Thursday, September 26, 2019

2019 Season: Week #5

BUFFALO 30
TENNESSEE 7
The Buffalo Bills (5-0, 2-0 AFC East) stayed perfect in dominating fashion, beating the Tennessee Titans 30-7.  Buffalo's defense has looked unreal since the addition of Jalen Ramsey and that continued today as the Bills didn't allow the Titans offense to score a point.  Their 7 points in this game came defensively and through 5 games, Buffalo's defense has only allowed 3 touchdowns.  Not to be forgotten is a Bills offense that put up 517 yards in the win including 379 yards passing from Aaron Rodgers (3 TD, 1 INT).
"I pride myself on not turning the ball over and one got away from me today.  Overall I thought we moved the ball well and we keep getting better each week." Rodgers said after the game.
Buffalo heads into their bye atop the AFC East standings.

NEW ENGLAND 21
WASHINGTON 26
The nightmare start to the season continued for the New England Patriots (1-4, 1-2 AFC East) as they dropped their week 5 matchup against Washington (2-3).  The defending champs found themselves in a big hole early.  After an opening touchdown drive by Washington, Teddy Bridgewater threw an interception on his first pass attempt of the game.  The home team then worked their way down the field again and it was 14-0 early.  The Patriots didn't panic and battled all the way back to take a 21-20 lead late.  However, New England couldn't get the stop they needed on defense and Washington marched down the field to take the lead right back.  After a failed two point attempt, New England had the ball with under two minutes and a chance to win.  For a moment it seemed like they would do just that, marching down to the two yard line and calling timeout with 4 seconds left.  However, on the last play of the game, Bridgewater was sacked and the Patriots went home empty handed.
After the game coach Chris Petersen said, "We had a shot the end and just couldn't get it done."
Alvin Kamara wasn't as polite about things afterwards, expressing frustration with safety Landon Collins and his style of play. "Man, he was out there throwing his body at people in ways that is going to get someone hurt.  This isn't Madden, you can't just hit stick everyone.  The league needs to look at the tape.  We're just lucky no one was hurt."
New England will try to regroup in a short week before they travel home to take on the New York Giants on Thursday night.

NEW YORK JETS 17
PHILADELPHIA 13
The New York Jets defense continued their strong play of late leading the charge in a 17-13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles (2-2-1).  New York (3-1, 1-1 AFC East) pressured quarterback Carson Wentz all day totaling 5 sacks and putting the Eagles in 3rd and long situations all afternoon.
"We just wanted to go out there and show them who we are.  This D is one of the best in the NFL and everyone in that locker room knows it." Said Jadeveon Clowney.
The play of the game had to be a gutsy decision by coach Adam Gase to go for it on 4th and goal as time was winding down in the second half.  That call resulted in a touchdown and proved to be the difference maker in this game.
"I trust Sam out there to make good decisions and with how these two defenses were playing I felt it was worth the risk."  Gase said before he went on to swat at the air in front of him for some time and was escorted away by the coaching staff.
New York is in great position as they take on Tom Brady and the Cowboys next week at home.

MVP Odds After Week 4

Myles Garrett - Bills 3:2
Aaron Rodgers - Bills 3:1
Todd Gurley - Bills 10:1
Jamal Adams - Dolphins 10:1
Sam Darnold - Jets 33:1
Julio Jones - Patriots 45:1
Quenton Nelson - Bills 60:1
Trumaine Johnson - Jets 60:1

2019 Season: Week #4

LA CHARGERS 17
MIAMI 38
The surprising Miami Dolphins (3-1) continued their improbable start to the season with a dominating 38-17 victory over the favored Los Angeles Chargers in south beach.
Miami's defense led the way early, forcing a fumble on LA's first play from scrimmage.
Fourth year linebacker Reggie Ragland caused the fumble with a crunching hit on HB Melvin Gordon.
"We see Jamal (Adams) racking up those video game forced fumble stats," Ragland said. "I needed to get in on the fun."
Adams caused yet another fumble late in the first half - one that was returned by LB Jerome Baker to the house.
CB Desmond King also had a strong game with a pair of INTs including one in the end zone early while the game was still in doubt.
"Team win today," King said. "Defense was strong but Tyrod (Taylor) also came in and lit it up."
Taylor, recently acquired from these same Chargers, was lights out in Jacoby Brissett's absence completing 80% of his passes with a trio of TDs through the air.
All Pro TE George Kittle was confirmed to have a shoulder injury that may sideline him for the next five weeks, to put a damper on the party.
Miami nows heads into their bye in 2nd place in the AFC East.

BUFFALO 25
NEW ENGLAND 13
The Buffalo Bills (4-0, 2-0 AFC East) kept their win streak alive with a 25-13 win over division rival New England (1-3, 1-2 AFC East).  The Bills defense made it hard on the Patriots offense all game, including holding New England to 4 yards rushing.  New addition Jalen Ramsey had a tall task in his first game as a Bill, drawing Julio Jones as a match up.  He was up to the challenge though, as he held Jones to 5 catches and 65 yards.  More importantly, he kept him out of the end zone.
"I'm just glad to be here." Ramsey said. "I knew it was going to be tough following Julio around all game, but I think I'm the best corner in the game, so I can match up with anyone."
On offense, Buffalo did just enough to win against a very good Patriots defense.  Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (31-41, 346 yds, 3 TD) made some big throws on third down to keep the Bills moving and Brandin Cooks (13 catches for 140 yds) found himself open when his team needed him.
Buffalo heads to Tennessee to take on the Titans while New England heads to our nation's capital to take on Washington.

Friday, September 20, 2019

MVP Odds After Week 3

Myles Garrett - Bills 3:1
Todd Gurley - Bills 4:1
Jamal Adams - Dolphins 4:1
Aaron Rodgers - Bills 6:1
Sam Darnold - Jets 15:1
Julio Jones - Patriots 15:1
Leonard Fournette - Dolphins 25:1
Trumaine Johnson - Jets 50:1

Thursday, September 12, 2019

2019 Season: Week #3

NY JETS 35
NEW ENGLAND 23
In a critical early season divisional matchup, the New York Jets (2-1, 1-1 AFC East) took it to the defending Super Bowl champions 35-23 in Foxboro. The Patriots (1-2, 1-1) never got going in a game that was never really in doubt.
"Not our best effort tonight," Chris Peterson said. "We were hoping to build off last week and just came out flat tonight."
Sam Darnold was lights out going 22-26 for 315 yards with 3 TD. A week after some unfounded trade rumors, Darnold played easily his best game as a pro.
"None of that bothered me to be honest," Darnold said. "I know who we are as an organization and where we are going - Tonight was a step ahead."
The Jets defense, who struggled in their opening divisional loss, played their best football of the season, pressuring QB Teddy Bridgewater throughout.
"We were hungry man," Trumaine Johnson said. "We've been written as underdogs but we are coming to be top dogs now."
The Pats picked up a pair of meaningless touchdowns late to make the score look respectable.
The Jets next head on their bye while New England heads to Buffalo to take on the division leading Bills.

MIAMI 34
DALLAS 28
The Miami Dolphins (2-1, 0-1 AFC East) stunned the Dallas Cowboys (1-2) 34-28 on a surreal night in East Texas.
Miami, led by their fiery defensive captain Jamal Adams, forced three turnovers while the Dolphins ground-and-pound attack punished the heavily favored Cowboys for 250 yards on the ground.
"We were dogs tonight," Adams said. "I'm out to make people have those nightmares Jon Gruden was talking about on Hard Knocks."
A week after their embarrassing loss to division rival New England, Dolphins fans also had to absorb the loss of fan favorite Jacoby Brissett for 10-weeks with a fractured elbow.
"I need to step up my elbow workout game," Brissett quipped. "I'm honestly devastated. We have a real chance to shock people and I can't be a part of it for a minute. I'll be back though."
In Brissett's absence, HB Leonard Fournette carried the load with 152 yards rushing and three TDs on the ground.
Rookie Ryan Finley went 2-3 through the air with one of his completions being fumbled by All Pro George Kittle.
"That can't happen," Kittle said. "I've honestly been a disappointment this year. My win shares are through the floor. I gotta do something different."
The Dolphins will now head home to take on Phillip Rivers and the Los Angeles Chargers.

BUFFALO 19
CINCINNATI 6
In a day where touchdowns were hard to come by, the Buffalo Bills (3-0, 1-0 AFC East) out kicked the Cincinnati Bengals (1-2) in a 19-6 victory.  Things looked like they had the last two weeks for the Bills offense as they marched down the field on their first drive and scored a touchdown on an Aaron Rodgers to Hunter Henry connection.  That would prove to be the only touchdown of the game for either offense the rest of the way.  The Bills offense moved the ball relatively well, but stalled in the red zone on multiple occasions.
Running back Todd Gurley stated, "We have a to do a better job of finishing."
The Bills defense did their job however, and kept the Bengals offense to just two field goals on the day.
"A W is a W and we have our D to thank for that." Rodgers said after the game.
Buffalo takes on the New England Patriots next week at home.

MVP Odds After Week 2

Myles Garrett - Bills +300
Todd Gurley - Bills +300
Aaron Rodgers - Bills +500
Julio Jones - Patriots +1000
Jamal Adams - Dolphins +1000

Sunday, September 8, 2019

2109 Season: Week #2

NY Jets 24
Cleveland 21

The New York Jets (1-1) bounced back after a tough week 1 loss to right the ship with a 24-21 win over the Cleveland Browns (0-2).

Sam Darnold showed flashes of the franchise quarterback New York believes he is by engineering a 4th quarter drive to take the lead late.  Darnold called his own number on a 4th and goal, running it in himself untouched on a quarterback draw.
"I liked what I saw when I got to the line.  We ran a hurry up offense there that didn't let them get their goal line personnel on the field.  The middle of the field was wide open so I decided to take it in myself."
Duke Johnson was unstoppable on the ground, rushing for 121 yards and a TD on 17 carries, but coughed up a crucial fumble that led to a defensive score by the Browns.
"Ball security man.  We almost lost the game because of that play.  Those yards mean nothing without a W."
Defensively, the Jets squad looked stronger than their outing against the Bills last week, holding the Browns offense to 287 total offensive yards including only 19 rushing.
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was happy with the improved effort but focused on his teams need to eliminate big plays.
"I thought we executed much better out there tonight but we can't let guys get behind us.  We put a ton of pressure on our O when we gave up that big play to Odell.  I mean he's an elite player, but he can't be that open.  We'll shore things up.  Overall I think we took a huge step in the right direction."
New York plays their second division game in three weeks next Sunday on the road in Foxborough against the New England Patriots.

Buffalo 34
NY Giants 24

The Buffalo Bills (2-0) continued their positive start to the season with a 34-24 victory over the New York Giants (1-1) in the Meadowlands.
Todd Gurley was absolutely electric, rushing for 229 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries.  No run was more important than his 68 yard rush late in the 4th quarter after the Giants pulled to within three points. 
"You know in that situation we are just trying to get them to burn their timeouts and get a first down then take a knee.  When I hit the hole I saw nothing but daylight so I just kept running.  I couldn't have had a day like today without our offensive line.  A huge thanks to them for creating holes all day."
The team got off to a slow start offensively, struggling to score a touchdown after two trips to the red zone.  It was challenge accepted for the defense as they were stifling throughout the game finishing with nine sacks on the afternoon. The game ball for the defense definitely goes to Myles Garrett who was all over the field and accumulated four sacks by himself bringing his season total to seven through two games.
"We were hungry out there.  Any time you can have nine sacks in a game, you have to be pretty happy with that effort."
Next, the Bills finally head back to upstate New York for their home opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

New England 41
Miami 6

A week after crucial mistakes by Teddy Bridgewater cost the Patriots (1-1, 1-0 AFC East) their season opener, New England's QB was rock solid in a 41-6 win over division rival Miami (1-1, 0-1 AFC East).  Bridgewater threw for 280 yards and 3 TDs in the win.  However, it was his zero interceptions that had Coach Chris Petersen excited.
"Teddy played great today.  We knew when Andrew [Luck] retired we were going to need him to step up and he did that today.  Division wins are always big in the NFL."
Miami took All-Pro Julio Jones out of the game by double teaming him all night and keeping him to two catches for 19 yards.  It wasn't enough, though, as New England's other weapons came to play.  The Tight End duo of Eric Ebron (10 catches for 146 yds) and Jermaine Gresham (4 catches for 24 yds, 2 TDs) carved up the middle of the field all night and Miami just couldn't keep up.
Things looked promising after an opening drive field goal and a forced red zone turnover, but the game quickly got out of hand after fumbles lost on consecutive drives.  Coach Jerry Daniel was not pleased with his team's effort.
"We have to do a better job protecting the ball.  You can't give a team like that extra possessions.  I promise you we will be better next week in Dallas."
New England plays their second of three consecutive divisions games next week against the New York Jets.
Miami travels to Dallas to take on the NFC favorite Cowboys.

MVP Odds After Week 1

Julio Jones - Patriots 6:1
Aaron Rodgers - Bills 7:1
Todd Gurley - Bills 8:1
Myles Garrett - Bills 10:1
Jamal Adams - Dolphins 15:1
Juju Smith-Schuster - Bills 30:1
Alvin Kamara - Patriots 30:1
Brandin Cooks - Bills 40:1
Sam Darnold - Jets 100:1

Monday, September 2, 2019

2019 Season: Week #1

BUFFALO 34
NY JETS 6
The new look New York Jets (0-1, 0-1 AFC East) never took flight against a strong Buffalo Bills (1-0, 1-0) squad with a resounding 34-6 home loss.
DE Myles Garrett was unstoppable throughout, racking up 3.0 sacks and countless pressures for the game.
"It was obviously a good night for us on the defensive line," Garrett said. "We are just happy with the W this first week."
Aaron Rodgers also had a strong night from behind center with 359 passing yards and two TD passes.
"We knew they'd come out trying to stop Todd (Gurley)," Rodgers said. "But we had too many things clicking tonight."
Rookie MLB Devin Bush also had a strong night in the middle with 12 tackles and a forced fumble.
Quarterback Sam Darnold was benched late for what Adam Gase later described as a move to protect the 2nd year man from injury.
"We did not like all the check downs," Gase said. "But Sam will bounce back."
The Jets will look to rebound next week against the upward trending Cleveland Browns while the Bills take on the New York Giants.

BALTIMORE 14
MIAMI 23
The Miami Dolphins (1-0) defended their home turf with a 23-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens Sunday afternoon.
The Dolphins were thoroughly dominated in the first half and looked destined to start the season on a losing note with the Ravens set to score late in the first half.
Jamal Adams flew in to cause QB Lamar Jackson to fumble going into the endzone with a minute left in the half. Desmond King did the rest taking the fumble to the house for the 93-yard score.
"This was always going to be a defense first team," King said. "Jamal (Adams) laid the wood and I did the easy part."
HB Leonard Fournette took over in the second half with the bulk of his 23 carries coming in the second frame. The LSU product finished with 102 yards and 2TD.
"It was an LSU kind of night," Fournette said. "It's good to be here in this locker room with Jamal (LSU) and these dogs."
Rookie Free Safety Nasir Adderley was lost for the season with a torn pectoral after the first play from scrimmage. This was the same injury that cost Adams his first season in a Dolphins uniform two years ago.
"You feel for the guy," Adams said. "But keep grinding and he's going to be alright."
The Dolphins next face the New England Patriots.

PITTSBURGH 32
NEW ENGLAND 27
An all world performance by WR Julio Jones could not rescue his Patriots (0-1) teammates Sunday night in Foxboro as the defending champions fell 32-27.
Despite his 274 receiving yards and two TDs, Jones saw his squad squander a late lead to drop to 0-1 on the season.
A 4th quarter conversion by Ben Roethlisberger in New England territory flipped momentum to start the final frame. AB Teddy Bridgewater's repeated mistakes then doomed his side.
"Not my best night when throwing anywhere other than Julio's way," Bridgewater said. "We played well, but I feel like we left a win out there tonight."
With a field goal seemingly in hand to tie the game late, Bridgewater tossed an ill-advised INT to take the air out of the stadium.
"I thought our D handled the night well," Chris Peterson said. "Just some late miscues."
New England will now take on their rivals from Miami in Week 2.