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Updated: 1/2/03 |
No-Brainers
LaDainian Tomlinson at SEA
Deuce McAllister vs CAR
Travis Henry vs CIN
Ricky Williams @ NE
Clinton Portis vs ARI
(Walter34)
Charlie Garner vs Kansas City
In what promises to be another aerial show, the Raiders
face off against KC this week. Garner is a part of both the rushing
and passing offense in Oakland and should be the 3rd back in NFL
history to go over 1000 yards receiving by the end of this week.
The Raiders are still looking for the #1 seed in the AFC and should
go all out against KC. With Priest on the sidelines again, KC should
also be looking to pass all day, which should translate into a high
scoring matchup. The downside with Garner is the dreaded touchdown
vultures, so have your Zack Crocket and Tyrone Wheatley voodoo dolls
handy.
Garner Recap:
(29 carries, 135 yds, 1 TD)
You know when Rich Gannon only throws for 14 times for 79
yards their must be some extraordinary circumstances at play.
In this case it was the weather. Rain, rain, and more rain
limited Gannon's opportunities much to the delight of Garner.
He had no troubles ripping through the Chiefs defense killing
any playoff hopes Kansas City might have had.
Grade: A
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(Walter34)
Eddie George at Houson
Like Oakland, Tennessee is looking to secure the top seed
this week and faces the dangerous, but under talented Texans. I
expect the Titans to maintain a low risk, run oriented game plan
this week and that means 25+ carries for Eddie. The Texans have
given up an average of 130 yards a game this year and Eddie has
been coming on of late with 4 consecutive solid games. The Titans
will also want to protect McNair from potential injury heading into
the post season.
George Recap:
(25 carries, 102 yds, 1 TD; 2 catches 18 yds)
George topped the 100-yd mark for the second time in three
games and added a TD in a typical ball-contol gameplan for
Tennessee. The Titans earned a first-round bye with this victory
and appear ready to mix it up come playoff time.
Grade: A
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(whoisjgalt)
Warrick
Dunn at Cleveland
The Cleveland rushing defense is ranked 30th, and most of
that ranking was earned with Courtney Brown in the lineup. Now that
Brown is out and TJ Duckett continues to be questionable with the
groin issue, Dunn's rushing and receiving skills will shine against
the Browns. The playoffs are still on the line for the Falcons.
Dunn Recap:
(20 carries, 67 yds; 3 catches, 14 yds)
The Falcons backed into the playoffs, but perhaps if Dunn
had tried backing into the end zone the regular season would
have ended on a happier note for them--because going forwards,
he had no luck at all. Three times he plowed into the middle
of the line, and three times the Orangeish-Browns stuffed
him to the turf. Duane Rudd, he of the helmet tossing incident,
kept his head about him and personally put Cleveland into
the playoffs.
You can blame poor playcalling for the goal line stand--how
about a fake to Duckett and a short toss to Dunn in the flat?--but
for most of the day Warrick was pretty ineffective against
a pedestrian defense. He was totally outclassed by rookie
William Green, who looked like he was headed for Tony Mandarichville
for much of the season, but who has really come on in the
second half of the season. Without Couch, the O-Bs will need
to lean on him even more. As for Dunn, feh. No way should
Atlanta have counted on the Saints bumbling their way to another
loss. Once again, Mike Vick had to take the team on his shoulders,
and fell just short. Hell, how about a Vick plunge from the
one?
Grade: C-
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(whoisjgalt)
Dee
Brown at New Orleans
After seeing the Bungle RBBC group run all over the Ain'ts
last weekend, Brown has to like his chances this week. The young
back is trying to establish himself as the RB for '03 and the Lamar
Smith DUI and DeShaun Foster injury have provided him this opportunity.
The Saints are 30th in the league in rushing TD's allowed and 29th
in yards per carry allowed. Since the Panther aerial is struggling,
look for large doses of Brown.
Brown Recap:
(DNP)
Whoops. Ya hate to see that.
Grade: F
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(Bill
Swerski)
Shaun Alexander vs San Diego
By the time this game is played, the Chargers will most
likely be eliminated from playoff contention, as you need a Sagarin
style computer to even figure out their chances to begin with. The
Chargers have fallen off from their hot start with a 2-6 record
in their last 8 games, while the Seahawks seem to have had a second
half renaissance. They have played everyone tough and are coming
off big wins over the Rams, Falcons, and Chiefs while staying very
competitive with the 49ers and Eagles. I expect heavy doses of Shaun
Alexander in this game. After starting out the season as a big time
fantasy bust, Alexander has been delivering on that first round
talent the past few weeks. I expect a solid all around day from
Alexander, 140 combined yards and 2TD's.
Alexander Recap:
(15 carries, 67yds, 1TD; 1 catch 14 yds)
A leg injury midway through the 4th quarter limited Alexander's
numbers somewhat, though he did finish with 81 yards and a
TD. A solid outing could have been better if not for the injury
as the Seattle offence was moving the ball effectively the
entire 4th quarter.
Grade: B-
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(Bill
Swerski)
Curtis Marton vs Green Bay
The Jets need to win this game to even have a shot at the
playoffs. If all the chips fall right, they could end up winning
the division. I expect this to be an emotional game that will hinge
on the legs of Curtis Martin. With a young QB in a big game, Herm
Edwards should hand the ball off to C-Mart all day and play smashmouth
the Packers. I expect 130 combined yards and a TD from Martin.
Martin Recap:
(18 carries, 83 yds, 1; 4 catches 42 yds)
Martin combined for 125 yards and a TD in a very solid outing.
The Jets did roll on the Pack though it was more due to Pennington's
arm then Martin's legs. All in all, a fine day for Curtis.
Grade: A-
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