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Analyzing 0’s
Ravens O
This offense is becoming one of the most explosive in football, each week this offense adds another dimension to it. Two weeks ago, against Cleveland, they ran a lot from the shotgun and this week, against the Texans, they got back to the power running from the I, but one thing that is becoming very constant is their ability to go vertical. As I watch and study each and every team, no one in the NFL is taking more shots and completing them down the field than the Ravens - and keep in mind they are doing this with a rookie QB Joe Flacco. Now Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons is the front runner to win rookie of the year, but there is still a lot of football left and if Flacco keeps this up, it could be a photo finish between Ryan, Flacco and Chris Johnson of the Titans.
KC Chiefs O
Why would I be watching the Chiefs’ offense? Because they are part of the NFL and I have to tell you that Tyler Thigpen is the best QB the Chiefs have had this year and after studying him the last few weeks, I tell you, his skill set is impressive. First things I look for: 1) does he make good decisions and understand what he sees? 2) is he accurate? and 3) can he make all the throws at critical times in the game? He has been money on all 3. And even though he did not complete that 2-point conversion against the Chargers, he made so many great throws to put them in posit ion to have that chance. Still a lot of football left but if he keeps getting better as the season moves on, consider Tyler your starter for the Chiefs next year.
Giants O
Love watching this team every week, they’re pure football! What I mean by that is their fundamentals are so clean, blocking, the running schemes and passing schemes and one guy that stands out every week is Kevin Boss the TE. Watching him block is a thing of beauty he de-cleats D ends, LBs, you name it - and if he does not pancake them he is mad at himself. They are throwing the ball to him more and more as well. He is becoming the most complete TE in football.
Steelers O
What is wrong with Ben? That is what everyone wants to know, well I really felt a lot of it had to do with getting hit and yes, it could have something to do with it, but here is why I spend 60 hours a week watching tape on this league - because I can see the problems when I put in the tape. If people don’t know, Ben has missed a lot of practice and I’m starting to see the timing of the passing game erode because of it. Ben is missing a lot of anticipated throws because he has not been practicing. On our NFL Matchup show that airs Sunday at 7:30 am ET on ESPN, I will show you what I’m talking about. Also the offensive line got manhandled, way too much penetration, penetration is the number one killer in the running game period, and that is what the Colts did all day. And one other thing, because Bob Sanders lines up about 10-yards deep before he enters the box, he is hard to account for, and the Steelers just could not account for him and he made all the tackles he was suppose to.
Browns O
Cleveland went into this game with a controlled passing attack, the ball never traveled more than 10-yards down field. Brady Quinn was very good with this attack, I could tell he was going to get rid off the ball quickly and he did, and against a Denver D that is very average, it was the right thing to do. I would not be surprised to see them use the same kind of plan against the Bills, because teams that have beat the Bills have used a similar type of passing attacks. I got to know Brady this offseason and I would like to see him do well. One thing I know for sure, he will never embarrass the Browns’ organization off the field. He will have to work on his accuracy down the field to be a threat in this league and I’m excited to see how that will turn out for him.
Bills O
Last week I talked about Marshawn Lynch trying to hit a home run every time he touches the ball and all that was doing was hurting the Bills, well this week he ran much harder and got those 2 and 3-yard runs. Now what he needs is an O line to get him a seam. The Bills O line got manhandled and there was way too much penetration, and if you read my blogs long enough you will find out that I believe penetration is the number one killer in the running game. Also Trent Edwards made some bad throws with no pressure on him and bad decisions. When the Bills were winning, he did not make these mistakes.
For more NFL analysis, check out my Web site: MerrilHoge.com
– Merril
