~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* October 23, 2014
	@
San Diego Chargers (4-3, 2-1 Away)		Denver Broncos (1-4-1, 1-3 Home)
Injury Report Shareece Wright(CB) Fractured Foot(IR) Peyton Manning(QB) Shoulder Tear(1 Week) Kendall Reyes(LE) Pectoral Tear(IR) Dementu George(R)(RB) Abdominal Tear(2 Weeks) Game Notes Coming off a blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last week, the San Diego Chargers are looking to rebound when they face the Manningless Denver Broncos. The Broncos have been on a downward spiral this year with Peyton leading the league in picks before getting hurt. The Broncos struggled to put up any points just 4 days ago when they fell to the 49ers in Denver. Head Coach John Fox and GM John Elway aren't ready to admit just yet that the Manning Era in Denver is coming to an end soon. QB Matchup Brock Osweiller(DEN)- 633 yards, 1 Touchdown, 1 Pick, 80.2 Rating. Phillip Rivers(SD)- 1,352 Yards, 5 Touchdowns, 5 Picks, 79.1 Rating.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Osweiller struggles as BRONCOS fall to CHARGERS 24-7 on Primetime in Denver.




RECAP




Denver, CO- The Denver Broncos(1-5-1) continue their downward spiral year after falling 24-7 on Thursday night to the San Diego Chargers(5-3).

"We didn't play well. That's on us." Broncos Head Coach John Fox stated.

That's a good statement.

The Broncos haven't been playing well at all in 2014. The Broncos stomped the Colts in Week 1 then went into a 3 game losing streak where Quarterback Peyton Manning was struggling and throwing interceptions.

Manning leads the league in INT's with 15.

Even when Manning went down the Broncos continued their slide with QB Brock Osweiller struggling to do anything in Adam Gase's Offense.

Tonight was no different.

Osweiller was absolutely flustered tonight in the loss. He was 7/19 for 69 yards no TD's and a fumble.

"It wasn't a good night for us. Me specifically." Osweiller stated.

The Chargers(5-3) took a 21-0 halftime lead and held the Broncos(1-5-1) to constant 3 and outs.

Denver struggled to move the ball with RB Montee Ball only racking up just 33 yards off 10 carries.

Chargers Quarterback Phillip Rivers had 210 yards and 2 Touchdowns.

"We're playing good Football right now." Rivers stated. "We stick together and we find ways to win."

"We played great tonight. Our guys did their jobs and we came out on top." Chargers Head Coach Mike McCoy stated.

At the start of the 4th Quarter, San Diego held a 21-0 lead and John Fox made a change.

He benched Osweiller for Zac Dysert.

The Broncos had just 93 yards of Total Offense to kick off the 4th.

"Made a change for us at Quarterback, Brock (Osweiller) was struggling and went with Zac." John Fox stated.

Dysert led Denver down on a 80 yard TD drive throwing a TD pass to TE Julius Thomas that cut the lead down to 21-7.

But the Chargers kicked a FG and won the game.

Next week the Broncos(1-5-1) get Peyton Manning back but it may be too little to late. Especially the way Manning has been struggling too.



UP NEXT

Chargers(5-3) @ Dolphins(2-4)

Broncos(1-5-1) @ Patriots(5-2)

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

10/24/14

Written by: Todd Franklin


DENVER BRONCOS, a loss cause in 2014?



In 2011, John Elway joined the Broncos Front Office and envisioned a new direction for the Franchise he helped lead to 2 Super Bowl Championships. He wasted little time in going to work hiring Head Coach John Fox and signing one of the Greatest Ever Peyton Manning.

The new look Broncos we're a force. Denver has won 3 straight AFC West Division Championships. Last year they we're 13-3 and set numerous records on Offense before getting crushed by the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 48.

Now with high hopes in 2014 and a thrashing blowout over the Colts in Week 1, the Broncos are in a downward spiral. They went on a 3 game skid with Manning playing very poorly. He leads the league in Interceptions.

Even after a shoulder injury that caused him to miss a few games, the Broncos still continue to slump. They have now fallen to 1-5-1 and a Week 9 Matchup in New England against Tom Brady and the Patriots might end up another loss.

The silver lining however is that Peyton will be back next week for another Chapter in the Manning-Brady rivalry. Should Denver lose and fall to 1-6-1, the Broncos will be facing adversity harder in the face. They still sit 3rd in the AFC West but even if Denver "Runs the table" and finishes the Year with a 9-6-1 Record, might not be enough for a Playoff spot.

Elway and Fox have made it clear that they're not worried about Manning and are focusing on playing the games while they wait for Peyton's return. At 38, Manning hasn't made it clear yet that he's retiring or returning. Denver has caught a glimpse of a future without their Hall of Fame QB.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* October 26, 2014
	@
Detroit Lions (3-4, 1-2 Away)		Atlanta Falcons (2-5, 0-3 Home)
Injury Report Matthew Stafford(QB) Abdominal Tear(3 Weeks) Bear Pascoe(TE) Broken Collarbone(6 Weeks) Dan Orlovsky(QB) Broken Collarbone(5 Weeks) Game Notes The Falcons will look to pick up their first home game win of 2014. The Lions are coming off a Win last week over the Saints, while the Falcons lost to the Ravens. The Lions are suffering without Stafford who is still out hurt. The Lions are in rebuild mode with Jim Caldwell. Meanwhile the Falcons are struggling bad and Mike Smith could be shown the door by January if the Dirty Birds don't start getting some wins. Lions Offense Rank: 24 Lions Defense Rank: 16 Falcons Offense Rank: 22 Falcons Defense Rank: 31

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

One Yard Short.. LIONS hold off FALCONS rally in 23-18 win in London...Atlanta drops 4 straight.




RECAP





London- ONE YARD SHORT.

The Atlanta Falcons(2-6) had a taste of the Titans crushing SB loss to the Rams way back in 1999 where Kevin Dyson was tackled on the 1 yard line as time expired.

Today was a mirror image.

Less than a minute on the clock and no timeouts and down by 5, Matt Ryan led Atlanta on a potential Game Winning Drive with no timeouts. With 10 seconds left Ryan dropped a bomb to Julio Jones near the endzone but Jones was tackled at the 1 and the Lions(4-4) held on for the win.

"It was surreal man. That's what makes this Game so great. Great stop there for us. Atlanta came at us hard today. Great team." Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell stated.

The Falcons(2-6) fell hard flat on their face at the end after trying to come back. Quarterback Matt Ryan was under pressure a lot today as his line crumbled allowing the Lions to sack him 6 times.

He managed 410 yards and 2 Touchdowns with no turnovers. His favorite target of course, Julio Jones who had 184 yards off just 10 catches.

"We had some chances at the end there but came up short." Matt Ryan stated.

The Falcons actually showed improvements today but Head Coach Mike Smith's System doesn't appear to be working.

"I thought we played good today. Came up short but we looked like a good Team out there." Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith stated.

The Falcons struggled to stop the run as Reggie Bush racked up 108 yards off 22 Carries and a TD.

Steven Jackson wasn't so lucky. He struggled with 33 yards off 10 Carries.

The Lions started Kellen Moore again with Stafford and Orlovsky hurt.

Moore had 262 yards and a TD including a 76 yard bomb to Golden Tate that put Detroit up 14-3. The Lions took a 17-6 halftime lead.

Atlanta however would rally back of course.

"With a team like Atlanta and a QB like Ryan I didn't feel comfortable at all with a lead. We knew if we didn't keep our foot on the gas we would lose." Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell stated.

The Falcons have lost 4 straight and Mike Smith's seat is possibly getting hotter and hotter.

The Lions are 4-4 and are back in the hunt for the North Division Title.


UP NEXT

Falcons(2-6) on a Week 9 BYE.

Lions(4-4) on a Week 9 BYE.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

ATLANTA FALCONS Mike Smith on the Hot Seat?



10/26/14


Written By: Pam Dawson





It's hard to believe that the Atlanta Falcons could stoop so low in the Mike Smith Era. The Falcons fell in London to the Detroit Lions 23-18 that dropped them to 2-6 on the year. Atlanta got to take that long flight back across the pond and head into their BYE Week with "One yard Short" in their minds.

And it's not a good feeling.

"We're in a rough spot right now and we have no one to blame but ourselves." Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith stated.

Mike Smith was hired by Atlanta in 2008 after the pitiful Bobby Petrino era.

Smith led Atlanta to a 11-5 Record and a Wildcard loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The next year the Falcons missed the Playoffs with a 9-7 Record. He made up for it in 2010 securing the #1 Seed in the NFC but Atlanta was blown out by Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers on their way to a Super Bowl Championship.

Smith found consistency here.

A 2011 Wild Card loss to the Giants and a 2012 NFC Championship Loss to the 49ers.

The Falcons can't get over the hump.

2013, the Falcons got hit hard with injuries and limped to the finish line with a 4-12 record.

This year however, the Atlanta Falcons are at rock bottom. The team is healthy but sit at 2-6 and struggling to win games. It's not the players. It appears that Smith's System has gone stale and now the Falcons are already in danger of being eliminated from the Playoffs if they don't start winning games.

With how stale the Team is this year, Falcons Owner Arthur Blank could be making drastic changes by the end of the year. It's not officially confirmed yet but many rumors are starting that Smith is on the hot seat.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* October 26, 2014
	@
Minnesota Vikings (1-6, 0-4 Away)		Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1, 2-1 Home)
Injury Report Teddy Bridgewater(R)(QB) Broken Collarbone(IR) NONE Matt Cassel(QB) Broken Collarbone(5 Weeks) Josh Robinson(CB) Dislocated Ankle Game Notes Lovie Smith and Josh McCown reunited in Tampa and have put the Buccaneers back on the map racing out to a 5-1 Record. The Vikings have struggled to kick off the Mike Zimmer Era and now have 2 QB's on the shelf. Ponder is the backup to Rookie Nick Montana who will make his first NFL start in Tampa. Tampa Bay is on a hot 5 game winning streak. The Vikings are struggling bad on Defense and has been run over all year long. Vikings Offense: 6 Vikings Defense: 30 Buccaneers Offense: 9 Buccaneers Defense: 22

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

BUCCANEERS win 6th Straight. Beat VIKINGS 27-10...




RECAP





Tampa Bay, FL- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers(6-1) are on a hot 6 game winning streak. They sit in first place in the NFC South over the New Orleans Saints(3-3).

"We're in a great spot right now with the way we've been playing." Bucs Head Coach Lovie Smith stated.

The Buccaneers(6-1) picked up their 6th straight win over the struggling Minnesota Vikings(1-7) today in Tampa 27-10.

And they did with a statement.

Making his first NFL start, QB Nick Montana threw 139 yards and no Touchdowns but threw 2 INTs.

Tampa Bay held Minnesota to 3 and outs throughout the game.

The Vikings finished with just 216 yards on Offense.

"We struggled on Offense bad today." Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer stated. "Couldn't move the ball."

Tampa's Defense really showed up today holding A.P to 89 yards off 19 carries and a Touchdown.

They also forced him to fumble as well.

"We need to protect the ball much better." Zimmer stated.

Buccaneers QB Josh McCown picked apart the Vikings horrible defense with 308 yards and a Touchdown.

"Great win for us today. We all have stuck together and made this thing work." McCown stated.

The Vikings Defense got to McCown 5 times with Linval Joseph picking up 3 Sacks.

They also stopped Bucs RB Doug Martin for 18 carries and 67 yards for a TD.

"Defense played well I thought especially in the run game." Zimmer stated.

The Vikings(1-7) are in a rebuild year and are not expected to contend for the North Title just yet.

The Buccaneers(6-1) continue their hot winning streak as they look to make the Playoffs for the first time since 2007.


UP NEXT

Vikings(1-7) VS Redskins(1-6) Next Sunday.

Buccaneers(6-1) @ Browns(4-2) Next Sunday.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* October 26, 2014
	@
Buffalo Bills (4-3, 2-1 Away)		New York Jets (4-2-1, 2-1-1 Home)
Injury Report NONE Geno Smith(QB) Achilles Tear(IR) John David Booty(R)(QB) Shoulder Tear(3 Weeks) Game Notes Another Chapter in this rivalry is about to begin when the Bills and Jets kick off. New York has found new life with John David Booty. But a torn Shoulder has him sidelined and now the Jets must rally behind Michael Vick. The Bills still rebuilding find themselves at 4-3 and are playing Musical QB's while the rebuild continues. Jets Offense: 20 Jets Defense 12 Bills Offense: 14 Bills Defense: 18

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

JETS win Defensive Battle over BILLS on Game Winning FG 18-15!




RECAP





East Rutherford, NJ- "Division Games are tough."

That's the saying in the NFL and today that was the case between the New York Jets(5-2-1) and the Buffalo Bills(4-4).

"It was ugly but we got the job done. Lots to be excited about." Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan stated.

It was ugly indeed.

The Teams combined for 6 Turnovers on the day.

"It was ugly and lots to work on." Bills Head Coach Doug Marrone stated.

On the Bills Opening Drive, QB Josh Allen led Buffalo down in the Red Zone but threw a pick right to LB David Harris.

Harris would intercept Allen twice. Both times in crucial spots.

The Jets struggled against the Bills Defense and took a 6-0 lead into Halftime.

Jets QB Michael Vick struggled to get anything going against Buffalo's Defense. He had 143 yards no TDs and threw a pick.

Vick ran for 63 yards off 7 carries and fumbled the ball twice. Both times in the Red Zone and in crucial spots.

"Need to protect the ball better. We lost it twice in the Red Zone and could of lost this one." Ryan stated.

The Jets took a 12-7 lead off a pick 6 by Cornerback Dimitri Patterson. Allen's 2nd pick of the day.

But by the 4th Quarter both teams we're tied at 15 a piece.

The Jets(5-2-1) marched down into the Red Zone where Vick fumbled the ball on a potential Go ahead drive.

The Bills(4-4) didn't fare much better. They we're held to a 3 and out and punted the ball back to the Jets with less than a minute to play.

Vick found Rookie Wideout Colton Cruise on a 25 yard slant that set up the Game Winning FG.

"We we're back and fourth all day. We had plenty of chances to win but we couldn't cash in." Bills Head Coach Doug Marrone stated.

The Bills finished the day with 258 Total yards to the Jets 376.

Jets RB Chris Johnson had 30 Carries and 139 yards with no TDs.

CJ Spiller was held to 48 yards.



UP NEXT

Jets(5-2-1) @ Chiefs(5-1) Next Sunday.

Bills(4-4) on a Week 9 BYE Week.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* October 26, 2014
	@
Chicago Bears (6-1, 3-1 Away)		New England Patriots (5-2, 2-1 Home)
Injury Report Game Notes In what is the toughest challenge yet for the Chicago Bears, Da Bears head into Foxboro with a huge Test against Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and the New England Patriots. The Bears have won 5 straight and are firing on all cylinders in Second Years Marc Trestman's System. The Patriots are coming off a long 10 day break where they we're upset by the Jets last Thursday. If the Bears can knock off "The Dynasty" it will send a message to the league that Chicago might just be for real. However if history proves anything. Don't doubt Tom Brady. Bears Offense: 8 Bears Defense: 8 Patriots Offense: 3 Patriots Defense: 19

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Shootout in Foxboro as PATRIOTS beat BEARS 45-35 off Brady's 5 Touchdowns....




RECAP





Foxboro, MA- It was a test that the Chicago Bears(6-2) we're up for. A matchup at Gillette Stadium against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots(6-2).

And the Bears didn't disappoint.

Even if they lost, they passed.

"We we're excited for this game. Good test for us to determine the kind of team we are." Bears Head Coach Marc Trestman stated.

The Bears didn't back down and went right after the "Dynasty".

"We wanted to go in and punch them in the mouth and show we weren't afraid or intimidated." Bears Offensive Coordinator Aaron Kromer stated.

His Offense really took it to the Pats.

The Bears racked up 516 Total yards.

Quarterback Jay Cutler threw 3 Touchdowns and 352 yards against the Pats Defense that couldn't seem to get any stops.

Cutler had 1 pick to Darelle Revis right before halftime.

"In a shootout like that and we can't get stops, we give up many points. We have some things we need to correct." Patriots Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia stated.

New England's Defense failed to get stops and we're ran over by Bears Rookie RB Bobby Lewis who had 129 yards off just 8 Carries and 2 Scores.

He broke through for major gains at will.

"Bad Defense on our part." Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick stated.

The Patriots(6-2) didn't have much luck in the Running game. Shane Vereen only managed 30 yards off 12 Carries and no TDs.

Rookie James White took over at Back in the 4th and had much more success. He racked up 81 yards off 21 Carries and a score.

But when New England couldn't run, Tom Brady showed the World why he's one of the Greatest Ever.

Brady threw 5 Touchdowns and 434 yards against the Bears Defense who struggled to break up the pass.

Brady's rating was 141.4. Julian Edelman alone had 14 Catches and 233 yards for a TD.

Brady's favorite Target in the Redzone was of course, Gronk. 3 times to be exact.

"He's the Greatest Ever." Gronk stated.

The Patriots finished the day with 621 yards. Brady's only pick of the game was by Rookie Safety Shawn Butler. Brady attempted a long bomb in the Endzone but came up short.

Brady was never sacked once as his O.L kept the Bears pass rush at bay.

"Great football for that." Belichick stated.

Cutler was sacked 4 times.

"I thought our guys did well today. To come in and have that kind of performance against the Patriots is a great team effort." Trestman stated.

It was a shootout from the Opening kickoff. Both tied at 14-14 heading into the Second Quarter.

Patriots(6-2) took a 28-14 lead into halftime. Chicago(6-2) would battle back.

Brady has also moved into 5th All time on the Passing Yards list. (51,663)


UP NEXT

Patriots(6-2) VS Broncos(1-5-1) Next Sunday..

Bears(6-2) on a Week 9 BYE..

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* October 26, 2014
	@
Seattle Seahawks (4-2, 1-2 Away)		Carolina Panthers (1-6, 0-3 Home)
Injury Report Game Notes After a 58-31 Week 1 win over the Buccaneers, the Panthers entered a 6 game slide with QB Cam Newton playing very poorly. The Panthers are struggling because of Newtons play and rock the league's worst Defense and 31st Offense. They now face their biggest challenge yet, the Defending Super Bowl Champions Seattle Seahawks. The Hawks were upset in St. Louis last week but still rock that "Legion of Boom" Defense. Pete Carroll has his Seahawks poised for another SB Run while Ron Rivera is try to figure out to get Cam Newton out of his funk. Seahawks Offense: 11 Seahawks Defense: 10 Panthers Offense: 31 Panthers Defense: 32

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Newton's 5 Turnovers leads to PANTHERS blowing 24 point lead. Fall to SEAHAWKS 37-31 in Overtime. Carolina loses 7th straight....




RECAP




Charlotte, NC- It looked like the Carolina Panthers(1-7) have turned the page on the struggles that has sent Carolina in a 6 game skid.

Cam Newton looked like he had finally gotten out of his funk.

But it was a cruel mirage.

"I dunno man, I don't want to talk about it." Newton stated before leaving the podium.

The Panthers(1-7) raced out to a 24-0 lead over the Seahawks(5-2).

It looked like Carolina was going to blow out the defending Champs.

Newton broke through for a huge 38 yard rush and the Panthers we're running all over the Hawks.

Newton had 8 Carries for 104 yards and 2 rushing TDs. Panthers Running Back Deangelo Williams rushed for 66 yards and a TD himself and Carolina was up 24-0 over the Seahawks.

But then things changed.. In a heart beat.

Newton struggled to hold on to the football fumbling twice. Both times Seahawks put points up on the board.

Russell Wilson was Russell Wilson driving the Seahawks down on TD drives both times off Newton's fumbles.

Carolina still lead 24-14. But Seattle wouldn't stop there.

"We knew if we cashed in on every chance we got, we could come back and win the game." Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll stated.

Carolina(1-7) took a 31-17 lead when Cam Newton found Greg Olson in the endzone.

It looked like the Panthers would knock off the Champs.

But the "Never say Die" Seahawks wouldn't give up.

Cam Newton then threw the ball after losing 2 Fumbles. It proved much worse.

He managed 197 yards and a TD pass but was picked off 3 times.

The Seahawks scored twice in regulation to tie the game at 31.

"We fell apart. Flat on our face." Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera stated.

The Panthers won the coin toss in Overtime but Newtons first pass was picked off by Richard Sherman. His 3rd of the day.

The Seahawks took over and Running Back Thomas Rawls broke free for a 20 yard rush and Seattle capped off a 24 point Comeback.

"We dug in deep there. We knew we could do it." Carroll stated.

Cam Newton's 3 Interceptions ties Peyton Manning for the most in the league with 15.


"It's awful blowing a game like that." Rivera stated.


The tailspin continues for the Panthers(1-7) losing 7 straight.

Carolina will have a short Week as they host the Saints(3-3) on Thursday Night.


UP NEXT

Panthers(1-7) VS Saints(3-3) On Thursday Night Football..

Seahawks(5-2) VS Raiders(0-6) Next Sunday..