~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* September 27, 2015
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Houston Texans (0-2, 0-1 Away)		Buffalo Bills (2-0, 2-0 Home)
Injury Report NONE Marcell Dareus(DT) Quad Tear(2 Weeks) Stephon Gilmore(CB) Abdominal Tear(2 Weeks) Sammy Watkins(WR) Abdominal Tear(2 Weeks) Kurt Coleman(S) Arm Fracture(1 Week) Game Notes The Buffalo Bills are off to a 2-0 start and sit in 1st Place in the AFC East. EJ Manuel is starting to struggle however with just 2 Touchdowns and 2 Interceptions. He was named the starter for the year in Preseason. Should the Bills start to struggle then Doug Marrone may be forced to name a new Starting Quarterback. The Texans are healthy but inconsistent and are off to a 0-2 start. Ryan Fitzpatrick has just 1 Touchdown this year coming into Buffalo.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

TEXANS beat BILLS 24-14 in defensive battle in Orchard Park..







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Orchard Park, NY- In a game where both Defenses showed up to play it would be the Houston Texans(1-2) escaping New York with a win over the Buffalo Bills(2-1)

"Give them credit they earned it today. We just didn't get the job done and we couldn't get anything going. Our Defense did their best to keep us in the game but we left them out to dry. That's on us." Bills Head Coach Doug Marrone said.

Buffalo opened the Game up on a nice 80 yard Drive in which EJ Manuel found TE Scott Chandler for an 11 yard Touchdown for a 7-0 lead.

"After that first drive we just kind of fell apart." Bills QB EJ Manuel stated.

Houston kicked a Field Goal for a 17-7 halftime score. The Texans sacked Manuel who fumbled and from the Bills 4 yard line, Arian Foster punched it in.

The Texans Defense made life miserable for Manuel and company. They sacked him 8 times and broke up quite a bit of his passes yet he finished with 216 yards and 2 Touchdowns with that fumble.

But Buffalo was held to constant 3 and outs as Zoltan Mesko punted 7 times.

Bills RB CJ Spiller was held to just 42 yards. Texans RB Arian Foster had just 80 yards as both Defenses stopped the run.

"Did a great job stopping the run but we started to crumble there late in the game when we were on the field late." Bills Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz stated.

Clowney and Watt sacked Manuel 3 times each.

Texans Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick had struggles of his own against the Bills Defense. He finished with 242 yards, 2 Touchdowns and 3 sacks.

But those good numbers came late in the game with Buffalo's Defense tiring out after being left out to dry.

"They played us very well today defensively. Buffalo is a really good Defensive Team." Texans Head Coach Bill O'Brien stated.

Houston's Shane Lechler punted 5 times.

The Texans had just 312 yards of Offense to Buffalo's 228.

Buffalo will lose more Players to Injury today as WR Robert Woods will miss the next 4 Weeks with a Abdominal Tear. LB Brandon Spikes will miss the next 5 Weeks with an Abdominal Tear.


UP NEXT

Bills(2-1) @ Patriots(2-1) Next Sunday...

Texans(1-2) VS Dolphins(1-2) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* September 27, 2015
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Oakland Raiders (0-2, 0-0 Away)		Kansas City Chiefs (1-1, 0-0 Home)
Injury Report Derek Carr(QB) Broken Collarbone(4 Weeks) Dwayne Bowe(WR) Broken Collarbone(6 Weeks) Henry Briggs(DE) Broken Ribs(4 Weeks) Gerald Martin(DT) Hip Fracture(IR) Game Notes 2 Weeks ago on Opening Sunday the Oakland Raiders hosted the Kansas City Chiefs and lost 28-21 inside the Oakland Coliseum. A loss to Denver and the Raiders are 0-2 in the hole with a losing streak lasting 24 Games. Today the Silver and Black will try to get their first win in 2 years and the first of new Head Coach John Pagano. Oakland will have to do it without Derek Carr and last week Matt Schaub struggled against the Broncos Defense.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

RAIDERS get first win in 2 years with 26-21 victory over CHIEFS..







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Kansas City, MO- The last time the Oakland Raiders(1-2) won a game was November 17, 2013 with a 28-23 victory over the Houston Texans.

Oakland would end the 2013 campaign with a 6 Game losing streak then became the 2nd Team in NFL History to go 0-16 last year resulting in former Head Coach Dennis Allen and some of his Staff being fired.

New Head Coach John Pagano brought aboard a new Offensive Coordinator Mike Tice and Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator.

Today the Raiders(0-2) upset their Division Rivals, Kansas City Chiefs(1-2) inside Arrowhead Stadium. Pagano was mobbed inside the Raiders locker room.

"It's a great feeling for us. Our first win in almost 2 years and we're all excited for the rest of the year. We're building something here and our fans deserve it." Raiders Head Coach John Pagano stated.

The Raiders raced out to a 17-0 lead before Alex Smith and the Chiefs found their rhythm.

Smith picked apart the Raiders Secondary for 301 yards and 3 Touchdowns as Kansas City(1-2) went into halftime down just 3 points.

"We let them come back a little bit and that's on us. Took our foot off the throat and you can't do that in this league. That's how you lose games." Raiders Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio stated.

Oakland's Defense was impressive today. Chiefs RB Jammal Charles was held to just 17 yards.

"We shut him down and that's absolutely amazing especially against possibly the best Running Back in football." Del Rio continued.

"Give Oakland credit today they deserved that win. We were simply outplayed." Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid stated.

The fans inside Arrowhead Stadium were simply stunned as the Raiders won. Quarterback Matt Schaub struggled but finished with 256 yards and no Touchdowns.

Raiders Rookie CB Raymond Mason picked up a Alex Smith fumble and returned it for a Touchdown 16 yards as Oakland's Defense really showed up in Arrowhead.

They sacked Alex Smith 5 times while Schaub was hit 3 times.

Running Backs Joshua Jacobs rushed 100 yards and a Touchdown while veteran RB DMC had 35 yards and a Touchdown of his own.

Del Rio's Defense was great holding the Chiefs to just 287 yards of Offense and 308 Total. Oakland finished with 444 Total with 389 on Offense as Mike Tice's Offensive Unit was showing signs of improvement from previous years.

"We just failed especially on Defense. We didn't get the stops we needed when needed. That's on us." Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Bob Sutton said.


UP NEXT

Chiefs(1-2) VS Titans(2-1) Next Sunday...

Raiders(1-2) VS Chargers(0-2) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* September 27, 2015
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Denver Broncos (1-1, 1-0 Away)		Detroit Lions (1-1, 0-0 Home)
Injury Report Game Notes Enter important notes about this game...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Stafford, LIONS beat Manning, BRONCOS in Motor City..







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Detroit, MI- The Detroit Lions(2-1) have something special going on in the Motor City.

"We had this system in place last year but now it's really coming together." Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell said.

Detroit(2-1) absolutely crushed Denver(1-2) as Quarterback Peyton Manning and the Broncos Offense was absolutely dominated by the Lions Defense.

Denver had just 2 Field Goals in the First half.

They never scored again.

"We didn't get it done today. Just 2 Field Goals that was it and that's not good enough. We have to be much better for next week. We play Thursday night and need to be better for when we travel to Pittsburgh." Broncos Head Coach John Fox said.

Manning had 252 yards with no Touchdowns as the Broncos failed to see the Endzone.

"Their Defense was spectacular today especially keeping us out of the endzone. Give Detroit credit." Broncos Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase said.

Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford lit up the Broncos for 307 yards and 2 Touchdowns as Detroit racked up 410 yards of Offense.

"Horrible execution by us today. No excuses we need to be much better than this." Broncos Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips said.

He's in his first year with Denver trying to turn around the Defense. Denver sacked Stafford 4 times.

"They're a really good Football Team. That Defense alone made us work today." Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford said.

He wasn't wrong as it was 6-6 with 15 Seconds left in the First Half when Stafford threw a Touchdown pass to TE Joseph Fauria.

It was a chess match as both Defenses only allowed 2 Field Goals majority of the 1st Half.

Calvin Johnson had 120 yards and no Touchdowns as Denver focused on him. But Stafford found his other TE Brandon Pettigrew for 75 yards and a Score.

With Reggie Bush out, Detroit(2-1) turned to backup Running Backs Andrew Hale for 108 yards and a Touchdown, Zach Zenner for 13 yards.

Broncos RB Montee Ball was held to just 56 yards as Detroit's Defense was stingy for the Broncos to overcome.

"Proud of the way we played today. We're excited for the Season." Caldwell added.


UP NEXT

Lions(2-1) VS Vikings(1-1) Next Sunday...

Broncos(1-2) @ Steelers(3-0) on Thursday Night...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* September 27, 2015
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Chicago Bears (1-1, 0-0 Away)		San Diego Chargers (0-2, 0-1 Home)
Injury Report Kenny Gregory(CB) Achilles Tear(IR) NONE Game Notes The Chargers are looking for their first win of 2015 as they have been dominated by the Steelers and Vikings the past 2 Weeks. They're at home inside San Diego Stadium but the next challenge is the Chicago Bears who are looking to bounce back after being blown out by the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

BEARS lose Cutler and struggle with Fales in 37-20 loss to CHARGERS...









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San Diego, CA- A year after winning their first NFC North Title, the Chicago Bears(1-2) are in trouble.

Reigning MVP Jay Cutler has torn his shoulder and is out the next 5 Weeks. He led Chicago down on a epic Opening Drive in which RB Matt Forte crossed the Goal line for a 7-0 lead.

San Diego(1-2) answered right back with a 80 yard run by Ryan Matthews.

Cutler then took a hit tearing his shoulder and left for the Bears locker room. Chicago went with backup David Fales and it was a downward spiral after that.

"We just fell apart after that first drive. It's a Team Sport and losing Cutler is a huge blow but we have to rely on our other Quarterbacks." Bears Head Coach Marc Trestman said.

Fales struggled stepping in for the injured Jay Cutler. He had 62 yards, 1 Touchdown, 2 picks, a fumble, and was sacked 7 times by the Chargers Defense.

Chicago sputtered as the Chargers(1-2) simply dominated coming back from 20-7 to win 37-20.

Phillip Rivers had 340 yards, and 3 Touchdowns with a pick.

The Bears are entering a crucial 3 game stretch with a BYE next week. Then Chicago will play Tampa Bay, Seattle, and San Francisco.

A 1-5 start could be coming for the Chicago Bears. Jay Cutler is out for 5 Weeks.

Bears Defensive End Jared Allen is now 6th on the All time Sacks list with 142, 2 behind Cardinals John Abraham for 5th.

UP NEXT

Bears(1-2) on a Week 4 BYE

Chargers(1-2) @ Raiders(1-2) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* September 27, 2015
	@
Baltimore Ravens (1-1, 0-1 Away)		Cincinnati Bengals (1-1, 1-0 Home)
Injury Report Ray Rice(RB) MCL Tear(1 Week) Giovanni Bernard(RB) Abdominal Tear(1 Week) Javon Griffin(WR) Hamstring Tear(6 Weeks) Mike Pollak(G) ACL Tear(IR) Game Notes Last year Joe Flacco missed half the year after going down on Opening Sunday against the Bengals. Baltimore rallied behind backup QB Tyrod Taylor but the Ravens still missed the Playoffs with a 7-9 Record. Cincinnati also went 7-9 and look to improve this year if Dalton can cut back on the Interceptions. It's another chapter in the AFC North rivalry.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

BENGALS struggle in 28-22 loss to RAVENS..







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Cincinnati, OH- From the opening kickoff when Bengals Rookie Verley Garner returned the kickoff 97 yards to the house and a Field Goal later after Flacco fumbled, the Cincinnati Bengals(1-2) held a 10-0 lead over the rival, Baltimore Ravens(2-1).

"We were up 10-0 and we just kind of fell apart after that. Give Baltimore credit. They simply outplayed us." Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis stated.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco sprained his ankle on the Ravens first possession and left until after halftime.

Tyrod Taylor stepped in and led the Ravens down on 2 Touchdown Drives as Baltimore jumped out to a 14-10 lead and 21-16 halftime lead.

Cincy was stuffed in the Red Zone resulting in 5 Field Goals.

"Those Field Goals are what killed us. We need to get 7 not 3 on Drives. We can't kick Field Goals and expect to win Games." Lewis added.

Tyrod Taylor had 190 yards and 2 Touchdowns. Joe Flacco returned after halftime and had 100 yards with a Touchdown.

Andy Dalton struggled with 244 yards and no touchdowns. Baltimore's Defense was simply suffocating and held the Bengals out of the Endzone all game after that kick return.


UP NEXT

Bengals(1-2) @ Browns(2-1) Next Sunday..

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

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* September 27, 2015
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Green Bay Packers (1-1, 1-0 Away)		Minnesota Vikings (1-1, 1-0 Home)
Injury Report Aaron Rodgers(QB) Broken Thumb(3 Weeks) NONE Joe Callahan(QB) Foot Fracture(4 Weeks) Game Notes The Packers may be in trouble. Franchise Quarterback Aaron Rodgers broke his thumb on his throwing hand in a Week 1 Win over the Denver Broncos. Joe Callahan was named the starter in Week 2 VS the Detroit Lions but midway through the game he fractured his Foot in the loss. Now today Joe Philbin will turn to Colby Cameron at Quarterback in his first NFL start. Last week he came in and finished the Game against Detroit throwing his first NFL Touchdown. Cameron spent last year on the bench learning from Rodgers. The Packers will look to leave Minnesota with a win as they try to keep their heads above water in Rodgers absence. The Vikings have something going after signing a few more Defensive Players and tweaking Zimmers Defense.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

VIKINGS get to finish line first in 38-28 shootout Victory over Rodgers-less PACKERS








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Minneapolis, MN- Mike Zimmer is all smiles as he stood at the podium after the Minnesota Vikings(2-1) beat the Green Bay Packers(1-2).

"All in all a great performance by us today especially against a good Team like the Packers. I know they didn't have Aaron (Rodgers) but how we shut them down at times and how opportunistic our Defense was against them is absolutely something to be proud of. We have another test next week against another Division Rival, Detroit." Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer stated.

Zimmers Defense forced 4 Turnovers by Green Bay.

"When you turn the ball over that many times you're not gonna win many games. Give the Vikings credit they really caused our mistakes." Packers Head Coach Joe Philbin said.

In Aaron Rodgers absence and with Joe Callahan going down last week, Green Bay(1-2) turned to another Aaron Rodgers protege' 3rd Stringer Colby Cameron.

Cameron made his first NFL start today in Minnesota after spending all last year on the bench watching 12.

"I was like a kid out there today. Minnesota has a really good Defense but man it was fun." Cameron stated.

He lived up to the Jersey #4. Slinging the ball everywhere.

Cameron finished with 334 yards, 3 Touchdowns, and 3 picks. He also fumbled and rushed 62 yards for a Touchdown.

Cameron found Jordy Nelson(7 Catches, 147 yards, 1 Touchdown) and Randall Cobb(3 Catches, 113 yards, 1 Touchdown) for huge 60 plus yard bombs as both Wideouts burned their Viking Defenders in Man coverage.

"Those bombs helped us keep pace with them. That Defense has certainly improved last I saw them." Philbin added.


MAKING HISTORY

Vikings Running Back Adrian Peterson has now reached #9 on the ALL TIME Rushing list with 12,414 yards.

Peterson wrecked havoc on the Packers Defense today both on the ground and receiving.

Peterson had 130 yards and 2 Touchdowns on the ground while catching 5 passes for 104 yards and another 2 Touchdowns.

"We couldn't stop him. Seemed like he was just always getting past us. Best Back in Football." Packers Linebacker AJ Hawk stated.

With the score tied at 28, Minnesota(2-1) pulled away for good in the 4th Quarter after Cameron's pass was picked off by Vikings Safety Harrison Smith.

Matt Cassel missed the first half with a sore shoulder but managed the Game for 113 yards in the Second Half. Backup Nick Montana had 189 yards and 3 Touchdowns in the 1st Half.

Green Bays Defense got 7 Sacks with Edge Rusher Mike Neal getting 5. He really made a name for himself in the game.

Minnesota's Defense has really made progress with 4 Turnovers, 4 Sacks, and holding Packers RB Eddie Lacy to just 56 yards.

Mike Zimmer has something going in Minnesota.


UP NEXT

Packers(1-2) VS Cardinals(2-0) Next Monday Night..

Vikings(2-1) @ Lions(2-1) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* September 27, 2015
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St. Louis Rams (0-2, 0-2 Away)		Arizona Cardinals (2-0, 2-0 Home)
Injury Report Germaine Shelton(CB) Dislocated Ankle(2 Weeks) Jarvis Jenkins(DE) Achilles Tear(IR) Jaxon Shipley(WR) Broken Ribs(3 Weeks) Game Notes The Rams are looking for their first win and face the Red Hot Arizona Cardinals who's Defense appears to have gotten better with the arrival of new DC Robert Saleh. Bradford is looking to lead the Rams for an upset in the Desert against their Division Rival. Bradford had 3 interceptions last week in a loss to the Bengals while the Cardinals Defense made life miserable for Matt Ryan and company.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

RAMS struggle off Bradfords performance in 29-7 loss to CARDINALS...







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Glendale, AZ- Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher was asked the question immediately after his Team was blown out by a Division Rival, Arizona.

"Is Sam Bradford still the Quarterback going forward?"

Bradford missed time last year and hasn't finished a whole year since 2012. Last year he played in 12 games and had his best year yet with 31 Touchdowns. The 27 year old Quarterback is in the last year of his Rookie Contract when the Rams took him #1 Overall back in 2010.

"We're still committed to Sam Bradford. He's had a rough start to the year and however I cannot confirm or deny at this moment right now that Bradford will be our Quarterback moving forward next week. He had a very bad performance out there today." Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher stated.

Bradford absolutely struggled against the Cardinals Defense. New Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh has something special going on in the Desert. Last year Todd Bowles had the Cards Defense a Monster Unit ranked #1.

Saleh possibly has this Defense playing better.

"We're executing well. It's only been 3 Games this year but the way we're playing is absolutely amazing. We get after the Quarterback, force pressure and take the ball away. That's the kind of great Defense you need to win Games in this League. Next week we'll have a great challenge as we play our first Road Game." Cardinals Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh stated.

The Cardinals(3-0) had their best performance yet on Defense as they dismantled the Rams(0-3).

Bradford struggled bad with just 1 completed pass for 15 yards. He also threw 3 Interceptions and took 9 sacks. 2 of his picks were by Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson.

The Run Game didn't help either as Zac Stacy had just 18 yards as the Rams were completely owned on Offense.

St. Louis(0-3) finished the 29-7 loss with -27 yards on Offense.

"Absolutely embarrassing. No excuses after a performance like that." Rams Head Coach Fisher stated.

St. Louis punted 8 times as Bradford and Company struggled to get anything going inside University of Phoenix Stadium.

Cardinals Quarterback Carson Palmer finished with 366 yards and 2 Touchdowns. In the First Quarter Palmer took a sack by Rams Aaron Donald and fumbled the ball.

Chris Long scooped it up and ran 31 yards that put the Rams up 7-0.

St. Louis(0-3) would not see the End Zone again. Arizona(3-0) would then put up 29 unanswered points.

The Rams Defense would do it's best to keep them in the game even stepping up big in the Red Zone holding the Cardinals to Field Goals at times.

Rams also held Cardinals Running Backs Jonathan Dwyer to 48 yards, and Andre Ellington to 67 yards with a Touchdown.

"It's a Divisional Game for sure with both of us taking shots like Heavyweight Boxers." Cardinals Head Coach Bruce Arians stated.

The Cards still finished with 437 yards of Offense.

After a 3-0 start at home Arizona(3-0) will begin a 4 Game Road Trip with their first stop on Monday Night in Green Bay.

St. Louis(0-3) wraps up it's 3 Game Road Trip and will have it's Home Opener next Sunday against Baltimore although questions are rising around Quarterback Sam Bradfords future as a Ram.

"We'll make that decision this week." Fisher stated.


UP NEXT

Cardinals(3-0) @ Packers(1-2) Next Monday Night...

Rams(0-3) VS Ravens(2-1) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* September 27, 2015
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San Francisco 49ers (2-0, 1-0 Away)		Seattle Seahawks (1-1, 1-0 Home)
Injury Report George Miller(DT) Dislocated Knee(2 Weeks) Russell Okung(T) Arm Fracture(2 Weeks) Rob Jackson(LB) Pulled Groin(1 Week) Ronald Powell(LB) Pulled Groin(1 Week) Game Notes For the first time this Season, the 49ers and Seahawks meet and it's only fitting they meet on Sunday Night Football. Last year each Team won on their home fields. Seattle is coming off a Super Bowl appearence where they were blown out by New England. San Francisco lost on Wildcard Weekend and tonight in Week 3 another Chapter will be written in this rivalry.