Fbkid's Week 9 Extra Points

Out of any team in the league, the Cardinals could be the hardest to figure out. After losing by 13 points at home to the Panthers, they come out and beat the Bears by 20 on the road. Even with this inconsistent play at 5-3 the Cardinals should be looking at another division title as nobody else in the division is above .500.

Much to the dismay of defenses around the league, Michael Turner is finally starting to pick up where he left off last year. In his past two games, Turner has run for over 300 yards to go with three touchdowns. This is a huge boost for the Falcons as Matt Ryan has had trouble taking care of the ball the past few weeks and the running game will open up the offense for Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez.

While it was only one game, it looks like the Buccaneers have found their quarterback of the future and will be starting Josh Freeman the rest of the year. Even though he completed less than 50 percent of his passes, Freeman was calm in pressure situations and threw for over 200 yards and three touchdowns without his top receiver Antonio Bryant. The Bucs aren’t going to be making a playoff push this year considering this was their first win, but with Freeman and a few more solid draft classes they could be headed in the right direction.

Considering how many they have drafted over the years, it’s hard to believe it but the Lions need another receiver. Calvin Johnson was double teamed constantly throughout the game and Matthew Stafford forced a lot of his throws which resulted in him throwing five interceptions. While the Lions have bigger priorities particularly on the offensive and defensive lines, they need to try and add another receiver whether it's through free agency or the draft.

It seems that once a team gets a certain reputation, it is hard for them to lose it. Recent examples of this include the Steelers as a run oriented team and the Jaguars being built around stopping the run. The most recent example: The Ravens winning games on defense. While this unit has showed flashes at times this season, it is a shadow of what it was two to three years ago. There are still young players such as Haloti Ngata with Pro Bowl talent, but with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed both in their 30’s, it may be time to start reloading.

Some of the most well known players in all of football are receivers but it is quite possible that one who is on pace for a career year is underrated. Vincent Jackson not Antonio Gates is quietly becoming Philip Rivers’ favorite target in San Diego. Like Gates, he is a big threat in the red zone as he already has seven touchdowns. Jackson is emerging as one of the league’s best deep threats as well with his 6’5 frame and 17.2 yards per catch. As the Chargers seem to be improving each week, look for Jackson to finally start getting the attention he deserves.

This offseason, the Chiefs gave up quite the haul to acquire Matt Cassel from the Patriots who the year before did an excellent job replacing Tom Brady after his season ending knee injury. The way things have played out so far, it looks as if he may be a one year wonder. Cassel was constantly running for his life against an at best mediocre Jaguars pass rush. Up until the last few minutes of the game, Cassel was only throwing dink and dunk passes and got the ball to Dwayne Bowe only once. Cassel’s numbers say he had a good day with 262 yards and two touchdowns but all of that came when the game’s outcome was already decided. Chiefs fans I have talked to and myself are wondering if Cassel with that supporting cast and his large contract are that much better than Tyler Thigpen who the team traded to the Dolphins earlier this year.

One of the most improved players in the league this year could be Vernon Davis. Entering this year, he was labeled by some as a huge bust who was the definition of a “workout warrior”. Now through eight games he already has a career high with seven touchdowns and is building a very nice rapport with Alex Smith. With his unique build and freakish speed, if Davis appears as committed as he looks, he could be one of the league’s top tight ends for years to come.

Fbkid's Week 7 Extra Points

After seven weeks, a record three undefeated teams are still left standing. Many of the games this past week were blowouts. Two games however could apply to some of what was said in the Denny Green rant that occurred over four years ago. Here are my week seven extra points.


The Giants aren't who we thought they were: While their 5-2 record is impressive, the Cowboys are the only team they have beat with any chance of making the playoffs. Other than that, the Giants have beaten the Chiefs, Buccaneers and Raiders. The team does have a talented roster, but not being able to beat the Cardinals or Saints who are playoff caliber teams is a reason for concern.



We let them off the hook: The Dolphins led by 21 points at home against an undefeated Saints team and still managed to lose. The Dolphins game plan was working perfectly as they were running the ball all over the Saints. Then the Saints offense got going and the game was never the same. If we learned anything out of this game it’s that Chad Henne really needs some playmakers for him to be successful. Brian Hartline had a very good game and Davone Bess is an excellent slot receiver, but Ted Ginn isn’t turning into the player they hoped he would be. Look for this to be one of the 1st positions addressed this offseason.



One play that really stood out to me in the Giants Cardinals game was when Antrel Rolle lined up at quarterback in the wildcat and threw the ball. The play didn't count, but it stood out to me for two reasons. I had no idea that Rolle could throw the ball that well as he threw a perfect strike 40 yards down field to Larry Fitzgerald. The second thing is that Rolle could have a stronger arm than backup quarterback Matt Leinart who was drafted to be the future of the franchise four years ago. Leinart with the weapons around him could end up turning into a solid pro, but as of now it looks like he will be another disappointment from the overhyped 2006 draft class.



Alex Smith should have won himself the starting job in San Francisco with his performance against the Texans. In one half, he threw for over 200 yards and three touchdowns. With the emergence of Vernon Davis and the recent signing of Michael Crabtree, Smith has some weapons to throw to and could put up some solid numbers.



The Josh Johnson era looks to be over in Tampa. Even though he threw eight interceptions, Johnson showed some potential but after drafting Josh Freeman in the 1st round this past year, it was only a matter of time until Johnson would get the shaft. Johnson could end up being a solid quarterback so it should be interesting to see if they keep him or try and trade him this offseason.



A real darkhorse for the defensive rookie of the year is Bills safety Jairus Byrd. Byrd is always around the ball and that is a main reason why he is among the league leaders with five interceptions. Look for him to only get better over the course of the year and take his game to another level in his second year.



A player who doesn't get much attention but could end up being a Hall of Fame player is Saints safety Darren Sharper. With 60 interceptions he is the league's active leader and with 11 only trails Rod Woodson for touchdown returns. Sharper has a few good years of football left in him so don't be surprised if he ends up with more than 70 interceptions for his career.



If you are looking for a running back in your fantasy league, a guy to consider is Jets rookie Shonn Greene. Leon Washington is out for the season so Greene will be getting his carries and has he proved against the Raiders, he can make the most of them. Greene also has the body to be effective around the goal line so don't be surprised if he becomes one of the more valuable fantasy backs in the stretch run.

Fbkid's Week 6 Extra Points

The Saints are currently the best team in the league. Gregg Williams' defense was impressive yesterday constantly getting pressure on Eli Manning and the offense is almost impossible to stop. There next big test is in a few weeks at home against the Falcons which will be a very important game in both the division and overall NFC standings.

If anyone has benefited the most from the Brett Favre era in Minnesota it is Sidney Rice. He is emerging as a big play threat and is showing the potential that has some in the Vikings organization comparing him to Larry Fitzgerald. Favre and Rice are only going to get better as a tandem as the year goes on so it wouldn't be surprising if he had over 1000 yards receiving.

The Jets really need to be worried about the way Mark Sanchez played yesterday in cold weather. The Meadowlands is very windy and it could be possible that he doesn't have the arm strength needed to play there. This is also a question that frequently is asked about Eli Manning and while he doesn't put up great numbers at home, there are few quarterbacks who are better on the road.

Out of all the great running backs to come out of the 2008 draft class, it's possible that Ray Rice doesn't get enough attention. He was very impressive this week rushing for over seven yards a carry along with ten receptions and two touchdowns. With Rice and Joe Flacco, the Ravens are certainly not the same team they were a few years ago and the offense could become one of the league’s elite in the next few years.

Last week I mentioned that it might not be until December that Tom Brady returns to his 2007 form. If the six touchdown passes against the Titans are any indication, he's back. Unlike prior weeks, Brady hit all of his receivers and seemed comfortable in the pocket. This offense is still very explosive and they are heating up at the right time.

After their embarrassing 59-0 loss, I have finally realized that the Titans are in the exact same situation the Jaguars were last year. Both teams over-achieved and faced high expectations heading into the next season. Instead of being a Super Bowl contender, both teams looked old and ready to rebuild. There is some talent to build around with players such as Chris Johnson, Cortland Finnegan and Michael Griffin. However the strength of the Titans has always been upfront and until they address that through free agency or the draft, it could be a few years until they are contenders again.

After seeing him play in person for the first time, it is clear to me that Steven Jackson deserves a better team. At 6’2 235 pounds he is built more like a linebacker but he is one of the best running backs in the entire league. Jackson is a very powerful runner and also has soft hands. His all around play was shown on a screen pass that he broke for 40 yards on a very impressive run dragging tacklers with him. Jackson is under contract until 2013, but if he is ever given a chance to play on another team, he will be in the discussion with Adrian Peterson over who is the best running back in the league.

Fbkid's Week 5 Extra Points

This past week was another example of how this year doesn't contain the parody that a normal NFL season does. There are still four winless teams and as crazy as 0-16 sounded last year, it looks like that a few teams could give the Lions a run this year. Here are my week five extra points.

Ronnie Brown doesn’t get as much attention as he deserves. He has put up solid numbers but until you watch him you don't know how good he really is. The wildcat offense may not be conventional, but Brown thrives on it and few players have his decision making ability with the ball. He is a tough runner who can either get a first down in a short yardage situation or take it 60 yards for a touchdown. Another thing that is underrated is his throwing ability as he has proven on multiple occasions that he can throw when called upon.

Rex Ryan should be pretty worried about the Jets performance on defense. They didn’t get any pass rush against Chad Henne and in order to rattle a young quarterback, you need to get in his face. The defense has loads of talent, but they need to keep the games relatively low scoring. Mark Sanchez has shown a lot of promise in his first five games, but he hasn’t yet shown that he can put the team on his back and win.

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that Johnny Knox could be a dark horse for the offensive rookie of the year award. Right now Austin Collie is showing that he could be in it for the long haul. He is quickly developing into one of Peyton Manning’s favorite targets and is getting more involved in the offense each week. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if Collie is starting even when Anthony Gonzalez returns.

Like many people, the Patriots were my pick to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. The way they are playing of late they could be in trouble. Tom Brady is not back to his old self yet and has missed receivers on passes that could have been easy touchdowns. The defense has also had some injury problems on a unit that isn’t getting any younger. Predictions for the Patriots this season were mainly based off the impact that Brady would have on the team. For all we know, it could take him until December to regain his 2007 form.

If the season ended today, it would be hard not to give Kyle Orton the most improved player award. Granted, he now has more weapons around him but he is making better decisions with the ball as he has only thrown only one interception through five games. As impressive as the Broncos have been, Orton’s play will determine how far they go this year.

As hard as it is to believe, the Ravens defense could hold them back this year. The pass defense has really struggled up to this point and what they have been doing late in games is reason to worry. Yes, there were some very controversial calls in the game against the Patriots, but their defense lost their composure towards the end of the Bengals game. They became over aggressive trying to make plays but that ended up leading to penalties that helped the Bengals cap their game winning drive. Even Ray Lewis got in the act hitting a defenseless Chad Ochocinco for a crucial unnecessary roughness penalty. This is a veteran unit though and if any group can fix this they can.

In case you were wondering, along with the Broncos, the Bengals are for real. They have already beaten every team in their division and are doing it in dramatic fashion. The offense which was supposed to drive the team this year has struggled at times but a young, athletic defense is what really is standing out so far. The unit is improving by the game and is filled with emotion as defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s wife unexpectedly passed away this past week. If the offense plays up to its potential, look out.

Fbkid's Week 4 Extra Points

With ¼ of the season on the books we’ve seen some surprising developments begin to emerge. Here are my week 4 extra points.

Before the year started, I thought Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels was in way over his head and the Broncos would have a miserable year. Instead, they are perfect through week four and after their win against the Cowboys I’m starting to believe. If McDaniels can lead the team to a victory over his mentor Bill Belichick and the Patriots, I'm sold.

It's hard to believe but the Saints won with defense last week against the Jets. Unlike last year in Jacksonville, Gregg Williams has the right personnel in place for his system and the unit is improving every week.

On another note regarding the Saints, many people feel that Drew Brees is the first quarter MVP, but his stats aren't nearly as impressive as they may seem. Take away his amazing 358 yards six touchdown week 1 game against the Lions and for the remaining three games he has a mere 700 yards passing and three touchdowns. His fantasy owners may be a little worried, but Brees is winning games for the Saints and in the league that's all that matters.

The other week I mentioned that Darrelle Revis could be the most underrated player in the league. Another candidate is Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield. An elite corner for quite some time; he’s now distinguished himself as a run-stopper. Winfield showed all the qualities that make him great against the Packers as he had ten tackles and an interception.

In my preseason predictions, I thought that the Packers could make a deep run in the NFC. They have lots of talent but their offensive line is a huge concern. Aaron Rodgers got a good look at the Metrodome roof as he was on his back almost the entire game. Jared Allen alone had 4.5 sacks. Keep in mind I said something similar about the Steelers last year and look how that turned out. The critical difference will turn out to be the Packers less-than-stout defense.

Braylon Edwards was traded to the Jets yesterday in what should be a good deal for all concerned. Edwards went to Honolulu in 2007 but due to inconsistent quarterback play and drops, he hasn't been the same since. Now he has a fresh start with rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez along with other targets in the passing game such as Jericho Cotchery and Dustin Keller.

This trade worked out well for the Browns too. They acquired two players who Eric Mangini is familiar with along with two draft picks. In so doing they rid themselves of a player that was losing support in the locker room and the community. Derek Anderson's number one target now should be Mohamed Massaquoi who he connected with last week for eight catches and 148 yards.

The Michael Crabtree holdout saga has finally come to an end, but don't expect him to make a huge contribution this rookie season. Crabtree still has to learn the playbook and has to form a connection with quarterback Shaun Hill. Considering the 49ers have a bye week six, look for Crabtree to make his NFL debut the following week against the Texans.


Last but not least, a personal highlight for me occurred this past weekend at the Jaguars Titans game as I had the chance to meet Michael Lombardi before the game. I am a very big fan of his column on National Football Post and his work on NFL Network. He is one of the most knowledgeable football men out there and I learn more every time I read his work. I really appreciate that he took a few minutes out of his day to talk to me and provide encouragement.

Fbkid's Week 3 Extra Points

This past week was very entertaining with last second wins, upsets and many close games. Here are my thoughts on the past weeks games.

Congratulations go out to the Detroit Lions for winning their first game after 19 straight losses. Matthew Stafford played his best game of his very young career and the defense played well. Jim Schwartz has this team headed in the right direction.

On the other hand, the Redskins are in trouble. They are struggling on the defensive side of the ball and allowed two 90 plus yard scoring drives to the Lions. The offense has also been inconsistent so far this season and to say the least Jim Zorn will be on a short leash the rest of the season.

Byron Leftwich has been replaced as the Buccaneers starting quarterback by last year's 5th round pick Josh Johnson. While many people were expecting to see this year's 1st rounder Josh Freeman, this was a good move. While nobody doubted Leftwich's ability to throw the ball, Johnson unlike Leftwich is very mobile outside the pocket and can make things out of broken plays. The Bucs now get to see Johnson against a first team defense and will now be able to decide if he should be a part of the team as they are rebuilding. I was very high on Johnson coming out of San Diego last year so it will be interesting to see how he does.

While many people are crediting Carson Palmer for the Bengals early season success, one player to throw into the mix is Cedric Benson. Benson who was considered a major bust, is now third in the league and rushing yards and has provided the Bengals a solid rushing attack to go with their explosive passing game.

I know coach of the year is usually reserved for head coaches, but one guy who really deserves to be considered up to this point is Broncos defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. He has turned around a unit that was one of the worst in the league last year and through three games is allowing less then 10 points per game. Granted, they haven't played very tough opponents but regardless the turnaround Nolan has orchistrated is very impressive.

I would also like to say congratulations to Steelers rookie receiver Mike Wallace. This past sunday he had his first career 100 yard game and as some of you know he was my first ever player interview. He has all but locked up the role of being the Steelers number three receiver and it is impressive that he is already having such a big impact only three games into the season.

Fbkid's Week 2 Extra Points

This week, I am starting a new series that will continue through out the year called extra points. Every monday, I will be sharing my thoughts on what occured in the games the day before. Here are my thoughts on this week in the NFL.

Going into the season as the one thing that could hold the team back, the Giants receivers looked very good yesterday against the Cowboys. Steve Smith emerged as a receiver who could be an excellent number two with 10 catches for a 134 yards and a touchdown. Mario Manningham who struggled to get on the field his rookie year had 10 catches for 150 yards and a touchdown. This is all while first round pick Hakeem Nicks is hurt. Look out for the Giants receivers as they are only going to improve over the course of the year.

Is it possible that a New York player might be the most underrated player in the league? That could be the case with Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis as he hasn't received much attention nationally but has been shutting down elite receivers since his rookie year. So far this year he has held Andre Johnson to four catches for 35 yards and Randy Moss to four catches 24 yards. Revis made his first Pro Bowl last year, but he should be a fixture for years to come.

How much are the Titans missing Albert Haynesworth and Jim Schwartz right now? Going into the year, the Titans had a very strong secondary with two Pro Bowlers in Cortland Finnegan and Michael Griffin. Through two games, they have allowed 678 passing yards and already have two losses coming off a year where they went 13-3. In the past if the Titans score 31 points they are a sure lock to win the game. As proven yesterday by the Texans, that isn't the case anymore.

If it wasn't for Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson would be the toast of the league at the running back position. Based on yesterday's performance, his self appointed nickname "Every coach's dream" isn't far off. His performance consisted of 284 total yards and three touchdowns including a 91 yarder. With his game yesterday, Johnson showed everyone that he is one of the game's elite backs along with a special place in his fantasy owners' hearts.

Considering Philip Rivers threw for over 400 yards, it's very surprising that the Chargers decided to run on 4th and two at the very end of the game. Ray Lewis made a play that showed exactly why he will be in Canton one day and he saw the play develop a mile away.

In my ten shocking predictions article a few months back, I predicted that Joe Flacco would have a "sophomore slump". Granted I said that when Derrick Mason was retired, but it doesn't look like it will happen. Flacco looks very cool in the pocket and like Ben Roethlisberger in his second year, it wouldn't be surprising if the Ravens make a deep playoff run.

Like Eddie Royal last year, it wouldn't be surprising if Johnny Knox becomes one of Jay Cutler's favorite targets. He has excellent speed and through two games he leads the team in receiving yards and already showed big play ability. Knox has a very good chance of becoming a dark horse candidate for rookie of the year honors.