~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

ST. LOUIS RAMS: How they can sneak into the Playoffs...



12/7/14



Written by: Adam Schefter




After a 27-17 Victory over the Washington Redskins earlier, the St. Louis Rams are (6-7) still last in the NFC West.

However, they are not yet eliminated from the Playoffs.

But they also need some major help if they wish to sneak in as a Wildcard as the 6th Seed.

San Francisco should wrap up the 5 Seed if Arizona keeps winning and clinches the West.

First, The Rams will need to win out and finish 9-7. A Thursday Night Game VS Arizona is the first Game they need to win.

Then it's VS Giants and a Week 17 Matchup in Seattle.

If the Rams can win all 3 to finish 9-7 then Teams like Packers, Giants, Seahawks, Saints and Eagles will all need to lose games down the stretch to finish 8-8...

It's a long shot but possible.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 7, 2014
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New York Giants (7-5, 2-4 Away)		Tennessee Titans (8-4, 3-2 Home)
Injury Report NONE NONE Game Notes The Titans are on a 7 Game winning Streak and have clinched the South Division. The Giants have stumbled a bit but sit pretty good coming into the Game. New York needs to keep winning to secure a Playoff spot down the stretch. But with how Dallas, San Francisco, and Seattle are playing, New York needs to be mistake free down the stretch. It's a must win for the Giants.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

GIANTS shut out in Nashville with 32-0 loss to TITANS Tennessee wins 8 straight......






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Nashville, TN- From the Opening Kickoff, the New York Giants(7-6) were dead in the water. The G-Men never found their footing.

"We never got out of the Gate. No idea. Just one of those bad games that you don't ever want to have." Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin stated.

The Giants were held to constant 3 and outs and they never found rhythm.

Giants Punter Steve Weatherford had 4 punts. The Giants were so bad that at halftime Eli Manning had just 10 yards passing and the Titans had a 25-0 lead.

"It was rough for us especially on Offense. No excuses that was absolutely ugly." Giants Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo stated.

New York(7-6) had just 145 yards of Offense in the game. The Tennessee Titans(9-4) really showed up to play.

"We're really hot right now and proud of these guys for showing passion and determination for the year." Titans Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt stated.

The Titans(9-4) have won 8 straight after a 1-4 start.

"Everybody wrote us off and everyone expected us to drop out. Except for the guys in this locker room." Whisenhunt continued.

Eli Manning and the Offense never got off the ground. Manning had just 124 yards with 3 picks.

2 of them by Rookie Corner Cole Travis. Manning's 3rd pick was a pick 6 by Safety Michael Griffin.

Running Back Rashad Jennings was held to just 32 yards.

Giants WR Victor Cruz was the Giants leading receiver with just 28 yards and 2 catches.

"Unacceptable loss. Ugly." Coughlin said.

Titans Quarterback Jake Locker had 124 yards with no Touchdowns. He rushed for 87 yards and a Touchdown though.

Shonn Greene had 91 yards and a score.

"Lot of work to do to finish strong. This Game got away from us and we need to fix the mistakes." Eli Manning said.


UP NEXT

Giants(7-6) VS Redskins(2-11) Next Sunday...

Titans(9-4) VS Jets(8-3-1) Next Sunday....

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 7, 2014
	@
Carolina Panthers (1-11, 1-5 Away)		New Orleans Saints (7-5, 3-3 Home)
Injury Report Game Notes Carolina has been in a downward spiral after a Week 1 victory over the Buccaneers. The Panthers proceeded to lose 11 straight Games as the Team struggles continued. After a 1-7 start, Cam Newton was benched for inconsistencies and backup Veteran Derek Anderson was given the nod to start. But the losses are still piling up. Carolina will look to end their 11 game slide with a victory inside the Mercedes Benz Dome in New Orleans. The Saints have won 3 in a row and continue their hunt for a Playoff spot. Saints rock the #1 Offense led by Drew Brees. Saints Offense: 1 Saints Defense: 20 Panthers Offense: 30 Panthers Defense: 32

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Anderson, PANTHERS snap 11 Game skid with 24-16 Victory down in Swamp over SAINTS...








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New Orleans, LA- After an 11 Game skid, the Carolina Panthers(2-11) have snapped their skid.

Doing so against Division Rival New Orleans Saints(7-6) down in the "Big Easy."

"Division Games are always the toughest on the schedule. Especially when you're on the road. Tough environment but our guys responded well. Big win for us to get out of that funk we were in." Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera said.

Carolina(2-11) held a 7-6 lead halftime in a Defensive battle between the two Rivals.

"It was like a Chess match. you play each other twice a year, these are the kind of Games you have. Carolina got the best of us tonight." Saints Head Coach Sean Payton stated.

The Teams split the Series with New Orleans(7-6) dominating Carolina(2-11) 38-10 in Charlotte earlier this year.

Derek Anderson had 248 yards 1 Touchdown and a interception.

But he rushed 18 yards into the End Zone late in the 4th that put the Game away for good.

Drew Brees had 246 yards and a Touchdown.

"Division Game. Hard opponent. Doesn't matter what records say they are." Brees stated.

Neither Team had much of a run game. Deangelo Williams(79 yards.) Jonathan Stewart(48 yards and a TD) Saints Pierre Thomas(38 yards).

Anderson's Main Target today was TE Greg Olsen who had 10 catches, 134 yards and a Touchdown.


UP NEXT

Saints(7-6) @ Bears(11-2) Next Monday Night....

Panthers(2-11) VS Buccaneers(10-2) Next Sunday....

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 7, 2014
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New York Jets (8-3-1, 3-2 Away)		Minnesota Vikings (3-9, 3-3 Home)
Injury Report Geno Smith(QB) Achilles Tear(IR) Teddy Bridgewater(R) Broken Collarbone(IR) Everson Griffin(DE) Shoulder Tear(4 Weeks) Game Notes New York went 8-8 in 2013 with Geno Smith. The Jets then entered 2014 with Rookie QB John David Booty and are now making a run for the Playoffs. New York has won 3 straight and are hot on the heels of the New England Patriots for the East Division Title. Minnesota is in a rebuild year under new Head Coach Mike Zimmer are starting to find their stride. Matt Cassel has returned and the Vikings have won a couple of Games. Jets Offense: 18 Jets Defense: 8 Vikings Offense: 17 Vikings Defense: 25

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

JETS win Defensive Battle in cold Minnesota 21-13 over VIKINGS...New York wins 4th straight....








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Minneapolis, MN- The Minnesota Vikings(3-10) are starting to find their stride despite being last in the NFC North.

"It's been a process for us all year and now we're starting to gel together as a Team." Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer stated.

The Vikings Defense really came together over the past few Games and today on a cold day in Minnesota made life miserable for the New York Jets(9-3-1).

"Minnesota has really come together this year. Mike has done a great job this year getting that Football Team on the right track." Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan said.

The Jets raced out to a 21-0 lead in the Second Quarter. Running Back Chris Johnson was running all over, Booty had 2 Touchdown passes, and Safety Ed Reed intercepted Matt Cassel for a pick 6.

It looked like the Jets were gonna blow out the Vikings.

"Had pedal to the metal there in the First half then kind of went into cruise control in the Second. Can't do that. Especially against a good Defense like Minnesota." Ryan continued.

But then in the Second half both Defenses showed up more holding each Team to no points.

But Minnesota did get a FG. The only 3 points in the second half.

Jets Quarterback Rookie John David Booty had 191 yards 2 Touchdowns, and 2 Interceptions.

The Vikings Secondary really made the Jets struggle in the passing game.

RB Chris Johnson finished with 134 yards and no Touchdowns.

"We played very well on Defense today I thought. Gave up no points in the Second half and we gave ourselves some confidence to build on." Zimmer added.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson had 130 yards and a score.

Quarterback Matt Cassel had 196 yards with no Touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

Both picks by Ed Reed.

"He's one of the All time Greats to do it." Cassel stated on Ed Reed.

Both Defenses played well in the Secondary with no WR reaching the 90 yard mark.

Rookie Vikings WR Johnny Ford had 88 yards.

"New York has a really good Defense. Especially in the Secondary with guys like Reed and Pryor. We had to rescheme as the Game went on." Vikings Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner stated.

The Jets(9-3-1) still finished with 416 Total yards to the Vikings(3-10) 316.

The Jets Defense dropped Cassel 7 times as Rex Ryan and D.C Dennis Thurman has really put together a great Defense.

Adding Veteran Safety after Week 3 loss to the Bears really boosted Ryans Defense.

"Love being here with Rex. We had good years in Baltimore." Reed added.

With the win today, the Jets have won 4 straight. They are hot on New England for the Division Title.

Minnesota have come together over the past few games.

The Jets look to keep pushing for Playoffs. A place they haven't seen since 2010 where they reached the AFC Championship and lost.

UP NEXT

Jets(9-3-1) @ Titans(9-4) Next Sunday...

Vikings(3-10) @ Lions(4-8) Next Sunday....

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 7, 2014
	@
Baltimore Ravens (5-7, 1-5 Away)		Miami Dolphins (5-7, 2-3 Home)
Injury Report NONE NONE Game Notes The Dolphins and Ravens are both hanging to slim Playoff hopes by a thread. A loss today should deliver a knockout punch, depending on how the rest of the week plays out. It's pretty clear that Dolphins Head Coach Joe Philbin will be fired to make room for Mike McCarthy by the end of the year. Baltimore has had an up and down year after losing QB Joe Flacco to injury for half the year. The Ravens stayed afloat at 4-4 thanks to backup QB Tyrod Taylor.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

DOLPHINS crash and burn as RAVENS mount epic 4th Quarter Comeback to win 27-22!






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Miami, FL- The Miami Dolphins(5-8) collapsed in the 4th Quarter as Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens(6-7) mounted a comeback putting up 13 points to beat the Dolphins.

"That's the kind of character we have on this Football Team. Never quit." Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh stated.

The Dolphins were aggressive. Perhaps maybe too aggressive.

They never punted once.

Instead Joe Philbin opted to go for it on 4th Down.

And they were successful going 4/6 on 4th Down Conversions.

"We wanted to be aggressive. Had to be keeping them on their toes. Great Football Team over there." Dolphins Head Coach Joe Philbin stated.

The Dolphins took a 17-7 lead into Halftime and at the start of the 3rd got a Safety on Joe Flacco that put Miami up 19-7.

Baltimore rebounded with a Touchdown. Miami held a 22-14 lead at the start of the 4th.

Despite Miami's pass rush dropping Flacco 6 times today, The Ravens mounted a Comeback.

Miami held on to a 22-20 lead and went for it on 4th Down but was stopped. This allowed Baltimore to mount the final Game Winning Drive.

"That last attempt in the 4th doomed us. But I wouldn't change anything." Philbin stated.

Ravens Quarterback Joe Flacco finished with 262 yards and 4 Touchdowns.

Dolphins Quarterback Ryan Tannehill had 205 yards and 2 Touchdowns. But a hit knocked him out midway through the 3rd Quarter. He had a bruised sternum. Philbin chose not to rush him back.

Instead sending out Rookie Marcus Vick.

"We didn't want to rush Ryan back. We felt comfortable with Marcus." Philbin stated.

But Vick struggled as the Rookie threw 2 picks and Baltimore rallied from there.

"I let the Team down I felt like." Vick said.

Vick had 67 yards. He rushed for 30 yards but Miami still collapsed in the final Quarter.

Miami(5-8) Defense held Ray Rice to just 46 yards. Knowshon Moreno had 125 yards and no Touchdowns.

Ravens Rookie Cornerback Jeremy Cole had a pick, his 4th of the year.

Rookie Safety Terrence Brooks had his first pick of the year.

Baltimore(6-7) rolled from there as Miami(5-8) down by 5 in the closing seconds failed to get in the end zone.

"Rough loss for us especially since how it ended." Philbin stated.

The Dolphins will have to wait and see how the rest of the week plays out to see where their destiny lies.

Next Week they head to Foxboro.


UP NEXT

Dolphins(5-8) @ Patriots(9-3) Next Sunday....

Ravens(6-7) VS Jaguars(3-9) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

MIAMI DOLPHINS: Was Head Coach Joe Philbin "Too Aggressive in loss to Ravens?"


12/7/14



Written by: Adam Schefter




Earlier today the Miami Dolphins hosted the Baltimore Ravens at Sun Life Stadium. Coach Joe Philbin's game plan going in was to be aggressive.

Maybe too much.

"We wanted to be real aggressive going in. It backfired on us on that last attempt but overall we had a good Game." Philbin stated.

The Dolphins never punted. Instead opting to go for it on 4th Down everytime.

It worked. For the most part. Miami finished 4/6 on 4th Down conversions.

Late in the 4th holding onto a 22-20 lead, Miami faced a 4th and Inches. The Ravens stuffed Marcus Vick and Baltimore took over in the final 2 minutes.

Quarterback Joe Flacco led Baltimore down on a Game Winning Drive to put the Ravens up 27-22.

Miami never scored again and lost.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 7, 2014
	@
Indianapolis Colts (3-9, 1-4 Away)		Cleveland Browns (9-3, 4-2 Home)
Injury Report NONE NONE Game Notes The Indianapolis Colts will try to snap their 6 Game skid when they enter First Energy Stadium on Sunday. The task at hand however is beating the Red Hot Cleveland Browns who have won 4 in a Row and are closing in on their First AFC North Championship and a trip to the Playoffs for the first time since 2002.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

COLTS snap 6 Game slide off BROWNS 5 Turnovers....






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Cleveland, OH- The Indianapolis Colts(4-9) have finally snapped their 6 game slide and did it in convincing fashion.

Beating the AFC North leading Cleveland Browns(9-4) 31-17.

And they did it by making multiple statements.

"It was a Game we let get away from us and it got out of hand and put ourselves in a hole." Browns Head Coach Mike Pettine stated.

Quarterback Brian Hoyer led Cleveland down on a 7 minute Game opening Drive. But in the Red zone, Hoyer was picked off in the End zone by Cornerback Greg Toler.

"I think that Turnover was the turning point for us honestly." Browns Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan stated.

The Interception would just be the first Turnover Cleveland would have as the Game went on.

Hoyer threw a second pick before halftime.

Kick Returner Andrew Hawkins fumbled the ball in the final 42 Seconds and Cleveland had 3 Turnovers heading into Halftime down 14-10.

"Went into halftime down and we couldn't turn it around. One of those Games that we let get away from us." Pettine stated.

Quarterback Brian Hoyer was flustered from the beginning. Two picks in the first Half. He would throw his 3rd in the Third Quarter to Vontae Davis who returned it 74 yards that would put the Game away.

Hoyer finished the day with 239 yards, 1 Touchdown, and 3 picks.

Cleveland(9-4) needed a spark. Pettine benched Hoyer in the 4th and sent in Rookie Johnny Manziel.

"Money" led a Touchdown Drive that gave the Browns some life. However on the final 5 minute Drive Manziel was picked off.

It was Clevelands 5th Turnover.

"Turnovers just killed us Today. We need to do a much better job going forward on protecting the ball." Pettine added.

Colts Quarterback Andrew Luck had 185 yards with no Touchdowns.

Indy(4-9) never turned the ball over once.

Colts Running Back Trent Richardson had 92 yards and 3 Touchdowns. He broke through in the 4th for a 53 yarder.

The Colts shut down Browns Running Backs Terrence West and CJ Mintshaw.

Cleveland had no answers.

They were shut down.

"Had a rough year with no Playoffs, losing Andrew, but playing a great Team like Cleveland and a great performance like that gives us a boost." Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano stated.

Browns Rookie WR Zach Summers had 11 Catches for 130 yards but no Touchdowns.

He was the only WR to break 100 yards.

Colts star WR T.Y Hilton was shut down and held to just 48 yards.

Despite the Turnovers, Cleveland still finished with 500 Yards of Offense while Indianapolis had 262.

Cleveland has had their 4 game Win Streak snapped and must now turn their attention to the Battle of Ohio Rematch next week as the Bengals come to town.

UP NEXT

Browns(9-4) VS Bengals(7-6) Next Sunday in the "Battle of Ohio" Rematch...

Colts(4-9) VS Texans(3-9) Next Sunday.....

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 7, 2014
	@
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-2, 5-1 Away)		Detroit Lions (4-8, 2-4 Home)
Offensive Stats Comparison 14th Points Per Game 24th Defensive Stats Comparison 8th Points Allowed 11th Injury Report Bobby Rainey(RB) Abdominal Tear(2 Weeks) Julian Stanford(LB) Shoulder Tear(IR) Game Notes The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a lot riding on this Game. If Tampa can hand Detroit their 5th straight loss, the Bucs will win the NFC South for the first time since 2007. The Bucs are getting back Running Back Doug Martin. The Lions are looking to avoid a 5th straight loss as the Leos are in a new System with Jim Caldwell.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

BUCCANEERS win NFC SOUTH off McCown's 5 Touchdowns...LIONS lose 5th straight 38-22....






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Detroit, MI- For the first time since 2007, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers(11-2) are back in the Playoffs.

Doing so by winning the South.

"We've talked about it all year. After that loss in Week 1, the guys knew what was in front of us." Buccaneers Head Coach Lovie Smith stated.

Tampa knew what was at stake as Quarterback Josh McCown went to work in the "Motor City" throwing for 5 Touchdowns and 317 yards.

"We knew what was in front of us so it was great getting the win." McCown stated.

The win is real important for McCown. This marks the Quarterbacks first Trip to the Playoffs.

The Buccaneers(11-2) had 505 Total Yards inside Ford Field. The Lions(4-9) finished with just 378. 315 on Offense.

"Battled through the day and came up short. But I feel like we're responding well as the year goes on." Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell stated.

Matthew Stafford had 262 yards and 2 Touchdowns. No Team turned the ball over.

TB RB Doug Martin made his first start after injury and racked up 108 yards with no Touchdowns. The Bucs Defense held Lions RB Reggie Bush to just 50 yards.

"Shut the run down. That really helped us out." Buccaneers Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier stated.

No Receiver had over 75 yards. TB Mike Evans had 7 catches for 73 yards and a Touchdown.

"We played very great on Offense, Josh was able to spread the ball around." Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Jeff Tedford stated.

Tampa clinching the NFC South means the New Orleans Saints can't afford another loss as they remain in the hunt for the Wildcard.

But Seattle and San Francisco may eliminate them this week.


UP NEXT

Buccaneers(11-2) @ Panthers(2-11) Next Sunday...

Lions(4-9) VS Vikings(3-10) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~