1. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) @ Detroit – The only rush defense worse than the Browns, is Detroits. The Lions just got lit up by Mike Bell. In other words expect Adrian to run all over Detroit almost the same as he ran over the Browns. It would be shocking if AD didn’t eclipse 125 yards and have at least 2 TDs.
2. Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. New Orleans – McNabb is out for week 2, most likely. If that is the case the entire offense will go through Westy. Beautiful. The only way to stop Drew Brees from throwing touchdowns is keeping him on the sideline. I don’t think the Saints defense is good enough to stop BW. So look for Westy to rack up around 120 yards and a TD.
3. Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Carolina – Remember the last time Turner played Carolina. 117 yards and 4 TDs. Turner and the Falcons rushing attack will get back on track this week. 4 TDs? No. 2? Yes.
4. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Arizona – The Cardinals offense struggled last week. But they won’t play like that every week. The only way to stop them is keep them off the field. MJD is set up to have a nice day this week. Even though Arizona held Gore and company in check. 115 and at least 1 TD
5. Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins) vs. St. Louis – In week 1 Seattle ran all over the Rams. Portis had a decent game against a tough Giants defense with 70 yards. Clinton will be allover St. Louis this week. Look for 115 yrds and a TD.
6. Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) vs. Houston – After a rough start to 2009 against Pittsburgh, Johnson gets to run against an entirely new and softer defense. Houston was abused by Thomas Jones and Leon Washington last week, as Jones had 2 long runs. CJ is faster and may have a couple 40 yarders waiting for him. 115/1 [click to continue…]
1. Adrian Peterson (Vikings) @ Cleveland – Peterson opens up with a favorable run starting with the Browns in week 1. Cleveland’s defense was brutal last year. Even if they got better, they will still be pretty brutal. All Day should light up the Browns All Day, HA!
2. LaDainian Tomlinson (Chargers) @ Oakland – LT is not the same LT as years past, but he still a stud with a sweet matchup in week 1. The Raiders rush defense leaves plenty to be desired and LT has killed them in the past.
3. Michael Turner (Falcons) vs. Miami - The burner was the free agent signing of the decade for the Falcons. Atlanta brought in Tony Gonzalez and that will help open up lanes for Turner. Miami’s defense is ok against the run, but not good enough to hold MT down.
4. Steven Jackson (Rams) @ Seattle – Jackson might be on a terrible team, but he is far from a terrible back, and the Seahawks rush defense is far from good. So as far as I can tell, Jackson should in for a fine day, even though the game takes place in Seattle.
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew has been splitting out wide at receiver at times during practice. The Jaguars are using some plays to get the ball in Jones-Drew’s hands in space, allowing him to help minimize the hits he takes and keep him fresher longer. ‘The total volume (of plays) maybe will go up a little bit for Maurice, but we’ve already had him very involved,’ head coach Jack Del Rio said.
Titans WR Kenny Britthas been on the PUP list with a hamstring injury since signing his contract last weekend and has yet to practice in training camp. Britt won’t play in Sunday’s preseason opener against the Bills.
Coach Fisher said, “He is handling the workload and has responded to what we are doing,” Fisher said. “We feel like based on what we have seen so far timing-wise it will all fall into place for him next week.’’
Britt is expected to be ready for the second preseason game, on Aug. 15 against Tampa Bay at LP Field.
“I am really anxious to be out here with the team, to get the feel of it,” Britt said. “It’s a little disappointing because it’s the first preseason game and my first NFL team and I’d like to be out there with my teammates. But right now I just need to get in the playbook and learn the plays.’’ [click to continue…]
In the current issue of Sporting News, T.J. Houshmandzadeh spoke about his new team with Dennis Dillon.
“I just want to let everyone know that Matt Hasselbeck and I will be leading the Seahawks to the playoffs this season,” Houshmandzadeh proclaims. “And we’ll be going to the Pro Bowl as a tandem. We’re both going to have top five seasons: He’ll have a top five quarterback season, and I’ll have a top five receiving season. I’ll put up stats I’ve never had before yardswise because they’re allowing me to be a complete receiver.”
It’s a question that won’t go away, as some fans are wondering when the club finally will address the running back situation. Answer: The Seahawks already did. It was last year, when running backs Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett were signed in free agency and running back Justin Forsett and fullback Owen Schmitt were added in the draft.
“I’m not going to say that there’s a marquee name in our backfield that the whole nation knows, because there’s not,” coach Jim Mora said. “But hopefully at the end of the year there is a marquee name, and it’s one of the three running backs we have on our roster right now.”
Owen Schmittwas arrested Saturday night on suspicion of driving under the influence. Schmitt, a fifth-round draft pick from West Virginia who is expected to be the Seahawks starting fullback this season, issued a statement through the team on Thursday. “I sincerely apologize to the team, the NFL, the fans and my family and friends for my actions and my poor judgment,” he said. “I fully understand the seriousness of this matter, and I am disappointed in myself. I am committed to earning back the trust of everyone affected.”
Cornerback Ken Lucas was signed during the offseason by the Seahawks and immediately anointed the starter, which did not sit well with the guy he replaced, cornerback Josh Wilson. However, instead of sulking, Wilson has competed hard and had a good offseason. This position battle should be one to watch during training camp.
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