Kaspers Korner

Atlanat Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan won offenisve rookie of the year for his outstanding performance this year.  With the Falcons in the playoffs can Ryan withstand the pressure that comes with it.

The playoffs are pressure packed, and every play is scrutinized.  It is simply a whole different ball game than the regular season, and you do not have to look no farther than  Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo for evidence.

The Cardinals will be a good start for Ryan as the Cardinals are ranked 22nd in passing yards allowed.  Also, the Cardinals are ranked 17th in interceptions. 

That means that the Cardinals are not that tough of a challenge, and what makes it easier is that the Cardinals have been on cruise control for weeks.  That means that they simply will be tough for the Cardinals to play their best game.

However, Ryan has showed poise, and calm, beyond his years.  He simply is the exception to the rules when it comes to rookie quarterbacks. 

Along with running back Michael Turner, Ryan and the Falcons will be a tough challenge for NFC playoff teams.

The Tennessee Titans started contract negotiations with defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth in hopes of retaining him for the long term future.  The question is can they get it done.

Haynesworth had an excellent season for the Titans as he was dominant all year.  In 14 games this year Haynesworth recorded eight and a half sacks, with 51 tackles, and three forced fumbles.

Haynesworth was franchise tagged by the Titans in the offseason preceeding the 2008 season.  Due to Haynesworth performance escaltors were triggered that allows him to become a free agent after this season.

So, if the Titans are going to keep Haynesworth they are going to have to shell out a lot of money to keep him.  The question is going to be are they willing to pay that kind of a price tag.

What it is going to cost the Titans will be most likely $30 million in signing bonus, and $20 million in base salary.

The Titans might be reluctant to pay that type of money, because of his backup’s perfromance.

In a huge game agaisnt the Pittsburgh Steelers, for homefield advantage, Jason Jones recorded three and a half sacks, which is astounding even for a defensive end.

Eventhough Haynesworth is a game changing defensive tackle it much wore sensible for the Titans to go with Jones, so that they can use the money to lockup other players.  Especially, since Jones is a rookie, and has  three years left on his initial rookie contract.

For our article on Wilson’s decision to keep head coach Dick Jauron go to www.whatisgoingonblog.com for it.

Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo stated today that he is not 100 percent committed to quarterback Kyle Orton.  Angelo’s statement is simply wrong.

Orton started his first full season this year starting, and missed only one of them to a sprained ankle, which also hampered his play in a couple more.  Looking at the full picture Orton had a good season overall.

Orton threw for 2972 yards passing for 18 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.  That is a pretty darn good rookie starting campaign for a quarterback.  Most quarterback have the same amount of touchdowns, and interceptions.

Orton has what it takes to be an elite quarterback in this league.  The numbers are very good considering that they do not have an elite wide receiver or tight end on their roster.  Their leading wide receiver was tight end Greg Olsen who caught 54 passes for 574 yards receiving with five touchdowns.

What helps all quarterbacks is the fact that the Bears have a solid running game again.  Rookie running back Matt Forte ran for 1,238 yards rushing, and eight touchdowns. 

When the Bears finally find a elite wide receiver the Bears are going to be a hard team to beat.  That is if Angelo does the right thing, and stick with Orton. 

San Francisco 49ers fired head coach Mike Nolan after its seventh game of the season, which led Mike Singletary taking over the team, and leading it to a 5-4 record in its remaining games.  Looking back on the season the front office did the right thing.

The 49ers have some hope for the first time in years in Singletary.  There is one obstacle that remains for the 49ers to get back to the playoffs, and that is a stud quarterback.

Shaun Hill took over for the 49ers after JT O’Sullivan was benched after performing horribly as the starting quarterback.  After taking over Hill threw for 2,046 yards passing for 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

Hill is obviously the short term answer at quarterback, and will go into next season as the starter.  However, the tougher decision for the 49ers will be what to do with quarterback Alex Smith.

Smith was the first pick overall in the 2005 National Football League draft.  His career with the 49ers have been plagued with injuries, which was made worst by former head coach Mike Nolan.

What Singletary needs to do is allow Hill to have the job outright, and keep Smith on board in case he falters.  That way they can get a look at Smith. 

What they need to also do is draft a quarterback that can sit in the background for a year, or two,  and then be adequately ready when he steps on the field.

Even without the best quarterback in the world Singletary is a good coach that can motivate his players, and get the most out of them.  That usually translates into success.

Saint Louis Rams @ Atlanta Falcons:  Falcons running game is going to give Cardinals fits next week.

Rams:  The Rams could of put all eleven guys in the box, and still would not be able to stop Turner.

Falcons:  Ryan is going to have to play better than that if the Falcons are going to go deep in the playoffs.

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills:  Patriots would be crazy not to keep Cassel.

Patriots:  Cassel could surpass even Tom Brady and Payton Manning, with this being his rookie year.

Bills:  For the sake of all Bills fans sanity PLEASE Mr. Wilson fire head coach Dick Juaron.  The run they ran that lead to the clock running out was one of the stupidests calls of all time!!!

Kansas City Chiefs @ Cincinnati Bengals:  Bengal quarterback Carson Palmer better make up his mind soon on what he is going to do.

Chiefs:  The Chiefs will have some draft picks to build with after they trade running back Larry Johnson, and tight end Tony Gonzalez

Bengals:  They need to lock up running back Cedric Benson before he hits the market.

Chicago Bears @ Houston Texans:

Bears: Lost their chance at winning the game, when they did not get running back Matt Forte going.

Texans:  If Schaub was healthy all year the Texans could have gave the Ravens and Colts a run for their money for a playoff spot.

New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings:  Your not going to win the game when you go into the redzone, and come away with field goals like the Giants did.

Giants:  Barring any injuries they should be in the NFC Championship game.

Vikings:  Looks like Tavaris Jackson has sealed the starting job for the start of next season.

Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints: Panthers were smart to play their starters to the end.

Panthers:  If the Panthers keep running the ball like the way they have they are going to give the Giants another good game.

Saints:  Brees should be the league MVP, because without him the Saints are not nearly as competitive.

Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers:  Hopefully Roethlisberger will be okay for the playoffs.

Browns:  Owner Randy Lerner did the right thing by clearing house.

Steelers:  If the Steelers are going to have a shot at the Superbowl they are going to need running back Williw Parker to stay healthy.

Oakland Raiders @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Russel continues to make progress.

Raiders:  Just like the saying goes when you have competent quarterback play you will win games.

Buccaneers:  Just as bad of a collapse as the Bills.

Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts:  Lived up to its billing as a snooze fest.

Titans:  They should have only sat quarterback Kerry Collins.

Colts:  Nice shutout, but it was against the Titans backups.

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers:

Lions:  What a mess of a franchise.  It is going to be a very long time before they make the playoffs again.

Packers:  If they did not trade defensive lineman Corey Williams the Browns, they would be in the playoffs.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Baltimore Ravens:  The Ravens success in the playoffs rests in quarterback Joe Flacco’s hands.

Jaguars:  It is time for the Jarguars to make running back Maurice Jones-Drew the featured back.

Ravens:  The Ravens should give the Dolphins some problems.

Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals:  Good more by Wisenhunt to keeps starters in.

Seahawks:  Wallace performance today should be the end of Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle.

Cardinals:  If the Cardinals stick with runningback Edgerin James as the starter they might have achance to move on in the playoffs.

Washinton Redskins @ San Francisco 49ers: Good move by San Francisco locking up head coach Mike Singletary.

Redskins:  Looks like the trip affected their play.

49ers:  If Shaun Hill can provide more consistent play he will be a solid starter in the NFL

Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets;  This should be the end of quarterback Brett Farve.

Dolphins:  They have a huge task next week of the Ravens.

Jets: Head Coach Mangin should be fired.

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles:  Good win by the Eagles:

Cowboys:  It is officials they stink when it comes to big games.

Eagles:  If they lose in the first round it could be the end of McNabb in Philly.

Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers:  It is amazing that the Broncos showed up.

Broncos.  They live, and die, on the performance quarterback Jay Cutler.

Chargers:  LT looks like he is back in time for the playoffs.

The Arizona Cardinals have been in control of their division for most of the year, and that is without a running game.  Sunday is the last chance for the Cardinals to get it going before the playoffs.

The Arizona Cardinals running attack is the worst in the league averaging barely over 71 yards a game.  Thanks to the performance of quarterback Kurt Warner they are in the playoffs. 

There is one common theme when it comes to the playoffs.  That being teams that make it to the Superbowl are able to run the ball, and stop the run.  The exception is when a team with such a great offense comes along like the Patriots last year.

The Cardinals are out of that mold as their running game is week, solid defense, and a great passing attack. 

However, there are two other teams with great running attacks, and great defenses in the New York Giants, and the Carolina Panthers. 

So, if they are going to get the running game going consistently it needs to be this weekend, because the playoffs start next week.  When they start it is win and go on, or lose and go home.  If they do not find it this week it will be most likely lose, and go home next week.

Wide receiver Steve Johnson has been a pleasant surprise to Bills fans, and to WGR beat reporter Paul Hamilton, “Was clearly the best wide receiver fighting for a roster spot in training camp,”  he stated on WGR during a show.  Johnson’s has been doing so well that he should get a shot as the number two wide receiver. 

The Bills have nothing left on the line to play for, except their head coach Dick Juaron in their eyes.  Which, makes the Bills playing the role of trying to be spoilers Sunday.

Johnson will be at least the number three wide receiver, becuase fellow rookie wide receiver James Hardy was placed on injured reserve today.  Also, wide receiver Roscoe Parrish is doubtful for the game as he did not practice all week.

That means that Johnson will be the slot receiver in wide receiver sets that call for three, or more, wide receivers. 

However, wide receiver Josh Reed knows the slot position well as he split time with Parrish at the position until this year.  So, it should be easy for the Bills to slide Reed over, and give Johnson a look at as the Y receiver opposite wide receiver Lee Evans.

The Bills are a cash strapped team, and Reed’s contract is set to expire after next season.  So, if the Bills want to save a little money, and find a solid wide receiver that is over six feet, then they need to find out what they have in Johnson tommorrow.

Saint Louis Rams @ Atlanta Falcons:  Ryan has been simply amazing this year.

Rams: Get the running game going to keep quarterback Matt Ryan, and running back Michael Turner, which the defense needs to find a way to stop.

Falcons:  Get Ryan and Turner going, and stopping Rams running back Steven Jackson.

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills:  Everyone in Buffalo is hoping the rest of the team besides Edwards, lays an egg to get head coach Dick Jauron fired.

Patriots:  Stop running back Marshawn Lynch, and get pressure on quarterback Trent Edwards.  The offense needs to get wide receivers Randy Moss, and Wes Welker involved.

Bills:  The offense needs to establish the run, and then use playaction to open the pass.  The defense needs to bottle up Welker and Moss.

Kansas City Cheifs @ Cincinnati Bengals:  Most likely will by TJ Houshmandzadeh, now my head hurts from trying to remember to spell TJ’s last name. 

Cheifs:  Quarterback Tyler Thigpen cannot turnover the ball.  The defense needs to stop the running game, and not let the Bengals wide recievers get into the game.

Bengals:  Get the running game going, along with the wide receivers.  Defensively they need to pressure Thigpen, and stop tight end Tony Gonzalez

Chicago Bears @ Houston Texans:  Bears need it to stay in the playoff hunt.

Bears:  Get pressure on quarterback Matt Schaub, and get running back Matt Forte going.

Houston:  Stop the bears running game, and then let Schaub do his thing.

New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings:  Statistically Vikings quarterback Tavaris Jackson been good, but he has been a turnover machine as of late.

Giants:  Stop running back Adrian Peterson, and run the ball.

Vikings:  Get Peterson the ball early and often, and do not let the Giants get the running game going.

Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints:  Brees needs just over 400 yards to break Dan Marino’s single season record, and being a Bills fan one less record held by a Dolphin is great.

Panthers:  Stop Saints quarterback Drew Brees

Saints:  Stop the Panthers running game.

Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers:  I like to watch this game to see if the Steelers backups can still slaughter the Browns.

Browns:  Protect the quaterback on offense, and get the running game going.  On defense stop the running game

Steelers:  Get pressure on the quarterback, and stop the run.  Offensively get the running game back on track for the playoffs.

Oakland Raiders @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  It will be interesting to see if Russell can keep his play going.

Raiders:  Stop quarterback Jeff Garcia, and get quarterback Jamarcus Russell and the running game going.

Bucs:  Stop the running game, and get Garcia going.

Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis:  What a bore fest this will be with all the backups in.

Titans:  Establish the running game.

Colts:  Stop the Titans running game, and get the offense going somehow.

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers:  The Lions must lose!!!

Lions:  Stop the run, and get theirs going.

Packers:  Stop the run, and get pressure on the quarterback.  While the offense simply has to establish the run.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Baltimore Ravens:

Jaguars:  Find a way to run the ball, then stop the Ravens running game.

Ravens:  Stop the run, and quarterback Joe Flacco must play a clean game, while not injuring anyone.

Seattle Seahawks @  Arizona Cardinals:  Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren’s last game.

Seahawks:  Establish the run, and then use playaction, and boot legs to get the offense going.  The defense has to get pressure on quarterback Kurt Warner.

Cardinals:  Find a way to get the run going for the playoffs, and defensively stop running back Julius Jones, and quarterback Seneca Wallace.

Washington Redskins @ San Francisco 49ers:  If the 49ers do not sign head coach Mike Singletary after the game a lot of teams will come knocking.

Redskins:  Get running back Clinton Portis going, and stop 49ers running back Frank Gore.

49ers:  Just the opposite of the Redskins.

Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets:  It will be nice to see the Jets kicked out of the playoffs.

Dolphins:  Stop Jets running back Thomas Jones, and get pressure on quarterback Brett Farve.  Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington cannot turnover the ball.

Jets:  Get the run going, and protect Farve.  Then the defense must play bump and run pass coverage.

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles:

Cowboys:  Stop running back Brian Westbrook.

Eagles:  Stop the run, and do not let wide receiver Terrel Owens to get involved in the game.  Also, get Westbrook involved in the game.

Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers:

Broncos:  Stop running back Ladanian Tomlinson, and get pressure on quarterback Phillip Rivers.  Then establish their own running game.

Chargers:  Simply stop quarterbal Jay Cutler.

Former Denver Broncos offensive tackle Matt Lepsis admitted that he was high during the first six games of the 2007 regular season.  The stunning development shows a gaping hole in the National Football League’s substance abuse program.

Players not in the substance abuse program only get tested annually.  Of course drug addicts have learned techniques that mask, and hide drugs.

That is the whole reason for the current fight between several NFL players, and the league. 

Pat and Kevin Williams, Charles Grant, Will Smith, and Duece McAllister were all suspended by the league for taking a diueretic known as starcaps, which was unknown to everyone that it was spiked with bumetanide.

Bumetanide is used as a masking agent by steroid users to hide their steroid use.  So, when it was found in testing the players were suspended for it.

Disgraced track star Marion Jones was never discovered by the olympic committee when she was using steroids thanks to advanced masking agents.  It was only discovered after BALCO was brought down, and her name was found in documents.

Simply, the NFL is not doing enough to ensure that players like Lepsis do not fall through the cracks.  There is too much money at stake for a game, or even a championship, to be ruined for a team, because one player has become addictted to using drugs.