The draft is where mistakes are made, and consequently, teams are built.  Little overview of how the rookies are impacting their new teams.

Arizona Cardinals:
The only rookie even on the payroll is a fullback.  I am not sure I have seen a team not employ a single meaningful rookie.  Its a bold approach.  Clearly a win now mentality.  At 7-1, who am I to question.

Atlanta Falcons:
One of the most active teams this offseason.  The Falcons held five (5) picks in the first three rounds.  LG Blair was their first selection - he starts, thats about all one can report on an OL.  He isn't developing nearly as quick as other OL however.  LOLB Myers was their second pick in the first round, he has 9taks, 2sacks, 1int on the season - hes still 21 and already 82ovr - too early to judge.  QB Vick was the third and final selection in the first round - he has all the tools, the only thing hes fighting for right now is the league lead in interceptions.  WR Dareus was selected to complement (and then replace Julio).  Buried on the depth chart and a measly 11 catches is all he has to his name.  Another OL in the 3rd - Schofield is hoping to solidify the OL.  At 24, after this season, you basically got what ya got with him.  With 21 rookies on the team, the Falcons are looking for leadership - at 1-6, its painfully obvious they havent found it.

Baltimore Ravens
Four picks in first three rounds - the primary being Lehman.  They doubled down by selecting C Page later in the first.  Their second round pick Still is no longer an employee of the team.  When you're cutting 37th overall pick, thats never good.  They did get a solid WR in the third for Lehman.  Very offensively focused this draft.  The vision is for Page and Lehman to lead the offense for seasons to come.  Hopefully they can lead them to a win this season.

Buffalo Bills
The Bills got one of the most sought after players coming out of college, MLB Hoge.  He's fit in okay, no stats that jump off the board - but already a solid 85ovr.  Hoge is the only rookie playing meaningful snaps for the Bills, they hope he develops into one of the greats.

Carolina Panthers
The Panthers got one of my personal favorite players in the draft, LE Plummer.  A genetic freak, he has everything.  Strength, Speed, Weight, Power Moves.  At 22, he would be getting focus trained every week, and playing every snap (I HOPE YOU READ THIS AJ).  The other player they got in the first three rounds was SS Gilberry.  He hasn't contributed much, but the plan may be for him to take over for Mike Adams.

Chicago Bears
The Bears got a WR to grow with QB Trashbisky.  Trotter is what they were wanting, having a solid rookie campaign. Their other pick, RT Sanu is currently a backup.  Young, but also slow dev.  Their only real contributer from this class is Trotter

Cincinnati Bengals
Three picks in three rounds - the Bengals wanted difference makers.  They got CB Williamson (now Sandcastle) in the first, FS Black in the second, RG Routt in the 3rd.  Black is establishing himself as a head hunter - 4 FF through first eight games.  Leon fell to third on the depth chart, and is a part time contributor at best.  Routt is taking a red shirt season.

Cleveland Browns
The Browns have a possible DROTY on their hands. SS Bozeman is everything the Browns hoped.  Big playmaking ability, and not a liablity defending the run.  Drafted as a Center, Ulrich made the transition to RT and is adapting well.  A day one starter.  Third round pick Cline was a luxury one - hes learning the game and isn't expected to make any immediate impact.  They signed an UDFA WR McKnight who is enjoying moderate success as a slot WR and return man.

Dallas Cowboys
The feel good story of the draft.  Chance is a good guy that controls a hated team. He owned six picks in the first three rounds - many of which are making an immediate impact.  LT Ballard made the strong OL stronger.  LB Summers sets up camp in the backfield.  Freeman has fans forgetting about Bryant. Kershaw made the secondary better.  Chance really nailed the draft, his biggest issue will be having to retain all these players in four years.

Denver Broncos
Absent from the offseason, absent from the draft - Absent lately from any communication in chat.  Steffen, where are you?  The CPU selected a few day one starters for a defense that lost a few pieces.  RE Cargile, while older, fits the mold for an end.  He is a older, slightly worse Plummer (AJ I HOPE YOU START PLUMMER).  The steal may of been Safety Sherman.  21y/o - 6'4 - good speed, hes found his home in the NoFlyZone.  Two starters, not a bad draft.

Detriot Lions
HB Bademosi has a chance to be Rookie of the Year.  Until Stafford can stop turning it over and force people from playing the run, it will be tough.  Bademosi is a good player - hes a franchise HB.  Second round pick Rayford starts - but thats about all he does.  RG Marten may be playing the LG position, it he isn't - I'm not sure why.

Green Bay Packers
The Packers had the first overall pick - they selected CB Banks Cooper.  The Defense still struggles, Aaron Rodgers still has twice the INTs he does TDs.  Cooper has three INTs so he seems to be playing well.  The Packers plan isn't apparent - the only thing that is, is that the Packers will own a top 5 pick again.

Houston Texans
Houston did about no drafting.  No picks in the first three rounds.  They hit on something with fourth round pick Pennington.  Perhaps getting him can ease the pain of not picking due to a player that isn't on the roster anymore.

Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Lucks health is key - LT Kirkpatrick has shown why he was a top 10 pick.  Second round HB Burge is a key contributor - with hogs all over the line - Ray Charles could get 100yds a game.  Third round Beatty had a role, and saw that quickly shrivle up with the arrival of Campbell and Barr.  SS Harmon, the second of two third round picks - hasnt played much yet, but appears to be the second best Safety on the team.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Four picks in three rounds - the Jags traded up, and gave up a lot to miss on their target.  They settled for WR Carlo Sanchez.  Passing on arguably a generational QB, this was a bold decision.  Sanchez has been medicore at best, not what you want with a top 10 pick.  Their next pick was RT DiRuddi.  24yo, 78str, just all around bad.  Armed with two picks in the third - the first was used on safety St Helen, and his blazing 84spd.  He has one tackle.  The lone bright spot was WR Oxley-Brawn.  Hes a long term starter - already has 600yds and 6TDs - the fact that he has 75 more targets that the rest of the team is troublesome.  Fourth round pick SS Nicholson is producing the most on defense, securing 4ints already.

Kansas City Chiefs
One pick in the first three rounds - new GM Berry selected 23yo OL Campion.  Hes a starter, so thats good.  No other rookie is contributing.  SS Peck, the 5th round pick is an intriguing prospect.  Hopefully he is learning behind Berry - at some point I hope they give him PT over their other safeties.

Thats a look at half the teams - the other half will come at some point some time in the future.
 

As Madden 18 launched - a new era began for Jets faithful.  As ratings were released, players signed, the feeling remained - what is next...

Armed with a best player ranking of 85ovr (budding young lad DE Lenard Williams) - the Jets brass knew they had to dangle future picks in order to revive a team on life support.

To date - the Jets FO has made ten trades (and countless transactions).  None bigger than acquiring rising star OLB Hassan Reddick.  To do so, the FO chose to mortgage their future.  They sent their 2018 1st / 2018 2nd and locker room leader RG Brian Winters to the Cardinals.  In exchange, they received a 2019 4th, LB Hassan Reddick, and project guard Dorian Johnson.  Both Johnson and Reddick are expected to start and see heavy playing time.  The next major move was dealing their 2019 1st round pick.  The FO liked what they saw in preseason from LT Rod Johnson of the Browns.  Displaying freakish atlethtic ability Johnson needed to be a starter; buried on the depth chart behind HOF LT Thomas - the FO saw the opportunity to acquire a franchise LT.  Showing their belief, they proposed a first - later to find out the Browns FO was looking for merely a mid round pick.  GM Chad Pennington stated "when you see a player you would take top 5 in the draft, you know their worth".

The WR core is entirely different than the preseason predictions - thats due in large to the FO shipping off five WRs (Rookie Stewart - Peake - Enuawa - Anderson - Smith).  Former 1st round pick Smith was fighting for a roster spot, he was sent for 2018 6th round picks to the Giants.  Stewart was looking to be the ROTY, but the Chiefs came seeking help, and the Jets couldn't pass up the 3rd round pick.  Leading WR Enuawa was reluctantly dealt to division rival, more on that later.  2017 breakout player Anderson was sent to Carolina for a 2018 2nd.  Peake was paired with starting OL to acquire a hopeful difference maker.

Hometown favorite Enuawa was a move met with resistance by Jets faithful.  First, he was sent to the rival Bills.  Second, he was dealt to acquire yet another Rookie QB when many Jets fans had faith that QB Hackenberg (no longer with team) would be the starter.

A new beginning is an understatement, these Jets are night and day different from preseason wk1.  The FO has made it known that every player has as price.  Rumors have neither been confirmed or denied that the FO has been in deep negotiations trying to deal Star DE Williams, and Star FS Jamal Adams.

Starting Lineup:

OFFENSE
LT Johnson (acquired via trade)
LG Braden (UDFA Rookie)
C Johnson
RG Johnson (acquired via trade)
RT Ware (acquired via trade)

QB Peterman (acquired via trade)
HB Davis (PS Signing from Dolphins)
TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins
WR1 Cody Latimore (FA Signing)
WR2 Chad Hansen (rookie)
WR3a Malachi Dupree (FA Signing)
WR3b Rodney Adams (acquired via trade)

DEFENSE (3-4)
LE Williams
DT Wilkerson
RE Richardson

LOLB Reddick (acquired via trade)
MLB1 Davis
MLB2a Lee / MLB2b Wilson (rookie PS from Browns)
ROLB Lemonier

CB1 Witherspoon (acquired via trade)
FS Jamal Adams
SS1a Maye / SS1b Carter (FA Pickup)
CB2 Allen (PS Signing from Steelers)
CB3 Hall (FA Pickup)

Overview of Trades:
- Jets send 2018 1st / 2018 2nd / RG Winters to Cards for LB Reddick / LG Johnson / 2019 4th
- Jets send 2019 1st to Browns for LT Johnson
- Jets send WR Robby Anderson to Panthers for 2018 2nd
- Jets send WR ArDarius Stewart to Chiefs for 2018 3rd
- Jets send 2018 4th to Raiders for RT Jaylon Ware
- Jets send RG Carpenter / WR Peake to 49ers for CB Akhello Witherspoon
- Jets send WR Quincy Enunwa to Bills for QB Nathan Peterman / 2018 5th
- Jets send RG Dozier to Jags for DE Smoot
- Jets send WR Devin Smith to Giants for 2018 6th
- Jets send 2018 7th to Vikings for WR Rodney Adams
 

2019:
With Toomer coming off ROTY honors, he is in the drivers seat as the face of the franchise.  With an early exit in the playoffs last year (something Denver fans have grown accustom to), HC Norm Adams wanted to keep the esteem of Denver up.  This season appears to be the toughest schedule to date, with 12 of the 16 games agaisnt teams with proven winning history.

Draft:
HC Adams and GM Elway knew they needed to get younger on Defense.  They found their guy, and he fell to 14th - STAR CB Dee Jackson from USC.  The team expects him to learn from CB Peterson, and perfrom like him for years to come.  With the second pick of the first round, the Broncos knew they needed a difference maker at Safety - The LSU product passed the test, but it appears Tyronne Jackson may have a tough time adjusting to the speed of the game.  He is forced into the starting role with the hopes performing like his hero, Honey Badger.  The Broncos were able to secure a backup QB for Toomer, unfortuante for Lucas as he would be a starter on about 25% of teams, but he is adapting to the role and realizes the big picture is more inportant. A few misses, but the Broncos believe they found a backup, eventual starter with RT Coleman.  Coleman played his college ball across the boarder in Wyoming, and the Broncos are hoping his success will carry over to the Mile High City.

Resigning:
2019 is a crucial year.  Do you let talent go to save money, retain them for short team deals, trade them away?  One this is for sure, LB Von Miller will never, ever, put on another Jersey.  Willing to take a hometown discount, the Broncos didn't care, they are willing to make him the highest paid player in the league.  Continuing with defense, Denver needed to, and resigned both starting CBs to team friendly deals.  Patrick Peterson and Sam Shields will contiue to strap on the Denver Blue each week.  On offense, the Broncos spent to keep Toomer protected, resigning both LT Byrd and LG Bailey.  Coming off a career year, Denver decided to keep WR Floyd in town.  TE Jack Fulton, the best player from the 2016 draft will continue his HOF careeer in Dever as well.

OTB
Denver is going to put more work into the trading market this year.  Names being tossed around are DTs Stead / Reid / James; CB Johnson; WR Strong, etc etc.  GM Elway was quoted as saying, "If our players want total security, go to prison, or become Von Miller"

Any interested parties inquire, picks, like the players, are free to come to or leave Denver at any time.


 

Thirteen.

Thirteen times the Saints sacked opposing QB Andy Dalton.  DT Michael Brockers lead the way with four,  DE Robert Quinn added three of his own,  Siliga/Jernigan each had two, Munnerlyn/Fede ended the day with one a piece.

At the podium after the game, QB Dalton responded to every question with "It's not how many times you get knocked down, it's how many times you get back up."

Defensive Coordinator MDM for the Saints on the other hand was all smiles, "We had an exoict plan drawn up and we enforced it.  We found something that worked, and we did it.  Our offense has been telling us, find that one that works, and do it; here in New Orleans, we run what works.  I think being form South Dakota helped me realize that diversity is very overrated."

GB Tramon36 snuck his way into the press conference and demanded that MDM speak more about the decision regarding MDM and fellow Dakotan NOK.  MDM threw his hot bar at Tramon, and the two had to be escorted out opposite doors.  It's worth reporting that MDM was heard screaming, "I'm not Joe! I'm not Joe!"

AFC Matchups

TennesseeTitans(2-1-0)

17

San DiegoChargers(2-1-0)

24

The Titans saw their chances at 16-0 end in week 3. Titans owner wanted to show off newly acquired QB Matt Scott, in return Scott tossed two costly interceptions. Titans will look to get back to their smash mouth ways. Owner went on record saying, "CJ3K and Lattimore will combine for over 3,000 rushing yards. Until Scott can complete passes to our team, he can practice handing it off". The Chargers played a good game. Jumping out to 21-3 lead by half, they played ball control and ran off enough time to end the Titans comeback hopes. MVP for the game went to Ryan Matthews. He accounted for all three team TDs, two on the ground and one through the air. Titans are looking to put this loss behind them with a win against the G.E.N.O.s, while the Chargers hope to defeat the Cowboys.

BuffaloBills(3-0-0)

34

New YorkJets(1-2-0)

13

Buffalo wins!!! (awkward silence amongst GIR members). While the Bills now seem to be beatable, Majors and company keep on winning. This week’s victims were the G.E.N.O.s. Fellow Rookie Manuel proved superior; throwing for 200yds and three TDs. Spiller outran McFadden; but if GIR can take anything away from this game, if the Jets lose McFadden, GIR more than likely lose the Jets. The Jets are hoping to take their rushing attack and beat the Titans, while the Bills look to humiliate the Ravens.

AFC v. NFC

CincinnatiBengals(1-2-0)

38

Green BayPackers(0-3-0)

0

New man on campus. Josh Johnson made Steffen and the lady cats forget all about Dalton. Johnson accounted for all five team TDs, three with his arm, and another two with his legs. Is he the long-term solution for the Bengals? His accuracy leads some owners to doubt Steffen's new man. The Packers are looking for answers. Falling behind early forced them to throw, and in turn forced Rodgers to be pulled. They need to get Lacy more involved so they don’t feel the need to force it with Rodgers. Josh Johnson and the Bengals head to face the Browns, while the Packers look to get their first win against the Lions.

SeattleSeahawks(1-2-0)

38

JacksonvilleJaguars(0-3-0)

19

The Jaguars came strapped with new QB Jake Locker, unfortunately he was firing duds against the Seahawks. Locker, completing less that 50% of his passes, will force the Jags to alter their game plan moving forward. MJD was seen wearing a “Love the Life you Live, GET ME OUT OF JAX” t-shirt. On the flip side, the Seahawks finally lived up to their hype. Russell Wilson made plays, totaling three TDs on the day. Seahawks hope to get another win against the Texans, while the Jags face the Colts.

New EnglandPatriots(2-1-0)

42

Tampa BayBuccaneers(1-2-0)

14

New England laid the smack down on the Bucs. Rumor is Berry was looking for the light switch to plead electrical failure again. Brady was efficient with 2TDs through the air, while Vereen carried the team with 128yds rushing. Limiting turnovers is the key to success this season. Vereen and Co. head to Atlanta, while the Bucs face the sinking USS Cardinal.

San Francisco49ers(3-0-0)

35

IndianapolisColts(1-2-0)

21

The 49ers are 3-0. One week after praising Luck and his decision-making, he goes out and tosses 3ints. Kendall Hunter made his case for extra playing time, 106yds on four carries; the AARP and Hunter are knocking on Gore’s door. Colts hope to rebound in a divisional match against the Jags, while the 49ers hope to go to 4-0 against the Rams.

MinnesotaVikings(2-1-0)

49

ClevelandBrowns(1-2-0)

34

The Adrian Peterson’s beat the Cleveland Browns. After dealing a first and second round pick, Owner Christ must have thought Dalton needed more time to learn the offense as Weeden received the nod to start. Seems the Vikings are eating the “cheese”, Peterson now has 11TDs though three games. Game plan for the Vikings is easy, stop AP, and then stop the long prayer of a deep ball. The Vikings look to keep the Adrian train rolling against the Steelers, while the Browns face the Bengals.

ChicagoBears(3-0-0)

42

PittsburgSteelers(1-2-0)

13

The early surprise to M25 is the Chicago Bears. Now 3-0, the Bears are fully utilizing Pryor’s talent. The Steelers and Big Ben tossed another 3ints; it amounted to be too much to overcome. Bears and Pryor look to stay a perfect 4-0 against the Lions, while the Steelers hope to contain Adrian Peterson.

GAMES YET TO BE PLAYED:

Dolphins v. Falcons

Ravens v. Texans

Chiefs v. Eagles

Broncos v. Raiders

Season is still young.  Can the winning teams maintain the success; can the losing teams make the proper adjustments?  Time will tell.  Early division leaders Bills, Titans, Broncos, Steerles hope to stay atop

Patriots (1-1) v. Jets (1-1)

In a closely contested matchup, G.E.N.O. could not ride the week 1 momentum.  Accounting for a lackluster 72yds passing while tossing 2ints; we are reminded of the rebuilding effort in New York.  Brady and the Patriots came away with the win, but still did not play to standard.  Brady tossed another 2ints, bringing his season total to four already.  Vereen was effective on the ground, new game plan in New England?  The Jets hope to rebound against the undefeated Bills in week 3, while the Patriots play an “injury” ridden Bucs team

Raiders (2-0) v. Jaguars (0-2)

The Raiders came, the Raiders conquered.  Capitalizing on four interceptions from Matt Scott, the Raiders were able to cover up their own mistakes.  If the Raiders want to maintain recent success, they will need better play from Jay “ThrowEmUp” Cutler.  The Jaguars leave looking for an answer; how long until they find it?  Jags face a tough 0-2 Seahawks in week 3, while the Raiders look to hand the Broncos their first loss.

Colts (1-1) v. Dolphins (1-1)

Second year standouts Tannehill and Luck combined to got 24 of 28 for 6TDs.  TY Hilton proved to be the difference maker in the game by recording his first two TDs of the season.  With pre-season All-American Lamar Miller slowed, the Dolphins proved effective through the air.  These two teams could square off in the postseason again.  The Colts hope to end the 49ers winning streak, while the Dolphins head out of conference to take on the Falcons in week 3.

Titans (2-0) v. Texans (0-2)

The heavy rushing attack proved successful again in Houston.  Johnson & Lattimore combined for 303yds and 6TDs.  Locker was limited to only six passing attempts.  The Texans could not get going on the ground, forcing Schaub to throw.  He tossed four interceptions, bringing the Titans total to 8interceptions on the season.  Signs all over Houston are saying “RUN ARIAN, RUN”.  Titans hope to keep the ground attack going against the Chargers, while the Texans look to beat the dismal Ravens in Week 3.

Browns (1-1) v. Ravens (0-2)

Is the AFC North changing hands?  Somehow, team Owner Hoag continues to think Fluke-O is the answer.  He added another FOUR interceptions, bringing his season total to six already.  The real question is, can the Ravens afford to deal him?  Hoag continued to ignore superstar Rice.  The two again were seen having a verbal conflict on the sidelines.  Field reports claim Rice told Hoag “Hey, keep passing, you’re doing great!!!”  The Ravens hope to rebound against a struggling Texans team, while the Browns look to get another win against the Adrian Peterson’s.

Steelers (1-1) v. Bengals (0-2)

Did Andy Dalton book his departure ticket?  After throwing 3ints, backup Johnson came in and marched the Bengals on a scoring drive.  The AP picked up on a story that Dalton and team owner Steffen are interested in the same Lady Cat.  Is Steffen’s only shot for love going to be defined by making a surefire HOF look bad, so he can in turn ship him out?  Updates on this story are sure to be entertaining.  The Steelers went with a run-heavy approach and it worked.  The Bengals hope to beat an 0-2 Packers team, while the Steelers look to get another win against the early season powerhouse Bears.

AFC v. NFC Matchups

Bills (2-0) v. Panthers (1-1)

Bills still manage to win.  The rookie QB/WR duo of Manuel and Goodwin continue to shine.  For those that read the previews, the highly renounced Madden GIR Analyst predicted this.  To beat the Bills, stop Goodwin first.  The Panthers played well.  The storyline of their season so far is Rookie running back Kenjon Barner.  Can Barner carry the heavy workload all season?  The Bills look to continue their journey towards 16-0 against the Jets, while the Panthers look to get back on track by beating the Giants.

Eagles (2-0) v. Chargers (1-1)

The Eagles soared over the Chargers.  Behind Mike Vicks 5TD performance, the Eagles sent the rest of GIR a message.  Chargers coach was quoted saying, “Eagles are the college QB that never made it to the NFL.  Is it fun being a “professional” in a pick-up flag football game?”  Rivers and the Chargers look to stop the rushing attack of the Titans in Week 3, while the Eagles hope to soar over the undefeated Chiefs.

Chiefs (2-0) v.  Cowboys (0-2)

Another close game, another Cowboy loss.  Romo managed to throw FIVE.. FIVE interceptions.  As long as the Cowboys continue to ignore the running game, losses like this will keep coming.   Jamaal Charles had an astounding 26 touches for the Chiefs.  If you stop Charles, signs point towards this 2-0 train becoming derailed.  Cowboys hope to get a win against a surprising Rams team, while the Chiefs look to become 3-0 against the potent offensive attack of the Eagles.

Broncos (2-0) v. Giants (0-2)

The anticipated Manning matchup provided us with six interceptions.  Despite the six interceptions, both teams felt it was in their best interest to keep slinging the ball (??).  The Broncos topped the Giants, but both teams will need to evaluate their running game. The Broncos are 2-0, but they beat a free-falling, train wreck Ravens team headed by Hoag, and a team that lost their best playmaker in New York.  Are the Broncos legit?  The Broncos hope to climb atop the AFC West with a week 3 win over the Raiders, while the Giants hope to beat a tough Panther squad.

This was the look on Hoag, Steffen, Miller, and Christ's face this morning.

Is the AFC North trying to become the NFC East of Gridiron Racers?  All four teams managed to lose opening week.

Ravens (0-1) v. Bronocs (1-0)

On what appeared a great opening night for the Ravens, Flukeo decided to toss two costly 4th quarter INTs and allow the Peyton Manning and the Broncos to steal the win.  Manning tossed 4, yes 4 INTs to the Ravens, and Hoag and Co. were still unable to capture the win.  Leaving the field, reporters heard Rice and Hoag engage in a shouting match.  Video has Rice saying, "We are up 20 (expletive) points, give me the damn ball!!".  On what was as dismal rushing night for the Ravens, 13 carries for 15yds, Hoag might consider Rice's words.  The Ravens look to rebound in week 2 against the 0-1 Browns.

Bengals (0-1) v. Bears (1-0)

In our first out of conference play, Pryor proved to be too much for the Bengals to handle.  Rushing for 125yds on 8 carries (15.62 YPC) 2TDs, and throwing for another 246yds 2TDs; some inside the Bengals organization are questioning whether Steffen was the correct choice as owner.  The lone bright spot for the Bengals was Gio Bernards 80yds 1TD performance.  Steffen looks to silance the critics in week 2 against 0-1 divison rival Steelers.  The Bears aim to continue their winning streak against AP and the Vikings

Browns (0-1) v. Dolphins (1-0)

After a promising pre-season, the Browns opened up flat against the Dolphins.  The Dolphins, on the heels of pre-season MVP favorite Lamar Miller, accounted for 128yds and 4TDs on the ground.  It is only week 1, but specualtion is rising that the Browns really are tanking this season for the overall #1 pick.  The Browns hope to rebound against the Ravens, while the Dolphins face the Colts.

Steelers (0-1) v. Titans (1-0)

The Steelers, who jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, stalled after that.  The Titans were able to control the clock thanks to RB duo Johnson & Lattimore.  Combining for 32 carries, 235yds and 3TDs, the Titans put together long, clock draining drives.  Once behind, Big Ben tried to attack through the air, but that lead to 4 INTs.  The Steelers showed promise with Big Ben/Brown combo, they look to build on that as the take on the Bengals next week.  The Titans square off with 0-1 divisonal foe Texans.

Texans (0-1) v. Chargers (1-0)

In a closely contested matchup, the Chargers edged the Texans by a FG.  Schaub put the Texans in a bad situation by tossing 4 INTs.  Rivers and Co capitalized of turnovers and field position to start the season 1-0.  The Texans face the ball hawking defense of the 1-0 Titans next week, while the Chargers take on the high flying Eagles.

Jets (1-0) v. Tampa Bay (0-1)

In an embarrasing 4th quarter moment for the Tampa franchise, the lights cut off for what is assumed to be a late payment.  Either way, the Jets proved to be too much for the Bucs. McFadden looks to be the workhorse for the Jets this season; at what week will his normal injury set him back?  If he can stay healthy, the Jets could continue to win.  The Jets will look to show this week wasnt a fluke by continuing their success against the 0-1 Patriots.  The Bucs, who will likely have some "injuries", hope to keep the lights on, and the season going when they face the 1-0 Saints.

Patriots v. Bills

The Bills opened like they closed M13, with a win.  Manuel accounted for 3 TDs, tossing 2TDs to fellow rookie Goodwin.  Spiller showed why some consider him a franchise back by totaling 124 rushing yards.  Brady and Co. had two TOs that may have been the difference in the game.  Brady/Gronk are still a dynamic duo.  The Patriots are hoping to rebound against the 1-0 G.E.N.Os, while Manuel looks to keep his success going against a stout 1-0 Panthers.

Four AFC Teams reamain in week 1.  The Chiefs hope to best the Jags, while the Raiders look to control Fleener and the Colts.

Seems oddsmakers have a better chance at predicting the lottery numbers than they do the AFC South Divisional Winner.  All teams took the crown in M13.  Can the new face of the Jags compete with the "veterans"?

Houston Texans

The Texans have a well rounded team.  A decent QB paired with a great RB should transition to success.  Owner Sean will need to realize the best way to utilize Arian Foster.  The success of Foster will directly correlate with the success of the Texans in my opinion.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have the missing pieces at all key offensive positions.  Luck, Richardson, Fleener, Hilton... Look for these four to stay together throughout M25.  As everyone knows, Fleener will  more than likely lead the league in receptions.  He and Luck have mastered the 6yd out route.  Can a "younger" Luck carry the Colts to the playoffs this season?

Jacksonville Jaguars

Like the Browns, the Jags have no QB.  Based on pre-season, it looks like the Jags are going to ride the coattails of Scott.  Can he and MJD lead the Jags efforts?  Look for the Jags to make noise this season as a potential upset team.

Tennessee Titans

Locker and Fitzmagic are decent.  The Titans look to rely heavily on their RB by committee.  In a surprising move, the 49ers cut superstar Lattimore.  The Titans are looking for Lattimore and Johnson to be the leagues best one two punch.

The AFC North provides solid teams year in and year out.  Usually taking one team to the AFC Championship each season.  Can it continue?

Baltimore Ravens

Can Ray Rice and Joe "show me the money" Flacco continue their success?  There is rumor that Owner Hoag is unhappy with both, and is willing to help move them out of Baltimore.  The hostility cannot be good for the locker room environment.  Hoag will need to figure out who he is going to play with if he wants to end above .500

Cincinatti Bengals

Rookies bring excitement.  The Bengals have two to work with.  Look for RB Benard and TE Eifert to lead the Bengals in their respective categories.  Like the Ravens, the Bengals are not sold on their signal caller.  Will Dalton be moved before the trade deadline this season, or will Steffen stand behind his favorite ginger?

Clevland Browns

The Browns may want to tank this season in an attempt to find their QB.  Clearly Weeden is a better waterboy than he is pocket QB.  With no RB, No QB, the Browns look to continue to struggle.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Can the Steerlers remain current without Mike Wallace?  Looks like team owner Chad will need to rely more on his rookie back Le'Vron Bell to take the load off of Big Ben.  Look for the Steelers to try and get younger on defense; sooner or later the AARP will be the title sponsor for the stadium.

The AFC West... The division that always seems to send a sure fire AFC Title contender, but never seems to make it past Wild Card weekend.  Perhaps that can change in M25

Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning.  Need we say more?  Owner Regan is hoping to cash in before Manning cash's out.  Will the lack of a running game enable teams to drop 8 into coverage and shutdown this high speed attack?  There is speculation that Peyton let Eli play pre-season for him.  Peyton will need to complete more passes to his receivers this regular season if he wants to make it to Feb.

Kansas City Chiefs

Can the Chiefs and Alex "game manager" Smith prove to be the right match?  Can the Chiefs utilize Charles?  Should Brian just let the computer control his defense?  The Chiefs, like many others, need to act now.  This season may be their best chance yet to prove they belong in the AFC West.

Oakland Raiders

Making big news this preseason by trading away the only two players on their roster who Nike agreed to make jerseys for.  The Raiders sent Pryor to the Bears in return for Cutler, and McFadden to the Jets in return for Holmes.  Can Cutler and Holmes rewrite (write) the record books in Oakland?

San Diego Chargers

Phillip Rivers hopes to make the Charge(rs) to the top of the AFC West.  With Freeney attempting to bring life to the defense, this Charger team is realitively unknown.  Can Brian bring them into conversation inside GIR, or will they do their best Teo impression?

Can the divison known for producing at least two playoff teams each season in M13 continue their success in M25?

Buffalo Bills

This is not the Buffalo of old.  Coming in with the worst overall ranking in madden, a rookie QB, fragile players at key positions, and an unproven defense; TJ has his work cut out for him.  Based off Pre-Season, watch for the the Manual-Goodwin duo.

Miami Dolphins

Coming to life in the latter stages of M13, Dolphins owner Ethan is looking to continue his success.  Playing with a totally new roster, time will tell.  Lamar Miller is looking to channel his inner 2002 Priest Holmes, Miller lead the league in rushing this pre-season. 

New England Patriots

After losing Tom Brady in M13, the league lost sight of the Patriots.  Having Grandpa Brady back, Darrin hopes to be able to ride him for the next couple seasons. With a rebuilt defense, the Patriots hope to work away from the high power offense it is accustomed to.  Brady has his work cut out for him.  Hopefully the return of Randy Moss pays dividend.

New York Jets

The J.E.T.S. or G.E.N.Os as they are referred to now, have a chance to be a surpirse M25 team.  Playing in arguably the toughest division in Gridion Racers, Greg will need to control the ball and limit turnovers to have a chance at success.