January 24th, 2011, Monday
Monday Morning Huddle
(Late Evening Edition)
(Late Evening Edition)
Well the NFL is now down to its’ final two with both the Packers and Steelers coming out victorious in their respective championship matchups. Although I am not surprised to see these two teams heading to Dallas for a February 6th showdown I won’t try and be one of those people that say I had this pick all along. I did however get this matchup right in my friendly and innocent office pool; I actually had three of the four teams in the championships as well (only the Jets were the surprise attendee).
Watching both games was quite thrilling, but it seems the entertainment did not stop at the conclusion of the late game (AFC Championship) with all the media buzz and twittering tweets that took place regarding the disappearance of Jay Cutler. In all fairness to Jay, it does appear he was really hurt and from what I had read in the numerous articles and tweets, I don’t think anyone questioned that fact.
There has been so much already said and written, so I don’t want to get myself all caught up in the uproar here (you can read my lead story “On the Cover”). What needs more speaking of is the two great games that were played, watched, and have now set up what could potentially be one of the greatest Super Bowl matchups in history.
Watching both games was quite thrilling, but it seems the entertainment did not stop at the conclusion of the late game (AFC Championship) with all the media buzz and twittering tweets that took place regarding the disappearance of Jay Cutler. In all fairness to Jay, it does appear he was really hurt and from what I had read in the numerous articles and tweets, I don’t think anyone questioned that fact.
There has been so much already said and written, so I don’t want to get myself all caught up in the uproar here (you can read my lead story “On the Cover”). What needs more speaking of is the two great games that were played, watched, and have now set up what could potentially be one of the greatest Super Bowl matchups in history.
Top Stories
Packers Continue the Ride to Dallas
The Packers entered Soldier Field with two goals in mind, establish the run and beat the Bears. While the numbers don’t jump off the sports pages, running back James Starks accomplished exactly what the Packers offense needed to generate enough scores to beat the Bears. Starks only totaled 74 yards on the ground, but his 22 carries were more than enough to be effective to keep the Packers balanced and the play-action in effect. Starks also jammed a four yard run into the end-zone in the second quarter to help the Packers build a 14-0 lead. With the running game doing just enough, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was able to operate from the pocket with his arm and his legs. Rodgers completed 17 of 30 passes for 244 yards with two interceptions (one off a deflection) and he also scrambled seven times for 39 yards and a one–yard touchdown run. The Packers would need help from their defense to close out this win and would get it in the form of an interception return late in the game by (of all people) defensive lineman B.J. Raji. The score was the difference in the game and gave the cheeseheads a not so pretty win, but one they will take every time.
Mendenhall Bullies His Way Through the Jets Onto Dallas
The Steelers looked like a team of destiny early with running back Rashard Mendenhall shredding the Jets run defense for nearly 100-yards in the first half. Mendenhall would carry the ball 27 times and finish the game with 121 yards and a one-yard touchdown dive in the first quarter to lead the Steelers ground attack. With Mendenhall running the ball very well early, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was able led the Steelers to a first half 24-3 lead, and a lead they would not relinquish. Roethlisberger’s numbers were nothing to swoon over, he completed just 10 of 19 for 133 yards and had two interceptions, but he was able to use his feet to make a few plays rushing for 21 yards and scoring on a two-yard scamper. The Steel Curtain would do their part in the AFC Championship tilt sacking quarterback Mark Sanchez and forcing a fumble that would be scooped up by cornerback William Gay and returned for a touchdown. Like the NFC title game this win for the Steelers was not a pretty one, but it’s one they will keep and the one they needed to move onto their record-tying eighth Super Bowl appearance.
Notables;
With the Packers and the Steelers set to face one another in Super Bowl XVL in Dallas on February 6th, a couple of notable players that should keep the fantasy football faithfuls’ attention…
Packer’s wide receiver Jordy Nelson didn’t see a great many targets on Sunday (just five), but he was the second most targeted receiver for Green Bay and finished Sunday with four catches for 67 yards. Nelson has 12 catches and 146 yards receiving this post season (2nd on the team).
Tight end Heath Miller did not see many balls on Sunday (no Steeler receiver did), but he was targeted four times to lead the team and finished the day with two catches for 38 yards. In their last matchup against Green Bay a year ago, Miller had a career high 118 yards receiving.
Wide receiver Donald Driver was quiet on Sunday with just one catch for nine yards, but he was targeted five times and has 12 catches for 141 yards in the post season (no touchdowns). Last year against these same Steelers he caught three balls for 76 yards.
Just my thoughts.
Packers Continue the Ride to Dallas
The Packers entered Soldier Field with two goals in mind, establish the run and beat the Bears. While the numbers don’t jump off the sports pages, running back James Starks accomplished exactly what the Packers offense needed to generate enough scores to beat the Bears. Starks only totaled 74 yards on the ground, but his 22 carries were more than enough to be effective to keep the Packers balanced and the play-action in effect. Starks also jammed a four yard run into the end-zone in the second quarter to help the Packers build a 14-0 lead. With the running game doing just enough, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was able to operate from the pocket with his arm and his legs. Rodgers completed 17 of 30 passes for 244 yards with two interceptions (one off a deflection) and he also scrambled seven times for 39 yards and a one–yard touchdown run. The Packers would need help from their defense to close out this win and would get it in the form of an interception return late in the game by (of all people) defensive lineman B.J. Raji. The score was the difference in the game and gave the cheeseheads a not so pretty win, but one they will take every time.
Mendenhall Bullies His Way Through the Jets Onto Dallas
The Steelers looked like a team of destiny early with running back Rashard Mendenhall shredding the Jets run defense for nearly 100-yards in the first half. Mendenhall would carry the ball 27 times and finish the game with 121 yards and a one-yard touchdown dive in the first quarter to lead the Steelers ground attack. With Mendenhall running the ball very well early, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was able led the Steelers to a first half 24-3 lead, and a lead they would not relinquish. Roethlisberger’s numbers were nothing to swoon over, he completed just 10 of 19 for 133 yards and had two interceptions, but he was able to use his feet to make a few plays rushing for 21 yards and scoring on a two-yard scamper. The Steel Curtain would do their part in the AFC Championship tilt sacking quarterback Mark Sanchez and forcing a fumble that would be scooped up by cornerback William Gay and returned for a touchdown. Like the NFC title game this win for the Steelers was not a pretty one, but it’s one they will keep and the one they needed to move onto their record-tying eighth Super Bowl appearance.
Notables;
With the Packers and the Steelers set to face one another in Super Bowl XVL in Dallas on February 6th, a couple of notable players that should keep the fantasy football faithfuls’ attention…
Packer’s wide receiver Jordy Nelson didn’t see a great many targets on Sunday (just five), but he was the second most targeted receiver for Green Bay and finished Sunday with four catches for 67 yards. Nelson has 12 catches and 146 yards receiving this post season (2nd on the team).
Tight end Heath Miller did not see many balls on Sunday (no Steeler receiver did), but he was targeted four times to lead the team and finished the day with two catches for 38 yards. In their last matchup against Green Bay a year ago, Miller had a career high 118 yards receiving.
Wide receiver Donald Driver was quiet on Sunday with just one catch for nine yards, but he was targeted five times and has 12 catches for 141 yards in the post season (no touchdowns). Last year against these same Steelers he caught three balls for 76 yards.
Just my thoughts.
Fantasy Spotlight
Unfortunately for the Jets Mark Sanchez, he was the only starting quarterback on Sunday to not throw an interception, but it wasn’t enough to earn him a victory. After surviving a near disastrous first half (trailing 24-3), Sanchez only in his second year in the league, regrouped and led his team to a second half comeback.
Sanchez rebounded in great fashion looking like a savvy veteran under center in the second half against the Steelers. Facing the Steelers vaunted Blitz-burgh pass rush (48 sacks in 2010) Sanchez would complete 13 of 18 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns to lead the second half rally that would fall just short.
On the evening Sanchez finished 20 of 33 for 233 yards with the two scores and a passer rating of 102.2 (highest of the day by far).
He’s our Fantasy Spotlight Player of the Week!
Sanchez rebounded in great fashion looking like a savvy veteran under center in the second half against the Steelers. Facing the Steelers vaunted Blitz-burgh pass rush (48 sacks in 2010) Sanchez would complete 13 of 18 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns to lead the second half rally that would fall just short.
On the evening Sanchez finished 20 of 33 for 233 yards with the two scores and a passer rating of 102.2 (highest of the day by far).
He’s our Fantasy Spotlight Player of the Week!
Diamonds in the Rough
TE-Andrew Quarless
With the Packers set to face the Steelers on February 6th, tight end Andrew Quarles could become a more significant player in the Packers passing game. On Sunday against the Jets the Steelers defense struggled to cover the Jets tight end Dustin Keller who grabbed eight passes for 64 yards. Also. Last year against the Steelers, Packer’s tight end Jermichael Finely was big with nine passes for 74 yards and a score. Quarless is not Finley, but with 21 receptions and 238 yards receiving this season he could offer some production in the pass game on Super Sunday.
WR-Emmanuel Sanders
The Steelers passing game was anemic on Sunday against the Jets secondary, but against the Packers it could find some life. Big Ben (503 yards passing in 2009 against Packers) has been notorious for holding the ball and giving his receivers a chance, so a player like rookie receiver Emmanuel Sanders (5 catches for 74 yards in the post season) could become a factor. Sanders only caught one ball on Sunday, but he was targeted three times and has been (targeted) 10 times in the post season (second on the team).
By David Ortega
With the Packers set to face the Steelers on February 6th, tight end Andrew Quarles could become a more significant player in the Packers passing game. On Sunday against the Jets the Steelers defense struggled to cover the Jets tight end Dustin Keller who grabbed eight passes for 64 yards. Also. Last year against the Steelers, Packer’s tight end Jermichael Finely was big with nine passes for 74 yards and a score. Quarless is not Finley, but with 21 receptions and 238 yards receiving this season he could offer some production in the pass game on Super Sunday.
WR-Emmanuel Sanders
The Steelers passing game was anemic on Sunday against the Jets secondary, but against the Packers it could find some life. Big Ben (503 yards passing in 2009 against Packers) has been notorious for holding the ball and giving his receivers a chance, so a player like rookie receiver Emmanuel Sanders (5 catches for 74 yards in the post season) could become a factor. Sanders only caught one ball on Sunday, but he was targeted three times and has been (targeted) 10 times in the post season (second on the team).
By David Ortega
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