~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* September 20, 2015
	@
St. Louis Rams (0-1, 0-1 Away)		Cincinnati Bengals (0-1, 0-0 Home)
Injury Report Germaine Shelton(CB) Dislocated Ankle(3 Weeks) Giovanni Bernard(RB) Abdominal Tear(2 Weeks) Mike Pollak(G) ACL Tear(IR) Game Notes Last Week the Bengals were blown out in Seattle and manhandled by the Legion of Boom Defense. The Rams were blown out on Sunday Night Football in Chicago by the Bears.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Bradford's 3 Interceptions dooms RAMS in 30-7 loss to BENGALS..






RECAP







Cincinnati, OH- The St. Louis Rams(0-2) struggled in today's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals(1-1) when Quarterback Sam Bradford tossed 3 interceptions.

"Just a bad game. I'm much better than this. I need to be better than this." Rams QB Sam Bradford stated.

The Rams took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter with a Zac Stacy Touchdown but then Bradford became a turnover machine the rest of the game. Stacy was held to just 68 yards and backup Tre Mason, 28 yards.

Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher had seen enough and benched Bradford in the fourth in favor of Matt Simms.

At this point, the Bengals(1-1) held a 27-7 lead.

"We felt like we needed a change with the way Sam was struggling." Fisher added.

Simms fell victim to the Bengals Defense tossing a pick on his first Drive.

Bradford finished the day with 168 yards and 3 Interceptions. He had a Passer Rating of 12.4. Matt Simms had just 33 yards and a pick in the fourth with the Rams down by 23 points.

"Give the Bengals credit. They simply dominated our *** out there." Jeff Fisher stated.

The Rams are committed to their Head Coach despite a 0-2 start as they try to build a contender.

However if Bradford keeps throwing picks, a change may come at the Quarterback position. However Fisher isn't ready yet.

"Absolutely. Sam Bradford is our Quarterback next week." Fisher said.

The Bengals(1-1) rebounded after a 52-10 loss in Seattle last week with QB Andy Dalton throwing 184 yards and a Touchdown.

Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis led the way with 113 yards and 2 Touchdowns while Mike Nugent kicked 3 Field Goals.

Rams Kicker Greg Zuerlein missed from 50 yards out that would have put St. Louis up 10-0.

"We played great Football today. Scored points, forced Turnovers, all in all a very great performance." Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis stated.

St. Louis(0-2) continues their tough 3 straight road games to open the season.


UP NEXT

Bengals(1-1) VS Ravens(0-1) Next Sunday..

Rams(0-2) @ Cardinals(1-0) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* September 20, 2015
	@
Kansas City Chiefs (1-0, 1-0 Away)		Baltimore Ravens (0-1, 0-0 Home)
Injury Report Laurent Duvernay-Tardif(T) Arm Fracture(2 Weeks) Ray Rice(RB) MCL Tear(2 Weeks) Dwayne Bowe(WR) Broken Collarbone(7 Weeks) Javon Griffin(WR) Hamstring Tear(7 Weeks) Henry Briggs(DE) Broken Ribs(5 Weeks) Gerald Martin(DT) Hip Fracture(IR) Game Notes

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

RAVENS crush CHIEFS off Flacco's 3 Touchdowns 37-18..








RECAP









Baltimore, MD- Ravens Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees stood at the podium with a smile on his face. He had just one word to give to the press after the Baltimore Ravens(1-1) 37-18 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs(1-1).

"Dominating." Pees stated with a grin.

And he was right.

The Ravens absolutely dominated K.C on Sunday afternoon with Pees Defense sacking Alex Smith 6 times, picking him off once, and forcing Jamaal Charles to fumble and only allow 18 points.

"Absolutely suffocating and that is how you win Games in this league." Pees continued.

Baltimore(1-1) has had a boost from their Defensive Rookies (Safety Lance Crosby, Defensive Ends Richie Irvin and Chuckie Hughes who both got their first Career Sacks, and veterans like Terrell Suggs(2 Sacks.)

"Those guys were gold for us in the Draft. I'm excited to watch them this year." Pees added.

A week after a rough performance in Cleveland, Ravens Quarterback Joe Flacco had a field day throwing 273 yards and 3 Touchdowns.

"Much better game for him and us today. Especially against a Playoff caliber Team like Kansas City." Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh stated.

Baltimore was 7-9 last year missing the Playoffs for the second year in a row while Flacco missed half the year.

"We're not talking about last year. Last year is last year. This season is here." Flacco said.

Kansas City(1-1) was coming off a 28-21 victory over the Oakland Raiders last week and today in Baltimore struggled.

Chiefs Quarterback Alex Smith had 222 yards, 2 Touchdowns, and a pick. However the numbers are flawed as Smith's passes were checkdown passes as Baltimore's D was smothering.

"We couldn't get anything going especially on Offense. Our drives stalled out and we put our Defense on the field way to much. We need to be much better next week and be more consistent." Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid said.

Kansas City had just 232 yards of Offense to Baltimore's 388. Chiefs Punter Dustin Colquitt punted 4 times. Ryan Succop kicked a Field Goal and had one blocked.

Ravens Justin Tucker made Field Goals from 52 yards, 41 yards, and 21 yards out. His 61 yard attempt failed to send Baltimore into halftime 20-10.

With Ray Rice on the sideline, backup Running Back Bernard Pierce racked up 119 yards and a Touchdown. His first carry went 22 yards.

Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles struggled to move the ball against the Ravens Defense finishing with just 50 yards.

"Shutting down a great Back like Jamaal is huge for us." Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh said.


UP NEXT

Ravens(1-1) @ Bengals(1-1) Next Sunday...

Chiefs(1-1) VS Raiders(0-1) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Gradkowski, STEELERS shock SEAHAWKS 18-17!






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Pittsburgh, PA- The Seattle Seahawks(1-1) showed they're possibly the class of the NFC the past two years, winning Super Bowl 48 and making a trip back to the dance last year.

"They're possibly the best Team in the NFL and they showed why the past 2 years." Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin stated.

The Seahawks jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the second after Linebacker Bobby Wagner intercepted backup Steelers Quarterback Bruce Gradkowski and ran it 50 yards for a Touchdown.

Pittsburgh(2-0) wouldn't go away quietly.

After dislocating his elbow in last week's win over the San Diego Chargers, Franchise Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is missing a couple games.

Backup QB Bruce Gradkowski got the nod and the Steelers rallied behind him down 14-3 at halftime.

"WE felt great there up at halftime but then we kind of just fell apart in the second half." Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll stated.

Pittsburgh's Defense completely dominated in the second half picking off Russell Wilson twice and forcing BEAST MODE to fumble.

Lynch had just 60 yards and a fumble.

Gradkowski found Chad Hall for a Touchdown and RB Le'Veon Bell rushed 90 yards and a score.

The Steelers soon found themselves up 18-17 in the final minutes. The Steelers faithful were going crazy as Gradkowski led Pittsburgh down for the go ahead Field Goal.

However this left 2 minutes on the clock with Russell Wilson with the ball. The never say die Seahawks has a reputation for these kinds of situations.

But it wasn't mean to be on this day.

Wilson's first pass was intercepted by Steelers Cortez Allen and Pittsburgh(2-0) would ice the game afterwards.

Wilson finished the day with 225 yards, 1 Touchdown, and 2 picks while getting sacked 7 times.

Steelers Bruce Gradkowski had 175 yards, 1 Touchdown, and a pick. The Seahawks Defense only got to him twice.

"Great performance by us today especially against a great Football Team like the Seahawks. " Steelers Mike Tomlin added.


UP NEXT

Steelers(2-0) VS Browns(1-0) Next Sunday...

Seahawks(1-1) VS 49ers(1-0) Next Sunday Night...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

WASHINGTON HUSKIES: Head Coach Chris Petersen: "I would love the opportunity to Coach in the NFL."



9/20/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



As Week 2 across the NFL continues today we have news outside of Washington where Huskies Head Coach Chris Petersen went on record saying he would love a chance to coach in the NFL.

"Absolutely. I would love the chance to take that next step in my career." Petersen stated.

Petersen spent his entire Coaching career in NCAA and was the head Coach at Boise State where he led the Broncos to a Fiesta Bowl victory over the Oklahoma Sooners with his three plays that shocked the world.

He then moved to Washington accepting the job at University of Washington to be the Huskies Head Coach. His first year in Washington last year he led the Huskies to a 8-6 Record.

This Off-Season, Petersen had no interviews from any NFL Teams although fans would love to see him in Seattle with Pete Carroll.

It's only Week 2 and a long year ahead but Chris Petersen should be getting some interviews from the NFL by the end of the year.

[Careless Whisper]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

I always thought Petersen was going to head to the NFL at some point in real life, but it never played out that way. Seems like there's a fit there in Seattle if they continue to struggle.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

I always thought Petersen was going to head to the NFL at some point in real life, but it never played out that way. Seems like there's a fit there in Seattle if they continue to struggle.

Especially with Carroll getting up there in age. If he retires at the end of this year I could get Petersen in Seattle.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

JAGUARS sneak past TEXANS 20-15..





RECAP






Jacksonville, FL- Blake Bortles is beginning to find his groove. The Jaguars Quarterback threw 203 yards and a Touchdown as Jacksonville(1-1) picked up their first win of the new campaign.

The #3 Overall Pick a year ago is starting to find his stride.

A week after throwing a couple picks against the Tennessee Titans, Bortles led the Jags over AFC South Rivals, the Houston Texans(0-2).

"He's been patient. We've been patient. He's really coming into his own. We're excited to see how he does this year and how far we can go." Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley said.

Jacksonville(1-1) took a 10-3 lead into halftime off RB Toby Gerharts 57 yard Touchdown run. Gerhart finished the day with 68 yards and a score.

Backup Storm Johnson had 65 yards.

Texans RB Jacquizz Rodgers filled in for an injured Arian Foster. Rodgers was a depth guy last year in Atlanta. He finished with 68 yards and no Touchdowns.

In the Third Quarter, Bortles connected with Justin Blackmon on a huge 62 yard Touchdown that put the Jags up 17-3 before Houston battled back.

Texans Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick struggled against the Jaguars Defense before throwing a 44 yard bomb to WR DeAndre Hopkins.

That put the score 20-15 in favor of Jacksonville.

"Came close but couldn't finish. Division Games are always the toughest to play. We just need to be better." Texans Head Coach Bill O'Brien stated.

The Texans(0-2) had a chance for a comeback when Storm Johnson fumbled late in the 4th but Houston failed when Fitzpatrick threw wide on 4th Down.

Fitzpatrick had 258 yards and a Touchdown but most of his throws today were off target.

"Terrible plays by me. I'm much better than this." Fitzpatrick stated.

The Journeyman QB has been with Houston since last year when O'Brien took over.

"Still our Quarterback. He just had a bad day. We all did." O'Brien added.


UP NEXT

Texans(0-2) @ Bills(1-0) Next Sunday...

Jaguars(1-1) VS Falcons(0-1) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

49ers hold off EAGLES in Philly 20-16...







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Philadelphia, PA- Eagles Head Coach Chip Kelly hung his head in shame. Philadelphia(0-2) just allowed a 4th Quarter Comeback to the 49ers(2-0).

"We let it get away from us." Kelly stated.

Philadelphia(0-2) held a 16-13 lead in the 4th Quarter until 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick threw a screen pass to RB Frank Gore who took it 40 yards for the go ahead Touchdown.

A week after being benched in the 4th Quarter in the victory over New Orleans, Head Coach Jim Harbaugh trusted his Quarterback.

And Kaepernick didn't disappoint. Kaep had 235 yards and a Touchdown while San Francisco(2-0) had a back and forth battle with the Birds.

"One of those games where we had to scratch and claw to get the win. Give Philly credit though." Jim Harbaugh stated.

"We were up there in the fourth but we let it slip away from us." Eagles Head Coach Chip Kelly stated.

The Eagles were blown out in Tampa last week by 40 points in a lopsided 47-7 loss.

"It's been a brutal 2 games but it's still a long year ahead for us. We just need to get to work and grind down to win games." Eagles QB Nick Foles stated.

Foles struggled against the 49ers Defense throwing for 194 yards, 1 Touchdown, and 2 Interceptions.

Down 20-16 with two minutes left in the game Nick Foles possible Game Winning Drive was ended with a Eric Reid Interception.

EAGLES DEFENSE

Defensive Coordinator Bill Davis's Defense got to Kaepernick sacking him 8 times. They also held Frank Gore to just 40 yards and a score. San Francisco had just 236 Total Yards.

"We contained them pretty good but we failed at the end. Need to finish the job moving forward." Bill Davis said.

Eagles RB Darren Sproles rushed for 80 yards filling in for a injured Shady McCoy.

FANGIO'S DEFENSE

49ers Defense forced 3 Eagles turnovers with Foles 2 picks and a Chris Polk fumble.

"We were opportunistic and we capitalized. Great job by our guys today." Fangio stated.


UP NEXT

49ers(2-0) @ Seahawks(1-1) Next Sunday Night...

Eagles(0-2) @ Redskins(1-1) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

DOLPHINS fall to BILLS 26-20 in Overtime...






RECAP








Orchard Park, NY- The Miami Dolphins(0-2) continue their 4 Game stretch without new Head Coach Mike McCarthy who is serving a 4 Game suspension for violating NFL rules last year when he met with the Dolphins while under Contract with Green Bay.

Quarterbacks Coach Zac Taylor has been named Interim Head Coach while in McCarthy's absence.

The Dolphins(0-2) were blown out on NFL Kickoff to the defending Super Bowl Champions, New England Patriots.

Today in Ralph Wilson Stadium Zac Taylor faced his next AFC East Rival in the Buffalo Bills(2-0).

"It's another Division Rival. Another tough game. We felt a lot better than last week. Personally I felt more comfortable this week." Interim Dolphins Head Coach Zac Taylor stated.

It showed on the field.

Miami and Buffalo took a 0-0 score into halftime like a chess match. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw 339 yards, 2 Touchdowns, and a pick as the Dolphins took it to the Bills.

Both Defenses stepped up in the passing game as the Bills Zoltan Mesko punted 5 times and the Dolphins Brandon Fields punted 4 times.

But Bills RB CJ Spiller rushed for 167 yards and a Touchdown. The Dolphins countered with 2nd year WR Jarvis Landry who had 125 yards and both of Tanny's Touchdowns. WR Damian Williams had 122 yards but Buffalo's Defense stopped RB Knowshon Moreno who had 78 yards.

"Got it done with different ways. But we can be better." Bills Head Coach Doug Marrone stated.

Buffalo(2-0) took a 20-17 lead with 1:15 left on the clock as Ryan Tannehill led a Game Tying Drive and a 20 yard Caleb Sturgis kick sent the game into Overtime.

In OT both Teams struggled to score as the Defenses showed up to try and keep each other in the Game.

Bills QB EJ Manuel broke through for a 40 yard TD Run that won the Game for Buffalo(2-0) 26-20 over their East Rivals.

Buffalo is now in First Place in the AFC East but the New England Patriots have still yet to play.

Manuel was pedestrian today struggling against Miami. He had 128 yards, 1 Touchdown, and 2 picks. He did rush for the Game Winner.

Dolphins Defense got to Manuel 6 times and he was picked by Cortland Finnegan.

Tannehill's Interception was by former New York Jets Dimitri Patterson.

Buffalo continues their 3 Game homestand next week. Miami will face their third straight AFC East Rival.


UP NEXT

Bills(2-0) VS Texans(0-2) Next Sunday..

Dolphins(0-2) VS Jets(1-1) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Gonna finish Week 2 out then get back to Recaps and Full Previews.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

BUCCANEERS manhandle PANTHERS in 34-13 thrashing..






RECAP







Charlotte, NC- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers(2-0) could be the Team to beat in the NFC NOT named the Seattle Seahawks. Head Coach Lovie Smith and his Staff have something really special going on in Central Florida.

"It's been a work in progress especially after last Season where we had success but failed in our first Playoff Game against Dallas." Bucs Head Coach Lovie Smith stated.

Last year the Buccaneers(2-0) went 14-2 but were upset in the Divisional Round by the Dallas Cowboys. Lovie Smith won his first Head Coach of the year award and former Quarterback Josh McCown rode into the sunset after a Career Year.

But this year the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have their sights set on making history. To host their own Super Bowl.

Super Bowl 49 last year was at University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona but the Arizona Cardinals lost in the Wildcard Round to the Chicago Bears.

Super Bowl 50 is at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

"That's a far way off. We're excited for the opportunity but we still get a long season ahead." Smith added.

FRAZIER DEFENSE

Since becoming the Buccaneers Defensive Coordinator last Season, Leslie Frazier has really made a monstrous unit in Tampa. The Buccaneers sacked Cam Newton 9 times led by Gerald McCoy's 4. The Bucs also pressured Newton on every snap forcing 3 Turnovers as Cam had a pick and fumbled twice. One fumble was returned for a Touchdown by John Barton and Tampa held a 34-6 lead late in the Fourth Quarter.

"I don't know what you guys want me to say. We played terrible today. I'm not happy." Panthers QB Cam Newton said.

Newton absolutely struggled against the Buccaneers. The Carolina Panthers(1-1) only had 2 Field Goals and were down 13-6 at halftime.

Cam Newton had 38 yards passing.

Newton finished the day with 224 yards, 1 Touchdown, and a pick as late in the 4th Quarter Tampa's Defense went into Prevent mode.

It was all garbage stats.

"Bad Football today. Tough game, very tough opponent. We gotta rebound for Thursday Night." Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera stated.

Buccaneers Quarterback Brian Hoyer had 312 yards, 1 Touchdown, and 2 picks. Hoyer had inconsistences late in the game where he was missing targets and throwing the ugly picks.

"I'm much better than that. This Team expects more from me." Hoyer stated.

Hoyer signed a 3 year 9 Million dollar Contract to be the face of the Franchise after Josh McCown left.

Tampa still finished with 404 yards of Offense as Offensive Coordinator Jeff Tedford really has a hot Offense. Carolina had just 253.

The Buccaneers were 2/3 on 4th Down as Tampa's Offense was aggressive.


UP NEXT

Buccaneers(2-0) @ Giants(1-1) Next Monday Night..

Panthers(1-1) VS Saints(0-2) on Thursday Night...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

CAROLINA PANTHERS: Quarterback Cam Newton unhappy with loss to Buccaneers..



9/20/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



Moments after the Carolina Panthers 34-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Quarterback Cam Newton voiced his frustrations to the NFL Media.

He wasn't very happy either.

"Look what do you guys want me to say? We lost. It's a painful feeling to lose Games especially to a Division Rival. I don't know what you guys want me to say? I had no protection sure. Nothing went right for us. I'm not going to make excuses. Peace." Panthers QB Cam Newton stated before storming out.

Newton was sacked 9 times, lost 2 fumbles, and threw a pick in the loss.

Carolina host another Division Rival on Thursday Night against the New Orleans Saints.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Open US Bank Stadium next Season.



9/20/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



The Minnesota Vikings announce that their new home will be ready in time for next season. The Vikings have been borrowing TCF Stadium home of the Golden Gophers since last year where Minnesota finished with a 5-11 Record.

TCF Stadium is a outdoor Stadium with no roof and January and December the temperature drops to freezing degrees in Minnesota.

The new US Bank Stadium will be enclosed Stadium built on the old site of the Hubert Humphrey Dome.