Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings Betting Odds and Preview
2010-10-16
Sportsbook.com Betting Odds: Minnesota -1.5, Total: 44.5
In what is being dubbed “The Desperation Bowl” two preseason Super Bowl favorites meet with identical 1-3 records. Dallas is coming off a mistake-riddled performance in a loss at home against Tennessee, where it committed three turnovers along with 12 penalties. The Vikings also had three turnovers in their 29-20 loss to the Jets on Monday night. This contest also marks a rematch of last year’s playoff game when Minnesota ended the Cowboys season with a 34-3 thrashing behind 234 yards and four touchdown passes from Brett Favre.
Currently 63% of the NFL betting fans at Sportsbook.com are backing the Vikings.
Tony Romo will not have a lot of time to throw the football with the excellent D-Line of Minnesota. But if he does find time to throw, he could be successful against a Vikings defense missing their best cornerback Cedric Griffin, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Jets. The Cowboys running game finally got going last week with Felix Jones rushing for 109 yards on just 15 carries. Dallas coach Wade Phillips said that Jones will start getting many more touches in the upcoming weeks.
Favre has ten turnovers in four games this year, throwing seven picks and losing three fumbles. But the Vikings offense can build upon their second-half uprising against the Jets when Favre threw three touchdowns, including one to newly-acquired Randy Moss. The future Hall-of-Famer has loved facing the Dallas secondary with 11 TD and more than 100 receiving YPG in his seven career games against the Cowboys.
For the football betting crowd, here are a few trends to consider before placing your wagers.
Minnesota is 6-1 (SU & ATS) in its past seven meetings against Dallas.
DALLAS is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in road games vs. good passing defenses - allowing 5.7 or less passing yards/att. since 1992. The average score was DALLAS 10.5, OPPONENT 20.4 - (Rating = 1*).
For those looking to wager on the over-under, these two trends point towards a low scoring game.
DALLAS is 17-2 UNDER (+14.8 Units) in road games vs. good passing defenses - allowing 5.7 or less passing yards/att. since 1992. The average score was DALLAS 10.5, OPPONENT 20.4 - (Rating = 4*).
Play Under - Road teams against the total (DALLAS) - with a poor defense - allowing 5.4 or more yards/play, after gaining 375 or more total yards in 2 consecutive games. (35-8 over the last 5 seasons.) (81.4%, +26.2 units. Rating = 4*).
For the rest of NFL Week 6 betting odds head over to Sportsbook.com now.
NFC West Preview 2010
2010-08-19
If you’re in to football betting, then you should pay attention to what I’m about to say about the NFC West. Now, the NFC West isn’t nearly as competitive as he other NFC conferences, much less the NFC East, but there’s still a few teams who are worth your football betting.
The NFC West consists of the Arizona Cardinals, the San Francisco 49ers, the St. Louis Rams, and the Seattle Seahawks. Leading the charge in the NFC West were the Arizona Cardinals, who finished the 2009 season at 10-6. The Cardinals went to the NFC Playoffs, and we all remember the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the NFC playoffs. The Cardinals came out on top of the Packers in a 51 to 45 overtime win. In that game, there was 1,024 combined total yards for both teams. In fact, just in passing yards alone, the two teams racked up 779 yards. This was quite an epic game, one which the Cardinals pulled out all the stops and found a way to win. The Arizona Cardinals would then go on to face the eventual Super Bowl champions New Orleans Saints, in the second round of the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, the Saints were keen on reaching the Super Bowl, and dispatched the Cardinals, 45-14 on January 16.
Well, the Arizona Cardinals got rid of star receiver Larry Fitzgerald. I don’t know why, but they did. Plus, there’s been rumors that sophomore quarterback Matt Leinart will be taking over the reigns in the upcoming 2010 season. This may be of some concern for all those interested in football betting because Leinart only played one game in the 2009 season. For a guy that’s supposed to take over your franchise, you better work with him a lot on his game. Last season, Leinart only played two games for the Cardinals, throwing for 316 total yards in both games, both losses, to the St. Louis Rams and to the Green Bay Packers. The good news about the Cardinals’ rushing attack is that they have a solid, two-back system with Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower. The ground game was good last season, and there’s no reason to suspect anything less in 2010.
The San Francisco 49ers had a decent season in 2009, going 8-8. Things looked pretty bad starting in week five with a 45-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The 49ers followed this beatdown by losing three more consecutive games. San Francisco ended this four game skid by narrowly escaping with a 10-6 victory over NFC North foe the Chicago Bears. If you’re into football betting then the fact that the San Francisco 49ers used two quarterbacks in the 2009 season should be of concern. The San Francisco 49ers used quarterbacks Shaun Hill and Alex Smith. Hill played the first five games of the season, and completed 87 out of 155 passes for 943 yards, five touchdowns and only two interceptions. Hill’s passer rating was a mere 79.6 in those five games. On the other hand, quarterback Alex Smith did a great job spreading the ball to his receivers. In the 2009 season, Smith completed 225 out of 372 passes, which works out to 60.5 percent, he threw for 2,350 yards with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and three fumbles. Smith’s passer rating for 2009 was 81.5, much better than that of Hill’s.
The San Francisco 49ers lost about 90 percent of their games by two touchdowns or less; a few of those games came within three or four points of going in the San Francisco 49ers’ favor. I think if the 49ers hadn’t used Hill for the first five games of the season, then the 49ers could have very easily have gone 13-3 in their 2009 season. I think that Head Coach Mike Singletary is great for the San Francisco 49ers organization. He’s very motivated and pushes his players to succeed. Also, the 49ers finally have some young talent at the wide receiver position. Plus, even though I criticized the 49ers for using quarterback Shaun Hill for the first five games, the kid wasn’t all bad.
For my choices for football betting, I would have to go with the Arizona Cardinals being back atop the NFC West pile come 2010. But I believe that that the San Francisco 49ers will be right on their heels if they can fix some of their offensive problems and get quarterback Alex Smith playing all 16 games and not starting his season after a five week break; he’s your starter and most experienced player at the position, let him play and win you some games. The current favorite to win the NFC west according to www.sportsbook.com is the SF 49ers at -150. This will be a close division race that they all have a shot at.
NFL: PHILADELPHIA at (308) DALLAS (4:15 PM ET, FOX)
2010-01-04
To the winner of the Philadelphia-Dallas conflict of Week 17 go the spoils of the coveted NFC East Division title. Both teams have already clinched playoff spots so all that’s left is to determine who plays who & where. If the Eagles win, they are the #2 seed. If the Cowboys win and get some help, they assume that spot. Stakes are high, and the hosts are a 3-point favorite at Sportsbook.com. At last check, 81% of the betting action is on Philly however.
With playoff stakes on the line a year ago in the season finale, Dallas was blasted by the Eagles in Philly, a 44-6 rout. The Cowboys got some payback for that by winning the first meeting between these teams, 20-16. That sets up a revenge spot for HC Andy Reid’s team, and they are 34-13 ATS with such motivation in his tenure. Overall, road teams are on a 16-9 ATS run in this divisional series, with Philly boasting a 7-6 SU & 10-3 ATS mark in Dallas. The Cowboys have covered just two of their L11 home games vs. NFC East rivals.
Philadelphia could be the most-feared team in the NFL after last week’s 30-27 win over Denver. Of course, that may also depend on how the defense regroups after the Broncos climbed off the mats to erase a 17-point deficit midway through the third quarter last Sunday.
Philadelphia stretched its winning streak to six games on the strength of more big plays between Donovan McNabb and his ever-growing list of pass-catching studs. He completed six throws of at least 21 yards, including three to tight end Brent Celek, who finished the day with four grabs for 121 yards and a touchdown. The 30 points helped the Eagles break the franchise scoring record, now at 429 (28.6 per game).
The way the offense has progressed for McNabb, no defense can figure out where the ball’s going next. Things become even more confusing for defenses now that Brian Westbrook has returned from a five-week absence (concussion). His 11 touches against Denver were more than any other Eagle, and even though Westbrook managed just 37 total yards, he’ll continue to see increased work.
The Cowboys clinched a wild-card berth with a 17-0 win at Washington last Sunday night and could win the NFC East by knocking off the Eagles in Week 17. It would almost be sweet revenge for Tony Romo, who suffered through one of his worst games in last year’s season-finale at Lincoln Financial Field. He completed 21 of 39 passes for 183 yards and an interception, lost a fumble that was returned 73 yards for a score and watched helplessly as Dallas was outscored 41-0 in the second and third quarters.
Romo avenged some of those Philadelphia demons in Week 8, throwing for 307 yards, and hit Miles Austin with the eventual game-winning 49-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter of a 20-16 win. McNabb was forced into a pair of interceptions—the first of two times it’s happened this season—and the Cowboys defense has slowly started to pick up steam down the stretch. After ending New Orleans unbeaten streak at 14 games by sacking Drew Brees four times and forcing a pair of fumbles, Dallas dropped Jason Campbell three times and generated one turnover. Philadelphia’s winning streak was nearly derailed by three turnovers last Sunday.
PREDICTION: Recent series history suggests an Eagles win, because the teams have alternated victories in the last five meetings. After early December struggles, however, the Cowboys have some swagger back. DALLAS 28, PHILADELPHIA 27
NFL: BALTIMORE at OAKLAND (4:15 PM ET, CBS)
Baltimore has put its playoff life on the line in three straight weeks, and despite the loss at Pittsburgh last Sunday, still controls its own destiny in terms of clinching a Wildcard spot. All that needs to be done for the Ravens is to win at lowly Oakland. Seems easy, right? You’d think so, but that’s why they play the games. Strangely, as 10.5 point underdogs at Sportsbook.com, over 90% of the money line wagers were calling for a Raiders upset.
If nothing else, Oakland’s improved play in recent weeks has given the franchise something to build on moving forward. A playoff-spoiling victory in the season finale vs. Baltimore would be another nice shot in the arm. Wins over the Ravens have come few and far between though for Oakland, as it is just 1-5 SU & ATS since ’96 in the head-to-head series, scoring 10.5 PPG. The Raiders are 15-29 ATS as a home dog as well, and 1-5 SU & ATS in their L6 home finales. Baltimore puts its playoff hopes on the line for a 4th straight week, looking to advance its record to 7-0 SU & ATS as a double-digit favorite under John Harbaugh. His club has also covered the spread in nine straight games vs. teams with a losing record, winning by a whopping 32.2-9.2 average margin.
Some teams have the luxury of resting key players the final week of the regular season as they gear up for the playoffs. That’s not the case for Baltimore, where every game has been a playoff battle for the last two months in the tightly contested AFC. The Ravens, making their second trip out west, are in dire need of a win after their two-game winning streak was snapped in a 23-20 loss at Pittsburgh.
While Oakland spent much of the first half of 2009 as the laughingstock of the league, losing four of its first seven games by at least 20 points, the Raiders have been anything but in November and December. Just ask Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Denver, all of which were in the playoffs or battling for a wild-card berth heading into Week 17. Throw in an October win over Philadelphia and things have improved in some respects since the disastrous start.
Given the signing of Charlie Frye, who assumed the starter’s role over JaMarcus Russell when Bruce Gradkowski went down, it’s clear the Russell era is nearing its end. Frye didn’t score many brownie points, however, in last week’s 23-9 loss to his former team, Cleveland, throwing three interceptions, including two in the red zone, among his 45 attempts. In two career starts against Baltimore, Frye has earned a split, losing a 15-14 decision in 2006 and winning a 20-16 battle in the ‘05 season finale. He was sacked 12 times in the two games and had four turnovers (two interceptions, two fumbles).
Joe Flacco’s up-and-down season continued against his biggest enemy, Pittsburgh, which held him to just 13 completions and 166 yards on 25 attempts. He did throw a pair of touchdowns but was sacked twice and fumbled on his last pass attempt with 2:34 to play. The Raiders have allowed a league-worst 16 completions of at least 40 yards and have just eight interceptions, giving Flacco and the Ravens a much better chance to keep the season alive.
The Ravens lead the all-time series, 4-1, and won last year’s meeting, 29-10, in Baltimore. The defense prevented Oakland from crossing midfield until the third quarter and limited the Raiders to just 47 yards rushing on 19 carries.
PREDICTION
Baltimore appeared to be peaking at the right time before its old nemesis stepped in and turned this Sunday’s game into yet another must-win situation. The Raiders have played well in the role of spoiler, particularly at home, but the Raven defense is perfectly suited to shut down the run and force Frye into more bad decisions. BALTIMORE 24, OAKLAND 13
NFL: CAROLINA at DALLAS (8:35 PM ET, ESPN)
2009-09-25
Dallas comes off a disappointing last second loss to the Giants in last week’s new stadium opener, and will look to turn it around in a Monday night contest hosting Carolina. The Cowboys are listed as near double-digit favorites, but several interesting trends and 69% of the early bettors at Sportsbook.com like the Panthers against the spread. Get the latest breakdown and other key info from Sportsbook.com on the BETTING TRENDS & TEAM STATISTICS pages.
The Cowboys fell to 1-1 with the home loss to New York, putting more importance on this game with a 2-game AFC road swing on deck. They are on a nice run of 28-14 ATS bouncing back from a game in which they allowed 30+ points. The Panthers are 0-2 after losing in Atlanta and on the verge of seeing their hopes disappear before their open date, which comes next week. That could be important as Carolina is on a 6-1 ATS stretch in pre-bye week road games, and amazingly, underdogs have covered 12 straight Panthers’ pre-bye week games. Dogs are also 7-2 ATS in the L9 head-to-head meetings between these teams.
Somebody should alert the Panthers the preseason is over! Carolina, 0-4 in exhibition play, continues to look nothing like a team that won 12 games and a division title in 2008. It limps into Dallas on Monday night with 28- and eight-point losses, and with a quarterback playing with little confidence. Jake Delhomme, the veteran signal caller, has 12 turnovers in the last three games.
And the Cowboys’ defense is hungry. The unit led the NFL in sacks last season with 59, including 20 from DeMarcus Ware, but it hasn’t been intimidating so far. The Bucs put up 24 points in the opener and didn’t allow a sack or commit a turnover, and the Giants netted 33 points in Week 2 and also had no sacks or giveaways. So either Dallas is due or the absence of jettisoned veterans Greg Ellis and Zach Thomas is turning out to be greater than expected. If it continues to struggle, an error or two by Delhomme may not be enough to doom the Panthers.
Offensively, the Cowboys remain dangerous. Tony Romo produced a 140.6 quarterback rating against the Bucs and hit Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton and Miles Austin on touchdown passes totaling 186 yards. Romo came back against the Giants and committed three costly turnovers that led to 21 points. The last time Romo saw Carolina’s defense, he carved it up for 257 yards through the air, and running back Marion Barber added 110 yards and a score on the ground in a 20-13 victory in 2007. Barber however, may not play due to a quad injury.
Good thing for Dallas it’s not January. It won seven straight regular-season meetings in this series, but the Panthers won playoff battles in 1996 and 2003. Romo is 2-0 versus Carolina, with the first win coming in his first pro start Oct. 29, 2006.
PREDICTION
Another loss and the Panthers will have extra time to chew on an ugly 0-3 start. The first batch of byes begins next week and they’re one of four teams off. They won’t want to be embarrassed on Monday night, yet often a club in this position will press too hard to play a perfect game. DALLAS 27, CAROLINA 19
NFL: New England at Indianapolis (8:15 PM ET, NBC)
2008-11-04
For most of the past decade, New England versus Indianapolis has been synonymous with the phrase “Game of the Year”. The 2008 meeting is important, but nowhere near the level of its predecessors. The current teams are fighting for their postseason lives. The host Colts are a 6-point favorite.
The Patriots have won back-to-back games since the blowout loss at San Diego to climb back into a tie atop the AFC East. The Colts are coming off huge Monday night game at Tennessee. Of course, much has been made about HC Bill Belichick’s mastery of QB Peyton Manning early in his career, but in truth, the momentum in this series has shifted, with the Colts actually taking three of the last four games. The underdog is 18-9 ATS in the L27, and Indy opened as a 5-point favorite at the LV Hilton.
Turn off the NFL Sunday Ticket, fire up the Xbox 360 or Playstation 3, and get ready for the real battle between the Patriots and Colts. Given all the injuries on both sides of the field, it's the only way to see Tom Brady, Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris and Rodney Harrison in shoulder pads. John Madden 2009 is also the only way to get a fully healthy Joseph Addai into the Colts' lineup.
If Bill Belichick truly is at a higher coaching level than any sideline boss in the NFL, this could be his biggest proof yet. Less than one year removed from a Super Bowl, the Pats' Big Three on offense consists of Matt Cassel, Kevin Faulk and Randy Moss. Somehow, the offense rolled up 41 points on Denver, once thought of among the AFC's elite, and followed that up with 23 more in a win over St. Louis.
Things aren't much better on Peyton Manning's side. Addai has missed two games, including last Monday night's crucial AFC South battle with Tennessee, while run-stuffing safety Bob Sanders is finally on track to return for the first time in 2008. As team's pound away at the Colts weak defensive front, the high-powered passing game featuring Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison and Anthony Gonzalez is left idly watching on the sideline.
The difference in time of possession was an astounding seven minutes after six games, a clear indication Tony Dungy's defense is getting worn out faster than a landscaper's workboots.
Under normal circumstances, the Patriots would run the ball 40 times, attacking an overwhelming weakness on an average defense. That may not be the case in Week 9, because the Patriots' spare parts may not fit together in a well-oiled running game. It could mean an emphasis on the short passing game, where Kevin Faulk, the third-down back, can take on an even bigger load.
The loss of Harrison to the Pats is tough because the 15-year veteran was more than just their leading tackler (45 stops). He's also one of the more vocal leaders in any locker room. Dominic Rhodes has filled in nicely for Addai, allowing the Colts to continue flowing with a balanced attack.
PREDICTION: Even Belichick is going to have a hard time crafting a plan to knock off Manning, because his team's strength-Moss and Wes Welker-don't match up with the Colts' glaring weakness stopping the run. Four of the last five regular-season meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less, and Manning the Magician finds yet another way to pull a late win out of his hat. INDIANAPOLIS 27, NEW ENGLAND 21
NFL Preseason Betting Ready to Fire
2008-08-07
The excitement continues to build with the first full week of NFL preseason football on tap. Five games will dot the schedule for the opening of week one on Thursday night, including the Super Bowl Champions opening in the Motor City to face the Lions and a nationally televised cable contest with New Orleans at Arizona. Also, the team that the Giants conquered, New England, tees it up for the first time at home. Here is pertinent betting information on all five contests. Get the latest odds on these contests by visiting the Live Odds page.
New York Giants at Detroit
For fans of the New York Giants, basking in the glow of unsuspected Super Bowl XXII win, the season doesn’t need to start any time soon. Those that had the Giants on the money line in that contest should have a nice bankroll to start the season if they saved it. The Giants have concerns, as former defensive starters Michael Strahan, Gibril Wilson, Reggie Torbor and Kawika Mitchell all have either retired or moved on to different teams. Finding suitable replacements is head coach Tom Coughlin’s job, who are listed as three-point underdogs. The G-Men are 5-2 ATS as preseason road underdogs the last five years.
Detroit will be trying to balance up offense with Jim Colletto now the offensive coordinator, replacing Mike Martz. This should save wear and tear on starting quarterback Jon Kitna, but diminish the skills of receivers of Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson. Watch the competition at running back, with rookie Kevin Smith vying for playing time with veterans Tatum Bell and Brian Calhoun. The Lions have failed to cover the spread the last six times they have been favorites.
New Orleans at Arizona
On ESPN at 8 Eastern, the Saints head to the sweltering desert to take on the Cardinals. New Orleans has brought in a few high profile names like Jeremy Shockey and linebacker Jonathan Vilma, to help fill the voids from a disappointing 7-9 campaign. Saints backers are anxious to get first look at rookie defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis. Sportsbook.com has New Orleans as 2.5-point dogs with total of 35.5. The Saints are 1-6 ATS in week one contests; however are 16-4 ATS in a road game where the total is between 35.5 and 38 points.
The redo of the Matt Leinart begins in earnest, trying to win over teammates, coaches and fans, proving he is the man to lead Arizona to the playoffs in his third season. Coming off broken collarbone and embarrassing internet photos, this is likely make or break season for Leinart as a starting quarterback in Phoenix. The Cards are 17-10 ATS as favorites, yet 1-4 against the number as recent home faves.
Baltimore at New England
Presumably, Bill Belichick will stay to the conclusion, after last year’s hugely disappointing loss to the Giants in the Super Bowl, spoiling perfect season for the Patriots. New England has suffered significant losses in the secondary and has to rebuild parts of the defense to maintain exceptional run. The Patriots are 21-11 ATS as favorites, including covering last five encounters in opening preseason contest.
A new era begins in Baltimore, with John Harbaugh as the third head coach in franchise history, replacing the jettisoned Brian Billick. Harbaugh’s first major decision is finding out if Kyle Boller is the right person to run new Ravens offense and find suitable replacement for Hall-of-Famer to be Jonathon Ogdon at left tackle. Defensively, though aging, still has cast of productive players. Baltimore is a 3.5-point underdog, with total of 34 and is 8-4 Under when the total is 35 or less.
New York Jets at Cleveland
The Jets tasted success in 2006 and look to go well beyond that after last season’s debacle; while Cleveland seeks to avoid what shot down New York and build back Cleveland football. The addition of Brett Favre adds excitement to the Flyboys, however for Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens, not a red letter day. Pennington will likely be cut as salary cap move. Jets officials and coaches are extremely comfortable the additions they made in the off-season will benefit the club and bringing in Broadway Brett gives them the feeling they can compete with the group from Boston. The Jets are catching three points and are 29-17 ATS when positioned as in the underdog role.
While doubters still wonder about just how good signal caller Derek Anderson really is, the offense has playmakers and defense has been upgraded, especially in the line with Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams coming over from the NFC Central Division. The defense was 27th against the rush and needs to play better to make post-season. Brady Quinn will attempt to show he should be directing this Cleveland club, receiving a good chunk of time in this ballgame. The Browns start 2008 preseason 11-5 ATS, the last four years.
Kansas City at Chicago
The Chicago Bears, 18 months removed from playing in Super Bowl, have fewer answers than Jeopardy on offense, to start August portion of schedule. Who will be the starting quarterback in the Windy City? With Cedric Benson reportedly being Captain Morgan of the high seas, he’s out, with suitable replacement to be determined in the backfield. Where is the quality at wide receiver? Da Bears are three point pick and supporters are well aware of 1-5 ATS record as home favorite.
Kansas City is heading down the path of being one of the youngest teams in the NFL this campaign. As compared to Green Bay and Indianapolis, who have had very youthful rosters the last couple of seasons, the Chiefs lack veteran leadership at key positions and are 2-10 ATS as a road underdog of three points or less.
NFL – Green Bay at Dallas
2007-11-29
Some folks are calling Thursday’s Green Bay-Dallas contest the “Game of the Year” in the NFC, some are simply referring to it as the battle for #2, behind of course, heavy Super Bowl favorite, New England. Either way, the NFL Network showdown is a big one. Dallas is a 7-point favorite, but the Packers have won 14 of 15 games and QB Brett Favre is playing some of the best football of his life.
There are times in life when we must evaluate the situation at hand and accept that which we can not change. For those seeking a higher sense of livelihood, the Serenity Prayer is the source of such insight.
Grant me the serenity to accept things I can not change, the courage to change things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
For fans of the NFL, the time has come to recognize the reality at hand.
The New England Patriots are, far and away, the best team in the NFL. We can not change this. The time has come to accept.
With that in mind, we can start to turn our attentions to teams on a lower yet illustrious level of competition. It would be wise to consider the true power those franchises hold, for they may not be on New England’s level now, but they are more than capable of providing some of the most entertaining and competitive football the league has to offer.
As we learned last season, the franchises of the NFC North should be feared. Last season, the Chicago Bears prevailed despite lackluster preseason reviews, demolishing the bulk of their scheduled opponents with a historic defensive effort matched by the surprising rise of an offense that proved capable of pushing the City with Big Shoulders to the front of the professional football stage. The loss to Indianapolis in the Super Bowl may have hurt, but the point was proven.
The Norse Division (an affectionate nickname oft used by the locals from those cities, a reference to the once-great hockey division that served as the primary competitor for the adoration of sports fans from the great white north) is a force of reckoning on the NFL landscape.
This season it is another franchise of great history and storied success that serves as the reminder for such an assertion. The Green Bay Packers, long respected as one of the pillars of this league and the face of historical prevalence for the National Football League, are enjoying a tremendous campaign that could add yet another illustrious chapter to an already-established story of excellence.
Through the first 12 weeks of the 2007 season, the Packers have been all but unstoppable, amassing an overall record of 10-1, a performance matched by just one team (the Dallas Cowboys… we will get to them shortly) and bested by only one other (the New England Patriots, a perfect 10-0). The lone failure came against those same Chicago Bears that represented the NFC North in the league championship last season, defeating the Packers in dramatic fashion, 27-20, at historic Lambeau Field in the league’s 5th week of play. An astounding come-from-behind effort, led by Chicago QB Brian Griese (now relegated to the role of backup), was required for the Bears to take victory, down 17-7 to the Packers at halftime.
That is one of few defensive failures the Packers have suffered this season, a campaign earmarked by offensive prowess and a rising defensive roster that may deserve praise as one of the most undervalued units in the game today.
A review of the numbers supports the belief. Entering Week 13 of the NFL regular season, the Packers’ defense ranks 12th in the league, surrendering an average of 315.4 total offensive yards per game (just 8.6 yards-per-game more than the New York Giants, ranked 8th). The bulk of that damage has come via the pass, allowing an average of 215.3 passing yards per game (18th in the NFL). Against the run, the Packers are allowing an average of 100.1 rushing yards per game (12th in the league).
While those yardage numbers suggest the effort is average at best, the true prowess of the Green Bay defense can’t be known unless you consider the value that truly matters: Thus far, the Packers are surrendering an average of 16.8 points per game, 6th in the NLF and less than a field-goal more than the Pittsburgh Steelers, the top team in the category. The Bears were one of just four teams that has reached and/or eclipsed the 20-point benchmark against this unit.
A review of the individual performances also reveals a propensity for valor. The Packers are represented well among the league leaders in several defensive categories. LB Nick Barnett currently ranks as the league’s 3rd-best producer of tackles (91, just three tackles behind league-leading Ernie Sims). Fellow LB AJ Hawks also appears on that list, ranked 26th with 72 tackles. Turn the discussion to sacks and the Packers rule the day. DE Aaron Kampman leads the NFL with 11.0 sacks, sharing the list with fellow Packer DE Kabeer “KGB” Gbaja-Biaila, ranked 2nd in the league with 9.5 sacks, and Packer DT Corey Williams, ranked 15th in the NFL with 7.0 sacks. Add the exploits of veteran CB Charles Woodson, ranked 5th in the NFL with four interceptions, and the picture seems to be overwhelmed with green and gold.
Of course, the only thing preventing the Green Bay defense from hogging the spotlight would be the prolific offensive effort, measured as one of the most effective and powerful units in the league. That push has been led by arm now marked with the name of legend, a man considered to be this era’s argument as the top player the game has ever known.
17 years removed from football playground known as Mississippi, Brett Favre has used each and every season since 1992 to become one of the most astute and productive passers the game has seen. One Super Bowl ring in tow, eight Pro Bowl performances in the books, and a plethora of NFL records written shows why a bust in Canton is all but reserved and sculpted. As we stand, Favre’s place in football lore is secured: 1st all-time in pass attempts, 1st all-time in completions, 1st all-time in passing TDs, and 2nd all-time in passing yards (only Dan Marino ranks higher, and he’s within reach). None rank higher when discussing current players (only the Patriots’ Tom Brady might be worthy of the debate), and the case can be made for Favre in debating the greatest of all time.
With all of those numbers and historical perspectives under consideration, it might be the 2007 that stands as Favre’s crowning NFL achievement.
The record is an obvious statement of validation. Consider the circumstances under which Favre is asked to do his job and two facts stand as revelations. (1) He is doing what truly great players do, making those around him better by raising the bar and influencing the best performances that can be drawn from those talents. (2) The manner in which he plays has not changed. Throughout his career, Favre has been known as gambler. The common term of choice is “gun slinger.” It carries a connotation of reckless abandon, a desire to push the envelope and attempt things that can bring big reward but also involve great risk.
Over the last two seasons, the results have been well into the negative. Favre consistently ranks among the top yardage producers at the position, but the propensity for interceptions was alarming: 38 combined touchdowns versus 47 combined interceptions. The resulting records were equally concerning: 4-12 in 2005, 8-8 in 2006.
However, in 2007, Favre is a savior. The game is the same, the style is the same, and the passer is the same, yet the results are dramatic. Through those 11 games, Favre has totaled 3,356 passing yards (just 500 yards less than he posted through 16 games last season), 22 TDs (four more than last season’s total), and just eight interceptions, the best ratio he has enjoyed since the late ‘90s.
He has just one game without a TD thrown (Week 1 vs. Philadelphia), one game will less than 200 passing yards (188 yards, Week 6 vs. Washington), and just one game in his last five less than 300 passing yards (a trend that extends further with only two games under 300 passing yards in his last nine).
During this recent five-game span, Favre has thrown 13 TD passes versus just two interceptions.
Needless to say, the 38-year-old veteran is enjoying a banner campaign. It may be his swan song into retirement, or it may be the argument for a return for one more season. Regardless of the final outcome, it is clear Favre and the Packers are surging, but the Gulfport genius isn’t doing it alone.
The offensive line, mixed with long-standing veterans (LT Chad Clifton, RT Mark Tauscher) and up-and-coming young players (LG Daryn Colledge, RG Jason Spitz, C Scott Wells), is performing at a level any team would envy. They protect their QB, they open lanes for running backs, and they continue to help the cause with consistent play and beneficial performances.
The wide receiving corps is as potent as any in the league. Donald Driver (832 yards, two TDs) has been Favre’s favorite target for some time and currently works as such once again, the lone veteran presence of the group and the only player that entered the 2007 season with Favre’s trust in hand. Greg Jennings (625 yards, nine TDs) was drafted out of Western Michigan last season and has quickly become a target of choice. He leads the Packers in scoring (not including rookie FG kicker Mason Crosby) and continues to grow into one of the more potent offensive weapons in the game. Rookie James Jones has also joined the fight, adding 594 yards and two TDs of his own. The three mix for a capable group of receivers putting it all on the line to help their fearless leader.
The only thing missing is the rushing attack. In this aspect, the Packers have suffered less than desirable results. It is rare for a team to find high levels of success, even in today’s NFL, without a rushing effort that, at the very least, ranks among the average units of the league. The Packers’ rushing group currently ranks 30th in the NFL, averaging just 81.8 rushing yards per game. There have been signs of hope. Rookie DeShawn Wynn had begun to formulate an effort to become the starting RB when he was lost for the season to injury. Recent weeks have introduced 2nd-year Notre Dame product Ryan Grant as the rusher of choice. With three 100-yard performances in the Packers’ last five games (going for 88 in one other), it appears things may be changing for the better.
This is how the Packers have reached his point. 10-1 overall, 3-1 in the NFC North and 7-1 in the NFC, riding a six-game win streak: All signs point continued success. The only thing standing in their way may be the rise of the future of the QB position.
The Dallas Cowboys have been the picture of excellence among the NFC’s candidates for league supremacy. Whether you view today’s roster as the realization of dreams once formulated by a former coach now retired, a group of underachievers that have been pushed to true potential by new leader Wade Phillips, or a simple product of fate and destiny, it is impossible to deny this team is working as the model of greatness for their side of the NFL yard.
The bulk of the roster, both offensive and defensive, was built by future Hall-of-Fame inductee Bill Parcells. The man respected as one of the great leaders of the modern NFL era took the reins in Dallas in 2003, hoping to reverse the horrific trends put in motion by former coach Dave Campo. Campo had produced a combined three-year record of 15-33 and brought the franchise once viewed as America’s team to a total state of disarray. Parcells was tasked with getting the team back on track, and we may be witnessing the arrival of those efforts this season.
In his first year at the helm, Parcells led the Boys to a record of 10-6, an improvement but far from the hopes and desires harbored by the organization and their fans. With a daunting list of needs and an enormous list of concerns to address, it would take time to get the Cowboys on track, evidenced by the slight step backwards in 2004 as Dallas fell to 6-10 for the regular season.
However, the 2005 season laid witness to the beginning of progress. Led by veteran QB Drew Bledsoe and an up-and-coming corps of running backs now viewed as one of the more potent tandems in the league today (Marion Barber and Julius Jones), the Boys finished at 9-7 on the year, and while the team failed to qualify for the playoffs, it was clear Parcells’ motives of greatness were starting to take form.
More importantly, Parcells constructed one of the best draft-day performances the organization has ever seen. Several key players, including CB Terence Newman, OC Al Johnson, TE Jason Witten, and LB Bradie James were brought to Dallas in what may be ranked as the best draft class of that season. However, it was a key decision made after the draft that serves as the true symbol of genius Parcells brought to this organization, and that decision now serves as the catalyst for all that is right and good in the world of the Dallas Cowboys today.
Eastern Illinois is rarely viewed as a bastion of football greatness, but the 2002 season was a bit different. Tony Romo, a strong-armed quarterback out of San Diego, California, had led the Panthers to new heights in Division IAA football.
Romo took the helm as the offensive general as a sophomore in 2000 and started to build a reputation as a diamond in the collegiate football rough. During his three seasons as the Panthers’ starting QB, Romo earned honors as an All-Ohio Valley Conference first team member, an AP Division IAA AP All-American, and was also honored as the OVC Player of the Year… in ALL three seasons as the starting QB.
In 2002, Romo become the first player in Eastern Illinois history to be named as the recipient of the Walter Payton Award, an annual honor presented to the nation’s top player in Division IAA football.
Entering the 2003 NFL Draft, Romo had gained the respect of several NFL scouts, but Sean Payton, the Offensive Coordinator and QB coach under Parcells in Dallas, had taken a particular interest in young passer. When Romo went undrafted, the ‘Boys were quick to swoop in and sign him as an undrafted rookie free agent.
In the ensuing training camps over the next two year, Parcells unleashed a full renovation of the QB position, releasing both Chad Hutchinson and Quincy Carter, trading a 3rd-round draft pick to Houston for Drew Henson, and signing veteran Vinny Testaverde as a free agent. Bledsoe was subsequently signed in 2005, and through it all, the Big Tuna (the affectionate nickname given to Parcells early in is coaching career) retained Romo as a backup and potential player on the rise. Both Payton and Parcells felt Romo possessed all the traits and tools needed to make it in the NFL, and in 2006, his time had come.
During the off-season practice sessions, Romo had put forth several strong performances and was starting to gain favor as a candidate to steal the starting job from Bledsoe. Sean Payton had been hired by the New Orleans Saints as their new Head Coach, and with a need for a starting QB, he made a pitch to Dallas owner Jerry Jones, offering a 3rd-round draft pick in exchange for Romo. Parcells urged Jones to pass, the owner demanded at last a 2nd-round draft pick to get Dallas to the table, and Payton instead moved on to sign Drew Brees in free agency.
Shortly after, Romo’s opportunity to shine had arrived.
On October 23rd of the 2006 season, down 7-12 to the New York Giants, the Tuna brought his team back to field with Romo as the starting QB. The product of Eastern Illinois went on to complete 14 of 25 pass attempts for 227 yards, two TDs, and three interceptions. Dallas fell short that day and Romo struggled in his debut as a professional passer in the NFL, but his time had come.
Now, 5,946 passing yards and 48 TDs later, the boy from Eastern Illinois is ready to face the Giants once more.
Parcells has retired, but Romo has become one of the leaders of the new school of NFL QBs, leading the Cowboys to a prolific 6-1 record heading into the 9th week of the NFL season. Now viewed as the face of the organization, Romo has put forth outstanding results thus far, completing an astounding 66.2% of his passes (6th in the NFL) for 3,043 yards (3rd in the NFL), 29 TDs (2nd in the NFL), and 13 interceptions, all resulting for a QB Rating of 105.3 (3rd in the NFL). He’s dominating the competition and quickly becoming one of the most feared passers in the game.
Romo also enjoys the support of those same rushers, Barber and Jones, providing the ‘Boys with quality production out of the offensive backfield. The offensive line is as strong as ever, led by perennial Pro-Bowl invitee Flozell Adams at left tackle. The receivers may benefit the most from Romo’s rise to fame as Terrell Owens and tight end Jason Witten have both become the key ingredients in Dallas’ offensive success.
Put them all together and you have the 2nd-ranked offense in the land, averaging nearly 400 total yards of offense per game with an average of 32.5 points per game scored. Only the New England Patriots, enjoying an unimaginable level of success, have done better. Likewise, the defense is holding true, ranked 7th in the league for yards surrendered (299.1 per game), though struggles to keep the opposition off the scoreboard are a tad concerning, surrendering an average of 20.1 points per game (12th in the NFL).
Now these teams are set to do battle. Dallas has solidified their place in the pecking order, considered by many to be the unquestionable leader of a movement to stop the league’s top team (the New England Patriots). The offense is riding high and may be as thorough as any you’ll find in the professional game. The defense is stout, capable of beating almost any opponent on any front in any manner needed. As long as you don’t hail from Boston, the Cowboys can (and probably will) beat you.
The Packers have found the fight to gain respect a bit more troubling. An offense void of reliable rushing gains leaves many wondering how long they can sustain the effort. However, we are nearing the final weeks of the season and teams do not reach this point in the schedule with such a record as a fluke. The Packers have earned their rewards and now seem ready to reap the benefits of their hard work. Fans and NFL faithful need to recognize this success is no shame, but in fact a rise to prominence by a team that could challenge the Cowboys as well as any team in the NFC might.
It’s the battle for #2, the right to serve as the top competitor to battle with Goliath.
Enjoy.