Wednesday, October 21, 2009

In Kyle Orton Denver Trust

Who would have thought that on April 3, 2009 that right now the Denver Broncos would be where they are now. The Franchise Quarterback, Jay Cutler, traded away to Chicago for a backup QB at best in Kyle Orton and a first round draft pick. Certainly in the future they would be better, but not this season. Defiantly not in 2009 with a rookie Head Coach and a trouble some wide receiver, Brandon Marshall.

Kyle Orton as a starting QB for the Chicago Bears went 21-12 in four seasons. Orton was replaced as a starter for "Sexy Rexy," Rex Grossman. Orton has always been winner, even at Purdue University when he was a top tier pocket passer in the NCAA. Orton a Heisman hopeful until a loss at Wisconsin which followed with a concussion cost him a shot at the prestige prize as a senior. Taken in the fourth round by Chicago in 2005, where he began as a backup. Orton started in 33 games as a member of the Bears and tossed 30 touchdowns in those starts while being sacked 59 times.

Jay Cutler had all the intangibles it takes to be a Super Bowl winning QB in the NFL. Most football scouts would agree that Cutler is one of the top players at his respected position. He comes across as hot headed and defiantly has that "gun-slinger" mentality like that of Brett Favre, and that makes him a unique QB in the league. If it was not for the drama that came along with Josh McDaniels, first year Head Coach of the Broncos, it would be interesting to see what would have transpired.

This season Kyle Orton has outplayed Jay Cutler, almost significantly in some areas. Orton has the Broncos out to a quick 6-0 start as compared to Cutler's Bears at a mere 3-2, and trail unbeaten Minnesota 6-0 as well in the division. Orton also is a early season MVP candidate with the likes of Peyton, Eli, Brees, Favre, and Benson. Orton's QB Rating is above 100 and already with 9 TDs, no wonder Denver is 6-0.

However, in Denver it is not all about Kyle Orton that has the team out to a 6-0 start. The running game has been balanced between rookie from Georgia, Knowshon Moreno and veteran back Correll Buckhalter. Brandon Marshall has came on strong after what was a bizarre off-season to say the least about the Pro Bowl receiver. He leads the team with 29 receptions for 332 yards as well.

Not just about the offense in Denver either, which may be an even bigger surprise out in the Rocky's. The Broncos defense has shown a toughness that has not been seen in Denver since Tom Jackson was out playing Linebacker in the bright orange and blue uniforms. Through six games, the defense has accumulated 21 sacks, 10 of which belong to Elvis Dumervil. Six interceptions as well as a healthy and All Pro play by Champ Baily who has returned with a vengeance this season. The off-season signing of Brian Dawkins was an immediate addition that has paid significant dividends already in the young season.

Head Coach Josh McDaniels, coming from the Coach Belichick coaching staff has a bright future in the NFL and has already coached beyond his 33 years of age. McDaniels has his team believing into what he is selling and what he is selling is exactly what a team needs to do if they want to contend for a Super Bowl. I'll admit that I have just recently jumped on the bandwagon of believing in this team. I thought after the first two or three games it was a fluke and they will come back to Earth. This team is for real and it may very well come down to Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Denver for not only home field advantage in the playoffs, but also for a trip to the Super Bowl in February. Watch out AFC, and Chicago it may not have been Kyle Orton's fault you did not win it all or as much as you'd like to have, it may have just been the players around him.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

NFL Picks for Week 6

Week 6 is upon us football fans and what a slate of games the league presents us on October 18 and 19. Some of the headlines heading into this weeks action includes Donal Driver, Green Bay WR, is only one reception away from setting the All-Time record for receptions as a Packer. He is tied for the moment with Sterling Sharpe at 595 and plays at Lambeau against the Detroit Lions. Other headlines Eli takes his 5-0 Giants in the Superdome to face the 4-0 New Orleans Saints in what should be a great game. Another marquee games this week include Chicago at Atlanta and Denver at San Diego.

Detroit (1-4) at Green Bay (2-2)
QB Matthew Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson are still uncertain for Sunday's tilt in Lambeau for the Lions. Should interesting to see how that changes the Lions offensive strategy if neither of the two play this week. On the other side of the ball, the Green and Gold welcome back OT and Wisconsin native, Mark Tauscher back to the team. Coming off of a serious knee injury last season Tauscher signed earlier this week and has been limited in practice. I like the addition of Tauscher and think that it will sure up some depth and protection problems for Rodgers and save his behind a little better. I like the Packers to attack through the air early and often. Look for Jennings and Driver to get some deep balls from A-Rod, if he gets time, to air it out. Driver gets the record and the Pack gets the win, 34-17.

Houston (2-3) at Cincinnati (4-1)
Cincinnati coming back home after taking four straight games including a win against all three divisional opponents in the process. The defense and emergence of Cedric Benson has carried the team thus far this season. Houston has the talent but has yet to put together a full stretch of putting it all together and winning games. They come in 2-3, but that's already 3 full games behind the Colts in the loss column. I like Ochocinco and Benson to each have big games against a shaky Texans defense. Bengals avoid a let down at home, 24-16 winners.

Baltimore (3-2) at Minnesota (5-0)
The Ravens have played well this year and yet come to Minnesota on a two game losing streak. Brett Favre complimented and said how much he admired Ray Lewis' heart and desire to play football with the passion he shows each and every Sunday. This may back fire as Ray Lewis fears the wheels going in the wrong direction and needing a win to keep pace with Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. The Vikes have yet to really be challenged this year will have a tough one at home and they will have to duplicate the Bengals success on the ground that they had last week. I like the Ravens to knock off the unbeaten Vikings by a final score of 24-20.

New York Giants (5-0) at New Orleans (4-0)
Eli Manning leads his undefeated Giants into the house that his father Archie helped build. The Giants have had multiple key injuries to begin the young season, but have yet to be phased. The tough, hard nosed defense and running game that has the Giants locked in so far this season. The Saints have been one of the surprising teams in the league because of their defense. Lead by Darren Sharper and his 5 picks has improved the defense and has the Saints where they are at 4-0. I like the Saints at home with a improved running game as well. The Giants have been vulnerable against the run at times this season and have yet to be challenged with a dependable opposing QB like Drew Brees. Saints win the Game of the Week, 27-24.

Cleveland (1-4) at Pittsburgh (3-2)
The Browns benched Brady Quinn, trade away Braylon Edwards, and win 6-3 in Buffalo. What a bizarre week for Cleveland fans. Quinn now has his house up for sale for unknown reasons and the Browns travel to Pittsburgh. Big Ben and the emergence of Rashard Mendenhall has sparked a shaky start for the Steelers and have them back to a game behind the Bengals. Look for more of the same as of late. Mendenhall to pound the ball and Big Ben to close the Browns in the second half. Steelers big winners 31-12.

Carolina (1-4) at Tampa Bay (0-5)
Carolina getting their first win last week should have no problems this week against the Bucs. It is a road game, but let's be honest on a few things. First off, this is a much better team than their record shows, and secondly the Bucs are a lot worse than their record shows. I like the Panthers to win again, 27-13.

Kansas City (0-5) at Washington (2-3)
Rumors circulating daily it seems in the Nation's Capitol on whether or not Tim Zorn will or will not be fired. This may be the game that essentially does put Zorn out of work. If the 'Skins fail to win at home, and impressively win at home to a terrible 0-5 Chiefs team. Matt Cassell has yet to put a great game together for the amount of money the team is paying him has an opportunity to do so this week. This may be an upset pick for some and I will be on that some, KC winner on the road, 16-13.

St. Louis (0-5) at Jacksonville (2-3)
Probably the only thing to focus on this game is Tory Holt faces off against his former team for the first time. Holt spent over a decade in St. Louis and had many great years there before signing with the Jags this off season. I like Holt's new team, to defeat his former team by a comfortable margin. Jones-Drew should have another big game, 20-10 Jags.

Arizona (2-2) at Seattle (2-3)
Both teams coming off of home victories against the Texans and Jaguars, respectively. Seattle has their starting QB back and looked dominate last week at home. The Cardinals behind Warner, Boldin, and Fitzgerald will try and dublicate their success from last week and leave Seattle with a win. I like Zona behind the big 3, 30-24 win.

Philadelphia (3-1) at Oakland (1-4)
McNabb played extremely well last week and the Raiders, well what else do I have to say. The Raiders could fall out of a boat right now and not hit water. They do not look to improve for the remainder of the season. I like the Eagles by many in this one, 38-12.

Tennessee (0-5) at New England (3-2)
Coming into the year, this looked like one of the games to mark on your calenders. However, neither team has shown much success this season. The Titans would like to forget this season and push the restart button, and the Pats would like to rewind the season and off season and kept Matt Cassell. Brady looks like he needs some time off to start the year as he cannot be completely healed yet. He does not look comfortable or in sync with his receivers at all. That being said, I like Tom to get in sync and deliver a win at home, 28-17.

Buffalo (1-4) at New York Jets (3-2)
The Bills should probably trade TO before the deadline, seeing how the experiment has not been successful. Not a good start to the season and does not get any easier for the Bills. The Jets lost a tough divisional game on Monday Night, and it was the defense that lost the game for the Jets. Sanchez passed the ball all around the field against the Dolphins secondary and even got Edwards involved quite a bit, including some deep balls. Jets steam roll the Bills at home, 27-14.

Chicago (3-1) at Atlanta (3-1)
Two of the more popular young QBs in the NFL square off on Sunday Night Football this week in Atlanta. Should be a fun game to watch as both defenses are decent, but the QBs will look to chuck the pigskin all over the field. Cutler has thrown for a pair of TDs in the last two games, and Matt Ryan and Roddy White hooked up for over 200 yards last week and a pair of TDs themselves. This should be close throughout and I'll stick with the home team, 27-21 Falcons win.

Denver (5-0) at San Diego (2-2)
Monday Night Football, Phillip Rivers lifetime is 4-0, completing over 70% of his pass attempts, for just under 800 yards, 6 TDs to only 2 INTs, and a 106.9 passer rating. WOW!!! Thanks to ESPN's Adam Schefter for those numbers, and Kyle Orton is also 26-12 as a starter in the NFL. This could be one of the more underrated QB match ups of the week. Orton has looked very good this season, as well as Rivers. This may turn into a shootout on Monday Night. I like San Diego to finally get something going on defense in the end to prevent Denver from extending their lead and record to 6-0. Chargers at home, 30-27.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

NFL Week 5 Picks

Just passed the first quarter of the NFL schedule and now teams have a sense of where they match up against the rest of the league. Many teams such as the Colts, Giants, and Saints have a great start and a leg up on the rest of their division with matching 4-0 records. Others like the Cowboys, Packers, Steelers, and Chargers have had disappointing 2-2 starts and are not where they thought they would be right now in the season. Finally, disappointing and almost but surely seasons that are not going anywhere for teams like the Chiefs, Browns, Titans, Rams, and Buccaneers. Now that week five is here the Saints, Packers, Bears, and Chargers all with bye weeks, let's check the teams that are in action.

Minnesota (4-0) at St. Louis (0-4)
The Vikings helped the old-vet, Mr. Favre pick up a big emotional win against the Packers on Monday night now head into St. Louis for a show down. More like a scrimmage in the park. Adrien Peterson takes control early and often as he rushes for 150 plus yards today and scores a pair of touchdowns as the Vikings cruise to a 5-0 start in 2009. Minnesota 34-13.

Dallas (2-2) at Kansas City (0-4)
Tony Romo has a perfect opportunity to get on track against a struggling KC team. No Roy Williams and no Felix Jones, so look for Jason Witten to have a huge game and a heavy dose of Marion Barber III. KC has a chance if they pass protect against the likes of Ware and Ratliff. Jerry's boys take a road win home with them, 27-16.

Washington (2-2) at Carolina (0-3)
Two of the more disappointing teams in the NFC, and have a lot of work to do to get back on top. The Redskins coming off a loss to Detroit and a narrow escape of the Bucs last week, this should be another close game for the 'skins. Williams and Stewart rush for a combined 200 yards today and get their first win of the 09 campaign. Panthers win 20-13.

Tampa Bay (0-4) at Philadelphia (2-1)
McNabb and Westbrook return for the Eagles and the Bucs have yet to arrive. I see no problems in the "City of Brotherly Love." McNabb gets in and throws a pair of TDs and the Eagles roll. Tampa Bay may look to see what rookie QB Josh Freeman can do today as they struggle once again. Eagles win 34-10.

Oakland (1-3) at New York Giants (4-0)
Eli will start but for how long will he play? The more important question may be, is how long will the Giants need Eli? The Giants will try to get up early and get Eli out as quick as possible. With Jamarcus Russell throwing under 40% completion percentage this season the Giants should wrap this one up around half time. Giants roll behind the legs of Jacobs and Bradshaw, 24-9.

Cleveland (0-4) at Buffalo (1-3)
Derek Anderson with the start today, but no Braylon Edwards as he was shipped to the Jets earlier this week. The TO experiment has yet to translate into success and this should be an interesting game to say the least. I like the Browns to keep it competitive and possibly for the upset. TO gets into the end zone today and help the Bills win, 24-17.

Cincinnati (3-1) at Baltimore (3-1)
Best match up of all the early games this week as they do battle for top spot in the AFC North division. Bengals on a three game winning streak and the Ravens coming off a tough loss against New England. Ochocinco had two TDs last week including the game tying score with only seconds left in the fourth quarter. The Bengals won in overtime, as the Ravens come in emotional after some questionable calls that Tom Brady had go his way. The Ravens defense will come out on fire and hitting every body in the mouth. I like the Ravens to win a tough defensive struggle with few offensive highlights, Ravens win 20-16.

Pittsburgh (2-2) at Detroit (1-3)
No Matthew Stafford, insert Daunte Culpepper as the starting QB for the Lions. The Steelers will be without Willie Parker and no Troy Polamalu in either. The Steelers should not need either one of them as they will roll on Big Ben's arm and Holmes and Ward have big games in the "Motor City." Pittsburgh wins 30-17.

Atlanta (2-1) at San Fransisco (3-1)
Matt Ryan coming off a bye week and still an unhealthy Frank Gore looks for an interesting game on the West Coast. Defensive battle as the running games struggle today and Matt Ryan looks for his top receiver Roddy White, and Hall of Fame Tight End, Tony Gonzalez to keep the chains moving. In the end I like San Fransisco's coaching and Patrick Willis' play to get it done. Niners hold off the birds, 23-17.

Houston (2-2) at Arizona (1-2)
The Cardinals coming off a bye week to regroup and get ready to play football again. Kurt Warner looks to find Boldin and Fitzgerald for multiple scores and over 100 yards each, but can the defense stop Andre Johnson on the other side of the ball. Top two receivers in the game in this one, no running game needed here. I look for close to 100 pass attempts and both Schaab and Warner to throw for 300 yards. Cardinals win 34-28.

Jacksonville (2-2) at Seattle (1-3)
Two straight victories for the Jags and playing well on both sides of the ball. The Seahawks get their starting QB back for the first time in a few weeks as well. I like a close football game in the Great Northwest, and the Seahawks win at home in a narrow escape, 24-20.

New England (3-1) at Denver (4-0)
The teacher takes on his former student as Belichick faces off against Josh McDaniels. The game will be a game within a game as both coaches know so much about the other it will be interesting to see how each side switched up game planning. Denver keeps it close and until the end when Brady takes over in the fourth. Pats' and the teacher get it done, 27-21.

Indianapolis (4-0) at Tennessee (0-4)
Peyton Manning looks to continue his MVP performance this season as he has dominated everyone thus far like he has his entire year. Tennessee's Chris Johnson will get a lot of yards but not much late as the Titans get behind and have to throw it late to try and catch up. Manning throws for 300 yards and three TDs as the Colts win again and improve to 5-0, 35-17.

New York Jets (3-1) at Miami (1-3)
Monday Night Football back in Miami again this season. Mark Sanchez gets his star wide out this week in Braylon Edwards for his debut as a Jet. I like the Wild cat to get shut down for the most part as Kris Jenkins' led defense shuts down the running game and forces Chad Henne to use his arm and throw the ball to beat the Jets. Jets get the win, 27-17.