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Super Rematch?
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Buffalo vs. Minnesota*****
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With
Teddy B. falling to the Redskins in theng round of the PFL Kick
Off Classic, the much anticipated Super rematch between the Bills and
the Vikings has lost a little of its luster. However, this game still
packs enough punch to be the PFL game of the week. Teddy B. has earned
the respect of ballers across the nation, advancing to the single elimination
round of the National Championship tournament each year. That is an
accomplishment his opponent (Brooks) in this weeks game can't lay claim
to. However, Brooks, does have the PFL Championship trophy, and if Brown
wants to get it, his road must go through Minnesota starting Sunday.
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Teddy Brown will depend on Doug Flutie's mobility
to get away from the vaunted Viking pass rush.
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Brown has
gotten off to a rocky start to say the least this preseason. He has
struggled to find the same confidence in his game he enjoyed last season.
Brooks on the other hand, has his game in mid season form, and is clearly
one of the favorites to win it all again this season.
There are
two keys to winning the football game for Brown this week. One, contain
the Viking running game. Brooks was number one in THE LEAGUE in rushing,
with Robert Smith who gained over 1200 yards last season. Brooks is
most lethal when he can mix up Randy Moss, and Robert Smith in the game
plan. Two, give Flutie time to throw the football. Brooks has develop
an intense pressure style defensive attack, that forces the opponent
into turning the ball over. The Vikings will show blitz, then drop into
zone, or not show blitz, and bring the whole kitchen sink. Brown's ability
to read the swift Minnesota linebackers will be the key.
For the
Vikes, look for Brooks to bring his same lethargic style of play. Beating
the opponent into submission with patient clock consuming drives. Brown
will have to be patient defensively and pick and choose when to gamble.
Brooks likes to run Robert Smith outside, so Brown will need to be ready
for the sweeps and tosses, specifically from the one back set. Brooks
also like to go to Randy Moss, mostly on the deep post. Defensively
for Brooks, he will play a good mixture of man/zone early giving brown
different looks from the 4-3 and nickel. Look for Brown to get off in
the deep flats and deep down the center of the field. Brown loves to
look for the great TE Riemsmera in clutch situations. Brooks, should
be aware of where the TE lines up in each formation. Brown also likes
to go 5 wide occasionally. The key for Brooks here will be solid man
coverage vs. Browns 5 wide set.
These two
know each other well. But this is a different game, and a different
year. I look for Brown to get off to a slow start this week, but heat
up as the season progresses. Brooks however, is set to get off to a
great start with a rather easy schedule early. I look for this one to
be close early, with Brown making the crucial turnover late in the 2nd
quarter or early in the third to change the momentum of the game.
I like the Vikings here by 4 1/2
Series
- Brooks leads 2-1, including Superbowl IV
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Green Bay vs. Tampa Bay****
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Kevin Fox comes into this PFL season
with a confidence level not seen since the 1997 season, when he won
the championship of the PFL experimental season. Now, knowing he does
not have a true title to call his own, he sets out with a vengeance
to prove The Swammi, and everyone else in the PFL, that he is not only
capable of winning the title, but he will win it all, just as he did
in 1997. That is why this week I look for Fox to try and make a statement
against the Bucs. Kwan Drake is trying to get his PS2 game in line with
where he was after that great 11-5 PS1 season of a year ago. Drake has
shown flashes of great play, but has also been somewhat inconsistent
finishing off his opponents, thus allowing them to hang around too long,
something he did not allow to happen last season. In order for Drake
to be successful this week, he must do two things. One, force Fox to
be one dimensional, taking Dorsey Levens out of the game plan. Fox has
incorporated more of a running game into his attack this season, more
so than any other season before. Although Levens was one of the league
leaders in rushing last season, much of those yards were on screens,
credited as rushes. This season, Fox is pounding the ball, primarily
between the tackles. Drake must address this early. No doubt Tampa Bay
has the talent to stop the Packers run, but the key is whether or not
Drake can call the right schemes to frustrate Fox early, getting him
to throw the football. Secondly the Bucs must keep an eye on big play
TE Bubba Franks, who is quietly emerging as one of Fox's go to guys.
No doubt Fox will still go to Freeman. But Freeman has exhibited a case
of the dropsy's occasionally. Fox is gaining more and more confidence
in Franks as his game develops. Drake will need to put pressure on Fox
negating the TE enough time to get deep down the field. Offensively
the Bucs will look to get the ball in the hands of their excellent 1-2
punch of Alstott and Dunn. Fox has always played the run as good as
anyone else in THE LEAGUE, so Drake should expect him to put the clamps
down on his backs. It is here where the Bucs must make the critical
adjustments and get the passing game going. Remember, Fox's safetys,
Butler and Sharper were league leaders in INTS last season. I expect
the same this season, so Drake should not look to go deep often early.
Instead, he may look to mix pounding the ball, with quick passes underneath,
toup a chance to go long. The key here is picking and choosing
the right moment. Defensively, the Pack will bring the heat, looping
his DT to create pressure on Bucs QB Shaun King. I think this will be
the key of the game, if Drake can pick up the Packer pressure. If so,
he stays in the game. If not, Fox's safeties get greedy, and have a
field day. That is why I'll take Green Bay by 3 1/2.
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Detroit vs. Washington****
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This should be an interesting matchup
this week. Brian Cook surprised many last week by playing solid football
on all sides of the ball. By upsetting PFL Superbowl runner up Teddy
B. and two time PFL Champion The Creator, Cook took the tourney by storm
before falling to tournament winner Joe Hilton. Cook's special teams
were excellent, as well as his ground attack, and defensively the Washington
secondary earned its money. Cook is getting the most out of high priced
stars Stephen Davis and Deion Sanders. With Champ Bailey and Darrell
Green playing the slot, the skins by far have the best secondary in
THE LEAGUE...bar none. And if Cook continues to play like he did in
the Kick Off Classic, the Skins will be a force to be dealt with. But
facing PFL rookie Dell Barton will be his biggest challenge so far early
in the season. Barton romped Wayne Allen in the first round of the Classic
last week, before being stymied by tournament winner Hilton in the next
round. But Barton brings an explosive fast break offense to the table.
And Cook has a history of struggling with these type of ballers. However,
if Barton recklessly throws it up for grabs, which he can do sometimes,
he will put himself in a tough situation against Cook's blanketing cornerbacks.
Cook is showing patience in his game. He was very effective running
the ball between the tackles with Steven Davis, while mixing up his
vertical passing game, going deep to his speedsters on offense, including
Deion Sanders. The key to the game will be Cook's ability to contain
Barton's receivers on the deep post, and the deep in. Using Batch, Barton
has the kind of mobile quarterback that can buy him time to throw it
deep after the coverage breaks down. Cook will have to apply pressure
especially in key third down situations to avoid this. Offensively,
the Skins will have to be effective running the ball. Barton loves to
get his opponents into a passing contest, where he can tee off with
an assortment of blitzes. This game will tell if Cook will be for real
this season. Barton, although he bowed out early in the Kick Off Classic,
will be no pushover this season. Cook is showing flashes of great play,
but I'm not yet quite convinced it will be consistent. Barton is looking
to make a statement here....... Lions take this one by 5.
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Jacksonville vs. NY Jets***
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Darrin Taylor was ambushed by Swammi's
Cowboys in the preseason tournament, but don't let that fool you into
thinking he won't be competitive come season time. Taylor made an excellent
showing in his PFL rookie season posting a 9-7 record and a playoff
appearance. Now he looks to improve upon that and take it to the next
level. However, he has the daunted task of facing Classic winner Joe
Hilton onng day. Hilton is firing on all cylinders right now.
His game, while it will continue to improve, is at mid season form to
say the least. Taylor has several concerns he must address coming into
Sunday's game. First, he has to adjust to picking up the pass rush.
Hilton likes to take his DE and loop him off the opposite side to create
an overload on the weak side. Taylor must also contend with the explosive
deep game that Hilton possess. The Jags can go deep at will and make
the defense pay, especially when sensing the blitz. The Jags stubborn
man coverage is another facet of Hilton's diverse game plan that Taylor
must be concerned with. The Jags swarm to the ball to make plays, even
when out of position, they can get there. Hilton will need to get to
the ball quickly because if the Jags are slipping, Taylor will find
his big TE Brach or go to guy Wayne Crebet for big plays. I think Taylor
shows more improvement this week as the Jets will get better as the
season goes, but I like Hilton and the Jags in this one by 9.
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Dallas vs. St. Louis***
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This is a rematch of last years week
one feature game. Both teams return this season looking to build on
premature exits from the playoffs last season. The Creator is slowing
getting his game primed. Gresham has only had his system now for about
a month, so while not as polished as The Swammi, he still poses a major
threat to Dallas this weekend. The one thing you have to respect about
Gresham is his unpredictability. The Rams have an explosive offense
with weapons at every position. Although Gresham's game is still in
its developing stages, expect him each week to become more and more
solid. The Swammi had an impressiver, making it to the championship
game of the tournament, upsetting PFL Champ Brooks, and newcomer Ryan
Collins along the way. But The Swam can't rest his laurels this week,
as he faces the coach that defeated him just seasons ago in PFL Superbowl
III. Look for Gresham to unleash some new looks after being humbled
by Brian Cook last week. This game will be interesting, but don't put
to much stock into it. The Creator will have his say before it is all
said and done, but Dallas time on the system leans me towards the Cowboys
to win by 4.
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Baltimore @ New England***
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Ed Haywood has to face unfamiliar newcomer
to THE LEAGUE Tony Gray as ther for the Ravens 2001 season. Gray,
a last minute replacement for the defunked Rick Fox, enters the PFL
with Alex Smolka's former team, the Patriots. This will be an interesting
matchup for both teams, as we only can expect the unexpected. Ed Haywood
is trying to bounce back from a disappointing 9-7 campaign in which
he started the season as one of the favorites to go to the Superbowl.
After departing KC for the stingy defense of Baltimore, Haywood looks
to refine his offensive attack to complement his defense. Look for Ed
to gradually implement all types of gadgetry into the offense as the
season progresses. Haywood loves to use motion, flipped formations and
audibles to confuse his opponents. While he may not have a healthy offering
of this style of play on Sunday, expect nothing less as the season moves
on. Tony Gray is certainly an unknown in THE LEAGUE. No one has ever
seen him play, therefore, all the ballers will get a glimpse of his
style onng day for the first time. However, in talking to Gray,
he seems to prefer a balanced approach. Gray played organized league
ball in Miami before coming to the PFL this season. Since rookies in
the PFL rarely fare well in their debut, I look for Haywood to squeak
by this one in a close one
I like the Raven, barely by 2.
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Oakland vs. Denver**
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This marks the debut of Alex Smolka
in Denver. After 4 years in New England, Smolka picks up his Playbook
and heads west for the Rockies. And with the way A. B and the Raiders
are playing, Smolka may be in for a rocky start. Although the Raiders
didn't make any noise in the preseason tournament, Barrow has an excellent
scheme. The Raiders posses a quick short attack which relies on the
WR's making big plays on RAC. (Runs After Catch) Barrow's timing is
impeccable to Brown or Porter, two of his stellar wide outs. Smolka,
fresh off of just obtaining his game could be in for a rude awakening.
Although there is an element of unknown to Smolka's game, his time on
the PS2 may not be enough to run with the bold Raiders. Barrow game
is quick and lethal, and somewhat unconventional. His use of audibles
and hot routes, negates the defensive's ability to effectively play
the flats, and squat in zones. Too much cover 2 and your safety will
be looking at Tim Brown all day. Smolka must be respected however. After
all, he nearly won Superbowl II, so he brings a wealth of knowledge
and skill to the table. However, it may be to early in the season for
him to face a primed Raider offense. Therefore, I'm taking the Raiders
by 4 1/2.
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San Francisco vs. Indianapolis**
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After the nasty 41-7 drubbing the Niners
took from Detroit in the Kick Off Classic, coupled with a shutout side
game vs. Green Bay, Wayne Allen ran home to the lab to retool and refine
both the offense and defense in preparation forng day. This week
the Niners take on the Zo Ellis and the Colts, the lone baller in the
PFL yet to acquire a PS2 unit. This works in Allen's favor as he needs
to get off to a good a start, and the Colts may be the team he can catch
napping early. Don't expect Allen to be napping. Last year's kick off
classic champion has been in the lab revamping the offense, and will have
a new look forng day. Meanwhile Zo is struggling to develop the
kind of consistency he will need to sustain a respectable season in THE
LEAGUE. Look for Allen to unveil an array of new schemes for the Colts.
Zo may have problems matching up with Allen's multiple offensive sets.
The Colts secondary is one of the worst in THE LEAGUE and look for Allen
to take advantage of it. Allen has to be wary of the Colts style of play.
Since Ellis is out of the New River Camp, look for him to incorporate
certain tendencies shown by Barrow and Fox, both of whom Allen has struggled
with in the preseason. Zo has to get off with Edgerrin James, early. The
Colts have the offensive weapons to make some noise. The question however
is whether or not Coach Zo will employ schemes clever enough to get his
prime time players to make big plays for him. No need to talk X's and
O's here. This week Allen improves the defense, up the offense and
wins this one easily.
I like the 49ers by 6.
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NY Giants @ Tennessee*
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Whew! This one wreaks, Stinker Bowl I.
The interesting thing about this game is that someone has to win. (It
could go to a 0-0 tie, but thats unlikely) Hines has shown improvement
on his game and hopes to improve on his 1-15 campaign for the last two
seasons. If he is going to do that, he must start with a win over his
1-15 counterpart Nunez. Last season, Nunez won the meeting earning his
lone win of the season against Hines. This season, I do look for both
ballers to improve on their dismal records from last season....but not
very much. No need to talk X's and O's here. Someone has to win and my
coin flip says....Titans by a FG.
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Miami vs. Carolina*
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Can you say blood bath? The Panther dismantled
the Dolphins in the Kick Off Classic, and unfortunately for Womack, he
sees them again this week. The Panthers did show excellent sportsmanship
by not running the score up on the Fins, which they could have easily
done. Cudos to Ryan Collins for that. The only question this week is whether
or not Collins will go easy on Womack again? No need for strategy in this
one, Collins all the way in an easy one - Panthers by 13.
Week
2 Games - Swammi's Odds
Colts
@ Raiders - Raiders by 8
Carolina @ Buffalo - Panthers by 4 1/2
Bucs @ Patriots - Bucs by 9
Titans @ Jags - Jags by 13
Lions @ Giants - Giants by 18
Cowboys @ Broncos - Cowboys by 7
Vikings @ Dolphins - Vikings by 10
Jets @ Rams - Rams by 1
Ravens @ Packers - Packers by 5 1/2
49ers @ Redskins - Pick Em
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ALOther PFL
Games
Complete Scouting
Report of other Games
Pack
vs. Bucs
Lions
vs. Skins
Rams
vs. Cowboys
Jets
vs. Jags
Ravens
vs. Pats
Raiders
vs. Broncos
49ers
vs. Colts
Giants
vs. Titans
Carolina
vs. Miami
Swammi's
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Week's Schedule
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