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Hi Folks, When picking your starters
each week, one thing that must be considered is the matchups.�� We�ve taken each game and broken down the
matchups for you here.�� PLEASE NOTE:� This does NOT replace the Cheatsheet
ranking.�� The Cheatsheet rankings are
the final say on where we see a player for that week.�� The Matchup Breakdowns are simply one more tool in the box when
it comes to helping choose your lineup.�
Also note, just because a
player has a �bad� matchup, it does NOT mean he�s not a starter in your
league.�� If Ahman Green is playing the
toughest rush defense in the league, he�s got a tough matchup that week.�� He�s also your starter unless you�re
sitting on Marshall Faulk and Shaun Alexander.�� Let�s jump to it. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Great Matchups � Defenses
will have major problems with the offense in these games Chicago�s Anthony Thomas vs. The Minnesota� Defense (Great Matchup) Anthony Thomas has to be excited
about his chances on opening day. He and the Bears will be facing a defense
that is starting a new middle linebacker � Greg Biekert, signed on Monday from
the Raiders � under new defensive coordinator Willie Shaw. It is true that
Biekert played under Shaw in Oakland from 98-99, so he�s not totally unfamiliar
with his coach. But he has had very little time acclimating to his new
teammates � and Biekert has lots of responsibilities as middle linebacker. Only three of the Viking�s
starters return from last season, all of them on the line that was part of the
30th ranked run defense in 2001. Chris Hovan can�t do it all by
himself. Biekert, though known as a run-stopper, also has a rejuvenated Bear
Jim Miller zipping bullets to Dez White and Marty Booker to worry about. The one bit of bad news for
Thomas is that RG Chris Vallarial, projected to start, suffered a fractured
thumb on 8/3/02 and is expected to be out for quite awhile yet. The team has
had plenty of time to work around Vallarial�s absence, though. This is one of the best
match-ups for a running back during week one action. Green Bay�s Ahman Green vs. The Atlanta Defense
(Great Matchup) Ahman Green runs behind a
super-solid, veteran line that has been together for many years. Even with the loss
of starting C Mike Flanagan to a broken thumb (he may return as early as week
2, once he can wear a smaller cast and grip the football), the unit maintains
its coherence with the insertion of veteran back-up Frank Winters. They know
how to open holes for Green to dart through, and how to protect Favre when he
drops back and dumps it off on short routes to Green. The Falcon�s defensive front
� with veterans Edward Jasper, Patrick Kerney and co. � have shifted to the 3-4
this season. The problem with the defense week one is that the line-backing
corps is hurting, with linchpin player Will Overstreet out for the game with a
shoulder injury (along with Artie Ulmer, who has a bum left knee), and three
other linebackers who were limited in practice and it�s not known if they�ll
play effectively on Sunday, including: starter Mark Simoneau who is nursing a
groin injury; Sam Rogers whose groin is also hurting; and Chris Daft, suffering
with a tweaked hamstring. Given that the 3-4 scheme
relies on support for the line coming from the line-backers, Green�s chances
for a big day look very bright.� Miami�s Ricky Williams vs The Detroit Defense (Great
Matchup) This one will convince Miami
fans that they�ve got a potential pro-bowler in town playing running back for
the home team. The Lions D was pathetic in 2001, and so far does not appear
measurably improved in 2002. They were 30th in the league in terms
of points allowed (26.5 points a game), worse than the lowly Panthers, and 26th
in the league in terms of yards allowed per game (345.1 yards total, 124.6
yards rushing allowed per game). While the Dolphins were no
great shakes running the ball in 2001, Ricky Williams is a far superior back
compared to former Dolphin Lamar Smith. Williams proved in New Orleans last
season that he has dramatically improved his pass-catching abilities, and is
playing for offensive guru Norv Turner in Miami.� Can you say field day? If
you�ve got Williams, give him the nod for sure. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Good Matchups � Defenses
will struggle to stop the offense in these games Baltimore�s Jamal Lewis vs. The Carolina Defense
(Good Matchup) A running back trying to
regain his top form couldn�t ask for a better tune-up game than the match Jamal
Lewis faces on Sunday. The Panthers were dead last in the NFL in yardage
allowed in 2001 (surrendering a league-worst 143.8 yards rushing per game) and
tied for 27th in points allowed at 25.6 points a game. Given the Raven�s
inexperience at QB and the porosity of Carolina�s run defense, Lewis should get
lots of opportunities to make something happen on Sunday. Remember, though the
salary cap axe fell heavily in Baltimore, it spared the starters on the
offensive line � LT Jonathan Ogden, C Mike Flynn and RT Edwin Mulitalo are the
core, and they have enough power to open plenty of holes in the Carolina front
for Lewis to exploit. Look for Lewis to have a solid outing in his return to
NFL action. Dallas� Emmitt Smith vs. The Houston Defense (Good
Matchup) The Cowboys have some beef
on the line. The average weight of the five starters is 329 pounds. What the
line doesn�t have this season is extensive playing time together in the
pre-season. Rookie Center Andre Gurode, and guard Larry Allen just returned
from injury to practice on Monday. Flozell Adams and Solomon Page were expected
back Wednesday. However, along with guard Kelvin Harmon, they make up a veteran
group (excepting Gurode, who replaces the legend Mark Stepnoski) which played
together last season. Facing them are the brand
new Texans, who play in a base 3-4 defense (head coach Dom Capers is known for
his zone-blitz scheme dating from his Carolina days). They are waiting for DE
Gary Walker to complete his rehabilitation of a groin injury, so right now
linemen Jerry Deloach, Charles Hill and�
Seth Payne are supplying the presence up front. Backing them up are
linebackers Kailee Wong and Jamie Sharper who will help stiffen the D against
the run. Remember, the Texans are an
expansion team in their first year of competition. The experienced Cowboys
should be able to dominate at the point of attack and open nice holes for
Emmitt on Sunday. Indianapolis�s Edgerrin
James vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Good Matchup) Indianapolis� Edgerrin James
is healthy, and the Indianapolis offensive line is one of the best in the
league, even after replacing two guards in the off-season. With a super powered
passing attack to draw the attention of the Jaguars� inexperienced outside
linebackers (Eric Westmoreland and Eric Clark), James should find room to roam
along the sidelines. And with the only experienced starting linebacker, MLB
T.J. Slaughter out with an elbow injury, once he breaks free of the Jag�s front
four, James will be off to the races. The Jaguar�s defensive line
is probably the strongest position on the team, with Tony Brackens and Marco
Coleman on the outside and young-but-promising John Henderson and Marcus Stroud
(possibly hampered by an ankle problem, though) on the inside. There just isn�t
enough support from the Jags offense or the linebackers to keep them effective
all day. Watch James (and change of
pace back Ricky Williams) have a fun time romping all over the field,
especially as the defensive line wears down later in the game. New Orleans� Deuce McAllister vs. The Tampa Bay
Buccaneers (Good Matchup) The New Orleans Saints
believe in Deuce McAllister�s talents, and they have a very solid offensive
line for him to run behind, anchored by fiery veteran LT Kyle Turley and steady
C Jerry Fontenot. The line is healthy heading into the 2002 season (LG Wally
Williams had a little trouble with his knee a couple of weeks ago) , and
McAllister has looked solid in the pre-season. He faces a stout Tampa line
that recently lost one of it�s top players � Marcus Jones � for the season
after Jones injured his knee, and was placed on IR. However, Simeon Rice and
Anthony McFarland looked great last season, even while Warren Sapp struggled.
The main question heading into 2002 is how well will Sapp play? Behind the line is a very
raw unit of linebackers. Besides Derrick Brooks (rehabilitating a foot injury)
is a group of largely untested players like Ryan Nece, Shelton Quarles, and
Alshermond Singleton � not exactly household names. Once McAllister can burst
past the linemen, or catch the quick pass behind them, he will get
opportunities to tack on chunks of yardage. Look for him to have an impressive
beginning to the 2002 campaign. New York Jet�s Curtis Martin
vs The Buffalo Defense (Good Matchup) The only real problem that
the Jet�s offensive line has faced in the pre-season has been C Kevin Mawae�s
struggle to get healthy. Even the departure of Kerry Jenkins and Ryan Young
hasn�t affected the offensive unit�s play during the preseason. Curtis Martin
and his mates on offense look ready to soar this season. Facing them in Buffalo is a
newly-constructed defensive line � Chidi Ahanotu and Shawn Price are late
additions (within the last two weeks) who should see significant time or even
start. Additions to the Bill�s linebackers � London Fletcher and Eddie Robinson
� will help make the team stronger against the run, as well. Good thing, since
they gave up 133 yards a game in 2001. But this week, they won�t
look much stronger. There just hasn�t been enough time to integrate the new
linemen into the team, and get the necessary repetitions under everyone�s belt.
Curtis Martin will blast off the 2002 season this weekend with a big game in
Buffalo. Oakland�s Charlie Garner and Tyrone Wheatley vs. The
Seattle Defense (Good Matchup) The Raider�s offensive line
welcomes back some solid veterans to start the 2002 campaign � C Barret Robbins
and LG Mo Collins were both severely limited by injuries in 2001 � so the line
should be improved over the merely adequate group that blocked for Garner and
Wheatley last season. With the Seahawk�s defensive
lineman John Randle (rehabbing knee surgery) and rising star linebacker Anthony
Simmons (sore knee) likely unavailable for the opener, more of the onus on
defense will ride on tackle Chad Eaton and linebacker Chad Brown�s shoulders.
It will also be necessary for new MLB Isaiah Kacyvenski to help shoulder the
load if Simmons remains out. With crafty veteran Rich
Gannon directing the offense and exploiting weaknesses wherever they may exist,
Garner/Wheatley should have a decent day both running and catching the ball.
This game looks like it has the potential to be a high-scoring affair.� Philadelphia�s Duce Staley vs. The Tennessee Defense
(Good Matchup) Duce Staley has outlasted a
challenge from injured teammate Correll Buckhalter and overcome Dorsey Leven�s
pre-season challenge to remain the Eagle�s starting running back. He and the
team claim that he is fully recovered from the foot injury that ruined his
season two years ago and limited him in �01. Running against a tough Titan�s
front line will be the first time we see how far Staley has really come in
2002. With high-caliber tackles Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan dealing with Kevin Carter
and Jevon Kearse, the disruption the two DE�s cause in the backfield should be
held to a minimum against the Eagles. The Titan�s starting tackles
are both affected by ankle problems � Henry Ford�s ankle is the worse injury of
the two and may limit his time, while John Thornton is expected to play full
time� � and that could open up
opportunities in the middle of the line. Also, the Titan�s secondary is not
much better than last year, which will tie up the linebackers in pass coverage
part of the time. As Staley is a good pass
receiver, and should see some opportunities through the aerial attack, and as
he should see some daylight at the line week one, he should post very
respectable numbers week one, in spite of the Titan�s home field advantage. San Francisco�s Garrison
Hearst and Kevan Barlow vs. the Giants Defense (Good Matchup) Injuries have limited the
number of snaps the first team offensive line has been able to work together.
The training camp injuries to C Jeremy Newberry�s right calf and his primary
hand (broken ring finger on this right hand) has affected the cohesion of the
unit as a whole � it has also limited Dave Fiore�s repetitions at his new
postion, left guard, because Fiore played center while Newberry was out. The
unit is also just now integrating new RG Ron Stone, who has been sidelined with
an elbow sprain for most of camp. Newberry is snapping the ball with his left
(off) hand for the next month until the right ring finger heals from surgery. The key matchup for the
49er�s offensive line Thursday night will be former Giants and current 49er�s
RT Scott Gragg and RG Ron Stone vs. Michael Strahan. Luckily for the 49�ers,
Gragg and Stone have extensive experience playing together from their time in
New York. Gragg played his first five seasons with the Giants, so he has lots
of exposure to Strahan�s tactics and methods. Stone spent six seasons with the
Giants, so he has also seen a lot of Strahan over the years.� One key component to the
Giant�s previous years� run defense, LB Jessie Armstead, has been replaced in
the lineup by Dhani Jones, who has some very large shoes to fill.� Though the 49�ers line was
untested as a unit this pre-season, and is suffering from an assortment of
injuries, the healthy tandem of Garrison Hearst and Kevan Barlow should still
find room to run against a Giant�s D that will be challenged by the 49�ers
potent passing attack. Gragg and Stone have as good a chance as any to keep
Strahan contained for most of the game, and FB Fred Beasley has a talent for laying
down crucial blocks which spring the tail-back for positive yardage. Seattle�s Shaun Alexander vs. The Oakland Defense
(Good Matchup) Shaun Alexander is going to
see a lot of action in this game. Matt Hasselbeck has been largely ineffective
in the pre-season, and if the team is going to prevail vs. Oakland, Alexander
is going to be the one to get it done. Unfortunately, he is forced to run
behind a sub-par line (recently boosted by the addition of Buc�s cast-off Jerry
Wunsch at RT, however). Luckily for the Seahawks,
the Raider�s defensive front is in a shambles, with the year-long drug
suspension of Darrell Russell and the season ending knee injury to Regan
Upshaw. Run-stuffer Grady Jackson is now in New Orleans, with newcomer Sam
Adams attempting to fill his void. Trace Armstrong is trying to come back off a
ruptured Achilles that ended his 2001 season. Then, there�s the Greg
Biekert debacle. The leader of the defense was forced out by management and is
replaced at middle linebacker by a rookie, Napoleon Harris who has talent, but,
well, he�s a rookie. Did I mention that all this happened this week, after the
pre-season tune-up games are already over? With the turmoil in Oakland
on the line and in the linebacker corps, Alexander should enjoy a solid outing
on Sunday in Oakland. Washington�s Stephen Davis vs. The Arizona Defense
(Good Matchup) One of the largest question
marks of the off-season in Washington (besides the Matthews/Wuerffel
competition) has been the offensive line. Heading into the kick-off on Sunday,
the Redskins still have not settled on a starting LG. Offensive line coach Kim
Helton is going with a rotation of players to start the season, until one
emerges to claim the top job (which, to date, Ross Tucker, David Loverne and Kipp
Vickers have all failed to do). The right guard position was similarly up in
the air, until Brenden Stai (obtained from the Lions) claimed it with a solid
performance in the final pre-season game against the Patriots (Stai�s first
real exposure to Spurrier�s offense). Running behind this jumble
of guards is the Redskin�s Stephen Davis. Davis has been only glimpsed during
the preseason (the Washington offense ran ~ 80% pass plays during that
timeframe), so he may need a quarter or two to get into rhythm. Luckily for Davis, the
Cardinal�s defensive front is pretty poor. They allowed 130.4 yards of rushing
per game on average in 2001, and don�t appear to have improved heading into
2002. With the linebackers and secondary hustling to cover multiple receiver
sets, the line probably won�t get much help on Sunday. Expect Davis to have a
productive outing against the Cardinals. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Neutral Matchups � The
Defense and Offense are fairly evenly matched in these games Atlanta�s T. J. Duckett and Warrick Dunn vs. The
Green Bay Defense (Neutral Matchup) T.J. Duckett and Warrick
Dunn got some good news this week when starting right tackle Todd Weiner
returned to practice after injuring the capsule in his right shoulder during
the pre-season game against the Giants. Weiner at least has NFL experience,
unlike rookie back-up left guard Martin Bibla, who is also the #2 center right
now. This line is dangerously thin. The line has not improved
much since last season, so Duckett and Dunn will need to make their own magic
at times, especially against the tough Green Bay D, who surrendered a fairly
generous 110 rushing yards per game in 2001, but a stingy 16.6 points a game. Wide-load
tackles Gilbert Brown and Cletidus Hunt aim to improve on those yardage numbers
in 2002, though. With double-threat Michael
Vick forcing the opposition to assign a defender to �shadow� him, Duckett or
Dunn could find room to run once they get past the line of scrimmage, leading
to some big-gainers. This factor makes the matchup against the Packer�s D seem
about even.� Cincinnati�s Corey Dillon
vs. The San Diego Defense (Neutral Matchup) The Bengals, though
suffering through a losing season last year, did not lose due to their
offensive line or their running back, Corey Dillon. The line is one of the best
in the league, healthy and raring to go � the addition of rookie Levi Jones to
the unit just makes it deeper and better in 2002. Matt O�Dwyer and Mike Goff
excel at opening holes for Dillon to burst through. FB Lorenzo Neal is one of
the best in the business at lead-blocking. Facing Dillon is the tough
as nails San Diego line that features Marcellus Wiley, Raylee Johnson and Jamal
Williams � they�re tough on the run. Behind them is Junior Seau, ex-Chief
Donnie Edwards and rookie-turned-starter Ben Leber (who�s getting on the job
training from one of the best ever). The clash between the
talented Bengals line and the Chargers D will be intense and for all 60
minutes. Neither side will dominate the other in a even matchup that will come
down to willpower and conditioning. Cleveland�s William Green
vs. The Kansas City Defense (Neutral Matchup) Cleveland enters the game
hoping to provide Tim Couch and the receivers with a credible running game.
Head coach Butch Davis has tapped Green to provide the motor for the car � the
question is, how�s the body (the line)? Continuity is a concern (C Dave
Wohlabaugh is the only returning starter from 2001) but last year�s group
allowed 51 sacks and was part of a dead-last rushing attack. In this case,
change is good. Everyone is healthy heading into the season. Change of pace back Jamel
White will help convert 3rd downs, and that will give Green more
touches than last year�s part-time starter (James Jackson) ever saw each game. The Kansas City line is
integrating late-comer rookie Ryan Sims and fellow rook Eddie Freeman into the
unit, in hopes of improving the run defense. Meanwhile, their best linebacker
from 2001(Donnie Edwards) is stiffening the D in San Diego, leaving the run
defense in worse shape than 2001, when the unit ranked 27th in the
league.�� In this battle of
new-but-hopefully-improved units the edge isn�t apparent beforehand. It looks
like an even contest between the Chiefs run D and the Browns rushing attack. Denver�s Clinton Portis/Olandis Gary/Mike Anderson
vs. The Rams Defense (Neutral Matchup) Quite a challenge awaits the
Bronco�s three-headed backfield in the form of the Ram�s D. They were rock
solid against the run in 2001, allowing a scant 88.6 yards rushing per game and
limiting opponents to 17 points a game. Working to open holes for the backs
will be a fine, healthy, veteran line anchored by C Tom Nalen. This year�s Rams defense
will go into battle without LB London Fletcher, who was instrumental in helping
establish that stout run D of a year ago. However, the defensive line, with
Grant Wistrom, Leonard Little (assuming he�s back from a bruised thigh),
Damione Lewis (recently returned to the team) and Jeff Zgonina starting and
Ryan Pickett and Brian Young in reserve, is deep and talented. They will
challenge the Bronco�s line on every snap Sunday. It should be a war in there. On a side note, it may be
kickoff before the Broncos give much hint as to their Running Back plans.� Our guess now is that Gary may get the start
but that we�ll see a healthy dose of both Portis and Anderson based on the
situation.�� We still feel that Portis
is the guy who�ll emerge there eventually, whether it happens during this game
remains to be seen. Kansas City�s Priest Holmes
vs. The Cleveland Defense (Neutral Matchup) Holmes was the big surprise
of 2001, erupting for over 2000 combined yards. The question is, can he repeat
the performance? He begins his quest to do so against the Brown�s defense. His
line enters the season healthy and welcomes Ex-Saint Willie Roaf to the fold at
left tackle to complement the super right side tandem of Will Shields and John
Tait. Meanwhile, the Cleveland
defense is still reeling from the loss of star LB Jamir Miller. Last season,
with Miller, the defense gave up 138 yards rushing per game. Steeler import
Earl Holmes is an upgrade at MLB, so there is still hope that the run D can be
stiffened. The defensive line is very solid with Courtney Brown and Kenard Lang
outside, and Gerard Warren clogging things up in the middle. Neither side looks like they
are superior to the other (because both units are very solid). Holmes should
get opportunities at times, but also face defensive players in the backfield on
more than one occasion.�� Pittsburgh�s Jerome Bettis
vs. The New England Defense (Neutral Matchup) Much has been made of the
Pittsburgh Steelers lack of rushing yardage in the preseason. Well, in this
case, the preseason means nothing. The Steelers� line is perhaps the very best
in the league. They return the bulk of their line from last season (except for
G Rich Tylski), added blue-chipper Kendall Simmons in the draft, and are
healthy heading into the regular season. Add in the rediscovery of Kordell
Stewart�s passing game to keep defenses honest, and Bettis will have room to
roam this season. However, this week they face
defensive mastermind Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, at the
Patriot�s home field in new Gillette Stadium.�
And the trio of Pat�s linebackers made up of OLB�s Roman Phifer, Mike
Vrabel and MLB Tedy Bruschi that absolutely shut down the Steelers� rushing
attack in the playoffs.� The Steelers� offensive line
has had this game circled on their calendar since the humiliation they suffered
in the last playoff game. But will emotion be enough to shake Bettis and
company loose on the ground? Tampa Bay�s Michael Pittman and Mike Alstott vs. the
New Orleans Defense (Neutral matchup) This week has brought both
good news and bad news for the Tampa running game. On the plus side, Michael
Pittman says the ankle that hampered him all pre-season is above 90%
recuperated and head coach Jon Gruden vowed to run him until he was worn out. On the negative side, last
year�s top pick, Kenyatta Walker was demoted to second string in favor of
Cornell Green, due to an excessive number of penalties (five in four quarters
of play). That move means only C Jeff Christy remains a starter from the squad
that began 2001 on the line. The line will need time to jell, so it may
struggle to open holes for Pittman in the opener. However, the Saints are in
transition on their defensive line and in the ranks of linebackers, so they
face challenges on opening day, too. Gone are linemen La� Roi Glover and Joe
Johnson, and Keith� Mitchell from the
linebacker corps. Can the tandem of tackles Grady Jackson and Norman Hand stuff
the run? It appears that the
struggles the opposing teams face heading into the opener cancel each other out
with neither side gaining a clear advantage.�
Pittman (and Alstott, if he gets opportunities) should enjoy modest
success moving the ball against the Saints defense. Tennessee�s Eddie George vs. The Philadelphia Defense
(Neutral matchup) One of the biggest factors
for Eddie George in this matchup is the Eagle�s outstanding passing D (2nd
in the NFL in 2001). Since the Eagles are so tough to attack through the
passing game, and Eddie George is looking strong and healthy again in 2002, you
can expect the Titans to assault the Eagles with the running game early and
often in this one. George also has Greg Comella
throwing blocks for him in 2002, which should help pick up the run blitzes that
the Eagles will throw at the Titans. The Titans retooled the interior of their
line this past off-season and think that George will reclaim his top form in
2002 with the line�s help. The Eagles weren�t super
tough to run on in 2001, surrendering almost 115 yards a game on average, but
they were very stingy in the red zone, allowing only 13 points a game (2nd
in the NFL) a year ago. Given the excellence of the Eagle�s defense, and the
excellence of Eddie George the running back, I see this as a neutral match-up,
with George racking up tough yards but challenged to find pay dirt. St. Louis�s Marshall Faulk vs. The Denver Defense
(Neutral Matchup) One of the reasons that
Marshall Faulk is so good is because he has an awesome line blocking for him.
Four of the five starters have played together for three seasons, and they are
a cohesive and very talented bunch.� The
only question mark is John St. Clair, who has struggled at times during the
pre-season. If he plays poorly during the opener, figure Mike Martz to use the
hook early. They go into Denver to face a very stout run defense that only
surrendered a little more than 93 yards per game in 2001. This year�s edition of the
Broncos looks strong on defense once again, with run-stuffing Lional Dalton
(battling a lingering foot problem, however) and Chester McGlockton returning
from the 2001 edition. Trevor Pryce gets into the backfield and causes
problems. Linebacker Bill Romanowski is a Raider, but is replaced by steady Al
Wilson. However, with the Rams putting lots of pressure on the defense through
the passing game, the line will have to do most of the work containing Marshall
Faulk. A clash between a solid
defense front and an experienced offensive unit will make for an exciting late
game on Sunday. The matchup between the two in Mile-High looks about even.�� Of course Faulk is a starter in every
league, but this will be no cakewalk. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Tough Matchups � Defenses
should be able to contain the offense in these games Arizona�s Thomas Jones vs. The Washington Defense
(Tough Matchup) The Cardinals line suffered
a severe blow when RT Anthony Clement went down with a season-ending triceps
injury (in fact, head coach Dave McGinnis said that he wanted to throw up when
he heard the bad news). As a result, Leonard Davis moved to RT, Chris Dishman
took his spot at right guard � and the line became less talented as a result.
Left guard Pete Kendall missed the pre-season game at Oakland with foot
soreness, but is expected back for the opener. And so, incumbent starter
Thomas Jones heads into the game at Washington behind an unsettled line. The
same Thomas Jones who has lost the starting job the past two seasons, although
his rival Michael Pittman is now in Tampa. Coach McGinnis insists that Jones
wasn�t completely healthy in 2001, that Jones has worked hard this past
off-season and is now ready to shoulder the load for the Cardinals. Add to the above the fact
that Marvin Lewis�s defensive squad � behind stars like DE Bruce Smith, LB�s
Lavar Arrington, Jessie Armstead and Jeremiah Trotter (that �clunk� sound you
hear is your jaw dropping), and CB�s Champ Bailey and Fred Smoot � looks
absolutely terrifying. Thomas Jones is in for a
long day in his season debut. Even with a decent line blocking for him, the
Washington D is going to be too much to handle. Jones and the Cards won�t enjoy
much success Sunday. Buffalo�s Travis Henry vs. The New York Jets Defense
(Tough Matchup) The problem the Bills have
at offensive line is one of chemistry. Their new players (Trey Teague, the
ex-Bronco center and rookie RT Mike Williams) are having problems meshing with
Bills who are just stepping into the starting lineup (LT Jonas Jennings and RG
Marques Sullivan). The unit just needs time to jell and learn to work as a
coordinated team. Unfortunately for Henry,
time has run out before Sunday�s opener against a scary Jets team. With John
Abraham still nursing a sprained MCL, the defensive line has been merely
adequate. Good thing they have Marvin Jones, Mo Lewis and Sam Cowart behind
them at linebacker to take up the slack. This one looks like a tough
day for Henry and the Bills, as the Jets D pushes the Bills offensive line
around. It could be worse, Abraham could be swarming Bledsoe. Jacksonville�s Fred Taylor
vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Tough
Matchup) Fred Taylor is a great
talent, running behind a porous line that will struggle to control the point of
attack.�� With the return of Jimmy
Smith, the opposing defense will at least have to respect the passing game (by
draping double-coverage all over him and daring either Patrick Johnson or Bobby
Shaw to catch the ball), but only if the line can protect QB Mark Brunell. It�s ugly down in
Jacksonville, and Taylor�s going to struggle just to make positive yardage on
some of his carries. The Indianapolis front is
deep and will rotate in as many as nine players, with playmakers Chad Bratzke
and Dwight Freeney in on a majority of snaps. They have a young and promising
group of linebackers featuring MLB Rob Morris and OLB Marcus Washington (both
entering their 3rd season). The Colts, with Dungy�s new
direction on defense, look like a very tough challenge for an overmatched
Jaguars offensive line. New England�s Antowain Smith
vs. The Pittsburgh Steelers Defense (Tough Matchup) What word can you apply to
the Steeler�s run defense that accurately describes it? Awesome, immovable,
monolithic are all possibilities, but they somehow still fall short. This team
allowed a shade under 75 rushing yards per game to opposing offenses, and has
perhaps improved its personnel over the off-season, swapping MLB Earl Holmes
for new starter James Farrior. Except for Kendrell Bell�s minor ankle problem,
the entire roster of linebackers is ready to attack the Patriots on Monday
Night. Ditto for the solid defensive line. Lining up across from the
mighty Steelers are a blue-collar bunch of Patriot offensive linemen, who get
the job done without much fuss. The five starters from last year return to the
team, although second year man Kenyatta Jones has unseated Greg
Robinson-Randall at RT. He provides quality depth. Antowain Smith needs to show
that he is back in game-shape (a poor 2.5 yard per carry average in the
preseason is causing some concern). In this contest, the
Steelers look like the hungry unit with the edge, and the Patriots look ripe
for a reality check. New York Giants Tiki
Barber vs. the 49�ers Defense (Tough Matchup) NYG C Dusty Ziegler�s injury
is serious enough to keep him out of practice, and the rest of the line has
been plagued with assorted injuries all pre-season, forcing coach Fassel to
rotate a lot of players in and out of the lineup. Tiki Barber�s hamstrings are
hurting enough that coach Fassel is keeping him out of practice for the next
two days. However, since Ron Dayne is still limited by muscle spasms in his
neck, and Sean Bennett is coming off a two year layoff due to multiple
injuries, the Giants are relying on Barber to play the primary role Thursday
night. The knee injury to 49�ers
starting WLB Jeff Ulbrich means that more of the onus on defense rests on� Jamie Winborn�s shoulders.� LDE John Engelberger is going to be a
game-day decision due to undergoing an appendectomy two weeks ago. Capable
back-up Chike Okeafor will most likely start and see most of the action. The key matchups for the
NYG�s offensive line Thursday night will be how well the line � with new
starters� LG Rich Seubert, RG Jason
Whittle, and RT Chris Bober � holds up against the 49ers explosive defensive
end Andre Carter and the crafty veteran tackles Bryant Young and Dana
Stubblefield. With Barber potentially
slowed due to his tweaked hamstrings and the line struggling to find it�s
rhythm, facing a robust 49ers defense that is a blend of experience and youth,
this looks like a tough matchup for the Giant�s featured back. Barber should
struggle in the Meadowlands on Thursday night. San Diego�s LaDainian
Tomlinson vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Tough Matchup) Many observers have pointed
out that the offensive line is the weakness of this Charger�s team. Yet, all
five starters enter the season healthy, and they have been effective in
pre-season action. With a physical runner like Tomlinson, the line need not
open holes the size of barn doors � a crease will do. The Cincinnati defense
enters the game having� lost one-third
of it�s excellent linebacker corps when OLB Steve Foley suffered a
season-ending shoulder separation in the final pre-season game. Fellow
Linebackers Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons will try and take up the slack. On
the line, youngster Justin Smith continues to develop into a fine defensive end
following a hold-out shortened rookie campaign. The line is tough inside, too.
The Bengals figure to be stingy against the run again in 2002 (they allowed a
little less than 105 yards a game in 2001). This Bengals team will
present a stout challenge for Tomlinson and company on Sunday. While he won�t
be totally without running room, the yards figure to be tough to gain. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Bad Matchups � Defenses will
cause major problems for the offense in these games Carolina�s Lamar Smith vs. The Baltimore Defense (Bad
Matchup) Rookie head coach John Fox
has to be worried about the opener against the Ravens. Yes, Baltimore lost a
number of talented players on defense and their top notch defensive
coordinator. Yes they were forced to shift to a 3-4 defense in the off-season.
So what does all of that mean? Ray Lewis, Peter Boulware and company will have
even more latitude in this scheme to make plays against the Panther�s rushing
attack on Sunday. Unless Lamar Smith and
Rodney Peete have found a time machine and brought back to 2002 their former
selves (the Lamar Smith of 2000, the Rodney Peete of the mid-90�s), this is
going to be a very long day for the Panthers. With Peete under center, the
Ravens should be able to focus on smothering the running game � and succeed
more often than not. Behind essentially the same line in 2001, the Panthers
averaged a shade under 86 yards per game (29th in the NFL). They�ll
be lucky to get that many on Sunday. Detroit�s James Stewart vs. The Miami Defense (Bad
Matchup) The Lions have struggled to
move the ball at all in the pre-season. Their offensive line is horrible, James
Stewart is coming off a deep bone bruise to his left knee (he just eased back
into practice after a week off on Monday), and they face a tough Miami defense
that was first in the league in 2001 vs. the passing game. The Dolphins will stuff
eight men in the box, dare McMahon, Hakim and Schroeder to beat them, and
man-handle the Lion�s rushing attack all afternoon. Look elsewhere for your
running back in week one. Houston�s James Allen/Jonathan Wells vs. The Dallas Defense
(Bad Matchup) The Texans intended their
offensive line to be a centerpiece of the expansion club. It hasn�t worked out
that way. Tony Boselli has yet to return from off-season shoulder surgeries,
and the team is crossing it�s fingers that starting center Steve McKinney can
return from a calf injury in time to play against Dallas. RT Ryan Young is out
with a groin injury for some time to come. All those injury problems
have lowered the talent of the unit, and will make creating running room for
Jonathan Wells and James Allen difficult, to say the least. La�Roi Glover will
be solid in the middle of the Cowboy line, and the ferocious-hitting tandem of
Dexter Coakley and Dat Nguyen at�
linebacker make opposing backs pay for every yard they gain. James Allen is officially
the starter but Wells should see plenty of action.�� It�s going to be a long day for the Texan�s backs. Minnesota�s Michael Bennett vs. The Chicago Defense
(Bad Matchup) Michael Bennett is not
exactly the focus of the Vikings offense � the team has been clear about it�s
intentions to get the ball to Randy Moss 40% of the offensive plays per game.
But, the Vikings do need a credible running game to keep opposing defenses
honest. The problem is, Michael Bennett struggled to provide that threat last
season running behind a very mediocre offensive line. The draft was supposed to
bring help, in the form of rookie LT Bryant McKinnie, who promptly held out for
the entire training camp and has yet to sign his contract. So the offense,
behind veterans C Matt Birk and LG Corbin Lacina, will line up across from the
last season�s top NFC run defense � behind run stuffing tackles Keith Traylor
and Ted Washington (a combined 700 pounds in the middle of the line) �� and try to open holes for Bennett. When they
aren�t pass blocking on plays designed to get the ball to Moss. Between the Viking�s game
plan, and the dominant Bears rushing defense, this looks like a tough week for
Bennett to begin the 2002 campaign. It�s one of the toughest match-ups he�ll
face this season. |