Il decimo anno della IML è cominciato.

Ancora un anno di sfide e divertimento per i 32 coaches della Italian Madden League che intendono sfidarsi sul campo e dietro la scrivania per vincere il premio di miglior coach. 

Ai nastri di partenza i favoriti  sembrano essere I Colts di Alessio Politi e i Browns di Tamsir Seck in AFC, mentre in NFC la sfida i Cowboys di Edoardo Tomaselli ed i Vikings di Diego Ulian Piccini sembrano le più attrezzate per vincere il Lombardi Trophy.

State sintonizzati, vi aggiorneremo settimana dopo settimana sull'andamento della Lega, postando tutte le emozioni!

Il commissioner
 

Green Bay – The Last Airbender is Sam Shields. The Power of the ground  is all about Eddy Lacy.  Packers won the battle in the air and on the runs. So Packers won the game.  
The standout CB had 2 interceptions in the second half that totally changed the momentum of the game. The sophomore RB’s fooled the Falcons run Defense with  123 yards, 1 TD on 24 carries.
On the defensive side, Atlanta dominated against the Pass:  0 passing TD allowed, 2 interceptions,  just 61 yards allowed to Green Bay. That answered with a defense in beast mode against the Run, only 6 yards allowed, and a knack for big stop on passing downs.
 

1^st Half
Green Bay win the coin toss and elect to kick. Atlanta try to establish a legit run game, but Nick Perry make 3 tackles for loss on DeAngelo Williams. Third down: “glove” coverage by Jimmy Smith on the usual out-route of Julio Jones. Easy pick six dropped, but Atlanta forced to punt from their 15.
Green Bay know the weak link of Falcons D is the middle of the D-line. And A-Rod start to stress the power run game of The Hammer Lacy. Opening some routes for the receivers. The first drive stall around the 16 yards and Green Bay put numbers on board with the FG. 3-0

Atlanta bad start is not over yet. Ensuing drive,  Matty Ryan play action. Green Bay mixed the zone defense to not allow Jones and Britt to beat the coverage everytime. Crossing route for Britt. MLB Alec Ogletree read the route and jump ahead picking the ball on the 17 yards. This time the Packers orchestrate a much timed drive: Randall Cobb cut inside, Finley short pass  and Eddy Lacy score from 2 yards.  10-0 Packers.

From there, Both teams exchange punt in a tough defensive race. Until Green Bay  goes in “Romo mode”: 3&8 from their 27. Deep Ball inside route for Torrey Smith. The old but good Stanford Routt doesn’t lose a single step and pick the ball. Atlanta start to use more the big radius of Kenny Britt. The Wr fit perfectly the slot spot in the Falcons offense. He complete 2 consecutive 3^rd down to move the chain. Falcons inside red zone. On 3^rd and goal, Deep ball around the goal line, the Wr catch the ball, but the Big Hit of rookie SS Serratos make a sure TD a 4^th attempt and a FG. 10-3 Packers.

Green Bay have 3 min to play. Aaron Rodgers, another third donw, see Randall Cobb on the outside. He get separation from CB Samuel. Throw. Samuel use his play recog and awareness to cut the route and pick the ball.
Matt Ryan convert immediately the turnover in big points. Bomb deep right for Julio Jones that burn Sam Shields in press coverage and catch all alone in the End zone. The lonely time Green Bay defense didn’t give the safety help. 10 – 10

2^nd Half
The defense show. Green Bay goes simply in beast mode.  No a single point is allowed to the powerful Falcons passing attack. The game changer play is about Sam Shields.  Atlanta use different formations and packages to move the Packers D.  On a 3 Wr set on the same side, Matt Ryan throw a deep out route for one of the big three. Sam Shields accelerate on the cut and stretch the arms to grab the ball on the sideline. Into the Falcons territory. From there, Green Bay capitalize with a FG. 13-0

The final qtr is breathless. Green Bay play conservative. Always around the midfield, the Falcons D is able to collapse the task and make crucial sack to stop the Packers machine.  A long series of punt unti Aaron Rodgers complete two big 3^rd down. Ball into the 20. Another Kruger sack.  Green Bay forced to kick the FG: 16-10.
Atlanta have more than 2 min to score the winning TD.  Two first down, ball on midfield.  Matt Ryan deep middle for Julio Jones. But Defense adjusted, moving Shields inside. The flying CB put another brick on his Pro Bowl campaign picking the ball on his 40 yards. Not yet over. Green Bay isn’t able to complete the first down. Falcons burn all their time out to gain time. Packers dumb punt give Atlanta the ball at 30 with 1.24 left.
The two min drills planned by Falcons Head Coach Montes sees Julio Jones in the slot. Double move against the man cov and Falcons are into the Packers territory. Coach Mani knew that and make the change that probably decide the game.
 Zone D, cover 3 to contain Julio and don’t’ concede the deep ball. Ryan was expecting another man coverage.  A short completition, 3 &6, no huddle. Again, Packers choose the zone. Surprised, The QB hold the ball that bit more to let Perry make a crucial sack.  Falcons step back to their 40 yards.  Clock Running, 16 seconds left. Ryan is able to throw away the ball. 1 second on the clock. Hail Mary. But the Air today is the reign of the Packers Defense. Big win, In the playoff race for Green Bay. Atlanta have still hope. But now they can’t do any single mistake.

New York - One step forward. All the eys on superbowl, but the committee already workin on the next season. Here you find the official schedule for the offseason, step by step till the Draft, confirmed for Sunday 30 March at noon EST. 

LAST RESIGNING CHANCE  - from thursday 20 (after the SB) to Sunday 23 till  noon EST.

FA BID – round 1. From Sunday23  to Monday24 at  noon EST .
Trades allowed. Change of position allowed. Scouting No allowed

FA BID – round 2  from Monday24 to tuesday25 at noon EST 
Trades allowed. Change of position allowed. Scouting allowed

FA BID round 3 from tuesday25 to thursday27 at noon EST
Trades allowed. Change of position allowed. Scouting allowed

FA RECAP  E LAST SCOUTING STAGE  - from thurday 27 to sunday 30 at 11.30 a.m
Trades allowed. Change of position allowed. Scouting allowed

DRAFT  - Sunday 30 march at noon EST.
Trade allowed during the draft. 

CHANGE OF POSITION FOR ROOKIES – Sunday 30 march – Monday 31 march till 6 pm EST

FA POST DRAFT – Monday 31 march – Tuesday 1 april till 6 pm EST

NO FREE SIGNIN. DRAFT ORDER AND REQUESTS FROM TEAMS FOR 1ST ROUND. THEN FREE

SEASON 2  start Tuesday  6 pm EST - Preseason simmed with injury off.

Week 2 start saturday at 6 PM EST – we will be back a tour normal schedule here. 

PLAY OFF PICTURE NFC week 15

n. 1 seed   Seattle Seahawks ( 12-2)

n.2 seed  Chicago Bears (11-3)

n.3 seed  New York Giants (10-4)

n.4 seed  Atlanta Falcons (7-7)

wild card

N.5 Green Bay Packers ( 10-4)
n.6  Dallas Cowboys  (8-6)

In the Hunts

Arizona Cardinals  (8-6)

Philadelphia Eagles(7-6)

Just wait. Because you will never know who is going into playoff until week 17 breakdown.  Seattle domination continue true the weeks. After they beated the Giants, the hottest team in the league, they virtually locked the n.1 seed. Crucial for the entire conference will be week16 matchup. Seattle will play the Cardinals (8-6). Arizona is in desperation win mode. All in in this game for them. Chicago is actually the other team that get the bye. They locked a playoff spot also But week 16 against the Eagles (7-6) and week 17 against the Packers (10-4) will determine if it’s a bye or a wildcard.
New York Giants (10-4) have the better schedule of the teams involved. But not easy as the records can dictate. Lions and Redskins are two losing team that will fight till the last ball, that’s for sure.
The n.4 seed, reserved to the winner of the South NFC, is  a true mess. Falcons wasted a lead that was pretty locked just 3 weeks ago. The Buccaneers, under coach h64mmy, peaked with awesome timing. Results? Teams are tied 7-7. Falcons have the edge just for the conference record (6-4 to 5-5). But there are 2 more games left to play. Atlanta will face 49ers and Carolina. The Panthers new owner gave to Cam Newton &co new life, will not be easy for coach Montes.

Not easy also for coach H64mmy and his Buccs, that will play against the big defense installed in St.Louis and the final week aganst the big offense that run the show in New Orleans.

Green Bay, in the wild card race, have almost locked the n.5 seed, but if they win both games against  Steelers and Bears, they can still hope to lock the n.2 or n.3 seed.  On the other hand, if they lose both, they could miss the postseason. This will be determined by the Cowboys path. Dalla beated GB in the last week, and have a slightly edge over the Cardinals in the race for the wild card. The schedule is really hard. The new Redksins are tough to be beated, and on week 17, the clash with the EAGLES  (7-6 while we wrote, but game against Vikings pending) could be a classin “win and in” game.
 

Arizona have to beat the Hawks in week16 to hope.  They need help from other teams to get the ticket. But first have to won against Seattle and S.Francisco. Like have to do Philly. Win both games ( Minnesota e Dallas) would give them an incredible  playooff spot

Work hard. Play Hard. Win Easy, Gridirongamers

N.1 seed :  MIAMI DOLPHINS (12-2)

N.2 seed:  INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (11-3)

N.3 seed: DENVER BRONCOS  (9-5)

N.4 seed.: CINCINNATI BENGALS (9-5)

WILD CARD:

HOUSTON TEXANS (9-5)

BUFFALO BILLS (8-5)

IN THE HUNT
NEW YORK JETS (8-6)

Miami have locked one of the first 2 seed, that mean bye week and homefield advantage. This could affect heavily the playoff race, because in the final two weeks, The Dolphins will face Both Buffalo Bills (8-5) and New York Jets (8-6). All depend of wich Dolphins will play. The Conference leaders during all the season, or the 2nd strings to rest the starters and avoid injuries? 

Indianapolis will likely join the Dolphins in the bye, because the final two games are against teams that are already thinkin to the offseason: Chiefs (6-7) and Jaguars (4-9).
Denver (9-5) have the West division locked, like the Cincinnati Bengals (9-5). They can start to manage the depth chart to arrive fresh into the wild card games.
Wild cards spot are the most intriguing story at the moment. Houston Texans (9-5) is guilty to be in the wrong division. In the north or west, coach Nelson would be at the top.  Playin in the COlts reign, he have beat Denver in week 16 and Titans on week 17 to reach the post season.
Bloody games waiting for Bills and Jets. Same division, same goal. Lock the last spot for playoffs.
Buffalo will play Dolphins and Patriots in the final two games.  While Jets will travel to Cleveland and then host the Dolphins in the last game of the regular season.  The feeling is that all will come down to the last snap of week 17.

Work Hard. Play Hard. Win Easy, gridirongamers!

See you next week!

PLAYOFF PICTURE – NFC week 14

 n.1 seed  Seattle SeaHawks  (11-2)
n.2  seed  Green Bay Packers (10-3)
n.3 seed  New York Giants (9-3)
n.4 seed  Atlanta Falcons (7-6)

WILD CARD
n.5 seed Chicago Bears (10-3)
n.6 seed Dallas Cowboys (7-6)
 

In the Hunt
Philadelphia Eagles (7-6)
Arizona Cardinals (6-6)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7)

Nothing decided yet.  Seattle is the clear favourite for the bye week and the homefield advantage, but week 15 and 16 wil be a true test for the ambitions of the team. Giants (9-3) and Cardinals (6-6) are playin for something big as well, and they will put on the ground everything they can to stop them.
10-3 Green Bay Packers have locked a playoff spot, but the head to head race to win the division and get a bye force them to play at full speed in week 15 against playoffs runner Dallas Cowboys, the surprising Steelers and the final game against the Bears (10-3) that will likely decide all.
New York (9-3) injury plagued, have the soft Chargers, then the decisive travel  to Seatlle, without Eli Manning, Lions and Redskins. This road will determine if will be a bye or a wildcard spot. .  Atlanta (7-6) have a better schedule than Buccs (6-7). But now the division is again a true battle.  For the Falcons,  Redskins, 49ers and Panthers, three losing teams. Tampa Bay, that have to regret for the start of the season without their beloved coach H64mmy, must win against 49ers, Rams and Saints.

The true mess in the NFC is for the wild card spot: Dallas at 7-6 is tied with the division rivals Philadelphia. They have a slight edge, but a tremendous schedule: Packers in week15, Redskins and the mother of all games, in week 17, against the Eagles. On the Philly side, the schedule looks similar: Vikings, the stellar Bears and the thrilling final hosting Dallas.
Who watch and hope is coach AntMass. Their Cardinals had some disappointing loss, when the game was in their hands. But still have a chance. They need to beat Titans – Hawks and 49ers and wait for other results, but chance, looking at other schedules, are not so slight, if they turn on their D and lower the mistakes on offense.

As always:
Work Hard. Play Hard. Win Easy

PLAY OFF PICTURE AFC  week 14

N.1 SEED   MIAMI DOLPHINS  (11-2)

N.2 SEED   INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (11-2)

N.3 SEED  DENVER BRONCOS (8-4)

N.4 SEED  CINCINNATI BENGALS (8-5)

WILD CARD

N.5 SEED BUFFALO BILLS (8-5)
N.6 SEED HOUSTON TEXANS (7-5)
 

IN THE HUNT

NEW YORK JETS  (7-5)
BALTIMORE RAVENS (6-7)

3 games to go.  Time of the truth. Especially for Miami Dolphins, that will face the whole East in the rush, with two of the division rivals involved in playoffs pursuit.  Something could change at the top of the AFC, after Miami failed against the Steelers. Who is hot and chasing the n.1 seed is without any doubt the Soona team.
The Indianapolis Colts have one big game left. Week 16 and 17 against Chiefs and Jags should not be a big concern. Bu t The week 15 Monday night will tell us the truth about the south. Colts against the rampaging Texans.
Nelson squad, in a 4 games winning streak, must win to maintain their wild card spot.  In week 16, another huge game for Houston against the AFC west division leaders Denver Broncos (8-4) and the final crash against the up&down team of the season, Tennesee Titans. Denver can start to work for playoffs: they lead 8-4, Chiefs are 5-7, and apart the Texans, they have all losing team to face.
Buffalo, despite the upsetting loss against Tampa, still have the edege. Jaguars-Jets –Patriots to complete the season and probably be the n.4 seed and the real sleepers in the post season. Watch out this team.
The enigmatic Jets will decide their destiny against Panthers-Browns and Dolphins in week17.  They need someone beat the Bills and hope the Texans stop their run.

New York - Ok, the playoffs. But for the others? The team that will miss the postseason can start to plan thei moves on the offseason. And do the right step in the Free Agency dance. Here you can find a picture team by team of the best prospects that will likely hit the pool. THe teams will have a final opportunity to resign them before FA start, but will be hard, looking at the salary space, to keep all in the house. Let's play guys, and enjoy the read!

BEARS ( 6M  free)
FS Bradon hardin
CB Walter Thurmond
CB Perrish Cox
TE Brandon Myers
CB Zackary Bowman
DT Ratliff
CB Tim Jennings
WR Devin Hester
LG Matt slauson
MLB Dj Williams
QB Josh McCown
RT Eben Britton

BENGALS (32.30M  free)
CB Ras-I-Dowling
WR Brandon Tate
WR Andre Hawkins
CB Brandon Ghee

BRONCOS(17.60M)
FS Sentef
RT Jason Smith
ROLB Tomas Howard
CB Dominique Rodgers Cromartie
SS Michael Huff
RE Robert Ayers
HB Knowshon Moreno
WR Eric Decker

BILLS ( 26.80M  free)
WR A. Edwards
MLB B.Scott
LE Alan Branch
MLB Arthur Moats

BROWNS( 30.90M  free)
Hb B.Tate
LE  T. Alualu
C A.Mack
SS TJ Ward

BUCCANEERS( 18.70M  free)
LOLB A.Curry
WR Ogletree
WR Underwood

CARDINALS( 22.20M  free)
CB A.Cason
HB Mendenhall
MLB Dansby
Wr A.Roberts
FB J. Dray

CHARGERS( 23.40M  free)

RT D.Bell
DT Hampton
SS M.Burnett
WR D.Alexander
LT A.Collins

CHIEFS ( 5.60 M  free)
FS K.Phillips
RT G.Schwartz
LT B.Albert
LE T.Jackson
WR D. McCluster
RG J.Asamoah

COLTS( 18.40M  free)
SS BETHEA
WR D. HEYWARD-BEY
CB V. Davis
MLB K. Conner

COWBOYS( 19.50M  free)
MLB Spikes
WR R. Moss
FS C. Woodson
WR J.Jones
RG B.Waters

DOLPHINS( 17.30M  free)
WR S.Moss
TE D.Keller
CB B.Grimes
FS C.Clemons
RT T.Clabo
SS R.Jones
LOLB K.Misi

EAGLES( 14.40M  free)
LOLB  A.Maybin
WR J.Maclin
SS N.Allen
WR R.Cooper

FALCONS( 15M  free)
CB S.Routt
LT J.Gross
RT J.Trueblood
QB C.Palmer

49ers( 11.70M  free)
Wr M.Mannigham
CB T.Brown
SS D.Whitner
Wr A.Boldin
CB T.Brock

GIANTS( 3.90M  free)
MLB B.Siler
RT A.Barron
SS R.Mundy
CB C.Webster
LE J.Tuck
WR H.Nicks
RG C.Snee
DT L. Joseph

JAGUARS( 44.20M  free)
C JD Walton
FS Dwight Lowery
K J.Scobee

JETS( 20.80M  free)
CB A.Winfield
RE  M. Spears
HB L.Washington
DT Sopoaga
WR Cribbs
ROLB C.Pace
FS E.Reed

LIONS( 6.20M  free)
WR B.Lloyd
CB C. Greenwood
HB J.Bell
Wr C.Durham

PACKERS( 11.70M  free)
CB S.Shields
SS Zbikowski
LE A.Jones
FS U.Young
RE J.Jolly
CB J.Nixon
DT R.Pickett
TE B.Bostick
HB J.Starks
MLB M.Harvey
RT W.Justice
LOLB L.Sidbury

PANTHERS( 14.20M  free)
CB D.Van Dyke
CB N.Asomugha
C J.Slowley
RT J. Webb
WR N.Washington
CB C.Graham
WR T.Ginn
FS M.Mitchell
LT A.McDonald
RT B.Campbell
HB K.Hunter

PATRIOTS( 26.50M  free)
RE A.Garay
C R.Windell
WR J:Edelman
CB A.Talib
MLB B.Spikes

RAIDERS( 59.50M  free)
FS J.McMillan
RT J.Gaither
CB M.Jenkins
HB D.McFadden
FB M.Reece
LT J.Veldheer
RE L.Houston

RAMS(13.90 M  free)
RT B.Keith
RG A.Caldwell
FS Darian Stewart

RAVENS( 1.70M  free)
CB T.MgGee
SS J.Ihedigbo
RT M.Oher
MLB D.Smith
TE D.Pitta
TE E.Dickson
FS C.Godfrey
SS D. Ihenacho

REDSKINS( 22.20M  free)
LE B.Mebane
WR J.Morgan
TE F.Davis
FS B.Meriwheater
ROLB B.Orakpo
CB D.Hall
MLB P.Riley

SAINTS( 12.90M  free)
C B.De LaPuente
WR R.Meachem
RT Z.Strief
ROLB P.Haralson
FS M.Jenkins
MLB J.Vilma
DT D.Peko

SEAHAWKS( 16M  free)
RG N.Menkin
FS G. Wilson
RT B.Giacomini
K S.Hauschka
RE M.Bennett

STEELERS( 5.80M  free)
LOLB Sergio Kindle
CB N.Clements
FS R.Clark
RE B.Keisel
WR E.Sanders

TITANS( 41.80M  free)
LG C. Rachal
QB T.Tebow
SS B.Pollard
WR M.Mariani
HB K.Barner
LOLB D.Moch

TEXANS( 6.90M  free)
FS K.Rhodes
CB M.Trufant
DT S.Pouha
RE A.Smith

VIKINGS( 13M  free)
WR J.Simpson
CB M.Sherels
CB C.Munnerlyn

PLAYOFF PICTURE NFC WEEK 12

N.1 seed :  Seattle SeHawks  (9-2)
N.2 seed :  New York Giants (9-2)
N.3 seed:  Green Bay Packers (9-3)
N.4 seed:  Atlanta Falcons (7-5)

WILD CARD

Chicago Bears (8-3)
Dallas Cowboys (7-5)

IN THE HUNT

Arizona Cardinals (6-5)
Philadelphia Eagles (6-5)
Minnesota Vikings (5-6)
St.Louis Rams (5-6)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)

OUTLOOK

The Conference is running fast and setting an high bar to enter the wild card. Seattle have still to beat the Saints (3-7) after the bye, to answer the Giants. Their schedule is just brutal. In the last 5 games they have the 49ers, then Cardinals, in the mix for a the division titile or a wild card sport, then the scary Giants to decide who is the best in the NFC.
The Giants totally turned around their season after coach UNDRdog took over. They are now the clear favourite to took the n.1 seed, after they beated the Cowboys on week12, and lokcing the division with a 3 game advantage. All the G-men are now waiting to paly the Hawks in week15. The rest can be considered really easy, with the winless Redksins twice, Chargers and Lions, bot losing teams.
Green Bay (9-3) and Chicago (8-3), but still pending the game with Vikings)  are in the amazing race of the NFC north.  The Packers schedule is maybe the worse between the division leaders.  After td-less winning games against Vikings and Lions, now the exams: Falcons on week 14  and Dallas on week15 will tell who the Packers are. That are two of the best team in the whole conference and really playin for their playoffs chances. Only losing team to face came in week16, The Steelers, and then the last bloody game at Soldier Field with the Chicago Bears.
Atlanta it's the true leader of the NFC south. But the loss against the Bills gave a bit of buzz for Tampa Bay Buccaneers . Still a slight hope for the division, but Atlanta, apart of Packers, have to face all losing team. Almost impossible they lose the division and the post-season.

Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears can’t sit soft on their wild card seat. Chicago playin to win the North, and have a better schedule than packers: divisional against Vikings, then the big challenge of Seahawks, before to play the Browns (3-6) and the Eagles (5-5) maybe already out at the time from playoff race.

The Cowboys was leading the division and now , after the ugly loss from Giants and, more suprising, the Raiders, they will have to fight hard to keep the wild card. The double north match with bears and packers until the easy final with Redskins and Eagles.

The double  Cowboys loss, give a tremendous hope to the Arizona Cardinals and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Antmass teams had some up&down but now can’t miss any chance. One of the most important game of the season wil come to this week, against the Eagles, another team involved in the race. Who will win, probably will be the true hunter for the last spot in the playoffs.  IfCardinals win on week 13, there will come the mother of all games, against the Hawks on week16. Big final against the 49ers.

Another team who is knockin on the door is the Eagles. They are one game away the Cowboys.  Will have the stud HB McCoy back next week. Cardinals-Lions-Vikings-Bears and the Cowboys. A lot of exams to pass, but now it's possible.

Work Hard. Play Hard. Win easy, guys!

Mani

PLAY OFF PICTURE – AFC week 12

N.1 seed :  MIAMI DOLPHINS (10-1)

N.2 seed:  INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (10-2)

N.3 seed: CINCINNATI BENGALS (7-4)

N.4 seed.:  DENVER BRONCOS  (7-4)

WILD CARD:
BUFFALO BILLS  (8-4)
NEW YORK JETS (7-4)

IN THE HUNT
HOUSTON TEXANS  (6-5)
BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-6)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (5-6)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (5-6)
TENNESSEE TITANS (5-7)

OUTLOOK

5 games to go. Few thing are sure. Miami Dolphins will play to mantain his n.1 seed, where the Colts want to go: The AFC leader have yet to play 4 divisonal  matches (Jets, Patriots, bills and Jets against) in the last  5 games,  and the  Steelers.
Indianapolis have a great boost now, after they beated the division rivals Tennesee Titans. Next two will tell us the truth. Texans are playin for their life in wild card hunt, and the Bengals on week14 could grab the n.2 seed that mean homefield advantage and bye week. Last two games should be more relaxed, with Chiefs and Jaguars, but all will come down to the next two weeks.  
Much more easier the Bengals schedule. True, they have 3 divisional as well, but all the team to face, apart of Colts, have losing records.
Denver will decide his destiny in the next 3 games, but the win against Patriots and the loss of Chiefs gave them a nice advantage. Lookin at the stats, there will not be wild card mercy in this division.

The wild card race is crazy tough. Jets and Bills play in the same divison and are the actual teams in post season. New York have to pass thru the Doplhins challenge twice and have two losing team of the  the North ( Ravens and Browns) and Panthers.
Buffalo have to play as well the Dolphins and Patriots, but took a great advantage beating the Falcons on week 12.

Who can be a true challenge is the Houston Texans right now. They will wait week 17, playinthe Jaguars twice , the Broncos and Patriots to finish agaisnt the Tennesee Titans taht saw their playoff hopes dropping down after the huge loss against the Indianapolis Colts.

Work Hard. Play Hard. Win Easy, gridirongamers!

See you next week!

GREEN BAY PACKERS  20
MINNESOTA VIKINGS   9

Lambeau Field – Run Baby, run.  Green Bay pound another win based on great D and power running game. Adrian Peterson had the worst day of the season and maybe of his career with only 22 yards gained on 7 rushing attempts.

1st HALF

Vikings win the coin toss and kick. Green Bay start to move the ball with the combo CJ2K-Lacy. Thunder and Lightning can use the whole front, inside or outside, and open the play action book for the Packers. From 20 to 47 Vikings yards line Green Bay run the ball consecutively. On the very first pass, A-Rod throw a pick. 2 Wr, 2 TE 1rb set, Finley and Bostik open down the seam, but the signal caller decide to throw a curl for Nelson. The perfect zone coverage of Captain Munnerlyn, covered the lob and picked back.

Minnesota had a great 3rd down completion with Cordarelle Patterson, a great fit for Colby scheme.Packers D anyway, stand up and stop the next drive forcing the Vikings to a stunning 60 yards field goal. 3-0. Packers ball again. And Again 3 and out for Aarond Rodgers, sacked at midfield by the next big DT for Minnesota, Shariff Floyd ( 8 tackles and 2 sacks for him).

Vikings drive again. Colby loves the 3 WR set to hold the D in check against both plays. Most of the time it’s a play action, but Green bay mix zone and man to give Freeman the 2 seconds that make the difference between a 1st down and a sack.  Anyway it’s another FG for Minnesota. 6-0

Aaron ROdgers Ball. Cj2k start to torch the Vikings defense with outside runs. The D_line try to create some noises with different alignements, but Green Bay start to inolve outside receivers on 3rd down conversions. Td came from a 27 yards run for Cj2k. 7-6 Packers.
Vikings struggle to create  a rythm, due the inconsistency of QB Josh Freeman. Coach Colby call the right plays, but the starting QB miss wide open throws by 10 or more yards sometimes.
This force Vikings to punt. This give Aaron Rodgers another great chance. The big drive came from two great pass for Nelson and Finley. Ball on 10 yards. 2nd and goal. Lacy hand off on the left and the hammer hit the end zone. 14-6 Green bay.

2nd half

Vikings ball. Josh Freeman start to pull the trigger to close the gap. It’s not a good sign that it’s  the qb  the man to win the game. Freeman throw some erratic footaballs. Green Bay just sit and wait the mistakes from him.  2 Interception was converted on two FG from Green Bay. 20-14.

Minnesota try to mix more the runs but the clock is against them. Coach Colby see always double the freak Cordarelly Patterson. The passing game fall on the shoulders of AP, with screen pass that works in many ways. Another FGwith, 4 min left, set the score 20-9.

It’s the drive of the game. Green Bay it’s 3&8 on their 25 yards. Aaron Rodgers see Randall Cobb on a L route on the right. Griffin is coming up but Cobb Catch and use his body to hold against the hit. Crucial first down. Vikings burn all the time outs, but Green Bay stick with the runs and kneel to finish the game.

Run, Green Bay Run. The season is coming down to the hill. 

N.1 seed :  Seattle SeHawks  (9-2)
N.2 seed :  New York Giants (8-2)
N.3 seed: Green Bay Packers (7-3)
N.4 seed: Atlanta Falcons (6-4)

WILD CARD

Dallas Cowboys (7-3)
Chicago Bears (7-3)

IN THE HUNT

Arizona Cardinals (6-4)
Philadelphia Eagles (5-5)
Minnesota Vikings (5-5)
St.Louis Rams (5-5)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)

OUTLOOK

A dogfight, probably, would be more kind. The NFC haven’t nothing decided yet for any spot in the offseason. And the crucial matches are all in the sight of the last, bloody, weeks.
Seattle has been the clear powerhouse all the season long. The change of coach seems have emphatized the skills of the players. Seahawks, anyway, have not an easy schedule: true they have to face Saints (3-7) after the bye. But in the last 5 games they have the 49ers, then Cardinals, in the mix for a the division titile, then the scary Giants to decide who is the best in the NFC. Not to mention the last game against Rams.

The Giants totally turned around their season after coach UNDRdog took over. Two big games in the remaining schedule: against Dallas on week12 and against Hawks in week15. The rest can be considered really easy, with the winless Redksins twice, Chargers and Lions, bot losing teams.
Green Bay have the same record of Bears, but the edge because of the win against Chicago. His remanin schedule is maybe the worse between the division leaders. Vikings-Lions on the next two weeks, then Falcons and Dallas that are two of the best team in the whole conference and really playin for their playoffs chances.Only losing team to face came in week16, The Steelers, and then the last bloody game at Soldier Field with the Chicago Bears.

Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears can’t sit soft on their wild card seat. Chicago playin to win the North, and have a better schedule than packers: Rams-Vikings at home, then the big challenge of Cowboys, before to play the Browns (3-6) and the Eagles (5-5) maybe already out at the time from playoff race.

The Cowboys was leading the division and now have to regain the lead. Crucial will be to beat the Giants on week12. The Raiders then the double north match with bears and packers until the easy final with Redskins and Eagles.

Who really have a chance to grab a spot are the Arizona Cardinals. The Antmass teams had some up&down but now can’t miss any chance. Tough test on week12 against the emerging Colts , while week 13 and 14 are against Eagles and Rams. Then the peak with Titans and the mother of all games, against the Hawks on week16. Big final against the 49ers.

All Rams, Eagles and Vikings have to send a signal to be considered real threat for the playoff race.

Work Hard. Play Hard. Win easy, guys!

Mani 

WEEK11

N.1 seed :  MIAMI DOLPHINS (9-1)

N.2 seed:  INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-2)

N.3 seed: CINCINNATI BENGALS (7-3)

N.4 seed.:  DENVER BRONCOS  (5-4)

WILD CARD:

NEW YORK JETS (7-3)
BUFFALO BILLS  (7-4)

IN THE HUNT

TENNESSEE TITANS (5-5)
HOUSTON TEXANS  (5-5)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (4-5)
BALTIMORE RAVENS (4-6)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-5)

OUTLOOK

The conference  is widely open. Miami Dolphins have to play 4 divisonal  matches (Jets, Patriots, bills and Jets against) in the last  6 games, plus two losing team as Panthers, Steelers.
Indianapolis will have to fight hart to mantain his 2nd seed and the homefield advantage. In the last 6 games, he face 3 divisoinal match  and 3 teams directly involved in the playoff race. Week 14 againist Cincinnati will be crucial.
Much more easier the Bengals schedule. True, they have 3 divisional as well, but all the team to face, apart of Colts, have losing records.
Denver will decide his destiny in the next 3 games. Two times against the Chiefs to decide probably who will take over in the West. Lookin at the stats, there will not be wild card mercy in this division.

The wild card race is crazy tough. Jets and Bills play in the same divison and are the actual teams in post season. New York have to pass thru the Doplhins challenge twice and have two losing team of the  the North ( Ravens and Browns) and Panthers.

Buffalo have to play as well the Dolphins and Patriots, but will have to measure the NFC Falcons ambitions but then a better schedule with Jaguars and Buccaneers at home.

Slight hopes but still there for Tennesee Titans and Houston Texans. The two teams have a different momentum: Titans are slowin down after a fast start. In the last 6 weeks, they will have to redeem the loss from Colts, face the winning teams Brooncos and Cardinals, and the final game in Texans with their rival, Houston. That will wait week 17, playin mostly the same teams: the Jaguars twice , the Broncos and Patriots.

Work Hard. Play Hard. Win Easy, gridirongamers!

See you next week!

Lambeau Field - The answer came from defense. After Vikings and Bears wins, Packers needed to W against the Eagles, that was battling to keep their hopes to win the division alive in the East. Tramon Williams and Co completely froze the high octane offense built from coach Joe Hamilton: 73 passing yards allowed. 58 rushing yards allowed.

1st HALF
Packers Kick, Philly start  with a conventional offense. Two run for Bryce Brown that goes nowhere. THe Eagles will miss alot Lesean McCoy, out for an injury, a fractured toe that will make him missin the next 4 weeks. The punt came into the 30 yards of Packers territory. After two good first down, A-Rod face his first 3rd down the game across midfield.  3Wr, 1TE, 1 RB set. Cobb work in the slot. 8 yards do take the frist down. Audible on the line, because Philly zone D is gong to cover the middle range. Cobb deeb, A-Rod scan and throw.....it's TOOOOUCHDOWN!! 37 yards TD pass. Packers lead 7-0.

Eagles start the high rythm offense with short and cross routes for Riley Cooper. Foles stretch the field all over. WIth 5 passes, Philadelphia is on Packers 3 yards line. Here the statement from Packers, D -.line, that stop 2 runs at the line of scrimmage, and force a bad pass on 3rd & goal intended for Desean Jackson. It's just a FG. 7-3 Packers.

Packers took the ball at their 20. A-Rod is at his best when it matter, completing 3 crucial 3rd downs in row that kill the press coverage of Eagles phisical CB's. Once in Eagles territory, Chris Johnson toss left for a 34 yards TD run. 14-3 Packers

2nd HALF

The story is the Packers Defense that shut down any attempt to come back for Eagles. 4 Int's in the periods for a frustrated NIck Foles. Once the ball back in the hands of A-Rod, it's a safe drive to 2 Fg that set the score at 20-3. Most impressive performance is how the new MLB Alec Ogletree covered the opposite TE. Nice addiction for one of the best surprising defense of the league. Great game Joe, hope to see you back fighting for the NFC East