NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Thursday night was not a good night for the Niners, and because of it, the team needs quite a bit of help if they are going to be playing past January 2nd.

If Seattle and St. Louis both win this weekend, the Niners' slim playoff hopes are officially gone. Because, the Seahawks and Rams face off in the final game of the season in Seattle—which means one of them would wind up with eight victories and the division title in the awful NFC West.

Even if San Francisco (5-9) wins at St. Louis and home against Arizona on Jan. 2, it might not be enough. The 49ers need help.

And, after an embarrassing 34-7 loss at San Diego on Thursday night, coach Mike Singletary is contemplating yet another quarterback switch from Alex Smith back to Troy Smith. Sounds like at this point, even Singletary knows that the season is lost, and is grasping at straws just to try to save the season.

Senior writer jclombardi highlights Packers headlines.

‘Door is open’ for Packers’ Rodgers to play--Earlier this week Mike McCarthy said he would decide Saturday if Aaron Rodgers would play. Now it might be a game-time decision–McCarthy says he is making progress from concussion: Aaron Rodgers is listed as doubtful on the Green Bay Packers’ official injury report. But Rodgers’ playfulness Friday afternoon and one statement by his coach could be viewed as encouraging signs for Packer Nation. Rodgers left last week’s game against Detroit with his second concussion of the season and didn’t practice at all this week. But Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Rodgers is “progressing” and he could wait to make a decision on his playing status until shortly before Green Bay meets New England on Sunday night. Rodgers attended a portion of team meetings before leaving for tests with team physician Gray. Rodgers was at practice as an observer. “But with the late start Sunday, we can leave the door open for that.” McCarthy also said if Rodgers plays, he would wear a different helmet that offered greater protection. The Packers continued to prepare as if backup Matt Flynn would be the starter. Flynn took virtually all of the reps with the No. 1 offense for the third straight day and at least publicly has the full backing of his teammates. ”He’s ready for it,” running back Brandon Jackson said of Flynn. “This whole team knows what Matt can do. We have a lot of confidence in him.”

Commentary: In sports Greek black theater, the nauseating fluff Packers press went through five endless days into the transition from an abominable loss to lowly “retrograde 50s haircut” coached Lions, to the endless stories about Rodgers' concussion, to the “full confidence” in backup QB Flynn's probable start, and then back to “the door is open” about doubtful QB Rodger’s play against the high-scoring and winning playoff-bound Patriots (perfect example of where the Packers should be under top management and coaching). We guess that Packers management would like to get game experience for QB Flynn before the miserable season and playoff hopes disappear (played out to the end of season) with "key injuries" headlines excuse. Fan can review Packers Carry On Despite Injuries". The question is, “How embarrassing will it be on Sunday night?” Either way, it will not matter. Meanwhile, the Packer nation and fans can get ready for their "super bowl" game against the Bears? Predictably, they won’t reach that nauseating fluff press hype for another two weeks.  Amusing!

With all the subplots focused on everything but the game itself, this Bears-Vikings Monday Night matchup could be remembered around these parts for a long time…especially if the Bears are able to clinch the North on the Vikings' (backup) home field.

Here's a look at the 5 most memorable Bears-Vikings games over the last 25 years.

5) 2006 – Good Rex leads late TD drive to catapult Super Season.

The Bears entered the 3^rd game of the 2006 season undefeated. In what was a sign of things to come, Rex Grossman had an up-and-down game in the Metrodome. Through the first 3 quarters, Bad Rex struggled and tossed 2 INTs that led directly to Viking points.

But thanks to a Tommie Harris strip of current Bears running back Chester Taylor, Chicago took over in Minnesota territory with about 3 minutes left in the game. Five plays later, Rex found Rashied Davis for a 24-yard TD pass to give the Bears the lead and eventual win.

The victory helped catapult Chicago to a 13-3 season that ended in Miami in the Super Bowl.

4) 2009 – Cutler OT TD pass ruins Vikes' hopes for homefield advantage in playoffs.

The 12-2, Brett Favre-led Vikings strolled into Soldier Field vs. the 5-9 Bears for a frigid Monday Night matchup. Jay Cutler, who up to that point in the season was a one-man interception machine (25 picks coming into the game), sparked the Bears to a 16-0 halftime lead.

But the ageless, gray-haired wonder guided the Vikings back. A short TD pass to Sidney Rice in the corner of the end zone tied the score with only seconds remaining. In OT, Hunter Hillenmeyer forced an Adrian Peterson fumble in Vikings territory.

On the following play, Cutler hit a wide-open Devin Aromashodu down the sideline for the 39-yard game-winner. Cutler finished the night with 4 TD passes. The loss dropped Minnesota behind New Orleans in the chase for home field in the NFC playoffs. And we all know how that worked out for them down in Nawlins…

3) 2007 – Two 80-yard Hester TDs not enough to save Bears from last-second loss.

In a game that featured huge plays from the teams' most explosive weapons, Devin Hester almost had the last laugh on rookie Pro Bowler, Adrian Peterson. Early on, Hester juked 4 Vikings defenders (without the aid of any Bears blockers) and darted down the sideline for an 89-yard return that helped the Bears rally against the Vikings.

But big rushes by Peterson kept the Bears down by as many as 14 points late in the 4th quarter. With 1:38 remaining, Brian Griese found his newbie WR Hester wide open down the sideline for an 81-yard TD pass to tie the score. A 53-yard kick return by Adrian Peterson – who rushed for a Soldier Field opponent record 224 yards – on the ensuing kickoff set the Vikings up in great field position.  They moved down to the Bears 37-yard line, where Ryan Longwell booted a career long 54-yard field goal to give the Vikings the win at the gun.

The electrifying big-play battle between Hester and Peterson was one for the ages…even if Viking fans remember it more fondly.

2) 1995 – Upstart Bears upset Vikes in playoff rematch.

The Vikings swept the Bears during the 1994 regular season, one via blowout and another in an OT win at the Metrodome. The underdog Bears, led by former Miami Hurricane QB Steve Walsh (who supplanted free agent pickup Erik Kramer as starter late in the season) helped navigate the Bears to a 35-18 win.

Coming out of the locker room with a 5-point halftime lead, Walsh threw a long TD to WR Jeff Graham. The Bears got a late defensive touchdown to seal the deal and hand the Warren Moon-led Vikings an abrupt first-round playoff exit.

It would be the crowning achievement of the Dave Wannstedt era.

1) 1985 – Hobbled McMahon leads Bears to comeback win.

The Bears entered this rare Thursday night matchup with a 2-0 record. With starting QB Jim McMahon nursing a sore back and neck, backup Steve Fuller started for the Bears. After spending 3 quarters harassing Mike Ditka to put him the game, the Punky QB finally got his chance with the Bears trailing 17-9.

On his first play, he launched a 70-yard TD bomb to Willie Gault. Then, on his second play from scrimmage, McMahon found Dennis McKinnon for a 25-yard TD toss that put the Bears ahead.

For good measure, McMahon threw another TD to McKinnon on his 8^th play from scrimmage. Final score: Bears 33, Vikings 24. The Bears of course went on to finish a magical '85 season 18-1 and Super Bowl XX Champs.

Aaron Rodgers may be listed as doubtful to play Sunday night at New England, but today in the locker room he seemed to give indications that he would do what he could to try and take the field.

Rodgers was upbeat after practice, and asked if he might play Sunday night, the quarterback didn't say a word but flashed a smile and shrugged his shoulders. Coach Mike McCarthy also isn't ruling him out for the critical contest that could put a dagger in the Packers playoff chances.

"The door is open for Aaron Rodgers to play in the game," McCarthy said. Rodgers didn't practice this week, but McCarthy said the he is progressing in his recovery from the head injury that knocked him out of the loss at Detroit last Sunday.

"He's working his way through the process," McCarthy said. "There are stages that you work through. But he's making progress, and I talked to him today. He looks good (and) would like to play."

Although McCarthy said the team has been preparing since Monday to have Matt Flynn make his first NFL start, the coach stopped short of naming a starter for the game against the Patriots.

McCarthy is hoping to make that decision by Saturday, after he waits to see how Rodgers checks out with further mandatory post-concussion evaluations and testing administered by Packers team doctor John Gray as well as an independent neurologist.

"Number one, he has to be cleared medically, and Dr. John Gray will have the final say on that," McCarthy said. "And if he does make it to that point, then myself will make a decision on whether he plays or not. Right now, he's still working through the medical part."

Rodgers suffered his first concussion in an overtime loss at Washington on Oct. 10. He was cleared to return to practice four days later and made the start in Green Bay's next game.

Tony Dorsett: The Proctor & Gamble "Take It To The House Program" is a program I got involved with and it is a photo contest where fans can send in a photo of what the NFL is like at their house on Sundays.  There are eight winners throughout the season. The winners of this campaign will get a visit by a "legendary" NFL player, they will get a $10,000.00 donation made to an organization in their community to support the NFL Play 60 program, which encourages kids to get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day.  The winner will also have a chance to win a trip to Hawaii and a chance to be at the Pro Bowl and will also get a few Proctor & Gamble products.

CG:  You have done a fair amount of things in the community.  How important is it for you to be out in the community working with programs that benefit others, especially kids?

TD: I love to give back to the community when it involves kids.  Our youth of today are growing up in a different world.  It seems like there are more things out there then when I was growing up. Those things can get kids going down the wrong track, so, anytime I can encourage a kid to do something positive I'm more than willing to loan my time, my name, and in some cases, my money to the effort.

CG:  Coming into this season, the Cowboys were favorites to play in the Super Bowl they are hosting, what did you think of this team before the season started and what do you think went wrong?

TD: I was like most of the "experts" out there.  I thought the Cowboys were going to be in the mix this year.  I'm not sure that I thought they would be the first team to host a Super Bowl, but I did think they would be contending for it.  I don't know what went wrong or how this thing got derailed.  I'm not sure if they started believing the hype or what, but these guys just weren't playing up to their potential, they weren't being held accountable, and this thing started slipping and then starting going down a slippery slope and they needed some stability.

Now Jason Garrett is there and he is doing one heck of a job.  The players are being held accountable to the little things and they are playing with pride.  It seems that some of the leaders are stepping up and bringing the leadership and it is clicking right now.  It just goes to show you that you can have all the talent in the world but if you are not playing with the right effort, the right chemistry, it doesn't mean anything.

Now, they have kind of got it back on track, but, unfortunately it is too late.

CG:  You mentioned it a little already but, now that Wade Phillips is out and Jason Garrett has taken over on an interim basis, have you seen something in particular that has been impressive about Jason Garrett's ability to come in and do the job?

TD: I'm a real stickler about the little things.  The little things make big things happen, wether it is in relationships, business, and sports.  You've got to do the little things, you've got to do the little things at practice.  They're practicing now.  They're putting pads on.  You've got to practice how you play.  There are some things that will never change in sports and you're going to get out of it what you put into it.  Regardless of what level it is.  Regardless of who you are.  If you're not gonna use it you'll lose it.  Now they are practicing and being held accountable.  They are having some pride and it all comes into play.

Before when Wade was there, he would get on and make excuses for why these guys aren't doing their job.  You need to tell them if you don't do this I'm going to find someone who will.  Guys have to have a little bit of fear in this scenario too.  You can't be running around giving excuses for why they aren't doing their job, it doesn't make sense to me.  They get paid too much money not to do their job and they need to understand that if they don't do their job, the coach will find someone who will.

It seems like, under Garrett, guys are being held accountable and it is running like a proffesional organization should run.

CG:  With all the talk about next year's head coach there are a lot of opinions as to who should be the next head coach of the Cowboys.  Who would you like to see on the sidelines next year?

TD: You got Bill Cowher, you got "Chucky" (Jon Gruden), but right now, I think it is Jason's job.  I mean, you have to go through the process of interviewing that the NFL has laid out for hiring someone.  But, these guys are responding to Jason, and he has done a great job.  Jason has been there and done it.  He was here with Jimmy Johnson.  He's a champion, a winner and a smart guy, he's putting the time in and these guys are responding to him.  I don't see why it wouldn't be Jason Garrett as the head coach.  From my vantage point, I would be surprised if it is not.

CG: You played running back with the Cowboys for 11 seasons.  There has been a lot said about the Cowboys situation at running back this season, particularly in the last few weeks, what do you think about the running backs the Cowboys have and how they are being utilized?

TD: I don't like it.  Never have, and never will.  Because I've played that position, and myself personally, I want to be in the whole game.  I want to see how defenses are responding to different formations.  I want to get into a groove.  It is hard to get into a rhythm when you're coming in and out of the game.

The Cowboys seem to be having somewhat of a success doing it.  But, I bet if you asked these guys, and they were honest, they would say that they would rather be in the game getting 20-25 touches a game, getting a good feel for the game instead of standing on the sidelines and watching the game.  It is a whole different deal watching from the sidelines.

CG:  What do you think about the situation with Tashard Choice getting Michael Vick's autograph after the game against the Eagles?  Do you think it is a big deal?

TD: No, I really don't.  It is after the game and he wanted to get it for a relative.  There was an opportunity, the timing probably could have been a little different, but I don't have a problem with it.

CG:  The Cowboys host their hated-rival Redskins this Sunday.  You are no stranger to this rivalry, do you have a most memorable moment that you experienced against Washington in your career?

TD: I tell you we played those guys quite a bit.  When I came into the league everything changed during Redskins week.  The concentration effort, the seriousness of the front office, coaches, and players were more intense.  There was a lot of dislike for those guys.  Preparation was at it's best and everyone was on top of everything because we couldn't wait to get to game day and beat up on them a little bit.  It was really intense.

I remember one Thanksgiving against those guys and a situation with Harvey Martin.  After the game, someone had sent him a funeral wreath.  He took that wreath and walked down the the Redskins locker room, opened the door and just threw that wreath in and left.  I can never forget the response of coach Landry.  Coach Landry was so upset.  It just goes to show you the intensity of the rivalry and that we just didn't like each other.

Back then the opponents stayed the same.  We didn't have free agency and so you played together against the same guys for years and years.  It made for good drama and good confrontations and I'm sure the fans enjoyed it.

CG:  You played in the NFL for 12 season from 1977-1989, in your opinion what has changed about the NFL from then until now?

TD: I think attitudes have changed.  I kind of experienced the evolution of football from the size standpoint.  When I came into the league a big linebacker was 220-235 lbs., now they're 250.  Same with lineman, when I came in they were 275 lbs., and when I left they were over 300 lbs.  The game has gotten bigger, obviously the collisions are a little more physical.

But, I really think attitudes are different.  It is a privilege to play in the NFL.  I think these guys take it a little differently, not everyone.  But some don't respect the game as much as we did back then.  You've got guys now that won't play hurt.  I'm not saying that you put your career or life in jeopardy, but if I could walk, I was playing, that's just the way it was.  I've heard guys with my own ears say, "if I could make it another few years I'll be set for life," granted they could be with the money their making.  They get a hangnail and they don't want to go out there and jeopardize their situation from a financial standpoint.

But, I love the game.  The game is still a great game, a wonderful game.  I love watching it.

CG: Finally, do you have a prediction for who meets in the Super Bowl this year, and who comes out on top?

TD: Oh man, I don't know who it is gonna be.  I think in the AFC, probably New England.  But I don't know who will represent the NFC.

To find out more about the Proctor & Gamble "Take It To The House" Program visit their facebook website here.

Cowboysgab.com would like to thank Tony Dorsett for the opportunity to speak with him and wishes him and the "Take It To The House" Program much success.

While many youngsters await the annual return of Santa Claus, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre and his "little helper" Deanna Favre made a heartwarming gesture to help celebrate the holiday season this December.

The Favre's invited a number of families in need to Winter Park on December 14^th for an early Christmas party, making sure they left the training facility weighed down by generous food baskets and many Christmas presents.

The Favre family also donated $60,000 to the Salvation Army.  The donation will be used to provide food baskets to 2,000 other families this year.

"God has blessed us in so many ways, so it's in our nature to give back," Brett Favre said.

"Brett and I didn't have a lot growing up," added Deanna Favre. "We always feel that we need to reach out to the community, to help give back to all the people who give us so much. We feel like The Salvation Army is the perfect way. They are an organization that takes care of families who are working and trying to make ends meet."

While I have been openly critical of Favre on this site for years now, it is important to note that this is an extremely generous donation that couldn't come at a better time.  The Twin Cities Salvation Army has received assistance requests from 1,000 more families than they did last year, but have seen a decrease in donations to the tune of $420,000.

If you are interested in following the Favres' lead on this one, you can see details about donating to the Salvation Army by clicking here.

The Eagles already were able to down the New York Giants at home once this season, and now they head into New Meadowlands to play the Giants on the road. This is arguably the biggest game of the season for both teams, and it has playoff implications. The Eagles have been able to beat the Giants five games straight, one of those being in the post season.

Philadelphia enters the game at (9-5) and first place in the NFC East, and holding the lead to get into the post season. Sitting with three wins in the NFC East, and only one loss. The Eagles are rolling, and are coming off a close win in Dallas last week.

The Giants are also (9-5) and in a close second in the NFC East. The Giants are behind the Eagles due to their two division losses, and with a win on Sunday could take the lead in the playoff race. Luckily, the Giants are forced to prepare for this game on a short week due to the Vikings' stadium issues.

This is going to be a huge game, and the Eagles and Giants match up in week 11 was a narrow Philadelphia win. That was in Philadelphia, and it is going to be an even more difficult task now that the Eagles are on the road.

Here are five keys to an Eagles win in New York:

5. Establish a Rushing Game- For Play-Action

This is going to be a defensive game, as the Giants still have one of the best defenses in the NFL, just behind San Diego at number two. In the last matchup, the Giants defense did an excellent job of containing Michael Vick and the rushing game, forcing the Eagles to rely entirely on the pass.

Considering it is Andy Reid, that's not much more than usual.

But, there is a trend going on in the Eagles past few games. When the ball is handed off to LeSean McCoy, not only does he usually gain decent yardage, it opens up the play-action pass.

When a team is playing a defense as solid as the Giants, all doors need to be opened to gain yards and keep the ball moving. McCoy has shown that he can get the job done of the ground, and as soon as the defense starts to lean, the Eagles go over the top for some big passing plays.

The problem with the Eagles, they are trying to run the play-action without establishing the rushing game first. This type of play may have worked against non-agressive defenses, but the Giants defense is fast and incredibly aggressive.

Andy Reid is a smart coach. I'm just not sure why he is thinking defenses will bite on the play-action, when the ball has not been handed off once the entire game?

Either way, the rushing game with McCoy will be an effective tool against this tough Giants defense.

4. Take Some Shots Down The Field

Michael Vick has a cannon.

For several games straight now, the Eagles have opened with a deep shot down the field, and it has had enormous success. The Jackson and Vick combo deep down the field is almost unstoppable, just because of the arm strength and the speed.

The opening play is not the only time should try to throw the ball deep. There is still the rest of the game to take some chances down the field. The Eagles have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, and they have this big play opportunity all four quarters.

Vick needs to test these Giants safeties and see if they can match the speed and athleticism of his receivers. This is a tough secondary, and it is showing that no QB wants to test them on the deep pass. This needs to change when Vick lines up with Jackson and Jeremy Maclin flanking him on each of his sides.

This is also a great way for the Eagles to jump out to an early lead and help quiet down that rocking New York crowd.

DeSean- Get ready to turn on those jets.

3. The Offensive Line Must Protect Michael Vick

The Eagles offensive line has done an absolutely terrible job protecting Michael Vick over the past few weeks. Not only is their almost instant pressure, but Vick usually takes a hit after he throws the ball and finds himself on the turf on most plays.

During the last Giants game, there was some serious hits that Vick took that made most Eagles fans hold their breath. Since Vick's rib injury earlier in the season, it would seem that protecting him would be a top priority.

The Eagles offensive line must step up. They are playing a brutal Giants defensive line that has been able to get QB's on the ground better than anyone in the NFL. Currently tied for first in the NFL, with a massive 39 sacks this season.

Yikes.

This is going to be a tough game for this Eagles offensive line, and they need to prove that they are able to protect Vick. Through this season, Vick has shown that he is willing to stand in the pocket and take the hit.

That needs to change to, Vick can stand in the pocket and make the pass, but just not take a hit.

Someone please block Justin Tuck this time around.

2. Jamar Chaney Needs To Prove Himself

Last week when the Eagles were playing Dallas, Stewart Bradley went down with another injury this season and is more than likely done for the year. This leaves the MLB position open to two different players, rookie Jamar Chaney and Moise Fokou.

With Chaney penciled in as the second string player. He is now the starter.

With Bradley going down, this is a huge loss to the Eagles defense. Especially in regards to the Eagles rushing defense. This is a double whammy to the Eagles defense, as the Giants have begin to develop their nasty rushing attack late in the season.

So this means that a lot of the pressure is going to be placed squarely on the shoulders of Eagles rookie, Chaney.

Chaney has shown some very impressive tackles and coverage so far this season, but this will be his first career start. Unfortunately, it's his first career start in the Eagles biggest game of the season.

Chaney will have to guard against the combo of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw the entire game, but also has to cover against Kevin Boss in the passing game.

Hopefully, Chaney is better in coverage than Bradley has been this season.

1. Force Turnovers

In the Eagles vs Giants last game, the Eagles defense forced five turnovers.

You could make the case that the only reason the Eagles won that game was due strictly to the turnovers by the Giants. That last fumble by Eli Manning was essentially the play that sealed the game for the Eagles.

However, it's hard to lose a game in the NFL when your defense is able to force five turnovers.

No matter how you look at it, the Eagles defense needs to do this again. With the way the Giants defense had been playing there is almost no way to win the game without some turnovers.

The Eagles defense is definitely capable of doing this, and Manning has been throwing interceptions like it's his job. Not to mention, Bradshaw has had a serious case of the "fumbles" this season, and the Eagles were able to exploit that in their last game.

Without any turnovers, the Giants will win this game with little difficulty.

Prediction:

How many times have we seen a playoff deciding game come between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants?

Too many.

This is a must win game for both teams, and you know it's going to be close all the way through. It was a great matchup earlier in the season and that shouldn't change when playoff hopes are on the line.

This may be the best game of the weekend.

I'm thinking that the Eagles just have the Giants number. They have won five straight on them, and it would be surprising to see a loss in such a critical part of the season. The Eagles have been on fire as this season has entered the final weeks, and Michael Vick has been the leader of that.

The Giants may contain Vick, but the Eagles are just to much to handle. The Giants injuries and their turnovers will catch up with them by the end of the game.

My Prediction: Eagles 34 Giants 31

The Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans are preparing for their second divisional bout this Sunday.  Unlike last time the teams faced in late November, there will be fewer to no playoff implications, the draft scenarios for a future Titan quarterback come up, and also, of course, the Titans will not bring out rookie quarterback Rusty Smith.

November's Titans-Texans game left a lot of jaws dropped and question marks for the future.  Since then, those questions have been answered.  The Texans defense has stepped up, Glover Quin has a new found confidence at cornerback, and the Texans' offense have more playmakers than you can count.  However, the coaching problems have continued, the inconsistencies have continued, and Mario Williams' sports hernia has landed him on the injured reserve list.

For Sunday's game, the Texans will be looking to prove their 20-0 November shutout of the Titans and Rusty Smith was no fluke, whether or not Kerry Collins starts the game.  Without Mario Williams, the Texans defense will rely on the likes of front pushers Amobi Okoye, Antonio Smith and pass rusher Mark Anderson.  On offense, the Texans are down slick wide out David Anderson, who also landed on the IR this week.  However, Owen Daniels proved he's back and ready for more action.  He'll be part of the Texans gameplan, as he, when healthy is one of the best tight ends in the National Football League.  Also, Andre Johnson, the Natural, will be involved as will the NFL's leading rusher, Arian Foster.  Matt Schaub will have to prove he can shake the dust off the Titans' beat downs of him in the past in Tennessee.  If he can do so, expect the Texans to take to the air and run away with this one.

The Titans' secondary should be the biggest threat for the Texans' Sunday. Safeties Chris Hope and Michael Griffin align to keep Foster from breaking it big.  Also Cortland Finnergan, who proposed an apology to Andre Johnson this week, should be a potential liability for the Titans offense after he set off Andre Johnson into a national "thug," rather than the humble receiver he is on and off the field.  Expect Johnson and Schaub to find a connection early, and perhaps end worries about Gary Kubiak's ability to prepare and coach a first half gameplan.

The Titans' offense is far from it was with Vince Young, who has just as much ability to scramble for a long gain as the Titans' All Pro running back Chris Johnson.  However, the Texans have made it a point to stop the run this season, being a top ten ranked rush defense.  As well, Chris Johnson hasn't found success in recent weeks, absent the Colts awful rush defense.  The Texans shut him down last time around, and they'll look to do the same this week.

The Texans and Titans will continue their AFC South showdowns this Sunday, who do you think will come out on top?  And will the Texans still have a chance at another shut out with Kerry Collins throwing the ball to Nate Washington and Randy Moss?

Well, if it were not for the loss against the Cleveland Browns two weeks ago, the Dolphins would be right in the middle of the playoff race right about now. Instead, despite a win against the New York Jets, the Dolphins still are on the outside looking in. Even with a win this week against the Buffalo Bills, it will take a lot as well as Miami winning out, for them to make the playoffs. But for that to happen, they have to beat the Bills first of all, and to do that they will need to follow these three keys;

3. Improvements To Be Made:

After last weeks game there were numerous improvements that needed to be done. From the pass protection, to the quarterback play, to even catching the ball, things needed to be corrected before this weeks game.

While the Bills are a lowly team this year, that does not mean that they cannot come out on top Sunday. This is a division game and anything can happen. We all saw what the Bills did to us last year around this time, and it very well could happen again if our offense does not get its act together. The whole offensive unit was down last week and while it may be chalked up to a complete fluke, one can wonder with just how good this offense is? Every week I have called for them to show us what they've really got, and to show everyone the potential that they have, but every week my calls go unanswered.

So based off last weeks performance, we will see this weekend whether or not this offense can make the correct adjustments, and get their act together, but time is running out for them to show up this year.

2. Act 2:

Last week the defense led this team to victory against the Jets. The last time the Bills and Fins met up in Miami on Opening Weekend, it was the defense that led the team to victory as well, thanks to an inept offense. So what will be in store for Act 2 of this defensive performance? It is against the much weaker teams that show you how good your team really is, and whether or not they are simply mediocre, or belong up there with the solid teams that feast on their weaker foes.

On paper the Dolphins defense, which is ranked in the top ten this year, should manhandle the Bills offense. Our corners have been playing shutdown ball as of late, our front seven, especially Cameron Wake, has been getting to the quarterback on a consistent basis, and our linebackers have been stuffing the run game after game. This defense is simpy one of the best in the league, and because of it, we should have a couple more wins that we do. So in the case that the offense craps the bed once again tomorrow, it will be on the shoulders of the defense to carry this team to victory against the Bills. I'm specifically looking for Wake to continue his torrid pace of getting to the QB this weekend against a weak Buffalo line.

1. Play Up To Your Potential:

I've already mentioned it a couple times above. The Dolphins are simply a better team than the Bills, and the end result should show it. The Dolphins have a top 10 defense finally, and it has looked dominant as of late, and has more than made up for the ineptitude of the offense. But over the past couple of years the Dolphins have been prone to losing games they should not, such as the Browns game, and Bills game last year. If the Dolphins are to show us that they truly are improving somewhat, they must beat the Bills handily, and not make this a close game. The Dolphins also need to show that they can win at home. This is something they have struggled mightily with so far this season. A win against a division rival at home would be nice, and a stepping stone for the Dolphins. While we all know that the Dolphins are better than the Bills, they must prove it on the field for everyone else to believe it as well.

Final Prediction:

Sadly, I see this one ending up in the defense's hands again. But the Fins will come out victorious, 17-10. While it won't come down to the special teams and the battle of field possession like last week, it will be another division showdown, and another defensive battle. While the door is open for the offense to open up, I really do not see it happening at this point in the season.

The Lions have spent all season losing pretty and last week they finally won ugly.  It's amazing how little credit the Lions got for absolutely dominating the Packers on the trenches.  I know the Lions would get more respect if Aaron Rodgers didn't get hurt, but Aaron Rodgers didn't surrender 190 rushing yards.  Bottom line, there are some really bad teams in the NFL, and most weeks they score more than 3 points.  Anytime a team racks up 190 yards rushing, four sacks, two interceptions, recovers a fumble and holds a team to two of 12 on third down they played a great game.

The Lions hit the road to play a reeling Bucs team that has seven starters on Injured Reserve, including four in the last two weeks.  The Buccaneers have an impressive record at 8-5, but a closer look at the team's performance is a little more revealing.  The Buccaneers have yet to beat a team with a winning record and have lost by 60 points to the four teams with winning records they have played.  A team can only play the schedule they have, so you can't hold the Bucs easy schedule against them.  They have done a great job of winning the games that they should, but the point I'm making is the 3-10 Lions are not out of their league against the 8-5 Bucs this weekend.

Offense:

The Bucs' defense is a middle of the road unit in total yardage given up, but most importantly in this matchup the Bucs are ranked 27th against the run.  Add in the loss of Gerald McCoy last week, and the Lions should be able to move the ball on the ground.  The running game will be the focal point of the offense whether Drew Stanton or Shaun Hill get the nod, but look for Maurice Morris to get the bulk of the carries.  The Bucs still play a Tampa 2 defense, which is fueled by fast but undersized players flying to the ball.  They are susceptible to power running games, and Morris is a downhill runner that can expose the injury riddled interior of the Bucs' defense.

Tampa Bay is also without one of the top cornerbacks in the league in Aquib Talib, who was placed on IR two weeks ago.  Without Talib, the Bucs will have to use EJ Biggers or Ronde Barber to cover Calvin Johnson.  That matchup heavily favors the Lions as Biggers is young an unproven and Barber is on the decline.  Good tight ends can expose the Tampa 2 as well and the Lions have two of the best.  The Lions' offense matches up extremely well against the banged up Bucs' defense, but the biggest factor in the game will be Shaun Hill's finger.

The Tampa Bay pass rush is 30th in sacks with 20 and they don't get a lot of pressure on the quarterback.  An accurate quarterback can pick apart zone defenses if he has time in the pocket.  If Shaun Hill's broken finger is healed enough to play on Sunday, the Lions have a huge edge.  If the inaccurate Drew Stanton is in there, the Lions could have a tough time moving the ball.  Stanton doesn't read the defense as well as Hill which disrupts the whole rhythm of the offense.  Stanton is frequently late on his throws which gives the defense time to react and forces him to make more difficult throws.  Hill can pick apart a zone defense and keep the offensive timing intact.  Stanton took most of the reps with the first stringers this week, so it looks like he's the favorite to start.  Although, Coach Schwartz said that if Hill could throw without limitations in pregame warmups he'd have a chance to start.

Defense:

In addition to the banged up defense, the Bucs are also expected to start at least two backup offensive lineman.  While that is music to the defensive line's ears, Josh Freeman is not the easiest quarterback to sack.  Freeman is 6-6 and 250 lbs. which is an inch taller and 10 lbs. heavier than Ben Roethlisberger.  Freeman feels the rush well and he is very mobile and tough to tackle.  The Lions have to be disciplined with their pass rush so they don't leave huge lanes for Freeman to scramble.  As much as a defense likes to sack the quarterback, the key to the pass rush is hurries rather than sacks this week.

Freeman has two good rookie receivers in Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn and one of the best tight ends in Kellen Winslow.  Those three have done a great job getting open downfield and making big plays for their quarterback.  The Lions have to pressure Freeman so those plays don't have time to develop.

The Bucs biggest asset in this game is running back Legarrette Blount, who has had a strong rookie season.  Blount is 6-0 247 lbs. but he's very agile for a big back.  The Lions linebackers haven't tackled well this season and Blount will test them in that area.  Blount is dangerous because he can run over a linebacker and outrun a safety, so the Lions best defense for him is to get penetration behind the line of scrimmage and force him to make cuts in the backfield.

Wild Card:

If Stanton gets the start, which Stanton is it?  The accurate and poised Stanton that picked apart the Bears, or the wildly inaccurate Stanton that showed up last week?  I have hope that Stanton will look better this week against a familiar defense that he's had success against.  Remember, Stanton ran the scout team offense against Marinelli's Tampa 2 in practice every day and he did a good job against the Bears more talented version of the Tampa 2.  If the Lions establish the running game, the Bucs will have to bring eight men in the box.  That takes the defense out of the Cover 2 and forced them to play more Cover 3.  That leaves a corner one on one with Calvin without help over the top.  If Stanton can take advantage of that, then the Lions will have a good chance at upsetting the Bucs.  If he can't, the Lions will struggle to put points on the board.

Prediction:

The Lions got a confidence boost last week and now they have a beat up Bucs team that just barely beat the Skins last week.  Stanton looked terrible against a 3-4 defense last week that confused him with multiple fronts and blitzes.  This week he gets a familiar defense that rarely blitzes.  I like the Lions' chances in this game because of the success they have had running the ball the last month.  The running game opens up so many more opportunities to attack a defense and the Bucs are missing two of their three best defensive players.  I'm going with the Lions to end their road losing streak in a close game.