The Opening Drive: Week 14, 2011 posted by Joe Anello

After the Big Ben-flavored drama on Thursday night, week 14 in the NFL season keeps on trucking in Sunday’s slate of games. While some will take a first glance at most of the games and shrug them off as meaningless, there are some hidden contests that could be much better than fans may expect. Plenty of options for “Trap of the Week.”

Houston’s been running along surprisingly smoothly since the loss of Matt’s Schaub and Leinart. However, T.J. Yates won’t have the home crown behind him as he takes on a desperate Bengal squad this week. I’m not sure the Texans will have enough success on the ground to make up for Andre Johnson’s absence.

Boom. Trap it up. New Orleans is on the road after a pretty convincing whupping of the Lions last week. Tennessee is very quietly eking their way into the AFC playoffs with all-around solid team play. New Orleans may be trying to keep pace with the Niners, but they don’t NEED this game like the Titans do. Drew Brees could have one of his famous “Throw for 345 yards, 3 TD’s and 3 INT’s” days, giving the Saints points, but not a win.

Bears Win A Wild One, 34-29 vs. Panthers posted by Richard Kagan

The Chicago Bears did a lot of things right this past Sunday and got by the Cam Newton led Panthers 34-29 at a celebratory Soldier Field.  Devin Hester returned a punt for a touchdown, broke off a 74 return on a kickoff and is the only Bear that approximates the great Gayle Sayers.  The Bears scored a TD on an interception.  And, Matt Forte ran a career best 205 yards after gaining two yards last week.  Forte still has it. The Bears need to open lanes for him just like today, and then he can scoot up the field. He is versatile and fast, and is a threat to break a long gain.

It's the defense one needs to be concerned with.  It gave up over 500 years to the sensational rookie QB Cam Newton led offense.  Netwon threw for 181 yards to receiver Steve Smith.  The Bears need to tighten up their defense quickly.  They are going into Detriot to face the upstart Lions, who are undefeated this season. 

But the Bears have great weapons in Hester, Forte, and Cutler.  Cutler had an off day, only throwing for 100 yards.

And the Bears won?  Yes, because they made enough big plays and the Panthers didn't.  Hester is a game-changer.

He can negate negative yardage or an off-day by anyone on the Bears.  Forte, came through on the sunny day.  When Matt Forte is clicking, the Bears are usually in the game.  Now, the defense has to pay at least like the Panthers of the Midway.  You can't be Monsters overnight.  However, Forte, went from almost being laughable last week, to a career day, playing like Walter Payton once did.  Chicago is 2-2 in the season. 

Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Bears 34, Panthers 29 posted by Joe Anello

Well it was way too close for comfort, but I’ll take it. The Chicago Bears got help in the form of Devin Hester and D.J. Moore touchdowns to beat the Carolina Panthers 34-29 Sunday afternoon.

The first series of the game was indicative of Mike Martz’s overall gameplan, running it eight straight times down to the Panther 1-yard line, where they were forced to settle for a field goal to tie the game. Despite the shortcoming, Martz had established and found success in the running game, which they carried throughout the day and racked up 224 yards as a team. Matt Forte tore up the sod on his way to 205 yards rushing on 25 carries, including a 46 yard run to set up the Bears’ first field goal as well as 17-yard score in the second quarter. Marion Barber even got in on the fun in limited action, getting four carries, the last of which was the game-sealing touchdown with under two minutes left in the contest.

In addition to the ground game, Devin Hester sparked the Bears with two dynamic returns, the first of which went for 73 yards all the way back to the Carolina 36 yard line, leading to Forte’s first score. After forcing a three and out on the Panthers’ next drive, Hester got another chance on a punt return and made the most of it, taking it back 69 yards for an NFL record 11th punt return touchdown. Not to be overshadowed, the Bears field goal unit came up huge with a block that kept the Bears ahead. Of course, Charles Tillman got a hand on the kick and then Julius Peppers finished it off with his giant paw.

Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Panthers at Bears posted by Joe Anello

This week Chicago welcomes in former player and defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, who now coaches for the Carolina Panthers. Rivera brings with him number one overall pick Cam Newton, who has taken the league by storm. (Sorta.) Let’s see if the Bears have what it takes to put the Panthers down.

(1-2) Carolina Panthers at
(1-2) Chicago Bears

So any football fan has heard of Cam Newton for one reason or another. The reason you’re hearing about him now? His two 400 yard performances (in losing efforts) to begin the year followed by his first win as a starting QB. With a bit more film out there for teams to scout, Newton will start to see defenses wise up to his tendencies, even if they can’t plan to combat his immense abilities. Also, the dude’s pretty big. He’s essentially a quarterback in a defensive end’s body. Chicago will rely heavily on its cover-two scheme, expecting Newton to make a mistake or two along the way that will lead to turnovers.

Despite Newton’s talent, his receiving corps pretty much starts and ends with the ever-douchey Steve Smith. Smith is rejuvenated this season because he actually has a QB that can get him the ball. Chicago’s secondary needs to keep Smith covered up top with a safety and underneath the entire game just to make sure he doesn’t get any good looks. He’s a bit fast for Tillman to be on him all day, so you’ll probably see some of Tim Jennings on him too. Where Newton will probably have success is in tossing it to his tight ends. Jeremy Shockey and familiar face Greg Olsen have been making life much easier on the rookie. As we all know, Olsen is a redzone threat. While I’m SURE today has no significant meaning to him (not that the Bears traded him, thinking he was useless to them), Olsen warrants watching.

Joe's 2011 NFL Season Preview: The NFC South posted by Joe Anello

In one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, the NFC South’s quarterbacks are all worth watching this season. Will Matt Ryan and the Falcons recover from their loss to Green Bay in the playoffs? Can Drew Brees get New Orleans back to the Super Bowl? In Tampa Bay, Josh Freeman is an up-and-coming star at quarterback, but is his supporting cast good enough? After beating out Jimmy Clausen for the starting job, is Cam Newton ready for the NFL spotlight? Your answers start here! 

For a team that racked up an impressive 13 wins in 2010, to exit the playoffs routed by the Packers was a tough pill for Matty Ice and company to swallow. In an aggressive move to regain top dog status, the Falcons traded away a sizeable ransom in order to draft receiver Julio Jones. Say what you want about the price they paid, Jones may be a break-out star in his first year. He excels in the short passing game but has the burners to stretch the defense to take defenders away from Michael Turner and fellow receiver Roddy White. Tony Gonzalez is still a nice piece at tight end, but his prime is long since passed and I’m not sure how much of a weapon he can still be. Re-signing Jason Snelling was integral to keeping this running game operating at a high level. The Falcons made one of the most understated moves of the offseason when they signed defensive end Ray Edwards to play opposite John Abraham. An instant pass-rushing upgrade, Edwards should thrive on the outside. Coach Mike Smith will unleash Abraham and Edwards on the QB’s of the NFC South, which is absolutely necessary in a division with such talent. They could use a better safety pairing, but Brent Grimes is the best corner in the league that no one talks about. They’ll take a slight step-back in terms of their record, but they should be a much improved ballclub.

The Opening Drive: The 2011 NFL Draft, Round One posted by Joe Anello

It is time, once again, to gather at Radio City Music Hall and judge/praise players who haven’t even stepped on an NFL field yet. Isn’t it grand? Here are a few storylines to watch for during round one of the NFL Draft, airing Thursday night on ESPN and the NFL Network.

The sexiest position in all of sports, quarterback provides plenty of drama come draft night. All the mock drafts say Auburn’s Cam Newton is headed to the Panthers at number one overall, but what if Carolina passes? Where will Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert end up? He can’t (and shouldn’t) fall past Tennessee at pick eight. If Arizona passes on him, I’d be a bit surprised. Gabbert’s the most polished prospect right now, even if his ceiling isn’t as high as past top-ten QB picks. In the first 12 picks, there are legitimately nine teams that you could make the argument a QB is needed. (I’ve left out Cleveland, Dallas and Houston, but included Denver, Buffalo and Washington. Denver’s not likely to go QB in the first round two years in a row though, even if they think they need one.) Does Cincy need a replacement for Carson Palmer? Will Buffalo be content to make Ryan Fitzpatrick their starter for next season? All these questions will be answered (partly) on Thursday night.

Which team takes Washington’s Jake Locker, who many thought would have been the first overall pick in the 2010 draft, ahead of Sam Bradford? Since the teams drafting later in the first typically have their starting QB’s in place, there’s two scenarios for Locker, who WILL go in the first round. One team is either going to trade down/back up in the first round for him, or a surprise team will snag him, thinking they can develop him for the future behind an entrenched starter. I’ve heard Indy and New England mentioned as possibilities, but Indy can’t afford to waste a first-rounder on a QB when their window is closing. New England, as I’ll discuss below, is an interesting situation.

Red Storm Upsets Pitt, 60-59 on Hardy basket posted by Richard Kagan

Call them Giant killers.  The St. John's Red Storm did it again.  For the 5th time since early January, St. John's beat a top 10 ranked team, this time edging No. 4 Pitt in a thrilling 60-59 win at Madison Square Garden. Senior guard Dwight Hardy scored on a move near the hoop with a scoop shot with 1.2 seconds remaining.  Pitt, with no time-outs took a long heave that missed the mark, and SJU proved it is for real in a battle with Big East leader Pittsburgh. 

Hardy scored 19 points in the win.  Justin Brownlee had a fine game, especially on the inside, netting 15 points, and D.J. Kennedy scored 11 points, many coming late in the second half.  St. Johns (17-9, 9-5) was held scoreless in the final few minutes but managed to convert 8 out 10 free-throws to take a slim lead.  But the Panthers came fighting back and scored on a nice outside shot to take a one point lead with :11 remaining.  Then it was Hardy's heroics in the last shot for SJU. 

The game was back and forth for the last 8 minutes.  It was anyone's game with 5:00 to play, and St. John's made the last big play of the game.  Pitt played tough and battled back to take the lead on the late trey.  Then Hardy made his move to the basket. 

Hardy has been brilliant for the Red Storm in the recent winning streak that catapaulted them from a bubble-team to a near certain NCAA post-season bid, barring a season ending collapse.  This St. John's team is playing the best ball of the season that has raised their conference record to an impressive 9-5.  The Red Storm have made the climb from the bottom of the league to the top tier in two seasons.  Last season, The Red Storm won 6 conference games, and beat rival Connecticut in the opening round of the Big East Tournament.  That was the last win last year for St. John's.  But this season, new head coach Steve Lavin and his hard-working coaching staff have done a quick turn-a-round with a senior laden team.  The Red Storm are playing tough agressive defense at home, and can run the floor and pound the ball.

Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 17 posted by Joe Anello

It’s the final week of the 2010 regular season and there are division match-ups everywhere you look! Who needs to win and who looks prime for a loss? Let’s get the Opening Drive going!

This game could not be more of a mismatch… but it still holds the fate of the NFC’s all-important number one seed. If the Falcons lay an egg, then the Bears or Saints can take the top spot. I don’t see the makings of an upset here at all. The Falcons are coming off a tough loss and will be looking to rebound against a team with all sorts of problems. There shouldn’t be any drama at the top today.

Now this game has the trappings of an upset to me. Cleveland has been competitive all year, getting huge wins over the Patriots and Saints in back-to-back weeks. They haven’t been able to mount enough points lately, which could prove troublesome against one of the league’s top defenses, which will have Troy Polamalu back at safety. Still, Ben Roethlisberger and the Steeler offense haven’t exactly lit it up as of late. Keep an eye on this one. It will be physical. (Don’t you hate when someone says that? I mean, it’s FOOTBALL! Of course it’s going to be physical!)

While getting to ten wins would be huge for Raheem Morris’ Bucs, there’s just not enough on the offensive front for Tampa to make this anything more than slightly interesting. I see the Saints jumping out early and doing their part in the fight for the NFC South.

Joe's 2010 NFL Thursday Night Quickie: Panthers at Steelers posted by Joe Anello

Yeah…. who thought that this would be a good game? Oh who cares? It’s football!

So… is this game even worth discussing? It’s the worst team in the league against one of the best. Carolina’s only strength on offense is on the ground with Jonathan Stewart having a beastly year, but the Steelers are impenetrable on that front and will be all sorts of perturbed after losing to the Jets last week and giving up a 100-yard rusher for the first time this season. Aside from that, the Steelers are going to have the edge in every possible category. The Panther defense is nothing special and has problems rushing the passer. If Big Ben has time to throw, good luck defending those receivers. It might not be an unheralded blow-out on the scoreboard because Troy Polamalu is out of the line-up, but the return of Heath Miller will give Ben his safety blanket back. Steelers win big at home. Duh.

Bears Pound Panthers, 23-6 posted by Richard Kagan

The Chicago Bears are having a charmed early season.  They played the woeful Carolina Panthers, and held them to 150 yards for the game, giving up just two field goals, and won the game, 23-6.  The Bears second-string QB, Todd Collins, threw for four interceptions, completing 6 passes in an otherwise poor outing.  But Matt Forte rushed for 166 yards, including a 68 yard burst down the left sideline for a touchdown.  Forte was the man for the day, and the Bears advance to 4-1 for the season.

Hopefully Jay Cutler will be well enough to start vs. Seattle.  But getting him back is not as urgent as it seemed.

Perhaps Collins will learn from his mistakes and make some nice throws.  Perhaps the Bears can afford to let Cutler sit this next game out.  Whenever he gets back, he will be a target and can expect a focused approach to making him rush his throws.

But the Bears defense is better this year with the addition of an inspired Julius Peppers who is all over the field.  He is making plays that a younger Brian Urlacher once did.  Urlacher still commands respect, but he is aging now.  Lance Briggs is solid on defense as Urlacher's wing man, and is one of the best linebackers in the League.  Chicago has some winnable games coming up.  Take the harvest now, because once the weather gets cold, the schedule gets really tough.

QBs Newton, Dalton eager for Pro Bowl (AP)

From the panorama of the Pacific outside his hotel window to watching NFC teammates Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees throw the ball, Cam Newton can't help but stare and be inspired by all the perfect views in paradise. "This is unbelievable, man. This is so gratifying and just to have the opportunity to be here is a blessing," the Carolina Panthers quarterback said in an interview with... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Bucs to interview Panthers' Chudzinski (AP)

A person familiar with the situation says the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have received permission to interview Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski for their vacant head coaching position. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Friday on the condition of anonymity because the process is supposed to remain confidential. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Rams interview Chudzinski to be coach

The St. Louis Rams interviewed Carolina Panthers offensivecoordinator Rob Chudzinski for their coaching vacancy whileawaiting word from Jeff Fisher. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Rams interview 2, await word from Fisher (AP)

The St. Louis Rams interviewed Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski and Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for their coaching vacancy while awaiting word from Jeff Fisher. The Rams and Dolphins are finalists to have Fisher be their head coach. Chudzinski also interviewed for the Jaguars head coaching job, but lost out to Mike Mularkey. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Rams to interview Panthers' Chudzinski (AP)

A person familiar with the situation says the St. Louis Rams have received permission to interview Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski for their vacant head coaching position. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday on the condition of anonymity because the process is supposed to remain confidential. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports