NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Senior writer jclombardi profiles OLB Matthews.

OLB Matthews, Performance & Chin Injury: Matthews said he's not sure when he first injured his shin, but it got bad enough in the week after the Packers victory over the Jets that he hasn't been able to fully participate in practice since. Coincidentally or not, Matthews recorded an NFL-leading 9.5 sacks through those first eight weeks, but has managed just two sacks since the victory over the Jets. He was shut out in the past two games. Whether it's the injury itself or the lack of practice time he's getting, Matthews disputes the notion that he hasn't been as productive. Against San Francisco, Matthews came close to sacking quarterback Troy Smith twice. On one play, he beat running back Westbrook and had his arms around Smith but the quarterback was able to get the ball to tight end Davis for a 25-yard gain; on the other, he was on the ground and had Smith around the ankles, only to see Smith dump the ball to running back Anthony Dixon for a 4-yard gain. While Matthews has been shut out the last two games, the Packers as a team have registered six sacks: Three by defensive end Cullen Jenkins, two by outside linebacker Frank Zombo and one by nose tackle B.J. Raji. "On those two (near-sacks)….But Jenks got two sacks, Zombo, B.J (got one each). There was pressure all around. We're getting it done, and if it's not me, it's somebody else." Indeed, DC Capers, outside linebackers coach Greene and Zombo, Matthews' running-mate on the opposite side, all swore that Matthews' lack of sacks are the result of attention he's getting from opponents, not from his injury or lack of practice reps. "Everyone's talking about Clay's numbers being down, but he's taking so much attention," Zombo said. "That's why a lot of us other guys are able to make some plays. Clay's an animal and it's going to take a few guys to block him." Greene pointed to Matthews' back-to-back three-sack game which made him a marked man. "I know he's getting a lot of attention, and it's coming from a wide variety of people. It comes with the territory. He just has to be relentless and it'll come around. The reality is, other guys are seeing the benefits of having a guy like Clay Matthews as a teammate."

Are injuries behind Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews reduced sack numbers?: Clay Matthews had 9½ sacks in the first eight games this season, and only two in the last four weeks. Sack production can dip for any number of reasons. Maybe the Green Bay Packers' outside linebacker is facing more double teams or other game planning to keep him from the quarterback. Maybe tackles have studied film and found better ways to block him. Maybe he's wearing down, or maybe his shin injury is slowing him. The drop-off in sacks doesn't mean Matthews hasn't performed. He has five or more tackles in each of the last four games and returned an interception for a touchdown in one of them. More importantly, the Packers have played some of their best defense of the season. In the last four weeks — against Dallas (No. 10 in points scored), Minnesota (No. 27), Atlanta (No. 6) and San Francisco (No. 30) — the Packers have allowed an average of only 11.5 points. Matthews is their most important defensive player, so he must be making a difference, sacks or not. The issue with his current shin injury doesn't seem to be on game day.

Matthews plays through pain as shin worsens: Matthews’ coaches and personnel people across the National Football League rate his toughness and hustle as superior. He goes non-stop, attacking blockers with a ferocity that seldom has been witnessed from a Packers player. For the first time in weeks, Matthews doesn’t lead the NFL in sacks. He has 11½, one-half behind Miami’s Wake after registering just one in the last three games. “A lot of people are making a big deal about sacks,” said Matthews. “I don’t think it’s hindered my play at all.” Probably a better indicator of Matthews’ pass-rushing production is “pressures,” which is defined as the combination of sacks, knockdowns and hurries. Through the Jets game, he was averaging 4.07 “pressures” in seven games. In the last four games, he has averaged 2.38. Matthews manned the left outside linebacker position during the walk-through portion of practice Friday. When formal practice started, free agent Walden took his spot. DC Capers has said the missing practice time probably affects Matthews most in the timing of fire-zone pressures. His pass coverage has been solid all season. ”I’ve been able to do some reps, even if you’re just going through the motions,” Matthews said. “When it comes to that first play on Sunday, I haven’t skipped a beat in my preparation. I feel good. I’m just kind of hoping for the best.”

The Rams will head to New Orleans to face off with the defending champs in a rematch of one of the Rams best games in their woeful 1-15 season last year.  The Rams took the Saints down to the wire in a tightly fought match.  The Rams will hope to stay close again this year and come out with a win in the 4th quarter this time.

TV

The Mississippi river region from North Missouri to the Gulf of Mexico all get the Rams game, plus parts of Ohio, Buffalo and Pittsburgh.  Way to go FOX broadcasters in Buffalo and Pittsburgh!

What to Watch For

• Saints Receivers – Will the Rams have enough healthy corners to cover the plethora of Saints receiving options?  The Rams will not have the luxury of dealing with such an inaccurate QB as Derek Anderson this week as they get trigger-man extraordinaire, Drew Brees.

• Rams Offensive Line – The Rams offensive line played better against a fairly strong 3-4 defense in Arizona and a meager crowd as well.  But, the Superdome will be rocking and the Rams offensive line will have to be on their best behavior to keep Sam Bradford clean.

• Big Plays – The Rams have been soft in the secondary and have given up a few big plays, but last season against the Saints, they were able to keep the Saints offense in front of them.  By slowing down the Saints offense, they were able to successfully stay in the game.  Look for the Rams to force the Saints to play small ball again and limit the big play abilities of their wide receivers and Mr. Reggie Bush.

• Alexander, Gibson and Amendola – The Rams WRs are starting to define themselves and Alexander is the speed component who can out-jump corners.  Gibson is the solid intermediate route runner.  Amendola is the underneath speedy 3rd down slot receiver.  The more they play, the better each player gets.  We are seeing the Rams young WR corps grow and find their roles right before our eyes.

• Saints Defense -  The Saints defense is soft against the run, but built to get timely turnovers, not unlike the Rams defense.  The Rams will have to get their offensive line moving the Saints defense backward early to get Steven Jackson 1 on 1 with smaller secondary players.  Early running success is key to the Rams pulling the upset in this game.

I'm not trying to adjust expectations, but this is a game the Rams are expected to lose and still compete for the division.  A loss does not kill the Rams hope, but a win here would push the Rams into the NFC West drivers seat once and for all.

LB linebacker Brandon Spikes will have to sit for four games, as he has been suspended without pay for four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.

The Pats made the official announcement late Friday afternoon. The suspension begins immediately and means that the rookie will miss the remainder of the regular season, which includes Sunday's game at Chicago, as well as New England's games against Green Bay, Buffalo and Miami.

Spikes will be eligible to return to the Patriots' active roster on January 3rd, following the team's final regular-season game against the Dolphins which is on January 2nd. Spikes will be able to play in all playoff games.

"I've been contacted by the NFL and informed that I will be suspended four games for the detection of an illegal substance in a drug test," Spikes said in a statement released by the team.

"The substance was a medication that I should have gotten clarification on before taking. It was not a performance enhancer or an illegal drug. The integrity of the game is very important to me. I understand the league's ruling and apologize to my teammates, the fans and the Patriots organization for this mistake."

Drafted in the second round (62nd overall) of this year's NFL Draft, the two-time All-American from the University of Florida has appeared in 12 games and made 8 starts, recording 61 tackles.

The Cardinals have made it official – John Skelton will be the starter Sunday at QB when the team takes on the Broncos. In making the announcement after practice, coach Ken Whisenhunt didn’t exactly give Skelton a great vote of confidence for a guy making his NFL starting debut. “I didn’t really have a lot of choice,” Whisenhunt said.

The coach said he hopes QB Derek Anderson, whom doctors have yet to clear to play, will pass the required test Saturday and be the team’s third quarterback.

Skelton, a fifth-round draft pick out of Fordham, was 3-of-6 passing for 45 yards and sacked once in his NFL debut in the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s 19-6 loss to the St. Louis Rams. His first pass was a 22-yard completion to Steve Breaston on a third-and-16 play.

Whisenhunt said Skelton’s “command of the offense was a lot better” this week.

“I think that, coupled with the fact that he handled himself pretty well last week in the game, makes you feel that he’s a lot better prepared now than he was earlier,” Whisenhunt said. “It doesn’t mean that it’s going to be great quarterback play, but we’re hopeful that he can get in there and handle it well and make some plays for us.”

While the Miami Dolphins are 6-6 and all but eliminated from the playoffs, they still have four games left to play spoiler for a couple of other teams with playoff aspirations.

This week is the first of those games, against the division-foe New York Jets. The Dolphins lost to the Jets the last time these two teams met up on Sunday Night Football, back in Week 3. The Jets got the upper hand on the Dolphins, 31-23. But just because the Dolphins are 6-6, and the Jets are 9-3, that does not mean that this game will be any more lop-sided than the previous matchups have been. If anything Sunday's game will be a hard-fought test for both teams that will show exactly where the Dolphins are at as a franchise. Here is what Miami will have to do to get the job done, and come out with the win.

3. Attack The Blitz:

We all saw last week what happened to the feared Jets defense when a good quarterback countered their blitzes with quick passes. The Patriots, led by Tom Brady shredded the Jets defense with the short timing routes, and for the Dolphins to be successful against the blitz, they will have to do this too. The Dolphins have more, if not better pieces to absolutely demolish the Jets defense. They have one of the best pass-blocking lines in the league, one of the best slot receivers, one of the best X receivers, and one of the best blocking tight ends. So should not that all add up to success this weekend against the Jets? The variable in all of this is whether or not quarterback Chad Henne can muster the accuracy needed to win the game through the air. This whole year Miami has been relying on its quarterbacks to win games through the air, and this one will be no different. The Pats gave the Dolphins all they need in the film-room to observe the weaknesses in the Jets defense, and whether or not the Dolphins can make the correct adjustments throughout the game will remain to be seen. To me, this is the game where we all judge whether or not it is time for offensive coordinator Dan Henning to go or not.

2. Disrupt The Pocket:

No matter what the stats show, or how much improvement Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez has shown, he is still almost the same quarterback to me. If you get a consistent pass-rush on him and force him to make throws on the run, then he will consistenly make mistakes. With the Dolphins possessing both the best pass-rusher and one of the best defensive coordinators in the league, this should not be the Dolphins biggest concern, as I am confident in their ability to get to the quarterback. But what the Dolphins need to worry about is exactly who will step up and get the pressure on the downs that Wake is stuffed at the line, or not on the field? This has been a question all year, and whether it is Koa Misi, Kendall Langford, Randy Starks or Karlos Dansby, someone besides Wake needs to step up to make Sanchez ineffective this game, because Wake cannot get the job done on his own every play. Sanchez needs to be flushed out of the pocket by multiple defenders for him to make mistakes. He may have a couple of comeback wins under his belt thi year, but to me he is still the same old Sanchez under pressure.

1. Henne vs. Sanchez:

This has been the constant debate between the two sides. Which quarterback is better, Sanchez or Henne. So far this year Sanchez has shown that he has what it takes to lead his team right now, while Henne is still in the learning process. While it was Henne who led the Fins to a win last year on Monday Night Football, it was Sanchez who led the Jets to victory this year on primetime. And while this game will not be on under the lights, it will be crucial for the Jets for playoff position. So which quarterback will come out victorious this time? The biggest key to the game this week is whether or not Henne can lead his team to victory. I'm not even going to mention the running game because in the end, Henne is the X-Factor for this game. This is where we will start to see the true colors of Chad Henne and whethe or not he is our starting QB of the future or not.

Final Prediction:

There is simply no way that I can go against my Fins here, I think that in the end, they can pull out the win, 27-23. Besides the fact that I hate the Jets, I think that Henne knows that his back is almost against the wall here, and a win against the hated Jets buys him more time. It will be yet another great game in the string of close games the past three years. Let's hope the Dolphins can avoid the sweep to the Jets this year with a win this weekend.

Via: Awful Announcing

Sunday December 12

Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers (CBS, 1PM) Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf - Heinz Field, Pittsburgh PA
Oakland Raiders @ Jacksonville Jaguars (CBS, 1PM) Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots - Everbank Field, Jacksonville, FL
Cleveland Browns @ Buffalo Bills (CBS, 1PM) Don Criqui, Steve Beuerlein - Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, NY

CBS Early Coverage Map via The 506

New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings (FOX, 1PM) Joe Buck, Troy Aikman [National] - Metro Dome, Minneapolis, MNTampa Bay Buccaneers @ Washington Redskins (FOX, 1PM) Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa - FedEx Field, Washington DC
Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers (FOX, 1PM) Ron Pitts, John Lynch - Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NCGreen Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions (FOX, 1PM) Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan - Ford Field, Detroit, MI

Monday Night Football Line

The Rams could be facing the grim reality of lining up against the New Orleans Saints and their deep array of pass catchers without their best cover corner in Ron Bartell.  Bartell has a stinger in the shoulder and neck area and is "doubtful" to play on the Rams official injury.  Bartell has been known to tough it out through injuries, but he has not practiced all week.

Either way, the Rams will have trouble dealing with the Saints offense even if they have Ron Bartell on the field.  Depth corner Justin King also missed practice, but rookie corner Jerome Murphy returned to practice.  We may be forced to see a lot of Darian Stewart, Craig Dahl and OJ Atogwe in coverage.

The Bucs and Redskins are both teams in turmoil, one obviously in stronger turmoil than the other. But neither team’s emotional plights and difficult “big picture” tasks will be main factors when they strap on the helmets on Sunday. For sixty minutes, it won’t matter what this coach said about Haynesworth or what this newspaper said about McNabb. For sixty minutes, the Bucs can’t be concerned about what the Giants, Saints and Packers are doing.

However, the Redskins are 4-7 for good reason: their roster isn’t very good. Going into the year, they had high hopes on defense and – after the start of the year – they thought they might have a decent offense. Right now, it’s about continuing the process started last off-season: personnel purge. Dan Snyder has had no affinity for draft picks, but the lack of picks is not nearly as jaw-dropping as the picks themselves.

From 2007 to 2009, the Redskins drafted a 2nd-round tight end, two 2nd-round wide receivers, a 3rd-round tackle, two 6th-round project quarterbacks, and a 7th-round receiver. They’re all gone except the tight end and the tackle, who are back-ups. In those three drafts, they accumulated just three current starters – FS LaRon Landry, SS Kareem Moore and OLB Brian Orakpo -  and a failed starter, S Chris Horton.

The Redskins started the year 4-3, but have dropped 4 of their last five to fall to 5-7. Their most humiliating defeat was 59-28 at home to the Eagles. They’re the 23rd-ranked defense in points and dead last in yards. On offense, their 28th ranking in points is far and away the worst ranking a Mike Shanahan team has ever had. In his 15.5 seasons coming into this year, he started out in Oakland with a 16th ranking and had an 18th ranking four games into the next season when he was fired. He only reached the depth of 18th or worse two more times – the first post-Elway season (18th) and the first full season with Jay Cutler at quarterback (21st).

I generally don’t think many teams quit on their coach. I had heard that said by many as a reason for picking the Colts last night, but the Titans didn’t look like they weren’t trying hard. Maybe I need to see more games and Mike Shanahan is certainly a coach who has alienated or angered players before, but I don’t think they are going to quit.

Expectations are transient and contextual. Redskins and Bucs fans believed this was mostly a rebuilding year for their teams. As they started to show some promise, the expectations changed. As the Bucs have progressed, their heartbreaking losses to the Falcons have stung more knowing they could make some noise if they got in the playoffs. On the flip side, Redskins fans are merely looking to see some more glimpses from young playmakers Brandon Banks and Anthony Armstrong and also for somebody on defense to step up.

Smart personnel decisions have accelerated the rebuilding process for Tampa Bay. It really doesn’t seem like they’ve lost five games. The Bucs will continue to find ways to use their bludgeoning weapons on offense, and continue to take the fight to their opponents while on defense. It’s one game at a time.

(From Buccaneers Gab)

Baltimore (8-4)  @ Houston (5-7)

Back To Primetime

Baltimore travels to Houston to take on the Texans for a Monday Night Football match-up. The Ravens will quickly have to get over their loss to Pittsburg and focus on a Houston team who are looking to make up ground in their division.  The Texans, who have had a few heartbreaking losses, are 2 games out of first place with four games to play.

The Texans

Texans have a balanced offensive which is geared toward their running game.   RB Arian Foster has been a pleasant surprise as the leagues top rusher and second leading receiver on the team with 479 yards.   Foster has compiled 1230 yards, 5.5 yards a carry and 13 TD's.  QB Matt Schaub has thrown for 3098 yards, with 17 TD's, and 8 interceptions. Schaub's numbers are down from last year because the unit has focused on the ground game.  Receiver Andre Johnson is a playmaker and has the size, speed and hands to make him a featured target.  Johnson has complied 1018 yards receiving, 14.3 average, and 5 TD's. The unit ranks 10th in passing yards (242.5) and 7th in rushing yards (130.5). Points scored, the offense ranks 11th with 24.5.

There is no doubt the Texans have struggled on the defensive side of the ball. In particular, their secondary has been an area of weakness. The secondary is ranked 32nd in passing yards, allowing an average of 287.4 passing yards per game.   Rookie Kareem Jackson has 2 interceptions on the year. The run defense is ranked 10th averaging 101.4 yards a game. Mario Williams leads the team with 8.5 sacks. The defense ranks 27th in points allowed at 26.8.

Key Match-ups:

QB Joe Flacco vs. Houston's secondary: Flacco and the offense will try to get off to a fast start. Houston has been outscored 68-36 in the first quarter and 105-68 in the second.  Houston's Texans are ranked 31st in passing yards allowed.

Ravens CB's Wilson/Webb vs. WR Andre Johnson: The Ravens can't afford to let Johnson dominate the game.

Ray Lewis vs. RB Arian Foster: The Texans running back runs with power and has great cutback ability. The Ravens defensive line can't get caught over pursing.  The Ravens improved the last four games, they are ranked 6th in the league versus the run.

OLB Terrell Suggs vs. LT Duane Brown: QB Matt Schaub has been sacked 26 times, Suggs is having a dominant season.  The pass push will be a huge factor in order to slow down the Texans passing game.

LT Michael Oher vs. DE Mario Williams: Oher will have to hold up the Texans pass rush specialist.  Williams has 8.5 sacks on the year.

RB Ray Rice vs. OLB Brian Cushing: Expect Cushing and the Texans linebackers pay close attention to Rice.

RT Marshall Yanda vs. DT Antonio Smith: Smith is strong against the run and has 3 sacks on the season.

WR Anquan Boldin/WRDerrick Mason vs. CB Kareem Jackson: Tough assignment for the rookie Jackson.

PLAYER WHO MAKES THE HIGHLIGHT FILM:

Jonathan Scruggs: Ray Lewis

"The iron is hot for Ray Lewis to strike and reclaim his team. The defense has been progressing nicely the last few weeks and was unquestionably dominant against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now is the time for Ray to rally the troops and make a statement by shutting down one of the better offenses in the league."

Matt Jergensen: Ray Rice

"Coach Harbaugh spoke publicly about the need to improve the running game. I expect to see a more balanced attack against a team that is in a tailspin and can't defend anybody. Not only will Rice attack the ground but expect him to grab a few screens as well."

Gene Winner: Anquan Boldin

"Houston's secondary has had issues this season, look for Boldin to put up some big numbers."

Injury News:

Ravens:

Todd Heap: It is looking like tight end Heap is unlikely to play after injuring his hamstring last Sunday. That means most likely rookies Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta will be active for the game.

LeRon McClain: All indications are the Ravens fullback should be ready to play after missing last week's game with an ankle sprain.

Texans:

Wide receiver Andre Johnson (ankle), defensive end Mario Williams (sports hernia), right tackle Eric Winston and right guard Mike Brisiel sat out of the Texans' light practice on Tuesday morning. Kubiak called Johnson and Williams "day-to-day" but expects them to return on Thursday. http://www.houstontexans.com/

Still alive

"At 5-7, the Texans are still alive in the AFC South, where parity reigns supreme in 2010. It's the only division in the league in which only two games separate first and last place. The Jacksonville Jaguars lead the way at 7-5, followed by the Indianapolis Colts at 6-6. The Tennessee Titans share the Texans' 5-7 record." http://www.houstontexans.com/

BY THE NUMBERS:

Ravens-Offense

Passing Yards 15th (233.2)

Rushing Yards 16th (108.4)

Texans-Offense

Passing Yards 10th (242.5)

Rushing Yards 7th (130.5)

Ravens Defense:

Passing Yards allowed 11th (208.0)

Rushing Yards 6th (97.8)

Points allowed 4th (16.8)

Texans Defense:

Passing Yards allowed 32nd (287.4)

Rushing Yards 10th (101.4)

Points allowed 27th (26.8)