NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Out of sight, out of mind.

A 25-point upset at home in Week One against San Francisco is old news for Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and now the man roaming the sideline is looking at doing something the team hasn't done in four years, start 2-0. It won't come easy though. It'll require winning as the underdog for another week, this time on the road in Denver.

"It's really a[n] important challenge for us," said Carroll about playing on the road at his Wednesday press conference at the team's Renton, Wash. training facilities.

"You don't want the crowd to overwhelm the day's event."

If Seattle wants to keep the Denver faithful in check, the Seahawks (1-0) will have to stymie a Denver passing attack that is among the National Football League's best heading into the season's second week of play.

"They're a unique system," said Carroll. "They have their own style of throwing game and [quarterback Kyle Orton] has command of it."

While Denver (0-1) thrives on short and intermediate routes, Orton isn't afraid to take a shot downfield. After one week of play, the second-year Bronco leads the league in completions of 25-yards or more with five.

"We know they have an offense that can throw the heck out of the football," said Carroll. "He's made big plays."

There is a hitch in the Broncos' aerial attack, though. Providing Orton enough time to get rid of the ball was an area of major concern last week against Jacksonville. Last season the Jaguars' defense recorded just 14 sacks. Last week, they brought down Orton three times. A major contributor to the problem for Denver is the team's starting offensive line. It features two rookies and an All-Pro five months removed from knee surgery.

While Seattle got to the quarterback often in Week One against San Francisco, bringing him down for a sack wasn't easy. Of the Seahawks' 11 hits on the 49ers' Alex Smith, two resulted in sacks. One of those sacks was inked in the scorer's book by right defensive end Red Bryant. If Seattle wants to build on its sack total Sunday in Denver, Bryant will have to be in the midst of the action again. Opposing him on the Broncos' line is one of the team's two starting rookies, right tackle Zane Beadles.

Denver won't be the only team Sunday at Invesco Field at Mile High that has offensive line issues. Out for the game will be rookie left tackle Russell Okung and guard Max Unger. Okung is still working through a high-ankle sprain suffered during the preseason, while the second-year guard out of Oregon was placed on the Injured Reserve list Tuesday with a severe turf toe injury that will require surgery.

Having to reshuffle the line yet again due to the loss of Unger will not only possibly make quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's job a little more difficult, but it also won't do any favors for an already struggling ground game.

"We're not running the ball as well we'd like," said Carroll of his unit that ranks 26th in the league in yards per game this season.

"We have not hit it as cleanly as we want to."

Of the three running backs that received carries last week, none had more than eight carries and only one had more than 18 yards. If you subtract Justin Forsett's 22-yard scamper, he still would have led the team in yards gained on the ground, but his yards per rush drops from 6.1 to 3.5.

A contributing factor, Carroll said, for the stagnant level of production from the team's stable of runners was the people opening up holes for them at the line of scrimmage.

"We're not as tight…as we need to be," said the coach.

If Seattle wants to start 2-0 for the first time since 2006, Carroll and company will have to tighten the bolts and hope that his quarterback won't have to shoulder the load offensively like he did last week.

Sunday's kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. Eastern.

Can't get enough NFLGridironGab?  Follow SeahawksGab Editor Devon Heinen on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DevonHeinen.

Crosby made 88.9% of his last 45 kicks between training camp practices and games (his career average is 78%), he booted a franchise-record 56-yard field goal in Sunday’s season-opening win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Quite a turnaround for someone most fans were ready to run out of town. So how did it happen? A little soul searching, and some perspective.

ESPN: Countdown Daily Preview–BUF-GB

Notes: Packers are no longer the NFL’s youngest team plus Nantz update, injury news and more from Thursday.

Sports Gab Network Editor Matt Loede previews the NFL Week two matchup between the Bills and Packers in Green Bay.

Kansas City Chiefs Vs Cleveland Browns

When: Sunday, September 19th

Where: Cleveland Browns Stadium

Weather: 62 with 40% Chance of Rain

Time: 1:00 P.M.

If there is such thing as a must win for a team in Week Two this is it with the schedule get brutal after Sunday the team can't slip to 0-2. If the Browns can't find away to get a victory in front of the home fans then Mangini will be on a very hot seat. The Chiefs are coming off an impressive win against the Chargers and can't have a let down against the Browns.

What to look for:

Quarterback Position:

Nobody knows if it is going to be Delhomme or Wallace under center for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, in the home opener. The team needs a better performance then what they got in week one against Tampa Bay. Delhomme  is in a walking boot and hopefully will get an opportunity to redeem himself in front of the home fans.

Running the Football:

The team went away from running the football last week against the Bucs. Harrison only got the opportunity to run the football nine times and that isn't a recipe for success for this team. Cleveland went away from Hillis after he fumbled the ball two times in crucial situations for the Brown and Orange.

Wildcat:

The Browns only used the "Wildcat" three times in the season opener and I can't figure out why. That formation was so successful last season and the brown and orange totally bailed on it against Tampa Bay. Cleveland needs to get back using this dangerous formation if they want to get back on the winning track.

Keys to the Game:

Stopping the Run

Establishing the Running Game and sticking with it

Pressuring Matt Cassel

Winning the Turnover Battle

For the first time since November 2004, the Chargers' home game will not be shown on local television.

According to multiple sources, the Chargers fell about 7,000 tickets short of selling-out their non-premium seats for their home opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Due to this, the game will be blacked-out on local television, which has been expected now for weeks.

The Chargers had the option to buy the remaining tickets at 34 cents to the dollar in order to have the game aired, but were unwilling to do so. That option would have cost them about $238,000.

Hopes aren't too high for the Chargers' next home game against the Arizona Cardinals either. There are still about 10,000 unpurchased tickets for that game, which is to be played on October 3. Lets hope that ticket sales increase in San Diego soon, or local Southern Californians, such as myself, might not be watching any Chargers' home games on television this year.

Week 1 Results ATS: 8-7-1

Role Reversal, Defense Dictates: Arizona Cardinals (+7) @ Atlanta Falcons- Give the edge to Arizona due to their defensive display.  So many playmakers for this Arizona unit.  Ryan gets rattled, Turner held in check; this team cannot win with Matty Ice throwing the ball 44 times a game.  I like how Cards match up against Dirty Birds top two targets.  Anderson-Fitzgerald are going to click.  Wells is back.  Breaston fills in for Boldin extremely well.  Darnell Dockett is poised for big game.  Arizona 24 Atlanta 20

Bad Blood, Watch Rambo Pre-Game: Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals (+3)- Why is everyone so high on Baltimore’s defense?  Wow, they shutdown Mark Sanchez and overhyped New York Jets, give me a break!  Why is everyone so down on Cincinnati’s defense?  Tom Brady’s bunch put up 24 points, that’s to be expected, and it wasn’t like they got lit up defensively, did they?  I like the Bengals to expose the Ravens shaky secondary.   No doubt, this will be a hotly contested battle between AFC North rivals that love to hate each other.  Keep an eye on Jordan Shipley and Bernard Scott as difference makers during key 3rd down passing situations.  Cincy will win on 3rd down, this will be the deciding factor.  Baltimore 15 Cincinnati 23

Young Guns Strike Again: Kansas City Chiefs (+2) @ Cleveland Browns- Best draft class of 2010, making an big impact right away.  Notice the abundance of SEC guys?  Chiefs were the most exciting team to watch Week 1, I expect an even better showing against Cleveland Week 2.  Two rebuilding teams heading in the opposite directions.  Browns look like the worst team in the NFL, where as the Chiefs look a team on the rise.  Kansas City’s rushing attack will control the game, too much for Cleveland to overcome.  If Jamaal Charles touches the ball more than 12 times (no-brainer), the Chiefs will surely be 2-0.  Kansas City 27 Cleveland 13

We Must Protect This QB: Chicago Bears @ Dallas Cowboys (-9)- Jay Cutler meet DeMarcus Ware.  I believe this will be more of a defensive struggle than an offensive party.  There’s no way Dallas doesn’t run the ball less than 60% of the time.  I have a hunch they will outmuscle Chicago’s front four and take it to ‘em.  Power rushing attack, more Jason Witten, and stifling defense will lead Dallas to victory over the Bears.  Chicago 12 Dallas 24

Hide The Wife & Kids: Philadelphia Eagles @ Detroit Lions (+6)- Mike Vick will scooter past the Lions on his way to more than 300 total yards of offense.  Philly’s D will pressure Shaun Hill, contain Calvin Johnson, and limit Jahvid Best.  I don’t see Eagles winning comfortably.  They will fight to finish.  DeSean Jackson will actually show up to Ford Field.  Philadelphia 19 Detroit 14

Classic Cover, Look Ahead Contest: Buffalo Bills (+14) @ Green Bay Packers- 14 points is too much in the NFL.  C.J. Spiller is ready to rebound.  Buffalo defense is better than you think.  Secondary is their strength.  Ryan Grant will not be missed.  Too many weapons in red zone for Packers.  Clay Matthews will have field day.  Early DPOY candidate?  Buffalo 17 Green Bay 28

Football The Way We Like It: Pittsburgh Steelers (+5.5) @ Tennessee Titans- Could be the toughest game to pick.  Love both teams.  Plenty of action, despite low score.  Chris Johnson against the Pittsburgh run defense is the best match-up of Week 2.  I’m curious to see how Vince Young handles Steelers blitz.  Very intriguing game.  I have lots of faith in Mike Tomlin’s troops in tight, close-fought games. Pittsburgh 23 Tennessee 17 (OT)

Feed The Warrior, Adrian Come Out And Play: Miami Dolphins @ Minnesota Vikings (-6)- Give “All Day” the ball all day, it’s over.  Mix in the pass from time to time; game, set, match.  There’s no way Vikings should lose at home against average Dolphins squad.  Minnesota’s club is too talented to start off ‘10 campaign 0-2.  Miami doesn’t impress me much on either side of the ball.  Favre, Peterson, and friends take advantage early and often.  Miami 9 Minnesota 27

Red Zone Execution Tells Story: Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers (-3)- This time they will run inside the 20.  Williams/Stewart will be the featured group.  The main attraction, the stars of the show.  I’m impressed with the way the Tampa held its composure and rallied back to win Week 1.  Young group, big win.  Bright future ahead.  As for Carolina, Matt Moore shrugs off poor performance in Big Apple and we see his real self.  Tampa Bay 14 Carolina 20

Sleeping Like A Baby In Seattle: Seattle Seahawks (+3.5) @ Denver Broncos- I trust Hasselbeck more than I do Orton.  Maybe this Seattle squad is this year’s Denver Broncos?  What a number Seattle’s defense put on the 49ers Big 3.  Was there a more shocking, dominate victory in Week 1?  Knowshon Moreno looked really good, makes me think he can run on Seahawks D.  Yet, for some reason, I don’t think Seattle is a fluke and I still have my questions about the Denver defense if they can get to the QB in time.  More concerns for McDaniels soldiers, less reasons to doubt Carroll’s club.  Speaking of Pete Carroll, I love the bravado, energy, and pizazz he brings to the table.  He clearly lets it overflow, as it showed against 49ers.   His gusto will carry over to his players on the field, it’s contagious.  Seattle 25 Denver 23

How Far Away Is April: St. Louis Rams @ Oakland Raiders (-3.5)- Defense of Oakland plays up to its skill level.  McFadden has best game as pro.  Rams passing frenzy plays right into hands of Raiders game plan.  Bradford’s comeback falls short, plays well enough to make this an interesting finish.  St. Louis 16 Oakland 23

Remember Who’s Boss: New England Patriots (-3) @ New York Jets- Tom Brady to…whoever’s open.  Brady is razor sharp accurate, Fred Taylor turns in big day, and New England’s defense corrals woefully sad Jets offensive unit.  Randy Moss vs. Darrelle Revis will be of no importance, yet fun to pay close attention to.  Patriots show world they have a well-rounded attack.  Complete control for 60 minutes.  Score doesn’t do enough justice, no real indicator.  New England 23 New York 13

Time To Re-Evaluate: Jacksonville Jaguars (+7) @San Diego Chargers- Consider this, ponder for a moment: David Garrard a top 10 QB?  Why not?  He’s as steady, solid, and consistent as they come.  He gets little to no respect, does so much with less, and keeps Jags competitive.  More reason to think this is an upset.  Chargers may not be able to recover from Monday Night hangover at Arrowhead.  They are in a funk without Vincent Jackson.  Remember this name: Mike Thomas.  I’m riding the Jags.  Jacksonville 20 San Diego 18

Not So Fast: Houston Texans @ Washington Redskins (+3)- Arian Foster.  Right on with my thoughts as a top 10 RB.  I knew this kid had something to him at Tennessee.  Ben Tate?  Why even draft a RB in the 2nd round.  Steve Slaton?  You had your run as a rookie.  As correct as I am so far about Foster, the exact opposite could be said about my opinion on the Texans.  I didn’t think they could be the Colts, let alone beat them the way they did.  In such a fashion that was totally unexpected, they won a game without having to pass the ball much.  They won with defense.  Surprised.  Foster, Johnson, Schaub and a defense led by Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans is clearly the more talented team on paper. However, with that being said, I like the Skins to ride their momentum from Sunday night’s thrilling victory over Dallas, as they bring the emotion and intensity in front of their home fans.  Crowd noise will be a big factor (think College atmosphere).  Give me the Washington at home, not yet sure of Houston away from home.    Houston 14 Washington 21

Manning Brothers In For A Treat: New York Giants (+6) @ Indianapolis Colts- Defensive clash.  Both QB’s are going to be running for their lives.  Turnovers a plenty.  I see this being a weird game, filled with lots of crazy plays.  Sloppy affair.  Give Giants defense credit, they look like a resurgent unit out there.  As for Colts, they will be on top of their game defensively after last week’s letdown.  Lackluster performances from both Peyton and Eli.  Jitters, anxiety, and panic?  I have a feeling both QB’s are going to be in a nightmare, forcing throws, making bad decisions due to consistent pass rush.  Hakeem Nicks, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Mathias Kiwanuka are stepping their games up to a new level.  Antrel Rolle will have a couple of picks, difference maker.  New York 25 Indianapolis 22

Singletary Vs. Payton, Game Of The Week: New Orleans Saints @ San Francisco 49ers (+6)- Singletary/Payton.  Talk about two different mindsets/personalities.  Agendas, personas, completely unalike.  However, both coaches bring great attitude to their respective teams.  They do it “their way”.  They are distinctive in how they operate.   Their clubs are an extension of what they embody.   So, its your classic defense against offense battle of the styles.  I love it!  Hard to pick which side will prevail.  I have the 49ers bouncing back.  I feel as if they really are going to die for this game.  They will play like its the Playoffs, not Week 2.  Singletary will make them stand for nothing less after last week.  He will not accept a second loss this early in the season.  He will make them think like its the Super Bowl.  They will play, act like it.  Frank Gore will have himself a night.  Vernon Davis will catch two touchdowns.  Time of possession is crucial for 49ers.  49ers play is a 1080 turn from last Sunday at Seattle.  I can’t see Singletary’s squad going 0-2.  They will play to the applause of the home crowd.  There’s just something different for team’s hosting home Monday night games when they are not accustomed to.  One of the best games of 2010.  New Orleans 28 San Francisco 31

Sports Gab Network Editor Matt Loede previews the NFL Week two matchup between the Dolphins and Vikings in Minnesota.

The Raiders home opener against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday will be blacked out locally because the team didn't sell out the game in time. Games need to be sold out 72 hours before kickoff to avoid a blackout in a 75-mile radius. This will be Oakland's first home opener since 2004 against Buffalo that will be blacked out locally.

The Raiders haven't sold out a game since last year's season opener against San Diego. They have had eight straight blackouts since that game. Oakland has had 77 of 121 regular-season home games blacked out since moving back from Los Angeles for the 1995 season.

It's the Manning Bowl on Sunday night, and while the hype will be on Eli and Peyton, there are a lot of other matchups that bear analysis.

1. The Loss of Bob Sanders

Bob Sanders has a torn bicep and could be out for the entire year. A huge blow for the Colts. But, an opportunity for the Giants. Arian Foster went off last week, rushing for 231 yards. Can Bradshaw and Jacobs do it? Yeah. Especially considering the fact that the Giants have a better passing offense than the Texans do. Colts will have to respect the pass. And now, their best run defender (Sanders) is out. Giants have to run the ball this week, and run it a lot. Once the Colts start to creep up towards the line, then go deep to Nicks. I'm excited just writing it.

2. Dallas Clark

Who is going to cover Dallas Clark? I'd seriously consider putting Kenny Phillips on him. Our linebackers have trouble with guys like Clark. If the corners can lock down Wayne, Collie and Garcon, then why not put Phillips on Clark? Clark is their biggest weapon, offensively, and we need our best defensive player on him.

3. Pass rush

The best way to beat Peyton? Pressure him. Get him out of the pocket. Make him uncomfortable. Tuck, as always, will be key. The Giants did a good job in the 2nd half of last week's game of getting to Matt Moore. Can they do it this week? I think so

4. Catch the ball!

Receivers, hold onto the damn ball! Two of Eli's three picks were off of tipped balls. Just catch it! Easier said than done, I know. But giving possessions to a great team like the Colts is a recipe for disaster. You can get away with it against the Panthers. Can't do it against the Colts.

5. Special Teams

I'm looking at you, Matt Dodge. Giving away good field position is killer. Give it to the Panthers, you can get away with it. You can't get away with it against the Colts. Coverage has to be better. Can't have line drive kicks. This, in my mind, is the biggest key to the game, and to the Giants' season. IF they can't get consistent special teams performances, they won't make the playoffs.