The Tiger Report: 11/17/11

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Shonn Greene left the game early

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on November 17, 2011, 9:03 PM EST

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The Jets were already short at running back heading into Thursday Night Football. Now they’re really short.

Shonn Greene went to the locker room with a rib injury in the first quarter of Thursday’s game. He’s questionable to return.

Joe McKnight has taken over and quickly picked up a third down conversion. Rookie Bilal Powell is active and will get in the mix.

Denver leads 3-0 early; Tim Tebow already has completed more passes than he did all last week.

Stafford claims he is learning to throw with a glove on

Posted by Michael David Smith on November 17, 2011, 6:04 PM EST

Lions quarterback Stafford is chased down by Bears Briggs and Idonije in the first half of their NFL football game in Chicago

Reuters

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will wear a glove on his passing hand for the second straight game on Sunday against the Panthers, but this time he says not to expect a repeat of his four-interception performance against the Bears.

Instead, Stafford said, he has practiced with his glove on and is now comfortable passing with it.

“It’s the first time I’ve really hurt my throwing hand,” Stafford told MLive.com. “Just trying to find different ways, whatever works for [me] as far as learning how to throw with it and things like that. The last couple of weeks, I’ve figured out how to get around it and throw just fine with it.”

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Johnny Jolly sentenced to six years in prison

Posted by Michael David Smith on November 17, 2011, 2:54 PM EST

Suspended Packers defensive lineman Johnny Jolly, who has been arrested four times on drug charges, has been sentenced to six years in prison.

The Associated Press reports that Jolly tearfully asked Judge Denise Bradley for another chance, but Bradley decided he’s had enough chances.

This sentence is the result of a probation violation for getting arrested with codeine and tampering with evidence in October. His probation stemmed from a plea deal he got in April over a previous arrest for codeine possession.

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Meet the real underdog from "4th and Long"

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on November 17, 2011, 12:29 PM EST

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Cowboys receiver and reality show winner Jesse Holleymade national news when he helped Dallas beat San Francisco early in the year.

Holley’s story was one of perseverance. He made it through the football wilderness, winning Michael Irvin’s “Fourth and Long” reality show before eventually making an impact in Dallas.

An even better story has quietly played out in Cincinnati. The runner up on the same show, receiver Andrew Hawkins, has started to emerge with the Bengals.

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Seattle suffers another huge blow with loss of Carpenter

Posted by Mike Florio on November 17, 2011, 9:29 AM EST

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As the Seahawks try to move closer to .500, they’ll have to do it without their first-round pick from the 2011 draft.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that right tackle James Carpenter tore an ACL during practice on Wednesday. He’s lost for the season.

The move comes only days after right guard John Moffitt, a third-round pick in 2011, was lost for the season with a knee injury.

Both players had started all nine games this season.

The 3-6 Seahawks face the 2-7 Rams on Sunday. Both are barely in the rear-view mirror of the 8-1 49ers.

Exciting Announcement!

Hello TTR Fans,

A few weeks ago Matt Miller of New Era Scouting announced that his company was going to have five openings for interns to help through the bulk of the scouting season. The interns would have the opportunity to work for New Era Scouting in the months leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft. This internship would offer opportunities to do write draft related content for the site, networking within the industry, and access to credentials for draft related events.

I am excited to announce that I was selected from a pool of 96 applicants. I look forward to working with some of the industry's best scouts and writers. Learning as much as possible in the process. We will still be busting our butts to make sure that The Tiger Report is still on top of all things football, as well as bringing you even better content in the process.

Thanks for your continued support of The Tiger Report.

Sincerely,
Tiger

TTR's Week 11 Picks

Current record 85-47 (64%)

Last Week 7-9 (Ouch, what a terrible week for picks.)

Thursday Night

Jets at Broncos - This is not the Raiders or Chiefs coming to town, it's the Jets. A team with a far better defense than your AFC West counterparts. The Broncos will not be able to beat the Jets with this excuse for an offense. I guess what I don't get is why Tim Tebow is still on the field, if they are not going to at least attempt to use him as a quarterback. The whole option thing is a gimmick that is more of a joke than anything. It has worked to this point, but it will not last. So if they actually have any intention of developing players, they need to at least attempt some pass plays. Winning can not be the most important thing right now for Denver, it has to be talent evaluation and development time. The writing is on the wall, Fox has already said Tebow would be "screwed" if he was still in a traditional offense. So I don't see how he can be in their long term plans. Unless they are trying to increase his trade value as an H-back. Jets win an ugly game, 24-17.

Sunday

Panthers at Lions - Both of these squads were awful last week. The Panthers could not do anything against the Titans, and players hinted at getting into Cam's head. On the other hand, the Lions were embarrassingly bad against Chicago. I think this game comes do two Stafford in all honesty. Was it his finger or the wind in Chicago that caused his erratic throws? I don't know, but we should have a better idea this week at home in the dome. If the Lions don't gift wrap this game like they did last week, they should be able to win. The Panthers backs have not been dominant, but as a team they are 8th in rushing. I can see some option reads causing a little trouble for Detroit's attacking front, but nothing that they can't adjust to. I think we will find that the Lions are going to dial up more blitzes than normal, and not because Cam is a rookie, but because he is a mobile quarterback. Gunther Cunningham has often felt the best way to slow down mobile QBs is to attack them, so I expect to see a more aggressive game-plan defensively. Defensively the key for the Panthers will be their linebackers ability to cover the tight ends and backs. I am not sure if they are up to the task. Lions get back on track for at least one game, 30-17.

Raiders at Vikings - This match up is interesting to dissect. The Vikings despite having a 2-7 record have played far more competitively than it would indicate. They also are ranked 31st in defensive scoring, but they are actually ranked 6th in rush defense. That is a very strange combination. They will look to continue that run defense against Michael Bush and the Raiders 4th ranked rush defense. McFadden will miss yet another game, and Bush will carry the load with small doses of Taiwan Jones sprinkled in for extra flavor. Adrian Peterson should romp through this defense and Ponder should do well against a week Oakland secondary. If Carson Palmer didn't play a nearly perfect game last week, I would actually lean towards the Vikes in this match up. But he did, so I won't. Raiders extend their lead in the AFC West as they win in Minnesota 24-17.

Cowboys at Redskins - Remember when the Redskins where the "best" in the NFC East, and Deion Sanders called Rex Grossman the best QB in the division. My how things have changed. The Skins have five in a row, and 6 of the last 7. It's too bad that such a good defense is rotting away in the Nation's Capital this year. The Redskins offense has been terrible though. I am not sure how much longer Daniel Snyder is going to wait for the Shanahans to put this thing together. From an outside perspective it almost seems like they are outsmarting themselves. I still don't understand why he seemingly refuses to play the hot hand at running back. It's almost as if he is trying to play the least productive back each week. They also are just not running the ball enough. Washington has a top 10 ranked scoring defense, they can afford to run the ball more. Instead they are tied with Indianapolis at 22.4 attempts per game. This recipe is not working, and that isn't about to change this weekend. Dallas is in the middle of what is about to be a long win streak on a soft schedule. 'Boys win 27-14.

Bills at Dolphins - These two teams are trending in opposite directions over the past two weeks. The Dolphins have come to life but can they beat the Bills? The Bills have had two tough losses to the Cowboys and Jets. The key to both of those games was their ability to shut down the Bills passing game and force Fitzpatrick into mistakes. If the Dolphins could force Fitzy to play small ball all day and frustrate him, they could come away with the win. But I am not sure if they can do it. Yes the 'Phins have only allowed 12 points over the last two games but they were not exactly against elite competition either. Miami is still ranked 25th in pass defense and 20th overall, so I don't think they can do what the other teams did to Buffalo. I also think the Bills get back to feeding Fred Jackson the ball, as his touches have dropped off the last two games. I expect that to get fixed and that the Bills win on the road, 24-21.

Jaguars at Browns - Ok, so I have to admit I have been a bit harsh on Colt McCoy. He actually played better than I expected, showing more arm strength than I thought he had. However, I still hate this offense. Quite frankly they are boring to watch, just like the Jaguars. At least the Jags have an excuse, I mean rookie at quarterback. Gabbert has not looked very good this year, but I am not sure if it is more that is not an NFL caliber QB or if it is just the fact that he doesn't have weapons around him. The Jags must find a way to land a top flight wide receiver in this draft, or they will waste yet another young quarterback's career. The sad thing about this whole match up, is that both teams have surprisingly good defenses that are getting totally lost in their pitiful seasons. In a game of bad offenses and good defenses, I pick the Jaguars on the road. Why? Because the Jags have the one thing that always travels well, running the ball and stopping the run. The Browns on the other hand are not doing either well, as they are 30th in rush defense this year, despite being 6th overall. Jags win a low scoring game on the road, 16-13.

Bengals at Ravens - It is no secret that I get excited about a young Bengals team. Despite losing a close game to the Steelers last week, they showed they are not intimidated by the division bullies. They are not going back down, or fall apart if they get behind. I think that if Leon Hall and AJ Green both did not leave the game due to injury, that the Bengals could have won that game. With that being said, they just lost two of their best players right in the midst of the toughest part of their schedule. Unless the bad Ravens show up this week, I expect the Bengals to fight, but fall short. The Ravens continue to fight for 1st in the AFC North. Ravens win 27-24.

Buccaneers at Packers - This battle of former NFC Central foes will not be very competitive. The Packers are obliterating people week after week, and the Buccaneers are just not the good young team that so many people thought they were. Aaron Rodgers continues his soon to be legendary season. Packers roll into the Thanksgiving match up in Detroit at 10-0. Pack destroy the Bucs, 38-17.

Seahawks at Rams - This is a hard game for me to figure out. The Rams are the more talented team, but are riddled with injuries. The Seahawks are not as talented, but they are like a roller coaster ride waiting to happen. They beat the Giants, Ravens, and almost the Falcons. But they lose to the Browns. Seattle has had a rough schedule though with games against the Niners, AFC North, and NFC East. Unless the Rams open up the offense to Sam Bradford more, we will continue to see poor performances. Averaging 6.0 yards per pass attempt is 29th in the league, this has to improve. Until it does, the Seahawks beat the Rams in St. Louis, 23-20.

Cardinals at 49ers - The Cardinals are not getting many Ws, but they are at least putting up a fight each week. And a fight is exactly what the 49ers want. This is a big nasty team that likes to punch people in the mouth and then shake their hand really hard. Regardless of who plays QB for the Cards, the Niners will beat them up. Aldon Smith has been a force off the edge with 6.5 sacks, despite only being a situational pass rusher. The Niners continue their march to the post-season, beating Arizona 27-13.

Titans at Falcons - If the playoffs started today, the Falcons would not make the playoffs. This is a time where the dirty birds need to get hot and fight to the finish. This game will not be easy for Atlanta. They are coming off a huge loss to the Saints in overtime, and they are getting a Titans squad that just crushed the Panthers 30-3. Additionally there has finally been a Chris Johnson sighting recently. This will be a real test for the Falcons 3rd ranked rush defense. I expect the Falcons to get a much needed win against Tennessee. Keep in mind the Titans have still only won a single game against a quality opponent, and that was in week 2. Dirty Birds stay alive, beat Titans 23-20.

Chargers at Bears - The Bears are hot and the Chargers are not. That reminds me of an old website, but I digress. Bears are winners of 4 straight, and the Bolts have dropped 4 in a row. After seeing what Michael Bush did to them last week, I expect Matt Forte to have a huge game. S.D. is 24th in rush defense, and this could be a big mismatch. San Diego could still find a way to win the West, but it doesn't start this week. Chicago rides Forte to a 30-20 win.

Eagles at Giants - The Eagles have all the talent needed to beat the Giants, but like Osi said in the last meeting, they are not a team yet. The Eagles look like a high paid mess right now, and I don't think the Giants are going to wait around for them to figure it out. It won't matter who plays QB for Philly, New York will win this game. Giant's beat the Eagles 34-21.

Monday Night Football

Chiefs at Patriots - At the beginning of the year the "Patriot Way" bowl looked like it have playoff seeding implications all over it. Now, not so much. The Chiefs have been hammered with injuries all year, and it just got worse with Matt Cassel's injury. This team was already playing bad enough to lose to Miami and Denver, now they are worse. The Patriots have not played like a Championship team this year, but they did just drop 37 points on Sexy Rexy and the Jets. The Patriots should coast on Monday Night Football, 41-10.

Byes: Texans, Colts, Saints, Steelers

Vince Young is "not where he wants to be" in the Eagles offense yet

Posted by Michael David Smith on November 17, 2011, 6:52 AM EST

Vince Young could get his first start as an Eagle on Sunday, ifMichael Vick’s broken ribs keep him off the field. So is Young ready to run the Philadelphia offense?

Young says he’s ready — just not as ready as he’d like to be. In the three months since Young signed with Philadelphia (and gave them their unfortunate “Dream Team” nickname), Young has learned most of the offense from offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and quarterbacks coach Doug Pederson, but he says he doesn’t know it like the back of his hand.

“Each week, from studying, I’m getting better and better each day,” Young said. “I’m not where I want to be at because this is my first year here. But overall, I really feel like Marty, Doug Pederson and Mike [Vick] are doing a great job making sure I know the plays.”

Young also described himself as still playing catch-up with the Eagles’ playbook.

“It’s definitely [a] wordy, very, very detailed offense,” Young said.

Eagles coach Andy Reid has declined to say whether Young or Mike Kafka will start if Vick can’t, but Eagles players said Young got more first-team reps in practice on Wednesday. If Young isn’t completely comfortable in the offense yet, he’ll need all the practice he can get.

McGahee might not be able to play tonight

Posted by Mike Florio on November 16, 2011, 7:48 PM EST

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With Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno done for the year as the team prepares to face the Jets on Thursday night, the Broncos need starting tailback Willis McGahee to be ready to go.

As of right now, it’s unknown whether that McGahee will play.

He’s officially listed as questionable with a hamstring injury suffered on Sunday against the Chiefs. Based, however, on quotes from coach John Fox and McGahee, it sounds like McGahee may give it a go.

“He’s made a lot of progress,” Fox said Wednesday. “As I mentioned earlier in the week, he was actually cleared to play in the game in Kansas City a week ago. We were only going to do that in an emergency, so we’ll evaluate him day to day. We just follow the medical protocol, and do whatever the medical people think is in his best to have him healthy on game day which is tomorrow night.”

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Ray Rice: Five touches won't cut it

Posted by Josh Alper on November 16, 2011, 4:46 PM EST

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Ray Rice was not a big part of the Ravens’ offense in their 22-17 loss to the Seahawks last Sunday.

He had five carries and 13 total touches in the game as the Ravens put the ball in the air 53 times, including Rice’s touchdown pass, and Rice didn’t speak with reporters after the game. That suggested he wasn’t thrilled with the way he was used, something he confirmed very calmly and without rancor on Wednesday.

“The thing is, you get down in a situation, you have to climb your way out,” Rice said, via Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times. “I’m never going to be a guy who talks about touches, but obviously, we know going into a game that five carries is not going to cut it. You look at it, and I know five carries is not going to do it, but we find ourselves so deep in a situation that we have to climb our way out. And we were looking for answers.”

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