Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Sunday and Monday weren't exactly banner
days for the NFL, with the league deservedly placed on the firing line after
its reckless and misguided choice to use replacement officials blew up in its
face following a cavalcade of bumbles and indecision by the on-the-job
trainees.
Tuesday would turn out to be worse, however.
The passing of NFL Films president Steve Sabol after an 18-month fight with an
inoperable brain tumor has deprived the game of one of its most important
contributors and true visionaries, creating a void that far exceeds whatever
loss of credibility may have come about by the grossly subpar performances by
the over-their-heads substitute referees.
To say the league wouldn't have reached its present standing as an essential
fabric in American culture without the excellent and tireless work of Sabol
and his 96-year-old father, Ed, a long-overdue enshrinee into the Pro Football
Hall of Year in 2011, would be a massive understatement. By introducing such
revolutionary ideas as super slow-motion footage, orchestra-based theme music
and wiring coaches and players in-game, the Sabols were able to perfectly
capture the essence and pageantry of the sport and send its popularity to
unprecedented levels.
The great moments are as timeless as they are pervasive. The booming baritone
voice of the late John Facenda reciting the Steve Sabol-panned poem "The
Autumn Wind" behind a catchy classical track during a highlight set of the
1970's-era Oakland Raiders is permanently etched into every NFL fan's memory,
much like the iconic clips of Franco Harris' "Immaculate Reception" and John
Riggins' tide-turning touchdown run in Super Bowl XVII that the Sabols so
eloquently created.
And who can ever forget the frenzied eyes and ultra-intense expression of Mike
Singletary (before the world realized he was truly crazy)? Or Lawrence Taylor
barking to his fellow New York Giant defenders to "go out there like a bunch
of crazed dogs" in a sideline speech that completely defies the league's
modern-day power brokers' aims for a kinder, gentler game?
Thank you, Steve Sabol, for those classic pieces and the countless others that
NFL Films has given the public for nearly 50 years.
So as the Week 3 schedule draws near, the discussion will inevitably turn to
forecasting how many phantom pass interference calls and confusing conundrums
the fill-in refs will deliver to drag out this batch of games to
excruciatingly long durations. Or how the suddenly scuffling New England
Patriots will make do without difference-making tight end Aaron Hernandez in
the headline attraction of this weekend's slate -- a visit to the hostile
surroundings of Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium to take on a revenge-seeking
Ravens team in a titanic clash of last season's AFC Championship Game
participants.
Unfortunately, Steve Sabol will ultimately be much more difficult to replace.
NFL POWER POLL
The Sports Network's updated NFL Power Poll, which ranks all 32 league teams,
can be found at:
http://64.246.64.33/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/misc/nfl-
poll.htm
FANTASY FOCUS
Find Fantasy Editor Steve Schwarz's latest analysis at:
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=
fantasy/index.aspx
SURVIVOR POOL SELECTION OF THE WEEK
Those who took the advice of this column a week ago can probably skip over
this section after the seemingly foolproof selection of New England over
Arizona turned out to be a wrong call. There appear to be few other potential
trap games lurking this time around as well for the lucky ones that managed to
survive an unpredictable set of Week 2 games.
New Orleans (vs. Kansas City) and Chicago (vs. St. Louis) rate as the safest
choices on the board according to the folks in Vegas, though neither heavy
favorite can be classified as anywhere near a sure thing based on recent
results. The Saints have been an absolute mess, particularly on the defensive
end, in their first two outings with Sean Payton in exile, and it may be best
to steer clear until they prove they've got their ducks in a row. The Bears
are nearly as hard to trust after witnessing Jay Cutler's wretched performance
in Green Bay last week, and the rebuilt Rams have been very competitive in the
early going.
With that information in hand, this week's pick is San Francisco over
Minnesota. The 49ers have looked dominant in getting off to a 2-0 start, while
the Vikings showed they're still very much a work in progress in falling to a
Indianapolis team that isn't anywhere near as advanced as their next opponent.
And if San Francisco can win in Green Bay, going to the Metrodome shouldn't be
much of an impediment. Pittsburgh also ranks as a good bet in its away tilt
against a lackluster Oakland team that's already lost both of its starting
cornerbacks.
THE GAMES (All Times Eastern)
Week 2 record (straight up): 8-8
Week 2 record (vs. spread): 4-11-1
Season record (straight up): 19-13 (.594)
Season record (vs. spread): 13-18-1 (.422)
N.Y. Giants (1-1) at Carolina (1-1), Thursday, 8:20 p.m.
LINE: Panthers by 2 1/2
KEY INJURIES: Giants -- OUT: WR Hakeem Nicks (foot), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (neck),
WR Domenik Hixon (concussion), RT David Diehl (knee); QUESTIONABLE: CB Michael
Coe (hamstring); PROBABLE -- CB Prince Amukamara (ankle), OLB Keith Rivers
(hamstring). Panthers -- OUT: DT Andre Neblett (suspension);
QUESTIONABLE: RB Jonathan Stewart (toe, ankle), RT Byron Bell (ankle), OLB
Thomas Davis (hamstring); PROBABLE: WR Steve Smith (knee), MLB Jon Beason
(elbow), C Ryan Kalil (ankle).
THE SKINNY: First prime-time game for Panthers since November of 2009, and
team enters matchup off 35-27 home win over reeling New Orleans last week in
which reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Cam Newton threw for 253 yards
and set franchise record with 71 rushing yards along with a
touchdown...Defending world champion Giants evened 2012 record with thrilling
41-34 come-from-behind victory over visiting Tampa Bay on Sunday, with
quarterback Eli Manning accumulating career-high 510 passing yards and three
touchdowns but also tossing three interceptions...Charlotte native Nicks added
personal-best 199 yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions against Buccaneers,
but will not make trip after aggravating previous foot injury...Fellow wideout
Victor Cruz established career highs with 11 catches and 179 receiving yards
for New York...Giants have won three of last four clashes between teams,
including 31-18 decision in New York in 2010 opener behind three touchdown
grabs from Nicks...Manning leads NFL with 723 passing yards and Giants rank
second in total offense (436.5 ypg) through first two weeks...Panthers rushed
for 219 yards against Saints and are 6-2 when compiling 163 yards or more on
the ground since start of last season...North Carolina State product Andre
Brown to start for Bradshaw at running back and contributed 71 rushing yards
and first career touchdown to Giants' last win.
PREDICTION: Giants could have trouble in first-ever encounter with the dynamic
Newton off short week, and Panthers come up with more big plays to send the
fired-up home crowd happy. Panthers 28, Giants 26.
---
Buffalo (1-1) at Cleveland (0-2), Sunday, 1 p.m.
LINE: Bills by 3
KEY INJURIES: Bills -- OUT: RB Fred Jackson (knee); QUESTIONABLE: FS Jairus
Byrd (foot); PROBABLE: DT Marcell Dareus (personal/shoulder), LT Cordy Glenn
(ankle), CB Stephon Gilmore (head), SS George Wilson (head). Browns -- OUT: CB
Joe Haden (suspension); DOUBTFUL: DE Juqua Parker (foot); QUESTIONABLE: DT
Billy Winn (concussion), TE Alex Smith (concussion), LB James-Michael Johnson
(ribs); PROBABLE: WR Greg Little (back), CB Sheldon Brown (shoulder).
THE SKINNY: Browns still in search of first win with rookie Brandon Weeden at
quarterback after 34-27 setback at rival Cincinnati last Sunday, while Bills
bounced back from 20-point opening-week loss to Jets with 35-17 home rout of
Kansas City last time out...Matchup of talented young running backs, with
Buffalo's C.J. Spiller amassing league-best 292 rushing yards and three
touchdowns thus far and Cleveland rookie Trent Richardson amassing 109 yards
on the ground and two touchdowns (1 rushing, 1 receiving) against
Bengals...Spiller averaging 10.1 yards per carry through first two games,
while Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick currently tied for NFL lead with five
touchdown passes...Weeden coming off 322-yard, two-touchdown, no-interception
effort in second career start...Buffalo shooting for first victory in
Cleveland since 1995, but has visited city just once since Browns returned to
NFL in 1999...Cleveland had won three straight over Bills prior to 13-6 defeat
in Buffalo in 2010...Browns defense recorded six sacks in Week 2 loss, with
linebacker D'Qwell Jackson notching three along with an interception...Bills
cornerback Leodis McKelvin had 88-yard punt-return score this past Sunday,
while Cleveland surrendered 81-yard touchdown to Cincinnati return man Adam
Jones in last game.
PREDICTION: Youthful Browns showed some progress last time out and Bills are
hardly world-beaters, but a depleted secondary and inability to convert
scoring opportunities figures to haunt Cleveland once more. Bills 21, Browns
16.
---
Cincinnati (1-1) at Washington (1-1), Sunday, 1 p.m.
LINE: Redskins by 3
KEY INJURIES: Bengals -- OUT: DE Jamaal Anderson (quadriceps, IR); DOUBTFUL:
CB Dre Kirkpatrick (knee); QUESTIONABLE: CB Jason Allen (quadriceps), TE
Donald Lee (thigh); PROBABLE: DE Carlos Dunlap (knee), RB Bernard Scott
(hand). Redskins -- OUT: OLB Brian Orakpo (pectoral, IR), DE Adam Carriker
(quadriceps, IR); QUESTIONABLE: TE Fred Davis (concussion), CB Josh Wilson
(concussion), SS Brandon Meriweather (knee); PROBABLE: WR Pierre Garcon (foot)
THE SKINNY: Regular-season home debut for Redskins rookie quarterback Robert
Griffin III, who's thrown for 526 yards and three touchdowns with one
interception over first two appearances and had franchise-record 82 rushing
yards and two touchdowns in last week's 31-28 loss at St. Louis...Bengals
triggerman Andy Dalton recorded 318 passing yards and three touchdowns in
team's 34-27 home victory over Cleveland in Week 2...Cincinnati has won two
straight over Washington, including 17-10 triumph at FedEx Field in 2004, but
is just 1-3 all-time as visitor in series...Redskins running back Alfred
Morris leads all rookies in rushing yards (185) and faces Bengals defense
allowing 5.5 yards per carry thus far...Cincinnati also ranks 30th in total
defense (434.5 ypg) and permitted 439 yards to Browns...Washington tops NFL
with 68 points and stands fourth overall in total offense (416.0 ypg) and
rushing yards (164.5 ypg), and team ran for 176 yards against Rams...Bengals
cornerback Adam Jones named AFC Special Teams Player of Week after registering
key 81-yard punt return in last Sunday's win...Cincinnati head coach Marvin
Lewis served as Washington's defensive coordinator in 2002 before taking over
Bengals...Cincinnati signed defensive end Wallace Gilberry while placing
Anderson on injured reserve Tuesday.
PREDICTION: Bengals' defense has looked really bad over the first two weeks,
and a sudden turnaround that will prevent Griffin's official FedEx Field
coronation from becoming a festive occasion doesn't seem real likely. Redskins
31, Bengals 16.
---
Detroit (1-1) at Tennessee (0-2), Sunday, 1 p.m.
LINE: Lions by 3 1/2
KEY INJURIES: Lions -- OUT: CB Drayton Florence (arm, IR); QUESTIONABLE: FS
Louis Delmas (knee); PROBABLE: WR Calvin Johnson (ankle), CB Chris Houston
(ankle), TE Tony Scheffler (knee). Titans -- DOUBTFUL: MLB Colin McCarthy
(ankle); PROBABLE: WR Kenny Britt (knee), WR Nate Washington (leg), RB Javon
Ringer (elbow), DT Sen'Derrick Marks (knee).
THE SKINNY: Jim Schwartz faces Titans team he spent 10 years as an assistant
for from 1999-2008 for first time as Lions head coach and tries to lead
Detroit to first victory over Tennessee franchise since besting Houston Oilers
in 1995...Titans seeking to avoid first 0-3 start since losing first six
contests in 2009 and return home off 38-10 shellacking at San Diego last
Sunday...Lions attempt to rebound from 27-19 defeat at defending NFC West
champ San Francisco and vying to end three-game losing streak in
series...First game for Detroit running back Mikel Leshoure, who missed all of
2011 rookie season with torn Achilles and was suspended for first two games of
this year for violating NFL's substance-abuse policy...Tennessee has scored
league-low 23 points and ranks last in rushing offense (29.0 ypg) through
first two games, with running back Chris Johnson averaging mere 1.1 yards per
attempt over that stretch...Titans also 30th overall in rushing defense (155.0
ypg) at the moment...Lions defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (2005-09) and
linebacker Stephen Tulloch (2006-10) each played five seasons for Tennessee
and face former club for first time since joining Detroit...Lions claimed
cornerback Jerome Murphy off waivers from New Orleans Tuesday while waiving
corner Kevin Barnes.
PREDICTION: If the Titans fail to get anything out of the running game for
another week, young quarterback Jake Locker is going to have another tough
afternoon against a Detroit defense that can really bring the heat. Lions 24,
Titans 16.
---
Jacksonville (0-2) at Indianapolis (1-1), Sunday, 1 p.m.
LINE: Colts by 3
KEY INJURIES: Jaguars -- OUT: OLB Daryl Smith (groin), RT Cameron Bradfield
(ankle); DOUBTFUL: DE Austen Lane (foot); QUESTIONABLE: RB Rashad Jennings
(knee), CB Derek Cox (hamstring), LG Eben Britton (ankle); PROBABLE: QB Blaine
Gabbert (glute). Colts -- OUT: OLB Dwight Freeney (ankle), ILB Pat Angerer
(foot); DOUBTFUL: LG Joe Reitz (knee); QUESTIONABLE: WR Austin Collie
(concussion), C Samson Satele (knee); PROBABLE: RT Winston Justice
(concussion).
THE SKINNY: Jaguars take another stab at earning initial win under new head
coach Mike Mularkey and aim to avert first 0-3 start since 2003, while
revamped Colts obtained first victory in Chuck Pagano/Andrew Luck era with
hard-earned 23-20 decision over visiting Minnesota last week, with veteran
kicker Adam Vinatieri booting deciding 53-yard field goal with eight seconds
left...Luck became first rookie quarterback since Archie Manning in 1971 to
direct game-winning scoring drive in September...Jacksonville offense mustered
anemic 117 yards and nine first downs in ugly 27-7 home loss to defending AFC
South champion Houston this past Sunday, but did sweep 2011 season set from
Indianapolis and has taken three of last four matchups in series...Jaguars
posted 17-3 triumph at Lucas Oil Stadium last November, but are just 3-8 all-
time in Indianapolis...Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne leads AFC in catches
(15) and receiving yards (206), while counterpart Donnie Avery recorded 111
yards on career-high nine grabs in win over Vikings...Jacksonville last in NFL
in total offense (236.0 ypg) and 31st overall in passing yards (147.0 ypg),
with Gabbert completing just 7-of-19 throws for 53 yards in most recent
loss...Jaguars signed journeyman tight end Maurice Stovall on Wednesday.
PREDICTION: Luck made some big strides last week after a rough debut, and more
improvement should be expected against a banged-up Jacksonville team that
hasn't been too successful at shutting down anybody as of yet. Colts 23,
Jaguars 17.
---
Kansas City (0-2) at New Orleans (0-2), Sunday, 1 p.m.
LINE: Saints by 9
KEY INJURIES: Chiefs -- DOUBTFUL: TE Kevin Boss (concussion); QUESTIONABLE: WR
Dexter McCluster (shoulder), FS Kendrick Lewis (shoulder), NT Anthony Toribio
(ankle), DE Allen Bailey (groin); PROBABLE: RB Jamaal Charles (knee), WR Steve
Breaston (wrist), CB Javier Arenas (neck). Saints -- DOUBTFUL: DE Turk McBride
(ankle); QUESTIONABLE: LB Jonathan Casillas (knee); PROBABLE: QB Drew Brees
(ankle), WR Marques Colston (foot), WR Devery Henderson (concussion), CB
Johnny Patrick (thigh).
THE SKINNY: Battle of expected contenders that are surprisingly winless over
first two weeks, with struggling Saints dropping second straight game under
interim head coach Aaron Kromer with 35-27 loss at fellow NFC South member
Carolina last Sunday and Chiefs enduring mistake-filled 35-17 road defeat to
Buffalo in Week 2 -- team's fifth straight September setback dating back to
last season...New Orleans off to worst start since losing first four tests of
2007 campaign...Saints had won nine in a row at the Superdome prior to 40-32
ousting by Washington on Sept. 9 and have prevailed in last two bouts with
Kansas City, which hasn't bested New Orleans since 1997...Brees reached 300-
yard passing mark for NFL-record ninth consecutive game after tallying 325
yards against Panthers, but owns just 54.5 completion rate with four
interceptions over first two outings...Both teams have allowed league-high 75
points, with New Orleans last in the NFL in pass efficiency defense (135.5)
and Chiefs 31st in that category (130.2)...Saints also last in the league in
total defense (461.0 ypg) and rushing defense (186.0 ypg) and permitted 463
yards in Carolina loss, including 215 on the ground...Kansas City 27th overall
against the run (142.5 ypg) and was gashed for 215 rushing yards by the
Bills...New Orleans running back Darren Sproles posted career-bests with 13
catches and 128 receiving yards last week, while Chiefs wideout Dwayne Bowe
had eight grabs totaling 102 yards and two touchdowns against Buffalo...Saints
re-signed cornerback Elbert Mack and placed corner Jerome Murphy on waivers
Tuesday.
PREDICTION: Saints will resemble more of their usual selves against a Kansas
City defense that's been abysmal in containing the pass, though New Orleans
has been too shaky on that end to expect a blowout. Saints 34, Chiefs 27.
---
N.Y. Jets (1-1) at Miami (1-1), Sunday, 1 p.m.
LINE: Jets by 2 1/2
KEY INJURIES: Jets -- DOUBTFUL: OLB Bryan Thomas (hamstring); QUESTIONABLE: CB
Darrelle Revis (concussion), TE Dustin Keller (hamstring), FB John Conner
(knee), S Eric Smith (hip/knee); PROBABLE: QB Mark Sanchez (back), NT Sione
Pouha (back). Dolphins -- QUESTIONABLE: WR Anthony Armstrong (hamstring), DT
Tony McDaniel (knee); PROBABLE: RB Daniel Thomas (concussion), CB Richard
Marshall (back), RB Lamar Miller (ankle).
THE SKINNY: Return to Miami for Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, who
spent nearly four full seasons as the Dolphins' head coach before being fired
in December...Dolphins aim to build off first win under Sparano replacement
Joe Philbin and rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill with 35-13 home throttling
of slumping Oakland last week, while Jets come in off 27-10 loss at Pittsburgh
on Sunday in which quarterback Mark Sanchez completed just 10-of-27 passes for
138 yards and team managed only 219 total yards...Miami has prevailed in five
of last seven encounters between the longtime rivals and dealt Jets 19-17
defeat at Sun Life Stadium in 2011 season finale, avenging 24-6 setback to New
York earlier in year...Jets 2-8 in last 10 regular-season road games, but have
come out on top in four of last six trips to Miami...Dolphins racked up 263
rushing yards in win over Raiders, with top back Reggie Bush amassing 172
yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries to earn AFC Offensive Player of the
Week honors...Miami defense held Oakland to 23 yards on the ground and
limiting opponents to league-low 2.2 yards per rush attempt through first two
weeks...Dolphins tied for 30th overall in pass defense (313.5 ypg), however,
and gave up 373 yards to Oakland's Carson Palmer in Week 2...New York second
in league with 53.8 percent success rate on third downs, but defense last in
the NFL in that category (58.3 percent).
PREDICTION: In a contest where neither offense is explosive and both
quarterbacks can be prone to mistakes, Bush may be the x-factor that extends
New York's recent string of frustrating results in this series. Dolphins 17,
Jets 13.
---
San Francisco (2-0) at Minnesota (1-1), Sunday, 1 p.m.
LINE: 49ers by 7
KEY INJURIES: 49ers -- OUT: OLB Clark Haggans (suspension); DOUBTFUL: RB
Brandon Jacobs (knee); QUESTIONABLE: CB Tarell Brown (shoulder), WR Ted Ginn
Jr. (ankle). Vikings -- OUT: WR Jerome Simpson (suspension); QUESTIONABLE: LB
Marvin Mitchell (ankle); PROBABLE: OLB Erin Henderson (elbow), DE Brian
Robison (elbow).
THE SKINNY: Surging 49ers take shot at first 3-0 beginning since 1998 and
third straight win over NFC North foe to open season, having previously bested
Green Bay (30-22) and Detroit (27-19)...Vikings look to put tough 23-20 loss
at Indianapolis last Sunday behind, with team rallying from late 14-point
deficit to tie before falling on 53-yard field goal by Colts' Adam Vinatieri
in final seconds...San Francisco wideout Randy Moss faces Minnesota for first
time since being released by Vikings in 2010 and recorded six seasons of over
1,000 receiving yards and at least 10 touchdown catches in original stint with
former team from 1998-2004...Minnesota has won two straight and four of last
five meetings in series, with Niners last topping Vikings in 2006, and San
Francisco has lost four in a row at the Metrodome since last prevailing there
in 1992...49ers quarterback Alex Smith currently second in NFL in passer
rating (115.9) and owns club-record streak of 216 attempts without an
interception...San Francisco third in league in rushing offense (167.0 ypg),
with main running back Frank Gore fourth among individuals in yards gained on
ground (201)...Vikings rookie kicker Blair Walsh second in league in points
(22) and 6-for-6 on field goal attempts thus far...Minnesota assistant Mike
Singletary spent 40 games as head coach of 49ers from 2008-10 and opposes team
for first time since being dismissed.
PREDICTION: Niners could be due for a mild letdown after a pair of games
against high-profile foes, but still-transitioning Vikings aren't yet ready to
handle the steep rise in competition they'll get this week. 49ers 23, Vikings
10.
---
St. Louis (1-1) at Chicago (1-1), Sunday, 1 p.m.
LINE: Bears by 7 1/2
KEY INJURIES: Rams -- OUT: LT Roger Saffold (knee), LG Rokevious Watkins
(ankle, IR); QUESTIONABLE: DT Michael Brockers (ankle), DT Matt Conrath
(knee); PROBABLE: RB Steven Jackson (groin), OT Wayne Hunter (ankle). Bears --
DOUBTFUL: RB Matt Forte (ankle); PROBABLE: TE Kyle Adams (shoulder).
THE SKINNY: Bears return home after forgettable 23-10 loss at fellow NFC North
representative Green Bay on Sept. 13 in which team produced meager 168 total
yards and quarterback Jay Cutler threw four interceptions while being sacked
seven times and completing just 11-of-27 attempts...Rams enter Solider Field
on high note after battling out of early 15-point hole for 31-28 home decision
over Washington, giving team first victory under head coach Jeff Fisher...St.
Louis quarterback Sam Bradford spurred comeback with 310-yard, three-touchdown
aerial effort and presently third in NFL in passer rating (112.4), while wide
receiver Danny Amendola posted career bests with 15-catch, 160-yard
outburst...Michael Bush expected to step into Forte's place for Chicago, with
club also re-signing running back Khalil Bell on Monday...Bears have won five
consecutive home tilts with Cutler under center and own three straight wins
over Rams, who haven't beaten Chicago since 2003...Bears defense tied for
first in NFL in takeaways (7) and second in sacks (8), with unit notching five
takedowns of Aaron Rodgers in Week 2 and rookie end Shea McClellin registering
1 1/2 sacks...Fisher played five seasons as a safety with Chicago from
1981-85, while Bears head coach Lovie Smith was Rams' defensive coordinator
from 2001-03.
PREDICTION: Determined Rams hang tough once again, but Bears are the more
rested and talented team and should be eager to atone for last week's wretched
performance. Bears 24, Rams 20.
---
Tampa Bay (1-1) at Dallas (1-1), Sunday, 1 p.m.
LINE: Cowboys by 7 1/2
KEY INJURIES: Buccaneers -- DOUBTFUL: WR Sammie Stroughter (foot);
QUESTIONABLE: CB E.J. Biggers (foot), CB Anthony Gaitor (hamstring); PROBABLE:
WR Preston Parker (foot), CB Eric Wright (back), OT Jeremy Trueblood (ankle).
Cowboys -- OUT: S Matt Johnson (hamstring); DOUBTFUL: FS Gerald Sensabaugh
(calf), DE Kenyon Coleman (knee); QUESTIONABLE: NT Jay Ratliff (ankle), SS
Barry Church (quadriceps), C Phil Costa (back); PROBABLE: DE Marcus Spears
(ankle).
THE SKINNY: 2012 home opener for Cowboys squad attempting to shake off
disappointing 27-7 Week 2 loss at Seattle that followed encouraging 24-17
ousting of defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants...New-look Buccaneers
fresh off testy 41-34 defeat at Giants last Sunday, with Tampa Bay squandering
14-point second-half lead and surrendering 510 passing yards and 610
total...Including playoffs, Bucs own unwanted 1-9 all-time record in Dallas
and have dropped four in a row overall to Cowboys, who posted 31-15 victory in
Tampa last December behind three touchdown passes from quarterback Tony
Romo...Dallas 5-0 when running back DeMarco Murray rushes for 87 yards or
more, but Buccaneers defense has yielded mere 104 yards on the ground (2nd
overall) through first two weeks...Tampa Bay also allowing league-low 16.7
touchdown rate in red zone so far and tied for NFL lead in interceptions (5),
but ranks last against the pass (400.5 ypg)...Buccaneers wide receiver and
offseason acquisition Vincent Jackson totaled 128 yards and a touchdown on
five catches in last Sunday's loss...Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee credited with
14 tackles against Seahawks and presently first among individuals in that
category (26)...Tampa Bay re-signed wide receiver Jordan Shipley on Tuesday
after the injury to Stroughter.
PREDICTION: Cowboys will play like it means something this time after coasting
along last week, with Romo having a big day against a Tampa pass defense
that's a sieve. Cowboys 34, Buccaneers 24.
---
Atlanta (2-0) at San Diego (2-0), Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
LINE: Chargers by 3
KEY INJURIES: Falcons -- QUESTIONABLE: CB Chris Owens (concussion). Chargers
-- OUT: LT Jared Gaither (back), CB Shareece Wright (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: TE
Antonio Gates (ribs); PROBABLE: RB Ryan Mathews (collarbone), WR Eddie Royal
(shoulder), TE Dante Rosario (calf), NT Antonio Garay (ankle).
THE SKINNY: Intriguing early-season clash of unbeatens, with Chargers seeking
first 3-0 start since 2002 and high-flying Falcons aiming to achieve that mark
for first time since 2004...Atlanta also trying for third straight win over
AFC West member, having previously disposed of Kansas City (40-24) and Denver
(27-21) to begin season...Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan currently owns NFL-
best 117.6 passer rating and tied for league lead in touchdown throws (5),
while defense tied for top spot in interceptions (5) and picked off Broncos'
Peyton Manning three times in Monday's triumph...San Diego opened home
schedule with 38-10 rout of Tennessee last Sunday, with quarterback Philip
Rivers tossing three touchdown passes to reserve tight end Dante Rosario and
defense holding Titans to 212 total yards and nine first downs...Chargers
yielding league-low 41.5 rushing yards per game through first two weeks while
standing second in scoring defense (12.0 ppg) and third in total yards allowed
(266.5 ypg)...Falcons top NFL with plus-seven turnover ratio and tied for
second overall with 67 points...Mathews slated to make season debut after
sitting out San Diego's first two tests recovering from preseason collarbone
fracture, while Gates tentatively expected to play after missing Tennessee
game and currently three receptions shy of 600 for career...Atlanta sports 5-0
all-time record at Qualcomm Stadium and has claimed last five meetings with
Chargers, with San Diego's last win in series coming in 1991...Falcons running
back Michael Turner spent first four pro seasons with San Diego before joining
Atlanta in 2008.
PREDICTION: San Diego's defense looking like the real deal and Rivers is
playing well again, and Mathews should provide a bit of a boost to give the
Chargers better balance than the pass-heavy Falcons. Chargers 28, Falcons 24.
---
Philadelphia (2-0) at Arizona (2-0), Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
LINE: Eagles by 3 1/2
KEY INJURIES: Eagles -- OUT: C Jason Kelce (knee, IR), WR Riley Cooper
(collarbone); DOUBTFUL: LT King Dunlap (hamstring); QUESTIONABLE: WR Jeremy
Maclin (hip), CB Curtis Marsh (hamstring), S Colt Anderson (knee); PROBABLE:
WR DeSean Jackson (hamstring), DE Jason Babin (abdominal), WR Jason Avant
(wrist), FS Nate Allen (shoulder), LG Evan Mathis (neck). Cardinals --
DOUBTFUL: QB John Skelton (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: TE Todd Heap (knee);
PROBABLE: RB Ryan Williams (knee).
THE SKINNY: Battle between two of NFC's four remaining undefeated teams, with
surprising Cardinals coming off shocking 20-18 road upset over reigning AFC
champion New England this past weekend and cardiac Eagles becoming first team
in NFL history to begin season with pair of one-point wins after edging
Cleveland (17-16) and Baltimore (24-23)...Former Eagle Kevin Kolb expected to
make second straight start in place of Skelton at quarterback for Arizona and
will take on ex-team for first time since being traded to Cardinals in summer
of 2011...Kolb missed last year's meeting between clubs due to injury, with
Skelton throwing for career-high 315 yards and three touchdowns to lead
Arizona to 21-17 victory in Philadelphia...Eagles making first visit to
University of Phoenix Stadium since 31-25 setback to Cards in 2008 NFC
Championship and searching for first road triumph over Arizona since
2001...Cardinals vying for first 3-0 start since franchise's days in St. Louis
in 1974, while Philadelphia last hit that mark during NFC title season of
2004...Eagles unbeaten despite committing league-high nine takeaways in first
two outings, with quarterback Michael Vick throwing six interceptions over
that period...Philadelphia tops NFL in pass efficiency defense, however, and
tied for first overall with five interceptions while surrendering fourth-
fewest total yards (267.5 ypg)...Vick amassed 371 passing yards in last
Sunday's squeaker against Ravens, in which Eagles rallied from 10-point
halftime deficit, and ran for deciding touchdown with 1:55 left...Tight end
Brent Celek totaled career-high 157 receiving yards on eight catches for
Philadelphia in Week 2...Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald two receptions
shy of becoming youngest (29) to reach 700 for career, but held to one catch
for four yards by Patriots.
PREDICTION: Eagles' potent pass rush combined with Arizona's suspect offensive
line makes for a rude reunion for Kolb, though Cardinals should force a
mistake or two to keep it interesting. Eagles 19, Cardinals 13.
---
Houston (2-0) at Denver (1-1), Sunday, 4:25 p.m.
LINE: Texans by 2
KEY INJURIES: Texans -- QUESTIONABLE: ILB Tim Dobbins (hamstring). Broncos --
OUT: OLB D.J. Williams (suspension), TE Virgil Green (suspension); DOUBTFUL:
RG Chris Kuper (arm); QUESTIONABLE: CB Chris Harris (ankle); PROBABLE: OLB Von
Miller (hip), MLB Joe Mays (leg).
THE SKINNY: Houston head coach Gary Kubiak brings 2-0 Texans into Sports
Authority Field for matchup against Broncos outfit he spent nine seasons as
backup quarterback (1983-91) and 11 more as offensive coordinator
(1995-2005)...Denver trying to regroup from 27-21 loss in Atlanta on Monday in
which Broncos became first team since 2002 to have four first-quarter
turnovers, with quarterback Peyton Manning throwing three early interceptions
in first road start since 2010...Houston striving to go 3-0 for first time in
franchise's 11-year existence and posted 27-7 road stifling of Jacksonville
last Sunday, with defense allowing club-record 117 total yards...Texans first
in NFL in total defense (196.0 ypg), scoring defense (8.5 ypg) and pass
defense (124.0 ypg) and have held opponents to 10.5 percent success rate on
third downs, with Jaguars going 0-for-9 in that area...Houston owns 6-2
September record over past three seasons but winless in two lifetime trips to
Denver, with then-Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow compiling 308 passing yards to
help pin 24-23 defeat on Texans at Sports Authority Field in 2010...Houston
running backs Arian Foster and Ben Tate combined for 184 rushing yards and
three touchdowns against Jacksonville, but go up against Denver defense
permitting just 2.6 yards per rush attempt so far...Texans defensive end J.J.
Watt named AFC Defensive Player of Week after registering 1 1/2 sacks, two
tackles for loss and recovering a fumble in win over Jags...Manning enters
contest tied with Dan Marino for most 300-yard passing games in league history
(63).
PREDICTION: Manning will provide a much greater challenge for a Houston stop
unit that's dominated a couple of lightweights, and more battle-tested Broncos
are good enough defensively to render the Texans' run-based operation out of
sync. Broncos 24, Texans 20.
---
Pittsburgh (1-1) at Oakland (0-2), Sunday, 4:25 p.m.
LINE: Steelers by 4
KEY INJURIES: Steelers -- OUT: TE Weslye Saunders (suspension); DOUBTFUL: RB
Rashard Mendenhall (knee), ILB Stevenson Sylvester (knee); QUESTIONABLE: OLB
James Harrison (knee), SS Troy Polamalu (calf); PROBABLE: RB Jonathan Dwyer
(toe), TE Heath Miller (ribs), RT Marcus Gilbert (groin). Raiders -- OUT: CB
Shawntae Spencer (foot), RT Khalif Barnes (groin); QUESTIONABLE: MLB Rolando
McClain (concussion, ankle); PROBABLE: WR Denarius Moore (hamstring).
THE SKINNY: Slumping Raiders try again to obtain first victory under rookie
head coach Dennis Allen and return home off disappointing 35-13 loss at Miami
in Week 2, while Steelers rebounded from season-opening 31-19 defeat at Denver
to record 27-10 victory over visiting New York Jets last Sunday...Pittsburgh
making just third trip to Oakland Coliseum since 29-10 win there in 1995 and
routed Raiders by 35-3 count in teams' last meeting, which took place at Heinz
Field in 2010...Steelers defense held Jets to 219 total yards and no second-
half points despite being without Harrison and Polamalu, both of whom may be
sidelined another week, while quarterback Ben Roethlisberger registered 125.1
passer rating with sharp 275-yard, two-touchdown display...Oakland quarterback
Carson Palmer third in the NFL in passing yards (670) and second in attempts
(94) and finished with 373 yards through the air in most recent loss...Raiders
still 31st in scoring (13.5 ppg) and averaging woeful 34 rushing yards per
game (31st overall), with standout running back Darren McFadden managing just
2.1 yards per carry over first two weeks...Pittsburgh just 30th overall in
rushing offense (70.5 ypg), but take on Oakland defense ranked 29th against
the run and surrendered 263 yards on the ground to Dolphins.
PREDICTION: Steelers may hold some of their stars out with bye week on the
horizon, but should still have more than enough to handle a flawed Oakland
outfit that's still attempting to find its way under another leadership
change. Steelers 24, Raiders 13.
---
New England (1-1) at Baltimore (1-1), Sunday, 8:20 p.m.
LINE: Ravens by 3
KEY INJURIES: Patriots -- OUT: TE Aaron Hernandez (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: RG RB
Shane Vereen (foot), TE Daniel Fells (shin); PROBABLE: RG Dan Connolly
(concussion). Ravens -- DOUBTFUL: OL Jah Reid (calf); QUESTIONABLE: SS Bernard
Pollard (ribs); PROBABLE: OLB Paul Kruger (back).
THE SKINNY: AFC powers clash for first time since January's memorable
conference championship, when Patriots earned a narrow 23-20 home win after
former Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff missed a 32-yard field goal attempt in
final seconds...New England experienced similar fate in most recent test, when
kicker Stephen Gostkowski misfired on a 42-yard field goal try in late stages
of team's shocking 20-18 loss to Arizona last Sunday at Gillette
Stadium...Baltimore coming off gut-wrenching defeat of its own, a 24-23
setback at Philadelphia in which Eagles climbed back from 10-point halftime
deficit and scored go-ahead touchdown with 1:55 left...Ravens bring 12-game
win streak (including playoffs) at M&T Bank Stadium into matchup and have
prevailed in 20 of last 21 home games, but are 0-6 all-time against the
Patriots in regular-season play...Baltimore did hand New England a 33-14 loss
in Foxborough during opening round of 2009 AFC Playoffs, however...Pats re-
signed longtime wide receiver Deion Branch and veteran tight end Kellen
Winslow Tuesday with Hernandez likely out 4-to-6 weeks with ankle sprain...New
England currently second overall in total defense (264.5 ypg) and have held
opponents to 2.6 yards per rush attempt, with Cardinals mustering just 245
total yards and 140 passing in last week's bout...Patriots running back Stevan
Ridley fifth in NFL in rushing yards (196) through first two weeks...Usually
stout Ravens defense permitted 486 total yards and 371 passing to Eagles in
Week 2, but forced four turnovers (2 interceptions, 2 fumbles)...Baltimore
also picked off New England quarterback Tom Brady twice in last season's AFC
Championship, while Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin compiled 101 yards on
six catches in losing cause.
PREDICTION: Hernandez's injury won't be easy for Patriots to overcome, but
difference between when these teams last met is that New England's defense has
gotten markedly better and Baltimore's hasn't been the same without pass-
rushing terror Terrell Suggs. Patriots 23, Ravens 20.
---
Green Bay (1-1) at Seattle (1-1), Monday, 8:30 p.m.
LINE: Packers by 3 1/2
KEY INJURIES: Packers -- DOUBTFUL: RB James Starks (toe); QUESTIONABLE: CB
Davon House (shoulder); PROBABLE: WR Greg Jennings (groin), DE C.J. Wilson
(groin). Seahawks -- DOUBTFUL: G James Carpenter (knee), CB Byron Maxwell
(hamstring); QUESTIONABLE: TE Zach Miller (foot); PROBABLE: WR Sidney Rice
(knee), LT Russell Okung (knee).
THE SKINNY: Originally expected head-to-head showdown between Packers
quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former understudy Matt Flynn, who signed with
Seahawks in March after four-year stint with Green Bay, but Flynn beaten out
by rookie Russell Wilson for starting nod in preseason...Wilson picked up
first career victory in Seattle's 27-7 trouncing of favored Dallas last Sunday
at CenturyLink Field, team's fourth win in last six home tests dating back to
last season...Defending NFC North champion Packers regrouped from season-
opening 30-22 home loss to San Francisco with impressive 23-10 decision over
rival Chicago on Sept. 13, with revamped defense amassing seven sacks and four
interceptions of Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and yielding mere 168 total
yards...Packers top NFL with 11 sacks over first two games and rank second
against the pass (132.5 ypg), while Seahawks averaging league-low 136 yards
through the air thus far under former University of Wisconsin star
Wilson...Seattle piled up 182 rushing yards against Cowboys, however, with
workhorse running back Marshawn Lynch gaining 122 yards with a touchdown on 26
carries, and face Green Bay stop unit ranked just 26th against the run (140.0
ypg)...Seahawks second overall in run defense (46.0 ypg) and have surrendered
third-fewest points (27) through initial two outings...Packers linebacker Clay
Matthews has tallied league-best six sacks in first two games and had career-
high 3 1/2 in defense's domination of Bears...Seattle signed cornerback Danny
Gorrer and released reserve running back Kregg Lumpkin on Tuesday.
PREDICTION: Though Packers' normally devastating offense has yet to hit its
stride and may struggle to do so once more against Seattle's formidable
stoppers, the Seahawks' one-dimensional attack will have more problems facing
Green Bay's revitalized defense. Packers 20, Seahawks 13.
The Sports Network