Peyton Manning

So it is time for Manning v Manning showdown, Peyton v Eli.  This is only the second time that the two brothers have met in the NFL, and we all know just how brothers can have close battles, lets hope they can bring that to the field and we get a nice tight game.

Peyton Manning will not be as worried about facing his brothers team as he will be about making sure that they don’t go down for a second successive week to the underdog.  Last weeks loss against the Texans was the shock result of the week, none of us here at Mac called it, and I am sure very few others did either.

The Texans exposed some pretty big holes in the Indianapolis Colts running a record 257 yards (It’s a happy fantasy player who picked up Arian Foster this week!).  So, the test now is how the Colts respond to that loss and the lessons they take from it.  You can bet that the Giants have been watching that game closely this week making sure that they are ready to make the most of any weaknesses that have not been patched.

Bob Sanders is out with a Bicep tear (is there a more manly ingury?  GRRRRR) which is a sad blow as he has been hampered by injury for years now.  Speedy recovery Bob.

The Giants have work to do too.  The Giants had four turnovers last week, and 95 yards of penalties.  They will need to tighten up in order to brush the Colts aside in their own backyard.

Eli Manning

The Giants will be looking to get at Peyton in this game, they sacked Matt Moore four times last week.  Protection seems to be a weak spot for the Colts, so don’t be suprised to see Peyton on the deck a few times.

Odds makers have the Colts way ahead in this game, but I see it being much closer.  I think the Giants momentum coupled with their desire to show that they are the best might just carry them through here.  That said, don’t write off the Colts.  Yes, it was a poor opener which they should have won, but they are a quality team that will not rest until they have it right again.

I am going to have to side with previous NFL London visitors the New York Giants this week.

Sadly this is the night game for UK NFL fans, so respect to those staying up.  If you are reading this during the game then please leave a comment as we would love to hear from you.

Image Credits:

Eli – Jason Poulton
Peyton – kuramasgirl556@sbcglobal.net

Special Report from Joshua Modaberi:

After seven months away the NFL was back last night with the New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings in a repeat of last years NFC Championship match.

The Saints came out on top in that encounter which they won in overtime 31-28. New Orleans then went on to win their first Super Bowl against the Indianapolis Colts in Miami 31-17.

Sean Payton’s side continued from where they left off last season by beating the Vikings 14-9.

The NFL is a bit like a London double decker bus – having been away since February, this weekend in the UK there are still another five games on TV.

Joshua Modaberi has caught up with Kevin Cadle from Sky Sports and Dan Arkush from Pro Football Weekly to discuss the remaining television fixtures over the opening weekend.

Kevin Cadle on
Carolina @ NY Giants Live on Sky Sports 4 Sunday from 17.30:
“I don’t think you can look past the New York giants in this one, they are going to be opening the brand new stadium.

“Eli Manning is probably coming off his best season ever as a pro. Wide Receiver Steve Smith really came out and did a great job last year receiving the ball and Ahmad Bradshaw has established himself as the number one running back.

“You are still going to have to look at what the Giants are going to do defensively and that will be the key to their season. On Sunday they are going to have to go out there and do something with Carolina’s dynamic duo – they had two guys running 4,000 yards last year so you know they are going to be looking to run the football against the Giants.”

San Francisco @ Seattle Live on Sky Sports 4 Sunday from 21.00:
“We don’t know a lot about Seattle, right now you don’t know if Pete Carroll thinking is as a head coach of this particular team.

“What kind of team are the going to have, you have Justin Forsett as the top running back, and he’s only about 5’6 on a good day. With Seattle I think the betting will be out for them until teams can see exactly what they emphasise and what they are doing on both the offensive and defensive edge.

“As for San Francisco we know all about them, Mike Singletary has put a stamp on that defence and the defence is going to get better and better.

“Offensively I think the San Francisco organisation has done a tremendous job as far as trying to assist the role of Alex smith. Last year they brought in Michael Crabtree and now this year you have two new offensive linemen who where the top two draft choices – so they are trying to do whatever they can to get things in order for Alex Smith to be as successful as he can possibly be.”

Dan Arkush on
Dallas @ Washington Live on Channel 4 Monday from 00.55:
“Dallas in terms of pure talent probably have the most talented team in the league. That doesn’t necessarily mean they will get to the Super Bowl by any means.

“I think in this game they match up well against their opponents the Redskins. Nobody can really get a firm reading on what the deal is going to be with Washington.

“They have a new head coach in Mike Shanahan, who was a very successful head coach with the Broncos. By all accounts he seems to be heading in the right direction with the Redskins. Donovan McNabb is another great addition to Washington, but I think Dallas is going to win this game with the Super Bowl in Dallas they are going to want to have a good season and get off to a winning start.”

Baltimore @ NY Jets Live on ESPN Tuesday from 00.00:
“There is a lot of buzz about the Jets, Rex Ryan is a very entertaining head coach and is also a very good one. They have an excellent defence, which has been bolstered by the return of Darrelle Revis.

“Baltimore will be a tough opponent, for years the main thing people have thought about when they think of the Ravens is the defence, which remains strong.

“But what has happened in Baltimore now is that they have become an offensive powerhouse.

“Both these teams are looking really good and it’s going to be a great Monday night match up. I guess because the Jets are at home they might just snatch it, but it is a tough one to call.”

San Diego @ Kansas City Live on ESPN Tuesday from 03.00:
“San Diego are widely considered to be the top dog in the AFC West, which is a pretty week division overall.

“Kansas City I think has the chance to come on strong as the year progresses, they have good coordinators there. I think it will be a close encounter but I think San Diego will win.”

To listen to more of the interviews with Dan Arkush and Kevin Cadle check out -  http://www.worldsport.podbean.com/

I did pretty badly with this last year, predicting that the Giants and Eagles would go into the post-season as winners and wildcard respectively. In the end, the Cowboys surprised and the Giants disappointed to swap places from my predictions. Unfortunately the ‘Skins did no better than I thought they would and were propping up the division.

Let’s see what’s happening for 2010…

New York Giants

The Giants started so promisingly last season, but then it all went wrong as the compiled an 3-8 record in the final 11 weeks. Although they scored good victories against the Redskins and Cowboys, after three easy games (Bucs, Chiefs and Raiders) it was a slippery slope that saw them unable to compete with any serious competition. On the bright side, they did sweep the Cowboys.

The off-season and draft saw the Giants make some steady, augmenting steps. This was not a rebuilding process, but plenty of attention – including 6 of the 7 Draft picks – being spent on the defence. DE Jason Pierre-Paul has great potential, but will need to be coached carefully to get the best out of him. Other picks included linebackers Phillip Dillard and Adrian Tracy that will look to replace the departing Antonio Pierce. Antrel Rolle came in as a free agent, becoming the most expensive Safety in history in in the process. Jim Sorgi also came in from the Colts, continuing his fine career of backing up a Manning.

With only a ‘tweaking’ of the offence, this is a team that feels they can compete on that side of the ball and with the new players coming in on the D, they’ll hope to improve of their middling 13th rating.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys surprised us all last year by turning up and playing when it mattered, and by getting the proverbial monkey of their backs in crunch games. They closed out the regular season with consecutive divisional shut-outs. Beating Washington and then Philadelphia to take the NFC East title. A rematch with the Eagles in the wildcard round saw them finish a three-game sweep against the divisional rivals and set up a game in Minnesota. This win was the first Cowboys’ playoff victory since 1996 and there was a real feeling that the tide had turned. Of course, it wasn’t to be but this is a team that’s looking strong for 2010.

Dez Bryant has come in, and he looks good so far. He’s certainly a rookie to watch. Roy Williams is making the right noises and the D has been deepened with the rest of the draft. They need to improve on takeaways, but it was overall a solid unit last year.
Tony Romo skipped golf for voluntary OTAs! You can’t say much more than that from a guy who looks more and more like a real leader of the team. For me, at the moment… and I hate saying it… the ‘Boys are the team to watch in this division next year.

Philadelphia Eagles

For too many years to remember the offence in Philli has been lead by Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. Not any more. Westbrook hit that age, and also suffered with injuries a lot last year. Rather amusingly, his official page hasn’t had its stats updated since the 2007 season. McNabb is of course in Washington now.

Last season the Eagles ranked 11th in offence and 12th in defence overall, which is not bad really but this team was all over the place for the first half of the season before making real strides in the second half before it wall went wrong against Dallas.

9 of the Eagles’ whopping 13 draft selections were on defence and the offence is being put in the hands of Kevin Kolb. Kolb was drafted behind Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell back in 2007, and he’s been steady if unspectacular so far. All the right talk is coming out of the Eagles’ camp, but it remains to be seen if can lead a young team onwards.

Washington Redskins

I’ve spoken a lot already about some of the changes that the Redskins needed to make, and those that they have made. I won’t dwell too much on this team, as I’m sure I’ll be talking more about them soon enough, but there’s a real sense of optimism coming out of the team. Lots has changed, and that might take a while to bed in but there’s not one player who thinks that the changes aren’t a good thing. OK, there is one player who thinks that and I hope Big Albert gets back on side soon.
Could they take the division? Who knows at this point, but I guess you’re here to find out my opinion. I would say no, but think we’ll be competing up until the final week… Best case is a play-off spot coming the way of Burgandy and Gold.

Predictions (made 20th May 2010)

Thumbnail Credit: lil robs

Nate Burleson to the Lions. This is either a stroke of genius or a real stretch, but Stafford needs receiving options. They’ve also added Kyle Vanden Bosch to their defensive line.

Karlos Dansby is now a Dolphin. Miami have made several changes already on the defensive side but Dansby would be a good addition in any case. They’ve also signed Chad Pennington for another year who is a good option as a backup.

In New York, the Jets and Giants have both improved their secondaries with Antrel Rolle joining the Giants and Antonio Cromartie heading to the Jets. Rolle becomes the highest paid safety in NFL history in the process.

The Ravens have signed Anquan Boldin, adding much needed depth to their passing game.

But Off-Season Champions so far (the ‘Skins haven’t got going yet ) are the Bears, who are making waves like they did last year. As well as snagging Julius Peppers to a monster contract, they’ve picked up Chester Taylor and Brandon Manumaleuna.

A number of teams have resigned players and made tenders, and we’ll be watching what happens with a lot of those. A good number have also been released and we’ll be talking about them seperately later on.

These are based on what we’ve been watching, what we’ve been following, some blind faith and our guts. These are are our predictions for the 12 post-season teams of the 2009 season.

This topic and tables will be locked and not edited once it is published. It will then be used for mocking, gloating, fighting (and probably crying) throughout the course of the season. We’ll come back to this every few weeks to carry out at least one of the above acts.

Andrew’s Predictions

NFC
If you’ve been following my First and Second look articles, then there shouldn’t be any surprises here.

In the NFC, I have the Giants topping the east. I’m hoping that the Redskins can surprise me here and edge a playoff spot, but I don’t really see it. In the west, I’m calling Seattle after a lot of deliberation. I’m also giving a wildcard spot to the Arizona Cardinals, in one of the divisions I’ve struggled with the most. The North is just as bad, I’m going with Green Bay. I’d really have liked longer to make a call on the Vikings’ prospects but here we are…

Finally from one of the hardest to one of the easiest: The Panthers to win in the south.

The final NFC wildcard is very tricky. It’s between the Falcons and the Eagles and as much as I hate to go against the Falcons, I can’t see the NFC East not sending at least two teams. So I’m going with the Eagles.

AFC
Things are easier in the AFC. A little bit, anyway – I see all four divisions as two-horse races

The Pats to take win the AFC East. I’m taking a gamble here (of a sort) that Brady is back to something like his best, but I’m confident with it. I see the Titans edging out the Colts in the south, though I’m putting the Colts in the wildcard mix and they can never be counted out.

The north will see the Ravens as winners, beating the Steelers into second – this will be a close division though. Finally the west will crown the Chargers, because… well, because there’s really no-one else there who can mount a serious challenge.

The wildcard spot is a three-way battle (sorry Denver) between the Steelers, Dolphins and Colts. Like last year, I see a valiant AFC East team being left out – the Steelers and the Colts going into the post-season. I’m sorry Graham, I don’t see the Dolphins there… but at least the ‘Skins won’t be there either!
I wish there was room for the Texans, but I don’t see it this year.

Graham on Andrew’s Predictions…
Not much to disagree with here (other than the Dolphins not making the play offs). I have gone with some different choices, but it is difficult to predict at this early stage.  It will be interesting to see what our readers think, I am sure there are a few who could beat us hands down.

[table id=11 /]

Graham’s Predictions

NFC
In the East I can see the Dallas Cowboys being bouyed by their new home and looking for a good season to overcome the tragic events at their practice facility. Can they beat the NY Giants in the NFC East? Well I don’t think so, but I do see them taking one of the wildcard spots.

Heading to the North I am going with the Green Bay Packers.  I also think the arrival of Jay Cutler at the Bears will bring some improvement, but not enough for a wildcard.

In the south I have to agree with Andrew on the Panthers.  I am hoping for a good season from Tampa Bay though as I am hoping for a great game at Wembley Stadium this year.  It is a Bucs’ home game so – sorry Pats fans – I will be supporting them.

Finally to the NFC West.  I am going with Arizona.  I am looking for some 49ers improvement this season and was tempted to pick them as my second wildcard, but I think it will be out of reach this time.

With the above in mind, my second wildcard pick goes to the Atlanta Falcons.

AFC
Starting in the East, I am going to upset Pats fans again here.  I would agree that Tom Brady is the best, but he is not Superman.  A year off will leave him hungry but maybe a bit rusty.  Miami will be looking to build on last years amazing improvement and now have a team strong enough to do even more damage.  Yes they have a tough schedule, but I still see them taking the AFC East again with the Pats in a wildcard spot.

In the North I am also going with the Ravens. I also think the South will be as Andrew predicted with the Titans winning and the Colts taking the second wildcard.

In the West the Raiders should storm it… only joking. Sadly I can see the Raiders taking the Lions’ place as also-rans this season, things seem far from settled in Oakland.  The Chargers should wrap the West up without too much trouble.

Andrew on Graham’s Predictions…
I think you’re letting your heart rule your head re: Miami and I think the Steelers won’t make the mistakes of a few years ago and will be in the post-season in some way.

I’m glad you’ve picked Atlanta though. I only just left them out

I have Dallas battling the Washington for 3rd place in the NFC East too, so I’m not sure about that. Otherwise it’s hard to argue with your picks. Like you said: I bet there are readers who could beat us. They should be writing these articles!

[table id=12 /]

We can’t vouch that these will be the best players in absolute terms, have the biggest fantasy upside or even be any good (though they might be)… but they’re players that we like to watch.

We start in Miami, with cornerback Will Allen.

Will Allen after intercepting Tom Brady, week 14 2006

Allen was a first round pick by the New York Giants in 2001. Starting 13 games that season, he played well with 4 interceptions in an impressive rookie season. Though more or less a constant fixture in the Giant’s backfield for the next four, he was unable to reproduce that form in interceptions, and was signed in 2006 by the Miami Dolphins.

As we all know, the Dolphins were selected as the ‘home’ team for the first game outside of North America. Graham and I were able to get tickets for it (just!) They didn’t leave us much to remember when they played at Wembley Stadium back in 2007, but one thing that jumped out at me was how good Will Allen was. Whenever there was a play in the backfield, it seemed like #25 was there either tackling, batting a ball down or at least looking like he was giving it his all.

Whenever I’ve seen ‘Fin games since, I always look out for him. He’s not going to intercept a lot, or lead the team in tackles. By most stats, he’s decidely mid-table, but there’s something about the way he plays that makes me want to watch him.

With a contract extension in place, and plenty of guaranteed money, he’ll be looking to make strides this year as the Dolphins face the uphill task of defending their AFC East title.

In the first of an ongoing series to look at our favourite players in each position, we take a look at good old D-line.

We can’t vouch that these will be the best players in absolute terms, have the biggest Fantasy Football upside or even be any good (though they might be)… but they’re players that we like to watch.

We start this series with… Renaldo Wynn.

Renaldo Wynn – Defensive End, Washington Redskins (by Andrew)
I should come straight out and say that this pick has nothing to do with his footballing prowess. Wynn remains a servicable Defensive End, though aging. Back now in his second stint as a Redskin, he’ll probably be a backup to the starters.

Renaldo Wynn gets to Donovan McNabb

But for many years, he was a constant fixture at Defensive End. And as I control a DE when playing D in Madden, I feel an attachment to him. Which is ludicrous, I know, but after taking him to so many Pro-Bowls I can’t help it.
When I’ve watched Washington Redskin games, I’m always keeping an eye out for him. Where’s he going to pop up, what’s he going to do… the few sacks a year he gets are highlights for me.

In the last two year, Wynn has done his best to avoid coming to London, playing for the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants in the seasons that they didn’t come here. In his twilight now, aged 34, and has started just 2 games in the last three season (though he’s been involved in most games across that time). I think it’s unlikely at this point that the Patriots or Bucs will take him from the ‘Skins… So I’m pretty much resigned to never seeing him play in the flesh. And I have a feeling it’d be a little disappointing anyway. However, being versatile, he’s able to backup the entire Defensive Line, so at least I should see him on GamePass at some point in 2009.

The Washington Redskins News is that with retirement looming, he may be consdering a post-playing career in the booth or studio. As this Washington Post article shows, he’s at least looking into that side of things.

Wynn is not heading to the Hall Of Fame. His number won’t be retired. But when he does leave the game, he leaves me with many memories… some real, some not.

Keep up to date with Washington Redskins News here on Mac Talks NFL

The Redskins still have Jason Campbell at QB, despite showing interest at several other options, none of which came off. Campbell is entering the last year of his contract looking to improve on last year’s showing, and establish himself as the leader and starter for the next few years.
James Thrash has been released, and will probably retire.
Long standing Tackle Jon Jansen has been released (and snapped up by the Lions). There are ongoing rumours of a rift between coach Jim Zorn and Clinton Portis, but rumour only and probably not worth worrying about… yet.

Donovan McNabb is getting paid! Yessir, the Eagles are sending some money his way, putting to rest the controversy that surrounded him last season: he’s their starter, end of discussion. Who he’s going to throw to is something else though. This looks like an offense that might struggle if Westbrook doesn’t show up.

The Cowboys’ new stadium has been officially opened, and the enormous screen has had an Xbox 360 hooked up to (something we all thought off when seeing it, I’m sure). There is a feeling of unity coming out of the camp, and they’ll be hoping that leads to good things on the field. Roy Williams is fighting fit, and has been working with Romo to develop a relationship. He needs to do well, and Patrick Crayton and Miles Austin will have to do their part too.

The Giants have been very quietly going about their business. Osi Umenyiora looks well after missing 2008, and first round pick Hakeem Nicks is also looking promising, though is still without a contract in place. Something to watch.

Summary
There’s not much to change from my initials thoughts. If anything, I could edge the Redskins past the Cowboys, but I’m going to leave them as is for now.

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Coach Tom Coughlin said: “It’s unfortunate it’s going to keep him out. He was getting a lot of snaps and he was doing something with them.”

Moss said: “Things really sometimes didn’t go my way. But I stayed at it. I came to practice with that same attitude. I always ran fast, I always listened to the coaches. I always did what they asked me to do, never complained. And whenever I had my opportunities in a game I stepped up and made plays. So there is no reason for me to be mad at the coaches or look down on myself. But when I am given the opportunity to go out and make the plays, I go out and do that.”

Moss says that he expects to be fit for the next training camp, lets hope he is, it would be a shame for him to miss out on this massive opportunity.

The premise is that an ex-NFL player moves home after retiring (which sounds like a stretch already) and is pressured into getting along with his brother, played by Darryl “Chill” Mitchell. So far, so ordinary…

However, the best part of all of this is that his parents are CCH Pounder (The Shield, others) and Apollo Creed… I mean Carl Weathers, who is very good in a comedic role in Arrested Development. I don’t think I’ve ever seen CCH in a comedy role, but she’s certainly a talented actor.

Strahan does seem like a likable guy, and Chris Cooley had nothing but kind words to say about him when he retired (and #47 is a bit of a hero of mine) and not to mention that Mitchell Hurwitz is involved in some way or other, so it might be worth a look.