In The Trenches: Week 15 Thoughts

Change in the script.

Undefeated No More-I think I speak for everyone in saying that Kansas City was the team most likely to give Green Bay its first loss on the season.  Just kidding, now in all serious, where did that come from?  The Packers offense has torched every defense they’ve faced, it seemed close to impossible that a decimated Chiefs team, a vastly depleted unit with an offense working around no-name quarterbacks and third-stringers across the board on both sides of the ball, could even put a scare into the Packers.  This was pegged as a race to 17 points, one that the Packers could win in their sleep.  At least that’s what everyone thought.  Whether it was Romeo Crennel providing a spark, or everyone taking the Packers game as their Super Bowl, Kansas City stepped up in a major way.  The Chiefs had scored 10 points or less in their previous 6 games, or a total of 45.  That’s an average of 7.5 points a game, or roughly how many points Aaron Rodgers will lead Green Bay to on his first few drives, if not more.  The rest is history, Mercury Morris pops some champagne and Green Bay got a serious wake-up call.  This may not be the worst thing for the Packers.  Not that it has become evident, but when you haven’t ... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

In The Trenches: Week 14 Thoughts

Now trending: Young Quarterbacks on the rise.

Yates Leads Comeback-Houston isn’t supposed to pull off late-game comebacks, let alone win games with T.J. Yates at quarterback.  But Yates did just that on Sunday as Houston clinched its first-ever playoff appearance with a, 20-19, victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.  The Texans won their first AFC South title, thanks to Yates’ efforts on their final possession, a 13-play, 80-yard drive, including a 17-yard scramble by Yates on 3rd and 15 at Cincinnati’s 40.  Yates will not be asked to do much with a two-headed monster in the backfield in Arian Foster and Ben Tate along with a top-tier defense.  If Yates can provide Houston with even a smidge of balance on offense, Houston’s once-promising Super Bowl aspirations will seem more feasible. 

Tebow’s World-By now you are all likely familiar with the weekly script the Denver Broncos have fed us during Tim Tebow’s tenure as starting quarterback.  You know, the one where Tebow and Denver does little to nothing on offense all day, only to storm back late in the game when it seems like nothing more than a last-ditch effort.  Except Tebow leads the unlikely comeback and Mile High rejoices after an unlikely Broncos win. ... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

In The Trenches: Week 13 Thoughts

San Francisco 49ers: NFC West champions after Week 13?

49ers Break Dry Spell-After a steady 26-0 shutout victory over the St. Louis Rams, the San Francisco 49ers clinched the NFC West, despite having 4 games remaining.  San Francisco returns to the postseason for the first time since 2002.  A secured playoff spot at this point in the season can be a double-edged sword, as there’s potential for complacency to settle in.  They’re still chasing the Packers for the top seed in the NFC, but Green Bay doesn’t look like they’re losing anytime soon, with games against Oakland, Kansas City, and Chicago.  We’ve seen a tendency where the teams that go into the postseason on fire carry that momentum throughout January.  We’ve also seen teams lock up positioning with a week or two remaining, become rusty after their bye week during the Wild Card round, only to lose to the hotter team in the Divisional round.  Potentially projecting a bit on my part, but as far as the present goes, Alex Smith looks to be developing a rapport with Michael Crabtree, which will greatly help balance the offensive attack.  Frank Gore would probably appreciate having fewer defenders in the box.

Packers Strike Again-The Giants played them down... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

In The Trenches: Week 12 Thoughts

Follow David S. London on Twitter

This week’s publication delayed due to excessive Thanksgiving-related carb goggles.

Jets Escape-New York deserved to win that game as much as LeBron James needs another endorsement deal.  But with the holiday season coming soon, Buffalo wide receiver Stevie Johnson gift-wrapped a Jets victory with several moments which left much to be desired for Bills fans.  Johnson was penalized 15 yards after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter as he mocked Jets wide receiver Plaxico Burress by pretending to get shot.  I’m all for the celebrations, unlike the NFL, but this one went a bit far, using someone’s past transgressions as a mocking point.  Character aside, it backed up Buffalo 15 yards on the kickoff and resulted in a Jets touchdown.  Johnson also managed to haul in two passes on the final drive which would’ve resulted in a game-winning score both times.  It’s difficult to look past the shenanigans when it’s costing your team a victory.

G-Men In Trouble-Not that anyone can fault them for getting lit up like a Christmas tree by the Saints, but New York’s once promising season is fading fast.  In first place at 6-2 three weeks ago, the Giants are currently out of the playoffs and one game behind the Cowboys.  The running game has disappeared and with that so has Brandon Jac... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

In The Trenches: Week 11 Thoughts

A Giants dud t'was.

G-Men Fall Face First-There was certainly enough motivation for the New York football Giants. An opportunity to deliver the knockout punch to a division rival who has been underwhelming all season would typically have any team chomping at the bit. Instead, the Giants struggled against the alleged "Dream Teamm," who looked more like the Replacements with Michael Vick and Jeremy Maclin out. Vince Young came in and looked like, well, Vince Young, throwing 3 interceptions. Lucky for him, the Giants were even less efficient, highlighted by an impressive 29 yards rushing. The Giants seemed likely to win handedly, but matched the Eagles' incompetence every step of the way, until Young showed potential suitors in free agency something in an 18-play, 80-yard drive which took almost 9 minutes to give Philadelphia a 17-10 lead with 2:45 left. The Giants blew a big opportunity to 1) knock the Eagles out for good and 2) keep a 1 game cushion over the Cowboys. Things don't look promising for New York as their next two games are against the Saints and Packers. 10 points wasn't enough to outlast Young, it definitely won't be against Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers.

Tebow Mania At Epic Proportions-If you were to tell me after 5 starts, Tim Tebow would be 4-1 nad the Broncos 5-5, I would've laughed in your face, called you crazy, then... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

In The Trenches: Week 10 Thoughts

Falcons Lose Ground-It was a call which left many scratching their heads.  On their second drive in overtime, Atlanta believed they had converted a third down only to be short a few inches at their own 29 yard line.  Head Coach Mike Smith played with fire, had Matt Ryan hand it off to Michael Turner, and got burned as Turner was stopped in the backfield.  New Orleans kicked the game-winning field goal moments later and padded their division lead.  Smith put all the heat on himself, not wanting to give Drew Brees and the Saints offense back the ball.  It's a bold call which will make you look like a champ, or a chump as it did Smith.  I won't play armchair quarterback and unequivocally say they should've punted, although it'd be an easy route to take.  Even with a first down, Atlanta had at least 35 yards to go before field goal range and their defense had just forced New Orleans into a three and out.  But it's not a call that I will question Smith making.

Eagles Crash Landing-Never say never, but the Eagles'playoff hopes look as promising as a salad being consumed by Andy Reid.  The latest fourth-quarter meltdown came against the Cardinals in a 21-17 defeat as John Skelton (who?) did... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

In The Trenches: Week 9 Thoughts

The day they stopped calling him Archie’s Boy, and started calling him Eli…wait a minute.

Mr. Clutch-The backlash was hot and heavy after Eli Manning said he’s in the same class as Tom Brady.  It seemed to be a bit of the stretch at the time, all things considered, to put the oaf on the same pedestal as the suave pretty boy.  In what seemed like a flashback to Super Bowl XLII, Manning led the Giants to a 24-20 comeback win over the Patriots.  Manning led the two-minute drill after Brady had just threw a touchdown on fourth down.  The drive also consisted of Manning connecting on a jaw-dropping grab by Jake Ballard, who also happens to wear number 85.  Seahawks game aside, Manning seems to play his best in crunch time, leading New York down the stretch time and time again.  He also played without his top running back and wide receiver, no big deal. Manning will say all the right things, but you know he’s basking in solidifying his status as a top-flight quarterback.

Mr. Clutch Revisited-Like Manning, Joe Flacco has also been subjected to mixed reviews throughout his career.  Some say he doesn’t show the passion, the drive due to his seemingly consis... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

In The Trenches: Week 8 Thoughts

This past Sunday, Rob Ryan ate Crow, ahem, Eagle.

Cowboys Massive Flop-Jerry Jones said this was a statement game, one that Dallas circled over the Summer.  Rob Ryan called Philadelphia the, "All-Hype Team."  A 34-7 blowout later, the Eagles are riding high as everyone is all aboard their bandwagon once again while Dallas leaves much to be desired.  Dez Bryant continues to throw tantrums that are only acceptable when you are 7 or Terrell Owens.  If nothing else, Ryan has done well to copy his brother in placing all blame on himself; if he really wanted to copy big bro, he'd put himself out there next time Tony Romo cements lame-duck status since the guy is one of the media's favorite pinatas.

Ravens Escape Rough Start-After asking if this was real life a handful of times, I accepted the fact that the Ravens were, in fact, trailing, 24-6, at halftime to the lowly Arizona Cardinals.  The Cardinals don't typically fare well as a West Coast team traveling East, but were in prime position to pull off the massive upset.  We're not sure what was said in the locker room, but the Ravens got their act together and pulled out a 30-27 win.  Baltimore got their act together, albeit a little late, as Ray... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

In The Trenches: Week 7 Thoughts

Primetime Thoughts

Follow David S. London on Twitter

Feels great to be a Miami Dolphin, poetic justice and all…not.

Dolphins Welcome Tebow-The Tim Tebow hype had reached inappropriate proportions already, but having his first start of the season in Miami – where they decided to honor the Florida Gators’ 2008 National Championship team, which was led by the aforementioned Tebow - the only thing that could make this more unpleasant for Dolphins fans would be if Tebow then won his homecoming.  Miami looked well on there way to stomping on the celebration, leading 15-0 with a little over five minutes to go.  But what was a storybook day for Tebow ended in such fashion as the Dolphins aided the comeback, collapsing 18-15 in overtime.  I’m not buying this Tebow mania just yet, so the focus here is on the lifeless Dolphins.  Two thoughts in particular: did Miami really expect Tebow not to run up the middle on the two-point conversion and will Tony Sparano make it past Halloween before getting canned.

Jets Takeoff After Early Turbulence-A fumble return for a touchdown on your fourth offensive play isn’t exactly the ideal start nor is trailing 21-10 at halftime against an alleged offensive juggernaut in San Diego.  But the Jets stood up and were able to do w... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

In The Trenches: Week 6 Thoughts

Handshake gate

49ers Tame Lions-There were some, myself included, who weren't sold on the San Francisco 49ers.  I'm not ready to jump on their bandwagon, but I will recognize them as a legitimate contender.  The NFC West, or the race for 8 as I've previously put it, looks to be San Francisco's to lose at this point with 5 wins already.  They stifled a Lions offense that had been able to score at ease all season.  Perhaps Head Coach Jim Schwartz was so ticked at Head Coach Jim Harbaugh because he had done what no team had previously thought of, double-teaming Calvin Johnson.  I know what you're thinking, why haven't teams been doing that already?

Packers Are Lone Undefeated Team-I'm not sure if any of the Green Bay Packers broke a sweat on Sunday.  Now that's not a jab at the St. Louis Rams, although they seem to be lacking all around, but a testament to Green Bay's dominance.  Aaron Rodgers was okay I guess, 17-28 for 310 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Not much to complain about, unless you're Brett Favre, in which you are disappointed Rodgers didn't reach 400 yards and 4 touchdowns?

Falcons Go Back To Their Roots-Noone was happier than Michael Turner to see the Falcons retu... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

In The Trenches: Week 5 Thoughts

R.I.P. Al Davis (1929-2011), you always said it best; Just Win Baby!

Raiders Win With Heavy Hearts-The NFL lost a longtime member in Al Davis on Saturday, leaving Raider Nation with heavy hearts along with many other who appreciated all of Davis’ efforts.  Head Coach Hue Jackson was very emotional after the 25-20 victory over the Houston Texans, as Oakland fought down to the wire, as Michael Huff’s interception in the end zone as time expired sealed the win.  The Chargers may be the favorite to win the division, but their sloppy play remains a weekly trend, and with the Raiders providing a legitimate foe, the AFC West may not be won till December.

Eagles Solidifying Bust Label-Head Coach Andy Reid doesn’t want to talk about this alleged Dream Team, much less the playoffs.  Much like Jim Mora, Reid might just hope the Eagles can win a game, another game as Philadelphia has lost four straight. Michael Vick had another performance which left many w... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

In The Trenches: Week 4 Thoughts

Time to hit the panic button?!?

Eagles Not Soaring-Nobody was expecting a 1-3 start from the Philadelphia Eagles after the first month of the season.  A loss to the San Francisco 49ers is troubling enough, but blowing a 23-3 second-half lead is even more eye-opening.  Alex Henery missing two field goals inside 40 yards didn’t help matters, but the game shouldn’t have even come to that.  This alleged Dream Team has proven unable to battle in the trenches, a must for any team to be considered a contender, let alone a Dream Team.  This team can score in bunches, and those in defense of Philadelphia will find excuses, namely Ronnie Brown turning the clock back to his Wildcat days in Miami, but let’s be real.  A 20-point lead against San Francisco in the third quarter should be in no danger.  If it’s not clear, I’m not quite sold on the 3-1 49ers.

Romo Solidifies Role For Two-Face-There may not be a better man to play the role in the Batman series.  One week, Tony Romo shows flashes, reminding everyone that he is a Pro-Bowl caliber quarterback.  Romo lead two late-game comebacks against the Redskins and 49ers.  Then there was the opening game against the Jets where Romo flipped the switch in the fourth quarter.  Sunday against the Lions was a tale of two halfs to say the least.  Romo’s Cowboys lead 27-3 early in the third quarter, only to lose 34-30 with Romo’s three interceptions, two re... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

In The Trenches: Week 3 Thoughts

They are who we thought they were?

Buffalo Soldiers-Who would’ve thought that Tom Brady would match his interception total from last season, four, in one game, much less against the Bills?  Neither did Bill Belichick.  Any doubts about the Bills being for real can now be put to bed as Ryan Fitzpatrick is no slouch nor is that offense.  Fred Jackson gives the Bills a balanced attack as Jackson is one of the few workhorse backs left in the league.  Stevie Johnson and David Nelson give Fitzpatrick reliable deep threats as Buffalo has scored 41, 38, and 34 points this season.  Not all four interceptions were Brady’s fault, but when your offense is one-dimensional and you attempt 45 passes, odds are a few will take an unfavorable bounce.  It would probably help if Chad Ochocinco didn’t drop a 41-yard-touchdown pass here and there.

Lions’ Roar Getting Louder-So the Minnesota Vikings for a third-consecutive week were up big at halftime, this time 20-0.  But as the script goes, they crumbled, and Detroit was the latest to benefit from Minnesota’s overall incompetence.  Credit them for being consistent though.  For the first time this season, Matthew Stafford was backed up against the wall, but he led the Lions to a 23-20 overtime victory and their first 3-0 start since 1980.  Don’t talk about playoffs?  Shush up Jim Mora, this team looks for real.

Packers Look Scary-The 3-0 team people e... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

In The Trenches: Week 2 Thoughts

The top two scoring teams in the NFL after two weeks: Buffalo and Detroit.

Say What?

Lions, Bills, & 4 Wins, Oh My-Granted, two of them are against the injury-ravaged Chiefs, but Detroit and Buffalo are looking to cement themselves as legitimate playoff contenders.  It comes as no surprise that quarterback play has sparked the good starts as Matthew Stafford has shown us why the Lions hitched their wagon to him while Ryan Fitzpatrick has instilled life into a once lifeless Bills offense.  Detroit has to feel good considering the rest of the NFC.  The NFC West as previously concluded is a race to 8 wins, and the Cowboys and Giants have both caught the plague as players continue to drop like Obama’s approval rating.  I don’t think they’re ready to take down the Packers, but the path to a Wild Card spot looks to be within reach.  The Bills are in a much deeper AFC, including the Jets and Patriots as division opponents, but look like they will be playing meaningful football come December.

Vick’s Return to Old Nest Sour-The Eagles looked like they had taken control of the game late in the third quarter with a 31-21 lead.  Vick had been effective, but had also taken a beating throughout the game as the Falcons defense constantly got to the former Atlanta quarterback.  The hits piled up, and Vick was eventually forced to leave the game with a concussion.  However, nobody thought it would be his ow... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

In The Trenches: Week 1 Thoughts

I sure do miss that lockout talk.

Thoughts

Packers On Cue-If you had any doubts about the Packers contending this season, those should now be gone.  Aaron Rodgers looked sharp as did the rest of the Packer offense, putting up 42 points on the scoreboard and almost 400 total yards.  They allowed nearly 500 yards to the Saints, but let’s not forget about the fireworks Drew Brees and Co. regularly put up as well.  The Packers were able to slow New Orleans down on several occasions, including a goal-line stand to end the game.

Ravens Pummel Steelers-Games between these two tend to be hard-fought, down-to-the-wire, and low-scoring.

Sunday’s was none of the above.

In what may be his coming-out party, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco torched a tough Steeler defense for 224 yards and 3 touchdowns.  The stats may not be too eye-popping, but you saw Flacco dissect a Pittsburgh unit with ease, threading one pass after another.  Combine that with Ray Rice cruising to 107 yards rushing and an elite defense, folks we may have a runaway in the AFC North.

Falcons Get Clipped-All this offseason hype about a revamped offense, I was among many who jumped on the Falcons bandwagon.  The acquisition of Julio Jones was the last piece of the puzzle for Matt Ryan.  The offense would become an aerial assault and fade away from the run-heavy approach.

Maybe next week?

Ryan l... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

In The Trenches: NFL Season Preview

The lockout is old news and the Saints and Packers square off Thursday.  The only thing missing from this anticipation of the NFL season is Brett Favre overkill…for now.

Packers Set To Defend Title-The Green Bay Packers begin their title defense against New Orleans with the dreaded Super Bowl hangover tossed around.  Unlike the many winners before them, Green Bay looks equipped to dominate for the immediate future and make a run at a dynasty.  Aaron Rodgers has made all Cheeseheads forget bout his predecessor/alleged sextor, letting his play speak for itself.  With a loaded receiving core, a healthy Ryan Grant in the backfield, and a defense which remains intact, look for more of the same from the Packers. 

Eagles Do Their Best Heat Impression-There was no championship-esque celebration in the offseason or guarantees of 5, 6, 7 titles, but the Philadelphia Eagles were reeling in big names much like the Miami Heat.  Nnamdi Asomugha, Domingue Rodgers-Cromartie, and Asante Samuel give the Eagles the best cornerback trio in football.  Jason Babin shores up the defensive line.  The linebacker group is weak in comparison, but with the Eagles likely leading most of their games, teams will be forced to pass against the aforementioned three-headed monster with a solid defensive line.  The offense got deeper as well with Ronnie Brown backing up LeSean McCoy.

New Cardinal Set To Spread ... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment

Eagles Go Against Their Grain, Open Wallet

Older people, much less old people, don’t generally fare well with the Philadelphia Eagles.  It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done.

Whether you’re the face of the franchise for many years, as well as Campbells Chunky Soup, with 5 NFC Championship appearances and 6 Pro-Bowl selections such as Donovan McNabb.  Or if you’re the heart and soul of the defense for over a decade like Brian Dawkins.  30 may be the new 20, but as far as the Eagles are concerned, you might as well relocate to the nearest senior center once you wave goodbye to your 20's.

Not that I blame them.  Like any other business, the Eagles have decisions to make, and throwing around max contracts to players who are up there in age, less likely to finish their contract, much less play up to it, are not necessarily the best investment.

Which leads me to scratching my head with Michael Vick.

Vick had a renaissance year, winning comeback player of the year award, showing everyone the visions many had for so many years when first drafted by the Atlanta Falcons.  A combination of speed and arm strength from a quarterback which has never been seen in the NFL.  Vick had finally put both to use, and was not simply a QB on the run.  Vick threw for over 3,000 yards for the first time ever, had a TD:INT ratio of 21-6, and had a career-high in completion percentage at 62.6%.

Is a career year enough to throw $100 million, with $40 mi... [More]

Report Abuse

0 comments  | Add a comment