battle with the Bengals after losing to the Eagles. It looks like New England has more momentum going into this game, and it doesn’t help that the Colts have many players out or hampered by injuries. While I must admit I would rather see the Colts win this contest, I think the Patriots have the upper hand. Unfortunately, Brady will continue his consecutive home game win streak.

Best of the Rest: (Home team in italics)

Baltimore over Carolina

Cincinnati over Buffalo

Dallas over Detroit

Cleveland over Jacksonville

Kansas City over Arizona

Green Bay over Minnesota

New York Jets over Houston

Pittsburgh over Oakland

Tennessee over Washington

New Orleans over Seattle

Tampa Bay over San Francisco

Atlanta over St. Louis

Philadelphia over New York Giants

San Diego over Denver

Last week’s results: 4-8

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