Don't blink if you want to see Randy Moss

Randy Moss has several "returns" to the Metrodome in his career, including the 2006 preseason while with the Oakland Raiders and after being re-acquired by the Minnesota Vikings in 2010. Here's some advice for Vikings fans who want to see Moss on the field Sunday: Pay attention.

Yes, Moss' latest homecoming is notable mostly for the part-time role he has assumed for the San Francisco 49ers. Moss is in essence sharing the 49ers' No. 3 receiver role with Kyle Williams, behind starters Michael Crabtree and Mario Manningham, and has been on the field for only 37 of the 49ers' 130 offensive snaps (28.5 percent) over the first two games. Quarterback Alex Smith has targeted Moss on only five of his 57 pass attempts, completing all five for 61 yards and a touchdown. (Statistics courtesy of Pro Football Focus.)

Randy Moss

#84 WR
San Francisco 49ers

2012 STATS

• Rec5
• Yds61
• TD1
• Avg12.2
• Long20
• YAC0

Moss, 35, didn't play last season and hasn't been a downfield threat since averaging 15.2 yards on 83 catches for the New England Patriots in 2009. The 49ers aren't really a downfield offense, preferring to utilize their physical line to run the ball while Smith attacks mid-range openings. But if the 49ers thought Moss could routinely stretch the defense downfield, it stands to reason they would use him that way -- as a decoy if nothing else.

Speaking to Bay-area reporters this week, Moss said "I am not" concerned about playing time and noted "it's really not up to me." He added: "I just come out here and practice every day. When called upon I try to make a play."

We've learned over the years that Moss is a special athlete and football player. There is no sense writing him off now, or ever. But if he has reached his physical limit, kudos to the 49ers for recognizing it and finding a reasonable way for him to contribute rather than mis-cast him in a role he played 10 years ago. And for two games, at least, Moss deserves credit for accepting the 49ers' plan.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46544/dont-blink-if-you-want-to-see-randy-moss
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08.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blogger Blitz: Tight ends in end zone

Three years ago, there was so much excitement about NFC North tight ends that we monitored their progress regularly throughout the season. For different reasons, we've reached a similar point in 2012.

I'm sure fans of each NFC North team has had some angst about their top tight end this season, but the bottom line is that all four have scored a touchdown during the first two weeks of the season. I've set up a chart in this post to help us monitor their usage, performance and efficiency over time, and in this post I've offered some context and specifics in the Blogger Blitz video.

Drops are based on ESPN Stats & Information's evaluation and standards. They're an unofficial statistic and it's quite possible you'll see different numbers from other evaluators. It's a judgment call.

NFC North Tight Ends: 2012

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46539/blogger-blitz-tight-ends-in-end-zone
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BBAO: Antoine Winfield speaks up

We're Black and Blue All Over. (We're also on Facebook and Twitter.)

Since signing with the Minnesota Vikings in 2004, cornerback Antoine Winfield has addressed the team perhaps two or three times. One of them came Monday, a day after the Vikings allowed a game-winning drive to rookie Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck in a 23-20 defeat.

Winfield recently endured the loss of his brother, who was murdered earlier this month, but he told reporters Wednesday that his 10-minute speech was about football. Winfield wouldn't reveal the specifics but said: "I only stand up and say stuff when it's coming from the heart and I think it needs to be said. … I'm only playing this game because I want to win a championship. It's not about the money anymore. I still love to play. I think I'm still productive, I still play at a high level. That's why I'm here."

Players, coaches and even general manager Rick Spielman were in the room for Winfield's talk.

At 1-1, the Vikings haven't exactly performed below the modest expectations most people have for them. Perhaps that was part of Winfield's point, and it's possible he wanted to get some thoughts on the record before this season got away. Regardless, it's worth noting when a longtime and highly respected veteran stands up and gives a speech to the team at the start of Week 3.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Vikings safety Harrison Smith on the speech, via the Star Tribune: "He let us know exactly what he sees in this team and what he wants from us. It was good to hear him calling it like he sees it and allowing us to better understand what we need to be doing and what we need to be correcting. There's not one guy on this team who doesn't respect Antoine and look to him for how he does things. So when he tells us what he sees, we're going to listen with the understanding that he knows best."
• Vikings receiver Devin Aromashodu on the lack of downfield plays so far, via Judd Zulgad of 1500ESPN.com: "There may be some out there. But we can only go with what's being called. If the opportunity's given, we try to go and make the play."
• David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune on Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler: "Cutler's last blowup matters much less than his next one will in the context of the 2012 season. And, rest assured, Cutler will blow up again. If neither fatherhood nor the Bears surrounding Cutler with everything he wanted in the offseason failed to change an educated, articulate 29-year-old, I doubt anything can. A man has to consider his behavior wrong before he changes it and I am not convinced the Vanderbilt grad can spell w-r-o-n-g. Nobody will know if Cutler truly learned from his mistake in Green Bay until the next sign of trouble. "
• Bears fans want to believe in Cutler, but it's tough, writes Jon Greenberg of ESPNChicago.com.
• Bears coach Lovie Smith spoke with cornerback D.J. Moore about his public criticism of Cutler, writes Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh responded Wednesday to comments from San Francisco 49ers left tackle Joe Staley, who said the Lions' defensive line was overrated. Suh, via the Detroit Free Press: "I find it very interesting and laughable sometimes, but it's not my concern. I don't go against him. The times that I guess I have I've never had an issue with him. If he has an issue with me, he knows where to find me. … People are going to say what they want to say. Especially, I mean, you get a win, feel like you can talk, great for you. That doesn't really mean [anything] to me."
• Lions cornerback Chris Houston said he will be "ready to go" this week against the Tennessee Titans, notes Justin Rogers of Mlive.com.
• The Lions have been waiting for years to get running back Mikel Leshoure on the field, writes Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
• Yelling at teammates is part of football, writes Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said that "player safety was compromised at times" in some games during Week 2 because of replacement officials. Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com has more.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46533/bbao-antoine-winfield-speaks-up
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NFC North Wednesday practice report

Let's take an evening look at the Wednesday practice report for the NFC North:

Chicago Bears: Coach Lovie Smith said that tailback Matt Forte (ankle) is improving, but he wasn't able to practice Wednesday. Defensive end Julius Peppers also missed practice.

Detroit Lions: Cornerback Drayton Florence had surgery on his broken arm and was placed on injured reserve. The Lions designated him as a player who could return to practice after six weeks and to a game two weeks after that. Cornerback Chris Houston (ankle) was a full participant, and fellow cornerback Bill Bentley (concussion) was limited. Safety Louis Delmas (knee) still has not returned to practice. Also sitting out practice: Receiver Calvin Johnson (ankle), tight end Tony Scheffler (calf) and defensive tackle Corey Williams (knee).

Green Bay Packers: Because they play Monday night at the Seattle Seahawks, the Packers were off Wednesday. Come back Thursday for the latest.

Minnesota Vikings: Linebacker Erin Henderson sat out practice because of a concussion. If he can't play Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, he'll likely be replaced by veteran Marvin Mitchell. Center John Sullivan was limited because of an ankle injury. Rookie receiver Jarius Wright (ankle) fully participated and could make his debut Sunday.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46529/nfc-north-wednesday-practice-report-2
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Rodgers: 'I never want to show up a guy'

I've done my best to avoid comparing the pair of quarterback-teammate confrontations in last Thursday night's game between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. As ESPN analyst Tedy Bruschi discussed in a post over the weekend, there were some fundamental differences between the admonishment that Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers directed toward receiver James Jones and the rebuke of Bears left tackle J'Marcus Webb by quarterback Jay Cutler.

In essence, Bruschi said it is acceptable in NFL circles to get after a teammate for making a mental mistake, as Rodgers did when Jones didn't run the route he anticipated on a fourth-quarter interception. On the other hand, according to Bruschi, Cutler was wrong to criticize Webb simply because he had been beat physically.

My sense is that showing up teammates during a game, for any reason, never leads to anything good. Tuesday, I said my piece on Cutler, and on Wednesday we should probably note and comment on what Rodgers said in retrospect as well.

Speaking on his ESPN 540 radio show in Milwaukee on Wednesday afternoon, Rodgers confirmed he apologized to Jones and made clear he wished the incident hadn't occurred at all.

"That was something I apologized for because I never want to show up a guy on the field like that," Rodgers said. "… It's the competitor coming out, which is not an excuse for it. … It's not something I enjoy doing. There are times where it definitely comes back the other way. You know how that feels. Almost to a man, there is always a moment of apology and getting back on the same page and realizing that as frustrating as the moment can be, the emotion shown is never really worth it."

In the end, these incidents have generated discussion about the leadership qualities of both players. My feeling is that both Rodgers and Cutler have been in their roles long enough. Most observers have already decided if they are good leaders, one way or the other.

If nothing else, though, we can crystallize the difference in their respective approaches.

Cutler was equal parts contrite and defiant this week. He said he regretted bumping Webb but not getting after him verbally. He wouldn't say if he apologized and disputed the suggestion that he had lost his composure.

Rodgers, on the other hand, pointed out that football is an emotional game but said there is an important line to avoid: "You never want to make someone look bad out there by showing them up too much," he said.

I fall closer to Rodgers' point of view. These things happen at times but they are rarely for the better. I don't think Cutler's rebuke had any chance of making Webb play better Thursday night. At the same time, I appreciate that Cutler didn't spew the politically correct answer when he clearly doesn't believe it.

Both quarterbacks are fiery competitors, however, so it would be foolish to think they won't find themselves in another glass case of emotion again. At least we'll know where each of them stand on the issue ahead of time.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46521/rodgers-i-never-want-to-show-up-a-guy
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Inside Slant: Needless risk to Stafford

I took the role of Tom Coughlin in this week's Inside Slant podcast, while partner Mike Sando got all revolutionary in the Greg Schiano sense of the word. Our wide-ranging discussion not only hit the concept of NFL protocol, but it also included how best to approach two-point conversions and how the heck the Philadelphia Eagles are 2-0.

From an NFC North perspective, we noted how Sunday night's game at Candlestick Park provided a stark example of the elevated risk to player safety as long as the NFL uses replacement officials.

You might recall that Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked twice on one play because referee Matt Nicks didn't notice that Stafford's knee clearly hit the ground after getting hit by the San Francisco 49ers' Aldon Smith.

With no whistle blown, Stafford popped back up in one of those chaotic and unnatural situations that leaves a quarterback vulnerable to an unexpected hit. Ultimately, he was dragged down for a second time by the 49ers' Ray McDonald.

The Lions challenged the play and got back the additional yardage they lost between the first and second hits. But a referee is expected to protect the quarterback, not expose him to additional and unnecessary contact.

Related: I also jumped on ESPN Radio earlier Wednesday to wrap up a week's worth of discussion about Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46514/inside-slant-needless-risk-to-stafford
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Packers: Noting Tim Masthay's impact

Regular readers know we typically note the NFL's weekly awards only if there is a particularly interesting hook to them, and I think we have one here as Week 2 transitions into Week 3. Green Bay Packers punter Tim Masthay was named the NFC's Special Teams Player of the Week, and our friends at ESPN Stats & Information have passed along some analytics that offer a rare glimpse into the role of a punter in a team victory.

The final statistics show that Masthay averaged a gross of 47.6 yards, and a net of 42.0, on five punts in the Packers' 23-10 victory over the Chicago Bears. Three of those punts were downed inside the Bears' 20-yard line, part of the reason the Packers enjoyed a nine-yard differential in their average drive start. (Their 37-yard line as opposed to the Bears' 28.)

(Masthay also got credit for a 27-yard touchdown pass on the Packers' now-infamous fake field goal, but I don't think that impacted this award.)

ESPN's analytics team has a win probability formula that in essence calculates the impact of every play toward a winning effort. The average Masthay punt last Thursday night added 2.9 percent toward the Packers' chances of winning, based mostly on field position and the Bears' inability to spring a game-changing return. His 56-yarder in the first quarter, one that Bears returner Devin Hester fair caught at the Bears' 18-yard line, was itself responsible for adding a six percent chance to the Packers' chances of victory.

It's hard to get your head around something as obtuse as win probability, but suffice it to say, punters don't normally impact the outcome of a game as much as Masthay did Thursday night. He rendered Hester, one of the Bears' biggest weapons, a non-factor; Hester got off only two returns for 8 yards. And after his punts, the Bears started their drives at their 18-, 17-, 20-, 24- and 18-yard lines. They faced a full field all game long against an aggressive defense that wasn't giving up big plays.

Now then, back to quarterbacks yelling at teammates ...

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46508/packers-noting-tim-masthays-impact
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The passion of J'Marcus Webb

As we move past the weeklong discussion on the Chicago Bears and the behavior of their quarterback, I think the last point (for now) should focus on the recipient of Jay Cutler's ire: Left tackle J'Marcus Webb. What did we learn about Webb, who might be the most scrutinized Bears player since the start of training camp, and what can we conclude moving forward? As we discussed last month, Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice set up a competition at left tackle that seemed primarily focused on elevating Webb's intensity. If you've spoken with Webb before, you know he has a laid-back personality. You might also find his Twitter feed a bit eccentric, as he demonstrated by posting a poem during the preseason.

You wonder if those character traits were part of what enraged Cutler after a series of sacks in Thursday night's game at Lambeau Field. When you watch the broadcast replay, you see Webb smiling after Cutler shoved him.

During his Tuesday appearance on ESPN 1000, Cutler was asked if he was looking for a reaction from Webb and if he would have been happier if he had pushed back.

"Sure," Cutler said. "Anything really to let me know that, 'Hey, I'm [ticked] off that I got beat. I'm going to try to rectify it and try to get us back in this ballgame.'"

Cutler acknowledged he shouldn't have shoved Webb but said he didn't regret lashing out verbally.

Everyone wears their disappointment differently, so it wouldn't be fair to conclude that Webb didn't understand the gravity of his individual defeats Thursday night simply because he didn't appear enraged on the sideline. But I can understand why a fiery personality like Cutler would be quickly frustrated when he doesn't see similar passion in others.

Webb won't become a better player if he forces himself to be more passionate on the field. But are his teammates convinced he is passionate about being a good player? It's a question worth monitoring.

On his Facebook account, Webb said in part: "I don't want the fans, media, or any of our teammates to become distracted with the interaction on the sidelines. We will handle any disagreements as a team. The concern I have remains the same: to protect our quarterback and win. This is my focus and no one needs to identify this for me or question my desire to win. We win together and we lose together."

Moving on ...

19 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46502/the-passion-of-jmarcus-webb
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BBAO: A 'defining week' for the Bears

We're Black and Blue All Over. (We're also on Facebook and Twitter.)

I'm not a big believer that external attention to internal drama can unify a professional sports team, especially one with as much experience and as many veterans as the Chicago Bears. But I understand where Bears place-kicker Robbie Gould was coming from Tuesday night during an appearance on ESPN 1000.

Gould acknowledged that "this could be a very defining week in our season" and suggested that the behavior of quarterback Jay Cutler has been addressed adequately within the locker room. If it had not been, Gould said: "I think this could potentially be an issue that is going to need to be re-addressed. And we're going to have to go back to the basics and maybe evaluate it in a different way than it's already been handled."

Cutler said Tuesday that he has spoken with the Bears' "powers-that-be" as well as the offensive line individually after bumping and screaming at left tackle J'Marcus Webb during last Thursday's game at Lambeau Field. Cutler said he regretted shoving Webb but not yelling at him, and perhaps that is the line the Bears discussed internally.

Assuming they've handled the issues involved, the Bears will be able to look back at this week as one they artfully navigated a significant distraction. But I don't think it will make them a better team than they were destined to be. That only happens in the movies.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Cutler has been at his worst in biggest games he has played, according to Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune.
• Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times looks back at some trick plays in Bears history.
• Justin Rogers of Mlive.com explores why the Detroit Lions weren't more successful running the ball Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers.
• The Lions' run defense could get a break this weekend based on the struggles of Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson, writes Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press.
• The Lions claimed cornerback Jerome Murphy off waivers and released cornerback Kevin Barnes. According to Tim Twentyman of the Lions' web site, the Lions will not lose the conditional draft pick they traded to the Washington Redskins earlier this month to acquire Barnes.
• Green Bay Packers receiver James Jones said that quarterback Aaron Rodgers apologized for admonishing him on the field Thursday night but that the apology wasn't necessary. Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com has more.
• Jones, via Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "Your kids do something wrong, you yell at them every once in awhile. You tell them, 'You can't do that. Don't go back by that outlet.' You do it again, Daddy gonna pop you. That's all it is. We're a family out there. Sometimes we argue, sometimes that stuff is going to happen."
• Packers coach Mike McCarthy, via Lori Nickel of the Journal Sentinel: "We're not that far off on offense."
• Judd Zulgad of 1500ESPN.com addresses the Minnesota Vikings' lack of a downfield passing game.
• Former Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton in the St. Paul Pioneer Press: "The more I see quarterback Christian Ponder play, the more convinced I am that he can be a star in this league. He has been so impressive, especially in clutch situations."
• Mark Craig of the Star Tribune explores what a middle linebacker must do in the Cover-2 defense.

19 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46496/bbao-a-defining-week-for-the-bears
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Bears pushing the ball downfield

I had originally intended the preceding post to cover several aspects of Jay Cutler's first two games of 2012, but I got consumed with the dichotomy of his reaction to the dramatics of the past few days. So while we have a moment, I want to pass along some revealing research from John McTigue of ESPN Stats & Information.

Jay Cutler Highest Single-Game Average Pass Length, Last 4 Seasons

Avg.	Week	Season	Opponent
11.5	Week 2	2012	Packers
11.2	Week 11	2011	Chargers
11.1	Week 1	2012	Colts
11.0	Week 16	2010	Jets
Source: ESPN Stats & Information

The transition from Mike Martz to Mike Tice at offensive coordinator has, as expected, balanced out the Bears' play-calling. Cutler has dropped back to throw on 56.7 percent of their plays over two games, fewer than he did in any of his first three seasons with the Bears. But when he has thrown the ball, Cutler is pushing the ball downfield more aggressively as well.

As the chart shows, Cutler's average throw last Thursday against the Green Bay Packers traveled 11.5 yards past the line of scrimmage. That was the highest mark of his Bears career, and his average of 11.1 in the Week 1 victory over the Indianapolis Colts was his third-highest.

Cutler has never averaged more than 8.7 "air" yards per throw in his Bears career. In theory, of course, longer throws have higher reward but have a lower percentage chance of being completed.

It almost goes without saying that two games is a small sample size, but this is essentially the type of offense we discussed after visiting the Bears' training camp in August. Tice has followed through on a promise to prioritize the running game, but he is also employing some of the downfield elements he used as the Minnesota Vikings' head coach to capitalize on the addition of receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery.

These figures will be worth updating as the season progresses. I don't want to draw too many conclusions about what they might mean quite yet.

19 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46485/bears-pushing-the-ball-downfield
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Jay Cutler leaves us questioning reality

We learned everything we needed to know Tuesday about Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. During an appearance on ESPN 1000 , Cutler was asked if there was one throw he wished he could take back from his disastrous performance in last Thursday's 23-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Cutler's response revealed a capacity for compartmentalizing that should be the envy of anyone with aspirations for emotional and social detachment.

After pausing for a moment, Cutler chose a pass that receiver Brandon Marshall dropped in the end zone early in the third quarter as the Bears trailed 13-0.

"I wish I had that one back," Cutler said. "The picks? You can have those. The one I would take back was the one to Brandon off his hands. … I put it up probably just a half count quicker than I wanted to. Felt a little bit of pressure and put it up. 'B' will tell you it was a catchable ball. But I could have made it 10 times easier for him, just putting it up a little to the left and holding him up a little bit. He crushed the guy on his route, and that could have made it easier on him. … That could have changed the complexion of the game."

The picks? You can have those.

Here you have a quarterback who turned in one of the worst performances in the past 10 years of NFL play, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, glossing over his four interceptions as if they were merely a function of the game flow. Instead, Cutler suggested his biggest regret was not fine-tuning a still-catchable touchdown pass that would have still left the Bears facing a second-half deficit.

Tuesday was Cutler's first public appearance since a postgame interview Thursday night, and to me it confirmed a remarkable world view that aligns independently from ordinary human nature. Cutler can toss aside a four-interception, seven-sack performance and self-criticize a nuanced improvement to a play he had already done his job on. He can suggest that "your opinion does not matter to us" when it's negative or critical, as he did Tuesday, but claim "it really meant a lot" when several fans approached him over the weekend to offer encouragement.

And, perhaps most amazing of all, Cutler can insist with an apparently straight face that he did not lose his composure at any point during what sure appeared to be a wild, but not atypical performance. That assessment apparently covered his sideline confrontation with left tackle J'Marcus Webb. Indeed, Cutler repeatedly blamed the media for escalating the issue "bigger than all of us expected" and adding: "That's what you have to expect from the media."

Cutler added: "Oh, I think I had my composure. I think I had my composure the whole game. Under the circumstances, we moved the ball well at times. Obviously some mistakes on my part and other guys derailed us at times. Penalties, interceptions, stuff like that. But I had my composure. I knew what I was doing. We were calling the plays and everything was going smoothly."

If what we saw Thursday night was composed, I would hate to see Cutler when he is upset.

Let's be clear. As we discussed last week, I was far less concerned with the Cutler-Webb issue than with the way Cutler's emotions appeared to impact his play. (For the record, Cutler acknowledged he shouldn't have bumped Webb during the discussion but said he doesn't regret screaming at him. He also said he has spoken with the Bears' "powers that be" and the offensive line individually and that everything is "behind us." He wouldn't say if he apologized to Webb.)

Cutler aggressively fought back Tuesday against suggestions that anyone "on the outside" could know definitively what was happening on the field or during the Bears' offensive decision-making process. But it's hard for me to conclude that Cutler was under control after watching the way he frenetically bounced around the pocket, how he repeatedly threw into coverage and how he unloaded on Webb so quickly in a long season. It seemed he was playing "screw-it" football, so frustrated with how things were going that he compounded the situation with poor throws and technique.

In truth, the alternative is worse. If Cutler was composed and under control, as he said he was, and still threw four interceptions and took seven sacks -- the first time a quarterback had done so in 10 years of NFL games -- isn't that a worse indictment of his performance?

Regardless, if we didn't know before, we know now: Packers defensive back Charles Woodson was right to note that he saw the "same-old Jay" Thursday night. Based on what I heard Tuesday, the Jay Cutler we have always seen is the one we always will see -- for both the good and the bad.

He can make exemplary throws with his arm and extraordinary leaps in his mind. He can convince himself that a perfect throw can overcome a series of mistakes and that his negatives are exaggerated by the media. And he will fail to recognize the impact of his emotions on the way he plays. It's gotten him this far, after all, and if you entered this season hoping for a different approach, well, you were out of your mind.

19 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46477/jay-cutler-leaves-us-questioning-reality
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Can Percy Harvin break 49ers' tackles?

I've now seen the San Francisco 49ers dispatch two of the NFL's best offenses in successive weeks. In Week 1, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was reduced to dumping off passes toward receiver/running back Randall Cobb and tight end Jermichael Finley. Sunday night, they forced the Detroit Lions to prioritize their weak running game rather than challenge them with a much more potent downfield passing attack. So you might be wondering: How will the Minnesota Vikings, whose offense has been among the most punchless in the NFL through two weeks, stand a chance Sunday at the Metrodome?

Here's a nomination for this week's optimist club meeting: Neither the Packers nor the Lions have a player quite like Vikings receiver Percy Harvin, who has elevated his reputation as a fearless and powerful open-field runner. The Packers are beginning to use Cobb in a similar manner, but I would suggest Harvin is more advanced in that role.

The Vikings have found a high-percentage way to get the ball in Harvin's hands and, in essence, let him do his thing. He has caught 18 of the 21 passes quarterback Christian Ponder has thrown his way and has gained an NFL-high 148 yards after the catch, according to our friends at Pro Football Focus (PFF). In addition, notes PFF, Harvin has forced opponents into a league-high seven missed tackles.

The 49ers, of course, won't feel compelled to play their safeties as deep as they have against the Packers and Lions. There is no reason for them to be threatened by the Vikings' downfield passing game, especially when their top two players -- Harvin and tailback Adrian Peterson -- can usually be found close to the line of scrimmage.

But if you're a fan of strength-on-strength matchups, as I am, you'll be interested to see what Harvin can do against a defense that Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan called "the best tackling team I've seen in recent memory."

If anyone can challenge that assessment via the passing game, it's Harvin. We'll see.

19 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46464/can-percy-harvin-break-49ers-tackles
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11.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

NFL: Week 2 knee-jerk reactions

AFC EAST by James Walker Running back C.J. Spiller is the real deal. He's leading the NFL in rushing. You can mark him down for the Pro Bowl right now. Spiller is a stud and it's been that way since the end of last season. He just needed playing time. The injury to Fred Jackson will actually help Buffalo in the short term, because Spiller is in his prime and ready to light it up. When Jackson comes back, he should be Spiller's backup for the rest of the season. Our guy, Reggie Bush, is even better. He's an every-down running back now. Book him for the Pro Bowl, too. Bush is probably the most improved player I've seen from one year ago to now. He's silenced his critics and deserves the title of an every-down back. But durability has always been a question with Bush. Can he take big hits for 16 games? That remains to be seen. This offense is done without tight end Aaron Hernandez. The Patriots were lost without him against the Cardinals. If he's out until at least October, don't expect the Patriots to score a lot of points until then. This is an overreaction if I ever saw one. The Patriots had trouble adjusting Sunday because they had to change their gameplan on the fly. New England is more prepared this week to play without Hernandez now, and the addition of former Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. also will help. Get quarterback Mark Sanchez outta here! He could barely complete a pass for three quarters. It's Tim Tebow Time! He's a winner. Slow down, Tebow-ites. Sanchez only had one bad game against a very tough defense. It's expected. Besides, Sanchez needs to string together at least two or three bad games in a row before we even start thinking about Tebow. AFC WEST by Bill Williamson Peyton Manning has lost it. He threw three interceptions in the first quarter at Atlanta and he will never be back to the form he enjoyed before his neck surgery that cost him the 2011 season. Manning will be fine. Yes, the three interceptions cost the Broncos the game. But he settled down and showed he has ability. The truth is, he is still shaking off the rust and he is still getting into a rhythm with his new offense. It will take time. The Chiefs are out of the race. They are 0-2 and look awful. It's not reality yet. This team started 0-3 last year and nearly won the division. The Chiefs still have time, but the defense needs to tighten up. Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp's West Coast offense doesn't fit the team. The offense has regressed under Knapp. The Raiders shined in recent years in a more power run game. But give Knapp's attack some time before we declare it a failure in Oakland. The Chargers are for real. San Diego looks great. They are 2-0 under Norv Turner for the first time. For the time being, it is reality. The Chargers have passed every test so far. Yes, it's early, but there isn't much to complain about. AFC NORTH by Jamison Hensley The replacement officials cost the Ravens the game in Philadelphia. A questionable offensive pass interference penalty negated a Jacoby Jones touchdown, which would have put Baltimore ahead, 27-17, with 5:29 remaining. Not. This isn't defending the replacement officials, who really embarrassed themselves in how they lost control of the game. The Ravens just can't point fingers at the referees after Joe Flacco completed eight passes in the second half and the defense allowed 486 yards. The Bengals have the worst defense in the league. They have given up over 400 yards in each of their first two games and rank 30th in the NFL in defense. It's a reality for right now, but this defense won't rank among the worst by the end of the season. Injuries have hurt the Bengals, who will be stronger when defensive end Carlos Dunlap and first-round cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick return. Quarterback Brandon Weeden has turned the corner. He set a team rookie record with 322 yards passing against Cincinnati on Sunday. Not. Just as fans wanted Weeden benched after that horrible season-opening performance, you can't say he's on the right track after one standout effort. Weeden is going to be a work-in-progress for the entire season. He did show once again he deserves to be the starter over Colt McCoy. The Steelers won't be able to run the ball all season. Pittsburgh has gained 141 yards on the ground in two games. Only the Raiders and Titans have less. Reality. The Steelers were only a middle of the pack running team last season when Rashard Mendenhall was healthy. The Steelers' backups, Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer, have been underwhelming. A positive is new offensive coordinator Todd Haley isn't quick to abandon the running game like his predecessor Bruce Arians. AFC SOUTH by Paul Kuharsky Should I stay at the Marriott on Canal or the W hotel near the casino for Super Bowl Week in New Orleans? There is no way the Texans aren't going. I mean Houston's better than New England for sure. Two games have been very good, but Houston should beat up Miami and Jacksonville. Sunday's the Texans' first real test. Let's see how they do in hostile Denver against their old nemesis, Peyton Manning. Hey, look at how they reacted to adversity and responded. This team has some spunk and spark. Look how bad the Jaguars and Titans were? The Colts can get second place in the division and make a playoff bid. Easy there. It was a good win during which they showed some good qualities. The Colts are better than a team like Minnesota. They've shown they aren't one of the very bottom teams in the league. That team Sunday that was blown out by Houston looked an awful like last year's disaster. Jacksonville's doomed again. The Jaguars are pretty banged up and weren't likely to compete with Houston. If they can't measure up next week in Indy, then we'll start the doom and gloom talk. The Titans may be the worst team in the league. If they get the No. 1 pick in the draft, how much of a haul can they get by trading down to someone who wants a quarterback like Matt Barkley? It's too early to jump to that. They've been horrible, but we knew they were going to have a rough start with this schedule.

19 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46474/nfl-week-2-knee-jerk-reactions
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11.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Set to return: Greg Jennings, Bill Bentley

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19 Sep, 2012

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09.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: NFC North

At 1-1, no NFC North team is completely satisfied with its start to the 2012 season. All told, however, none of them should have much argument with their status in ESPN.com's Week 3 Power Rankings. Three of our teams are still ranked among the top 13. The details:

4. Green Bay Packers
Trending: Up one after last Thursday's 23-10 victory over the Chicago Bears.
Comment: The San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons are the only teams ranked ahead of the Packers. That sounds about right at the moment.

12. Chicago Bears
Trending: Down four after last Thursday's meltdown at Lambeau Field.
Comment: I'm surprised the Bears didn't fall further after quarterback Jay Cutler revealed he can still lose control in adverse situations.

13. Detroit Lions
Trending: Unchanged after a 27-19 loss to the now top-ranked 49ers.
Comment: The Lions are 1-1 with an offense that admittedly hasn't hit its stride yet. A victory in San Francisco would have been difficult regardless. Damage minimized.

29. Minnesota Vikings
Trending: Down one after a 23-20 loss to the now No. 28-ranked Indianapolis Colts.
Comment: At this point, our power rankings view the Vikings more poorly than every team but the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns. Yikes.

19 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46453/nfl-week-3-power-rankings-nfc-north
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09.22 | 0 komentar | Read More

Steve Young: NFL is 'inelastic for demand'

We've had plenty to say about the NFL's replacement officials over the past month. We've warned about the difference between questionable judgment calls and the not knowing the rules. We've noted that the league appears to have won the PR battle as a large swath of fans appear unmoved by the drop in competency. But I thought ESPN analyst Steve Young put it better than anyone after Monday night's game in Atlanta.

The NFL is "inelastic for demand," Young said, meaning that nothing -- including poor officiating -- can deter a significant percentage of fans and corporate sponsors away from the most popular game in the country. It's the primary reason the NFL has held steady in its labor impasse with regular officials: There is no sign that enough of the sporting public cares to make it a priority.

"There is nothing they can do to hurt the demand of the game," Young said in the video. "So the bottom line is they don't care. Player safety doesn't matter in this case. Bring Division III officials? Doesn't matter. Because in the end you're still going to watch the game."

To be clear, the NFL isn't solely to blame here. This is a labor impasse, and it takes two sides to tango. The NFL has failed, however, to advance a credible contingency plan. And to Young's point, the league hasn't provided any indication that it cares.

18 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46455/steve-young-nfl-is-inelastic-for-demand
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Fantasy hint: Lions' Mikel Leshoure

You know by now that I'm far from qualified to give direct fantasy football advice. What I do try to provide when possible is assessments from actual football decision-makers and/or players that should influence your thinking.

That's what we did earlier this month when discussing Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler's affinity for receiver Alshon Jeffery. And that's what I'll do this Tuesday as the Detroit Lions welcome back running back Mikel Leshoure from a two-game NFL suspension.

It appears the Lions are prepared to give Leshoure as much work as his conditioning will allow in Sunday's game at the Tennessee Titans. As we discussed late Sunday night, their current running backs couldn't capitalize on a San Francisco 49ers defense that challenged the Lions to run. And offensive coordinator Scott Linehan seemed awfully excited to get Leshoure back during an interview with the Lions' website.

Linehan noted that Leshoure hasn't played a full four-quarter game since December 2010 but said "he'll certainly be involved heavily in the game plan and we'll go from there."

Linehan added: "People are pretty keyed into our passing game right now, playing man-under, safeties back, make you have to really work to earn to get guys open. It's not so hard to figure out that if you can crease out some runs the way Mikel did in the Buffalo preseason game or even when he made some fabulous one-yard runs in the Oakland game, that can be a pretty good way to go if that's the way people are defending us."

Over time, I think everyone is expecting the Lions to be a pass-first team. But to the extent that defenses invite them to run the ball, they're planning to use Leshoure as much as possible right away. Assuming he has recovered fully from last year's torn Achilles tendon, he is by far the most talented running back on the Lions' roster now. So there you go.

18 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46443/fantasy-hint-lions-mikel-leshoure
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NFC North chat postponed

September, 18, 2012

Sep 18

9:30

AM ET

We've got a collision of priorities Tuesday afternoon here on the NFC North blog, and unfortunately something's got to give. For now, it will be our weekly SportsNation chat, which we'll have to postpone to a later date I'll provide when I have it. There is an interview I need to conduct and write about that conflicts with our 2 p.m. ET start. Sorry about that, but there's nothing we can do. Somehow I hope you'll make it through your day.

• ESPN NFC North Blogger
• Joined ESPN in 2008
• Covered the Minnesota Vikings for the Minneapolis Star Tribune for eight years

18 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46441/nfc-north-chat-postponed-tuesday
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BBAO: Broken arm for Drayton Florence

We're Black and Blue All Over. (We're also on Facebook and Twitter.)

Sorry folks. Hit the wall Monday afternoon after a quick turnaround from Sunday night's game at Candlestick Park. We have some loose ends to tie up from the weekend, starting with news of another injury to the Detroit Lions' defensive secondary.

Veteran Drayton Florence, who started the game against the San Francisco 49ers because Chris Houston (ankle) and Bill Bentley (concussion) were sidelined, suffered a forearm injury that coach Jim Schwartz said "doesn't look real good," according to Josh Katzenstein of the Detroit News. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reported Florence broke his arm. The Lions haven't yet made a roster move, but it's hard to imagine Florence being ready to play anytime soon.

There is some optimism that both Houston and Bentley will be ready for practice Wednesday. The Lions travel to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• The Lions will get running back Mikel Leshoure back from suspension this week but are still scheduled to work out running backs Steve Slaton and Ryan Grant on Tuesday, according to Anwar S. Richardson of Mlive.com. Schwartz: "I'm not going to comment on guys that we would potentially bring in, or anything like that, but we do need the run the ball a little bit better." Agreed.
• The Lions should have done a better job playing to their strengths Sunday night, writes Birkett for the Free Press.
• Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith didn't appear critical of cornerback D.J. Moore, who spoke out against quarterback Jay Cutler on Monday. Smith, via Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune: "I have a problem with a 'teammate said' or 'source said.' But if you put your name behind something and you want to voice your opinion, you can voice it.''
• Smith is optimistic about the short-term future of running back Matt Forte (ankle), notes Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• The Bears have benched left guard Chris Spencer and will start Chilo Rachal this week against the St. Louis Rams, notes Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com.
• Ten of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder's completions Sunday in Indianapolis were caught behind the line of scrimmage, according to film study from Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.
• Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson acknowledged a coverage gaffe on the Colts' 30-yard touchdown play to receiver Reggie Wayne, according to the Star Tribune.
• The Vikings want to increase the role of tight end John Carlson in their offense, notes Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• The Green Bay Packers will return from four consecutive days off Tuesday. Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette goes back and points to the play that might have turned around the status of cornerback Sam Shields.

18 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46437/bbao-broken-arm-for-drayton-florence
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Clay Matthews' start in context

Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews has opened the season with six sacks in his first two games, and for whatever reason the national reaction has fallen somewhere near "ho-hum." Why? As you surely know, this isn't the first time Matthews has accomplished the feat, and perhaps some of us are a bit numb to the achievement.

So for what it's worth, I want to bring you the context of what Matthews has done. As the chart shows, he is one of only six players in NFL history to get six or more sacks in the first two games of a season. Matthews is the only player to do it more than once.

I poked my head briefly into Matthews' session with reporters after Thursday night's 23-10 victory over the Chicago Bears, a game in which he terrorized Bears left tackle J'Marcus Webb and reminded future opponents how foolish it can be to leave him matched up one-on-one with anything other than a Pro Bowl left tackle. Matthews was in deflection mode, saying: "Fortunately, I've got a good young group of talent around me." But whatever the cause, it's clear that Matthews has re-established his presence after a down year (6.0 sacks in 2011) by his standards.

And NFC North fans might be interested to note that the Packers' next opponent, the Seattle Seahawks, played Sunday without left tackle Russell Okung (knee). Former Chicago Bears turnstile Frank Omiyale started at left tackle for the Seahawks. It's unclear if Okung will be ready for the Sept. 24 matchup between the teams.

Related: Matthews said last month that the Packers' pass rush "is back."

18 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46324/clay-matthews-start-in-context
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Did D.J. Moore speak for all Bears players?

As far as locker room spokesmen go, I wouldn't put cornerback D.J. Moore on the top of the Chicago Bears' list. Moore is a refreshingly open, if somewhat flaky, character who says whatever is on his mind. So while it's important that we note Moore's concerns about quarterback Jay Cutler's behavior Thursday night at Lambeau Field, we should stop short of assuming Moore spoke for the entire team Monday when addressing reporters.

As you know by now, television cameras caught Cutler screaming at and shoving left tackle J'Marcus Webb during the Bears' 23-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Cutler said afterwards it was evidence that he cares about winning and losing, but Moore said: ""I don't think you can act like that, though, to make it seem like it's just my fault or what not."

Moore added, via Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com: "I just think it's wrong, honestly. I would feel some kind of way if he were to do me like that and make it seem like 'Well, the reason that I'm having a bad game is because what you're doing and not me taking accountability for myself because I'm throwing these types of passes or doing this type of read.' So it's a tough situation. When you act like that with your own teammates on the sideline, it's just something different that you normally wouldn't do. So you might say it in the locker room or something, but to do it like he did it, it's just weird."

Again, I think we should be careful about drawing conclusions about the majority of Bears' players feelings toward Cutler. Moore acknowledged there has been little to know discussion about the issue in the locker room. If linebackers Brian Urlacher or Lance Briggs said what Moore said, then the Bears would have a big problem on their hands.

Cutler is scheduled to host his ESPN 1000 radio show at noon Chicago time on Tuesday. He'll also address the media at Halas Hall on Wednesday afternoon. Stay tuned.

Related: The difference between Cutler's outburst toward Webb and Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' admonishment of receiver James Jones.

18 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46425/did-d-j-moore-speak-for-all-bears-players
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12.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Free Head Exam: Detroit Lions

After the Detroit Lions' 27-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, here are three issues that merit further examination:

1. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw 16 interceptions in 663 pass attempts last season. Nine of those interceptions came during a three-game stretch when Stafford used a glove to protect a broken finger on his throwing hand. This season, Stafford has thrown four interceptions in his first 80 attempts. Sunday, his errant first-quarter throw toward receiver Titus Young set up the 49ers' second touchdown. (Stafford said after the game he tried to pull back the ball after deciding to throw it, resulting in it sailing high.) So is there anything to be concerned about here? Stafford said: "I don't think as an offense we've hit our stride yet." For what it's worth, I didn't feel like Stafford was making a bunch of poor decisions Sunday night. If anything he played with discipline and stuck to a script that, in essence, eliminated the Lions' downfield offense. I would have been more concerned if Stafford tried to force the ball downfield against the 49ers' deep safeties, which he did not.
2. Before reviewing film, the general consensus in the Lions' locker room was that they left sizable number of rushing yards on the field. Coach Jim Schwartz said "we missed some cuts," and center Dominic Raiola was a bit defensive to suggestions the Lions didn't run well enough. (They netted 82 yards on 26 carries, including an 11-yard draw by Stafford, against a defense that kept no more than seven players in the box.) Raiola: "I mean, you're asking me like we can't run the ball. We can run the ball. I think we're pretty good up front. We can run the ball. We just didn't get it done overall today." It goes back to part of what we discussed Sunday night: With Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure unavailable, the Lions didn't have the personnel to pull off a run- dominated victory.
3. Ndamukong Suh recorded 1.5 sacks and Kyle Vanden Bosch added another, but overall the Lions' defensive line fell short Sunday night. At least, that's what the 49ers' offensive line suggested in the postgame locker room. Left tackle Joe Staley said the Lions' defensive front is "extremely" overrated and added: "They didn't want any part of us up front. Look at the game. We killed them. Every single pressure they got was cheap. It was on a keep or something like that. They weren't beating us one-on-one. We ran for [148 yards] on the so-called best D-line in all of football." The 49ers ran 61 total plays and grossed 349 yards. I'm guessing those words won't be forgotten should the teams meet in the 2012 playoffs.

And here is one issue I still don't get:

The Lions clearly determined they weren't going to make the strength-on-strength challenge to the 49ers' downfield defense, as we discussed during the week. Instead, as Schwartz said, the Lions wanted to "be able to hurt them underneath and hurt them with the run." Under that approach, however, it's worth wondering why the Lions had rookie receiver Ryan Broyles in uniform but did not play him a single snap in the game. Lions coaches have praised Broyles since his arrival for an innate understanding of how to get open from the slot position and how to work the middle of the field for extra yardage. If that's the case, couldn't he have helped the Lions on Sunday night? Or am I missing something?

18 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46410/free-head-exam-detroit-lions-36
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10.05 | 0 komentar | Read More

Free Head Exam: Minnesota Vikings

After the Minnesota Vikings' 23-2- loss to the Indianapolis Colts, here are three issues that merit further examination:

1. We shouldn't be surprised by the Vikings' inability to get the ball downfield. It's an issue they've seemed vulnerable to since the start of training camp. With Jerome Simpson suspended, Percy Harvin is the Vikings' only downfield playmaking threat. And with a young quarterback and offensive line, offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave is choosing to find high-percentage ways to get the ball to Harvin near the line of scrimmage. In the end, though, the Vikings are working way too hard to put points up. Here are there four scoring drives from Sunday: 12 plays for 44 yards, nine plays for 46 yards, 10 plays for 54 yards, nine plays for 57 yards. Too many things can go wrong, and there are too many challenges to sustaining long drives, without the occasional comfort of a big play. As of Monday morning, the Vikings rank No. 23 in the NFL with five passing plays of 20 or more yards and are one of 12 teams without a passing play of 40 or more yards.
2. I understand why defensive end Jared Allen was upset about the personal foul he received after making contact with Colts quarterback Andrew Luck to extend a third-quarter drive. It was hardly a violent collision, and Luck hadn't stopped running when Allen hit him. But in the end, the contact occurred out of bounds. And whether it was replacement officials or the NFL's regular officials, Allen should routinely expect quarterbacks to be protected and get the benefit of the doubt. I'll chalk up his sentiments to the frustration of a veteran player who knows he's on a rebuilding team that has a long way to go.
3. Place-kicker Blair Walsh has gotten some recognition for his strong leg as it relates to field goals, but it should also be noted he is kicking off as well as any one in the NFL through two games. He is the only kicker whose average kickoff is traveling into the end zone -- 70.8 yards -- and his touchback percentage of 63.6 ranks fourth in the NFL. The Vikings defense needs all the help it can get in terms of field position, and Walsh is doing his part. Meanwhile, he has converted all six field goal attempts, including two from beyond 50 yards.

And here is one issue I still don't get:

What has happened to the Vikings' presumed plans for a two tight-end attack? It's true that John Carlson missed the preseason because of a knee injury, but he was not listed on the injury report last week. He has played 18 snaps in each of the first two games and has been targeted once. Having two tight end threats -- Carlson and Kyle Rudolph -- was the presumed antidote to the Vikings' thin depth at receiver. And even though Rudolph played 70 snaps Sunday, according to Pro Football Focus, he didn't see a pass thrown his way midway through the third quarter. You would think the Vikings' tight ends would be primary targets this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, whose two-deep zone will consume any downfield routes the Vikings run.

18 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46401/free-head-exam-minnesota-vikings-33
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09.34 | 0 komentar | Read More

High sprain or not, Forte's status in doubt

Matt Forte's right ankle injury might not be of the more severe "high" sprain, as Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith said Monday morning. But to me the team already revealed its concerns about Forte's short-term availability by re-signing veteran Kahlil Bell over the weekend.

If the Bears thought Forte would be ready for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams, they probably would not have felt compelled to make a roster move. Backups Michael Bush and Armando Allen are healthy and available for extended duty if necessary, but it's reasonable to think Forte might not play. Smith, in fact, acknowledged Forte was still "sore" Monday morning.

The Bears are scheduled to resume practicing Monday afternoon after a three-day layoff following last Thursday's 23-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

17 Sep, 2012

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NFC North Week 2 Quarterback Report

Let's roll through our weekly look at quarterback play in the NFC North. It includes another set of strong raw numbers that beg to be interpreted for one player, as well as one of the worst performances in the career of another. Remember, "action plays" are plays that ESPN Stats & Information judged to have had an impact in the outcome of the game.

Christian Ponder
Passer Rating: 114.6
QBR: 45.9
Action plays: 46 of 65
Comment: QBR was a little less kind to Ponder than passer rating. One again Ponder was efficient, completing 77 percent of his passes against the Indianapolis Colts and avoiding an interception. But the Vikings haven't been explosive with Ponder behind center, and on Sunday they didn't have a single play go for more than 20 yards.

Aaron Rodgers
Passer Rating: 85.3
QBR: 29.3
Action plays: 40 of 66
Comment: Rodgers had a winning effort against the Chicago Bears but was sacked five times, threw an interception and averaged a relatively low 6.8 yards per attempt. His longest pass in the air was a 26-yard touchdown strike to receiver Donald Driver, and overall his 29.3 QBR was the lowest in a Packers victory since 2008.

Jay Cutler
Passer Rating: 28.2
QBR: 4.7
Action plays: 41 of 57
Comment: Cutler has finished a game only one other time in his NFL career with a passer rating lower than 28.2. He threw four interceptions, took seven sacks and completed 40.7 percent of his passes. Frankly, it was the kind of game the Bears thought he had put behind him.

Matthew Stafford
Passer Rating: 78.9
QBR: 31.9
Action plays: 40 of 60
Comment: Like Rodgers in Week 1, Stafford couldn't get downfield against the 49ers' zone defense. He attempted only six passes longer than 10 yards in the air and completed two. Stafford's first-quarter interception set up a 49ers touchdown; he said afterwards he tried to pull the ball back at the last moment and couldn't, causing it to flutter.

Season Overview: NFC North QBs

Player	Passer rating	NFL rank*	QBR	NFL rank*
Christian Ponder	110.6	7	56.2	17
Aaron Rodgers	89.9	18	44.6	26
Matthew Stafford	73.2	27	45.4	24
Jay Cutler	58.5	31	29.2	31
*Not including Monday night

17 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46392/nfc-north-week-2-quarterback-report
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Video: 49ers/Sando dominate the NFC North

SAN FRANCISCO -- After wrapping up coverage of another NFC North team losing to the San Francisco 49ers, I sat down with NFC West colleague and Inside Slant podcast partner Mike Sando to admit defeat. At least, that's what I think I was saying. It was late and I don't tend to be articulate even when I'm well rested. Cue the video ...

17 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46386/video-49erssando-dominate-the-nfc-north
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BBAO: All even after Week 2

We're Black and Blue All Over. (We're also on Facebook and Twitter.)

SAN FRANCISCO -- And then there were four … 1-1 teams in the NFC North.

Through two weeks, it's all even in our fair division. As we consider the possibilities for the 2012 title, we should probably be thankful that the San Francisco 49ers remain firmly entrenched in the NFC West. They 49ers have already tossed aside the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions -- Sunday night's Lions column here for those who missed it -- and now they've got their sights set on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3 at the Metrodome. Yeesh, that's a good football team.

I'm making the trek back to NFC North blog headquarters here Monday morning and will be out of pocket for a bit during the time-zone switch. (It's a temporal anomaly thing. Don't try to figure it out.) I've got some posts scheduled to publish in the meantime, and I'll be back live with you at some point Monday afternoon.

While we have a moment, let's take a brief tour around divisional coverage:

• Vikings defensive end Jared Allen on the Indianapolis Colts' game-winning drive, via Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com: "That was embarrassing. Yeah, I don't know. I've got nothing to say."
• Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune on the matchup between the Vikings' Christian Ponder and the Colts' Andrew Luck: "Sunday's matchup featured two teams on the ground floor of rebuilding projects that revolve around a pair of young quarterbacks. Luck looks like the real deal. The Vikings are still trying to figure out if Ponder is, too."
• The Vikings are asking receiver Percy Harvin to shoulder a heavy load, writes Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press on the Lions' attempt to run to victory Sunday night: "This was a calculated gamble by coach Jim Schwartz and his staff. It didn't work. Ground control is going to favor a team with a bona fide running back and a tenacious defense. The 49ers are that team; the Lions are not."
• Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: "The Lions don't want to hear this, but they really can't muster much of an argument against it. They still are not ready for prime [time]."
• The Lions' special teams were the only group to grade out higher than a D+ in grading from Justin Rogers of Mlive.com.
• Chicago Bears offensive lineman James "Big Cat" Williams on quarterback Jay Cutler's shove of left tackle J'Marcus Webb, via David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune: "That was very disturbing to me. I realize [Cutler] is one of the faces of the franchise but certain lines you just don't cross. Bumping a player is one of them. I played with a group of guys who, I don't think, would have taken that. I can't say I would have.''
• Former NFL player Matt Bowen on Cutler's leadership for the Tribune: "He displayed a lack of respect toward a young teammate and a negative attitude that was obvious to anyone watching. He showed sloppy footwork, poor decisions in the pocket and questionable throws that seemed, well, somewhat expected of Cutler in that situation."
• The Bears' defensive performance has been overshadowed by discussion of Cutler, writes Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Packers coaches remain confident in tight end Jermichael Finley, notes the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers was rewarded for making a number of lineup changes between Week 1 and Week 2, writes Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• The Packers expect to have receiver Greg Jennings (groin) and defensive end C.J. Wilson (groin) for their Sep. 24 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com has more.

17 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46384/bbao-all-even-after-week-2
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06.22 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lions did best to minimize the mismatch

SAN FRANCISCO -- I know what you're thinking, at least some of you. You want to know why a team with the best receiver in football would run almost as many times as they passed in a nationally televised game against one of the NFL's best teams. If the Detroit Lions were going down Sunday night to the San Francisco 49ers, as most of us assumed they would, shouldn't they have done so by firing their best weapons?

It sounds logical on the surface, but let's make something clear. The Lions didn't lose at Candlestick Park because they ran the ball 26 times and targeted Calvin Johnson and his fellow receivers on only 18 plays. If anything, the Lions absorbed a 27-19 loss because they couldn't run it better.

What we saw Sunday night was basic football. No offense, not even if it's led by a receiver like Johnson and a quarterback like Matthew Stafford, can impose its strength when a talented defense like the 49ers is aligned and determined to stop it. And just as they did in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers, the 49ers used a deep zone to take away the Lions' downfield passing game.

Theoretically, the Lions had a reasonable counter in place from a football perspective. In practice, it just wasn't good enough. They managed 82 yards on those 26 rushing plays, including just 53 yards on 16 carries from starter Kevin Smith.

"We needed to be able to run," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "They were taking the approach of playing deep safeties and taking away the big play, which they were able to do. When people do that, you need to be able to hurt them underneath and hurt them with the run. I thought at times we ran the ball well. Sometimes a one- or two-yard run was a good play."

What those runs did, however, was leave the Lions with almost no margin of error. Disembodied as they were from their preferred method of scoring -- shots into the end zone via the passing game -- the Lions looked like the proverbial fish out of water. They couldn't penetrate the 49ers' red zone their first nine possessions and settled for five field goal attempts by Jason Hanson. (He converted four.)

"We didn't play our best game tonight in any phase," Schwartz said. But what he meant, of course, was that the Lions didn't play a perfect game. And that's what they needed against a team that has now dispatched two of the NFL's best offenses, the Lions' and Packers', in impressive fashion.

"We lost to a good team tonight," defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch said. "They were 13-3 last year. They were a couple plays away from the Super Bowl. We had to play our best football to beat this team and we didn't."

Said center Dominic Raiola: "That's one of the best teams in the NFC."

I don't blame the Lions a bit for their approach. If you want to hold them accountable, you can wonder if they did enough this offseason to account for the shaky status of their top two runners, Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure. Best has not yet been cleared for contact nearly a year after a season-ending concussion, and Leshoure has now served two-game NFL suspension.

Would Leshoure and/or Best have made a difference Sunday night? I'm not sure. The Lions' defense wasn't able to stop the 49ers when it became a one-score game in the fourth quarter, allowing three consecutive third-down completions from Alex Smith to Michael Crabtree on the game-clinching drive.

This much was clear: the running game the Lions put on the field Sunday night wasn't good enough. Johnson said the 49ers never came out of their two-deep look, often using a "three-cloud" zone that in essence calls for a cornerback to join both safeties to cover deep thirds of the field. It all but shuts down deep routes but leaves big portions of the field available underneath. Stafford wound up throwing only six passes that traveled further than 10 yards, according to ESPN Stats & Information, completing two. Johnson had only 46 receiving yards before the Lions opened it up to start the fourth quarter.

"[The Lions' run game] didn't have any effect at all," 49ers safety Donte Whitner said. "We were able to keep two safeties deep at all times. We didn't have to get too nosy in the run game. Our front seven, front six, did a good job of stopping the run with a light box and that is what we have to do versus teams like Green Bay and Detroit, teams that like to throw the ball a lot."

The 49ers might not have adjusted even if the Lions had been more dynamic in their running game, but the Lions offense might have scored more points. In the end, however, I don't think anyone should fret too much. There aren't many NFL defenses like the 49ers who can stop a running game, no matter who the opposing runner is, by using six men in the box.

I suppose we could conclude that the Lions demonstrated they're not ready to be measured among the NFL's best teams, but was anyone really saying that before Sunday night? I don't think so.

"That's a good team," Schwartz said, adding later: "We lost by one score on the road, even considering we didn't play well."

The only way the Lions were going to win Sunday night is if they played perfectly. They didn't. Their counter to the 49ers' defense wasn't good enough. They were outmatched, something I think the 49ers will do to many opponents this season. So it goes.

 

17 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46366/lions-did-best-to-minimize-the-mismatch
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23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rapid Reaction: 49ers 27, Lions 19

SAN FRANCISCO -- Some thoughts on Sunday night's events at Candlestick Park:

What it means: The Detroit Lions fell to 1-1, matching the record of every other NFC North team. It's hard to conjure much criticism toward the Lions on this night, however. They were overwhelmed by a better and more powerful opponent playing its home opener, a result that seemed predictable since the day the NFL released its schedule. It's not as if the Lions botched a bunch of opportunities to win this game. The 49ers might be the best team in football.

For those asking: Lions coach Jim Schwartz and 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh shook hands without incident both before and after the game. Finis.

Mixing in the run: The Lions kept it close in large part because of an uncharacteristic commitment to the running game. Before they got into catchup mode in the fourth quarter, the Lions ran on 22 of their first 40 plays. Quarterback Matthew Stafford had 89 yards passing through three quarters. I don't blame the Lions for their approach; the 49ers defense is too good to be allowed to defend only half the field. Unfortunately for the Lions, they couldn't convert convert their possessions into touchdowns. Unofficially, they didn't throw a single pass into the end zone. As it turned out, place-kicker Jason Hanson accounted for their scoring with four field goals in five attempts.

Turning point I: The Lions forced the 49ers' first turnover in seven regular season games during the first quarter, a fumble by kick returner Kendall Hunter. But they weren't able to fully capitalize on it, gaining only two offensive yards, and settled for Hanson's 41-yard field goal. A touchdown would have given them a 10-7 lead and perhaps changed the complexion of the game.

Turning point II: After the Lions made it a one-score game at 20-12 on Hanson's fourth field goal, 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree converted three consecutive third-down receptions. The 49ers then sealed the game on Vernon Davis' 23-yard touchdown reception with three minutes, four seconds remaining.

Official confusion: Here's one I don't remember seeing before. Schwartz had to challenge a play to prove Stafford was sacked. Midway through the fourth quarter, referee Matt Nicks did not blow this whistle when Stafford's right knee hit the ground at the 49ers' 30-yard line after a hit by Aldon Smith. Stafford popped up and lost another six yards before getting tackled again. Nicks gave the Lions their six yards back after the review, and the decision left the Lions in position to end the possession with Hanson's 48-yard field goal. Nicks' crew also missed clear head shots on both quarterbacks, Stafford and the 49ers' Alex Smith, after scrambles. The blow Smith absorbed from Lions safety John Wendling left the bridge of his nose bleeding.

What's next: The Lions will play at the Tennessee Titans next Sunday.

17 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46356/rapid-reaction
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20.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Halftime: 49ers 14, Lions 6

SAN FRANCISCO -- A few thoughts at the midpoint here from Candlestick Park:

• The San Francisco 49ers are proving that last week's victory at Lambeau Field was no joke. Their coverage on the Detroit Lions' downfield receivers is excellent and they're getting pressure on quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Lions have only 112 total yards and seven first downs.
• It's clear the Lions know they can't make this a one-dimensional game, and they've mixed the run and pass calls as much as you'll ever see them. They've run the ball 17 times and thrown 16 passes. The running game hasn't produced much in the way of points, but it has helped limit the 49ers' opportunities to score. The Lions have held the ball for 17 minutes, six seconds. The 49ers have had it for the other 12:36.
• Quarterback Matthew Stafford has had some accuracy problems, including a floater in the first quarter that was intercepted and led directly to a 49ers touchdown. Overall, he has completed seven of his 16 passes.
• Many of you are tweeting my way that the television broadcast showed the first quarter expired before a second-down pass to receiver Randy Moss. The Lions were penalized for pass interference on the play, leading to a first-and-goal. Two words for ya: Replacement officials. What do you expect?
• As we discussed earlier, the Lions need to capitalize on every opportunity the historically stingy 49ers give them. They weren't able to in the first quarter when kick returner Kendall Hunter committed the 49ers' first turnover in seven regular season games. The Lions moved the ball only two yards and settled for Jason Hanson's 41-yard field goal.
• That kick clanged off the right upright before sailing through, but Hanson wasn't as on a 40-yard attempt in the second quarter. That kick again hit the right upright and bounced away.
• I thought linebacker DeAndre Levy had an active and impressive first half. He has unofficially been credited with five tackles, including a tackle of 49ers running back Frank Gore that ended the 49ers' two-minute drill just before halftime.
• I covered baseball many moons ago, and for some reason I feel compelled to share this observation: Candlestick Park smells just like old Yankee Stadium, in a this-stadium-has-been-dirtied-and-cleaned-many-times kind of way. That's all I've got.

17 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46352/halftime-49ers-14-lions-6
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19.10 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lions can't maximize return on 49ers fumble

SAN FRANCISCO -- My feeling sitting here in the Candlestick Park press box, other than feeling that I'm way high up and one wind gust away from sitting in the stadium bowl, is this: The Detroit Lions need a near-perfect, capitalize-on-every-opportunity performance to upend the San Francisco 49ers.

The Lions fell short on their opportunity to put the 49ers on their heels, and we'll see how important it is to the final outcome.

After forcing the 49ers' first turnover in seven regular season games -- a fumble by Kendall Hunter on a kickoff return -- the Lions managed only two yards on offense and settled for Jason Hanson's 41-yard field goal. That score left the Lions trailing 7-6 as the final minutes of the first quarter counted down.

A field goal is better than nothing, of course. But recent history tells us the 49ers don't make many mistakes, and maximizing them should be paramount.

17 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46347/lions-cant-maximize-return-on-49ers-fumble
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18.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Schwartz, Harbaugh exchange pleasantries

SAN FRANCISCO -- Let the record show: At 4:30 p.m. local time, Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz departed the locker room and walked onto the field at Candlestick Park. Schwartz shook hands with someone standing on the Lions sideline. Then he turned, pointed at San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh.

The two jogged to the 30-yard line, shook hands, exchanged pleasantries for a moment and then went to join their teams. Many of the few thousand fans who are already in their seats here noticed and cheered.

And, as far as I can tell, ALL IS WELL!

As you know, last year's postgame tussle between the two men has been part of the storyline leading up to this game. I'm sure they both knew all eyes would be on them during pregame, so it made sense to go ahead and demonstrate they have both moved long past their incident.

As we discussed earlier this week, Sunday night is an opportunity for Schwartz to follow through on his longtime pledge to lower his sideline blood pressure.

17 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46338/schwartz-harbaugh-exchange-pleasantries
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17.09 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lions: Houston down, Ryan Broyles up

SAN FRANCISCO -- As we expected, the Detroit Lions won't have either starting cornerback available for Sunday night's matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.

Cornerbacks Chris Houston (ankle) and Bill Bentley (concussion) were both deactivated and won't be in uniform. The Lions announced Drayton Florence and Jacob Lacey as their replacements, and it's expected that Kevin Barnes and Jonte Green will be on the field when the Lions need extra defensive backs.

On the other hand, Lions receiver Ryan Broyles will be in uniform after being deactivated for last week's game against the St. Louis Rams. As we discussed last week, the Lions had significant success against the 49ers last season on passes between the numbers. Broyles thrives on inside passes and could be a valuable weapon against the 49ers' defense.

Finally, defensive tackle Corey Williams is in the starting lineup even though he missed practice all week because of a knee injury.

17 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/46326/lions-houston-down-ryan-broyles-up
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16.30 | 0 komentar | Read More