NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Steven Jackson lost half of week 3's win against the Washington Redskins due to a groin injury.  He got an MRI this week which revealed that it was not a major tear of his groin, so he and the team hoped he would be able to be back before the showdown against Seattle in the Edward Jones Dome.

However, Steven Jackson has not practiced all week and he has not even ran on the side during practice.  Jackson will need to test the groin on Friday or Saturday for him or the team doctors to think he has any chance of playing on Sunday.  He probably will end up a game time decision after warming up on Sunday morning.

I would guess that the Rams hold him out of Sunday's game against Seattle so that he does not fully tear his groin putting him out a month or longer.  That would be the safest route for the Rams to keep their franchise runner is top form for the full season.  It is not worth getting injured when playing at 75% when the Rams have their 3 headed backup running back set to deploy against Seattle.

Also held out of practice (but not necessarily out of the game):

• OJ Atogwe (thigh)
• Darian Stewart (hamstring)
• Billy Bajema (MCL injury) still out another 1-3 weeks
• Michael Hoomanawanui (high ankle sprain) still out another 4-6 weeks
• Chris Chamberlain (turf toe) still out another 4-6 weeks
• Darell Scott (high ankle sprain) still out another 5-7 weeks
• Cliff Ryan (migraines) has not practiced for 2 weeks.  He is still out indefinably until the Rams and he can find a solution to the migraines.
• Laurent Robinson (foot injury) was still held out of practice.  The Rams may hold him out again this week to make sure he gets healthy.  We saw Robinson not fully healthy and he was not very effective at all.

Amongst the 9 players that were held out of practice due to injury, the Rams will have to get 1 player healthy enough to dress on Sunday to reach the 45 man limit, otherwise they will be one player short.

Andy Reid vs. Donovan McNabb
This isn't an on the field match-up, but it's one that everyone has been talking about all week. Will there be an advantage for one or the other because of all the time they spent together? Who knows, but whoever ends up on the winning side come Sunday will look like the hero. It may be unnecessary hype, but people will be all over Reid if McNabb comes into his house and leaves with a victory.

Eagles Interior Offensive Line vs. Redskins Interior Defensive Line
This may very well be a match-up to keep an eye on every week. There's no doubting that the Eagles interior line is the biggest weakness on the offensive side of the ball, probably the entire team. An injury to Kevin Kolb almost seemed inevitable with the status of the interior line. Although I'd prefer to see Vick stay in the pocket and throw the ball, there's no doubting that he can escape when there's trouble.

I already wrote about how Albert Haynesworth and company could be trouble for the Eagles, and I believe it'll be a big issue if the interior line gets dominated all game.

Eagles Defense vs. Donovan McNabb
McNabb knows a lot about this defense, but come game time, it may not be an issue. Through the first three games, McNabb hasn't played outstanding. He's only thrown for two touchdowns and couldn't lead his team past a weak Rams team last week.

However, McNabb is going to be amped for this game and may want to win more then anyone else out there. He doesn't have anywhere close to the offensive weapons that the Eagles have, and that may have a big impact on his lack of success. Santana Moss and Chris Cooley are two guys that McNabb has found often, so the defense will need to keep a close eye on those guys.

Michael Vick vs. Redskins Defense
Vick has had a lot of success, and has the second highest quarterback rating in the NFL to show for it. He has played against some pretty lousy teams, so his success was expected. However, he is playing better then he has in his career and it may lead the Eagles to higher expectations then before the season started.

Vick is on top right now, and I don't want to see him fall off from that. A big part of his success has been the fact that he hasn't turned the football over. Turnovers can absolutely kill a team, so I hope his non-turnover trend continues.

During today's press conference, Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano revealed that veteran linebacker Channing Crowder has been sent to a see a specialist today regarding his groin injury.

The doctor is believed to be Dr. William Meyers, a specialist based out of Philadelphia, PA. Crowder was reportedly seen in an airport today getting ready for a flight about to depart for The City of Brotherly Love.

Crowder had to miss practice today in order to visit the doctor, so it is unlikely that he went for a minor issue such as getting clearance to play, otherwide he would not have missed practice.

Regardless of the situation, the team needs Crowder back on the field because the fact of the matter is that he is a tackling machine, and when he is on the field, he makes a difference, most of the time though in the run game. So far this year in three games, between two players, Tim Dobbins and Bobby Carpenter, they have a combined 7 tackles. That is less than Crowders average per game!

While the backups are doing a commendable job out there, I never thought I would actually say that Crowder could possibly be the X-factor to our defense.

Many of the Indianapolis Colts' playmakers could be ruled out in Sunday's match-up against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Running back Donald Brown was out all week with a knee injury, and is considered questionable. Joseph Addai is dealing with a hamstring injury, but was able to make it to the Wednesday and Thursday practices despite missing Friday's. Addai is questionable, too.

Austin Collie, who is leading the league in receiving yards, could be questionable as well after dealing with a sore heel. Collie was coming off a game where he had 171 yards along with two touchdowns in a 27-13 win over the Denver Broncos. Pierre Garcon, who is ruled out for last week, hasn't practiced all week with a bad hamstring injury.

Other players that are listed as questionable are left tackle Charlie Johnson who has an injured foot, cornerback Brandon King with a hamstring, guard Jamey Richard with a shoulder injury, and outside linebacker Clint Session with a hamstring.

Kavell Conner will be ruled out with a foot injury. Conner was Session's replacement, but now is out. The Colts picked up Tyjuan Hagler, who will help replace him and the fill the void at the outside linebacker spot.

Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez is also out with an ankle injury and strong safety Bob Sanders is out with a biceps injury.

The Colts hope to get their banged-up squad ready to go as they try to go 3-1 against the 1-2 Jags.

Chiefs defensive lineman Shaun Smith has been fined $10,000 by the NFL for his “groin strike” on San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Anthony Davis, Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com reports. Smith has twice been accused of grabbing at opponents’ genitals in recent weeks.

Browns center Alex Mack made a claim after Week 2, and Davis repeated the allegation after the 49ers’ 31-10 loss to the Chiefs in Week 3. FOX cameras caught Smith’s action, which he was not penalized during the game for. Davis’ retaliation did cost the 49ers 15 yards early in the 3rd quarter.

Broncos running backs Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and Spencer Larsen (ankle) have been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Titans, coach Josh McDaniels said Friday. Correll Buckhalter and Laurence Maroney will get most of the action in the Broncos’ backfield.

Moreno did not play in last Sunday’s game, either, a 27-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Moreno, Denver’s primary back, scored a touchdown in each of the Broncos’ first two games this season, totaling 111 yards rushing on 39 carries. Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard (hamstring) was ruled out by McDaniels earlier in the week

The Bengals take their show on the road for the second straight week as they travel to Cleveland to face the winless Browns.  Cincinnati (2-1) will be looking for their 9^th straight division victory, which would be a new record for consecutive AFC North wins. A victory also helps them keep pace with the Steelers, who will play host to the Baltimore Ravens in another AFC North blood feud.

The Browns are trying to avoid going 0-4 for the second consecutive season.  Though they do appear to be improved over this stage last year, there are still evident weaknesses on the club for Cincinnati to exploit.  Cleveland is allowing over 122 yards per game on the ground, so this could be a break-out game opportunity for Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott.  This may also provide an opportunity for Carson Palmer to right himself and the passing game.  Number 9 usually plays well versus the Browns, and with a strong running presence, play action passes to T.O. and Chad Ochocinco should be in order.

As for the Browns, they'll be facing a very stingy and opportunistic looking Bengals defense.  However, they certainly look much better on offense, particularly in running the football.  RB Payton Hillis, a forgotten man in Denver, eviscerated the Ravens tough defense for 144 yards last week.  He's a big, bruising back with surprising hands and agility.  The Bengals must be wary of Hillis' potential.  TE Ben Watson has proven to be an excellent free agency addition for the Brownies, as has QB Seneca Wallace, who's perhaps playing the best football of his career. Their other offseason QB acquisition, Jake Delhomme, has been slowed by an ankle injury but may start.  Mike Zimmer will have to have his defense prepared for either guy.

And then there's the always-frightening Joshua Cribbs to worry about.

It would be a colossal mistake for the Bengals to take these Brownies lightly.  They went toe-to-toe with Baltimore on the road last week and were competitive throughout.  Their other losses, to Tampa Bay and Kansas City, were slugfests with the other guy getting in the last shot.  If the Bengals can play smart football, they should be able to win the game, but if they get careless with the ball, tackle poorly on defense, or get sloppy with penalties, the Browns can and will steal it. A desperate 0-3 team will play with reckless abandon, and should not be underestimated.

However, this is a team the Bengals know well, and traditionally play well against.  They are the better team in virtually every statistical category, and have fewer question marks. The offense should be able to improve this week, and if the defense continues to play the way they have the last two weeks, the Browns offense will struggle.

Here are some things to look for in the game:

• Discipline: The Bengals must be disciplined on offense to avoid penalties and slowing drives.  They must be disciplined on defense in playing the proper gaps in the run game and form tackling well, and they must remain disciplined in the kicking game to deny Cribbs opportunities to get Cleveland cheap scores or good field position.

• Power Football: Both teams will want to jam the ball down the opponent's throat.  While Cincy has a solid run defense, Browns coach Eric Mangini has to like his chances with bulldozer Payton Hillis, especially after what Hillis did to Baltimore.  The Bengals, meanwhile, will want to exert their will with Cedric Benson primarily and Bernard Scott secondarily.  Whichever team is more successful will have the best shot at winning this game.

• Turnovers:  The Bengals have been very lucky the last two weeks with turnovers.  They had none versus Baltimore, and Palmer's two interceptions against Carolina weren't damaging. Meanwhile, during the same stretch the defense collected 8 turnovers, helping the anemic offense with short fields and longer time of possession. The Bengals can extend this streak Sunday, but they must be careful with the ball.

• Whither Batman & Robin?: At some point these guys have got to show off their God-given talents and show what they can be.  Chad sliced up New England's secondary in week one, but both Ocho and T.O. have been well contained overall. We've been waiting for the dynamic duo for three weeks now.  Will we finally see it Sunday?

Prediction:  I see the Browns being very game, and putting another scare in the Bengals. But Carson Palmer should look better with another week to work on things with his receivers, and they should be able to run the ball effectively.  Hillis will not sneak up on the Bengals the way he did to the Ravens.  Bengals 23, Browns 16

The cliché that circles around a locker room after a loss like last week's 24-23 heartbreaker is that one play didn't decide the outcome.

I say, Hogwash. Of course one play doesn't win or lose a game. There are hundreds of plays in each game, many of them having an impact on the outcome. But the Raiders would have won last week if Sebastian Janikowski could have made a kick that was short enough–a slob from Wichita Falls with a million dollars' worth of Dr. Pepper's money riding on it could have split the uprights. This was an easy kick. A gimme. And Seabass shanked it.

I like Janikowski. I've defended the Raiders' selection of him in the first round many times since being taken in the first round back in 2000. Those Raider teams were Super Bowl contenders, and one of the pieces of the puzzle they needed was a kicker. Unfortunately, Janikowski hasn't been called upon to make important kicks in his Raiders career. Not until this past Sunday. And he shanked it.

Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler are two of the game's best at what they do, but both have done it for the longest time in anonymity. Kickers are like umpires; you don't really want to know their names until they mess up. Janikowski is best known for his strong leg, but for the most part, his leg strength has been neutralized by the Raiders' ineffectiveness over the years. He has attempted a 76-yard field goal, and a 64-yarder as well. Neither were good. As a kicker, if your claim to fame is long kicks that you missed, that's not good. The 64-yarder had the distance, but it hit the upright. A chance at NFL history, but he shanked it.

But on Sunday, after the Raiders had, for the most part, dominated the Cardinals for most of the game, they still found themselves down a point with time winding down. The defense did its part by stopping the Cards 3 and out after Janikowski had missed a 58-yard attempt with under five minutes to play.

Quarterback Bruce Gradkowski led the offense the length of the field, helped by a 4th and 10 conversion to Derrius Hayward-Bey, and a 39-yard pass interference penalty that basically gave the Raiders a first down, and gave Seabass a chance to win it for the Raiders. An opportunity for him to win the game. But of course, one play doesn't make the difference between winning and losing, unless you're down a point and need a short field goal to win.

And you shank it.

After having an offseason mired by off-the-field issues, Leroy Hill’s season is over after playing just one game.

According to the Twitter account of ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the outside linebacker was placed on the Injured Reserve list by the Seattle Seahawks Friday.  Hill is dealing with an Achilles/calf injury.

During the offseason, Hill was suspended one game for violating the National Football League’s substance abuse policy.  He also had an alleged altercation with his girlfriend, which could have resulted in further suspension, but hadn’t thus far.

To fill the void in Seattle’s 53-man roster, Schefter’s Tweet indicated Seattle resigning defensive tackle Craig Terrill.

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

Game of the Week: “Terrible Towels” welcome division rival Ravens

Week 3 Results ATS: 9-7

Season Record ATS: 21-24-3

Week 3 Confidence Meter Points: 75 out of 136

Week 3 1-Star Games: 2-0, 3 for 3.  2-Star Games: 2-0, 14 out of 14.  3-Star Games: 1-1, 14/26.  4-Star Games: 2-5, 19/53.  5-Star Games: 2-1, 25/41.

3-star game, 10 on the confidence meter: Denver Broncos @ Tennessee Titans (-6.5) – Honestly, Denver lost to Jacksonville on the road.  Jeff Fisher’s killer combination of speedy scoring machine Chris Johnson and dominating defense continues its ways.  Elusive Johnson will be so successful Sunday, he will post his first 200-yard performance of 2010.  Denver Broncos 13 Tennessee Titans 33

5-star game, 11 on the confidence meter: Game of the Week – Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-1.5) – Heinz Field hosts hated Baltimore; hungry Pittsburgh D feasts on Flacco, in what will be yet another suffocating effort complimentary of the “Steel Curtain” 11-man wrecking crew.  John Harbaugh’s furious troops can’t run, all of sudden can’t stop the run, and Mike Wallace is heating up.  Rashard Mendenhall will conquer Ray Lewis this time around.  Earlier this week, I heard Troy Polamalu “MVP” talk.  “The cooler than the other side of the pillow” Mike Tomlin may not even need Big Ben after all.  Steelers/Colts debate heightens for coveted #1 spot in my weekly power rankings.  #7 awaits return at home Week 6 against Cleveland.  Baltimore Ravens 9 Pittsburgh Steelers 20

2-star game, 14 on the confidence meter: Cincinnati Bengals (-3) @ Cleveland Browns – I don’t care if Carson Palmer lays another egg.  Bengals defense is trying to keep up with Pittsburgh’s pace.  Cedric Benson is starting to pick it up.  Marvin Lewis should get some Coach of the Year consideration.  Chad’s going to have a field day against Cleveland’s secondary.  Cincinnati Bengals 27 Cleveland Browns 7

2-star game, 4 on the confidence meter: Detroit Lions (+14.5) @ Green Bay Packers – Jahvid Best seems like he’s going to suit up.  However, on the same token, Aaron Rodgers will be suited up as well.  Packers are going to get disinterested, Lions cover the spread.  Detroit Lions 21 Green Bay Packers 31

4-star game, 6 on the confidence meter: Carolina Panthers (+13.5) @ New Orleans Saints – Upset Alert.  Something’s not right with the Saints.  Carolina’s run game has been M.I.A.  Pierre Thomas, DeAngelo Williams, and Jonathan Stewart all eclipse century mark on the ground.  “Any Given Sunday”?  Carolina Panthers 24 New Orleans Saints 29

4-star game, 7 on the confidence meter: San Francisco 49ers (+7) @ Atlanta Falcons – Frank Gore/Vernon Davis show up in big way, yet it’s not enough to trump Falcons, as Matt Ryan is triumphant in game-winning 4th quarter comeback drive.  After game, Singletary receives 5-year contract extension, new deal irks Niners faithful, except one faithfully supporting fan.  Patience gets rewarded.  San Francisco 49ers 16 Atlanta Falcons 19

3-star game, 5 on the confidence meter: Seattle Seahawks @ St. Louis Rams (+1) – Scintillating Sam Bradford and a resurgent Rams defense making waves around the league.  No Steven Jackson?  No problem.  Pete Carroll’s group in complete control throughout entire afternoon, except until the end, when they cease command, leaving Steve Spagnuolo’s squad to seize the opportunity in stunning come from behind fashion.  Josh Brown from 58 yards out with triple digits left on the clock give Rams share of 1st place for fist time since the days of Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce.  Seattle Seahawks 15 St. Louis Rams 18

2-star game, 3 on the confidence meter: New York Jets (-5.5) @ Buffalo Bills – So tempted to take Buffalo, the points, and my boy C.J. Spiller.  Jets defense gathers boost upon arrival of Trevor Pryce.  Sharpshooter Mark Sanchez is firing bullets, clicking on all cylinders.  In comes the Minnesota Vikings and #4 next Monday night in the New Meadowlands.  Trap game?  New York Jets 22 Buffalo Bills 11

1-star game, 13 on the confidence meter: Indianapolis Colts (-7) @ Jacksonville Jaguars.  Too easy.  ”Black or White” is irrelevant, offense can’t be checked.  We are all cheerful winners when given the remarkable privilege to view the Colts masterful offense at work.  Is Peyton the best QB of all-time?  “Is Abe Lincoln honest?”  Indianapolis Colts 35 Jacksonville Jaguars 3

3-star game, 2 on the confidence meter: Houston Texans @ Oakland Raiders (+3) – A rejuvenated Darren McFadden vs. Arian “I’m here to stay for the long run”  Foster.  The game’s best wide receiver Andre Johnson vs. the game’s best corner back Nnamdi “Master Lock” Asomugha.  Talk about what a physical match-up that will be.  In what is a closely-contested affair, tight battle comes to down to field goal kickers.  “Sea bass” emerges the victor, redeeming himself after last week’s debacle, with an eye-opening game-winning 61-yard shot through the uprights.  Houston Texans 16 Oakland Raiders 17

1-star game, 1 on the confidence meter: Arizona Cardinals @ San Diego Chargers (-8.5) – A plethora of points for Chargers to be handing out the way they’re playing.  Supercharged effort does the trick.  Slew of 3rd down conversions for Rivers-Gates is the difference.  Tandem hooks up on two more connections for six.   Arizona Cardinals 14 San Diego Chargers 24

5-star game, 8 on the confidence meter: Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles (-6) – Mike Vick and Donovan McNabb both excel in what is an impressive showdown.  Tantalizing 1-2 punch of DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin treat Philly diehards to three long, compelling end zone trips.  Duo makes an appearance on Monday’s front page of Philadelphia Daily News, as it reads: Birds fly high, Super Bowl Contenders?  Donovan and Vick make much-needed visits to trainer’s office shortly following the heavily desired, highly anticipated and sought after duel.  Washington Redskins 26 Philadelphia Eagles 34

4-star game, 9 on the confidence meter: Chicago Bears (+4) @ New York Giants – Defense propels Bears to victory over Giants in slug fest.  Tom Coughlin’s job security speculation reaches new level, and its highest peak.  Conversely, Lovie Smith’s approval at an all-time high.  City of Chicago, sky high in jubilation.  7-0 certainly within reach leading to Bye week.  Only unbeaten team left in November?  Chicago Bears 20 New York Giants 12

5-star game, 12 on the confidence meter: New England Patriots (-1) @ Miami Dolphins -  Tom Brady owns ‘Phins.  Patriots handled pressure, spotlight as well as anybody.  New England’s red zone efficiency, ability to score touchdowns, is the deciding factor in this divisional rivalry.  New England Patriots 31 Miami Dolphins 23