Sadler’s premium meats are perfect for tailgating on Saturday, for grilling out at home on Sunday, or for when you are hosting a group of friends, or even just the family, on Monday night.

With a variety of delicious choices (beef, pork, ribs, turkey, brisket, and more) and availability at grocery stores throughout the U.S., Sadler’s meats are the tasty, convenient choice when you want to watch the big game and eat well while you’re doing it.

Check out Sadler’s Monday Night Football Recipe of the Week: Sadler’s Smokehouse Pulled Pork Stew

Visit the Sadler’s Smokehouse website: Sadler’s Smokehouse

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Monday Night Football Preview

Minnesota Vikings (11-3) at Chicago Bears (5-9)

• Vikings-Bears Date: Monday, December 28
• Vikings-Bears Kickoff Time: 8:30
• Vikings-Bears TV Network: ESPN
• Vikings-Bears Announcers: Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden
• Vikings-Bears Point Spread: Vikings -7
• Vikings-Bears Over-Under Odds: 41
• Vikings-Bears Spread Pick: Boy, this is a tough one. The Vikings are clearly the superior team based on their body of work this season, but the truth is that these two teams may actually be playing the worst football in the NFL over the last two weeks. That said, I don’t see the Bears winning this game, but I do think that they will play hard despite their season being over. It is one of the fiercest rivalries in the NFL, the Bears are at home, and it will no doubt be frigid. Brett Favre is not the cold weather QB that he once was. Vikings win, but Bears cover. Vikings-Bears free pick: Bears +7

Vikings-Bears Analysis

Much has been made about Jay Cutler’s abundant failure as Chicago’s starting quarterback this year.

Without belaboring the point, Culter is leading the league in interceptions, and believe it or not, has actually looked worse than he has played. Regardless, he is the Bears franchise signal-caller, for better or for worse, so Bears fans have to hope that he’s able to turn it around next year.

I think the real question mark with the Bears that they will have to address in the offseason is their running back and wide receiver situations.

Three years ago, Devin Hester became a household name for his penchant for returning kicks for scores and his ridiculous speed. The Bears figured (and rightfully so) that Hester’s speed and athleticism would be best served in a more intensive role than simply “return man.” And so began the process of converting Hester into a receiver.

Though he has shown steady improvement through the past three seasons (20 catches in 20007, 51 catches in 2008, 54 catches in 2009 (through 14 weeks), he is still a long’s way from being considered a number one caliber receiver. Hester has proven himself to be a lazy route runner and a number of Cutler’s picks this year have come as a consequence of Hester’s inadequate route running. Furthermore, Hester’s hands have been a constant issue this year, and I rarely ever see Hester make a difficult catch.

Ultimately, the Bears will have to decide if Hester is truly the answer at receiver for the Bears. It is worth noting that since Hester became a full time starting receiver (in ’08 and ’09) he maintained punt return duties. In these past two years, he has 384 punt return yards and 0 TDs. In 06 and 07, he had 1260 punt return yards and seven touchdowns. Is a number one receiver who can’t break the 1000 yards barrier really more valuable than a punt returner who constantly puts you in great field position and scores three to four touchdowns a year? I guess that’s for Bears management to decide.

Meanwhile at running back, the Bears seemed to have everything figured out with last year’s second round draft pick, Matt Forte.

In his rookie season, the Tulane University star put up monster numbers in both the rushing and the passing games, going for over 1700 combined yards. With the acquisition of Jay Cutler, the Bears brass fully expected Forte to join the elite class of runners this year and possibly threaten for a 2000 yard season (in combined rushing and passing yards). Instead, what has happened is that Forte has completely and utterly regressed.

Considering the Bears decent offensive line and Forte’s embarrasing 3.4 yards per carry, it is worth postulating that perhaps Forte was never that good to begin with. It appears that Forte lacks the explosion of a top tier NFL running back, and is far too tentative while trying to find a hole. Personally, I don’t think Forte is the answer as a starter in Chicago (of anywhere for that matter). His good hands and solid pass protection skills will render him an effective third down back for years to come, but as a starting RB, he leaves much to be desired.

With a strong finish, Brett Favre has a good chance of wrapping up league MVP and the Vikings will most likely enter the NFC playoffs as the second seed. It would thus appear that the Favre signing worked perfectly; it took Minnesota from the status of a perennially average franchise and in one offseason, exalted them to the top of the NFL standings.

But even success couldn’t prevent off the field drama that would even make the writers of some mindless NBC sitcom roll their eyes in embarrassment.

Apparently coach Brad Childress tried to remove Favre from last week’s game with the Vikings ahead 7-6 in the third quarter. While in reality, that decision might have paid off (given the final score) Childress should know that you don’t bench your future hall of fame quarterback when the game is still in the balance. Childress has to be especially careful here because owner, Zygi Wilf, has made it abundantly clear that he wants Favre back in a Vikings uniform next year, no matter what.

Much has been made out of this situation in media outlets this week but I personally expect it to be a non-issue for the remainder of the season. Furthermore, I just don’t believe that Childress will try to replace Favre in the middle of a close playoff game, but stranger things have happened.

Meanwhile, one of Favre’s primary receivers, Percy Harvin, has been the Vikings secret weapon on offense this season. Harvin, who is on pace for over 800 yards receiving and has eight total touchdowns (receiving and kick off return) has provided a major spark in the Vikings offense and has been one of the chief catalysts for their offensive transformation.

It should therefore be quite troubling to Vikings fans that Harvin has seen his season-long “migranes” escalate from a mere nuisance to a debilitating injury over the past 2 games. Harvin, who has apparently been getting migranes since high school, was forced to sit out Minnesota’s week 14 game against the Bengals and was a complete non-factor in Minnesota’s week 15 loss against Carolina. There is hope for Vikings fans however as Harvin visited the Mayo clinic this past week and received encouraging results.

Vikings-Bears Prediction

Vikings fans have to hope that Harvin’s migranes will no longer affect him come playoff time because Harvin is clearly a vital cog in the Vikings offense, and I’d venture to say that he is essential to the Vikings making a legitimate run at the Super Bowl.

Minnesota has looked awful their past two prime-time road performances. This will be different for so many reasons. The Bears are a bad football team right now, while the Vikes are in need of a couple wins prior to what they hope is a magical postseason. Take Minnesota all day/night.

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* – Brett Favre photo credit: damike91 at PhotoBucket

* – Jay Cutler photo credit: DrunkAthlete.com

Sadler’s premium meats are perfect for tailgating on Saturday, for grilling out at home on Sunday, or for when you are hosting a group of friends, or even just the family, on Monday night.

With a variety of delicious choices (beef, pork, ribs, turkey, brisket, and more) and availability at grocery stores throughout the U.S., Sadler’s meats are the tasty, convenient choice when you want to watch the big game and eat well while you’re doing it.

Check out Sadler’s Monday Night Football Recipe of the Week: Sadler’s Smokehouse Brisket Pizza

Visit the Sadler’s Smokehouse website: Sadler’s Smokehouse

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Monday Night Football

Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) at Washington Redskins (2-4)

Eagles-Redskins Date: Monday, October 26th
Eagles-Redskins Kickoff Time: 8:30 PM
Eagles-Redskins TV Network: ESPN
Eagles-Redskins Announcers: Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden
Eagles-Redskins Point Spread: Eagles -7.5
Eagles-Redskins Over-Under: 37.5
Eagles-Redskins Spread Pick by Jerod: Normally this would look like a pretty exciting game, but the Eagles are coming off of a terrible performance and the Redskins are just…terrible. With so much flux at QB and in their coaching staff, I just can’t see Washington playing well enough against an Eagles team that has to be spitting mad after losing to Oakland. I think this one gets out of hand early and the Eagles roll. Eagles-Redskins free pick: Eagles -7.5

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Eagles-Redskins MNF Preview and Analysis

Where to begin.

You know things are bad in Washington when Redskins fans are castigating the team for cutting undrafted free agent, Chase Daniels, in the preseason. Indeed the QB situation in Washington is irreparable and it appears as though whoever starts for the remainder of the year, whether it be incumbent starter Jason Campbell, or $4 million per year career back-up Todd Collins, they will most likely be a stop-gap for the Redskins’ 2010 first round pick.

For this week at least, Jason Campbell will be thrown back into the fire against one of the best pass rushing teams in the NFL, behind a line that would probably have trouble protecting a young girl from Roman Polanski. It also doesn’t help that Campbell’s confidence, which has been wavering since Daniel Snider forcefully attempted to acquire Jay Cutler, probably received its final blow with his second half benching against the woeful Kansas City Chiefs in a game his team was only losing by 3 points.

Simply put, if Campbell wasn’t good enough for the Chiefs defense, what do you think will happen when he faces the Eagles defense, or an Eagles offense perturbed by their ineptness in a stunning loss at Oakland last week?

Exacerbating the Redskins’ offensive woes is the declining skills of Clinton Portis.

Portis, who was arguably the league MVP through the first 9 weeks of the 2008 season, has rapidly seen his speed and quickness disappear, indicated by his inability to beat linebackers to the outside and his failure to make anyone miss in the open field. To his credit, he is playing hurt and is playing his heart out, but all the effort in the world will not magically make his patch-work offense line open holes, and he is not creating those holes himself.

So once again, it will be upon Campbell to lead the offense through the air–a terrible sign for Redskins fans.

The Redskins do have weapons in the passing game–Santana Moss and Chris Cooley–and the Redskins’ offensive success will depend upon Campbell’s ability to utilize these two weapons. The Redskins would be highly advised to go to Cooley underneath as it was that exact game plan (going to the TE underneath) which catapulted the Oakland Raiders to an improbable upset victory over the Eagles. Cooley will be covered by middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, who looked horrible last week (and was the proximate cause of the Eagles loss in my opinion). Consequently, the Eagles will probably have to shift over a safety to help cover Cooley which just may give Clinton Portis enough running room to be a factor in this game.

The Redskins defense meanwhile, has been the polar opposite of their offense. They rank 5th in total yards given up, but more relevantly, 3rd in total passing yards surrendered. Given the Eagles heavy reliance upon the passing game, this could pose an inherent problem for Philadelphia.

The additions of Albert Haynesworth and rookie Brian Orakpo have been instrumental in exalting this defense to elite status, as they have helped to provide a steady rush, which has taken the pressure of the Redskins secondary. I expect the Redskins to keep Donovan McNabb on his heels all days and force Andy Reid to beat them with the run. That may not be hard however, given that the Redskins are averaging only 13 PPG this season.

Looking at Philadelphia, the two biggest concerns based on last week’s loss are the horrid play of their offensive line and the even more horrid play of Jeremiah Trotter. Though the Eagles’ offensive line is banged up, it’s pretty clear that the Raiders were only able to abuse McNabb (to the tune of six sacks) because of the first quarter knee injury to starting left tackle Jason Peters. Peters’ back up, King Dunlap, was manhandled by Richard Seymour and the Eagles secret weapon, Brent Celek, was forced to block a little more than normal to make up for Dunlap’s disgraceful effort.

Lucky for Eagles fans however, the “King” has left the building, as Peters will reportedly play after having an MRI reveal only a contusion. Nevertheless, the Redskins revamped defensive line will cause problems all day, and McNabb will have to be considerably more accurate this week than his 48% completion percentage last week.

More importantly, Andy Reid will likely, for one week at least, abandon his beloved pass-heavy game plan and opt for a more conservative approach. This won’t necessarily be a difficult transition however as Brian Westbrook is reportedly the healthiest he has been all season, and he has been a Redskin killer throughout his career. Westbrook’s 141 total yard performance last week proved that he can still be a top tier RB when healthy and given the opportunities. Given his newfound health, expect those opportunities to be abundant.

Defensively, the Eagles have a big question mark at middle linebacker as they found out on Thursday that Omar Gaither will have to undergo season ending surgery to repair a Lisfranc sprain in his foot. Last week’s starter, Jeremiah Trotter, proved that his best days are behind him…way behind him.

The Eagles immediately addressed their MLB dilemma this week by acquiring Will Witherspoon from the Rams in exchange for a meaningless late round draft pick. In the long term, it was a great trade for the Eagles who acquired a talented and athletic middle linebacker who, at 29, is still in the prime of his career. It also is relevant to Monday night’s game as Witherspoon will apparently start at middle linebacker against the Redskins, but considering Witherspoon’s injury last week (bruised tailbone) and his lack of familiarity with the Eagles system, I would expect his reps to be limited, but you never know.

Eagles-Redskins MNF Prediction and Spread Pick

This game has the potential to be on the low scoring side as each team is coming into the game with question marks on the offensive; consequently, I expect the defenses to dominate the game.

That said, the Eagles are the superior team, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Couple in the fact that the Redskins will have a guy calling plays whose last job calling anything were the numbers at “bingo night,” and you can see why there’s little to be optimistic about in Washington.

The Eagles will win this game handily (they will cover), and the Redskins faithful will continue to wonder whether head coach Jim Zorn may actually be an upgrade at quarterback over Jason Campbell.

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* – Jason Campbell photo credit: National Sports Review

* – Brian Westbrook photo credit: All Things Philly Sports

Sadler’s premium meats are perfect for tailgating on Saturday, for grilling out at home on Sunday, or for when you are hosting a group of friends, or even just the family, on Monday night.

With a variety of delicious choices (beef, pork, ribs, turkey, brisket, and more) and availability at grocery stores throughout the U.S., Sadler’s meats are the tasty, convenient choice when you want to watch the big game and eat well while you’re doing it.

Check out Sadler’s Monday Night Football Recipe of the Week: Sadler’s Smokehouse Baked Beans

Each week, you can also listen to the MSF Monday Night Football Podcast, brought to you by Sadler’s. Follow the link to listen to the MSF Podcast on iTunes, or use the in-page player below to listen while you read.

Jets-Dolphins MNF Preview Podcast presented by Sadler’s

(FYI…audio player may take a second or two to load)

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Monday Night Football Preview

New York Jets (3-1) at Miami Dolphins (1-3)

• Jets-Dolphins Date: Sunday, October 11th
• Jets-Dolphins Kickoff Time: 8:30 PM
• Jets-Dolphins TV Network: ESPN
• Jets-Dolphins Announcers: Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden
• Jets-Dolphins Point Spread: Jets -1.5
• Jets-Dolphins Over-Under: 36.5
• Jets-Dolphins Spread Pick by MSF: This is a huge game for the Dolphins. They can slowly but surely sneak their way back into the AFC East discussion with a win and a New England loss on the road to Denver. The question, of course, will be whether or not Chad Henne can handle the Jets’ immense pressure; and, whether or not the Dolphins can effectively operate their Wildcat offense against Rex Ryan and his defensive madmen. I’d really like to say yes — and the presence of turnover machine Sanchez gives me hope — but I think the Jets’ D will good enough to overwhelm Miami on Monday night. Jets-Dolphins free pick: Jets -1.5

Jets-Dolphins MNF Preview and Analysis

The big story this week was the Jets acquisition of Braylon Edwards from the Browns. Edwards will presumably take over the role vacated by Chansi Stuckey (who was traded for Edwards), with Edwards eventually starting opposite Jericho Cotchery.

This trade certainly makes sense from the Jets’ perspective as the talent with Edwards is undeniable. Though his hands have always been suspect, he has all the tools to be a number one receiver, and with an offensive as potentially potent as the Jets, Edwards can possibly become one of the top receivers in the league.

So how will this trade affect the Jets against the Dolphins this coming Monday? It likely won’t–at least not positively. Edwards says he’ll suit up this week, but he figures to be used as a decoy, if at all.

Meanwhile, New York lost their number two receiver. That loss should be mitigated by the fact that Stuckey was only the third receiving option on the team (behind Crochery and Purdue’s own Dustin Keller), but I do think it hurts the Jets by putting more pressure on a rookie quarterback coming off his worst game as a pro.

Arguably the most dangerous weapon on the Jets, Leon Washington was more or less phased out of the game last week, as he received just eight total touches. Coach Rex Ryan previously said that he wants Washington to see around 20 touches a game, and expressed disappointment that Washington was not more involved last week. Expect Washington to be more involved this week.

But whereas Washington will likely see more touches in the week to come, it appears as though incumbent starter, Thomas Jones (13 carries last week), will see fewer. This is just speculation, but after the Jets went with rookie Shonn Green over Jones down the stretch in New Orleans, it appears as though the team may be looking to go “younger” at running back. From my unbiased perspective I don’t like or dislike the Jets), this is probably the right move.

Defensively, Darrelle Revis has developed into a top shut down cornerback that, by season’s end, may widely be considered the league’s best. Last week, he didn’t allow a single completion to Marques Colston. This is especially significant this week as Chad Henne will be making just his second NFL start at quarterback. Consequently, I’d expect a run and wildcat-heavy offensive output from the Dolphins.

Turning to Miami, Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown are looking like one of the best 1-2 punches in football right now, but they have arguably their toughest test ahead of them this week, facing a Jets team with an excellent front four. Furthermore, I’d expect the Jets to often bring an eighth man in the box and force Miami to try and beat them through the air.

A big disappointment this season has been the lack of progression from Ted Ginn Jr. He was expected to be a top caliber receiver for the Dolphins and a big play threat, but he found himself struggling to even get on the field last week, showing little proof that he’s capable of being anything more than a mediocre receiver.

The Dolphins will likely be without Joey Porter this week , and I expect that they will struggle to make up for his absence, as Porter has the athleticism from the linebacker position to cover Dustin Keller and chase down Leon Washington. His replacement, Cameron Wake, despite his three sack performance last week, likely does not.

Jets-Dolphins MNF Prediction

Despite being 1-3, Miami leads the NFL in rushing yards after four games, and the Dolphins are also the league’s best in third-down efficiency. However, Miami is 31st in the league against the pass, so with his expected “bad rookie” game out of the way, and his growth from it, look for Mark Sanchez to rebound Monday night.

Though Miami wants to pressure Sanchez, Rex Ryan also loves to blitz and will be especially apt to do so versus an inexperienced signal caller for the opponent. 

Jets-Dolphins prediction: I believe the Jets win this game, though covering the point spread may be tough.

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* – Braylon Edwards photo credit: Michael Monday/The Star-Ledger via NJ.com

* – Ronnie Brown & Ricky Williams photo credit: Scott Cunningham/Getty Images via SI.com

Sadler’s premium meats are perfect for tailgating on Saturday, for grilling out at home on Sunday, or for when you are hosting a group of friends, or even just the family, on Monday night.

With a variety of delicious choices (beef, pork, ribs, turkey, brisket, and more) and availability at grocery stores throughout the U.S., Sadler’s meats are the tasty, convenient choice when you want to watch the big game and eat well while you’re doing it.

Check out Sadler’s Monday Night Football Recipe of the Week: Sadler’s Smokehouse Baked Beans

Each week, you can also listen to the MSF Monday Night Football Podcast, brought to you by Sadler’s. Follow the link to listen to the MSF Podcast on iTunes, or use the in-page player below to listen while you read.

Panthers-Cowboys MNF Preview Podcast presented by Sadler’s

(FYI…audio player may take a second or two to load)

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Monday Night Football Preview

Green Bay Packers (2-1) at Minnesota Vikings (3-0)

• Packers-Vikings Date: Monday, October 5th
• Packers-Vikings Kickoff Time: 8:00 ET
• Packers-Vikings TV: ESPN
• Packers-Vikings Announcers: Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden
• Packers-Vikings Point Spread: Vikings -3.5
• Packers-Vikings Over-Under: 46
• Packers-Vikings Spread Pick by Jerod: The game of the week, and not just because Brett Favre is playing the Packers. These are two pretty good teams. However, Green Bay is not doing a good job of running the ball or stopping the run. I think this game becomes the Adrian Peterson show, with Favre not having to do too much but just manage the game. The Vikings win and cover. Packers-Vikings free pick: Vikings -3.5
• Packers-Vikings Tickets!!!

Packers-Vikings MNF Preview and Analysis

Brett Favre vs. the Green Bay Packers.

Yes, Mr. Favre, in his 273rd consecutive start, goes against the squad he commanded for 16 seasons. Sure, when he heads to Lambeau in a month or so, it’ll be more “special,” but this Monday nighter should still have numerous storylines and intensity. After all, it’s still Packers-Vikings, and if, like me, you’ve spent time in the northernlands, you know these two STATES despise each other, much less their cities and pro football teams.

(I mean, heck, this game is so “important” that it’s pushed back the Tigers-Twins one-game baseball playoff at the Metrodome.)

Green Bay ventured to the “road” after two home games and whipped up on the pathetic Rams (the eastern “bookend” of an extremely bad pro football year in Missouri, it seems). Did that convince us that, despite the home loss to the Bengals, they’re a quality squad? Well, Cincy beat the defending champs this past weekend, but Green Bay is still an enigma. I put “road” for the St. Louis game in quotations since perhaps half the 60,000 in the EJ Dome were Packers fans. The Cheeseheads also benefited from an injury to Rams quarterback Marc Bulger that made a bad team worse.

Green Bay’s greatest weakness is they cannot protect Aaron Rodgers, who was sacked twice by the lowly Rams. The offensive line is a huge mess, as evidenced by Cincinnati’s Antwan Odom getting five sacks in their loss to the Bengals.

That said, linebacker Clay Matthews has been making steady progress as a rush specialist with a sack and two pass breakups in the first three games, but facing Favre, who has made a living with dump offs the first three games, the Packers will need Matthews to step up further in the passing game.

Ryan Grant had a good game against the Rams, but the Pack ran him 17 times on first down. Facing perhaps the best run defense in the NFC, Green Bay will have to be significantly more unpredictable if they plan on having an effective run game. One positive is that Grant was running well to the outside against the Rams, and it is likely he will be doing most of his running outside the hashmarks on Monday as well.

Donald Driver is the unheralded cog that makes the Packers offense run. Now that Greg Jennings has established himself as the clear cut #1 in Green Bay, Driver constantly gets single coverage, often defended by the opposing team’s second or third cornerback. With 14 catches, two touchdowns and almost 80 yards per game thus far, he has made defenses pay for not heeding more attention to him. He’ll need to continue this trend against the Vikings to help take some pressure off the run game

For the Vikes, they’re 3-0 — barely. Brett Favre pulled off one of the most heroic endings of his legendary career, no doubt catapulting his status in the Twin Cities higher than anyone imagined it could be before the end of September. It’s certainly higher than his status in northeastern Wisconsin or America, as a whole.

Minnesota obviously trailed until the final two seconds, but also outgained the Niners by 131 yards and did not allow San Francisco to convert a single third down all afternoon. Favre became the oldest NFL QB to throw for 300 yards since Vinny Testaverde in 2004.

On the other hand, The Vikings beat up on two of the four or five worst teams in football the first two weeks, then needed a miracle to win their home opener against a decent SF team.

The big question with the Vikings is the production (or lack-there-of) of Bernard Berrian. Arguably one of the league’s best deep threats, he has been used sparingly. But then again, the Vikings are 3 -0, Favre has nearly a 95 QB rating, five touchdowns against just one interception, and Adrian Peterson (119 yards per game0 looks better than ever. Will teams slowly start to catch on to the “dump off” game and move in their safeties, eventually forcing Favre to throw deep? If the Packers decide to go this route, however, I still think they’ll find Favre up to the challenge.

Packers-Vikings MNF Prediction

Home field should carry the day. Minnesota and Favre will feed off the emotion and crowd. Peterson should run well as usual, especially versus the Packers mediocre (at best) defense.

Though the Packers have won five of the past six in this rivalry, I don’t see G..B. with a chance, and it could get ugly as Minnesota looks for 4-0 and control of the NFC North. Minnesota has 88 points in three games and Green Bay has allowed a startling 63 points to three offenses that are mediocre at best.

Packers-Vikings pick: Vikes to cover the spread.

Sadler’s premium meats are perfect for tailgating on Saturday, for grilling out at home on Sunday, or for when you are hosting a group of friends, or even just the family, on Monday night.

With a variety of delicious choices (beef, pork, ribs, turkey, brisket, and more) and availability at grocery stores throughout the U.S., Sadler’s meats are the tasty, convenient choice when you want to watch the big game and eat well while you’re doing it.

• Check out Sadler’s Monday Night Football Recipe of the Week: Smokehouse Panini
• Each week, you can also listen to the MSF Monday Night Football Podcast, brought to you by Sadler’s. In this week’s edition, Jerod and Big MB preview the Cowboys-Panthers Monday tilt and provide three “locks of the week” against the spread. (Note: Special thanks to Davey Heritier and Austin Bridges for the intro/outro song “Awake the Day”…one of Jerod’s all-time favorites.)
• Follow the link to listen to the MSF Podcast on iTunes, or use the in-page player below to listen while you read.

Panthers-Cowboys MNF Preview Podcast presented by Sadler’s

(FYI…audio player may take a second or two to load)

MNF Preview Podcast: Cowboys-Panthers

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Monday Night Football Preview

Carolina Panthers (0-2) at Dallas Cowboys (1-1)

• Panthers-Cowboys Date: Monday, September 28th
• Panthers-Cowboys Time: 8:30 ET
• Panthers-Cowboys TV Network: ESPN
• Panthers-Cowboys Announcers: Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden
• Panthers-Cowboys Point Spread: Cowboys -9.5
• Panthers-Cowboys Over-Under: 46
• Panthers-Cowboys Pick by Jerod: I don’t like this game at all and would not touch it with a ten-foot pole if I actually bet money on these things. Luckily I don’t, so I can still offer up at least a guess as to how it will turn out. I think it all comes down to who you trust more: Tony Romo or Jake Delhomme. If Romo protects the ball and lets his great RBs do the heavy lifting, the Cowboys should rebound from their home opener for a win. However, Dallas is terrible against the pass (as proven last week by Eli Manning) and perhaps this is the game that Jake Delhomme gets well again. In the end, I do think Dallas will win this game, but Romo will make enough mistakes and Dallas’ DBs will play poorly enough for Carolina to keep it close. Plus, when in doubt, go with the 0-2 team that had playoff expectations coming into the year. Desperation can be huge in the NFL. Panthers-Cowboys free spread pick: Panthers +9.5
• StubHub: Cowboys-Panthers MNF tickets as low as $25!
• StubHub: all Dallas Cowboys home game tickets
• StubHub: all Carolina Panthers home game tickets
• StubHub: all 2009 NFL tickets

Cowboys-Panthers Preview & Analysis

Though it may seem silly and emotional, in Dallas, hope turned to despair from week one to two.

However, after a closer look, it is a very good sign for your offense when you are playing one of the top rated defenses in the conference, your quarterback plays one of the worst games of his career, and you still manage 31 points.

These results convey two important points: (1) that your offense is balanced, and (2) that your offensive line is getting the job done.

It should come as no surprise that given the production of said offensive line, the Cowboys running game is firing on all cylinders as Marion Barber and Felix Jones represent arguably the best 1-2 running back punch in the NFC, if not the NFL. Barber is averaging more than six yards per carry in 2009. Unfortunately for Cowboys fans, Barber is still questionable for Monday with a quad injury.

Fortunately for ‘Boys fans though, his backup, Tashard Choice, is no slouch, and should pick up the slack nicely if pressed into a more prominent role in the offense. Last year, Choice put together a string of three excellent games against Pittsburgh, New York, and Baltimore. Therefore, he should serve solidly in a time-share with Jones.

Expect Mr. Jones to maintain his role as the change of pace and 3rd down back with Choice claiming the “workhorse” duties. The duo should come up big against a Panthers defense that has an injury riddled front-line and has given up over 150 rushing yards in each of their first two games. 



As for Romo, odds are he’ll be fine. The bigger issue is the uncertainty over a reliable third option for the Cowboys’ receiving game (after Jason Witten and Roy Williams). Patrick Crayton seems destined to be nothing more that a slot receiver, leaving Miles Austin in the driver’s seat to run away with second wideout duties. His talent and big play ability has left Jerry Jones watering at the mouth, but Austin has yet to consistently manifest that talent into reality.



It is a very bad sign for your secondary when Eli Manning, Mario Manningham, and Steve Smith look like the second coming of the Three Amigos. That said, I think the Cowboys will be fine defensively, so long as they abandon the experiment to rotate Orlando Scandrick (who was repeatedly burned by Manningham) and Mike Jenkins at the corner, and it seems like Wade Phillips has already started to move in that direction. 



Panthers fans can take some solace in the fact that Jake Delhomme, coming off two straight awful performances that led to major criticism, wasn’t nearly as bad last week against Atlanta; but that being said, his 308 passing yards shed far too positive a light on his actual performance. This simply isn’t the Delhomme of five years ago, and the Panthers have to be second guessing the heck out of themselves for his exorbitant contract extension this past off-season.
 
Though he indicated he “felt good out there,” Jake was nearly an early disaster. Though he began the game 4-4 for 54 yards, he could have thrown an early interception when he inexplicably tossed a weak underhand pass, which was dropped by a Falcons defender. If Delhomme would have thrown a pick there, things probably would have snowballed on him again, as they would have been in another big early hole.

Cowboys-Panthers Prediction and Spread Pick

So, though it’s not outrageous to muse that the 34 year-old is on the downward arc of his career, the Panthers do indeed have a dangerous rushing attack with DeAngelo Williams and 22 year-old Jonathan Stewart  that will make things significantly easier for Mr. Delhomme at times. 



All that being said, I just don’t see how the Panthers stop the Cowboys’ rushing attack, especially with the season ending ankle injury to defensive tackle Louis Leonard, one of the team’s primary run stuffers. This is yet another hindrance to a defensive line already crippled by injuries.

Ultimately, I just don’t see the Panthers as being able to stop the Cowboys’ ground game without bringing a safety in the box, and in doing so, they will open up the passing attack for Tony Romo, who should have a good bounce back game. Dallas needs this win, and it’s highly likely they’ll get it, perhaps easily.



Cowboys-Panthers Prediction and Spread Pick: Cowboys do cover the large spread.

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* – Felix Jones photo credit: Dallas Observer Sportatorium

* – Jake Delhomme photo credit: Snort Report

Sadler’s premium meats are perfect for tailgating on Saturday, for grilling out at home on Sunday, or for when you are hosting a group of friends, or even just the family, on Monday night.

With a variety of delicious choices (beef, pork, ribs, turkey, brisket, and more) and availability at grocery stores throughout the U.S., Sadler’s meats are the tasty, convenient choice when you want to watch the big game and eat well while you’re doing it.

• Check out Sadler’s Monday Night Football Recipe of the Week: Sadler’s Smokehouse Brisket Nachos

And now, on with the preview of this week’s Chargers-Raiders matchup on Monday Night Football. Follow the link to also view MSF’s Patriots-Bills MNF preview and prediction.

Monday Night Football Week 1 Preview

San Diego Chargers (0-0) at Oakland Raiders (0-0)

Let’s take a quick look at all of the particulars for the second game in tomorrow night’s annual Week 1 MNF double-dip:

• Chargers-Raiders Date: Monday, September 14th
• Chargers-Raiders TV & Kickoff Time: 10:15 ET on ESPN
• Chargers-Raiders Location: Oakland Coliseum in Oakland
• Chargers-Raiders Announcers: Mike Greenberg, Mike Golic, and Steve Young
• Chargers-Raiders Point Spread: SD -9
• Chargers-Raiders Over-Under: 43
• StubHub: Chargers-Raiders MNF tickets as low as $47!
• StubHub: all 2009 Oakland Raiders tickets
• StubHub: all 2009 San Diego Chargers tickets
• StubHub: all 2009 NFL tickets

Chargers-Raiders Analysis

Like many of the past seasons, the Raiders don’t look like much to write home about.

In fact, since their Super Bowl loss to Tampa Bay following the 2002 season, they’ve won just 24 games the past six campaigns. (By comparison, the Indianapolis Colts have won 25 games the past two seasons; the Patriots have won 27 in that span.)

Their defense is, as it has been the past few seasons, very reputable. The offense, also like recent years, is rather putrid. This could cause the defense to look worse than it actually is, especially against a good team like San Diego, which is pretty stacked on the offensive side of the ball. Few deny that preseason is mostly meaningless, but many noticed how awful the Raiders looked against the Saints.

While Ladainian Tomlinson may never be as good as he traditionally was in his heyday a few years ago, he should be a lot better than he was in 2008 when he struggled mightily by his own high standards. In another weak season for the AFC West, he’ll surely be good enough to get the Chargers into the playoffs.

For now, scandal-ridden Shawne Merriman is again the key to a defense that is good versus the run, which happens to be the Raiders’ strength. Darren Sproles, who broke my Indianapolis Colts’ hearts last season, should be used in conjunction with Tomlinson (see Leon Washington), not just to “give LT a breather” as Norv Turner has unwisely done in the past, but as a more integrated part of the offense.

The Raiders are relatively weak versus the run, so the aforementioned two runners should see plenty of action.

Chargers-Raiders Prediction

Three years ago, same game, same night, same network, San Diego smacked Oakland 27-0 en route to a stellar season.

Again like that, you ask?

Not necessarily, but the Chargers certainly are not going to get tripped up in Oakland. With Philip Rivers‘ pin-point passing, they should cover, winning by two touchdowns.

After all, the Chargers put 62 points on the board in their two meetings with Oakland in 2008, both wins.

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* – Al Davis photo credit: Water Cooler HOF

Sadler’s premium meats are perfect for tailgating on Saturday, for grilling out at home on Sunday, or for when you are hosting a group of friends, or even just the family, on Monday night.

With a variety of delicious choices (beef, pork, ribs, turkey, brisket, and more) and availability at grocery stores throughout the U.S., Sadler’s meats are the tasty, convenient choice when you want to watch the big game and eat well while you’re doing it.

• Check out Sadler’s Monday Night Football Recipe of the Week:  Sadler’s Smokehouse Brisket Nachos

And now, on with the preview of this week’s Bills-Patriots matchup on Monday Night Football. You can also view MSF’s preview and prediction for the Chargers-Raiders MNF game on immediately after the Patriots-Bills game.

Monday Night Football Week 1 Preview

Buffalo Bills (0-0) at New England Patriots (0-0)

Before we dive into analyzing the details of the first Monday Night Football game of 2009, here are the particulars to get you ready for kickoff:

• Bills-Patriots Date: Monday, September 14th
• Bills-Patriots TV & Kickoff Time: 7:00 ET on ESPN
• Bills-Patriots Location: Gillette Stadium in Foxboro
• Bills-Patriots Announcers: Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden
• Bills-Patriots Point Spread: NE -10.5
• Bills-Patriots Over-Under: 47.5
• StubHub: Patriots-Bills MNF tickets as low as $95
• StubHub: all 2009 New England Patriots tickets
• StubHub: all 2009 Buffalo Bills tickets
• StubHub: all 2009 NFL tickets

Patriots-Bills Analysis

Trent Edwards and the Bills offense is the big question mark on the shores of Lake Ontario. [Editor's note: We meant Lake Erie. Thanks to the commenter who pointed this out.] Last year, people said that Edwards didn’t have the right personnel around him, but now that they’ve added Terell Owens, does Edwards still have any excuses?

Unfortunately, he probably does, as the new receiver does not solve the Bills’ offensive line issues.

Therefore, Buffalo’s potential season-long question might be — along with the usual questions of T.O. co-existing with his quarterback — will Edwards prosper even with Owens when he still has very little time to throw?

And will Owens “accept” a team that can’t produce consistently on offense?

Oh, and mixed into all this uncertaintly, how will budding star Lee Evans accept being relegated to a secondary role?

To compound that, the team has other self-inflicted hurdles: their offensive coordinator Turk Schoenert was fired during the pre-season; Owens’ toe is nicked up; and, 1,000-yard running back Marshawn Lynch is suspended through the end of September.

So, while the Bills may prove decent as the season moves along, a prime-time game versus Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker and a Patriot team juiced up after a playoff-less season is not the ideal opener.

Something that could help out the Bills would be the Patriots missing a key ingredient in their impressive aerial assault. Tom Brady may be back, but he could be without his most reliable possession receiver Wes Welker. The 100-catch man is dealing with a knee injury that is threatening his availability for Monday. 

Obviously the loss of Welker would hurt the Patriots, but did I mention that Tom Brady is back?

Despite its dynastic success this decade led by the Belichick-Brady duo, New England is like any other team at this early stage of the season and has unknowns just like the Bills do. For example, though it’s believed that the very recent loss of Richard Seymour is mitigated by the Pats’ great depth on the defensive line, it surely is not a given that a 2011 first round pick was worth losing a five-time Pro Bowler who is not yet 30.

Of course, Tom Brady’s knee is another major issue, especially in his first real test on Monday night. He looked good in the preseason, but generally quarterbacks coming off knee injuries start slowly (see Palmer, Carson; Manning, Peyton).

Laurence Maroney, injured nearly all of 2008, needs to return to his 2006-2007 form in order to be the top back. If he’s not, however, New England has capable backups in veterans Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris, as well as second-year man BenJarvus Green-Ellis (likely as a goal-line back).

Patriots-Bills Prediction

The Bills only scored ten points combined in their two meetings with New England last season (both losses). It might be semi-tight in the first half, but the talent level between the two teams, plus the home atmosphere on opening night with the national TV audience, will give the Pats a fairly comfortable triumph and cover.

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* – Terrell Owens photo credit: Football Nation Blogs