Sunday, December 26, 2010

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

December 26th, 2010, Sunday
Sunday Morning Gametime


Today’s injury notes

The Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez practiced Friday and is expected to start today against the Bears according to ESPN. Sanchez is dealing with a sore shoulder, but did not suffer any setbacks this week; he is clear to play and will start.

The Patriots are likely to go after their 13th win and a chance to clinch a division title today without rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez. He has been downgraded to doubtful with a hip injury and is not expected to play today, according to the Patriots Twitter feed.

The Jaguars are not expecting running back Maurice Jones-Drew to be available today against the Redskins. MJD missed practice all week and looks doubtful for today’s matchup. Running back Rashard Jennings would get the start if MJD is unable to go.

The Packers will have quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning to the lineup today against the Giants. Rodgers, recovering from a concussion was cleared earlier in the week to return to the field and practiced well all week with the team this week. He is expected to start.

Before they signs indicated this game could be postponed, the Vikings quarterback Brett Favre was looking doubtful for Sunday night. If the game gets moved, you’d better check back on Favre’s status.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Texan’s are likely to be without wide receiver Andre Johnson (ankle). The Texan’s wideout is listed as doubtful for Sunday, but Johnson will test the ankle during warm-ups; the Texan’s play a late game today.

The Bengals will not have Chad Ochocinco (foot) available today against the visiting Chargers. The team has declared the wide receiver inactive. Rookie receiver Jordan Shipley and Andre Caldwell and expected to start for the injured TO and Ochocinco.


Today’s Matchup

Weather conditions should have little effect on Philip Rivers today, expect to the see the Bolts’ quarterbacks do what he does so well; throw the ball. He should have a big day as one of the top rated quarterbacks in the league.

Rodgers will be a risk and reward play today against the Giants. As long as he is protected he’ll be able to torch the Giants’ secondary, but expect the G-men to come after him with lots of blitzes and pressure. As long as he is standing he’s due for a big passing day.

Rashard Jennings is expected to start in place of the injured MJD, but he is not MJD. The Redskins are however the 27th ranked run defense. Jennings should be productive (90+ total yards), but not likely to have a huge game.

With Andre Johnson ailing, tight end Owen Daniels could become more of a focal point in the pass game against an awful Broncos secondary. Daniels should see plenty of targets today and has a good chance at scoring Sunday.

The Jaguars defense ranks 18th against the run, so expect to see a heavy does of Redskin’s running back Ryan Torain. With Grossman making his second start on Sunday the Redskins would like to get Torain rolling early and see a more balanced attack. Torain leads the team with 616 yards rushing and three touchdowns this season.

By David Ortega

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