NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

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Season Records:

Cardinals: 5-10, 4th in NFC West, Last Week: W vs. Dallas, 27-26

49ers: 5-10, 3rd in NFC West, Last Week: L vs. St. Louis, 25-17

Gametime:

Sunday, January 2nd, 4:15 pm, EST, Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA

The End of a Long, Disappointing Road for the 2010 Cardinals:

There will be playoff questions answered this Sunday in the NFC West, but not for the Cardinals and 49ers. Their questions have already been answered by perhaps equally disappointing seasons for both squads. Countless experts tabbed the 49ers as the most likely team to have their division locked up by November with 12 wins finally within reach for the team by the Bay. Obviously, that wasn’t how things turned out for the 49ers, who have won only 5 games and find themselves with a new interim head coach after Mike Singletary finally got the axe. In the end, the Niners didn’t wait long, firing Singletary only hours after they were eliminated from playoff contention by the Rams last Sunday. “Obviously we had expectations of being a playoff-caliber team this year,” team president Jed York stated. “Whether we were a 7-9 division winner or not didn’t matter to me… I’m not sure when our players are going to be back next season, so I wanted to make sure we didn’t have a coaching turnover, coaching change going into (a potential lockout).” Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula will take over for Singletary for at least one game.

The Cardinals knew they had a tough road ahead with so much change on the roster this year, but I don’t think they anticipated this kind of season. Instead of dredge up a painful season review (which will certainly come after the season is over), let’s take a look at a few positives. The Cardinals have won two of their last three, which means that John Skelton is 2-1 as a starter. Skelton, however, hasn’t exactly gone out and won the games for his team; in three games his line reads: 46/101, 570 yards, 45.3 completion percentage, 1 TD, 1 INT, 62.7 rating. Obviously nothing to write home about, but his game will improve drastically once he gets his completion percentage north of 55%, which unlike Anderson, Skelton will probably accomplish if given the proper time to develop.

Skelton’s work during the Cardinals’ game winning drive against the Cowboys on Christmas was particularly encouraging. With less than two minutes to play Skelton drove his team down the field, converting on a fourth-and-15 from the Cardinals’ 19 on a 26-yard pass to Larry Fitzgerald. Skelton then hit fellow rookie Max Komar for 19 more yards, but an illegal formation penalty moved the ball back 5 yards. Feely, who had a 49-yarder earlier, missed three kicks all season, including a 49-yard attempt Saturday night; Feely banged it through for the 27-26 win, making irrelevant the fact that the Cardinals blew a 21-3 half-time lead.

Despite his recent success, if John Skelton is to be the Cardinals starting quarterback next year he has a lot of work to do. “We’re finding out a lot about our young players, not so much by design as it is by necessity,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “But it’s been a positive when you think back to the game and you see how many young guys made big plays.” That’s what this last game is about for the Cardinals. It’s one last chance to evaluate the young players on the roster before heading into the off-season grind. Guys like Skelton, Komar, Andre Roberts, Daryl Washington, and Dan Williams, all of whom figure to be a larger part of the 2011 squad.

Make no mistake, though. Both teams want to win this game. “We’re going to win,” 49ers’ interim head coach Tomsula said Monday. “Let me make that clear. That was something we talked about this morning. [team president' Jed [York] made that very clear. [Vice president of player personnel] Trent Baalke’s made it very clear — very, very crystal clear.” Nobody wants to end the season with a loss.

Cincinnati Bengals (4-11) vs. Baltimore Ravens (11-4)

Taking Care Of Business

With the Wild Card spot wrapped up, the Ravens still have a slim chance of winning the division.  The Ravens must beat Cincinnati and hope (by some miracle) Pittsburgh loses to Cleveland to win the division. The Ravens finally beat an elite quarterback this year, when they handed Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints a loss in Baltimore. Now another hurdle stands in there way, Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals.  Palmer has had his share of success against the Ravens. The Ravens look to finish out strong with win at home and take care of business against Carson Palmer.

The Bengals

This has not been a good year for Bengals, however of late they are playing well.   QB Carson Palmer has been hot and cold with 25 TD passes and 3665 passing yards. Palmer has been sacked 26 times and has thrown 18 interceptions on the season.  Recent injuries to Terrell Owens (leading receiver) and Chad Ochocinco has opened up opportunities for veteran Andre Caldwell and third year receiver Jerome Simpson who has excelled. Rookie WR Jordon Shipley (50 rec., 831 yards, 4 TD.'s) has been a pleasant surprise and standout rookie TE Jermaine Gresham has proven a good draft choice as the third leading receiver (52 rec., 471 yards, 4 TD's,).  Running back Cedric Benson poses a threat with 1058 yards rushing with 7 TD.'s. Benson has a 3.5 yard average and 7 fumbles (5 lost) on the season.  The Bengals rank 22nd in points scored (21.0), 13th in passing yards (230.8) and 26th in rushing yards (95.5)

Defensively the team has had some injuries in the secondary this season. CB Adam Jones was placed on injured reserve in late October. Jonathan Joseph has only played in 11 games this season. Leon Hall has been the only corner to play a full season. Safety Chinedum Ndukwe was place on injured reserve (Dec.). Veteran SS Roy Williams has also missed some games with injuries. The playmakers up front include LB Dhani Jones (leading tackler 121), LB Keith Rivers LB Rey Maualuga, DT Domata Peko. Rookie DE Carlos Dunlap is playing well with and is the sack leader with 8 on the season. The unit ranks 25th in points allowed (25.5), 18th in passing yards (224.5) and 20th in rushing yards allowed (116.3).  

Player Match-ups:

QB Joe Flacco & Ravens receivers vs. CB's Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph: Flacco hasn't played all that great versus the Bengals secondary. He had 4 INT's in the first match-up this year.  Heading into the playoffs it will be important for Flacco and his receivers to have some success against a good cornerback tandem.

RB Ray Rice vs. LB Dhani Jones: The Ravens want to continue to get Rice revved up for the playoffs. Dhani Jones is the leading tackler on the team. Of late: The Bengals rush defense held San Diego to 64 yards rushing last Sunday and the week before held Peyton Hillis to 59 yards rushing.

OLB Suggs vs. LT Andrew Whitworth: The Bengals left tackle has played in all 15 games this year. T-Sizzle can't let Palmer get comfortable in the pocket.

RB Cedric Benson vs. Front 7: Benson poses a threat. Look for the Haloti Ngata, Ray Lewis and the front seven to make a statement by finishing strong at home.

CB Josh Wilson vs. Andre Caldwell/Ochocinco: Who knows if Ochocinco will play. Either way Caldwell and Ochocinco have had success against the Ravens secondary.

CB Lardarius Webb vs. WR Jerome Simpson: The 3d year receiver is lighting it up. Last week he had 6 receptions for 124 yards and a TD.

CB Ed Reed vs. QB Palmer: Ed Reed had 2 interceptions against the Browns and he must contain Palmer's passing attack.

WHO MAKES THE HIGHLIGHT FILM

Jonathan Scruggs: Terrell Suggs

"The Ravens have historically struggled against the Bengals, but in the few instances where they've dominated, it's been when the defensive ends have gotten to Carson Palmer. Terrell will have to have a career day to ensure that the Bengals are put to bed quietly and quickly."

Matt Jergensen:  Joe Flacco

"The Ravens will stick to the run but Flacco must continue to make big throws when needed. This is a chance for Joe to atone for one of his worst showings as a professional. If the Ravens hope to make a deep run, Flacco must be more than a manager and must up his games against the league's better defenses and offenses."

Gene Winner: Anquan Boldin

"We haven't seen Boldin get into the mix for quite a while. Time for Cam Cameron to take some chances over the middle."

While the Cowboys would love to win in Philadelphia on Sunday when they play their season finale against the Eagles (3:15 EST), they will trying to do so with a lot of youth on the field. It is not because they would like a sneak peak at what they have, although that is a perk, it is because the Cowboys are a hurting unit.

Many of the players the Cowboys will be taking a look at on Sunday are playing due to injuries on the starting squad. The most notable will be QB Stephen McGee who is starting in place of the injured Jon Kitna. McGee came in at the end of last week's game against Arizona and led the Cowboys on two touchdown scoring drives. He will have his work cut out for him on Sunday though. The Eagles present a much different challenge. While the Eagles have no playoff ramifications to worry about, they hate the Cowboys and that's all the motivation they need. McGee will likely face lots of blitzes and pressure. It will be a good test for the youngster.

The Cowboys are also banged up at linebacker and receiver so expect to see a lot of the young guys playing there. Including WR's Jesse Holley and Manny Johnson. Both players will likely see a lot of action on offense with Miles Austin and Sam Hurd the only healthy wideouts. Roy Williams will be a game-time decision with his groin strain.

As for the defense, expect to see a lot of Sean Lee, Brandon Williams, and Victor Butler. All three players will play significant roles with the injuries to the Cowboys linebacking core. Bradie James and Keith Brooking have been hobbled by injuries the last half of the season and Anthony Spencer has been under performing.

Many fans wanted the Cowboys to take a look at what they have heading into next year, now they will get that opportunity.

The pockets of Steelers LB James Harrison just got a little more full, as the league has announced they have reduced the biggest fine it levied the Steelers linebacker by one-third.

The fine was in question was the $75,000 find that Harrison was hit with his hit on Cleveland wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi in Pittsburgh back on October 17th. Harrison had lost his appeal, but today the league reduced the fine by $25,000 to $50,000.

“We’re very pleased with the reduction and it’s good step in the right direction,” said Harrison’s agent, Bill Parise.

Harrison has been hit four times this year with fines. The total of the fines was $125,000, but is now at $100,0000. Parise on Tuesday will appeal a $25,000 fine on Harrison for a hit in Buffalo November 28th of Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.

In a statement, the NFL said tonight:

“We can confirm the outcome of those appeals. The fines of Dunta Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons and Brandon Meriwether of the New England Patriots for flagrant hits against defenseless receivers have been reduced on appeal. The appeals officer, Ted Cottrell, reduced Robinson’s fine from $50,000 to $25,000 and Meriweather’s fine from $50,000 to $40,000. Following these decisions, Cottrell took the additional step of reviewing the appeal of James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Harrison was fined $75,000 earlier this season for a similar flagrant hit. Cottrell consulted with Commissioner Goodell about reducing Harrison’s fine to $50,000 and the commissioner fully supported the decision. Cottrell said he reduced the fines because the players said they understood the rules and have made efforts to adjust their techniques to play within the rules that protect player safety.”

Listed are the TV network, TV/national radio announcers and SIRIUS/XM satellite radio channels. All times shown are local to game site:

Carolina at Atlanta — FOX (1:00 PM ET): Dick Stockton, Charles Davis, Jaime Maggio (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 153 (Car.), 121 (Ari.). XM: 107 (Ari.).

Cincinnati at Baltimore — CBS (1:00 PM ET): Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots. SIRIUS: 130 (Cin.), 152 (Bal.). XM: 106 (Bal.).

Pittsburgh at Cleveland — CBS (1:00 PM ET): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts. SIRIUS: 127 (Pit.), 125 (Cle.). XM: 102 (Cle.).

Minnesota at Detroit — FOX (1:00 PM ET): Ron Pitts, John Lynch, Jennifer Hammond (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 113 (Min.), 155 (Det.). XM: 109 (Det.).

Oakland at Kansas City — CBS (12:00 PM CT): Spero Dedes, Randy Cross. SIRIUS: 91 (Oak.), 154 (KC). XM: 108 (KC).

Miami at New England — CBS (1:00 PM ET): Bill Macatee, Rich Gannon. SIRIUS: 157 (Mia.), 158 (NE). XM: 105 (NE).

Tampa Bay at New Orleans — FOX (12:00 PM CT): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick, Charissa Thompson (Field reporter). Westwood One Radio: Howard David, Tony Boselli. SIRIUS: 123 (TB), 90 (NO). XM: 110 (NO).

Buffalo at New York Jets — CBS (1:00 PM ET): Gus Johnson, Steve Tasker. SIRIUS: 129 (Buf.), 126 (NYJ). XM: 103 (NYJ).

San Diego at Denver — CBS (2:15 PM MT): Don Criqui, Steve Beuerlein. SIRIUS: 157 (SD), 155 (Den.). XM: 109 (Den.).

Chicago at Green Bay — FOX (3:15 PM CT): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver (Field reporter). Westwood One Radio: Kevin Kugler, Mark Malone. SIRIUS: 123 (Chi.), 127 (GB). XM: 104 (GB).

Jacksonville at Houston — CBS (3:15 PM CT): Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf. SIRIUS: 144 (Jax.), 154 (Hou.). XM: 108 (Hou.).

Tennessee at Indianapolis — CBS (4:15 PM ET): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms. SIRIUS: 90 (Ind.). XM: 110 (Ind.).

Dallas at Philadelphia — FOX (4:15 PM ET): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa (field reporter). SIRIUS: 125 (Dal.), 121 (Phi.). XM: 107 (Phi.).

Arizona at San Francisco — FOX (1:15 PM PT): Chris Myers, Jim Mora, Nischelle Turner (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 130 (Ari.), 156 (SF). XM: 111 (SF).

New York Giants at Washington — FOX (4:15 PM ET): Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan, Laura Okmin (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 126 (NYG), 152 (Was.). XM: 106 (Was.).

St. Louis at Seattle (Sunday night) — NBC (5:20 PM PT): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Andrea Kremer (Field reporter). Westwood One Radio: Dave Sims, James Lofton, Scott Kaplan (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 127 (WW1), 125 (StL.), 126 (Sea.). XM: 104 (WW1), 102 (StL.), 103 (Sea.).

Despite another season of not making the postseason, it appears that Tony Sparano is sticking around as head coach of the Dolphins. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports Dolphins consultant Bill Parcells has convinced Dolphins owner Stephen Ross to keep Sparano as coach for 2011.

NFL Network reporter Mike Lombardi reported on Inside the NFL on Wednesday night that the Dolphins will keep Sparano, but likely will hire a new offensive coordinator to replace Dan Henning. Lombardi stated "things could change with a bad loss in New England, but for right now, Tony Sparano is due to stay."

Lombardi mentioned Gary Kubiak as a potential candidate for the offensive coordinator job if he’s fired by the Houston Texans. He also mentioned former Denver coach Josh McDaniels, who traded Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins this past offseason.

Sparano was asked by Boston-area reporters if he expects to coach the Dolphins next season. “That’s a question for somebody else, not for me right now,” he said. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported earlier this week that Sparano is expected to be fired after the Dolphins season ends Sunday.