NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Senior writer jclombardi highlights Packers headlines.

Packers hope to silence Jets: The Packers are determined to pull off the former and drive the blustery New York Jets to the latter when the teams meet Sunday at New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey. ”We don’t really get into all that talking,” said Green Bay receiver James Jones, taking a poke at the Jets. “We handle the talking out there on the field with our play. We don’t buy into all of that. Hopefully, by the way we play, they won’t have too much to talk about.” Backing up Jones’ confident talk by walking the steady walk on the road may take a colossal effort for the Packers. Despite a rash of injuries to key players and corresponding inconsistent play, Green Bay’s lot isn’t looking so bad just because of how mediocre its conference and division have been. The Packers snapped out of a 1-3 tailspin by beating Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings 28-24 on Sunday night and caught the slumping Chicago Bears for the NFC North lead at 4-3.

Packers offense hope to conquer island: The New York Jets’ lockdown cornerback refers to the patch of turf he defends each week against top National Football League receivers as “Revis Island” because the Jets almost never roll defensive help his way. Among the many things that have to go right for the injury-depleted Packers (4-3) to upset the Jets (5-1) on the road Sunday is that their receivers must win their share of one-on-one battles with Revis and Jets’ other outstanding cornerback Cromartie. The Jets play an aggressive, attacking defense and blitz as much as any team in the league. That often leaves Revis and Cromartie in man coverage. ”The Jets probably do more exotic blitzes than you’re (normally) going to see,” said Packers quarterback Rodgers. “They bring different types of pressure and different types of coverages than you see on a normal basis. The Jets do bring pressure.” The Jets take pride in their identity as an attacking defense and are confident that when they bring pressure Revis and Cromartie will win their matchups. They’re not going to sit back in Cover-2 all game. ”You’ll see on Sunday,” Revis said. “Can’t give away the game plan.”

Notebook–new faces hope to help: Having Green available for Sunday's game against the Jets in New York would be a boost to a defensive line that might be without starting ends Jenkins (calf) and Pickett (ankle). But that might be asking too much considering the short timeframe to get a grasp on the defensive playbook. While Green wasn't at practice, Walden took some reps at right outside linebacker. At 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, Walden has a better build than the presumed starter, Frank Zombo. The Packers are incredibly shorthanded at that position with only veteran Matthews, 1st year LB Francois, rookie Zombo and newly signed Briggs. For this week, however, his ticket to the 45-man roster will be special teams. Packers injury report–Did not participate: WR Driver (quad), DE Pickett (ankle). Limited participation: S Collins (knee), DE Jenkins (calf), T Tauscher (shoulder), CB Woodson (toe). Full participation: T Chad Clifton (knee), TMarshall Newhouse (back). The only change was Clifton going from limited to full participation. McCarthy said he will need the "full week" to make a determination on Jenkins and Pickett. McCarthy indicated they might not be tested on Friday.

Rodgers & receivers ready for Jets blitz:  The Minnesota Vikings defense was playing what Rodgers called a "Catch-2 Man technique". That made "our route tree a little gray," Rodgers said, leading he and his receivers to ignore some of their "base rules" on four passes on which everyone inside Lambeau Field and watching wondered what on earth the Packers quarterback and his receivers were doing. Rodgers and the Packers receivers can ill afford to have such different-page moments Sunday against the Jets, whose blitz-heavy defense stresses offensive lines, requires opposing quarterbacks to get rid of the ball quickly and makes it imperative that receivers run precise routes. "Yeah, it's really important. And that's something that, once we watched that film, it's correctable," Rodgers said. "I think in a situation where you're playing at home, often because you have an ability to make checks and changes and talk through things, there's more changes and non-verbal communication than if you play on the road. Whereas on the road, the routes and the adjustments are pretty set in stone. So I'm not as worried.”

Having talked, Bishop walks the talk: Being an old linebacker himself, linebacker coach Winston Moss has always had an appreciation for players who can talk a good game, and then would back it up by playing one. So maybe that's why the Green Bay Packers inside linebackers coach has so thoroughly enjoyed watching Desmond Bishop, as the fourth-year linebacker has seized the opportunity he's been clamoring for for the last several years. Considering the pressure he put on himself by repeatedly saying he was a starting-caliber player, Bishop has certainly handled his role and his success just fine. "He is ready," Packers coach McCarthy said. "I am sure he felt that he was ready a long time ago." Moss added, "When he's been a role player, or a couple years ago when he started (that) game, those critical errors would come up at the poorest of times, especially in situations at the end of games that were really, really detrimental. Now that he's a starter, he's been able to do a great job of maintaining a high level of detail and efficiency while keeping that playmaker mentality."

Scout–Woodson-Revis a battle to watch: They won't be on the field at the same time but cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Darrelle Revis will be on center stage on Sunday. The Packers' Woodson is the reigning NFL defensive player of the year. The Jets' Revis is considered the NFL's best cover man, not to mention the player who should have brought home the hardware last season, in the opinion of his head coach Ryan.

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RB Jackson can take the ball and run with it: After starting slowly in Grant’s absence and even falling behind fullback-turned-halfback John Kuhn for a while, Jackson has used his increased workload to become a more instinctive, decisive runner. McCarthy said the coaches are doing a better job of tailoring runs for the backs and that the run-blocking unit has improved each week, but it is undeniable that in recent games Jackson looks better with the ball under his arm than he ever has in Green Bay. Jackson has stepped up his production. In the past three games, he rushed for 226 yards and 6.5 per carry. In the three games before that, he totaled 74 yards on 2.7 per carry. The jury is still out on whether Jackson is a starting-caliber NFL halfback, but he clearly has provided the Packers offense with a much-needed spark.

While the NFL tires to put to bed the whole Brett Favre-Jenn Sterger saga, she still has yet to chat with the league on the whole text message and pictures that she claimed Favre sent her when she was an employee with the Jets.

Sterger's manager, Phil Reese, said today that Sterger has not met with league investigators. He would not divulge if any meetings with the league are planned but that "she is strongly considering it and is leaning towards it."

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the league wanted to bring the matter to a close within the next week, and really they couldn’t do much of anything if Sterger didn’t talk to the league.

The Pioneer Press reported last week that Sterger would decline the league’s interview request if she and the Vikings quarterback reach a financial settlement that would prevent her from any potential legal action against Favre.

Check out this story by Darren Urban over at the Cardinals' official website.  It concerns Fitzgerald's understandable frustration given the Cards' offensive problems this season.

Larry Fitzgerald's statistics aren't what they have been or what the Cardinals counted on this season, in large part because of the quarterback issues the team has endured already in six games. The Pro Bowl wide receiver doesn't like to talk about it, but it's hard not to notice his numbers (29 catches, 331 yards, two touchdowns) are on a pace well below recent standards (They extrapolate to 77-883-5).

While Fitz acknowledges there have been times he has shown a little frustration during a game — "I am human," he said — he tries not to let it linger.

'I want to be successful,' Fitzgerald said. 'I have a burning desire to be great, not only as a player but as a team. Sometimes my emotions flow over but as a captain, I have to keep an even keel. I don't want to give bad body language so my teammates don't think I'm on the same page as them.'

Fitz said he tries to 'look at the glass half-full rather than half-empty' and with a new quarterback in the lineup, the offensive ups and downs are just part of the growing process.

'I have a job I love to do and I am around a lot of good guys and good coaches,' Fitzgerald said. 'I know we didn't win last week, but I try to look at things positively.'

Coach Ken Whisenhunt said the Cards will continue to try to get the ball to Fitz although it's 'not something I think you can force.'

Whisenhunt also said he hasn't sensed lingering frustration from his star wideout. 'Not in my discussions with Larry,' Whisenhunt said. 'We're all frustrated that we haven't played better offensively but I think to a man, if you ask him, you can see we're working on it.'

Fizgerald's frustrations have become increasingly apparent as the weeks have progressed, but he really can't be blamed.  He's obviously a fierce competitor and it seems he's much more concerned about winning than he is about his peronal accomplishments.  Fitz just seems desperate for the offense to finally have it's breakout performance.  The defense had such a performance against the Saints and they continued their solid play the next week in Seattle.  Hopefully the offense will ignite the way the defense has this week against Tampa Bay.

The obvious answer is yes. There is no doubt that the Eagles are a better team when he is on the field. However, some of the comments Jackson made today are a bit scary.

In addressing the media for the first time, Jackson described the hit by saying it felt like he "was in a car accident." He then went on to say that it took about an hour for him to regain his bears and then he "was like what happened?"

That's some pretty scary stuff.

Head injuries are big in the NFL right now, and Jackson needs to be careful about when he plans to make his return. He's obviously a competitor and wants to be out there to help his team. However, he has to make sure that he takes care of himself first.

If he passes all the tests and gets cleared to play, I still believe he needs to be weary of his decision to return to the field. He may pass the tests and be cleared, but it doesn't necessarily mean he'll be feeling "right."

The hit was pretty drastic, and I want Jackson to make sure his head is clear before he returns to the field. Another hit to the head could be devastating to his season and even his career.

There is no doubt in my mind that I want Jackson on the field against the Colts. However, it wouldn't be upsetting to me to see Jackson miss the game as he recovers, even if the doctors give him clearance to return.

Jackson is one of the biggest assets we have on this team and will continue to be for a long time. At this point in his career, he has to do what is right for him, even if it means missing an extra game or two.

If I was Eric Mangini, heading into the game next week against the Patriots, I would start Seneca Wallace. Wallace won the game against the Bengals and has shown he can be productive in the offense.

You know what you are getting in the Quarterback from Iowa State and it could be enough to have an opportunity to get a victory against the Pats. I like McCoy and love what he has done for the Browns the two games he has played. He has managed the two games very nicely that he has played in. Colt could be the Quarterback of the future and we need to see more of him but not against the Patriots next week at the Stadium.

McCoy should get an opportunity later in the season, but should still be on the sidelines learning the ropes of the NFL. Jake Delhomme is needed on the team for his leadership and when healthy he has shown he can be pretty good. We can’t live with the Interceptions with Delhomme the next two games and that is why I would play him as the backup with McCoy going back to the third QB for the time being.

I know not a lot of people will agree with me, but I think that is the best thing for the Browns this season and for Colt McCoy in his rookie season.

Cheerleaders of the AFC’s 3rd best team

1. New York Jets (1) – Very interested to see how they attack Rodgers and the Packers this Sunday.  As well as the offense has performed so far, I think they can and will up the ante.  Rex Ryan for Coach of the Year?

2. New York Giants (2) – Ahmad Bradshaw is looking like Barry Sanders.  Brandon Jacobs is complimenting the NFL’s leading rusher with a vengeance.  Eli is making strides, and why shouldn’t he with the best WR’s in the game.  A ferocious pass rush, ball hawking secondary, and the play, leadership of Michael Boley has this defense looking intimidating.  They are knocking out QB’s at an alarming rate.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (5) – I don’t know if I’m ready just yet to hand the Super Bowl like everyone seems to be doing lately.  The defense showed some signs of letting down in Miami.  It had to let up a little, sooner or later.  Aaron Smith’s loss hurts, and I really want to see how they play these next three games against quality opponents.  Two of which, are in prime time on the road. 

4. Tennessee Titans (6) – Kenny Britt is playing with a chip on his shoulder.  The defense was excellent not allowing the Eagles to take a bigger lead while the offense was down early in the game.  Jeff Fisher’s squad has four games left against the Colts and Texans.  I’m starting to believe they will not only make the Playoffs, but maybe win the AFC South.  Chris Johnson hasn’t even exploded yet.

5. New England Patriots (7) – The defense is stepping their performance up to another level.  Bill Belichick is calling the game super-aggressive, Tom Brady is in control, and the team is winning close games.  You have to consider them a serious contender in the AFC if they continue to grind out games.

6. Indianapolis Colts (3) – Peyton will overcome these injuries for the time being, but will it hurt him not having two of his favorite weapons in the long run?  Manning will feast on the Houston secondary this Monday Night, but can he beat the Titans?  The loss of Addai may hurt more than people realize. 

7. Baltimore Ravens (8) - Ed Reed is back, Joe Flacco looks sharp, and although the defense played awful against Buffalo at home, I’m not overreacting.  This team is in the hunt in the AFC, but how far will they advance in the postseason?  The pass rush isn’t as good as year’s past and Ray Rice is not playing like he should be.

8. Washington Redskins (15) - A team that can win ugly if a plus.  The defense, Ryan Torain are carrying this team.  Donovan has been shaky recently, but he’s a gamer, he know what you’re going to get with him.  Overall, the playmakers on defense will make up for the offense’s shortcomings more often than not.

9. Kansas City Chiefs (11) - The top run game in the league, a coaching staff that is among the best, and an emerging Cassel to Bowe connection that is quickly developing into something promising.  However, the defense is getting a little lackadaisical with the way the offense has been lighting up the scoreboard. 

10. Green Bay Packers (13) – Aaron Rodgers, this year’s Drew Brees?  He is winning games and coming up in the clutch despite his #1 receiving target, his #1 RB, and a defense that is losing guys as we speak.  Unfortunately, the health of this team may prevent them from reaching their potential.  Rodgers is the MVP right now in my book.

11. Houston Texans (12) – Andre Johnson is healthy and should dominate the Colts this Monday.  With that said, the best chance to beat the Colts is to duplicate Week one’s blueprint and run Arian Foster wild.  Yet, I still don’t know if they can harass Manning and force the turnovers like they did against Indy to kickoff the season.  I still have my questions with this club.

12. Atlanta Falcons (14) – Matt Ryan to Roddy White is unstoppable, but the lack of pass defense and getting outscored 22-0 in the 3rd quarter at home against the Bengals makes me wonder: Where is the identity?  Ryan’s and White’s success is almost going to hurt them because it’s putting the defense into a bad position.  They need to get back to balanced football and win how they were winning earlier in the season.  If they do that, I think they could win the NFC South. 

13. New Orleans Saints (4) – If the Saints lose another game at home I will write them off.  But until then, I still have hope they can right the ship.  Brees is too good, and both Bush and Thomas should return soon.  The defense is actually not playing that bad.  I’m not down on the Saints, however, if they lose to Pittsburgh, it could be the writing in the wall for the defending Super Bowl champions.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (9) – The “real” starting QB will be under center for the Eagles after the Bye week.  But which defense will show up from here on out: The one that shut down the Falcons or the defense that got lit up by the Titans and Kenny Britt?  Run the ball more Andy Reid.  LeSean McCoy needs the ball.

15. Miami Dolphins (16) – Brandon Marshall is Brandon Marshall every other game.  If his is featured more often, I like their chance’s to push for the final Wild Card berth.  The defense is good enough, the run game is still there, but it comes down to Henne to Marshall.

16. Minnesota Vikings (10) – Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin are waiting for Randy Moss to come and play.  All the talk has been about Favre this and Favre that but how about Moss, and even better, the pass rush?  What ever happened to the best defensive line ever assembled?  The secondary looks so bad because there’s no pass rush.  Yet with all in all, I have a feeling the Vikings can still win the NFC North.

17. Oakland Raiders (28) – Darren McFadden has been playing out of this world.  He gives the Raiders offense a legitimate threat and a true identity.  I’m interested to see how they play against the AFC West leading Kansas City Chiefs.  But right now, they have to prove they can defend their home against the NFC West leading Seattle Seahawks.  The talent is there, and now the team believes they are a team that can win within the division.  Now it’s time to step of out of their boundaries and show us who they really are.

18. Seattle Seahawks (23) – Mike Williams is a #1 WR.  The guy that amazed us from USC, this is him.  He’s the real deal and with his play combined with the outstanding performance of the defense, you have to think Pete Carroll’s boys have all the confidence in the world.  You can see they believe and relish the underdog role. 

19. Tampa Bay Bucaneers (25) – Josh Freeman shows us why he’s a franchise QB.  Mike Williams is a #1 WR.  Now they have found their RB in LeGarrette Blount.  The defense bends but doesn’t break and I love their coach.  Raheem Morris is playing this thing loose, and so is his team. 

20. Cincinnati Bengals (17) – We started to see glimpses of a team that was ready to rebound, but it was just not enough to pull out a come from behind victory in the Georgia Dome.  Cedric Benson has to be featured more in the offense than he has been.  I’m puzzled by this sputtering defense.  Maybe they can play with that same type of fire and intensity they played with coming out of the tunnel for the second half against Atlanta.

21. St. Louis Rams (18) – Outplayed the Bucs, yet lost.  Sam Bradford has been absolutely stellar, and plays like a savvy vet, not a rookie.  The defense doesn’t make big plays, and the offense doesn’t either.  It makes it hard to win games playing tight.  I would to see more of an aggressive approach, but it’s hard to without a vertical aerial attack.  The receivers are definitely lacking.  They use a Julio Jones or an A.J. Green in next year’s Draft.

22. Chicago Bears (20) – Now this is the team I expected in the beginning of the season.  The offensive line and lack of run game will continue to do the Bears in.  I might be in the minority on this one, but Jay Cutler is not the problem, however, lately, he’s not been much of an answer either.  Matt Forte is “kicking and screaming” like Mike Ditka for the rock.  I can’t believe Chicago is still in first place.

23. Detroit Lions (26) – Stafford is finally back.  Jahvid, on the other hand, will not be fully recovered from his toe issue this season.  But it doesn’t matter because I can’t wait to see Stafford to Johnson.  The defensive line is a force and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them beat Washington at home.  The arrow is pointing up for the Lions despite their record.

24. Denver Broncos (19) – The Kyle Orton honeymoon is well over.  This team went from being one play away from beating the best team in the NFL to losing by 45 to their division rivals at home.  I don’t know what to say, expect this: Tebow Time.

25. Dallas Cowboys (21) – Now the run game will have to be emphasized.  Why did it take a Romo injury?  Nonetheless, I don’t think this team will be that bad with Kitna because the defense will turn it up a notch.  Barber and Jones have to play with some urgency sooner or later.

26. Arizona Cardinals (22) – Chris Wells where are you?  Better yet, Kurt Warner; can you come back?  Sloppy play did them in against Seattle.  Still could win the division, not all hope is lost.  However, some of their playmakers and leaders need to make an impact and play like they’re being paid.

27. San Diego Chargers (27) - Valiant effort in comeback effort that fell short against the Patriots.  They really could use Vincent Jackson.  They have replaced the Raiders as the most frustrating team in the NFL.  I was, and am still expecting more from Ryan Matthews - I bought the hype.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars (29) – They were within one point of the Chiefs in the 2nd half.  They aren’t that bad, but Maurice Jones-Drew just isn’t the same.

29. Cleveland Browns (30) – The defense was stifling against Brees in the Superdome.  Can’t believe I just typed that sentence.  Colt McCoy is the future QB.  But does he have the arm strength to be a winning QB, a Pro Bowl QB?

30. Carolina Panthers (31) – Matt Moore looked very precise against the 49ers.  I don’t know what happened to the run game.  John Fox is as good as gone.

31. San Francisco 49ers (24) –  I’m excited to see Troy Smith start.  Still not giving up on the 49ers completely until I see how Smith plays.  Could he play so well that he’s the 49ers QB for years to come?  I love to still believe they can win the NFC West like Singletary.

32. Buffalo Bills (32) – Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to Hawaii!  You better believe it.  He reminds me of Marc Bulger.

By Columnist Chris Willson

This Sunday the pats will face the Minnesota Vikings and former teammate Randy Moss. The fact that Brett Favre and his ankle are overshadowing Randy Moss's return to Foxboro, well, isn't exactly surprising.

Let's start with a couple key points for the pats offense this week. The biggest thing will be giving Brady time in the pocket to survey the field. Last week, the pat O-line played poorly and gave up 4 sacks. They won't be getting any breathers this week, as one of the league's best pass rushers in Jared Allen comes to town.

The Vikings D is pretty much middle of the road right now in terms of rankings in the league (11th in rush defense, 13th in pass defense). Look for Green-Ellis and Woodhead to split carries again this week, with each getting about 5-10.

I think the pats will move the ball pretty frequently in the air in this one. The Vikings play a similar cover-2 defense to the pats, and historically Brady has torn this kind of defense up. Back in 2006 when the two teams met, Brady threw for 372 yards and 4 TD's. I think Branch will come away with a strong game after a relatively quiet week in San Diego. Look for Tom Brady to operate out of the shotgun and in the hurry up this week, as they had success with that in the second half last week.

The Pats defense will have their hands full with Randy Moss and Percy Harvin this week. Since Moss was traded to the Vikings, Percy Harvin seems to have benefitted the most (183 yards and 2 TD's over the last 3 games). This mirrors the effect that Moss had on Wes Welker here in New England.

Shutting down Percy Harvin will be one of the biggest matchup this game. So far this season, Johnathan Wilhite has been the slot DB, so he will most likely be on the field when Harvin is lined up in the slot. I would like to see Darius Butler on the field a bit more than he has been in this game, as I think his athleticism seems a good fit for a slot DB. No guarantees on that matchup though.

Jerod Mayo continued playing at a high level last week, and is on pace for a 200 tackle season. The Pats shut down the run early last week, and will need to do so against Adrian Peterson this week. Brandon Spikes will likely be on the field more this week as he continues his strong play against the run.

A couple of finishing notes to monitor leading up to the game.

Patrick Chung exited last week with a knee injury, but he was back on practice Thursday and should be good to go this week. Phew.

Matthew Slater also practiced this week, and he should be back on special team this week.

The Pats will be wearing throwback jerseys in this game

Could I really write this blog without mentioning the fact that the cheerleaders will be all dressed up in their sexy costumes this week?

"There goes the season."  Those were my exact words when Matthew Stafford emerged from the Soldier Field locker room with his arm in a sling on Opening Weekend.  The Lions weren't talented enough to compete with most teams and the only edge they had was their young explosive offense led by their franchise quarterback.  The defense wasn't good enough to carry the team and the offense would be a mess without Stafford.  Wrong.

The defensive line has elevated the whole defense, though I'm still skeptical, the secondary is better than expected.  The linebackers have been awful, but they are starting to get healthier.  After six games the Lions have just one win, but more importantly had a legitimate shot to win four of their other games with two minutes left in the game.  The team is competitive again, that is actually the easiest part of rebuilding.  If moral victories counted in the standings, the Lions would be in first place.  When you talk about actually winning games, the devil is in the details.

Every Sunday, the experts and the analysts tell fans that the NFL is a passing league and you can't win if you can't throw.  Fair enough, but that doesn't tell the whole story. Consider this:

• Peyton Manning has presided over one of the top passing games in the league for a decade.  He has one Super Bowl win.
  • The Colts rushing offense ranked 18th in 2006, the championship season, they ranked 32nd last year when they lost the Super Bowl.
• Drew Brees and the Saints have cumulatively had the best passing game in the league for the last four years, they had two seasons with winning records in that span with one Super Bowl win.
  • The Saints' record and rushing rank in those years:
    • 2006: 10-6, 19th in rushing ,went to NFC Championship Game
    • 2007: 7-9, 28th in rushing, missed playoffs
    • 2008: 8-8, 28th in rushing, missed playoffs
    • 2009: 13-3, 6th in rushing, won Super Bowl
• The New England Patriots had the most potent passing game in NFL history, going 16-0, setting the single season passing and receiving touchdown records.  They lost the Super Bowl.
  • The Patriots' rushing rank in their three Super Bowl winning seasons:
    • 2001: 13th in rushing
    • 2003: 27th in rushing  *Rushing yards in Super Bowl 38: 127 yards
    • 2004: 7th in rushing
  • The Patriots' rushing rank in their 16-0 season:
    • 2007: 13th in rushing *Rushing yards in Super Bowl 42: 45 yards

The passing game can only carry a team so far, a one dimensional offense can be contained, even if it's the best one dimensional offense in history (2007 Patriots.)  The Lions have to establish offensive balance or Stafford's return may not have much of an effect.  Here are the top seven passing teams in the NFL as of today and their records:

1. San Diego Chargers  2-5
2. Indianapolis Colts  4-2
3. Denver Broncos  2-5
4. Dallas Cowboys  1-5
5. New Orleans Saints  4-3
6. Cincinnati Bengals  2-4
7. Detroit Lions  1-5

Total Record: 16-29

Here are the top seven rushing teams.

1. Kansas City Chiefs  4-2
2. New York Jets  5-1
3. Oakland Raiders  3-4
4. New York Giants  5-2
5. Houston Texans  4-2
6. Atlanta Falcons  5-2
7. Minnesota Vikings  2-4

Total Record: 28-17

The Lions' issue running the football hasn't been a lack of talent, but trying to get too creative with the play calls.  Jahvid Best and Chris Johnson draw a lot of comparisons in the league, and if you look at how their teams use them there are very few similarities.

The Titans run a lot of traditional power running plays with Johnson hitting the hole quickly and using his speed to get into the second and third level before the defense can react.  The Lions are running Best on misdirection or delayed handoffs trying to get the defense to move away from the direction the play is headed.  The issue with the Lions' play calls are threefold.

First, they rarely run any traditional running plays where Best just takes the handoff and hits the hole.  So the defense isn't fooled by the misdirection plays because there's no reason to go after the fake.  It's similar to teams that can't run the ball using play action, if the defense isn't worried about the run, they won't react to the fake.  The Lions have to establish a more traditional running attack before the misdirection plays work.

The second issue with the play calling is it negates Best's biggest advantage, his speed.  When Best is getting the ball on plays that require him to cut behind the line of scrimmage or on delays where the handoff occurs a second or two after the snap, the defense has time to flow to the ball.  Best' speed gives him a huge edge over the defense, but these play calls basically give the defense a head start if they don't fall for the fake.

The last issue relates to the offensive line.  The misdirection plays and delayed handoffs are far more difficult to block than more traditional running plays.  They require more precise timing and if one player makes a mistake it throws off the whole play.  The Lions offensive line hasn't played together enough to hae the type of cohesion these play calls require.  Gosder Cherilus was in and out of the lineup last year, Stephen Peterman missed a lot of time with injury and Rob Sims wasn't even on the team.  Three out of five lineman haven't spent significant time playing together, that's a pretty big gap in chemistry.

An effective running game opens up so many more possibilities for the offense and defense.  The Lions have had double digit leads a few times this season that slipped away because the offense went three and out too often.  The deep passing game has been limited because teams are still focusing on defending the deep ball and keeping both safeties deep rather than dropping one in the box.  The running game also slows down the pass rush because the defense has to read run or pass, they don't bother reading run if they aren't afraid of it.

Stafford's return is a huge boost to the Lions, obviously, but for him to really make an impact in the win column he's going to need a strong running game to support him.

"Raider Nation, hear me, I hope you get this, we need you in those stands supporting us, we need to have a great twelfth man from here on in because we're doing our part and it's coming together."
- Head Coach Tom Cable

All Raider fans have heard about Tom Cable's post-game press conference, but will it have any affect?

This Sunday is the most important game in the 2010 season for the Raiders; they are 2-0 in the division and have a potential big game against the Chiefs next week at home.  That won't matter, though, if the Raiders can not finally put a winning streak together (as noted numerous times, they have not won 2 games in a row since the end of 2008 and have not won 3 games in a row since 2002) by beating the Seahawks.

And that is why Tom Cable is calling the Raider Nation out.  He knows it, and while points can be made if the team is really doing it's part (remember the game against the 49ers???), the Raiders are in a position that we as fans have not seen in a long time.  Will it be enough, though, to get more than 50,000 fans to show up?  We'll see Sunday….

Who said Joe Flacco didn’t have a sense of humor?

The normally reserved and soft spoken quarterback took many by surprise when he recently attended the Ravens Halloween charity event sporting a brand new look inspired by fellow Jersey natives from the MTV show “Jersey Shore”.

The cut took about 1 hour and 40 minutes as he took a trip to the same barber that takes care of teammate Tavares Gooden.

“I don’t think the coaches know how to react to it,” said Flacco, a New Jersey native who typically vacations on the shore. “I’m just having a little bit of fun.”

This haircut has caused such a stir that it was the center of the most recent Q & A with the young quarterback. Here are some excerpts from www.baltimoreravens.com

On his new haircut: "There was a Goodwill [charity] party last night for Halloween with Todd [Heap] and Mike [Oher]. And it's a bye week, so I don't have to worry about my hair too much, so I figured I'd just have a little fun with it."

On what he went to the party dressed as: "I was like a character from “Jersey Shore,” so I just kind of spiked my hair up and put some designs in it."

On which character from the TV show he was supposed to be: "Not any of them, necessarily. Just somebody that goes there."

On who came up with the idea: "I really came up with the idea. I kind of asked around the locker room, and they told me I should ask Tavares [Gooden] where I should get it done. So yesterday when we got done over here, I went over [to get it cut]. It took about an hour and 40 minutes to get it done, and then I headed over to Todd's party. So like I said, it's fun."

On whether he watches the TV show a lot: "I watch it a little bit, and it's funny. And I saw a recent haircut of “The Situation,” and he had some designs in it, so I thought, 'Hey, that would be fun to do.' I'm going to cut all of this off [on the top]. I'm going to cut this off just like I get my normal haircut when I go home this week, but all the designs will still be in there."

On whether he has any other big plans for the week: "This is pretty much it. I don't think the coaches really know how to react to [the haircut], but I'm just having a little bit of fun."