The BSL Times – Week 4 Edition
Week 4 of the BSL was entertaining at times, but there were just too many blowouts this week. Enjoy the article as it has awards previews, a new segment: NEW FACES IN NEW PLACES, and of course your favorite, power rankings. Let’s begin by talking about the three undefeated teams left; the Jets, Ravens, and Chiefs. One similarity, all in the AFC. Seems like the NFC is a little weaker than many expected.
The Baltimore Ravens gave out a beating in Buffalo to the Bills this weekend winning it 41-13 as the Ravens threw and ran for over 200 yards each.
The New York Jets continued their surprise season with a close win over the Titans 21-18 in a defensive showdown; Jets won yet another game by a winning field goal. The Jets defense won this one once again as they forced 2 interceptions which was key since their own Mark Sanchez threw an interception as well.
And finally, the Kansas City Chiefs improved to 3-0 as they beat the Giants in a very good back and forth game. Ultimately it came down to who could run the ball more effectively as Kansas City ran the ball for 277 yards while the Giants put up a measly 49 yards rushing. The bigger news out of this one that could be a huge blow to the Chiefs season; Alex Smith has tore his shoulder according to MRI results and will be out approximately 2-4 games while even bigger news has Jamal Charles out for 6 games with a ruptured disk.
NFC East: The Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys both blew out their respective opponents as they battle for that division lead, both sitting at 3-1, but the Philadelphia Eagles couldn’t keep up losing to Denver by a field goal. The Eagles were disappointed nonetheless, but know no one’s never out of the NFC East.
Now let’s get to the games of the week.
New England Patriots @ Atlanta Falcons:
The 3-0 Falcons go up against the 2-1 Patriots and everyone has this matchup favoring the Falcons at home. Patriots thought otherwise looking to gain momentum in the AFC East chasing the undefeated Jets. They went into that dome and treated it as their own in a 49-28 win, the game was closer than it looks as Brady threw for 6 touchdowns and 342 yards. The Falcons defense just didn’t have an answer to the pass nor the run as Ridley torched them for over 170 yards on the ground. Pats and Falcons are now both sitting at 3-1.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Minnesota Vikings:
This one took place in London as Ponder looked to bounce back from a shaky start last week and boy did he deliver needing only 14 pass attempts to lock up this one in a 37-14 victory. The Vikings defense was huge in this game causing confusion for Big Ben en route to a 5 interception night. Ole reliable Adrian Peterson ran for 146 yards for 2 touchdowns and got the bulk of the touches in the 2nd half as they looked to run down the clock.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts
The Jaguars came into this one as the obvious underdog, but came out on top surprisingly despite their quarterback throwing for only 38 yards. The Colts defense just couldn’t figure out how to stop the run as the Jaguars ran all over them with over 300 yards rushing. Colts’ coaches will show film from this game week in and week out. Embarrassing game for the Colts defense. Andrew Luck had a good game throwing for over 200 yards and 3 touchdowns, but made a huge mistake on an interception that ended up being the difference maker. Both stand at 2-2 in the AFC South behind the 3-1 Texans.
Seattle Seahawks @ Houston Texans
Seattle’s woes on the road continue as they fell to the Texans 16-38 this weekend as Seattle’s Russel Wilson didn’t complete a single touchdown pass only throwing for 130 yards and 3 interceptions while T.J. Yates continues to shine throwing for 288 yards and 2 touchdowns. Texans defense isn’t one quarterbacks want to face. Foster seemed like he had an off day carrying the ball 20 times for 76 yards, but nothing two touchdowns can’t cure.
San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams
San Francisco continues to falter as St. Louis improves to 2-2 behind another great Sam Bradford game as he is taking the next step after a few years of mediocrity. He threw for over 420 yards and 4 touchdowns completely out dueling Kapernick who threw for only 230 yards and one touchdown. Sam Bradford’s elite performance outdid Gores huge 200 yard game. Jared Cook seems to have been one of the better signings this offseason posting up 7 receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown.
Offensive ROOKIE Of The Year Watch:
Tavon Austin: Tavon Austin has proved to be a great pick for the Rams becoming one of Bradford’s favorite targets hauling in 15 passes for 348 yards and 3 touchdowns. Has been an impact player on special teams as well. Seems to be in the lead for this award.
Ryan Swope, Deandre Hopkins: Both Houston Texans who are putting up numbers making their case as Hopkins has 221 yards and a touchdown while Swope has 173 yards and a touchdown. It’ll be interesting to see who keeps it up.
Markus Wheaton: Has proved to be one of Big Ben’s favorite target leading the team in receiving yards with 289 and 3 touchdowns.
Le’veon Bell: Can he be the next Alfred Morris? Only second to Adrian Peterson in rushing yards. He has been quite a surprise this year running the ball 90 times for 602 yards and 5 touchdowns so far.
Defensive Rookie Of The Year Watch:
` Sheldon Richardson: Young defensive lineman starting fast recording 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 3 FORCED FUMBLES, and 1 fumble recovery (that he forced). He is primed to be one of the key defensive players for the Jets this year leading that ferocious D-line.
Shawn Williams: Converted safety out of college doing work for the Bengals secondary creating 2 interceptions. Look for him to be a stud in the future.
Dee Milliner: Drafted to replace Darrelle Revis and people are saying Revis who? Milliner Island is off to a fast track with 12 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a touchdown.
Manti Te’o: Finally focusing on football, although the Chargers chances to the playoffs are as real as his girlfriend, Te’o has been great for the Chargers posting 23 tackles and 2 interceptions.
Offensive Player Of The Year Watch:
Adrian Peterson: Leads the league in rushing yet again with 682 yards on the ground and 8 touchdowns leading the Vikings to a fast start.
Tom Brady: All the doubters can now sit down as Brady has his team on fire already thrown for 1400 yards with 13 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
Matt Ryan: Has silenced all his critics for now until playoff time posting up over 1300 yards with 10 touchdowns and 2 interceptions en route to another division win it looks like this season.
Victor Cruz, Dwayne Bowe, Dez Bryant, A.J. Green: Which one of these wide receivers can separate themselves from the rest each averaging about 350-450 receiving yards and posting up multiple touchdowns.
Defensive Player Of The Year Watch:
Geno Atkins: Leading that ferocious Bengals’ defensive line Geno is one of the better if not the best DT in the league posting through only 4 games 8 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and a fumble recovery.
David Harris: Critics had him losing a step, but he has done anything but that posting 20 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and SIX interceptions leading the league in that category by a mile and also has a touchdown. This Jets team is scary ladies and gentlemen.
Eric Berry: Eric hasn’t lost a step whatsoever leading the Chiefs defense to a 4-0 start with 17 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, a forced fumble, and a touchdown. I’m almost out of breath just writing this.
Most Valuable Player Watch:
Adrian Peterson: Leads the league in rushing yet again with 682 yards on the ground and 8 touchdowns leading the Vikings to a fast start.
Tom Brady: All the doubters can now sit down as Brady has his team on fire already thrown for 1400 yards with 13 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
Matt Ryan: Has silenced all his critics for now until playoff time posting up over 1300 yards with 10 touchdowns and 2 interceptions en route to another division win it looks like this season.
David Harris: Critics had him losing a step, but he has done anything but that posting 20 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and SIX interceptions leading the league in that category by a mile and also has a touchdown. This Jets team is scary ladies and gentlemen.
Eric Berry: Eric hasn’t lost a step whatsoever leading the Chiefs defense to a 4-0 start with 17 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, a forced fumble, and a touchdown. I’m almost out of breath just writing this.
Now, a new segment in this week’s edition; we will be writing about new faces in new places. Who has made the biggest impact in their new home?
Moise Fokou: Who? Yes, Moise Fokou has quietly had a great start to his 2013 campaign posting 27 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and a 3 forced fumbles as the Titans look to challenge the Houston Texans for that division crown.
Reggie Bush: He’s not a featured back you say? Guess again. Reggie Bush has been remarkable for the Lions running 49 times for 455 yards and 5 touchdowns as well as catching the ball 7 times for 59 yards. Too bad the Lions aren’t taking advantage of his great year.
Jared Cook: One of the underrated storylines of the season as this big tight end has been a huge asset to Sam Bradford posting 19 receptions for 324 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Danny Amendola: Has to stay healthy and thus far he has doing work in New England for Tom Brady having over 300 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. He is key to New England’s offense as he is replacing the great Wes Welker.
Darrius Heyward-Bey: Another underrated free agent acquisition is Heyward-Bey who has caught 19 balls for 279 and a whopping 5 touchdowns for Andrew Luck and the Colts as they look to challenge the Houston Texans for that division coming off an 11 win year.
Greg Jennings: Quietly has made his impact in the development of Christian Ponder catching the ball 17 times for 265 yards and 3 touchdowns. He has also been key in teaching this young Vikings’ receiving corps what it’s all about.
POWER RANKINGS WEEK 4
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. New York Jets
4. Houston Texans
5. New England Patriots
6. Minnesota Vikings
7. Washington Redskins
8. Dallas Cowboys
9. Atlanta Falcons
10. Seattle Seahawks
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
12. Denver Broncos
13. New Orleans Saints
14. St. Louis Rams
15. Philadelphia Eagles
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
17. Cincinnati Bengals
18. Indianapolis Colts
19. Cleveland Browns
20. Detroit Lions
21. Carolina Panthers
22. New York Giants
23. Buffalo Bills
24. San Francisco 49ers
25. Oakland Raiders
26. Miami Dolphins
27. Green Bay Packers
28. San Diego Chargers
29. Tennessee Titans
30. Chicago Bears
31. Arizona Cardinals
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The BSL Times- Week 3 Edition
Week 3 of the BSL season wasn't as exciting as week 2, but there were still many interesting storylines and games to follow. Let's first go around the league with news about injuries and contract extensions.
INJURY REPORT:
Randall Cobb was hurt this past week and apparently will be out 4-6 weeks according to sources. There is also news coming out of Minnesota after a MRI that young stud Xavier Rhodes will be out 6 weeks. Their pass defense will be struggling. Dwight Freeney escaped a huge injury, but shouldn't miss more time than expected. Ladarius Webb and Osi Umenyiora suffered injuries that could sideline both of them around 4-8 weeks according to doctors. Texans' JJ Watt appears to be doubtful for the Texans' week 4 matchup, but should be ready to go the following week. Jimmy Graham has also suffered an injury, we don't know how serious it will be for now.
Contract Extensions:
Jared Allen has agreed to a 3 year 21 million dollar contract to stay in Minnesota with over 12 million in guarantees according to sources. Allen wants to finish his career in Minnesota. Another quiet extension by the Vikings was resigning Gerhart to a 1 year 800K deal. There have been rumbling around the league about other players getting extensions, but we won't report until it is close or finalized.
Browns at Vikings: Browns edged the Vikings in this one 31-27.
My take: This was a tough matchup as Vikings led most of the game, but a 2nd half rally of the Browns which resulted in a 3rd quarter interception from a shaky Christian Ponder led to the defeat of the Vikings. The Browns passing game came alive with the run game being shutdown and the vulnerable Vikings' secondary showed its weakness when Weeden torched them for 389 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Brown's defense had a huge 4th & 2 stop in their territory to end the game in the 4th quarter as Ponder misfired a pass to Jerome Simpson. People are questioning the play calling by Minnesota in this one.
Texans at Ravens: Ravens balanced attack nets them yet another win over a tough Texan's squad.
My take: T.J. Yates seemed to be doing well in his first season starting, but like any young quarterback, made a mistake by throwing an interception to rookie safety Matt Elam of the Ravens. Joe Flacco took control of the game with their balanced attack throwing two touchdowns, mainly targeting Dennis Pitta, despite Torrey Smith only catching two balls for 15 yards. The game was ultimately decided on a key play in the final minutes when Jimmy Smith was all over Andre Johnson and forced an incomplete pass. Texans' coaches and players were furious looking for a pass interference flag on the play.
Bills at Jets: Jets continue surprising the BSL and improve to 3-0 on a last second FG to win it against the Buffalo Bills.
My take: This was hard to watch as both quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and E.J. Manuel threw for 3 interceptions. Seemed like both teams struggled in this dogfight as the running game never got going for either team as well. It came down ultimately to who could make more stops on defense. Neither quarterback seemed comfortable in the pocket as they were frequently forced out or let the ball go early due to constant pressure from the defenses. In the end, it all came down to Mark Sanchez making a play and boy did he deliver to get the Jets into field goal range to kick the game winning field goal as time expired.
Bears at Steelers: Bears falter once again, fall to 0-3 losing to Pittsburgh 39-42. Pittsburgh improves to 3-0 in a first play division tie with the Ravens.
My take: In this high scoring back and forth matchup, it came down to who had the more balanced offense and that award went to the Steelers with rookie halfback Leveon Bell rushing for almost 160 yards as Big Ben threw for almost 290 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Bears are getting too predictable with yet another week as Matt Forte has had less than 10 carries. Jay Cutler played his heart out, but defenses have the Bears all figured out as the Steelers' defense picked off Cutler twice to seal the game.
Chiefs at Eagles: Undefeated team showdown in the city of brotherly love, but the Chiefs show no love in this one and take it 38-28.
My take: The Chiefs rushing game was in full force last night, but the Eagles had an answer anytime they tried to pass the ball limiting Alex Smith to less than 150 yards passing. Despite a subpar pass game, the Chiefs defense came through this week creating the only turnover of the game with a key interception by safety Husain Abdullah. The Chiefs improve to 3-0 and seem to have a great edge in the AFC West while the Eagles take a tough step back in an improved NFC East division. Both teams should be playing meaningful games in December.
AROUND THE BSL – WEEK 3 EDITION
The Bengals had a feast of the Packers this week rocking them 48-3 while the Broncos shutout the Raiders and won 38-0. Then came the Falcons passing attack roaring like usual in Miami and they couldn’t be stopped as they scored over 50 points. New England really gave it to a struggling Tampa Bay team who look to be struggling big time as they have no answer for anything these days. They should be competing for the #1 pick this April. A couple of subpar teams went at it in Carolina as the Panthers played a physical brand of football that the Giants just could not handle. Carolina improves to 1-2 and is looking to bounce back from a 0-2 start as the Giants fall to 1-2 in a tough division. The Cowboys beat the Rams despite Sam Bradford outplaying Tony Romo due to two key fumbles produced by that much improved Cowboy defense. The Redskins edged by the Lions this past weekend beating them by a field goal while the Saints won a shootout against Arizona with Brees going over 400 yards passing with 5 touchdowns.
Division Power Rankings
1. AFC North 2. NFC East 3. AFC South 4. NFC South
5. NFC West 6. AFC West 7. AFC South 8. NFC North
Power Rankings- Week 3 Edition
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. Atlanta Falcons
4. Seattle Seahawks
5. New York Jets
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
7. Houston Texans
8. Philadelphia Eagles
9. Minnesota Vikings
10. Dallas Cowboys
11. Cleveland Browns
12. New England Patriots
13. Cincinnati Bengals
14. New Orleans Saints
15. Washington Redskins
16. Indianapolis Colts
17. San Francisco 49ers
18. St. Louis Rams
19. Buffalo Bills
20. Carolina Panthers
21. New York Giants
22. Detroit Lions
23. Denver Broncos
24. Oakland Raiders
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
26. Tennessee Titans
27. Chicago Bears
28. San Diego Chargers
29. Arizona Cardinals
30. Miami Dolphins
31. Green Bay Packers
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
BSL Weekly Times
Week 2 of the BSL league has been anything but boring. It has been full of excitement with last second comebacks, overtime, a record breaking performance, and questionable calls.
Let's get started with the game of the week, the AFC East rivalry between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets. Going into the game, Rex Ryan guaranteed a victory having confidence in his team. That vibe carried over to the game and what a game it was, back and forth scoring, but Bill Belichick and the Patriots didn't look like themselves turning the ball over FIVE (let that sink in) times!
Nevertheless, the game went into overtime, where Rex Ryan, who had to be worried after all that confidence before the game, took over. The Jets' offense was rolling to open up overtime, but stalled and had to kick a field goal. Now, it was up to the defense to stop Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Rex Ryan was making gutsy calls on defense and it finally came through when Jets' defensive back Jaiquawn Jarrey one on one with Rob Gronkowski took a chance and jumped the route to PICK OFF Tom Brady to end the game! What a game it was leaving New England's crowd in shock.
The rushing record was broken with a remarkable performance by Jamal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs who rushed for 321 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars which broke the record of Adrian Peterson's 296 yard day against the Chargers in his rookie year. Asked after the game how he did it, Jamal Charles responded, "I got to thank the guys up front for opening up holes, they were the ones doing most of the work."
Now we go to Philadelphia where a great game took place between the Eagles and Chargers. Let's just fast forward to the 4th quarter, 10 seconds left, 4th and 10 and Eagles ball. Does San Diego choke or do they finally hold on in the second half? Does Philly pull off another miracle? Eagles snap the ball, Vick drops back, throws a screen to the right to Desean Jackson. Jackson cuts back left, making two Chargers miss, back right making another miss, ONE MAN TO BEAT AS HE IS IN THE OPEN FIELD. Jackson gets past him too and SCORES FOR THE WIN AS TIME EXPIRED!! Philadelphia was rocking as the Eagles dog piled over each other in the end zone.
Who's Hot? Who's Not?
HOT:
Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers: Baltimore is coming off a rout of Cleveland to tie for the division lead with the Steelers. Despite Joe Flacco only throwing for 1 TD in 2 games, he has been very effective getting the ball downfield and handing it off to the running backs to finish the job. Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce have done a terrific job handling the backfield combining for 361 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns already. The defense looks great holding opponents to only 18 points per game.
Pittsburgh on the other hand, has come out firing with their pass offense looking better than ever even with the subtraction of Mike Wallace. Leveon Bell has handled all of the rushing duties while Emanuel Sanders is peaking along with rookie Markus Wheaton who has become a major part of the Steeler passing game. (Hint: Pick up Wheaton in your fantasy football leagues.) Pittsburgh's defense is getting up there in age; but they sure don't think that's true. Lawrence Timmons and Ike Taylor are causing havoc for offensive coordinators leading that defense to 6 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles in just two games.
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons have lived up to expectations thus far leading their division aiming for the SuperBowl. There is no reason they shouldn't get there with Matt Ryan playing like an elite quarterback despite Steven Jackson not looking too good in the first couple weeks. Many believe Jackson will be back into form after a few games, but that is yet to be seen. Nevertheless, Matt Ryan has many weapons at his disposal when it comes to the passing game with future hall of famer Tony Gonzalez and pro bowlers Julio Jones and Roddy White. No question they'll be in the playoffs.
Whos not?
San Diego Chargers: The Charger are off to a rough start yet again losing nailbiters to the Houston Texans and then just a heartbreaker in Philadelphia. New head coach and veteran quarterback Phillip Rivers will try to right the ship with their defense struggling beginning this
week.
Tennessee Titans: The Titans running game has been far from great to start off the season. The usually reliable Chris Johnson has struggled and although the passing game has been better, it hasn't stopped them from turning the ball over. No one expects them to right the ship this year.
Green Bay Packers: The passing game is struggling mightily with only one touchdown pass. The run game isn't doing them any favors while rookie Eddie Lacy is backing up Beanie Wells; which shouldn't last too long. Let's see if the NFC North defending champions can right their ship.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Is there a quarterback controversy brewing? 6 interceptions, 0 touchdowns for Josh Freeman isn't going to get them anywhere. Doug Martin isn't doing anything to help with 125 yards rushing in two games, looks like he's in a sophomore slump.
POWER RANKINGS Week 2:
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Atlanta Falcons
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. New York Jets
5. Kansas City Chiefs
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
7. Minnesota Vikings
8. Seattle Seahawks
9. Houston Texans
10. New Orleans Saints
11. Dallas Cowboys
12. New England Patriots
13. Buffalo Bills
14. Cincinnati Bengals
15. Cleveland Browns
16. San Francisco 49ers
17. Oakland Raiders
18. New York Giants
19. Washington Redskins
20. St. Louis Rams
21. Miami Dolphins
22. Indianapolis Colts
23. Arizona Cardinals
24. Green Bay Packers
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
26. Detroit Lions
27. Green Bay Packers
28. San Diego Chargers
29. Denver Broncos
30. Carolina Panthers
31. Tennessee Titans
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
-Writer: CangarooCap28