NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Danny Valentine and Ileana Morales of the St. Petersburg Times report Bucs standout rookie wide receiver Mike Williams was arrested on a DUI charge early Friday, Hillsborough County Jail records show.

Williams, 23, was arrested about 2:48 a.m. near Highway 301 and Causeway Boulevard, according to jail records. He was booked at 4:44 a.m. and released after posting $500 bail at 8:04 a.m.

Williams was driving a black Cadillac 57 mph in a 45 mph zone and weaving between lanes, said Larry McKinnon, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s spokesman.

Two tests found his blood-alcohol level at .065 and .061, records show, below the limit of .08 set by state law.

But Williams failed a field sobriety test, McKinnon said. A urine test was conducted and results are pending, he said. A urine test is done if a deputy suspects a driver is impaired by a substance other than alcohol, McKinnon said.

Last Week: 9-4
Season: 82-60

Oakland at Pittsburgh - The Raiders look like legit AFC West contenders after two wins and a bye, while many think the Steelers are headed for another collapse like last season. The injured Steelers will have to find a way to stop the Raiders attack, and there offense also needs to get something going. Why do I see a repeat of the game at Heinz from last season? Oakland 27 Pittsburgh 21

Cleveland at Jacksonville - After three emotional weeks in which they went 2-1 against three of the leagues best, the Browns travel to play the 5-4 Jags. Last week the Jags won on a last play Hail Mary, but this week they won’t need it, taking advantage of a beat up Browns team. Jacksonville 21 Cleveland 18

Washington at Tennessee – Albert Haynesworth goes back to Tennessee this weekend, and if the Skins are lucky, they can leave him there. Washington was awful last week, going down 35-0 8 seconds into the second quarter. The Titans will rebound vs a Skins team that is reeling after getting crushed on Monday night by the Eagles. Tennessee 27 Washington 16

Houston at New York Jets - The Jets were lucky to walk out of Cleveland without a tie last week, but that’s what good teams do. Now they take on a Texans team that can’t get out of their own way, and saw their starting QB sit a night in the hospital this week. The Jets D should lower the boom on Matt Schaub and the Texans. New York Jets 17 Houston 6

Baltimore at Carolina - Brian St.Pierre vs the Ravens D? I think very little needs to be said here, as if this game is even close in the fourth quarter, the Ravens should take a long look in the mirror. Baltimore 31 Carolina 0

Green Bay at Minnesota – The last gasp for the Vikings, who will be trying to ride Brett Favre’s arm one more time against his former team. Won’t matter. The Packers, despite being banged up, are the better team, and need to keep winning to stay with the Bears in the NFC North. Look for the Pack to pick on the Vikings secondary and walk out of the Twin Cities with a sweep over their rivals. Green Bay 35 Minnesota 24

Arizona at Kansas City – The Cards were beaten up by the Seahawks at home last week, and now play a Chiefs team coming off the bye after they were beat in OT the week before by Oakland. KC is a team that seems to still be growing, and they should be able to make it a long day for Derek Anderson and the Cards. Kansas City 26 Arizona 14

Detroit at Dallas - The Cowboys were a new team last week with Jason Garrett running the show, and against a Lions team that couldn’t even beat Buffalo on the road last week, the Cowboys will step up for their new coach at home and win their second in a row. Dallas 27 Detroit 20

Buffalo at Cincinnati – Two bad teams do battle here in Cincy, where the Bengals couldn’t sell out for the first time in 57 games. Buffalo has been competitive for the last few weeks, and there’s no doubt with the Bengals playing like team ready for new coach and high draft pick, they will hang here till the end. Cincinnati 14 Buffalo 13

Seattle at New Orleans - The Hawks won on the road last week, but that was in Arizona, not the Superdome vs a good Saints team that had the bye last week and will be well prepared for the Hawks here. Matt Hasselebeck should be back, but Drew Brees and the Saints offense will be more than enough to overcome Seattle and send them to 5-5. New Orleans 34 Seattle 21

Tampa Bay at San Francisco – Suddenly the Niners are looking like a team that has found themselves, and why not – they have the talent to get the job done here at home, and they should. Tampa Bay crushed the Panthers, but it’ll be a long road trip vs a Niners team that is feeling good about how they have played. The Niners outphysical the Bucs for their fourth win. San Francisco 28 Tampa Bay 13

Atlanta at St.Louis – The Falcons appear in quite a few areas to be the best team in the NFC, and on the road they have to make sure not to have a slip up against a gritty Rams team. They should have a good showing on offense vs the Rams, who need to have a good day from Steven Jackson to hold the Falcons in check. Won’t happen, as Roddy White and Matt Ryan both play at a high level. Atlanta 29 St.Louis 23

Indianapolis at New England - The best rivalry in the NFL, bar none. Peyton Manning vs Tom Brady, always a classic. The Pats showed quite a bit of heart going to Pittsburgh last week to pound the Steelers, and they are now back on top in the AFC. The Colts continue to be banged up, as they will have to have Donald Brown as the feature back again this week. The Pats will once again be inspired against Manning, pulling out a big win. New England 31 Indianapolis 27

New York Giants at Philadelphia – Two big boys in the NFC East, and this game will come down to if Mike Vick can continue his high level of play vs the G-Men. The Giants have to contain him, and also watch for the long balls from Vick to his wide outs. Look for the Giants to try and use Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs to run the ball, but in Philly, it won’t go so well. Philadelphia 23 New York Giants 13

Monday Night:

Denver at San Diego - An AFC West showdown on Monday night, the Broncos put on offensive fireworks last week vs KC, and hope that carries over vs the Chargers. San Diego is 4-5, but with Philip Rivers and the offense clicking despite all the injuries, it’s hard to imagine the Chargers losing at home to a Denver team that has been up and down all year. San Diego 33 Denver 21

It seems like a weekly ritual, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll calling his team's upcoming matchup a challenge; however, he recognizes that Week 11 presents something even more arduous than usual.

Leaving the Pacific Northwest to take on the defending Super Bowl champions.

"This is a really big-time challenge," said Carroll, at his Wednesday press conference from the Seahawks' Renton, Wash. training facilities, of facing the New Orleans Saints. "This quarterback. This, this head coach. This defensive coordinator – all of these guys have just expertise out the, out the wazoo."

The quarterback position is arguably the most noticeable for New Orleans. Drew Brees was crowned last season's Super Bowl MVP in the team's 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts and finds himself among the top in the National Football League in passing yards this year.

"They're averaging almost 50 throws a game the last three weeks, so, why not?" asked Carroll.

"He does everything right. He understands. He does a marvelous job of checking off and adjusting and doing the things that great experienced quarterbacks do. Moves perfectly in the pocket to find his throwing lanes and he has every throw."

While Brees has excelled this season, his success has been tempered as defenses have used two-deep zones to hang back in coverage and take away the deep ball – a staple in the Saints' aerial attack last year. Because of this, wide receivers Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem have been relatively quiet. Both had career seasons last year, but both have less than 24 receptions this season.

"You have to do everything," said Carroll of how to defend Brees. "You can't just cover. You can't just rush. You won't be able to just blitz him and knock him outta the boat because he'll tear ya up."

Helping to possibly relieve some defensive attention off Brees will be Reggie Bush. The running back is set to return to the Saints' lineup after missing the past seven games with a broken fibula.

"He's just a factor, you know?" asked Seattle's Carroll, who coached Bush in college at the University of Southern California. "They use him in so many different ways and he's so explosive that you have to pay attention to him."

While New Orleans' offense has been noteworthy, its defense has been even better.

Led by coordinator Greg Williams, the unit's jumped from 20th in points allowed in the NFL and 25th in yards allowed last season to fourth and third, respectively.

"Over the years, Greg's done so much stuff and he's always been on the cutting edge of aggressive attack," said the Seahawks' head coach.

Subduing that aggressiveness will be even more important this week than others for Carroll and the Seahawks because starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has a broken bone in the wrist of his non-throwing hand. However, Carroll won't change the team's offensive game plan due to the injury.

"Our plan is that we can do whatever we want to do," said the head coach.

With the game plan intact, wide receiver Mike Williams will look to continue to be a prominent fixture. His 145 receiving yards in last week's win in Arizona was the best single-game performance of his four-year career in the NFL and, in Seattle's last three wins, the wideout has had at least 10 receptions.

Sunday's kickoff for Seattle (5-4) and New Orleans (6-3) from the Superdome 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.

The 4-5 Houston Texans fly to New York this weekend to take on the (7-2) New York Jets at Giants Stadium  this Sunday.  The match-up likely sends chills up the Texans' coaching staff and players heading into Sunday, not to mention fans who remember last year's beating.  In fact, for the past two years, Rex Ryan has been able to make the Texans look like test dummies for his newest blitzes and creative playcalling.  From his 2008 Ravens as defensive coordinator to last season's Jets as head coach, Rex Ryan has done a spectacular job with the Jets.  And this year, the Jets are a better team than last year.  The Texans, on the other hand, have improved in some areas but truly have fallen off in the rest.  Expect the Texans to struggle for breathing room on Sunday, the Jets should be playing at will.

The Houston Texans will likely utilize the pass more than they would like Sunday.  Against the Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez and receivers Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes and Jerricho Cotchery, the Texans' secondary has their worst match-up for the season.  Let's not calculate what that means.  Additionally, with the Jets' likely to go up early, the Texans will likley resort to their 2010 form – quit the run and pass.  Arian Foster has benefited from excellent run blocking this season, but his excellent field vision and quickness have turned him into one of this season's best running backs.  Expect him to carry the rock 15-20 times; where as he would normally carry the ball over 20 times a game against any other defense.

The Texans' defensive line will also likely have a very hard time on Sunday.  The Jets' offensive line is stacked to say the least.  left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, center Nick Mangold and right tackle Damien Woody are a few of the league's best at their position.  The Texans' defensive line has yet to play a line like this, and that also shouldn't be calculated for meaning.  However, expect Mario Williams to step-up his game in the face of the best talent he's seen all season.  He struggled after a great opening two minutes against Kansas City's former-Texan and Chief replacement tackle, Jordan Black.

In case you are not familiar with the Jets' defense, it is a very talented group.  Led by middle linebacker David Harris, a former Michigan Wolverine, the Jets 3-4 defense are fifth best in the league.  Harris is joined by Bart Scott, Bryan Thomas and Calvin Pace.  These linebackers should present a problem for Arian Foster, who said this is the best defense he's ever seen.  With superb secondary play in Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, Jim Leonhard and Brodney Pool, the Jets are more than well equipped to handle the Texans' receivers.  Also, although the Jets' number one nose tackle Kris Jenkins is out for the season, their defensive line should have the upper edge against the Texans on Sunday.

For the Texans to win Sunday, they'll have to come out playing their best football of the year.  They'll need to shut down the Jets' running backs LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene before they shut down Sanchez and the Jets pass game.  Most importantly, the Texans' coaching staff has to be ready for anything and everything.  If we learned something from Rex Ryans' whooping on the Texans last season, then the Texans' defense should be ready to put up as many points as the offense.  Hopefully we don't see the 2008 (four interceptions) or 2009  (183 total offensive yards) Texans against Rex Ryans' defense; however, Texans fans should be ready for anything, as well.

Forte Registered 97 Yards Rushing, 1 TD

“The way the defense is playing, we didn’t have to do much.”

-Matt Forte

The Bears took advantage of an injury-plagued Dolphin offense to record their first shutout since their Super Bowl season of 2006. The Bears 16-0 pounding of the Dolphins was a thing of beauty for folks in Chicago. The Bears…

• Allowed only 187 total yards, including 39 rushing yards.
• Recorded 6 sacks, including 3 alone by Julius Peppers, and one each by Urlacher, Melton and Idonije.
• Held the Dolphins to only 1 of 11 on 3^rd down conversions.  Converted 10 of 18 opportunities.
• Shut out the Dolphins at home for only the 2^nd time in 40 years.
• Time of Possession advantage: 37:51 to 22:09

But the excitement over the victory must be tempered slightly knowing the Dolphins were playing with their 3^rd string QB, Tyler Thigpen. Miami's margin for error grew even smaller when their backup center and #1 wide receiver left the game with injuries in the first half.

But with today's NFL rules slanted so heavily in favor of the league's offenses, a shutout of any team is a significant accomplishment.

The defensive performance by Urlacher and Co. told only half the story. The Bears grind-it-out offense held a 38- to 22-minute advantage in time of possession. Matt Forte rushed for 97 yards on 25 carries. And Jay Cutler did his best Kyle Orton impression (circa 2005), going 16 of 25 for 156 yards and one INT.

Robbie Gould kicked 2 first half field goals, then added a 50-yarder in the 3^rd period. Later that period, the Bears closed the book on the Dolphins with a 13-play, 7.5-minute, 60-yard drive that ended in a 2-yard Forte TD run.

Before he left the game with an injury, Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall, a former teammate of Jay Cutler in Denver, had some fun with his former QB in the heat of the battle.

After hauling in a first-half catch for a first down on the Chicago sideline, he tossed the ball to a smack-talking Cutler, who just happened to be in the area. The friendly toss resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Marshall.

The 7-3 Bears can now enjoy a few days off. They'll no doubt sit back and watch the Vikings and Packers battle it out in Minnesota on Sunday to determine whether they'll have company atop the North Division.

That's the attitude I'm seeing all over the place. Why should the Giants show up?

DeSean Jackson ran a 2.2 40 yard dash and has never missed a catchable ball. And that's before he takes a reverse 95 yards for a TD and after he returns three punts for touchdowns.

LeSean McCoy is the second coming of Brian Westbrook, but faster, and stronger, and better looking.

Maclin is better than Hakeem Nicks and is slightly slower than DeSean Jackson, but still the third fastest player in the league.

And then there is Michael Vick.

He Throws the ball 95 yards with precision…and that's what he can do right handed. He's the fastest player in the league. He breaks down every scheme and he averaged 4 touchdowns a game. He's Steve Young plus Joe Montana plus Barry Sanders. Michael Vick hasnt' thrown an INT since 2006. He's the N.F.L. M.V.P and the most dangerous player to ever play in the N.F.L.

And that's just on offense.

On Defense Trent Cole is unblockable for the Giants, Asante Samuel will have four pick sixes and the Eagles should route the Giants 45-17 (with 17 points coming for the Giants in the fourth Quarter).

That's what I've heard this week from all of the pundits around the league. This is terrible news for the Giants fans who are going to lose twice more to the Eagles, at least once to Washingon and also to the packers. Meaning at best the Giants can finish the season 9-7 if they can squeak out a win in Minnesota.

Chicken Little has given up because the sky has already collapsed on the Giants season this year.

Oh, Boy.  I dont' think I should watch this weekend.

Right?

Well, maybe not. I think the Giants can win this game, despite the fact that they haven't beaten the Eagles in four games (originally I wrote years on accident, but it kind of seems that way too doesn't it?) and here are some keys to victory.

The Giants Offense

Don't turn the ball over and show up somewhat healthy to the game.

The Giants will be without all of their linemen and are down to two viable Wide Receivers (even though both are very talented they are still young and prone to mistakes that cost the Giants, but then they make a play that makes you forget that they are both still young pups).

The key is to run precise routes, don't drop the ball, avoid stupid penalties and for the love of god don't throw any Interceptions.

Asante Samuel does have Eli Manning's number picking him off two of the last three games, but Samuel has never had to cover Hakeem Nicks with the Giants. Eli has to be aware of Samuels ability to jump routes and take the ball away.

But this doesn't take a rocket sceintist to figure out so I'm not breaking any ground with my "avoid penalties and don't turn the ball over" Spiel.

#2 Play Keep Away

The Eagles are a very fast-quick strike team, but they are also a smaller weaker team. They are smallish at all positions across the board. Trent Cole and Brandon Graham are smaller defensive ends. Ernie Sims is smaller. Mike Patterson isn't the biggest guy. This team can be beaten up.

Right now the Eagles are giving up 104 yards rushing per game, but what is more telling is the 4.1 yards per rush per game which is tied for 17th in the league, which is not great.

Part of Playing Keep Away is Brandon Jacobs. I think of all the games the Giants have played this year, this game is the most important to get Brandon Jacobs invovled early and often.
Last year when Jacobs wasn't that good he rushed for 146 yards between the two games on 35 carries which is over 4.1 yards per carry (season avearge was 3.7 YPC), in 2008 Jacobs ran for 5.5 yards per carry with two touchdowns over two games (a total of 32 carries for 178 yards: that season he avearged 5 yards per carry).

The last two season Jacobs best efforts have come against Eagles teams. He's bigger then most of their linebackers and some of their defensive linemen. He's a tone setter. Bradshaw is better than Jacobs, but in this game I'm not sure that Jacobs isn't the better running back to establish a tone.

A mix of short and long passing plays

The Eagles this season on defense have been susceptible to big games by opposing Wide Receivers, even if they didn't have great Quarterbacks. Vs the Titans (Kerry Collins, I think in that game) Kenny Britt had 225 yards receiving.

Vs the 49ers (their QB's suck) Michael Crabtree had 105 yards receiving, Jahvid Best had 154 yards receiving vs the Eagles, and Gregg Jennings had 85 yards.

What does this show?

Well Crabtree, Jennings, Best are all players that are on teams that deploy a lot of short passes with yards after the catch potential. Jennings goes deep sometimes, but generally it's a lot of slants and quick routes.

Kenny Britt had deep pass plays open all day.

Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham EXCEL at Yards after the catch and deep patterns. And Bradshaw has been very effective the last couple of weeks playing the Jahvid Best role.

Their are passing plays to be made against the Eagles, a combination that wears down the defense is the best.

Max Protect

Nate Allen is a young player who can get picked on from time to time (even though he has shown a penchant for getting at the ball). And the Eagles love to blitz.

Their cornerbacks can be beaten by double moves and the Giants offensive line has had injury problems.

I think the Giants should run a lot of big formations with their blocking tight end or just using Bear Pascoe a lot. I know they like to spread it out a lot, but they don't have the weapons for that this week. They are limited and I think Nicks, Manningham, and Boss can be used effeciently even if they keep 7 into block often. (11-QB and 3 WR=7!)

Boss and Beckum!

I think the Giants drafted Beckum for games in the winter and for games vs the Eagles. He is a good pass catcher underneath and I think, again to play the time of possession game the Giants need to use a lot of Boss and Beckum underneath. The Eagles, like the Giants, have traditionally struggled against tight ends the Giants have two that can catch the ball…let them!

On Defense

Pray for Swine Flu and or terrible weather

The Eagles do have good weapons on offense and fast ones. The Giants aren't a fast defense, perse.

Communicate and force turnovers

The Eagles have been proficient at avoiding turnovers this year. I think Vick is due for a two INT game eventually, so let's hope that happens vs the Giants.

I don't care if they luck into them or whatever. Just DON"T DROP ANY POTENTIAL INTERCEPTIONS. This is not a team you want to give second chances too.

Use Antrel Rolle as the "Spy" and Cover McCoy's short routes.

I would NOT recommend this for many teams because you can become very vulnerable if you bring up your safety to spy on Vick and/or McCoy.

However, the Giants have a HUGE luxury in that Deon Grant can play the safety role. Grant is not as fast as Rolle and I think Grant is less likely to cheat up which Rolle does at times (even though he's great in run support).

Vick will out run every linebacker ever. Rolle at least stands a chance on some plays, plus he can be up there to support the run and play the screen pass.

Essentially I want to swap what Deon Grant and Rolle have been doing all season.

Use Linval Joseph or just regain that interior push

I'm a little worried about Osi' gap integrity, but I'm more worried about a lack of collapsing the pocket. I know people don't want Vick outside the box, but I'm not sure that's really the best way to contain him. If he can step up in the pocket in the middle of the field and choose to run whatever way he pleases that could be real troulbe.

If the Giants can collapse the pocket and force Vick to one side of the field (the side with the "spy") there's possibly a better chance to stop him.

Get Chippy

To be honest early in the game I would not mind the Giants laying some seriously low blow hard hits…whether or not they are late. This Eagles offense is soft and finese. Vick has sore Ribs and quick feet. If the Giants have to cheap shot him to make sure his feet start to feel a little heavier and is ribs start aching more I'd be for it. Now, obviously Couhlin won't really pursue that, but as a fan I say I won't mind if it happens.

I think the Giants need to beat the speed out of the Eagles.

Knock around the WR

Avant has some size, DeSean Jackson and Maclin don't. They are speed players. The Giants need to beat them down early to make sure they don't feel like playing anymore. Press coverage, make sure you hit them before they get out of bounds.

Trip DeSean Jackson if you get beat deep and make him eat some dirt. I don't care. I dont' want to see him doing that stupid backward dance into the endzone with no one near him.

Exotic Schemes?

Wish I had more tape on Vick. But he's never been considered the "brightest bulb" or whatever cliche you would like to use to mean intelligent Quarterback. Maybe the key is to give him exotic schemes and hope to confuse him into running. I don't want to see big pass plays down the field I'd prefer to see long sustaining drives.

Bring the Intensity

Self-Explnatory.

On Special Teams.

Pray.

Seriously.

That's it.

Pray.

Anyone else have suggestions because quite honestly I'm just hoping to enjoy a good close game (of course with a Giants win). Because the Giants were struggling to beat the Eagles before Vick…Now….we'll have to wait and see.

Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars

When: November 28,2010

Where: Ever Bank Field

Weather: High of 74, Sunny

Players to watch:

Colt McCoy

Colt's drive at the end of regulation could go a long way for his career. That was a great drive and if put in the situation again this week I look for Colt to respond with a Touchdown again. Colt is playing against a pretty bad defense this weekend and look forward to seeing how he does against it.

Peyton Hillis

Hillis looks to be headed to the Pro Bowl this season. The Browns running back needs to continue his success he has had this year for this team to be successful. The team needs Hillis to have another big game and lead the team to a victory against a decent Jaguars team.

Chansi Stuckey

Stuckey cost the Browns the game last week against the Jets. Stuckey has had a pretty good year for the Browns and they need to him to rebound from last weeks fumble. The Browns need Stuckey to make some plays this weekend in Jacksonville.

Keys to the Game

Mistake free Football

Win the Turnover Battle

Colt McCoy continues to grow

Establish the Running game.

Stop the Running game.

Prediction:

Cleveland Browns 31 Jacksonville Jaguars 14

The Browns to continue to grow as a football team. I look for McCoy and Hillis to have pretty big games to lead the Browns to their fourth victory of the season. The Browns are going to need Stuckey to forget about his overtime fumble and make some plays this weekend.

Opponent: Carolina Panthers

Stadium: Bank of America Stadium

Head Coach: John Fox

Record: 1-8

Time to Bounce Back

The Ravens look to bounce back after a frustrating loss in Atlanta. There has been  much criticism of the defense for allowing teams to score when having the lead, but keep in mind that the offense needs to produce all four quarters and eliminate turnovers.  In five games away from MT & Bank Stadium, the Ravens scored a total of one field goal in the first half. Getting off to a fast start on the road will be an area of importance for the team.

The Carolina Panthers led by head coach John Fox, have struggled this year. The team has been decimated with injuries and lacks the depth to have a consistent season.  The offense has moved forward with their second round pick Jimmy Clausen (starting QB Matt More on IR).  This week Jimmy Clausen is recovering from concussion and may not play, the team may start rookie Tony Pike, a sixth round pick who has thrown 12 passes this season. Another option is for the team to start journeyman Brian St. Pierre.

The once dynamic duo of RB DeAngelo Williams, who was just placed on IR with a foot sprain and RB Jonathan Stewart (foot injury) have not put up their normally productive numbers due to their injuries.   Along with the dangerous playmaker WR Steve Smith, the team drafted receivers Brandon LaFell and David Gettis, both rookies have been implemented in the offense. The offense is ranked 32nd in passing yards and points scored. They are 24th (93.8) in rushing.  Defensively the unit ranks 27th, (131.6 yards) against the run. The one bright spot on defense is the secondary as they rank 5th in passing (195.2). Safety Charles Godfrey has 4 interceptions on the season.

Player Match-ups:

RB Ray Rice vs. MLB Jon Beason: Ray Rice needs to get off to a fast start. Jon Beason, who spent much of the season at weakside linebacker, took over in week 10 at middle linebacker after a season ending hip injury to Dan Connor.  Last week the Panthers gave up 186 yards on the ground.

QB Flacco vs. SS Charles Godfrey: The safety Godfrey has 4 interceptions on the season.

Panthers Secondary vs. Ravens Receivers: Cornerbacks Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall (2 Int.'s) have played well for the first half of the season. The secondary ranks 5th in passing yards. The Panthers will likely key in on Anquan Boldin opening up opportunities for Heap and Mason.

FS Ed Reed & Ravens D vs. Panthers' QB?: Clausen (who may likely be out) has been sacked 11 times and has 4 interceptions. The team might opt for rookie Tony Pike or journeyman Brian St. Pierre. Ed Reed will have his opportunities in this game.

OLB Terrell Suggs vs. LT Jordon Gross: Suggs has played well recently and will look to improve on his sack totals.

MLB Ray Lewis vs. RB Mike Goodsen: Goodsen filled in well for both of Carolina's starters and rushed for 100 yards against Tampa.  With a struggling pass offense, the Panthers may rely heavily on their running game.

CB's Lardarius Webb/Josh Wilson vs. WR Steve Smith: With injury issues at QB for the Panthers it helps the secondary.  The Panthers are ranked last in scoring points, 11.6 per game and last in passing yards at 156.8 per game. The focus on this game will be containing the deep threat of receiver Steve Smith.

WHO MAKES THE HIGHLIGHT FILM:

Jonathan Scruggs: Joe Flacco

"After a loss it falls upon the quarterback to rally the troops and begin to rebuild momentum. The Panthers are struggling right now, but if the Ravens aren't careful, they could be upended. It will be Joe's duty to ensure that doesn't happen."

Matt Jergensen: Ray Rice

"Unless Cam Cameron decides to pull a Costanza (Just do the opposite) and attempt to throw all over one of the worst run defenses in the league Rice should have a huge day that should make his fantasy owners happy."

Gene Winner: Terrence Cody

"Cody is just starting to make an impact for the run defense. Carolina's quarterback situation is bleak (due to injuries) and this forces their offense to run the ball a lot.  Look for Cody to have his first breakout game."

Bills rookie running back C.J. Spiller apologized before practice Thursday for using a derogatory term toward gays that he posted on his Twitter account.

Spiller used the term Wednesday while exchanging tweets with former Clemson teammate and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Ricky Sapp. The original tweet has been deleted.

Spiller said he hasn't heard from the league regarding the issue, and he's apologized to head coach Chan Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix.

The rookie said: "Me and Ricky are best friends and we always joke around on there, but I shouldn't have said what I said. If anybody knew how me and Ricky play around on Twitter, pretty much knows that we were just joking and didn't mean any harm. I apologize for the situation."