2016 Season - Week #11

Buffalo @ Cincinnati

                                    1         2         3         4         OT       FINAL

BUFFALO                  0         9         6        10          3        28

CINCINNATI            7          7         0        11         0        25

CINCINNATI – The Buffalo Bills (9-1) played in another 'Game of the Year' candidate as they narrowly escaped with a 28-25 overtime victory over the AFC North leading Cincinnati Bengals.
A 13-yard completion to Tyler Lockett with :04 seconds remaining in regulation put Dan Carpenter in range for the kick that put the game into OT as a stunned 'Jungle' crowd sat stunned that their team's own furious late rally didn't hold up.
"A great feeling," Carpenter said. "A great team win for us all."
Gamblin' Rex Ryan dialed up another late miracle call with his team facing a 4th-and-5 from his own 37-yard line. 
Aaron Rodgers, after seeing both of his short options well-covered, heaved a bomb to, who else, a streaking Amari Cooper who hauled in the 48-yard reception against Adam Jones to put his team in place to score the go-ahead touchdown in the wacky 4th quarter.
"I like that coach (Ryan) trusts us," Rodgers said. "It's not conventional and we certainly do trust our defense. But we made a commitment towards aggression this season."
The play was eerily similar to the infamous 4th-and-19 picked up against the New York Jets earlier in the season that pushed both franchises on opposite paths for the 2016 season.
A blown coverage 3-plays later gave AJ Green his own long catch, putting the Bengals in position to re-take the lead with only seconds remaining before Rodgers and company were able to give Carpenter the chance to put the game into extra time.
In overtime, Carpenter kicked what ended up being the game winner after his team's offense stalled inside the Cincinnati 20-yard line.
Buffalo's pass rush stymied any attempt for Andy Dalton to lead a scoring drive with a pair of sacks leading to a 4th-and-27 prayer that went unanswered to end the game.
On the bad news front, MVP candidate Todd Gurley left the game early with broken ribs and may not be able to return for the remainder of the regular season. James White performed admirably in his stead with 115 yards rushing and a score.
The Bills next face the AFC South leading Jaguars back home. 

Miami @ Los Angeles

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

MIAMI                      6         17       3         0          26

LOS ANGELES        7         3         0        10         20

LOS ANGELES – The Miami Dolphins (9-1) ended their 2-week stay on the west coast with a 26-20 victory over the never-say-die Los Angeles Rams. 
After a lackluster 10-6 victory 2-hours south against the Chargers, the Dolphins put forth another uninspiring offensive effort with only 280 yards of total offense. 
But the defense, which has been the calling card for this recent Dolphins run, came up huge again with four takeaways and four sacks.
Kyle Fuller, the team's stalwart at corner, picked up a critical interception and made the play of the game, stripping a sure-to-score Eric Decker at the Miami 3-yard line before picking up the fumble he forced.
"Coach always tells us to never quit on any play," Fuller said. "We aren't going to be one of those teams that has a ton of easy games. We wanna grind it out and take the ball away from you."
Chris Ivory and Thomas Rawls both had huge first half runs to help their team build up a 23-10 halftime lead. However, the Rams kept the game close by daring rookie Jacoby Brissett to throw after halftime. 
A 4th quarter fumbled punt return by Cordarrelle Patterson turned what should have been a drama-free final frame into a nervy finish for his team as the Rams picked up 10-straight points before failing to recover an onside kick effectively ending the contest.
The Dolphins finally head home to host the San Francisco 49ers on Thanksgiving Weekend. 

Week #11 AFC East Preview

100th Blog Post!!!

Buffalo Bills @ Cincinnati Bengals
Fresh off their bye week, the Buffalo Bills head to the state of Ohio to face off against the Cincinnati Bengals. 
Although the Bengals have been disappointing this year, the team is still dangerous with AJ Green on the outside coupled with a strong running game.
"We aren't taking any team lightly," Luke Kuechly said. "We are one of the hunted teams now so we always need to be ready for a fight."
With seven regular season games remaining for the Bills, the team knows they are potentially set for a historic run for their franchise. 
The team has been somewhat irrelevant since the 4-straight Super Bowl run in the '90's.
"I watch this team, and I see a lot of good in them," Hall of Famer Andre Reed said. "I just really hope they can close the deal and bring our fans a much-deserved ring."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Although there may be a loss or two still out there for this steady Bills team, we don't see this week as one of them. Look for Geno Atkins to be on a mission against his former team. 
PREDICTION: Bills win 45-31

Miami Dolphins @ Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback Jared Goff has made plenty of headlines this week as the rookie signal-caller has pointed to this game, against the defending Super Bowl champions, as his chance to break out and show he deserved to be taken with the #1 pick in last year's draft.
"Home game, great crowd," Goff said. "And I expect to come out of this one with a W (win)."
Miami's top ranked rushing defense will certainly dare the Cal product to try to beat them through the air. 
Although unlikely, it is not impossible that Goff and his receivers could have success against the Dolphins. Just two weeks ago, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo neared the 500-yard passing mark as the 'Fins refused to alter their run-prevention strategy despite being torched through the skies.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Special Teams and defensive scores. The Dolphins have not scored on the defensive side of the football since week six. Previously, the team had scored on D in each previous game. For the Rams, the team typically has some sort of trick play up their sleeve and we expect the team to do the same Sunday. 
PREDICTION: Dolphins win 33-13

NFL Draft Preview: New York Jets

The 3GML is proud to announce a partnership with the expert scouting staff at tbhague.blogspot.com to bring you draft analyses for each 3GML franchise.

- - -

With the 3GML season more than half over the NFL draft has started to become a topic of conversation among the three league owners. The most intriguing part of being an owner in this league is figuring out how to maneuver around salary cap space, draft picks, and free agency in order to build a “perfect” team, if there is such a thing. While all three teams in the league are exceptional, and could arguably be the three most complete teams in the 3GML football world, there are still holes on each roster. In looking forward to the draft, we are going to explore ways that each of these teams could improve themselves in order to compete for championships and ultimately, and most importantly, get his name on a plaque.

New York Jets:
The most disappointing team in the 3GML universe both seasons has clearly been the poorly coached and ill-prepared New York Jets. The team has the most talented roster in the league, although very young, but has an under .500 record in the two seasons. One of the main reasons is simply poor overall coaching and play within the game. The Jets are atrocious in the red-zone, terrible on 3^rd down, and have one of the worst turnover margins in the NFL. With all this said it’s still a very dangerous team, albeit one with a few holes to fill in the upcoming draft.

BIGGEST MOVES IN 2016:
This team doesn’t really have one big time move in season, instead they have two. The two biggest moves of this season are the additions of Desmond Trufant and Joey Bosa, to add to an elite defensive crew that could wreak havoc on a weekly basis in the coming years. The team did give up a number of selections and good pieces to get these two guys, but both players are going to be knocking on the door of pro-bowls for years to come. The biggest moves doesn’t even include the addition of gigantic receiver Kelvin Benjamin.

MOVE ANALYSIS:
The Jets did give up a lot to get these players but they were able to keep two first round picks in 2017, including the likely first overall pick. While they gave up a lot they gained significantly more and added potential All-Pros for reasonable rates. These were tremendous acquisitions, and although the price was steep, the Jets got the better end of these deals.

DRAFT NEEDS:
The biggest issue with this team is their inability to get consistent play from their quarterback position. While Garoppolo, Tannehill, and Bradford have put up gigantic yardage through the air, their inability to score touchdowns in the red-zone, pick up critical third downs, and their aptitude for big time turnovers have caused this team to grind to a mediocre halt. Quarterback is paramount. The team also could use another pass rusher, and some defensive line depth.

POTENTIAL DRAFTEES:

1. Deshone Kizer, QB Notre Dame. Kizer is the number one prospect in this class, and while he’s not without warts, he’s big, strong, and can make big time throws.

Deshaun Watson, QB Clemson. A mobile beast who may give the team a different type of playmaker

Mitch Trubisky, QB North Carolina. A passer with high upside.

Brad Kaaya, QB Miami. Inconsistent but supremely talented.

2. Myles Garrett, DE Texas A&M. Quite simply the best player in this draft, the thought of adding Garrett to the duo of Bosa and Donald would make this defensive line perhaps the best position group in the NFL.

3. Jonathan Allen, DE Alabama. He is quietly in the Heisman hunt as a dominating defensive lineman. While Garrett gets a lot of pub, Allen is the better run defender of the two and can play both 34 defensive end, and 43 defensive tackle.

NFL Draft Preview: Miami Dolphins

The 3GML is proud to announce a partnership with the expert scouting staff at tbhague.blogspot.com to bring you draft analyses for each 3GML franchise.

- - -

With the 3GML season more than half over the NFL draft has started to become a topic of conversation among the three league owners. The most intriguing part of being an owner in this league is figuring out how to maneuver around salary cap space, draft picks, and free agency in order to build a “perfect” team, if there is such a thing. While all three teams in the league are exceptional, and could arguably be the three most complete teams in the 3GML football world, there are still holes on each roster. In looking forward to the draft, we are going to explore ways that each of these teams could improve themselves in order to compete for championships and ultimately, and most importantly, get his name on a plaque.

Miami Dolphins:
The defending Super Bowl Champions of the 3GML are the Miami Dolphins. The ground-and-pound Dolphins are led by a power run game and a stout defensive front. While the team doesn’t have the explosive playmakers of the Bills, or fun-n-gun passing attack of the Jets, they are consistently the best running team and defensive unit in the league. That being said, despite a tremendous start to the season, and their name on the plaque to end last year’s campaign, the team isn’t without warts. This is the first look at what the Dolphins can do in the spring’s draft to upgrade the team.

BIGGEST MOVE OF 2016:
The team desperately needed playmakers and getting Laquon Treadwell from the Vikings was seen as a coup at the time. The issue after is that in “real life” Treadwell hasn’t gained any traction, pun intended, as an everyday receiver. The player traded for Treadwell is a person who could potentially be an All-Pro this season in twice traded Xavier Rhodes. The team has played pretty well in the secondary overall this season, but a large portion of that can be attributed to a tremendous pass rush.

OVERALL ANALYSIS OF THE TRADE:
The team lost this trade, despite Treadwell’s upside, Xavier Rhodes is already at minimum a pro-bowl player, and potentially an All-Pro. This move did free up a ton of potential cap space as Rhodes is a free agent in another season, but on a roster with virtually unlimited cap room, it wasn’t necessary. The team could look to come back and resign Rhodes if he ends up as a free agent though.

DRAFT ANALYSIS AND NEEDS:
Let’s be totally honest, while Jacoby Brissett has become a solid game manager, he’s not the long term answer at quarterback for this roster. The team also has needs at wide receiver and could potentially use a big time tight end, as the team has relied heavily on a mediocre Clive Walford, who has totally outperformed his ranking. Perhaps the biggest spot the team could use an upgrade though is at strong safety. While Calvin Pryor is a league favorite, his play in the 3GML has slipped a bit this season, and his “real life” play has deteriorated for the Jets. A running back could be a need too, as if this team had an elite runner like Gurley or David Johnson, he could legitimately challenge for 2,000 yards.

POTENTIAL DRAFTEES:

1.  Jabril Peppers, SS Michigan. Peppers is arguably the best overall player in this draft class. He’s an elite athlete and playmaker and on top of that he’s a dynamic football player. Adding him to that defense would make it the best in the 3GFL.

Malik Hooker, S Ohio State

Jamal Adams, S LSU

2.  Mike Williams, WR Clemson. A huge target at 6’5 and 235 pounds makes Adams the perfect fit for Miami’s power run game. He gives them a big play target down the field and a tight end style blocker for the sweeps and power runs to the outside.

Ricky Jean-Seals, WR Texas A&M. He’d be on day 2 or 3 but same style and size.

3.  Jake Butt, TE Michigan. A truly elite tight end prospect in that he can block but still has great ability to make plays in the pass game. Can come right in and start day 1.

O.J. Howard, TE Alabama
David Njoku, TE Miami

NFL Draft Preview: Buffalo Bills

The 3GML is proud to announce a partnership with the expert scouting staff at tbhague.blogspot.com to bring you draft analyses for each 3GML franchise.

- - -

With the 3GML season more than half over the NFL draft has started to become a topic of conversation among the three league owners. The most intriguing part of being an owner in this league is figuring out how to maneuver around salary cap space, draft picks, and free agency in order to build a “perfect” team, if there is such a thing. While all three teams in the league are exceptional, and could arguably be the three most complete teams in the 3GML football world, there are still holes on each roster. In looking forward to the draft, we are going to explore ways that each of these teams could improve themselves in order to compete for championships and ultimately, and most importantly, get his name on a plaque.

Buffalo Bills:

BIGGEST MOVE IN 2016
Giving up two first round picks for Amari Cooper was a huge gamble on the part of 'Owner B.' However, you can clearly understand the logic. His team is right up against the salary cap, and star quarterback Aaron Rodgers is quickly approaching the wrong side of 35 and his play in “real life” hasn’t quite been as elite as it was in years’ past. Rodgers is still a top 5 quarterback in the league though, and if you think he’s not you haven’t watched him play. That being said, the team is getting to the point where improving the team will have to be done via draft because players like Luke Kuechly and his contract are going to explode next season so free agency will be tough.

ANALYSIS
Good move. The team doesn’t really utilize the “split-end” position as much as it does the slot in this offense, but Cooper has proven to be an elite deep threat. While I’m never a proponent of giving up first round picks, the team is certainly in win now mode and couldn’t pass on being one of the top 3 teams in the NFL and going for a Super Bowl title.

DRAFT PLAN & NEEDS
The team is very solid overall but has a couple of needs that they can try to solve in the draft. The three biggest needs on this team are cornerback, backup running back in-case obvious MVP Todd Gurley got hurt, and pass rusher. The team struggles to get consistent pressure on the quarterback and without elite corners they can get torched at times by elite quarterbacks.

THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH:

1. Christian McCaffrey, ATH Stanford. McCaffrey’s ability to return kicks and play all over the field would be ideal for the spread west coast attack of Buffalo. He would be an immediate upgrade as a second running back on this team and could help out immediately for a win-now team.
2. Tre’Davious White, CB LSU: White has elite speed and potential and can make the splash plays that this secondary could use. He can also play in the slot if needed with great quickness. His technique leaves something to be desired at this point but he could has potential to be really good in the NFL.
3. Demarcus Walker, DE FSU. For a team that plays multiple schemes defensively, Walker makes a lot of sense. He could play the “JACK” OLB spot in a 34 or a 43/34 defensive end if you want. While he’s not likely an elite pass rusher, you probably won’t find those in rounds 2-4.

All of these guys are probably day 2 players, which is where Buffalo is likely to draft this spring.

Mid-Season PFF All-Pro Team (3GML Players)

Below are the 3GML players who made it on the PFF Mid-Season All-Pro Team:

BUFFALO BILLS (3)
WR Amari Cooper (2nd Team) - 83.2
MLB Luke Kuechly (1st Team) - 90.8
SPECIAL TEAMS Patrick Chung (2nd Team) - n/g

MIAMI DOLPHINS (3)
RT Morgan Moses (2nd Team) - 83.4
LE Khalil Mack (2nd Team) - 90.3
K Justin Tucker (1st Team) - n/g

NEW YORK JETS (6)
HB David Johnson (2nd Team) - 80.4
LG Zack Martin (2nd Team) - 85.7
C Travis Frederick (2nd Team) - 87.0
RG Marshal Yanda (1st Team) - 87.6
DT Aaron Donald (1st Team) - 95.6
CB AJ Bouye (2nd Team) - 91.3

2016 Season - Week #10

Los Angeles @ New York Jets

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

LOS ANGELES        3         0         0          0         3

NEW YORK              3         14       0          6        23

NEW YORK – The New York Jets (4-6) bounced back from a disappointing outing a week ago with a 23-3 thumping of the hapless LA Rams.
In a game where the stingy Jets defense allowed only 82 yards of total offense, Jeff Fischer's Rams did nothing to dispel the notion that, despite being 4-6, New York cannot be fully counted out of the AFC Playoff picture.
"I know they've had some tough breaks," Fisher said. "But the tape doesn't lie. That is a championship defense over there if they can tighten up some other areas."
Fisher is most likely referring to turnover differential and red zone touchdown scoring percentage (both last in the league).
"Still not happy with the turnovers today," Todd Bowles said. "But we are getting better each week. It was a 3-year plan from day one - we will keep working towards our goal."
Steadily improving sophomore Dante Fowler Jr. picked up 4.5 sacks on the day and has quietly become one of the more disruptive edge rushers in the NFL.
The Jets head into their bye precariously sitting at 4-6 on the verge of a late playoff push - or a plummet into the Top 10 of the NFL Draft. 

Miami @ San Diego

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

MIAMI                     10        0         0         0         10

SAN DIEGO              0         3         3         0         6

SAN DIEGO – A year ago on this very field, the San Diego Chargers handed the Miami Dolphins (8-1) their final defeat of the 2015 season en route to the Super Bowl 50 trophy. This year: The teams slugged it out over four quarters with the Dolphins holding on to finish with a hard fought 10-6 victory.
Miami finished the game 0-for-8 on 3rd downs as their vaunted rushing attack was stymied by San Diego's defensive front headllines by former Dolphins Marcell Dareus and Star Lotulelei.
"We knew we'd have to face them as we made those deals," Adam Gase said. "They were tough guys to get rid of and they showed their value today."
The Dolphins #1 rated unit against the rush allowed 41 yards on the ground while Philip Rivers was unable to crack the 200 yard passing mark or find the end zone during the defensive struggle.
"Just ugly all around," Rivers said. "Our defense deserved a better effort from us on offense."
Defensive end Khalil Mack ended a pair of late San Diego drives with crucial sacks to seal the victory.
Miami will look to continue their impressive 2016 season as they head to Los Angeles to face the Rams next week.