January 17th, 2011 Monday
Monday’s Headlines
Rodgers And Packers Taking Their Road Show To Chi-Town
On Sunday it was anything but a competitive matchup; the Packers jumped on the Falcons early and put this one to bed quick. The back-breaker came just before the half when cornerback Tramon Williams picked off Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and returned it 70 yards for the score. The pick six came with just 10 seconds left in the half and pretty much took all the wind out of the Falcons sails (and there wasn’t much already trailing). With a halftime lead of 28-14 and getting the ball to start the second half, Aaron Rodgers and company wasted little time removing all doubt. This time it would be Rodgers who would add the exclamation point on a 12 play drive with a 7-yards scramble for six. The touchdown gave the Packers an insurmountable 35-14 lead and epitomized the play of Rodgers not just throughout the playoffs, but much of his 2010 campaign. Rodgers has been playing brilliantly all season, but just when you thought he could not play any better he has elevated his play to epic proportions. Since returning from his concussion in week 16 all Rodgers has done is defeat the Giants, Bears, Eagles, and Falcons (teams with a combined regular season record of 44-20). How he has done this; Rodgers has averaged 294 yards passing per game, with 11 touchdowns (including six in the playoffs), and just one pick. More impressively Rodgers and the Packers have won their last two straight on the road. This week they are on the road once again traveling to the Windy City hoping the show will go on; in two meetings with the Bears this season Rodgers has passed for over 500 yards, but has only two touchdowns.
Jets Spread Their Wings And Fly Past Patriots
Did no one see this coming? Maybe there were a few that sensed something big could be on the horizon, but really who believed the Jets would fly into Foxboro and dominate? That was the game that I saw; Tom Brady and the Patriots offense looked out of rhythm and ineffective most of the afternoon, while the Jets defense (5 sacks) had their way keeping Brady on his heels. While this game may have been hyped-up to be all about Rex (Ryan) versus Bill (Belichick), it came down to the two quarterbacks against the opposing defenses. This was one matchup where no one was talking about or expecting much from Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, but in what Rex described as “one of the biggest games in Jets history” Sanchez showed up and delivered. The former Trojan was composed all afternoon under center and in the pocket making sharp throw after throw; Sanchez passed for 194 yards on 16 of 25 passing and threw three touchdowns to lead Gang Green. It was one of his best and most impressive performances of his young career, he was sharp, took care of the ball, and was a perfect complement to the Jets running attack; Sanchez finished the game with a 127.3 passer rating (his highest all year). Next week he’ll face a Steeler’s defense that he and the Jets defeated 22-17 back in week 15. As long as the forecast at Heinz Field does not call for inclement weather, Sanchez and Jets should have good visibility for flying on Sunday.
Mora Could Be An Interesting Add in Denver
Just on a side note, I think Jim Mora Jr would be a great fit in Denver. The Bronco’s defense has been suffering for a lot of years and maybe Mora doesn’t have quite the proven track record as a defensive coordinator, but I believe he’s a football guy with a lot of passion for his craft. I also believe he could be the right guy in Denver. The regime being led by John Elway has already taken a positive step in the hiring of John Fox. Like Fox, Mora can bring some of those same intangibles that this franchise is missing and needs; passion, fire, a fresh start. The defense has been through so many changes, but by bringing in a name like Mora the thought is maybe the team will stay with the program long enough to give it a chance to succeed. Right now Mora appears to be interested in the job (this according to NFL Network), but there is no certainty what direction the team will go or if Mora might take another offer. If the Broncos can sign Mora on as the defensive coordinator; not be a couple of bad moves by Elway, Fox, then Mora.
By David Ortega
On Sunday it was anything but a competitive matchup; the Packers jumped on the Falcons early and put this one to bed quick. The back-breaker came just before the half when cornerback Tramon Williams picked off Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and returned it 70 yards for the score. The pick six came with just 10 seconds left in the half and pretty much took all the wind out of the Falcons sails (and there wasn’t much already trailing). With a halftime lead of 28-14 and getting the ball to start the second half, Aaron Rodgers and company wasted little time removing all doubt. This time it would be Rodgers who would add the exclamation point on a 12 play drive with a 7-yards scramble for six. The touchdown gave the Packers an insurmountable 35-14 lead and epitomized the play of Rodgers not just throughout the playoffs, but much of his 2010 campaign. Rodgers has been playing brilliantly all season, but just when you thought he could not play any better he has elevated his play to epic proportions. Since returning from his concussion in week 16 all Rodgers has done is defeat the Giants, Bears, Eagles, and Falcons (teams with a combined regular season record of 44-20). How he has done this; Rodgers has averaged 294 yards passing per game, with 11 touchdowns (including six in the playoffs), and just one pick. More impressively Rodgers and the Packers have won their last two straight on the road. This week they are on the road once again traveling to the Windy City hoping the show will go on; in two meetings with the Bears this season Rodgers has passed for over 500 yards, but has only two touchdowns.
Jets Spread Their Wings And Fly Past Patriots
Did no one see this coming? Maybe there were a few that sensed something big could be on the horizon, but really who believed the Jets would fly into Foxboro and dominate? That was the game that I saw; Tom Brady and the Patriots offense looked out of rhythm and ineffective most of the afternoon, while the Jets defense (5 sacks) had their way keeping Brady on his heels. While this game may have been hyped-up to be all about Rex (Ryan) versus Bill (Belichick), it came down to the two quarterbacks against the opposing defenses. This was one matchup where no one was talking about or expecting much from Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, but in what Rex described as “one of the biggest games in Jets history” Sanchez showed up and delivered. The former Trojan was composed all afternoon under center and in the pocket making sharp throw after throw; Sanchez passed for 194 yards on 16 of 25 passing and threw three touchdowns to lead Gang Green. It was one of his best and most impressive performances of his young career, he was sharp, took care of the ball, and was a perfect complement to the Jets running attack; Sanchez finished the game with a 127.3 passer rating (his highest all year). Next week he’ll face a Steeler’s defense that he and the Jets defeated 22-17 back in week 15. As long as the forecast at Heinz Field does not call for inclement weather, Sanchez and Jets should have good visibility for flying on Sunday.
Mora Could Be An Interesting Add in Denver
Just on a side note, I think Jim Mora Jr would be a great fit in Denver. The Bronco’s defense has been suffering for a lot of years and maybe Mora doesn’t have quite the proven track record as a defensive coordinator, but I believe he’s a football guy with a lot of passion for his craft. I also believe he could be the right guy in Denver. The regime being led by John Elway has already taken a positive step in the hiring of John Fox. Like Fox, Mora can bring some of those same intangibles that this franchise is missing and needs; passion, fire, a fresh start. The defense has been through so many changes, but by bringing in a name like Mora the thought is maybe the team will stay with the program long enough to give it a chance to succeed. Right now Mora appears to be interested in the job (this according to NFL Network), but there is no certainty what direction the team will go or if Mora might take another offer. If the Broncos can sign Mora on as the defensive coordinator; not be a couple of bad moves by Elway, Fox, then Mora.
By David Ortega
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