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Super Rematch?
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Minnesota vs. New Orleans*****
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Any
time James Brooks and Ryan Collins lock horns, the game is always a
classic. Expect nothing different, as the PFL begins season #6 with
the traditional rematch of the previous season superbowl.
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As usual a big game from Moss usually equals
a Vikings win. Look for the Saints to key on Moss early..
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Although
Collins is 2-0 vs. Brooks, both of the games were close contest. Collins
escaped with a 24-14 victory in week 9 of the 2001 season. Then in PFL
Superbowl V, Collins emerge victorious defeating Brooks Vikings 56-45.
In both games however, Brooks was able to get out to early leads, only
to collapse in the second half. If Brooks is going to win this one,
he will need to get out to the early lead again, but this time, hold
on to it.
For Brooks
to be successful, he will have to be the masterful methodical Brooks
that helped to earn a #17 national ranking at Nationals III. The key
to Brooks game is establishing the run early. Naturally Collins is aware
of this, and he will look to stuff the Vikings run game early. Gone
is Robert Smith who rushed for 1500 yards last season in Brooks offense.
However, the PFL Superbowl IV champ has been able to incorporate Michael
Bennet into the offense effectively.
If Brooks
can run the ball effectively and control the clock, the Vikings win
here. However, I think Collins smothering defense will force the Vikes
into passing situations they don't want to be in. This is where Collins
wants to have Brooks, in order to T-Off.
Collins
offense is explosive. Look for the champ to go to Horn or Albert Connell
on the deep corner routes. That, with a solid dose of Ricky Williams
may be enough to keep the Vikes off balance. I think the Saints defense
will contain the Vikes running game, put pressure on Culpepper and force
the turnovers. So I'll I take the Saints here by 3
Series
- Collins Leads 2-0, including Superbowl V
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Detroit vs. Dallas*****
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Dell Barton has been wishing he could
put it to The Swammi since last year. Now he has the opportunity to
make his wish come true when he the season with the Cowboys on
Sunday. Barton made his name in the National Madden Community by advancing
to the final 8 in the 2001 Madden Games in New Orleans. He has constantly
noted that The Swammi doesn't give him the respect he deserves in the
PFL for being one of the top ballers. So look for Barton to make a statement
in his game against Dallas.
There is no doubt that what Barton does
with the low rated Lions is nothing short of spectacular. What The Swammi
and Barton do have in common is their allegiance to their favorite teams.
Barton is a die hard Lion fan, and despite living in Florida, being
a Lion season ticket holder, Barton makes the trek to Detroit for Lion
home games.
The Swammi is a Dallas die hard. And
with neither one of these rated high in the EA power rankings, both
ballers must bring excellent schemes to the table to compete with the
better ballers in THE LEAGUE.
As for Sundays game, the Cowboys will
have to contain Barton explosive offense. Look for Dallas to come with
the pressure early. The Swammi will want to take Barton out of his running
game early. Barton will run it, if he has success. But if Dallas stuffs
the run early, it will force Barton into his normal pass happy self.
That is exactly where the Cowboys would like him to be so that the Dallas
D can T-Off. Barton knows this and he will look to exploit the Dallas
man coverage scheme. The key to this game will be can Batch get enough
time to find his receivers down field, or will the Dallas pressure be
too much. If the Batch finds the time, the Lions win. If the Cowboys
D can T-Off effectively, Dallas wins. Barton knows that Dallas will
live or die by the blitz, so look for his game plan to be to counteract
the Dallas rush. This should be a good one, but I think Barton will
a break or two in this one to swing the game in his favor......... Lions
take this one by 2 1/2.
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San Francisco v. Jacksonville****
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Joe Hilton entered the 2002 preseason
tournament set to defend his 2001 Kick Off Classic crown. He probably
was not aware of the ambush he was about to walk into. The Jags jumped
out on Dallas 21-0 in the second round of the preseason tournament only
to end up losing in overtime 34-28. Then in his next game, facing Ryan
Collins, the champ bombarded Hilton 38-9, and it wasn't even that close.
Hilton may be in for a tough start to the season, in a new division
that includes defending champ Collins, and red hot newcomer Tyrell.
On top of that, Hilton has a murderous schedule. Over the past two seasons,
only James Brooks has a better overall PFL record than Hiltons 26-6
mark.
However, throw all of that out of the
window Sunday when the Jags travel to San Francisco to take on Wayne
Allen's 49ers. Allen has had Hilton's number the past few games, including
a regular season win in 2001. The 49ers have revamp attack that is well
balanced and explosive.
Allen likes to use the underrated Kevin
Barlow out of the backfield. Barlow is an excellent runner between the
tackles, but he can take it outside as well. Allen's receiver corps
are some of the biggest on the game. Terrell Owens is literally a beast,
and Stokes and Tai Streets are effective in the passing game as well.
Defensively the Allen employs a very aggressive attacking style that
includes a mixture of blitzes and soft zones. Allen's number one priority
defensively will be to contain the Jags deep threats. Look for Hilton
to run the sweeps and tosses early, to test the Niners strongside pursuit.
Allen is one the top defenders against the run in the league, so this
should not be a factor. Look for Allen to contain the Jags running attack,
forcing the Jags to throw it deep. Allen will then T-Off on Brunell.
This should be a close one in the end, but I look for Allen to take
the upset. I'll take the 49ers by 2
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Pittsburgh vs. NY Jets****
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This one is not only for a win in week
one, but for the championship of the Kick Off Classic preseaon tourney.
Hot rookie prospect Tyrell rolled through the preseason tourney defeating
defending champion Collins, Brooks, The Swammi and anyone else who lined
up in front of him. Rod Lucas had an impressive showing as well. After
losing to The Swammi in his first game, Rod crusied through the losers
bracket, earning a shot at Tryell.
Tyrell has stick control along the likes
of Ray Green. He is remarkable with qb Kordell Stewart in the pocket,
which makes it difficult to apply pressure. Tyrell's running game is
equally as impressive as his passing. He is very effective with The
Bus...ala Ray Green.
Rod Lucas game is no slouch either.
Rod uses Curtis Martin effectively in his offense, and he loves to mix
it up. He has a balanced attack offensively, and mixes his man and zone
coverages effectively on defense. Tyrell will have be ready to defend
the corner threat, which one of Rod's go to plays. This should not be
a big concern for Tyrell. While he doesn't blitz that often, he has
great cover skills in the secondary, and reacts to the ball swiftly.
He will need to do that against Rod who loves to look for Laverneus
Coles.
I like Rod's game, but I like Tyrells
stick control, and ability to escape the pressure better. So I'll take
the Steelers in this one by 4.
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Chicago v. San Diego****
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.Teddy B! is riding high after his 41-0
drubbing of Kwan Drakes Bucs during the preseason. That's the kind of
confidence Brown will need when he takes on newcomer Steve Stewart and
the Chicago Bears. Its a PFL first for both of these teams.
Brown spent two years in Buffalo before
coming to San Diego. And it seems as though Brown knows how to change
teams, and find a winner. 3 of 2 of Browns previous three teams have
landed him the Superbowl. He hopes the Chargers will be the fourth.
Brown is obviously a big Doug Flutie
fan. Having the number two pick in the PFL's first ever draft lottery,
Brown passed on Denver, Philadelphia, Green Bay and several other teams,
choosing the Bolts.
But Brown will never ounce of his game
when he faces the king of gimmicks, Steve Stewart. Stewart has already
made a name for himself as the "Glitch Master." Whether or
not that title is deserving is another story. Nevertheless, Stewart
has some awesome plays in his repertoire, including an onside kick that
he recovers at a near 80% clip.
Brown will need to be ready for Stewart's
antics. The Bears have a smothering defense, and an equally explosive
offense. Brown should look for heavy blitzing, and constant hurry offense.
For Stewart, he must zero in on Brown's
go to guy, Tim Dwight. Dwight is lethal in the corner post, and combined
with Brown's use of L.T. out of the backfield, the Bears defense will
be presented with some challenges.
However, I think Steve will have too
many tricks up his sleeve for Brown on this one. I think Teddy B! makes
it a close one, but I like the Bears to hold off the Bolts in this one.
I like the Bears by 4.
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Philadelphia v. Tennessee***
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Kevin Fox make his third coaching stop
in three years in the PFL in Philadelphia. Last time the Eagles were
in the PFL, they were under the helm of Joe Hilton. Those were the days
of Ricky Watters, Ty Detmer and Irving Fryar. The new look Eagles however,
pack a more potent punch. The only name you need mention is McNabb.
But Donovan also has the Duece, along with two solid receivers, and
good TE and a nasty defense.
David Hines is coming off his best season
posting a 8-7-1 mark last year. This year he looks to improve on that,
but he is in one of the toughest divisions in the league, with Collins,
Tyrell, and Hilton. That is why some early wins will be important for
Hines before he has to face his division powerhouses.
Look for Hines to be somewhat careful
and methodical early. This could be good for Hines because he doesn't
want to turn the ball over early and allow Fox some easy scores. However,
at some point the Titans will have to go deep and take some shots. Fox
should expect a early dose of Eddie George outside. And of course McNair
will look for Wycheck in key situtations. Fox usually plays good run
pursuit outside, so Hines needs to be ready to run the ball between
the tackles.
As for Fox, I look to say McNabb mobile
in and out of the pocket, throwing the ball deep. Fox had a lot of success
late in the season with Bubba Franks, so look for him to have the TE's
involved in the offense as well. Defensively, I expect to see the Eagles
blitz early and often to force Hines into an up tempo game.
Fox is hungry after coming off a 7-9
record last season, his worst ever. I look for him to make a statement
early in the season against Tennessee. I think I will go with the
Eagles here by 4.
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Baltimore v. Tampa Bay***
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Is there such a thing as a must win
in week 1? Both of these teams can make a case for a yes answer because
they are both in tough divisions, so every out of division game is important.
With the Bucs in the same division as Dallas and Chicago, and the Ravens
facing the Vikings and Jets at least twice a year, every game will be
crucial towards earning a playoff spot. Ed Hayward, coming off of a
9-7 season, is looking to find the stride he had in 2000 where he enjoyed
11-5 with the Chiefs. It's no question that the Ravens have the D to
make some noise, but can Hayward put his offensive package together
to challenge Brooks or newcomer Rod for the division title, or a playoff
spot.
Kwan Drake on the other hand was red
hot early in the preseason, but since has fizzled some what. In the
preseason tourney Drake played well, but lost two tough games. Now he
is battling his confidence. A win over the Ravens would be a great confidence
booster, especially since he must face his nemesis Ryan Collins and
the Saints in his second game.
If Drake is going to be successful he
will have to take what was successful for him in the preseason to another
level for the regular season. Drake's offense is centered around two
people. Keyshawn and Warrick Dunn. Drake was able to get Dunn into thefield on deep streaks. The speedy scat back is also effective on
sweeps and tosses, especially out of the single back multiple TE sets.
Look for Drake to go long to Keyshawn on what we call here in the PFL,
"The Chuck and %^*$ (rhymes with chuck)!"
Hayward will need to be able to defend
the deep ball and keep Drake in passing situations. The Bucs are at
their best when Drake can keep the defense off balance with a potent
running attack the features Dunn and Alstott. This is when Drake is
at his best, when mixes the two backs successfully.
Offensively, Hayward will need to be
able to take advantage of Drake's Nickel blitz package. Drake usually
brings the pressure from the weak side, so Hayward, who was rather successful
running Jammal Lewis early last season, will need to do the same this
season. If Hayward can stay out of the passing situations, and neutralize
the Bucs pressure, he will have a good shot a bringing home the W. If
not, it could be a long day for Elvis Grbac.
I think the Bucs take advantage of a
Ravens slow start here and steal this one in a close one.
I like the Bucs, barely by 1.
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Oakland vs. Denver***
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The Raidersr last season was against
the Broncos. But last year it was Alex Smolka at the helm in Denver.
This season, Tony Gray takes over the Broncs after a 6-10 season his
rookie year in New England.
Gray has all the tools offensively to
cause problems for his opponents. First there is T.D., and Anderson,
and Gary in the backfield, along with two big time receivers in Smith
and McCaffery. And the TE Chamberlain is no slouch either. Defensively
is where Gray will have to work to put it together.
The Raiders are impressive on the ground.
Barrows use of Charlie Garner is the key to Oakland's attack. This will
be the key for Barrow. Look for Gray to come with the blitz early, especially
if the Raiders are in passing situations. Gray has a couple of effective
blitz packages that won't give Gannon much time to throw it. That is
why Barrow needs to be effective with the running game early. Look for
Garner to run primarily outside, with Barrow going to Tim Brown or Rice
underneath.
This one can go either way, but I have
to pick someone, . Therefore, I'm taking the Broncos
by 3 1/2.
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St. Louis v. New York*
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Brain Cook has been in the PFL for four
years. He is now on his fourth team. Cook started in the PFL in Seattle,
before moving to Atlanta, then Washington last year. This year Cook
has the high powered Rams. Cook certainly has the offensive weapons
to make some noise. And the Rams defense is solid, if you set them up
with the right scheme. That will be the challenge for the Rams this
season, to build a scheme defensively that will contain the power offenses
in the PFL.
Cook takes on his sparring partner David
Nunez in thisr. Nunez has been in the PFL for two years......he
has two wins. Going 1-15 the past two seasons for Nunez has made him
the designated League whupping boy. There is no scouting report available
for the Giants, but chances are they will struggle to be competitive
once again this year.
No need to talk X's and O's here. Cook
should win this one easily.....Rams by 9
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Miami vs. Indianapolis*
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Early word out of the New River camp
is that Zo Ellis will be much improved this season. Just about anything
would be better than the 3-13 mark Zo posted last season.
The Dolphins haven't faired much better
posting only two wins a season, for the past 3 years.
The book on Womack is that he is usually
competitive early in the games before he falls apart in the second half.
If Mack want to get off the schnide early, he will have to maintain
his composure and finish the job early in the season. With Mack in the
same division and Drake, The Swammi, Tony Gray and newcomer Steve, wins
will be hard to come by for the Fins.
Although this one gets a low one star
rating, the finish should be an exciting one.
No need to talk strategy here, both
teams are too unpredictable, and neither really know what they want
to do themselves. I'll take a guess on this one and say - Colts by
2 1/2.
Week
2 Games - Swammi's Odds
Lions
@ Ravens - Lions by 7
Bears @ Titans - Bears by 10
Dolphins @ Giants - Dolphins by 5
Steelers @ Broncos - Steelers by 8
Cowboys @ Jags - Jags by 1
Chargers @ Raiders - Chargers by 4 1/2
Rams @ Colts - Rams by 3
Jets @ Eagles - Jets by 4
Vikings @ 49es - Vikings by 6
Bucs @ Saints - Saints by 6
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