Here are a few notes, including updated injury information for each of today's first set of Week 2 games.
Giants at Rams: Rams have WR Drew Bennett (foot), DE Leonard Little (hamstring) and LG Jacob Bell (hamstring) inactive. James Hall will start at RDE, with Chris Long shifting from the right side to Little's LDE spot. Adam Goldberg to start for Bell. Rookie WR Donnie Avery (knee) will play for St. Louis, but newly-signed veteran Eddie Kennison is inactive. For Giants, DE Mathias Kiwanuka (ankle) is active and will start.
Bills at Jaguars: Jags WR Jerry Porter (quest., hamstring) will miss a second straight game. Starting MLB Mike Peterson also inactive for Jacksonville, which is surprising since he wasn't on the injury report. Daryl Smith likely to start in the middle for the Jaguars, who will also be without center Brad Meester (biceps) and WR Troy Williamson (thigh). No major injuries to report for the Bills.
Titans at Bengals: Everyone probably knows by now that Kerry Collins will start for the Titans at QB in place of Vince Young (knee), but Tennessee will have All-Pro DT Albert Haynesworth (concussion) in the lineup. Bengals won't have SS Dexter Jackson (broken thumb), WR Andre Caldwell (toe) and DT Pat Sims (toe).
Bears at Panthers: Panthers will start Geoff Hangartner for Travelle Wharton (knee) at left guard. LB Na'il Diggs (shoulder), CB Chris Gamble (upper arm) and TE Dante Rosario (foot) are all active for Carolina. Bears relatively healthy except for rookie first-round pick Chris Williams (back surgery) at offensive tackle.
Packers at Lions: RB Ryan Grant (hamstring) and CB Charles Woodson (toe) are active and will start for Packers, but Green Bay won't have center Scott Wells (back) or WR Ruvell Martin (finger). Lions will have standout LB Ernie Sims (ankle) in the starting lineup.
Colts at Vikings: Colts to be without All-Pro center Jeff Saturday (knee) and TE Dallas Clark (knee), with rookie Jamey Richard likely to start for Saturday for a second straight week. CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring, quest.) is active for Indianapolis. For Vikings, Artis Hicks (elbow) is active and will start a second straight game in place of the suspended Bryant McKinnie at left offensive tackle.
Raiders at Chiefs: CB DeAngelo Hall (elbow), SS Gibril Wilson (elbow) and DE Derrick Burgess (shoulder) will all start on defense for the Raiders in what reportedly may be Lane Kiffin's last game. Second-year pro Mario Henderson to start for Oakland at left offensive tackle in place of Kwame Harris (knee). As expected, Damon Huard will be under center for the Chiefs with Brodie Croyle inactive with a separated shoulder.
Saints at Redskins: Injury-plagued Saints to be without three starters in the secondary -- CB Mike McKenzie (knee surgery), SS Roman Harper (hamstring) and CB Randall Gay (hamstring) -- as well as regular SLB Scott Fujita (knee). Veteran Aaron Glenn and rookie Tracy Porter will start on the corners for New Orleans, with rookie Jo-Lonn Dunbar making his first career start in place of Fujita. Saints also missing top WR Marques Colston (thumb). For the Redskins, H.B. Blades will start for Marcus Washington (hamstring) at strongside linebacker and rookie Chris Horton takes the place of Reed Doughty (stomach flu) at strong safety.
You can few all the inactives for these games here.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Yes, I'm picking the Rams.
Just to prove that you can't put much stock in what happens during Week 1 of the NFL season, I'm picking the St. Louis Rams to beat the New York Giants on Sunday.
It's nothing against the Giants, I think they're a very fine team that will end up in the playoffs. And it's not an endorsement of the Rams who, well, have some problems. The pick is simply a reflection of the parity that exists in the NFL circa 2008. The Rams arguably looked worse than any other team in the league last week (Bengals fans might object to that one), and the Giants, who kept the Redskins at arm's length through four quarters, arrive in St. Louis riding a 10-game road winning streak.
But I've found that one of the worst things you can try to do in picking winners in the NFL is to apply logic to your decision. Also, there are certain to be around a dozen 1-1 teams after Week 2, just as there were last year, which means a bunch of clubs are going to look either much better or much worse than they did last week.
Thus, Rams 23, Giants 20. By the same logic, I have the Bengals beating the Titans and the Browns beating the Steelers this week.
It's nothing against the Giants, I think they're a very fine team that will end up in the playoffs. And it's not an endorsement of the Rams who, well, have some problems. The pick is simply a reflection of the parity that exists in the NFL circa 2008. The Rams arguably looked worse than any other team in the league last week (Bengals fans might object to that one), and the Giants, who kept the Redskins at arm's length through four quarters, arrive in St. Louis riding a 10-game road winning streak.
But I've found that one of the worst things you can try to do in picking winners in the NFL is to apply logic to your decision. Also, there are certain to be around a dozen 1-1 teams after Week 2, just as there were last year, which means a bunch of clubs are going to look either much better or much worse than they did last week.
Thus, Rams 23, Giants 20. By the same logic, I have the Bengals beating the Titans and the Browns beating the Steelers this week.
Injury Outlook -- Week 2
Here's a brief rundown of the key injuries for all the games on Sunday's docket. Looks like four teams will be making quarterback switches following their openers, with Matt Cassel (Patriots), Kerry Collins (Titans), Brian Griese (Buccaneers) and Damon Huard (Chiefs) expected to replace the ailing grouping of Tom Brady (torn knee ligaments), Vince Young (knee sprain), Jeff Garcia (sprained ankle) and Brodie Croyle (separated shoulder).
Buffalo at Jacksonville: The Jaguars' offensive line is a mess right now after starting guards Vincent Manuwai (torn ACL) and Maurice Williams (biceps tear) suffered season-ending injuries in last week's loss at Tennessee, while center Brad Meester is still recovering from biceps surgery and remains sidelined...Jacksonville does get some good news on the receiving front, where veteran Jerry Porter appears ready for Sunday after sitting out the opener with an ailing hamstring...Bills Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jason Peters, who ended his holdout just prior to Week 1, looks like a good bet to return to his starting spot on the left side.
Chicago at Carolina: Panthers will be without left guard Travelle Wharton (knee sprain), with Geoff Hantgartner expected to get the start...Tight end Dante Rosario, who led Carolina in catches and yards last week, will be a game-time decision with a sprained foot...Panthers star wide receiver Steve Smith to serve the last of his team-issued two-game suspension on Sunday.
Green Bay at Detroit: Packers hurting a bit at the running back spot, where starter Ryan Grant is still bothered by a sore hamstring and backup Brandon Jackson a question mark this week due to a mild concussion...Grant's injury didn't prevent him from putting up 92 yards on just 12 carries in Monday's win over Minnesota, however...Center Scott Wells (back) likely to miss a second straight game, but Pack should get third wide receiver James Jones (knee) after sitting out the opener...Lions could be without their best defender, Ernie Sims, after the linebacker twisted an ankle in last week's debacle in Atlanta.
Indianapolis at Minnesota: Colts will probably be without tight end Dallas Clark (sprained right knee) in this one, so Minnesota can expect more three-receiver looks from Peyton Manning and company...All-Pro center Jeff Saturday, expected to miss up to the season's first six games with a gimpy knee, has been practicing for Indy this week and is a possibility to play...Colts released starting defensive tackle Ed Johnson on Thursday after a drug arrest, with the 274-pound Raheem Brock slated to shift from end to inside...Vikes' left offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie still serving a four-game suspension, but replacement Artis Hicks (elbow) expected to be okay for the contest.
New Orleans at Washington: The big news for this game is the ligament the Saints' Marques Colston tore in his left thumb in Week 1, an injury that will sideline the standout receiver from 4-to-6 weeks...New Orleans will also be without three defensive starters in linebacker Scott Fujita (knee), strong safety Roman Harper (hamstring) and cornerback Randall Gay (hamstring/illness)...Corner Mike McKenzie, however, expected to go after sitting out the opener following offseason knee surgery...Redskins' biggest injury concern is strongside linebacker Marcus Washington, considered questionable with a sore hamstring.
N.Y. Giants at St. Louis: Rams shorthanded at wide receiver following Drew Bennett's fractured left foot in last week's disaster in Philadelphia and rookie Donnie Avery still likely out with an ailing knee...St. Louis signed 35-year-old Eddie Kennison on Tuesday, with the veteran wideout slated to play immediately...Rams also expected to be without defensive end Leonard Little (hamstring) and left guard Jacob Bell (hamstring)...Giants' defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, who rolled his ankle on the final play of the season-opening win over Washington, should be a game-time decision.
Oakland at Kansas City: Huard finished 8-for-12 for 118 yards with a TD and INT after replacing Croyle in last week's loss at New England...Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker slated to play after missing Week 1 with a hamstring strain...Defensive end Derrick Burgess (shoulder) also expected to suit up for Oakland, but left offensive tackle Kwame Harris is a question mark after spraining his knee in the opener.
Tennessee at Cincinnati: Young is thought to be out up to a month with his knee injury, not to mention a badly-bruised psyche...Titans have a big concern on defense as well, with All-Pro tackle Albert Haynesworth considered 50/50 at best to play due to a concussion...Bengals strong safety Dexter Jackson likely out with a broken thumb, but fellow defensive backfield member Chinedum Ndukwe looks to be ready to return from a knee problem which kept him out of last week's tilt.
Atlanta at Tampa Bay: Controversy is beginning to brew in Tampa, where Garcia told the Tampa Tribune earlier this week he believes Bucs head coach Jon Gruden's decision to start Griese over him on Sunday was based more on performance than injury...Linebacker Derrick Brooks, who has played in 209 regular-season games without missing a single one and has started 193 consecutive contests, has both streaks in serious jeopardy after the future Hall of Famer strained his hamstring in Tampa's loss at New Orleans last Sunday...Second-year pro Quincy Black would move into the starting lineup if Brooks can't go, with Cato June shifting from the strong to weak side.
Miami at Arizona: Cardinals starting nose tackle Gabe Watson (knee) and backup Alan Branch (ankle) each missed last Sunday's victory at San Francisco, but both have returned to a limited practice this week and could be available against the Dolphins...Veteran Bryan Robinson started in place of Watson in the opener...Miami placed rookie offensive lineman Donald Thomas on IR after he hurt his foot in last week's game against the Jets, with Ikechuku Ndukwe the team's new starter at right guard.
New England at NY Jets: For once, all eyes won't be on Brett Favre with Cassel set to make his first career start as the Pats begin the Brady-less era...Game-breaking wide receiver Randy Moss also missed some practice time for New England this week with a back ailment, but all indications are he'll play on Sunday...Tight end Ben Watson (knee), however, is expected to miss a second straight game and No. 3 wide receiver Jabar Gaffney (knee) is considered questionable for the Patriots...Jets signed veteran kicker Jay Feely on Monday after Mike Nugent pulled a thigh muscle in the opener and is out for Week 2.
San Diego at Denver: Not long after standout linebacker Shawne Merriman announced his decision to undergo season-ending knee surgery this week, there's a possibility the Chargers could be without their offensive star against the Broncos. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a turf toe problem, although the former league MVP insists he'll be ready for the game...Center Nick Hardwick is still recovering from foot surgery, but San Diego's offensive line may get Marcus McNeill back after the valuable left tackle missed Week 1 with a neck injury...Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie (hip) is questionable for the Denver game, meaning rookie first-round pick Antoine Cason could make his first career start...For the Broncos, linebacker Boss Bailey (high ankle sprain) and center Tom Nalen (knee surgery) look to be about ready after sitting out Monday's rout of Oakland.
San Francisco at Seattle: The Seahawks are still hurting badly at wide receiver, with Nate Burleson tearing his ACL in the Week 1 loss at Buffalo and both Bobby Engram (shoulder) and Deion Branch (knee surgery) still on the shelf...Backup quarterback Seneca Wallace may wind up taking Burleson's starting split end spot for Sunday...Julius Jones will get the bulk of the work for Seattle at running back after Maurice Morris sprained his knee against the Bills...Seahawks right tackle Sean Locklear (knee) likely out another week as well...49ers' most notable injury news regards backup quarterback and former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith, placed on IR on Wednesday with a fractured right shoulder.
Pittsburgh at Cleveland: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed some practice time with a sore shoulder this week, but is in no danger of missing Sunday's matchup...Browns figure to be without No. 2 wide receiver Donte' Stallworth (quadriceps strain) for a second straight week, however...Return specialist Joshua Cribbs, who missed Cleveland's loss to Dallas with an ankle sprain, appears ready to play and share snaps with youngsters Syndric Steptoe and Steve Sanders opposite Pro Bowl wideout Braylon Edwards...Browns also without strong safety Sean Jones, who underwent knee surgery earlier in the week and will be sidelined up to a month, and possibly free safety Brodney Pool, who missed last week with a concussion and is questionable to return...Pittsburgh's Bryant McFadden will start on Sunday for the injured Deshea Townsend (heel) at cornerback.
I'll be providing the injury rundown of Monday's pair of games -- in case you haven't heard, the Baltimore-Houston clash has been pushed back a day due to Hurricane Ike -- later in the week. Also, I'll be blogging from the Meadowlands on Sunday with some thoughts on the Patriots-Jets showdown, as well as the rest of the day's action.
Buffalo at Jacksonville: The Jaguars' offensive line is a mess right now after starting guards Vincent Manuwai (torn ACL) and Maurice Williams (biceps tear) suffered season-ending injuries in last week's loss at Tennessee, while center Brad Meester is still recovering from biceps surgery and remains sidelined...Jacksonville does get some good news on the receiving front, where veteran Jerry Porter appears ready for Sunday after sitting out the opener with an ailing hamstring...Bills Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jason Peters, who ended his holdout just prior to Week 1, looks like a good bet to return to his starting spot on the left side.
Chicago at Carolina: Panthers will be without left guard Travelle Wharton (knee sprain), with Geoff Hantgartner expected to get the start...Tight end Dante Rosario, who led Carolina in catches and yards last week, will be a game-time decision with a sprained foot...Panthers star wide receiver Steve Smith to serve the last of his team-issued two-game suspension on Sunday.
Green Bay at Detroit: Packers hurting a bit at the running back spot, where starter Ryan Grant is still bothered by a sore hamstring and backup Brandon Jackson a question mark this week due to a mild concussion...Grant's injury didn't prevent him from putting up 92 yards on just 12 carries in Monday's win over Minnesota, however...Center Scott Wells (back) likely to miss a second straight game, but Pack should get third wide receiver James Jones (knee) after sitting out the opener...Lions could be without their best defender, Ernie Sims, after the linebacker twisted an ankle in last week's debacle in Atlanta.
Indianapolis at Minnesota: Colts will probably be without tight end Dallas Clark (sprained right knee) in this one, so Minnesota can expect more three-receiver looks from Peyton Manning and company...All-Pro center Jeff Saturday, expected to miss up to the season's first six games with a gimpy knee, has been practicing for Indy this week and is a possibility to play...Colts released starting defensive tackle Ed Johnson on Thursday after a drug arrest, with the 274-pound Raheem Brock slated to shift from end to inside...Vikes' left offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie still serving a four-game suspension, but replacement Artis Hicks (elbow) expected to be okay for the contest.
New Orleans at Washington: The big news for this game is the ligament the Saints' Marques Colston tore in his left thumb in Week 1, an injury that will sideline the standout receiver from 4-to-6 weeks...New Orleans will also be without three defensive starters in linebacker Scott Fujita (knee), strong safety Roman Harper (hamstring) and cornerback Randall Gay (hamstring/illness)...Corner Mike McKenzie, however, expected to go after sitting out the opener following offseason knee surgery...Redskins' biggest injury concern is strongside linebacker Marcus Washington, considered questionable with a sore hamstring.
N.Y. Giants at St. Louis: Rams shorthanded at wide receiver following Drew Bennett's fractured left foot in last week's disaster in Philadelphia and rookie Donnie Avery still likely out with an ailing knee...St. Louis signed 35-year-old Eddie Kennison on Tuesday, with the veteran wideout slated to play immediately...Rams also expected to be without defensive end Leonard Little (hamstring) and left guard Jacob Bell (hamstring)...Giants' defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, who rolled his ankle on the final play of the season-opening win over Washington, should be a game-time decision.
Oakland at Kansas City: Huard finished 8-for-12 for 118 yards with a TD and INT after replacing Croyle in last week's loss at New England...Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker slated to play after missing Week 1 with a hamstring strain...Defensive end Derrick Burgess (shoulder) also expected to suit up for Oakland, but left offensive tackle Kwame Harris is a question mark after spraining his knee in the opener.
Tennessee at Cincinnati: Young is thought to be out up to a month with his knee injury, not to mention a badly-bruised psyche...Titans have a big concern on defense as well, with All-Pro tackle Albert Haynesworth considered 50/50 at best to play due to a concussion...Bengals strong safety Dexter Jackson likely out with a broken thumb, but fellow defensive backfield member Chinedum Ndukwe looks to be ready to return from a knee problem which kept him out of last week's tilt.
Atlanta at Tampa Bay: Controversy is beginning to brew in Tampa, where Garcia told the Tampa Tribune earlier this week he believes Bucs head coach Jon Gruden's decision to start Griese over him on Sunday was based more on performance than injury...Linebacker Derrick Brooks, who has played in 209 regular-season games without missing a single one and has started 193 consecutive contests, has both streaks in serious jeopardy after the future Hall of Famer strained his hamstring in Tampa's loss at New Orleans last Sunday...Second-year pro Quincy Black would move into the starting lineup if Brooks can't go, with Cato June shifting from the strong to weak side.
Miami at Arizona: Cardinals starting nose tackle Gabe Watson (knee) and backup Alan Branch (ankle) each missed last Sunday's victory at San Francisco, but both have returned to a limited practice this week and could be available against the Dolphins...Veteran Bryan Robinson started in place of Watson in the opener...Miami placed rookie offensive lineman Donald Thomas on IR after he hurt his foot in last week's game against the Jets, with Ikechuku Ndukwe the team's new starter at right guard.
New England at NY Jets: For once, all eyes won't be on Brett Favre with Cassel set to make his first career start as the Pats begin the Brady-less era...Game-breaking wide receiver Randy Moss also missed some practice time for New England this week with a back ailment, but all indications are he'll play on Sunday...Tight end Ben Watson (knee), however, is expected to miss a second straight game and No. 3 wide receiver Jabar Gaffney (knee) is considered questionable for the Patriots...Jets signed veteran kicker Jay Feely on Monday after Mike Nugent pulled a thigh muscle in the opener and is out for Week 2.
San Diego at Denver: Not long after standout linebacker Shawne Merriman announced his decision to undergo season-ending knee surgery this week, there's a possibility the Chargers could be without their offensive star against the Broncos. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a turf toe problem, although the former league MVP insists he'll be ready for the game...Center Nick Hardwick is still recovering from foot surgery, but San Diego's offensive line may get Marcus McNeill back after the valuable left tackle missed Week 1 with a neck injury...Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie (hip) is questionable for the Denver game, meaning rookie first-round pick Antoine Cason could make his first career start...For the Broncos, linebacker Boss Bailey (high ankle sprain) and center Tom Nalen (knee surgery) look to be about ready after sitting out Monday's rout of Oakland.
San Francisco at Seattle: The Seahawks are still hurting badly at wide receiver, with Nate Burleson tearing his ACL in the Week 1 loss at Buffalo and both Bobby Engram (shoulder) and Deion Branch (knee surgery) still on the shelf...Backup quarterback Seneca Wallace may wind up taking Burleson's starting split end spot for Sunday...Julius Jones will get the bulk of the work for Seattle at running back after Maurice Morris sprained his knee against the Bills...Seahawks right tackle Sean Locklear (knee) likely out another week as well...49ers' most notable injury news regards backup quarterback and former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith, placed on IR on Wednesday with a fractured right shoulder.
Pittsburgh at Cleveland: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed some practice time with a sore shoulder this week, but is in no danger of missing Sunday's matchup...Browns figure to be without No. 2 wide receiver Donte' Stallworth (quadriceps strain) for a second straight week, however...Return specialist Joshua Cribbs, who missed Cleveland's loss to Dallas with an ankle sprain, appears ready to play and share snaps with youngsters Syndric Steptoe and Steve Sanders opposite Pro Bowl wideout Braylon Edwards...Browns also without strong safety Sean Jones, who underwent knee surgery earlier in the week and will be sidelined up to a month, and possibly free safety Brodney Pool, who missed last week with a concussion and is questionable to return...Pittsburgh's Bryant McFadden will start on Sunday for the injured Deshea Townsend (heel) at cornerback.
I'll be providing the injury rundown of Monday's pair of games -- in case you haven't heard, the Baltimore-Houston clash has been pushed back a day due to Hurricane Ike -- later in the week. Also, I'll be blogging from the Meadowlands on Sunday with some thoughts on the Patriots-Jets showdown, as well as the rest of the day's action.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Some postgame thoughts
For those who may have tuned into tonight's Giants/Redskins clash around 8:30 or so (EST), you pretty much missed all there was to see. New York scored on its first four possessions (1 touchdown, 3 field goals), then basically sleepwalked through a scoreless second half. On the Washington side, the official unveiling of new head coach Jim Zorn's West Coast offense was more Edsel than Corvette -- the Redskins' lone score in the 16-7 loss came in the final minutes of the second quarter and probably wouldn't have come about if not for a 50-yard kick return by special teams ace Rock Cartwright into Giants' territory.
Some notes and observations:
-- Plaxico Burress is a happy and healthy camper, and the proof was in the pudding tonight. After missing a good portion of training camp due to a sore ankle which may or may not have been related to a contract squabble, the rangy wide receiver showed his appreciation for the lucrative two-year contract extension he agreed to just prior to Thursday's game by shredding Washington's banged-up secondary for 133 yards on 10 catches. During New York's 11-play, 84-yard touchdown march to open the game, Burress had three grabs totaling 60 yards.
-With 44-year-old kicker John Carney joining 42-year-old punter Jeff Feagles on the opening-week roster, the Giants became the first team in the Super Bowl era to have two players 42 or over at one time. It marks the first time since 1999 that Feagles is not the elder statesman on his team (a great note courtesy of the Giants media relations staff and the Elias Sports Bureau).
-Two rookies, linebacker Bryan Kehl and free safety Kenny Phillips, saw a lot of second-half playing time for the Giants and both impressed. Kehl was unofficially credited with five solo tackles and displayed good speed and instincts in his debut, while first-round pick Phillips made a nifty open-field tackle to end a Redskins drive in the third quarter.
-One young Giant who didn't make an impact was second-year tight end Kevin Boss. Jeremy Shockey's successor finished without a catch and received few looks from quarterback Eli Manning, possibly because Burress was routinely having his way on one-on-one matchups with corners Carlos Rogers and Fred Smoot.
-For all the hubbub about Zorn and his innovative play-calling, the Redskins' offense looked an awful lot like the conservative operation predecessor Joe Gibbs favored during his two tenures. Washington rarely took shots downfield through the air and mustered a paltry 100 total yards and five first downs through the first three quarters. Perhaps the six points the Redskins produced over the final two preseason games were more telling than originally thought.
-New Redskins defensive end and accomplished dancer Jason Taylor made his 131st consecutive regular-season start despite being hobbled by a sprained knee, but the injury seemed to have an effect on the perennial All-Pro. Taylor was credited with just two tackles and had little impact on the game as a pass rusher.
-Washington's Chris Cooley extended his streak of consecutive games with a catch to 56, but the standout tight end didn't make his only reception (a seven-yard grab) until with under four minutes to go.
QUOTABLE
-"I could tell before the game, during our warmup, that he had a lot of energy. He felt good and it showed." -- Manning on Burress
-"To play a Super Bowl defending (champion) team, you can not be as poor as we were on offense and expect to come out and win." -- Zorn
Some notes and observations:
-- Plaxico Burress is a happy and healthy camper, and the proof was in the pudding tonight. After missing a good portion of training camp due to a sore ankle which may or may not have been related to a contract squabble, the rangy wide receiver showed his appreciation for the lucrative two-year contract extension he agreed to just prior to Thursday's game by shredding Washington's banged-up secondary for 133 yards on 10 catches. During New York's 11-play, 84-yard touchdown march to open the game, Burress had three grabs totaling 60 yards.
-With 44-year-old kicker John Carney joining 42-year-old punter Jeff Feagles on the opening-week roster, the Giants became the first team in the Super Bowl era to have two players 42 or over at one time. It marks the first time since 1999 that Feagles is not the elder statesman on his team (a great note courtesy of the Giants media relations staff and the Elias Sports Bureau).
-Two rookies, linebacker Bryan Kehl and free safety Kenny Phillips, saw a lot of second-half playing time for the Giants and both impressed. Kehl was unofficially credited with five solo tackles and displayed good speed and instincts in his debut, while first-round pick Phillips made a nifty open-field tackle to end a Redskins drive in the third quarter.
-One young Giant who didn't make an impact was second-year tight end Kevin Boss. Jeremy Shockey's successor finished without a catch and received few looks from quarterback Eli Manning, possibly because Burress was routinely having his way on one-on-one matchups with corners Carlos Rogers and Fred Smoot.
-For all the hubbub about Zorn and his innovative play-calling, the Redskins' offense looked an awful lot like the conservative operation predecessor Joe Gibbs favored during his two tenures. Washington rarely took shots downfield through the air and mustered a paltry 100 total yards and five first downs through the first three quarters. Perhaps the six points the Redskins produced over the final two preseason games were more telling than originally thought.
-New Redskins defensive end and accomplished dancer Jason Taylor made his 131st consecutive regular-season start despite being hobbled by a sprained knee, but the injury seemed to have an effect on the perennial All-Pro. Taylor was credited with just two tackles and had little impact on the game as a pass rusher.
-Washington's Chris Cooley extended his streak of consecutive games with a catch to 56, but the standout tight end didn't make his only reception (a seven-yard grab) until with under four minutes to go.
QUOTABLE
-"I could tell before the game, during our warmup, that he had a lot of energy. He felt good and it showed." -- Manning on Burress
-"To play a Super Bowl defending (champion) team, you can not be as poor as we were on offense and expect to come out and win." -- Zorn
Something Else About Ocho Cinco...
I know I'm supposed to be watching the Giants/Redskins game, but our Scott Garbarini is there covering it so I'm going to take one eye off the TV to weigh in on the newly-ordained Chad Ocho Cinco. Frankly, I've got no real problem with it. There are dumber names in the NFL. I'm just glad he changed it to something I won't have trouble spelling - Chad Houshmandzadeh would have been a problem.
Anyway, I have a scenario for you. The 2008 season ends with the Bengals in typical disarray, and Chad and Cincinnati decide to part ways. Since he'll be smack-dab in the middle of the six-year extension he signed in April of 2006, Cincinnati will be inclined to move him via a trade.
At the same time, the 2008 season ends poorly for the Rams, and the team decides to trade (as they explored doing this past March) top wideout Torry Holt. Now in the market for a wide receiver, St. Louis and whoever its next coach is decide Chad Ocho Cinco fits their needs.
Bengals and Rams agree to trade. Just one problem though - the man whose name translates in Spanish to "eight, five" has been moved to a team where the No. 85 has been retired in honor of Jack Youngblood (the Lions are the other team for which 85 is retired). What does Chad do now? He either refuses to report to the Rams or changes his name again, I guess. Chad Ocho Seis? Chad Doce? Or maybe back to Chad Johnson. Whatever he does, he looks like a fool, though at this point I'm kind of figuring that doesn't matter to him a whole lot.
I know it's far-fetched, but wouldn't that be fun?
Anyway, I have a scenario for you. The 2008 season ends with the Bengals in typical disarray, and Chad and Cincinnati decide to part ways. Since he'll be smack-dab in the middle of the six-year extension he signed in April of 2006, Cincinnati will be inclined to move him via a trade.
At the same time, the 2008 season ends poorly for the Rams, and the team decides to trade (as they explored doing this past March) top wideout Torry Holt. Now in the market for a wide receiver, St. Louis and whoever its next coach is decide Chad Ocho Cinco fits their needs.
Bengals and Rams agree to trade. Just one problem though - the man whose name translates in Spanish to "eight, five" has been moved to a team where the No. 85 has been retired in honor of Jack Youngblood (the Lions are the other team for which 85 is retired). What does Chad do now? He either refuses to report to the Rams or changes his name again, I guess. Chad Ocho Seis? Chad Doce? Or maybe back to Chad Johnson. Whatever he does, he looks like a fool, though at this point I'm kind of figuring that doesn't matter to him a whole lot.
I know it's far-fetched, but wouldn't that be fun?
Giants picking up right where they left off
If the first two offensive possessions of the 2008 NFL season are any indication, the defending Super Bowl-winning New York Giants are looking like champs once again.
The G-Men took the opening kickoff off tonight's clash with the Washington Redskins and promptly marched 84 yards in 11 plays for a touchdown. Quarterback Eli Manning, one of the many heroes during New York's remarkable postseason run last winter, completed 4-of-7 passes for 68 yards on the series and capped it with a one-yard run to paydirt. Wide receiver Plaxico Burress, the proud recipient of a new two-year contract extension, caught three of those strikes for 60 yards.
New York's defense flashed its 2007 form as well on Washington's first drive. On the Redskins' initial play from scrimmage, quarterback Jason Campbell was sacked by end Justin Tuck for an eight-yard loss, leading to a quick three-and-out. Who needs Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, anyway?
The G-Men took the opening kickoff off tonight's clash with the Washington Redskins and promptly marched 84 yards in 11 plays for a touchdown. Quarterback Eli Manning, one of the many heroes during New York's remarkable postseason run last winter, completed 4-of-7 passes for 68 yards on the series and capped it with a one-yard run to paydirt. Wide receiver Plaxico Burress, the proud recipient of a new two-year contract extension, caught three of those strikes for 60 yards.
New York's defense flashed its 2007 form as well on Washington's first drive. On the Redskins' initial play from scrimmage, quarterback Jason Campbell was sacked by end Justin Tuck for an eight-yard loss, leading to a quick three-and-out. Who needs Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, anyway?
Jason Taylor to start for 'Skins
Here are the inactives for tonight's season opener between the Giants and Redskins. Washington defensive end Jason Taylor, considered a game-time decision with a sprained knee, will start and make his regular-season debut as a Redskin. Normal left cornerback Shawn Springs, however, is out with an injured calf. Veteran Fred Smoot is starting in his place.
For the Giants, kicker Lawrence Tynes is still recovering from preseason knee surgery and will not play. John Carney, 44 years young, was signed by Big Blue earlier in the week and will assume those duties.
Here are the rest:
Giants: RB Reuben Droughns, CB Terrell Thomas (hamstring), CB Sam Madison (sports hernia surgery), LB Jonathan Goff (back), OT Adam Koets, DE Dave Tollefson, WR Mario Manningham
Redskins: Colt Brennan (3rd QB), WR Malcolm Kelly (knee), S Kareem Moore (hamstring), OG Chad Rinehart, TE Fred Davis, DE Rob Jackson
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