NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Cleveland Browns 2-11 Vs Kansas City Chiefs 3-10

All-time record Tied at 9-9-2

The Cleveland Browns travel to Mile-High Stadium a place where they haven’t won since September 4, 1988. The Chiefs are coming off a 16-10 loss to the Buffallo Bills and as we all know the Browns are coming off a 13-6 victory over archrival Pittsburgh Steelers.  The Browns most recent game against the Chiefs was in 2006 when the Browns were able to knock the Chiefs off in overtime 31-28.  The Kansas City Chiefs rank 30th in total offense, and 30th in total defense this 2009 season. The Cleveland Browns rank 32nd in offense and 31st in total defense.

Injury Report
Cleveland Browns                                         Kansas City Chiefs

Doubtful
DB Ray Ventrone  Finger                            G Brian Waters  Hamstring

Questionable
DL Kenyon Coleman  Knee                         DE Glenn Dorsey  Knee
DL Robaire Smith      Groin                         S John Mcgraw   Hand
RB Dantrell Savage Ankle
DE Wallace Gilberry  Back
Probable

WR Josh Cribbs        Ankle                           No Players listed for Chiefs
DB Eric Wright       Hamstring
LB David Bowens      Knee
LB Blake Costanzo   Shoulder
OL Rex Hadnot         Knee
WR Brian Robiskie      Toe
TE Robert Royal         Finger
RB Lawrence Vickers  Hamstring

Weather
High 44 degrees
Low  23 degrees
10% chance of precipitation

Key Matchups
Brady Quinn Vs Matt Cassel
These two won’t play a snap against each other, both young Quarterbacks trying to prove there worth to both franchises. Brady Quinn has played a lot better in the past few weeks not throwing an interception and Matt Cassel is trying to come off a performance in which he was booed off the field in Kansas City. Whoever controls there bottom of the league offenses better should be able to get the win.  The turnover battle is going to be huge in this AFC showdown.

Eric Wright Vs Dwayne Bowe
Eric Wright has shown a lot of promise in his young NFL career. He was once again have a tough matchup against Bowe who is struggling this year being the Chiefs premier Reciever. Wright needs to early on stop Bowe in getting any confidence with Cassel because if these two get going it could be a long day for the Cleveland Browns.

Browns Linebackers Vs Jamel Charles
The Browns for the second consecutive week have not allowed a 100 yard rusher against them. If the Browns can do that for the third week in a row, that would help them immensely to get there third victory of the year. The Browns defense last week looked like a Super Bowl defense hopefully that wasn’t a flash in the pan and they can produce again this Sunday.

Eric Mangini Vs Todd Haley
Both Coaches are on a very hot seat in there first season as coaches. Both Coaches moves in this game will be watched over with a magnified glass and if there is a major coaching blender they will be sure to hear about it. Mangini has the Browns showing improvement over the past couple weeks and with a win here the Browns shouldn’t have a problem selling out there next game against the Raiders and have a little bit of pressure off of him.

Prediction
Cleveland Browns 20 Kansas City Chiefs 14

Much like everybody else out there in bird land, I have a strong belief that the Eagles will walk away on Sunday with a 10-4 record. Here are five reasons why I believe that.

1. We have 3 better quarterbacks than their starter
Maybe that's harsh to say, but I think it is true. Donovan McNabb is better, there is no doubt about that. I also believe that Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb are better as well. Vick is started to show some of the old sparks we knew him so well for and it's more than likely he'll go somewhere else next year and be a starter. From what we've seen in a brief glimpse this year, it looks like Kevin Kolb could be a starting quarterback in this league right now. It's hard to get a grasp on his abilities since he lost to the Saints who are undefeated and crushed a Chiefs team who has only three wins. However, I think he has the ability to be a starting quarterback in this league right now. Looking at Alex Smith, I just don't think he's that good and the I don't think the 49ers do either. He was drafted to be the answer in San Francisco but has been benched on multiple accounts. He finds himself as the starter now because everyone else they have is just as poor. I don't know how long they will stick with him, but I just don't think he's that good.

2. Our offense is clicking
In the past two games, the Eagles offense has really shown that they can put up some serious points and in a hurry if necessary. I don't think that is something the 49ers can do. They aren't the type of team that can hold their own in a shootout like the Eagles had with the Giants last week. Another thing is the fact that the Eagles offense seems to be able to find success even when players are out. There have been a rash of injuries across the Eagles offense but they always seem to perform. Players step up and they're always competitive. It will hurt not having Jeremy Maclin this week but I don't expect the Eagles offense to miss a beat.

3. It's December
What kind of reason is that? I don't know but the Eagles always play strong in December. Nobody can physically point to a reason that they do but I'm not complaining. There's teams out there that would kill to consistently do as well as the Eagles do in December (another NFC East team comes to mind). The Eagles seem to know when to turn it on and have gotten this December started off on the right foot. To me, this team is looking sharper than they have all season and it's going to be tough for any team to beat them right now.

4. We don't turn the ball over that much
There's basically one reason the 49ers won their last game and that is turnovers. It's pretty hard to turn the ball over seven times and still win a football game in this league. Donovan McNabb is quietly having a pretty solid year. There have only been two occasions this year where McNabb has failed to throw for more touchdowns than interceptions. He did throw a terrible interception last week but I don't see that happening again. The Eagles are pretty good at holding onto the ball and I can't see them turning the ball over as many times as the Cardinals did last week.

5. The Eagles are a better team
It's as simple as that. The 49ers play in quite arguably the worst division in football while the Eagles play in quite arguably the best. Four out of the 49ers six wins have come within the division and they have only won a single game on the road. Right now the Eagles are starting to click and it looks like the 49ers could be in for a rude awakening coming off their big Monday Night Football win. The Eagles are going to the playoffs, the 49ers are not. I expect the Eagles to blow this team out of the water and will be disappointed with anything less.

Mike Holmgren spoke out today about his two days visiting with the Browns, and the way it came across it sounds like the Browns may have a new GM by Christmas. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for anybody,” Holmgren said today on his radio show on KJR in Seattle. “It’s about as good a job situation as you could ask for in this business.”

The 61-year-old stepped down as Seahawks head coach at the end of last season, but from the moment he walked away there has been talk about him coming back to the league as either a GM or a coach of another team. For now, it looks as if the Browns are the perfect fit.

“Exactly how the setup will be regarding me, that’s something I’m still thinking about,” said Holmgren. “It’s my obligation to let the Browns know when I’m thinking that way. There is a bit of a timetable we’re working on right now. I wanted time to come back and think about it, talk to some people about it, and that’s where we are right now.”

Holmgren wants to talk to the Seahawks about returning to the team he coached for 10 years. But to this point, Seattle is not showing the same interest. He said he has not been contacted by anyone from the organization since GM Tim Ruskell resigned December 3rd.

A woeful, reeling Tampa team is music to the ears of the Seattle Seahawks.

This weekend when the Seahawks (5-8) play host to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-12), they'll be welcoming in a team that hasn't been able to play consistently due to question marks on both sides of the football.

Rookie quarterback Josh Freeman has thrown 13 interceptions to just seven touchdowns, after taking over the starting duties in a Week Nine victory at home against the Green Bay Packers. In the last two weeks, which resulted in losses on the road at Carolina in Week Thirteen and at home against the New York Jets in Week Fourteen, opposing defenses picked Freeman off eight times.

The main reason why Freeman's had such poor performances, according to Jets inside linebacker David Harris when speaking with the Tampa Tribune, is that the new quarterback stares down his receivers prior to releasing the football.

After the loss to the Jets, head coach Raheem Morris told the reporters that Freeman's responsibilities in the offense would be scaled back in order to help the youngster develop.

Seattle will need to make sure Freeman remains error-prone by showing and using numerous blitz and secondary coverage packages. A flustered, guessing rookie quarterback on the road in a raucous environment like Qwest Field will be the key for a Seattle defense that got beat big right from the start last week by Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub in Houston.

The Bucs haven't scored a touchdown in nine straight quarters, but it's not all Freeman's fault. Tampa Bay's three-headed ground game of Cadillac Williams, Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham has been just as inconsistent.

Reaching the century (net) mark on the ground as a team has been a struggle for the Bucs, only being able to do so six times this season. Four times this season, the team has managed to pick up less than 75 net yards.

Seattle's offense should find success against a stumbling Tampa Bay defensive unit.

The Bucs let opposing offenses have possession of the football for over 31 minutes a game on average, letting opposing running backs benefit the most. The team ranks 31st in the National Football League in terms of average rush yards allowed per game.

Possibly playing for their jobs, running backs Julius Jones and Justin Forsett hope to capitalize on Tampa Bay's inability to stop the run when they will get the ball Sunday behind a new-look offensive line.

During Wednesday's press conference, head coach Jim Mora Jr. announced that rookie Max Unger will get the start this weekend at center. The change at center moves the former starter, Chris Spencer, to right guard where he'll share time with Mike Gibson. Gibson, in his second season in the NFL, has never played in a regular season game.

"We needed to do something up front," said Mora Jr.

Unger's move to center won't be unfamiliar to the rookie; he started 13 games at center for Oregon during his junior year after moving from left tackle. In his senior season in Eugene, Unger started the season with two games back at left tackle before moving back to center for the final 11 games of the season. Unger earned All-America honors from SI.com, Pro Football Weekly and Rivals.com over his final two years playing for the Ducks.

"We feel like Max is going to be a good center in the National Football League and we've kinda felt that way from the beginning," said Mora Jr.

Kickoff for Sunday's game at Qwest Field is scheduled for 4:15pm Eastern.

It appears that the Redskins are moving quickly when it comes to finding a coach to replace the soon to be fired Jim Zorn. The Denver Post reports that former Broncos two-time Super Bowl winning coach Mike Shanahan is in talks with Washington about coming aboard for 2010.

The report comes out a day after the Redskins hired Bruce Allen, son of late Redskins Hall of Fame coach George Allen, after Vinny Cerrato abruptly resigned. For now Allen says that Zorn is still his coach. “Give us some time to see how our relationship develops,” Allen said.

Shanahan is at the top of a lot of teams lists it would seem to come in as head coach in 2010. The Bills after they fired Dick Jauron had interest, but it never moved past a few talks. Now the Skins, who are in the midst of another tough season at 4-9, seem to be ready to move forward with a new coach for next year.

In the Playoff Hunt

Ravens are coming off a confidence builder as they had a convincing victory over the Detroit Lions. The offense played well and Ray Rice was the game changer; the team is officially in the playoff hunt. The defense is fighting to get back their dominance as they try to find consistency.  In this match-up the Ravens face QB Jay Cutler and a good receiving core who pose a capable passing attack.

The Bears

Known for their defense and consistent running game, Chicago has struggled in both areas and it has landed them out of playoff contention. To compound issues, the acquisition of Jay Cutler has had mixed results as he has thrown 22 interceptions so far this season, but has demonstrated that he has the tools to be the franchise quarterback.  Chicago's record is 5-8 and the team does not want to end the season with double digit losses, they will be motivated to win.

OFFENSE: The Bears traded away a few first round draft picks and OB Kyle Orton to the Denver Broncos for quarterback Jay Cutler.  Cutler has been inconsistent with 22 interceptions and 20 touchdown passes. However, he possesses the skills to be a top rated Qb and has thrown for just over 3000 yards. Cutler has the ability to make big plays downfield and if he has a few weapons at the receiver position.  WR Devin Hester, WR Johnny Knox, WR Earl Bennet are all capable threats downfield. Hester leads the team with receptions and has over 682 yards receiving. WR Bennett is has over 605 yards and rookie Johnny Know has 498 yards receiving. Knox has added some spark at the receiver position.  Tight End Greg Olsen (463 yards) has been playing well the last few games as he has over 29 receptions in the last four weeks. Olsen is tied with RB Matt Forte for second in receptions with 51.

The running attack has been inconsistent. They rank near the bottom statistically and are averaging around 89 yards a game. The sluggish running game is in part from an inconsistent offensive line. Also, their have injuries with the alternate backs.   Running back Matt Forte is a work horse and only in his second year has shown a lot of promise. He has a total of 669 yards averaging around 3.4 yards a carry.  Forte has great hands out of the back field with 51 receptions and 450 yards receiving.

Some of the struggles on offense can be partly been attributed to offensive line problems.  The team signed Orlando Pace but he has had injury problems.  In the last game where Pace missed, the team moved Chris Williams from right tackle to left tackle, Kevin Shaffer filling in at right tackle.  The O-line has allowed 29 sacks.

Lately: The Bears mix in the run, short passes and they do take their shots downfield. TE Greg Olsen has been a popular target the last 4 games.    Though Cutler and the offense have been inconsistent, they are more than capable for the long ball.  Johnny Knox is a receiver to keep your eye on; he has becoming a favorite target for Cutler. Matt Forte is an excellent receiver out of the backfield.

DEFENSE: The Bears pass defense ranks 9^th against the pass, but 24^th against the run allowing an average of 127 yards per game.  The team ranks 21^st in points allowed at 22.5 and 16^th in total yards at 329. It didn't help the team when MLB Brian Urlacker was lost for the season with a wrist injury in the season opener and OLB Pisa Tinoisamoa has played in only two games with a knee injury.  Linebackers Nick Roach and Hunter Hillenmeyer have filled for the injured starters.

LB Lance Briggs is playing well with a combined total of 87 tackles.  Defensive end Adewale Ogunleye is a good pass rusher with 6 sacks.  Ogunleye have 35.5 sacks over a 5 year period with the Bears. Charles Tillman is a sound cornerback, he has success stripping the football from opposing receivers. Rookie safety Al Afalava is aggressive in run support as he tackles well at the line of scrimmage.

Lately: The defense has playmakers in LB Lance Briggs, DT Tommy Harris and CB Charles Tillman. Tillman is a good cornerback with 6 forced fumbles. MLB Urlacker presence is missed as he is out for the season and run defense has struggled. The defensive unit has 22 interceptions and 27 sacks.

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Drew Bledsoe was the quarterback. Gregg Williams was the head coach. They were the last two figures at the helm in Buffalo the last time the Bills defeated the New England Patriots. It was the opening weekend of the 2003 season and it was probably the most memorable win of the decade for the Bills, as they stampeded over the Patriots, 31-0. And that was the last time Buffalo beat New England.

It's been five full seasons since the Bills last victory over the Patriots and on Sunday when the two teams square off for the final time in 2009, New England will be looking for their 13th straight win over Buffalo and 6th straight seasons of sweeping the Bills. The losses have been many and they've come in many ways. Blowouts, shutouts, close calls, and fourth quarter collapses. You can call this a rivalry if you want to, but I can't bring myself to use that adjective because in a rivalry, you know, the other team has to actually win a game here or there.

This matchup could be best characterized as big brother versus little brother playing in the backyard. Oh sure, the little brother plays well and comes close on a few occasions, but he just can't find a way to solve his older brother. Indeed, the Patriots have spent a large portion of the decade bullying the Bills. I don't think I need to tell you what a win in this spot would do for the Bills, the fans or interim head coach Perry Fewell.

If the Bills are to pull off the upset and beat New England, they would give Fewell as many wins against the Patriots as the Bills' previous three head coaches had between them. Gregg Williams went 1-5 against in three seasons against New England. Mike Mularkey went 0-4 in two seasons, and Dick Jauron lost all seven meetings. A win on Sunday would force the Bills' front office to strongly consider Fewell as a permanent head coaching option in 2010.

Indeed, this is the Bills' Super Bowl. They are staring down a fifth straight losing season, while extending their playoff drought to ten years. To his credit, Fewell has the Bills playing respectable football since taking over for Jauron. He's dealt with countless injuries to the offense and defense, particularly on the offensive line. They've shuttled Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick in and out of the starting quarterback role. The run defense hasn't been able to stop, slow or contain any running back this season. And yet, under Fewell, the Bills are playing with a pulse rather than the collective cadavers they appeared to be under Jauron. The Bills are 2-2 under Fewell, their latest win last Sunday against Kansas City 16-10 in which the defense made several key fourth quarter stands to preserve victory. The two losses under Fewell have been by a combined 12 points.

One could argue now is the time to get a win over New England. Their aura of invincibility seems to be vanishing away little by little with each week. The Patriots are 1-5 on the road this season. Their only "road" victory was in London against Tampa Bay. Last week, they dealt with the distraction of sending home four players, including Randy Moss, from practice for arriving late. Linebacker Adalius Thomas, who was one of four players sent home, publicly criticized Bill Belichick's decision and was benched for the Carolina game. And Moss's 1-catch-for-16-yards performance last week drew public comments from several Panthers players about his effort, claiming Moss quit playing during the game. Moss has just six catches in New England's last three games.

But for New England, it's funny how those distractions never deter them from winning. The Patriots defeated Carolina 20-10 to hold a one game lead in the division over the New York Jets and Miami. Aside from the distractions, injuries are starting to creep up to some of New England's big names. Brady is dealing with finger, rib and shoulder injuries. Defensive tackles Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren both suffered injuries in last Sunday's win over Carolina. Wilfork left the game with a foot injury and Warren suffered an ankle injury. Both behemoths in the middle of New England's defense are questionable for Sunday's game.

The Patriots are prime for a road win, and if you're New England there might not be a better place to get a road victory than in Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Patriots are 5-0 in their past five trips to Buffalo, dominating the Bills by a combined score of 163-40. From 2003-08, New England has been the NFL's best road team with a 38-10 record away from Gillete Stadium.

In the first meeting of the season, the Patriots needed a double-digit comeback in the fourth quarter to beat the Bills, 25-24. The Bills led 24-13 with almost two minutes left in the game, but Tom Brady threw a touchdown pass to tight end Ben Watson to slice into the lead. On the ensuing kickoff, Leodis McKelvin fumbled and the Patriots recovered. Deep in Buffalo territory, Brady found Watson for the second time in a matter of seconds, giving the Patriots the improbable comeback victory.

What the Bills should do: With both Wilfork and Warren iffy for the game, and with the Bills finding new success on the ground with Jackson and Lynch, Buffalo should rely heavily on the run and keep Brady and company on the sidelines and off the field. Last week against the Chiefs, the Bills rushed for 200 yards as a team despite Ryan Fitzpatrick's ineffective day through the air. On defense, get to Brady. Quarterbacks are like hockey goalies: the more you're in their face and crowding their space, the less comfortable they are.

What the Patriots should do: Rely on the arm of Tom Brady and the NFL's 2nd ranked pass offense to best the Bills' 5th ranked pass defense. Randy Moss and Wes Welker have been two gigantic problems the Bills haven't found any solutions to, so expect the full arsenal through the air regardless of weather conditions. The last time it was a winter wonderland, the Patriots creamed the Titans, 59-0. So we know that snow won't force the Patriots to become a running team.

Final Prediction: Patriots 27, Bills 14.