~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Minnesota Vikings name Matt Cassel Starting Quarterback moving forward...

9/21/14

Kyle Shiman



Moments after the Minnesota Vikings fell to 0-3 with their 34-20 loss in New Orleans, Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer officially named Matt Cassel the Vikings Quarterback for the remainder of 2014.

Rookie first round pick Teddy Bridgewater is injured again with a torn abdomen for 4 weeks.

Former Franchise Quarterback Christian Ponder has been struggling in the past 3 games.

"Matt is our guy moving forward." Head Coach Mike Zimmer said.

Cassel threw for 250 yards and 3 TD's in the loss to the Saints. Rumor is also spreading that the Vikings are no longer interested in negotiating a new Contract for Ponder.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Minnesota Vikings end Contract Negotiations with Christian Ponder, demote former Franchise QB to backup.

9/21/14

Kyle Shiman



The "Christian Ponder Era" in Minnesota has officially came to an end today moments after the Vikings fell to 0-3. New Head Coach Mike Zimmer has named Matt Cassel the official starter for the season. Ponder, who the Vikings took in the 2011 Draft has led Minnesota to no success.
The Vikings have gone 3-13 his first year, 10-6 in 2012 in which the Vikings lost in the Wildcard Round to rival Green Bay with Ponder on the bench.
Minnesota wrapped up the Leslie Frazier era last year with a 5-10-1 record.
Now with a new Head Coach and System in place, Ponder wasn't guaranteed his starter position with Zimmer. What made it worse was it's a Contract year for him as he's in his last year of his rookie contract.
In the 2 games Ponder's played in he has a pitiful 1 Touchdown to 5 interceptions and 190 yards. His rating is at 41.5.

"This is a sport but it's also a business. Ponder hasn't been cutting it for us." Zimmer stated.

The Vikings also announced that the team has officially ended negotiations with their former Franchise QB as well.

"We ended talks with him. We're moving on and it's the best for both parties." Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman stated.

With another injury to Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota has placed Christian Ponder at the backup position with Cassel getting the #1 spot.

"I love this game but it's a business too. This is the bad part of it knowing i'm not going to be here next year." Ponder said.

Ponder will be hitting the open market come Free Agency.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Minnesota Vikings turn their attention to TE Kyle Rudolph's Contract

9/21/14

Patty Turk



With Minnesota officially moving on from Christian Ponder, the Front Office now turns their attention to their star 24 year old Tight End Kyle Rudolph.

"Big part of our offense." Head Coach Mike Zimmer stated.

General Manager Rick Spielman has officially entered Negotiations with Rudolph for a new contract.

"I love this game. I love this team. Everything about Minnesota I love." Rudolph stated. "I'm hoping my Agent can come to a new deal for me."

In 3 games Kyle Rudolph has 7 catches for 104 yards and a Touchdown.

Vikings Owner Zygi Wilf wants Rudolph in Purple.

"I trust my Staff to get a deal done. We're rebuilding for our future and he needs to be apart of it."

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

TITANS look to knock off BENGALS in the Jungle....


PREVIEW


Cincinnati, OH- The 0-2 Tennessee Titans roll into the jungle where they look to knock off the 1-1 Bengals. The Bengals are coming off a wild shootout loss to Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons last week. The Titans are coming off a shootout loss to the Cowboys.

"It's been a rough week for both teams." Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis stated. "We're both hungry for a win."

"We drained our energy last week and gave it our all. It wasn't enough. We're looking to get a win this week and get back in the groove." Bengals Quarterback Andy Dalton said.

"Both teams coming off a loss and we both need a win to get that confidence back." Titans Quarterback Jake Locker said.

The Bengals(1-1) will be without Defensive Back Dre Kirkpatrick for another week.

The Titans(0-2) must deal without the services of Tight End Delanie Walker.

"Seeing guys go down is terrible but we have to keep playing with the players we have." Titans Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt stated.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

ANDY DALTON, BENGALS hand TITANS third straight loss!


RECAP


Cincinnati, OH- It was a defensive battle inside Paul Brown Stadium today as the Bengals(2-1) handed the Titans(0-3) their 3rd straight loss. The Bengals edged past Tennessee 20-15 in a game that saw some great defenses from both teams.

"Very proud of our defense today. I thought they made some great plays when they needed to." Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis stated.

The Bengals Defense sacked Jake Locker 3 times and picked him off twice holding the Titans QB to 0 TD's 2 picks and 118 yards.

"Great job by our boys today. Good week of preparation and executed the plays very well." Bengals Defensive Coordinator Paul Guenther stated.

"Got to tip your hat to the Bengals. Great job over there today executing the plays they needed to win." Titans Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt stated.

The Bengals defense smothered Tennessee in the passing game but could not stop the run.

Titans Running Back Shonn Greene racked up 159 yards on 22 carries.

"We did great on stopping the pass but failed miserably on containing the run. Need to work on that moving forward." Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis stated.

It was the exact mirror opposite for Tennessee's Defense. They held Bengals Running Back Giovanni Bernard to just 33 yards off 19 carries. However Andy Dalton picked them apart through the air with 220 yards and 2 TD's. He was also picked off once.

"We stopped the run well but need to break up passes a lot more." Titans Defensive Coordinator Ray Horton stated.

MORE INJURIES

Titans backup Tight End Craig Stevens left the game after rupturing his disk.

Linebacker Akeem Ayers left with a Quad Tear.

"Seeing guys drop left and right is tough." Titans TE Delanie Walker stated. He's still nursing an injury for a few more weeks.

UP NEXT

The Bengals(2-1) are on a Week 4 BYE but will travel to New England for a huge Week 5 Sunday Night Football primetime matchup.

The Titans(0-3) travel to Indy with a battle with the Colts(1-1).

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

BROWNS turn to CONNOR SHAW as RAVENS come to town...


PREVIEW



Cleveland, OH- The Cleveland Browns are turning to third stringer rookie Quarterback Connor Shaw as their North Rivals Ravens come to town.

Both Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel are inactive with injuries.

"Johnny is going to miss some time. Brian should be back next week. In this league, games don't stop just cause players are hurt. We need to keep rolling on with players we have. We have Shaw starting for us." Browns Head Coach Mike Pettine stated.

The Browns(0-2) are coming off a huge embarrassment to the Saints where they were thrashed 56-3 last week. The game was also where Manziel went down with a injury.

"Being hurt sucks. I can't help this team when I'm injured." Browns Quarterback Johnny Manziel stated.

The Browns are in the first year of their new process. It should be no surprise that Cleveland is rebuilding with a whole new staff.

"I'm excited to play." Browns Quarterback Connor Shaw stated. "Kyle (Shanahan) has been working well with me all week."

The Ravens(1-1) are without Quarterback Joe Flacco and backup Tyrod Taylor is behind center for half the year.

"Division games are tough. They can go either way at the drop of a dime. One mistake and you find yourself down on the scoreboard." Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh stated.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~



RAVENS blow 17 point lead as BROWNS mount epic comeback!


RECAP


Cleveland, OH- The term "Believeland" in Cleveland has had no truer meaning than what happened today at FirstEnergy Stadium.

"It's such a miracle feeling! Unbelievable we pulled off that comeback! But that's what this locker room is about. Never quit!" Browns Head Coach Mike Pettine stated.

The Cleveland Browns(1-2) took a 10-0 lead in the first Quarter after Rookie Quarterback Connor Shaw connected with WR Josh Gordon on a 36 yard slant which put Cleveland up 7-0.

"I felt great after that pass." Browns Quarterback Connor Shaw stated.

But then a change of momentum came like a changing of the tide. Baltimore's defense began to expose the rookie's mistakes and inexperience and Cleveland would struggle the rest of the way.

Shaw would begin to get uncomfortable through halftime as his passes were then overthrown or tipped resulting in him finishing the day 8/23.

He was also picked off once.

The Browns soon found themselves down 27-10 heading into the 4th Quarter.

"I felt so bad." Connor Shaw stated. "I felt like I let the team down with that deficit."

The Browns needed a miracle. Head Coach Mike Pettine benched Shaw in the 4th for another rookie Quarterback seeing his first NFL action.

Texas Quarterback David Ash. The 22 year old Rookie came onto the field and his first pass was a pick 6 which put the Ravens up 27-10.

"I felt great with how we we're playing." Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh stated. "Anytime new players enter the game and you didn't game plan for you have to tackle the challenge head on."

What happened next was why the Cleveland faithful have been dubbed "BelieveLand."

The Browns rallied for 18 unanswered points in the 4th Quarter as David Ash threw for 137 yards leading the Browns down the field. He was picked off twice but the Ravens failed to put up anymore points.

Rookie Fullback Chris Alexander scored a 2 yard Touchdown that cut Baltimores lead to 27-25.

There was still time left on the clock.

The Browns relied heavily on the Defense and Kicker Billy Cundiff to step up for points.

"We owe this win to him quite a bit." Browns Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan stated.

Billy Cundiff was 5/5 for FG's including the 28 yarder that won the game.

In the locker room he was mauled by his teammates.

"Great feeling. We worked hard as a team and clawed our way back." Cundiff stated.

Ravens Quarterback Tyrod Taylor had 0 TD's and 0 picks. Baltimore's offense only had one offensive TD and that was a Bernard Pierce TD.

Special Teams battle and Defense won the game and took center stage.

UP NEXT

The Browns(1-2) are on a Week 4 BYE.

The Ravens(1-2) host Carolina Panthers(1-1) in Baltimore next week.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Cleveland Browns enter Contract Negotiations with Quarterback Brian Hoyer..

9/21/14

Patrick Hoffman




Despite being injured for 2014 after suffering a broken toe in a Pre-Season game back in August, the Cleveland Browns are negotiating a contract with Quarterback Hoyer. Hoyer is scheduled to being active for Cleveland's Week 5 game when the Browns travel to Nashville.

"He's a big part of this team and both sides are interested in a deal." Browns GM Ray Farmer stated.

Cleveland already pulled the trigger on Johnny Manziel in the draft but the plan is to develop him into NFL stardom. Hoyer has been the starter before getting hurt. Head Coach Mike Pettine was having Hoyer mentor the young rookie QB's to help them grow.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Oakland Raiders Front Office "Not Happy" with 2014 Team...

9/21/14

Patrick Hoffman



In 2012 the Raiders made former Broncos Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen their next Head Coach in hopes of making a playoff run. It didn't happen. The Raiders have faced major salary cap space problems and no draft picks. General Manager Reggie Mckenzie's job is safe thanks to good friend Mark Davis.

But this years team is a disaster, The Raiders sit at 0-2 and with a Week 3 game vs Tom Brady and the Patriots it's safe to say 0-3 is coming.

Oakland has the worst Offense in football entering the game. Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson is on the hot seat for now. He still has time to fix the issues. Defense is Top 11 but they don't play like it. Things look to be getting worse in Oakland if the Raiders continue to struggle. Head Coach Dennis Allen may find himself without a job after this year.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

DETROIT LIONS aim for 3-0 start as RODGERS PACKERS come to town...




PREVIEW




Detroit, MI- New Head Coach Jim Caldwell has the Leo's flying high after a 2-0 start. Confidence is at an all time high in the Motor City. The Lions are feeding off that 27 point comeback in Week one's victory over the New York Giants.

The "Miracle in Mo-Town" has the Lions confidence high heading into a much anticipated matchup with the Packers.

"Our confidence is high and the guys are really feeding off of it." Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford stated.

"That's been the tone so far for our season. We feel no matter any deficit we can win." Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell stated.

But it's still a long year. Now Detroit is aiming for a 3-0 start but must get past Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.

"Going to be a challenge for sure. He's one of the best ever." Lions Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin.

The Packers(1-1) are coming off a 37-20 victory over the Jets last week.

"They're playing really well. They are well coached and well prepared." Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stated.

Last time the Packers played the Lions last year they were blown out 40-10 on Thanksgiving in a game where Matt Flynn filled in for the injured Rodgers.

"I love playing against the Packers. It's amazing to watch Aaron (Rodgers) go to work. I always look forward to that handshake afterwards win or lose. He's the best." Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford said.

"It's a Division game. Always the toughest on the schedule. Stafford is a great Quarterback. Going to be a battle for sure." Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers stated.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

LIONS upset by PACKERS 28-24 in a North Battle....


RECAP


Detroit, MI- The Detroit Lions were off to a hot 2-0 start and were looking for a 3-0 start. The Lions welcomed Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers to Ford Field Sunday in hopes of a win.

It wasn't meant to be.

The Lions 5th ranked defense rattled Aaron Rodgers but the Packers Quarterback refused to go down without a fight.

"It's that NFC North rivalry. Black and blue for both teams. Gotta give the Lions credit. They really made us work." Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers stated.

Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford opened the scoring quickly leading Detroit down on an opening 76 yard TD drive. He found new teammate Golden Tate in the endzone. Aaron Rodgers and company were held to a 3 and out to kick off the game thanks to two sacks by Ezekiel Ansah and Ndamukong Suh. The Lions took advantage of that. Detroit went on to score again taking a 14-0 lead late in the first. Packers struggles continues being held to a 3 and out again.

It looked to be a long day for the Packers. The defense was constantly ran over as the Leo's marched up the field. But then something happened. Packers Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers knew he needed a drastic change and quick. He began mixing up packages and blitzing.

It proved wonders.

"I knew after the first 14 points we needed a change on defense." Capers stated.

"He told me he was making changes and I agreed." Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stated.

Green Bay would get a break with a Morgan Burnett Pick Six that cut the lead to 14-7. The Packers would take control putting up 21 points before Detroit tied it at 21 heading into the half.

It was a black and blue fight for sure between the rivals.

Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers kept his composure as 12 marched his team down putting up 289 yards and 2 TD's. Green Bay had 0 turnovers.

"Great game as a Coach when your team doesn't give up the ball." Packers Offensive Coordinator Tom Clements stated.

After Capers made the changes on Defense, Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford began to crumble as he was picked off 3 times.

His last pick was a desperate pass as the game ticked down.

MISSED CHANCES

Detroits comeback attempt was stalled in the Red Zone when on 4th and 11, Rookie Tight End Eric Ebron dropped a pass from Stafford that would of gave the Lions a first down inside the 10.

"I feel horrible. I had the ball in my hands and I dropped it." Lions TE Eric Ebron stated. "I let everyone down."

"He's beating himself up hard right now and that's understandable." Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell stated.

UP NEXT

The Lions(2-1) travel to New Jersey to battle the Jets(1-1) on Sunday.

The Packers(2-1) face another North Rival in Chicago when they play the Bears(1-1) on Sunday.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers message to fans...


9/21/14

Patrick Hoffman




After a 1-1 start to the season and the Packers heading to Detroit for a huge matchup with the Lions, many fans began to give up hope.

No it wasn't because the Packers were playing bad. It was still early. Many were concerned on the defense. Packers Defense ranked 31st before kickoff vs Detroit. Aaron Rodgers had a grin on his face as he stood at the podium minutes after the Packers upset the unbeaten Lions 28-24 in which he threw 2 Touchdowns and no turnovers.

"Everybody is concerned about our defense. The way we play is the way we play. We have a lot of great guys in this locker room and guys who are hungry for a deep playoff run. Our defense only gets better and they deserve credit too. Relax everyone. We're going to be fine." Rodgers stated.

The Packers are now 2-1 and sit at the top of the NFC North tied with Detroit. Green Bay travels to Chicago next week.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Green Bay Packers Mike McCarthy has turned over a new leaf.

9/21/14

Mike Adall




Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy took a couple minutes to address the Packers win Sunday over rivals Detroit Lions. The Packers Head Coach was asked about his Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers. A sore topic for Packers fans over the years.

"Dom is a great Coach. He helped us win a Super Bowl. I know everyone thinks the world is falling on us but you have to stick with us and give us time. When he made adjustments today look what happened. Instant turnovers. It's still early in the year. We're making adjustments. The league has changed over the years and if we want to make it back to the Super Bowl then us Coaches have to adjust to the game now. We're doing that. Our promise to Packer nation is we're adjusting and fighting every week. No more playing it safe it's time to go for the F****ing throat."

It appears that Mike McCarthy's conservative ways are gone.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Green Bay Packers Dom Capers has a message to Packer fans. .

9/21/14

Mike Adall



It's no secret after the Packers won Super Bowl 45 that Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers was on top of the world. His Defense ranked 2nd in scoring and 5th overall. But after that trip to the top of the world, the Packers fell down to earth hard.

Very hard.

They wrapped up 2011 with a 15-1 record just to give up 37 points in the Divisional Round to the Giants.

2012 they gave up 45 to the 49ers. Same song and dance.

Now the 64 year old hard nosed Coach has a message to Cheeseheads everywhere.

"Don't give up hope just yet." Capers said after the Packers 28-24 victory over the Lions.

It appears that the Packers Coaching Staff is Coaching for their jobs although it's way too early in the year for any rumors of "Hot Seats" across the league. Capers is known to be stubborn but if he keeps making adjustments like he did vs the Lions then Green Bay could be poised for another Super Bowl run.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

AFC South Rivals COLTS take on JAGUARS in rainy battle!


PREVIEW


Jacksonville, FL- Jacksonville is having what appears to be a mild typhoon atmosphere. Today at kickoff when the teams meet it will be rainy with temperatures still in the 70's.

"I don't mind playing in rain." Jaguars Quarterback Chad Henne stated.

The Jaguars(0-2) are ready to have their home opener after dropping the first 2 games to NFC East's Eagles(1-1) and Redskins(1-1) on the road.

"We played some good teams the first two weeks but we're ready to back home in Jacksonville for our great fans." Jags Head Coach Gus Bradley said.

The Jags will still be without their 3rd Overall pick Blake Bortles for another week. The Quarterback of the future broke his Collarbone in August during a Pre-Season game.

This left many people already asking about Bortles health in the NFL.

"I'm not going to answer that." Jags Head Coach Gus Bradley stated. "We get him back next week and he can start playing. No one in our building have any doubts about him."

In Bortles absence, the Jaguars have turned to veteran Chad Henne at QB while Aaron Rodgers younger brother Jordan Rodgers is on the bench.

The Indianapolis Colts(1-1) enter the game today perfectly healthy after escaping Philadelphia last Monday Night in a 47-35 shootout.

"In this league every game is different. They can go either way." Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano stated.