~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Buffalo Bills have no QB in mind yet for Week 3 matchup with San Diego...



September 19, 2014

Orchard Park- The Buffalo Bills are in a rough spot heading into a Week 3 matchup with the San Diego Chargers who are getting Phillip Rivers back healthy. The Bills defense is solid but the problem for Buffalo Head Coach Doug Marrone is naming a Quarterback for Sunday when the Bills(1-1) host San Diego.

First round pick of 2013 EJ Manuel has struggled to live up to the hype. In week 1 the Bills blew a 14 point lead to Chicago as Manuel struggled to move the ball late in the game. Last week Manuel was benched for Dennis Dixon as the Bills stuffed their Division rival Miami mainly to great defense.

The Bills have the most active Quarterbacks on the roster across the league with EJ Manuel, Dennis Dixon, Thad Lewis, Jeff Tuel, and Josh Allen.

The 5 Quarterbacks have spent all spring and summer in a QB competition with Manuel being named the Week 1 starter mainly due to him knowing Marrone's system.

The 5 QBs have all shown flashes of brightness and struggles over camp and Pre-Season.

"We keep an eye on all our Quarterbacks throughout practices. We always go with who we feel will give us the best decision to win. Right now who that is is still up in the air." Head Coach Doug Marrone stated.

It's just a rumor but right now chances are Dennis Dixon will get the nod based off his performance last week vs Miami.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Green Bay Packers in familiar territory....

9/19/14

Mike Adall



It's hard to comprehend that it's barely Week 3 and teams are showing signs of struggles and mismatches. However in Green Bay, the Packers find themselves in familiar territory. As the Packers get ready for a road trip to Detroit to face rival Lions we look at the Packers achillies heel.

It's not Mike McCarthy who many have pointed fingers at over the years for conservative playcalling, it's Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers.

The Pack enter Week 3 with the 31st ranked Defense in the NFL just ahead of Minnesota.

However the Offense is firing on all cylinders and McCarthy has his team as a top 5 Offense entering Ford Field on Sunday.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Coach Mike McCarthy are working together to better the teams direction in it's quest for another Lombardi trophy but Dom Capers must get his unit right for the long season ahead.

However Mike McCarthy has said it millions of times that he still supports Capers.

Things look to be interesting for Green Bay...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

BILLS name Jeff Tuel starter for Week 3 as CHARGERS come to town....


PREVIEW

Orchard Park, NY- It was a decision that Head Coach Doug Marrone and his staff faced all week. Who would be the Week 3 starter vs San Diego?

Many thought Dennis Dixon would after his performance last week in the win vs Miami with his 2 TD's and 8/10 through the air. But he only had 96 yards.

"Dennis showed great improvement when he came in for EJ but that was just a relief performance." Head Coach Doug Marrone stated. "Jeff has been showing us a lot this week and we feel he's good to go for Sunday."

It's no secret that Buffalo is playing "Musical QB's" this season.

"It's actually hard for us as Coaches of teams who face them. We have no idea who their starter is from one day to the next, so game planning for them becomes difficult." Chargers Head Coach Mike McCoy said.

The Chargers will be welcoming back Phillip Rivers as he is healthy after a shoulder injury he suffered back in Pre-Season.

"It's always great to be back out there with the guys." Rivers said.

Bills Quarterback Jeff Tuel is feeling confident for Sunday.

"I feel great. I been working hard all year trying to improve my game. I feel good the team can rely on me."

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

RIVERS Game Winning Drive, NOVACK'S 47 yarder boots BOLTS past BILLS 20-17 on Sunday!


RECAP


Orchard Park, NY- Despite missing most of Pre-Season with a shoulder injury, Chargers Quarterback Phillip Rivers showed little signs of rust. Sure San Diego was up against a very solid Bills Defense but Rivers held his own throwing for 324 yards and a Touchdown in his first game of the new campaign.

"It felt great to be back. Buffalo has a great defense so it was a great test for us." Rivers stated.

"We're more of a complete team when he's under center for us." Chargers Head Coach Mike McCoy stated.

The Bills(1-2) took a 17-10 lead in to the fourth quarter until Phillip Rivers found the endzone to tie the game.

Then Rivers went into ice cold mode and led a epic Game Winning Drive against a Bills Defense that completely shut down the run.

Forcing Rivers to throw.

No problem.

Nick Novak then booted in a 47 yard FG that sent San Diego into the win column.

"It's phenomenal watching him work. The things he does for that team is just amazing." Bills Head Coach Doug Marrone stated.

Chargers Running Back Ryan Matthews was held to 71 yards on 19 carries. But Matthews got the last laugh when he punched it in from the 4 that gave San Diego a 17-10 defecit.

"We shut down the run today very well I thought. Passing game despite yards we only gave up 20 points. Things to work on this week in practice for sure. We have to get ready for Houston now." Bills Head Coach Doug Marrone stated.

The Bills(1-2) went with Jeff Tuel today at Quarterback and the young QB held his own against the Chargers(2-1).

Tuel had 159 yards with a TD but didn't turn the ball over at all.

"Solid performance if you ask me." Bills Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett stated.

"I didn't turn the ball over. I felt good out there today. We had the lead and just couldn't hold it today." Bills Quarterback Jeff Tuel stated.

TURNOVERS

There we're no turnovers today.

When asked if Jeff Tuel would be the starter for Week 4 in Houston.

"Unknown. We will have a decision later. We're still evaluating all of our Quarterbacks." Marrone stated.

The Chargers(2-1) will take this win in Buffalo and head back to Southern California for a Week 4 matchup with the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars(0-2).

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

San Diego Chargers Phillip Rivers: "It felt good to be back."

9/21/14

Mike Adall




Chargers Quarterback Phillip Rivers made his return to the team in Week 3's victory over the Buffalo Bills. He did so by making a huge impact.

A Game Winning Drive.

Vintage Clutch Rivers.

"It felt good to be back. I'm very excited for this season ahead of us. I think we're going to be a tough team this year." Rivers stated.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

9/21/14



Former Kansas City Chiefs DB Brandon Flowers to contact teams....

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Without Tony Romo, Big D prepares for it's first challenge vs St. Louis Rams..


PREVIEW


St. Louis, MO- "We need to take adversity head on."

These were the words said by Dallas Head Coach Jason Garrett after the Cowboys lost Tony Romo for 3 games.

The test will be today when the Boyz' travel to St. Louis to battle the Rams.

However Tony Romo will be on the sidelines with a headset as he nurses his shoulder tear.

"I will be on the headset to usher words of encouragement. I'll do the best I can to make sure Brandon is feeling comfortable." Romo stated.

"We had a good week of preparation for Brandon (Weeden) and we feel confident he can lead this football team for the time being." Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett stated.

"I'm ready to help this team win some games. We all miss Tony (Romo) so we want to keep winning to help him out." Cowboys Quarterback Brandon Weeden stated.

The St. Louis Rams will be without Franchise Quarterback Sam Bradford who got hurt in Week 1 and is missing another month with broken ribs.

"Football is more than just one player. It sucks when guys get hurt but we have to keep moving on with other Quarterbacks. We know Sam (Bradford) is a valuable piece to this puzzle but we rely on Shaun Hill to take the reigns." Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher stated.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

WEEDEN overcomes early struggles, COWBOYS run away with 31-13 victory over RAMS...


RECAP


St. Louis, MO- The first test for the Dallas Cowboys(3-0) to overcome adversity was today inside the Edward Jones Dome as the St. Louis Rams(1-2) failed to defeat the Boys.

"Our whole thing this week was facing adversity head on. We did that today." Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett stated.

Cowboys Quarterback Brandon Weeden was pedestrian today having early struggles in which Dallas was held to a 3 and out to start the game. He soon got comfortable finishing the day with a TD pass and 142 yards.

"Nothing special but it got the job done." Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones stated.

But the real plan of attack today was the running game including a specially designed play on 4th and 2 by Head Coach Jason Garrett.

The Cowboys lined up to punt but instead had Rookie Ezekiel Elliot in the back, a instant snap to him resulted in a huge 73 yard Touchdown run that put Dallas up 14-3.

Cowboys Owner and GM Jerry Jones said that play was "Pure genius."

The Cowboys relied heavily on the run game today as Elliot and Murray both finished the day with 122 yards on the ground each.

"We had a good game plan going in, we wanted to make Brandon feel comfortable." Cowboys Running Coordinator Bill Callahan stated.

The Rams were helpless on both sides of the ball today as the defense only got to Weeden once. Dallas racked up 3 sacks today.

Veteran backup Quarterback Shaun Hill was pedestrian as well racking up 209 yards with a TD.

INJURY

Rams QB Shaun Hill broke a Pectoral muscle today and the Rams placed him on IR ending his season.


St. Louis was forced to finish out the game vs Dallas with Garret Gilbert at Quarterback.

"It went from bad to worse for us." Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher stated.

The Rams run game was also no existent today as Zac Stacy racked up 74 yards on 16 carries.

"Back to the drawing board for us. We have a lot of work to do this week and the BYE should help us out for moving forward." Jeff Fisher stated.

UP NEXT

St. Louis(1-2) on Week 4 BYE

Dallas(3-0) host New Orleans(2-0) on Sunday Night Football!

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

9/21/14

New York Jets trade QB Matt Simms to St. Louis Rams for 7th Rounder....




Moments after the St. Louis Rams have suffered a loss to the Dallas Cowboys and placed Veteran backup Shaun Hill on Injured Reserve, the Rams have made a trade. Rams General Manager Les Snead has sent their 2015 7th rounder to the Jets to acquire the services of backup Quarterback Matt Simms. Simms who is a bench warmer to John David Booty wasn't seeing playing time at all. It was a win-win for both sides. Simms who wears #5 will be given the same jersey number as Rams rookie Garrett Gilbert will switch from 5 to his college jersey of 3.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Philadelphia EAGLES look to bounce back vs Division rival REDSKINS


PREVIEW


Philadelphia, PA- There will be no love lost in the city of "Brotherly Love" when the Philadelphia Eagles(1-1) kick off against their East rivals Washington Redskins(1-1). The Eagles look to bounce back after a 47-35 loss in Indy last Monday Night in which they gave up 654 yards to Andrew Luck's Colts.

"Last week was last week." Head Coach Chip Kelly stated. "Our focus is Washington."

The Eagles will look to get back on track as they welcome Washington who has named Robert Griffin III their starter after missing all of Pre-Season with a injury (Again)

"We drafted Griffin to be the face of the team. He still has a chance to show if he can do it." Redskins Head Coach Jay Gruden said.

Backup Kirk Cousins will dress as well.

"I got hurt over the summer but now I feel great to lead this team. I'm ready to play." Redskins Quarterback RG3 said.

The Redskins are coming off a win over the Jaguars in which Kirk Cousins led a Game Winning Drive.

"I have all the faith in the world in Kirk he's a great leader for this team. But we still need to give Robert a chance." Gruden stated.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

EAGLES pound REDSKINS 38-17 as RG3 goes down with injury....


RECAP


Philadelphia, PA- It was a disaster for the Washington Redskins today in Philly. Robert Griffin III down on the field hurt while training staff looked him over. Griffin suffered a dislocated elbow and had to be helped to the Locker room.

A eerie familiar sight to Redskins fans.

"It's deja vu all over again." Redskins Head Coach Jay Gruden stated.

Before Griffin went down, the Redskins were getting slaughtered on the field going into halftime down 31-0 to their East rivals.

RG3's playing is part to blame as well. He only threw 6 passes and completed just 3 of them for a grand total of 37 yards.

Washington was held to constant 3 and outs by the stingy Eagles defense.

Their run game was shut down as well. Redskins Running back Alfred Morris only managed 34 yards on 13 carries.

Redskins punted the ball 6 times today to Eagles only 1.

"We were just outplayed and out coached in all 3 areas today. Give Philly credit. They were well prepared for us." Redskins Head Coach Jay Gruden stated.

Early in the second half Redskins fans saw the familiar sight of RG3 getting hurt while taking a sack by Cedric Thornton.

This prompted Kirk Cousins to come in for Washington.

When Cousins came in the whole game changed. Washington had new life as Kirk Cousins led Redskins down on 2 scoring drives. His third attempt was picked off by Eagles Cornerback Bradley Fletcher.

Cousins finished the day with 2 TD's, 1 pick, and 202 yards but the 31-0 hole was too big for a comeback.

Yet Washington found new life with #8 on the field.

"We had more confidence when Cousins came in. We all rallied around him." Redskins WR Desean Jackson stated.

The Redskins(1-2) will have a short week as they host Eli Manning and the Giants(1-1) on Thursday Night Football.

The Eagles(2-1) head to Santa Clara to battle the 49ers(1-1) inside new Levi's Stadium.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Metlife turns Blue as GIANTS face TEXANS...


PREVIEW


East Rutherford, NJ- It appears that the New York Giants have figured out their mess after "The Miracle in MoTown" in Detroit. The Giants answered back with a 31-10 thrashing over the Cardinals week 2.

"Every game is different. We're focused on the Texans now. We know it's a long season and there will be bumps in the road." Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin stated.

"We can't let what happened in Detroit define our season." Giants Quarterback Eli Manning stated.

"That was week one, now it's week three. We're not talking about the past." Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr stated.

The Giants will face the Texans who are coming off two victories over the Redskins and Raiders.

"We're feeling pretty confident in our start. Still a long season ahead so every game is important." Texans Head Coach Bill O'Brien stated.

Houston(2-0) will be without Rookie Defensive Tackle Louis Nix III who was placed on IR with a Broken Tibia.

Former Packers Defensive Tackle Ryan Pickett will fill the spot after signing a one year deal with the team.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

MANNING, GIANTS smash TEXANS 42-23 at MetLife!


RECAP


East Rutherford, NJ- Eli Manning stood at his locker facing the media. The two time SB MVP was all smiles and rightfully so.

"I feel like we're clicking. I really do." Manning stated.

The Giants(2-1) have just knocked off one of the last undefeated teams in the NFL, the Houston Texans(2-1).

The Giants simply outplayed Houston in every aspect of the game. New York had 602 total yards gained compared to Houston's 323.

"That's football. Every week is a new game plan. New York is a tough team." Houston Head Coach Bill O'Brien said.

Eli Manning was simply a monster today throwing 5 TD's and 327 yards but threw 2 picks.

4 of those TD's were to rookie Odell Beckham Jr in his "Coming out party."

"He's going to be a special player." Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin stated.

"I had ideas to use him this week should our other receivers get pressured." Giants Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo stated.

New York also relied on rookie Fullback Terry Smith to run the ball today and the newcomer had a day racking up 135 yards on 25 carries.

The Texans didn't have much luck running the ball. Texans Running Back Arian Foster struggled only picking up 24 yards on 9 carries.

"We knew he would be a factor coming in so we spent a lot of time on stopping the run in practice." Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin said.

Ryan Fitzpatrick struggled to move the ball on offense against the Giants Defense throwing for 173 yards and no touchdowns.

"It was a bad performance. We need to play better. I need to be better." Fitzpatrick stated.

UP NEXT

The Giants(2-1) have a short week as they play Washington(1-2) in DC on Thursday Night.

The Texans(2-1) will host Buffalo(1-2) next Sunday at 1pm.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

"Everybody is playing" VIKINGS meet SAINTS in New Orleans!



PREVIEW



New Orleans, LA- "Everybody is playing."

Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer ushered the words when referring to who will be the starter at Quarterback for when the Vikings(0-2) travel to face arguably the best team in the NFL New Orleans Saints(2-0).

"We're dressing all 3 QB's this week. Everybody is playing." Zimmer stated again.

It's no secret that Minnesota is having a hard time finding a QB to be the face of the Zimmer era as Christian Ponder, Teddy Bridgewater, and Matt Cassel have a combined 3 TD's and 9 picks over the first two games.

"We're a mess right now. We look at our Quarterbacks on a weekly basis all through the film room and practice before we make a decision on who will play Sunday." Vikings Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner stated.

The Vikings Quarterback Carousel continues as all 3 will be playing in New Orleans this afternoon.

"We're looking at all three today." Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer stated.

The task could not be any harder for the QB's as they match up against the Saints #1 Defense.

The past two weeks, New Orleans have been looking dominant on both sides of the ball rocking the #1 Offense and Defense.

"We're playing really good football right now." Saints Head Coach Sean Payton stated.

Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan will have the task of devising plays to stop all three Vikings Quarterbacks.

"It's going to be a tough task for sure for all three QB's. We have to play our cards right." Ryan stated.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

SAINTS move to 3-0 with 34-20 victory over VIKINGS!


RECAP


New Orleans, LA- The New Orleans Saints are now 3-0 with their victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Drew Brees was masterful throwing for 331 yards and 2 TD's. The Saints steam rolled past the struggling Vikings.

"We were in a nice groove from the beginning." Saints Head Coach Sean Payton stated. "Our guys executed the plays well today."

Minnesota who has no fallen to 0-3 on the season continues to struggle in their first year under Mike Zimmer.

"This year was a process." Zimmer stated. "When I took the job we agreed to build one step at a time."

The Vikings Quarterback Carousel was a big storyline heading into the season. Minnesota has played all 3 Quarterbacks numerous times the past 3 games.

Today marked no different.

Former "Franchise Quarterback" Christian Ponder started the game and it was a disaster.

Ponder went 4/11 for just 62 yards and a interception. He was benched by the second Quarter.

Minnesota trotted out rookie Teddy Bridgewater for his turn but on the first snap he was rushed out of the pocket and brought down after a short yard gain tearing his abdomen in the process.

He will miss the next month.

This left veteran Matt Cassel to play and he did not disappoint.

Cassel led Minnesota down on 3 scoring drives giving the Vikings new life.

The Vikings had new life as Cassel finished the day with 250 yards 3 TD's and 3 picks.

To his defense however, the Interceptions were off tipped passes as the Vikings core struggled to catch any balls thrown their way.

Matt Cassel was praised for keeping Minnesota in the game down 14 points late in the 4th.

"He gave us new life. We felt we could rally behind him." Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer stated.

"I felt confident out there. I studied all week best I could to make sure I was ready for when my name was called." Cassel stated.

THE RUN GAME

Vikings Running Back Adrian Peterson was held to 85 yards on 15 carries.

Saints Running Back picked up 109 yards on 26 carries.

It appears that Minnesota may have finally solved their QB issues moving forward.

UP NEXT

The Vikings(0-3) host the Falcons(1-2) on Sunday.

The Saints(3-0) clash with the Cowboys(3-0) on Sunday Night Football.