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Game Reviews...
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Super Bowl XLIV
Saints 31 Colts 17
For the city of New Orleans, the Saints are the only show in town. After the dreadful Saints teams of the 70's and 80's the real devastation came in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit and caused mass loss of life and billions of dollars worth of damage to the city. The recovery continues on but for Saints fans, the wait is finally over. Any neutral fan will have been delighted to see this city finally catch a break, and Saints fans are overjoyed that their heroes brought the Vince Lombardi Trophy back to the State of Louisiana for the first time.
Courtney Roby looked to have fumbled the kickoff, but he was luckily ruled down by contact. New Orleans were looking very conservative on their second drive with Brees throwing underneath a lot. Brees hit Reggie Bush underneath on 3rd and 6 and he took it for 16 yards and their initial first down of the game. Marques Colston made a bad drop two plays later which ultimately killed the drive and New Orleans punted from midfield to the IND 4. The Colts did an excellent job getting off their goalline with a completion to Donald Brown and two good runs by Joseph Addai. Addai came up big again on 3rd and 1, scampering for 26 yards to give them a first down on the NO 22. A 3rd and 6 just inside the redzone was a huge chance for the Saints to hold the Colts to another field goal, but Peyton Manning found Pierre Garcon for the touchdown and a 10-0 lead
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( view complete report )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Championship Games
Jets 17 Colts 30
The Jets defense made an early statement in this one, bringing the blitz up the middle on 3rd and 8 and a David Harris sack of Peyton Manning ended the drive with a punt. New York looked like they were about to go three and out when Sanchez lobbed a beautiful pass to the sideline to Jericho Cotcherry for 14 yards. They drove down to the Indianapolis 23 yard line with Mark Sanchez looking poised and confident, but two consecutive runs for negative yards gave him too much to do. Jay Feely missed the 44 yarder.
Manning was sacked again on the first play of the next drive as the Colts went three and out again, but the Jets replied in kind as defense ruled the early stages. Pierre Garcon made two big catches including an over the shoulder grab to set up first and goal for Indianapolis. The Colts went backwards however and ended up kicking a field goal to make it 3-0, but it took the Jets one play on their next drive to get on the board. Sanchez launched an 80 yard play action bomb to Braylon Edwards...
( view complete report )
Vikings 28 Saints 31 (OT)
With the Colts taking the AFC Championship, it was time to decide who would take the crown in the NFC. Minnesota came out passing on their opening drive and took the drive down to the 19 yard line. In baseball they talk about pitching backwards (slower stuff to set up a fastball) and the Vikes reversed their roles, using the pass to open up the run. Adrian Peterson took the handoff and ran 19 yards for the opening score. It wasn't long though until the Saints replied when Pierre Thomas took a screen pass 37 yards for the touchdown. Favre then had a really sloppy start to his next series, throwing passes all over the place, but an offside, an illegal contact and a personal foul penalty put the Vikings on the NO 31. Five plays later on third and goal Favre was given enough time to find Sidney Rice open to make it 14-7. The Saints went three and out to end a first quarter than was far from offensively challenged...
( view complete report )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Divisional Play-offs
Jets 17 Chargers 14
A Jets win seemed extremely unlikely after their first half offensive troubles but defensively they were marvellous and gave Sanchez and his offense all the time they needed to figure it out and put points on the board. The seemingly automatic Kaeding was choking away any chance San Diego had and when the Jets recovered the final onside kick they just needed to run out the clock to book their trip to Indianapolis...
( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Wildcard Weekend
Packers 45 Cardinals 51
It finally looked like it was all to be over as Kurt Warner drove down the field with ease, but Neil Rackers shanked it from 34 yards and the game went to overtime. Green Bay won the toss and most assumed they would drive down for the win. On the first play Rodgers had Jennings wide open for the TD but overthrew him. Three plays later Rodgers was strip sacked as Michael Adams came off the edge and Karlos Dansby was there to take the ball into the endzone for the game winner as the Cards booked a trip to New Orleans after one of the greatest playoff shootouts of all time...
( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 17
Chiefs 44 Broncos 24
Everyone knew that Denver weren't a good team, but they managed to hide it after inexplicably starting 6-0.
I'd doubt McDaniels is a candidate to be fired right now, but he really needs to have a look at himself. You see him on the sideline going completely mental at his team despite the fact that they're playing ok rather than awful. He seems to have a real affinity to conflict on Sundays and hasn't come close to building the reputation to get away with treating his players like school kids. Trading Jay Cutler was a mistake despite his miserable season in Chicago (I still think he'll come good) and he's got a lot of work to do to get his team back on his side...
( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 16
Vikings 30 Bears 36 (OT)
Where did it go wrong for Minnesota on Monday Night? The offensive line couldn't protect Brett Favre and didn't open up running lanes for Adrian Peterson. The defense hasn't stopped anyone since EJ Henderson went down for the year. Their kickoff coverage was all over the place, and the Bears had numerous big returns. So to sum up other than the offense, defense and special teams being all over the place, they're in good shape...
( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 15
Colts 35 Jaguars 31
The game felt like it lasted about 20 minutes. There were hardly any incomplete passes, and the first punt of the game didn't come till the 4th quarter. There were no challenges and both teams kept the clock running. Penalties were also kept to a minimum as two teams let it all hang out in an offensive shootout. For the umpteenth time this season the Colts found themselves down in the 4th quarter, but found a way to win. Indianapolis rotated most of their starters in and out of the line up, but Peyton Manning played the entire game as the Colts would like to finish 16-0 more than they are letting us believe
... ( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 14
Chargers 20 Cowboys 17
If this game was in September, then by all means make Dallas 3.5 point favourites. But this is December. San Diego constantly slaughter teams in December while Dallas regularly finds hilarious ways to lose games they should win comfortably. Anyone who laid money with the Cowboys should have just donated their money to charity
... ( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 13
Patriots 21 Dolphins 22
New England have a habit of demolishing someone after a loss, and after taking a 14-0 lead early on Sunday, it looked like history was going to repeat itself. Tom Brady had an injured finger during the week, but you would have been surprised during the first two and a half quarters of this game. However, it became apparent as the afternoon rolled on that something wasnt right. He spent much of the day heading into the locker room between drives and it makes you wonder how much of a factor this will be down the stretch. New England needs Tom Brady to be at 100% if they want to do anything in December and January
... ( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 12
Patriots 17 Saints 38
Saint-sational! This was a statement game for New Orleans under the national spotlight, and they delivered an incredible performance. Drew Brees was simply unstoppable, going 18/23 for a ridiculous 371 yards and 5 touchdowns as the Patriots secondary had no answer. Defensively the Saints completely dominated the line of scrimmage as New England never got into a rhythm all night
... ( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 11
Colts 17 Ravens 15
It could have been amazingly high scoring, but both defenses knuckled down in the redzone and made some huge plays. Baltimore will be kicking themselves as they had three marvellous scoring chances, but could only come away with a total of three points from the three possessions. First, Billy Cundiff badly sliced a 30 yard field goal attempt. Their second failure was with first and goal at the 1 they couldn't push it in and settled for a field goal
... ( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 10
Patriots 34 Colts 35
The future Hall of Fame quarterbacks had excellent days in this mega matchup with Brady (29/42, 375 yds, 3TD, INT) having a slightly better line than Manning (28/44, 327 yds, 4TD, 2INT) but Peyton took the win. Both looked often to their number one receivers as Randy Moss (9-179-2) and Reggie Wayne (10-126-2) both had colossal days.
This game however will be remembered for a questionable Bellichick call towards the end of the game
... ( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 9
Chargers 21 Giants 20
Rivers versus Manning is always going to be the big storyline when these teams face off. These two passers will be forever linked by the high profile trade the Giants and Chargers made on draft day in 2004 and for the first time, they squared off against each other. When the teams met in 05, Drew Brees was under centre for San Diego. Rivers barely won this one, but down 20-14 with 2 minutes remaining, he led a great drive to knock off the Giants in the Meadowlands
... ( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 8
Vikings 38 Packers 26
Brett Favre went back into Lambeau Field for the first time since his "retirement" and beat his old team in impressive fashion. Favre had a marvellous game, going 17/20 for 244 yards and 4 touchdowns. We all wondered what type of reaction Favre would get in his old home, and while there were a few Packers fans applauding, the boos were very loud. Favre's little feud with Ted Thompson seems a little stupid to most, but it obviously means a lot to Number 4. With the win at the Metrodome earlier in the year, you wonder if this is what Brett came back for. But with the Vikings at 7-1 now, they have more important business than Green Bay going forward
... ( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 7
Bears 10 Bengals 45
Cincinnati's weird and wonderful season continues. I've been preaching how good the Bengals were going to be this year since the Draft, but even I didn't see them absolutely shellacking the Bears. The Bengals offense was phenomenal in this one. They led 45-3 at one point before a late Devin Hester touchdown cut the deficit to a nail biting 35 points. Cincinnati's offensive line is solid if unspectacular, and it kept Palmer clean all day. The line also allowed Cedric Benson to run wild against his former team. Benson tallied 189 rushing yards and a touchdown on a whopping 37 carries
... ( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 6
Ravens 31 Vikings 33
I'm a believer that Brett Favre will be at his best in Minnesota if his main goal is to not screw up rather than make things happen. He has such a good cast around him that gunslinger Brett can put his bullets away and focus on being solid and letting the team win the game.
Against Baltimore though he had a really good game going 21/29 for 278 yards and 3TDs, as Sidney Rice exploded for 6 catches for 176 yards
... ( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 5
Bengals 17 Ravens 14
Cincinnati games are brilliantly insane. This was another excellent game with another wild finish.
Cincinnati left a multitude of points on the field in this one. First, they missed a chip shop field goal on their first drive after another dodgy snap by Brad St Louis. How hasnt he been cut yet? He made yet another pathetic snap on an extra point attempt in the 3rd quarter but was luckily saved by an illegal formation on the defense. Then they had to settle for a field goal when they had first and goal on the 5
... ( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 4
Packers 23 Vikings 30
It's amazing that this guy can get beaten half to death in this one and still play magnificently, Rodgers never stopped fighting and finished 26/37 384 yards 2TD 1INT. It's hard enough to block Minnesota's pass rush without putting Colledge and Allen Barbre at the tackle positions, but Rodgers was missing left tackle Chad Clifton badly. Green Bay Packer fans will be disappointed with the loss, but every single one of them should be proud of their franchise quarterback for his guts
... ( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 3
Panthers 7 Cowboys 21
This was one of the most shambolic Monday Night Football games I can remember and Dallas have a lot of work to do based on this showing before people will believe they are a contender. Offensively they were disorganised and lacking leadership. Pretty much all of their drives in the first half were highlighted by dumb penalties which ruined any momentum they had
... ( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 2
Texans 34 Titans 31
Houston have made failing to stop the run into an art form. They were a really sexy pick to make the playoffs (that I nearly fell for, but did have them at 9-7) in the offseason. However, if they don't figure out how to tackle a ball carrier, they've no chance
... ( view all game reports )
Jody Jamieson
NFL Weekly Review
Week 1
Lions 27 Saints 45
I cannot believe the amount of people who get paid to cover the NFL who
reported that the Saints defense is still awful because "even the Lions
offense scored 27 points on them." Of course, anyone who has actually
watched the game knows that 7 of the points came on a Louis Delmas fumble
recovery, and the Lions offense scored a touchdown after getting the ball on
the Saints 13 yard line after a great punt return by Dennis Northcutt
... ( view all game reports )
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Weekly Predictions...
Chris Brophy & Ben Stockwell
Gman Takes (On) Stock(ers)
Super Bowl XLIV
So here we are, at the end of another hard fought, exciting season. It goes far too quick doesn't it? The play-off games this season have not always been the most exciting but when they have been close calls they have been as compelling as anything you could hope for and I think the Packers – Cardinals clash will stay in many people's mind for a long time.
It's been a story of missed opportunities though with kicking especially having seen the "choker" tag thrown into the headlines a few times. How do you stop choking? Give it a new fat contract!
That's enough about what has happened, onto what is going to happen in Super Bowl XLIV! Our intrepid duo sat down in the Diner and tucked into the tasty match-up that is this year's battle for the Lombardi – The Indianapolis Colts of the AFC taking on the New Orleans Saints of the NFC. Read on as they examine the key issues of the game and give their predictions on ever aspect of the game...
( view complete analysis )
Pre-Season
Division Predictions...
Chris Brophy & Ben Stockwell
Gman Takes (On) Stock(ers)
Play-offs, Awards and More
In the last of this preview prediction series our pickers gather up all the information offered so far and try and put it down in a way that makes sense. Read on for a summing up of their predicted play-off pictures as well as who will walk off with the major NFL awards come the end of the 2009 season
... ( full article )
Chris Brophy & Ben Stockwell
Gman Takes (On) Stock(ers)
Western Divisions Predictions
They're back! Gman and Stockers flick coffee at each other, make paper aeroplanes with the serviettes and try to do a runner without paying their bill. They'll also predict the results from the NFL each week. Eager to chew the fat on the approaching NFL season though, our brave duo have decided to put their necks on the line and offer predictions for the divisions as well as final records, play-off qualification and ultimately, who will win it all!
First up, Western Divisions
... ( full article )
Chris Brophy & Ben Stockwell
Gman Takes (On) Stock(ers)
Northern Divisions Predictions
Continuing with the second of a five part series leading up to the NFL season our regular prediction duo bang their heads together and see who can come up with the best guesses afterwards. With the Western sides of things in the bag they switch to the Northern divisions
... ( full article )
Chris Brophy & Ben Stockwell
Gman Takes (On) Stock(ers)
Southern Divisions Predictions
Next in our preview prediction series our pop pickers get together to discuss the southern fairies of the NFL. Can Peyton Manning help his Colts hold off the challenging pack? Who will win the competitive NFC South? Gman and Stockers consider those questions and a few more. Read on
... ( full article )
Chris Brophy & Ben Stockwell
Gman Takes (On) Stock(ers)
Eastern Divisions Predictions
In the fourth of our series, we reach the end of the divisional road in the east as our regular predicting team consider how Tom Brady's return to health will impact the AFC East whilst then trying to figure out who will survive best in the rough and tumble of the NFC East
... ( full article )
Pre-Season
Division Analysis...
Four Downs with Dang & Doc
Brian Davis & Paul Hopkins
Four Downs
with Dang & Doc
NFC West
Dang and Doc close out their weekly previews of the divisions by looking at the NFC West. Last year the division produced the NFC's Superbowl representative, but will this happen again? Are the 49ers on the right track under Mike Singletary? And what does the future hold for the new Head Coaches in Seattle and St Louis and their respective veteran Quarterbacks?
... ( full article )
Brian Davis & Paul Hopkins
Four Downs
with Dang & Doc
NFC South
Can Jake Delhomme take the Panthers back into the playoffs? Will the Falcons make history and have successive winning seasons? Are the Buccaneers destined for a year of re-building and will the Saints continue to entertain, but without the results? Dang & Doc reveal all to the Diner collective
... ( full article )
Brian Davis & Paul Hopkins
Four Downs
with Dang & Doc
NFC North
This week Dang and Doc move onto the NFC North, and promise a Favre-free zone. Amid all the focus this division has received, is it home to the most complete team in the NFC in the Vikings? Who is poised to challenge or even topple them this season? Will the revitalised Lions rise like a phoenix from the flames with a new head coach, new players and a new uniform? And does all this make the north the powerhouse of the NFL?
... ( full article )
Brian Davis & Paul Hopkins
Four Downs
with Dang & Doc
NFC East
Will releasing Burress be a decision that sets the Giants back? Now the Eagles have lost their two icons on defence, will they become the weak link on this team? Elsewhere, Dallas has been clearing the headline makers but will it make them any better? And as usual the Redskins have been splashing the money, so is it already time for Zorn to deliver big returns? Dang & Doc reveal all
... ( full article )
Brian Davis & Paul Hopkins
Four Downs
with Dang & Doc
AFC West
With training camps officially underway the AFC previews conclude with the West. Again, the Chargers are favourites, but does the hype justify the reality? Elsewhere, not the dust has settled has Kyle Orton what it takes to inspire the Broncos, are the Raiders or the Chiefs going to pull a surprise and rise above mediocrity. And does all this make the West the worst division in football?
... ( full article )
Brian Davis & Paul Hopkins
Four Downs
with Dang & Doc
AFC South
Time for Dang and Doc to focus on the AFC South. After the coaching changes in Indianapolis, will there be a visible impact on the Colts performance? How will the Titans fare without Albert Haynesworth. Will the Texans finally break through in 2009 and just how much pressure is Jack Del Rio under heading into the forthcoming campaign
... ( full article )
Brian Davis & Paul Hopkins
Four Downs
with Dang & Doc
AFC North
Dang and Doc cast their eye over the AFC North. Can the Steelers repeat as Champions? Will Derrick Mason's retirement be the difference between a playoff spot and disappointment for the Ravens? What impact will Eric Mangini make in Cleveland with his revamped roster? Is there any room for optimism for the Bengals?
... ( full article )
Brian Davis & Paul Hopkins
Four Downs
with Dang & Doc
AFC East
With the start of the 2009 NFL season now within sight Dang and Doc are beginning a week by week preview of each of the Divisions in the NFL (with a week off to look at the start of the college football year). This week they look at the AFC East. Seen by many going into 2008 as the most predictable division in football, it turned out to be anything but. Heading into week 17, three teams could have won the division. In the end, the Dolphins reversed their 1-15 2007 record and came out on top. The East has seen each team make some major moves in the off-season and the division is going to be one of the most intriguing in the coming year
... ( full article )
Pre-Season
Preview Articles...
Brian Davis & Paul Hopkins
Four Downs
with Dang & Doc
2009 Preview Edition
The time for talk is over. Thursday sees the start of the 2009 NFL season. Where all the big questions will be answered. Will Brett Favre make the difference in Minnesota? How will Tom Brady fare on his return? Who will emerge out of the pack as a contender? Can the Steelers retain their crown? Ahead of the opening kickoff Dang and Doc give their predictions for 2009
... ( full article )
Chris Brophy
Triggermen in the Firing Line
The NFL is a quarterback hungry league and recent history shows teams will pay through the nose to get a guy that they hope can be their franchise QB for the long term future. The truth is though, the percentages are low. Many attempts to upgrade fail whilst many maintain the status quo just with a different name throwing the passes. The Diner takes a look at five quarterbacks entering pivotal seasons for themselves and their teams
... ( full article )
Brian Davis
NFL Milestones
Believe that statistics and milestones define how a player is remembered?
The diner checks out potential milestones that can be reached in the 2009 season, amongst the all-time leaders and greats to have ever played the game.
We have dug out those that are achievable within the year to give you something to follow and check out through the season.
Marcus Allen – look away now
... ( full article )
Jody Jamieson
Set To Surprise In '09
The FD Top 5
You may still struggle to believe that not only did the Arizona Cardinals win the NFC but they were one defensive stop away from winning football's biggest prize. Now as we count down the days to another 5 months of Sunday nights in front of the box we will take a closer look at the teams who may surprise everyone in 2009
... ( full article )
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Michael E Lawrence & Rich Lawrence
Diner TV
Pro Football's answer to Anc & Dec are back on yours screens with another issue of Diner TV. Up today is the Super Bowl Stir Fry ahead of Sunday's big game, and live on the phone are Sky TV's Nick Halling & Kevin Cadle...
... ( watch now )
Pre-Season Rankings...
Khaled Elsayed
Position Ranking:
Overall Team
Having analysed each unit (which involved looking at the starter, and then who will be backing them up as and when this looks like becoming a factor) Khaled Elsayed presents his final overall Preseason Power Rankings
... ( full article )
Khaled Elsayed
Position Ranking:
Overall Defense
After comprehensively reviewing each unit of the defence, Khaled Elsayed mushes it all together to leave us with his top defenses. From worst to first.
Each unit is broken down before a cumulative set of results are provided to determine who in my opinion are the best teams heading out of last season and into this. This involves looking at the starter, and then who will be backing them up as and when this looks like becoming a factor
... ( full article )
Khaled Elsayed
Position Ranking:
Defensive Backs
After analysing the offence and front seven of the defences, the Football Diner moves onto the final group positional ranking ... the defensive backs. Each unit is broken down before a cumulative set of results are provided to determine who in my opinion are the best teams heading out of last season and into this. This involves looking at the starter, and then who will be backing them up as and when this looks like becoming a factor
... ( full article )
Khaled Elsayed
Position Ranking:
Linebackers
Each unit is broken down before a cumulative set of results are provided to determine who in my opinion are the best teams heading out of last season and into this. This involves looking at the starter, and then who will be backing them up as and when this looks like becoming a factor. After analysing each defensive line and handing the Vikings the award, the Diner moves onto looking at the linebackers of each team, trying its best to look at the 3-4 and 4-3 units and decide which ones deserve praise and which one deserve ridicule
... ( full article )
Khaled Elsayed
Position Ranking:
Defensive Line
Fresh off looking at all aspects of offensive play and proclaiming the New England Patriots as the top offence, the Diner moves onto the defence first serving up a helping of defensive line analysis.
Each unit is broken down before a cumulative set of results are provided to determine who in my opinion are the best teams heading out of last season and into this. This involves looking at the starter, and then who will be backing them up as and when this looks like becoming a factor
... ( full article )
Khaled Elsayed
Position Ranking:
Overall Offense
Having ranked the individual offensive units in previous articles, Khaled Elsayed turns his attention to that of who has the best overall offence. The explosiveness of New England? The power of Minnesota? The Peyton Manningness of Indianapolis? Without further ado
... ( full article )
Khaled Elsayed
Position Ranking:
The Blockers
The Diner moves onto looking at the guys on the front line opening up holes and keeping the QB up right as it analyses the Blockers (offensive line and tight ends).
So far the Colts, Vikings and Cardinals have won top spots in the Passers, Rushers and Receivers categories, and now rounding up the offence we have the Blockers
... ( full article )
Khaled Elsayed
Position Ranking:
The Receivers
Khaled Elsayed continues his analysis of all 32 NFL teams. Each unit is broken down before a cumulative set of results are provided to determine who in his opinion are the best teams heading out of last season and into this. In this edition the receivers are considered
... ( full article )
Khaled Elsayed
Position Ranking:
The Rushers
The Diner's pre camp analysis of all the teams, ranking each unit they have, continues by turning an eager eye to the running backs. Each unit is broken down before a cumulative set of results are provided to determine who are the best teams heading out of last season and into this
... ( full article )
Khaled Elsayed
Position Ranking:
The Passers
Starting with the Passers the Diner takes a look at who will be throwing the ball for each team. This involves looking at the starting Quarterback, and then who will be backing them up as and when this looks like becoming a factor. The value of a good back up is often understated and as we saw last year, having a good one can lead you to a winning record (see New England) while a bad one can end your season almost before its begun (see Cincinnati)
... ( full article )
Team Previews...
Paul Hopkins
Buffalo Bills
Review / Preview
The Bills started quick out of the blocks, being the second to last team to lose their unbeaten record. Yet from there they limped along and missed the playoffs yet again. Offensively they struggled, coming in the lower half of the league in the passing game, heaping a dependence on stud RB Lynch. The Bills have made a splash in free agency already this year, acquiring arguably the highest profile free agent in Terrell Owens, but whether TO provides what is needed to get the Bills back to the post-season remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, they're going to be a team to watch this season.
... ( full article )
Paul Hopkins
Dallas Cowboys
Review / Preview
The season which was meant to be all about winning, turned once again into the biggest soap opera in the National Football League. It's still quite mystifying how a team can race to a 3-0 start after beating one of the great hopes of 2009, a strong divisional rival and the team that hosted the NFC Championship game the previous year, and yet still miss the playoffs and end up in nothing short of disarray... ( full article )
Paul Hopkins
Miami Dolphins
Review / Preview
To say that the Miami Dolphins exceeded all expectations in 2008 would probably be the under-statement of the NFL year. The 2007 Dolphins were nothing short of abysmal, gaining only one win on their way to a franchise worst season in every way. However, in the NFL there is a man who is famed for coming in and turning around teams and making them playoff contenders within the year
... ( full article )
Paul Hopkins
New England Patriots
Review / Preview
After the untouchable march to the Super Bowl the season before, Tom Brady's knee injury in week one meant the favourites had to make do without their most valuable player for the rest of the year. In his place, perennial back-up Matt Cassel can from obscurity and managed to play well enough to make him the hottest QB free agent of 2009. His eventual trading to Kansas City reaffirms to everyone that this remains Brady's team but everyone will be looking at him to see if he has fully recovered from the devastating knee injury he suffered
... ( full article )
Paul Hopkins
New York Jets
Review / Preview
The Jets season was always going to be high-profile once they were the destination the Packers shipped Brett Favre off to in the big story of the summer. But alongside Favre, the Jets boosted their ranks with considerable experience in the form of the likes of Kris Jenkins and Alan Faneca. Throw in the #6 overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, Vernon Gholsten and expectations were rightly high
... ( full article )
Paul Hopkins
Tennessee Titans
Review / Preview
After week one of the season if you'd told any fan of the Titans that they'd end the season as the #1 seed in the AFC, they'd have probably called for you to go and see a Doctor. But after the Vince Young drama show, this team knuckled down under the guidance of Kerry Collins and battered its way to a 13-3 record, and the #1 seeding
... ( full article )
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