Month: December 2012

San Diego Chargers: Week 16 NFL Power Rankings (#24)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 16 NFL Power Rankings, Chargers

Last week: 17 (+7)

Record: 5-9

Net points per drive: -0.23 (22nd)

DVOA: -11.8% (23rd)

Weighted DVOA: -10.3% (24th)

The Chargers are 5-9 with 2 winnable games left on the schedule. The problem is, they don’t win winnable games. They’ve lost their last 4 games and 7 of their last 8 when favored or as small underdogs. They somehow beat Pittsburgh as huge underdogs, when the the game seems winnable, they don’t seem to get it done. They should be able to beat the Raiders week 17, but the key word is should. Even with a game against the Jets this week, I think they’re most likely to finish 6-10.

Studs

RG Louis Vasquez: Did not allow a pressure on 31 pass block snaps, run blocked for 13 yards on 1 attempt

LOLB Shaun Phillips: 1 quarterback hit and 3 quarterback hurries on 24 pass rush snaps, 1 batted pass, 2 solo tackle, 1 stop

LE Antonio Garay: 1 sack and 1 quarterback hurry on 10 pass rush snaps, 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, 4 stops

Duds

RT Reggie Wells: Allowed 2 sacks and 1 quarterback hurry on 23 pass block snaps, run blocked for 6 yards on 1 attempt

LT Michael Harris: Allowed 2 sack and 1 quarterback hurry on 12 pass block snaps, run blocked for 5 yards on 1 attempt

LG Rex Hadnot: Allowed 1 sack and 2 quarterback hurries on 31 pass block snaps, run blocked for 4 yards on 1 attempt

WR Danario Alexander: Did not catch a pass on 2 attempts on 31 pass snaps, 1 drop, 1 penalty

CB Antoine Cason: Allowed 3 catches for 45 yards on 5 attempts, 4 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 missed tackle, 1 penalty

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

Tennessee Titans: Week 16 NFL Power Rankings (#25)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 16 NFL Power Rankings, Titans

Last week: 24 (-1)

Record: 5-9

Net points per drive: -0.65 (29th)

DVOA: -25.9% (29th)

Weighted DVOA: -23.0% (28th)

The Titans somehow pulled out a win at home on Monday Night Football, despite having more penalties (14) than first downs (12) and almost more punts (10). This is because the Jets turned the ball over 5 times, but when teams win the turnover battle by 5, they win by an average of 17 points per game and the Titans just won by 4. I’m still not impressed at all with a team whose points differential (-111) is 5th worst in the NFL (Kansas City, Jacksonville, Oakland, Philadelphia). They definitely won’t win in Green Bay next week, but they might not even win at home against Jacksonville week 17. This team is not as good as their mediocre 5-9 record.

Studs

CB Jason McCourty: Allowed 2 catches for 22 yards on 4 attempts, 2 interceptions, 5 solo tackles, 2 stops

LOLB Zach Brown: Allowed 3 catches for 5 yards on 4 attempts, 5 solo tackles, 7 stops, 1 penalty, 2 sacks and 1 quarterback hurry on 11 blitzes

FS Michael Griffin: 5 solo tackles, 1 quarterback hurry on 3 blitzes, did not allow a catch on 3 attempts, 2 interceptions

LE Derrick Morgan: 1 sack, 1 quarterback hit, and 4 quarterback hurries on 34 pass rush snaps, 1 solo tackle, 3 assists, 2 stops

Duds

RG Deuce Lutui: Allowed 2 quarterback hurries on 29 pass block snaps, 2 penalties, run blocked for 6 yards on 6 attempts

WR Kenny Britt: Caught 1 pass for 7 yards on 3 attempts on 24 pass snaps, 0.0 YAC per catch

MLB Tim Shaw: Allowed 2 catches for 39 yards and a touchdown on 3 attempts, 7 solo tackles, 3 stops, 1 missed tackle, 1 quarterback hit on 3 blitzes

ROLB Akeem Ayers: 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, 3 stops, 2 missed tackles, 1 sack on 8 blitzes, allowed 1 catch for 9 yards on 2 attempts

RE Kamerion Wimbley: 1 quarterback hurry on 35 pass rush snaps, 3 solo tackles, 3 stops

DT Sen’Derrick Marks: 1 quarterback hurry on 29 pass rush snaps, 2 penalties, 1 batted pass, 1 assist

P Brett Kern: 10 punts for 391 yards, 4 inside 20, 1 return for 7 yards, 36.4 net yards per punt

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

Cleveland Browns: Week 16 NFL Power Rankings (#26)

stevenlourie 2012 Week 16 NFL Power Rankings, Browns

Last week: 26 (+0)

Record: 5-9

Net points per drive: -0.11 (20th)

DVOA: -12.4% (25th)

Weighted DVOA: -5.5% (19th)

That 17 point loss to the Redskins was actually the first time this season the Browns had been blown out. Their previous biggest loss was 14 and their biggest win (23) is still bigger than their biggest loss. Even that 14 point loss wasn’t as bad as the final score looked as they led 14-0 early. They’ve been competitive every week thanks to a solid defense and it’s possible they just overlooked Kirk Cousins and were unprepared for him, after he had been announced as the starter on Saturday. With games in Denver and Pittsburgh left on the schedule, I think they’re done winning games for this season, but they can certainly be competitive in both and if they can ever figure out their offense, they have the defense to compete for a playoff spot.

Studs

LT Joe Thomas: Did not allow a pressure on 39 pass block snaps, 1 penalty

SS TJ Ward: 4 solo tackles, 2 assists, 3 stops, 1 missed tackle, allowed 1 catch for 3 yards on 2 attempts, 1 interception

Duds

QB Brandon Weeden: 21 of 35 for 244 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, 1 drop, 1 throw away, 3 batted passes, 69.0 adjusted QB rating, pressured on 11 of 38 drop backs (2 sacks, 1 scramble, 5 of 8, 1 drop, 1 throw away)

C Alex Mack: Allowed 1 sack and 1 quarterback hurry on 39 pass block snaps, run blocked for 29 yards on 7 attempts, 1 penalty

WR Josh Gordon: Allowed 3 catches for 27 yards on 8 attempts on 39 pass snaps, 6.0 YAC per catch

TE: Ben Watson: Allowed 2 catches for 12 yards on 3 attempts on 28 pass snaps, 2.0 YAC per catch

CB Sheldon Brown: Allowed 8 catches for 143 yards and a touchdown on 9 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 1 penalty, 7 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 stop

MLB D’Qwell Jackson: 6 solo tackles, 4 assists, 3 stops, 2 missed tackles, allowed 5 catches for 58 yards on 5 attempts

DT Ahytba Rubin: Did not record a pressure on 32 pass rush snaps, 1 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 stop

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

Arizona Cardinals: Week 16 NFL Power Rankings (#27)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 16 NFL Power Rankings, Cardinals

Last week: 29 (+2)

Record: 5-9

Net points per drive: -0.31 (23rd)

DVOA: -14.7% (26th)

Weighted DVOA: -21.6% (27th)

The Cardinals ended a 9 game losing streak last week and avoided the 4-0 to 4-12 collapse, but they did it almost purely on returns, returning two interceptions for touchdowns and returning a muffed punt to the Detroit 5, for an easy score. Ryan Lindley still didn’t look like he even belonged in the league, let alone starting, and with games against Chicago and San Francisco left on the schedule, they probably won’t win another game.

Studs

LT Nate Potter: Did not allow a pressure on 25 pass block snaps, run blocked for -3 yards on 1 attempt

CB Greg Toler: Did not allow a catch on 6 attempts, 1 interception, 3 pass deflections, 2 solo tackles, 1 stop

RE Calais Campbell: 1 sack and 2 quarterback hurries on 41 pass rush snaps, 1 batted pass, 7 solo tackles, 7 stops

K Jay Feely: 7 kickoffs, 5 touchbacks, 65.9 yards per kickoff, 20.4 opponent’s average starting distance, 1/1 FG (51)

Duds

LG Daryn Colledge: Allowed 1 quarterback hit on 25 pass block snaps, 1 penalty

RG Pat McQuistan: Allowed 1 sack and 2 quarterback hits on 25 pass block snaps, run blocked for 16 yards on 5 attempts

WR Andre Roberts: Caught 3 passes for 22 yards on 5 attempts on 22 pass snaps, 1.0 YAC per catch, 2 drops

TE Rob Housler: Caught 2 passes for 13 yards on 2 attempts on 23 pass snaps, 3.5 YAC per catch

TE Jeff King: Caught 1 pass for 7 yards on 3 attempts on 7 pass snaps, 6.0 YAC per catch, 1 drop, 1 interception when thrown to, 2 penalties

RB William Powell: Rushed for 4 yards (3 after contact) on 5 attempts, 1 penalty

CB Patrick Peterson: Allowed 9 catches for 113 yards on 15 attempts, 1 interception, 1 pass deflection, 8 solo tackles, 1 stop, 1 missed tackle, 1 penalty

MLB Paris Lenon: Allowed 3 catches for 32 yards on 3 attempts, 5 solo tackles, 1 stop, 1 missed tackle, 1 quarterback hit and 1 quarterback hurry on 17 blitzes

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

Detroit Lions: Week 16 NFL Power Rankings (#28)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 16 NFL Power Rankings, Lions

Last week: 27 (-1)

Record: 4-10

Net points per drive: -0.02 (15th)

DVOA: -0.5% (14th)

Weighted DVOA: -1.0% (16th)

The Lions have had some bad luck with losing close, winnable games and having turnovers returned for touchdowns (they’ve had a ridiculous 10 turnovers/punts/kickoffs returned for touchdown this year), but they are the league’s most underachieving team this year and, with games against Atlanta and Chicago left, almost definitely this year’s team that goes from the playoffs to 5 or fewer wins. In a passing league, somehow the league’s #1 passing offense is at 4-10, while the league’s #32 passing offense (Minnesota) is at 8-6 and competing for a playoff spot, in the same division.

The Lions have some interesting bounce back potential next year (one team does the opposite, from 5 wins to the playoffs, every year, as well). They also have an interesting decision to make on Head Coach Jim Schwartz’s future. I’d say they should keep him simply because he took this team from 0-16 to the playoffs in a few years, but I could understand letting him go.

Detroit

Studs

WR Calvin Johnson: Caught 10 passes for 121 yards on 16 attempts on 52 pass snaps, 4.4 YAC per catch, 1 interception when thrown to

LOLB DeAndre Levy: Allowed 1 catch for 7 yards on 2 attempts, 1 interception, 3 solo tackles, 2 stops, 1 missed tackle

ROLB Justin Durant: 4 solo tackles, 1 assist, 4 stops, 1 quarterback hurry on 6 blitzes, allowed 1 catch for 3 yards on 2 attempts

FS Don Carey: 4 solo tackles, 3 stops, 1 missed tackle, allowed 1 catch for 6 yards on 1 attempt

DT Ndamukong Suh: 1 sack and 3 quarterback hits on 24 pass rush snaps, 2 solo tackle, 1 stop

Duds

QB Matt Stafford: 24 of 50 for 246 yards, 3 interceptions, 3 drops, 3 throw aways, 1 batted pass, 55.7 adjusted QB rating, pressured on 16 of 52 drop backs (2 sacks, 4 of 14, 3 throw aways, 1 drop)

TE Tony Scheffler: Caught 3 passes for 36 yards on 7 attempts on 42 pass snaps, 5.0 YAC per catch, 2 drops, 1 interception

TE Tony Heller: Caught 2 passes for 18 yards on 3 attempts on 37 pass snaps, 7.0 YAC per catch

WR Kris Durham: Caught 1 pass for 14 yards on 5 attempts on 33 pass snaps, 10.0 YAC per catch, 1 interception when thrown to

CB Jonte Green: Allowed 5 catches for 52 yards on 6 attempts, 1 penalty, 6 solo tackles, 2 stops, 1 missed tackle

MLB Stephen Tulloch: 8 solo tackles, 1 assist, 6 stops, 2 missed tackles, allowed 3 catches for 11 yards on 4 attempts

RE Lawrence Jackson: Did not record a pressure on 14 pass rush snaps, no tackles

LE Cliff Avril: Did not record a pressure on 18 pass rush snaps, 1 solo tackle, 1 stop

RE Kyle Vanden Bosch: Did not record a pressure on 11 pass rush snaps, 2 solo tackles, 1 stop, 1 missed tackle

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

Philadelphia Eagles: Week 16 NFL Power Rankings (#29)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 16 NFL Power Rankings, Eagles

Last week: 28 (-1)

Record: 4-10

Net points per drive: -0.47 (27th)

DVOA: -20.7% (27th)

Weighted DVOA: -23.6% (29th)

Nick Foles showed a little bit of promise there for a few weeks, but he struggled on Thursday Night in a game the Eagles completely fell apart in, turning the ball over 4 times in 5 plays and blowing a 13-10 lead. That loss should seal Andy Reid’s fate as the Eagles will probably finish 4-12, with games against the Redskins and Giants left on the schedule. The Eagles will be motivated to play spoiler, but I don’t think they can get the job done. The new regime will have an interesting decision to make on Nick Foles and the future of this team’s quarterback position.

Studs

FS Colt Anderson: 7 solo tackles, 3 assists, 1 stop, 1 missed tackle, allowed 1 catch for 3 yards on 4 attempts, 1 pass deflection

CB Nnamdi Asomugha: Did not allow a catch on 1 attempt, 1 pass deflection, 1 solo tackle

CB Brandon Boykin: Did not allow a catch on 3 attempts, 1 pass deflection, no tackles

RE Trent Cole: 1 sack and 2 quarterback hurries on 33 pass rush snaps, 5 solo tackles, 5 stops

DT Fletcher Cox: 2 sacks and 1 quarterback hurry on 27 pass rush snaps, 1 stop

LE Brandon Graham: 3 sacks and 5 quarterback hurries on 27 pass rush snaps, 1 penalty, 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, 6 stops

Duds

QB Nick Foles: 16 of 33 for 182 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, 2 throw aways, 1 hit as thrown, 1 drop, 61.0 adjusted QB rating, pressured on 12 of 35 drop backs (1 scramble, 1 sack, 4 of 10, 1 touchdown, 2 throw aways, 1 hit as thrown)

RB Bryce Brown: Rushed for 34 yards (29 after contact) on 16 attempts, allowed 1 quarterback hit on 9 pass block snaps, caught 1 pass for 11 yards on 2 attempts, 1 drop

RT Dennis Kelly: Allowed 1 quarterback hit and 5 quarterback hurries on 37 pass block snaps, run blocked for 4 yards on 3 attempts

CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie:  Allowed 6 catches for 57 yards and a touchdown on 7 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 3 solo tackles, 2 missed tackles

K Alex Henery: 4 kickoffs, 0 touchbacks, 58.0 yards per kickoff, 24.3 opponent’s average starting distance, 2/2 FG (20, 22)

P Mat McBriar: 6 punts for 258 yards, 3 inside 20, 4 returns for 42 yards, 30.9 net yards per punt

DT Cedric Thornton: 1 kickoff return for 0 yards, 1 fumble, did not record a pressure on 8 pass rush snaps, 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, 3 stops

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

Oakland Raiders: Week 16 NFL Power Rankings (#30)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 16 NFL Power Rankings, Raiders

Last week: 31 (+1)

Record: 4-10

Net points per drive: -0.76 (30th)

DVOA: -28.2% (30th)

Weighted DVOA: -28.1% (30th)

The Raiders shut out the Chiefs last week and still are tied for the league’s worst scoring defense. Aside from a weird win over the Steelers week 3, the Raiders wins have all come against the Chiefs (twice) and the Jaguars, who are the league’s worst teams right now. At 4-10 with games left against the Panthers and the Chargers, the Raiders look destined for 4-12. It’s not that those games are unwinnable, but I just don’t think they’ll win them.

Studs

RB Mike Goodson: Rushed for 89 yards (73 after contact) on 13 attempts, 3 broken tackles, caught 1 pass for 14 yards on 1 attempt

LG Cooper Carlisle: Did not allow a pressure on 31 pass block snaps, run blocked for 47 yards on 6 attempts

LT Jared Veldheer: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 31 pass block snaps, run blocked for 9 yards on 2 attempts

RT Khalif Barnes: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 31 pass block snaps, run blocked for 66 yards on 6 attempts

CB Brandian Ross: Allowed 3 catches for 12 yards on 6 attempts, 4 solo tackles, 4 stops

CB Michael Huff: Did not allow a catch on 5 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 1 solo tackle

CB Joselio Hanson: Allowed 3 catches for 19 yards on 4 attempts, 1 interception, 3 solo tackles, 2 stops

ROLB Phillip Wheeler: 6 solo tackles, 6 stops, 1 missed tackle, 1 sack and 1 quarterback hit on 8 blitzes

RE Andre Carter: 1 sack, 3 quarterback hits, and 3 quarterback hurries on 27 pass rush snaps, 1 assist, 1 stop

LE LaMarr Houston: 1 quarterback hit and 3 quarterback hurries on 34 pass rush snaps, 3 solo tackles, 3 stops

DT Tommy Kelly: 1 sack and 2 quarterback hurries on 24 pass rush snaps, 1 batted pass, 2 solo tackles, 3 stops

Duds

WR Darrius Heyward Bey: Did not catch a pass on 5 attempts on 28 pass snaps, 1 penalty

LOLB Miles Burris: 1 solo tackle, 1 assist, 1 missed tackle, 1 quarterback hit on 8 blitzes, allowed 4 catches for 31 yards on 4 attempts

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

Jacksonville Jaguars: Week 16 NFL Power Rankings (#31)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 16 NFL Power Rankings, Jaguars

Last week: 31 (+1)

Record: 2-12

Net points per drive: -0.87 (31st)

DVOA: -33.6% (31st)

Weighted DVOA: -31.5% (31st)

Unlike the Chiefs, the Jaguars do have one winnable game left on the schedule as they head to Tennessee week 17, after hosting the Patriots next week, but I don’t think they’ll win another game either. All the promise that the Chad Henne era had when it started for a team that desperately needed it is gone after he’s gone back to being, well, Chad Henne, in the last few weeks. They’ll have to address the position this offseason, but this isn’t a good year to need a quarterback.

Studs

LT Eugene Monroe: Did not allow a pressure on 43 pass block snaps, run blocked for 12 yards on 1 attempt

RG Uche Nwanari: Allowed 1 sack on 43 pass block snaps, run blocked for 5 yards on 1 attempt

WR Cecil Shorts: Caught 6 passes for 101 yards on 10 attempts on 43 pass snaps, 6.5 YAC per catch

Duds

QB Chad Henne: 18 of 34 for 221 yards, 1 drop, 2 batted passes, 68.9 adjusted QB rating, pressured on 14 of 37 drop backs (2 sacks, 1 scramble, 5 of 11, 1 drop)

RT Cameron Bradfield: Allowed 5 quarterback hurries on 43 pass block snaps, 2 penalties, run blocked for 10 yards on 4 attempts

TE Marcedes Lewis: Caught 3 passes for 8 yards on 4 attempts on 31 pass snaps, 3.3 YAC per catch

WR Jordan Shipley: Caught 2 passes for 13 yards on 3 attempts on 30 pass snaps, 0.0 YAC per catch

CB Rashean Mathis: Allowed 3 catches for 36 yards on 4 attempts, 3 penalties, 2 solo tackle, 1 missed tackle

ROLB Julian Sanford: 3 solo tackles, 1 stop, did not allow a catch on 1 attempt

FS Dwight Lowery: 2 solo tackles, 1 stop, 2 missed tackles, allowed 1 catch for 17 yards on 1 attempt

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

Kansas City Chiefs: Week 16 NFL Power Rankings (#32)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 16 NFL Power Rankings, Chiefs

Last week: 30 (-2)

Record: 2-12

Net points per drive: -0.97 (32nd)

DVOA: -40.1% (32nd)

Weighted DVOA: -38.7% (32nd)

After getting shut out by the Raiders, it appears the Chiefs’ winning days are over as they have games against the Colts to close out their season. This puts them in the driver’s seat for a 2-14 record and the #1 pick and it couldn’t have gone to a more deserving team. This team was rarely competitive once they put Brady Quinn under center and they didn’t manage a first down in the first half against a Raider team that had the league’s worst defense coming into the game. I would commend them for the shrewd move in ensuring they lock up the #1 pick, but Scott Pioli and Romeo Crennel are expected to be fired at the end of the season.

Studs

SS Eric Berry: 11 solo tackles, 7 stops, allowed 1 catch for 7 yards on 2 attempts, 1 pass deflection

P Dustin Colquitt: 7 punts for 383 yards, 4 inside 20, 0 returns for 0 yards, 51.9 net yards per punt

Duds

QB Brady Quinn: 18 of 32 for 136 yards and 1 interception, 2 drops, 1 throw away, 1 batted pass, 65.6 adjusted QB rating, pressured on 14 of 36 drop backs (4 sacks, 4 of 10, 1 interception, 1 throw away, 1 drop)

LT Donald Stephenson: Allowed 1 sack, 2 quarterback hits, and 2 quarterback hurries on 38 pass block snaps, run blocked for -3 yards on 1 attempt

RT Eric Winston: Allowed 1 quarterback hit and 3 quarterback hurries on 38 pass block snaps

C Ryan Lilja: Allowed 1 sack, 1 quarterback hit, and 1 quarterback hurry on 38 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 11 yards on 5 attempts

WR Jamar Newsome: Caught 1 pass for 6 yards on 4 attempts on 30 pass snaps, 0.0 YAC per catch, 1 drop

WR Jonathan Baldwin: Did not catch a pass on 4 attempts on 37 pass snaps

CB Jalil Brown: Allowed 3 catches for 39 yards on 6 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 2 penalties, 4 solo tackles, 1 missed tackle

LE Tyson Jackson: Did not record a pressure on 23 pass rush snaps, 2 solo tackles, 2 stops

NT Dontari Poe: Did not record a pressure on 30 pass rush snaps, 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, 2 stops

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

Buffalo Bills extend G Kraig Urbik

stevenlourie Bills, News

Not a lot of people know who Kraig Urbik is, but he’s a starting right guard for the Buffalo Bills and he’s actually quite good. A 2 year starter, Urbik graded out as ProFootballFocus 18th ranked guard in 8 starts in 2011 and ranks 24th this season in 11 starts, making him an above average player at that position. He’s also got some versatility to play center, where he made 5 starts last season, though his better position is right guard. He’s a better pass protector than run blocker and actually allowed just 3 quarterback hurries in his 13 combined starts in 2011. This year, he’s allowed 2 sacks, 1 quarterback hit, and 7 quarterback hurries in 11 starts and he’s improved as a run blocker.

He’s had some minor injuries, but this really just seems to be an underrated player getting locked up for a very reasonable deal, 4 years 15 million. With him heading into free agency this offseason, the Bills were smart to lock him up right now, before he could hit free agency, but after the 2009 3rd rounder could prove he was more than a one year wonder. The Bills may now attempt to focus on locking up left guard Andy Levitre for the future before he hits free agency this offseason.

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]