By Anthony Brown

The best storyline going into the Washington Redskins – Tennessee Titans game on Sunday is Gil Brandt’s NFL.com headline Reeling Redskins visit Tennessee to take on slumping Titans.

This game will tell us a lot about Redskins players and coaches. Will they be numb in Nashville? Or will they take out their frustrations against their next opponent?

No one gives Washington a shot against Tennessee. The eight members of ESPN’s Pigskin Pick ’em crew all pick the Titans. Who can blame them? That just goes to show how a nationally televised, 59-point butt whuppin’ influences people.

What happened Monday night?

Those experts could be wrong. Two things conspired against the Redskins in the Eagles game. They lost to the bye and they ran a poorly conceived defense, perhaps because of distractions during the bye.

Pulling Donovan McNabb at the worst possible moment in the Detroit Lions game was a Vinny Cerrato-like move. Cerrato could have written Mike Shanahan‘s explanations for it. The uncomfortable resemblance of the Shannyskins to the Snyderskins left the coach and the staff under fire for the two-week bye period, losing the benefits of the two-week layoff.

On defense, the Redskins sacrificed yards to gain turnovers. The trade-off worked against most opponents, especially the Eagles in October. In the Monday night game, Washington laid off defensively out of concern for Michael Vick’s newly found passing skills. Washington lost because the poorly conceived defense gave up yards and points without disrupting Philly’s offense.

Losses that bad only come from huge disparities in talent, or poor preparation by the coaches. Washington won the first game, evidence of competitive talent at least. Coaching has to be better.

The loss overwhelmed several good points about the Redskins offense. Keiland Williams gained 139 yards of total offense and scored three touchdowns. Washington’s 28 points was its highest scoring output of the season. Anthony Armstrong and Fred Davis made big plays leading to scores, or setting up scores.

The Haynesworth factor

Albert wants to leave. Shanahan wants to trade him. At some point, these two have to conspire to pull that off. Haynesworth has to have big games. Shanahan has to play him and talk him up more. Isn’t that just what has been happening?

Haynesworth has been playing more and getting sacks. Shanahan has been talking him up. If they continue to work like that through the rest of the season, Washington may be offered something reasonable in trade for Big Al, say a third-round pick and a ham sandwich.

Big Al said he would always be a Titan. There is no better venue for Haynesworth to shine than in Nashville.

And, the winner is…

The Redskins fell seven places on the Bloguin NFL Week 10 Power Poll to 26th place. The Titans rank 12th.

The Titans are seven point favorites, an over-reaction to the Redskins’ meltdown against the Eagles. Washington’s offense has performed better on average than Tennessee. I look for Chris Johnson to have his way for a couple of touchdowns. Randy Moss may escape for a score.

Donovan McNabb will deliver a big play, or two. Clinton Portis return will make a difference in blocking if not running. I don’t think the Titans know how fast Brandon Banks really is. This game will come down to field goals and could go either way…if the ‘Skins are over their Monday night hangover.

http://redskinshogheaven.com/

Go back to Redskins Fan Spot 

What is this? Well, in addition to our own Power Rankings, we are going to post this top 15 called the Ultimate Football Rankings (UFB Rankings). It’s compiled of a bunch of rankings of a bunch of good sites, including ours (see bottom) and adds a contrast to our regular Power Rankings. More sites will be added as the weeks go on.

(2)  1. New England Patriots (6) –   2 – 0   next at Buffalo Bills

After two weeks at the second spot, the Patriots take number one.  With Tom Brady have already thrown for 940 yards and a completion percentage of 71.6%, this offense looks invincible.  The defense is looking rather fragile, but comes up big when needed.

(1)  2. Green Bay Packers (4) –  2 – 0   next at Chicago Bears

With a lot of experts, critics, and bloggers still having Green Bay number one, the UFB found themselves dropping them in at number two.  They are the defending champs, still undefeated, and have an explosive offense.  It is the defense though that has them slipping.  In two games the defense has already allowed 975 total offensive yards.  The defense has’[t stopped anything.  How long will the offense bail them out???

(5)  3. New Orleans Saints –   1 – 1    next vs Houston Texans

With the Saints being a highly favored team to win it all, they have climbed back into the top of the rankings.  The Saints really intrigue us.  We already know about their explosive offense, but their defense has shown us two very opposite sides.  If the same defense can show up all year like the one that showed up at the Bears game, they will be on top looking down on the whole league.

(8)  4. New York Jets –   2 – 0   next at Oakland Raiders

Will Rex Ryan’s guarantee of a Super Bowl come true?  The Jets defense looks as good as any in the league, but it’s not like that is a big surprise.  Just like it is no big shocker that Mark Sanchez inconsistent.  Sanchez has to become an elite quarterback if Rex Ryan and the New York Jets want to become the champs!!!

(4)  5. Philadelphia Eagles –  1 – 1   next vs New York Giants

Vick is the Eagles as Manning is the Colts and its hard to run the offense because of his special skill set that they build it around…All though Kafka didn’t do too bad in relief, how will the Eagles perform if Vick is unable to play next week?  The Eagles have a very productive offense, can’t wait to see them match wits with the New York Giants defense.

(11) 6. Detroit Lions  –  2 – 0  next at Minnesota Vikings

Detroit is tops in the NFL in positive point differential, they are an impressive +52.  Better then the Vick led Eagles, Brady led Patriots, and Rodgers led Packers…Stafford to Megatron might be the best QB/WR combo in the league right now, and Ndamukong Suh has completely changed the feel of the defense…Things are good and on the way up in the motor city.

(6)  7. Houston Texans  –  2 – 0   next at New Orleans Saints

Now ripping up on the lifeless Colts, and beating the Dolphins isn’t the biggest of wins but with the Saints, Steelers, Raiders and Ravens looming, this will be a tested team, and needs to come out of that 5 game trip 3-2. If not better to make a statement, other then that? They continue to be the pushover team who beats the teams worse then them, but lose to the better.

(7)  8. Chicago Bears  –  1 – 1     next vs Green Bay Packers

Wow, we have never seen an offensive line look so horrifically bad. This team is gonna do nothing unless they fix this. Cutler has no shot to even look down field for receivers and the Bears don’t got a shot either if they can’t protect him.  They should have a productive week against a defense that has already allowed 975 offensive yards.

(3)  9. Baltimore Ravens  –  1 – 1    next at St. Louis Rams

The Ravens have shown us two very different teams.  The first week they showed us one of the toughest and nastiest teams we had ever seen.  Then walked all over the Steelers in every way possible.  Then the second week, they could not get anything going.  They better get it together or Sam Bradford and the Rams will make it a very long day for them.

(9) 10. Pittsburgh Steelers  1 – 1     next at Indianapolis Colts

Even if it was a garbage win over the “Suck For Luck” sweepstakes contestant the Seattle Seahawks, Steelers needed a big bounce back game……And they got it.  Now that they had a chance to flex and feel better about themselves, lets see if they can continue the same intensity every week.

(10) 11. San Diego Chargers  1 – 1   next vs Kansas City Cheifs

Took a shot at the Patriots but could not take down Tom Brady.  It was a competitive game until the very end.  Even after Gates was taken out of the game by Patriots’ defense, they were a few stupid plays away from winning.  Its ok though, The Kansas City Chiefs are in town…Look for a big day from Philip Rivers this week as he exploits that weak banged up defense of the Chiefs

(14) 12. Atlanta Falcons  1 – 1     next at Tampa Bay Bucs

Matt Ryan and the Falcons had a much better week against the Eagles then they did against the Bears.  Still not sure how good this team really is, if Michael Vick had not gone out of the game, would they be 0 – 2?  They play a real solid Tampa Bay team this week, we should get a better feel after this week.

(13) 13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers  1 – 1    next vs Atlanta Falcons

They just find ways to win, snatching a win away from the Vikings with 14 in the final quarter last week. Josh Freeman who was poised for a breakout year is very up and down so far, his 67.6 Completion Percentage is nice, but his 2 TD’s to 3 Turnovers isn’t, and it doesn’t get easier either. Matty Ice and the Falcons are in town this week, and he will have to out score Ryan and that offense to avoid a loss, against a defense that isn’t fantastic, but isn’t horrible either.

(NR) 14. Washington Redskins  2 – 0   next at Dallas Cowboys

They beat a horrible New York Giants team in week one and an Arizona Cardinals team who is unable to stop anybody.  Next weeks match-up will be a reality check.  At least they made the list for one week.

(NR) 15. Buffalo Bills  2 – 0   next vs New England Patriots

Are the Bills for real? Time to figure out. The Date? 1:00pm EST, Ralph Wilson Stadium. Your dance partner???   Gulp…….The New England Patriots and some cat named Tom Brady.The Bills are scoring big and are exciting to watch, lets see if they bring that excitement against the Patriots.

( ) left of rankings indicates previous weeks rankings

( ) next to teams indicates first place votes

UFB Power Rankers are:

Frank Hyun of Patriots Review

Ronnie Kohrt of Ronnie K’s Blog

David Calagis of The Football Genius

Mr. Kangaroo of The Beast of the East

J. Lew of Wild Wild West

Brandon Clark of Titan Sized

Steven Lourie of Football Fan Spot

Mr. C.J. Sports of CJ Sports NFL Talk

The Wizard of The Wizard’s Corner

Mrs. NFL of Football Talk with Mrs. NFL

Adam Hughes of Naptown’s Finest

By Sean Geddes 

Another great defensive performance has some fans already comparing this team to 2008’s squad. 

Right from the opening kickoff, the Steelers delivered haymakers right to the chin of the Titans, in Nashville on a sweltering Sunday afternoon. Mewelde Moore fielded the kick, only to hand it off on a reverse to rookie Antonio Brown, making his first career start. On his first touch in the NFL, the former Central Michigan Chippewa took it the distance, showing the speed that had him playing the role of Chris Johnson in practices leading up to the game.

The ensuing kickoff was another big play, as another rookie, Stevenson Sylvester, also dressing for his first game, forced a fumble that was recovered by special teams captain Keyaron Fox, giving the Steelers the ball back, already up 7-0, just 25 seconds into the game.

The Titans would punch back, both metaphorically and literally, in the next three plays. After two of the “dirtiest players in the NFL” Hines Ward and Cortland Finnegan got into it a bit and after one run by Rashard Mendenhall, the Titans D sacked Dixon on his blindside, forcing and recovering a fumble of their own.

The Titans drove the short field, mostly on the arm of Vince Young, but settled for a field goal as the Steelers relentless defense tightened the clamp in the redzone, making the game 7-3.

After a three and out from Dixon and Company, the Titans again took the ball, looking to close the gap. After a nice drive, the Titans again found themselves in the redzone. Trying score over the middle to Nate Washington, Vince Young stared him down, allowing Troy Polamalu to step in for a touchdown saving interception.

Dixon took the team downfield, but after a fumbled snap and a sack, the Steelers were looking at a third and long from the 25. Seeing no one open enough to pass to, Dixon ran for a short gain, and the Steelers settled for a Jeff Reed field goal from 36 yards out, making the game 10-3 in favor of the Black and Gold. The run on third down would however prove to be costly, as Dixon was injured on the play, and would not return.

After a three and out for Tennessee, and a three and out from the Charlie Batch led Steelers, the Titans again may have had something going. Chris Johnson caught a tough pass, and the Titans crossed the 50 yard line. But on a great call from Coach LeBeau, Woodley faked the blitz, disengaged from the blocker, dropped back, and caught Vince Young off guard, stepping right in front of a short pass intended for Justin Gage and intercepting it. As good as Woodley is at getting after the QB, pass coverage has been somewhat of a weakness for him, so it is good to see him making these kind of plays.

Unfortunately, the Steelers were unable to capitalize, after one first down, Daniel Sepulveda was again called on to punt the ball away. With just over 5 minutes to go in the first half, the Titans would again have a chance to make this a one score game. After a false start penalty, Young handed the ball right to Chris Johnson, who, in a flash, took it 85 yards for a touchdown. This is what Chris Johnson does, he is the single greatest big play threat in the NFL, and it helped him get to 2000 yards rushing and a record for yards from scrimmage the year before. But, there was laundry on the field… yellow laundry. A holding call on center Eugene Amano against Chris Hoke would negate the big play. With Johnson gassed and looking at a long second down, the Titans would turn twice to Javon Ringer, who would gain just one yard on the two touches, giving the Steelers the ball back after a punt.

Another three and out, a reoccurring theme up to that point, would only be split by the two minute warning, and Tennessee would again get the ball. On their first play, Chris Johnson was being brought down, when Lawrence Timmons came in with a jarring hit to force the fumble.

After another three and out, this one containing a penalty negated TD pass to Mike Wallace, the Steelers settled for 3 again, making the score 13-3 at half, on Reed’s 34 yard kick.

The second half started with the Titans and Vince Young in possession. A first down gaining run by Johnson was followed by three more runs; one by Johnson and two by Young, but a similar fate was met, as the Titans punted again.

Along the same lines, another three and out from Pittsburgh, and another by Tennessee. The offenses both looked anemic, and the defenses both looked good.  This trend would continue right into the final drive of the quarter, when the Steelers finally got something going.

After a fumble by Young gave the Steelers a short field, a combination of Mendenhall and defensive fouls on the Titans gave the Steelers another field goal, this one from 25 yards out , making the score Pittsburgh 16, Tennessee 3 .

In the most controversial move of the day, at least to the Titans crowd, Young was benched in favor of Kerry Collins. Perhaps seeing that the running game was not getting it done, and with Collins being the better passer, Jeff Fischer thought Collins would give his team the best chance to win. Collins would not fair much better though, as the Titans would go three and out… again.

And the Steelers too, would go three and out… again.

The Titans would fumble on their first play on the next drive, forced by LaMarr Woodley and recovered by Chris Hoke, the Steelers would (surprise surprise) go three and out, and Jeff Reed would kick his fourth and final field goal, making this a 19 to 3 game.

Collins got the short passing game going, and after a good drive, almost solely out of the shotgun, he passed for the only offensive touchdown of the game, a 2 yard TD to Nate Washington. The Titans would not only make the two point conversion try, but recover the onside kick. But it was all for naught, as they couldn’t quite make the plays necessary to win the game in the end.

What a game. Ugly, hard fought and defensive, the Steelers would still somehow find a way to make it a little too close for comfort. Regardless, the final product was still the same… 2 and 0, heading into week three.

Of Special Note: Troy Polamalu and his wife Theodora welcomed their second son, Ephraim, into the world on Thursday September 16. Ephraim’s older brother Paisios will soon turn two in October. Congrats to Troy and Family on their second child, I hope mother and child are both well. I’m sure Steeler Nation is already dreaming about a potential Polamalu and Polamalu secondary in about 22 years.

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/

What is this? Well, in addition to our own Power Rankings, we are going to post this top 15 called the Ultimate Football Rankings (UFB Rankings). It’s compiled of a bunch of rankings of a bunch of good sites, including ours (see bottom) and adds a contrast to our regular Power Rankings. More sites will be added as the weeks go on.

(2)  1. Green Bay Packers (10)   –   3 – 0    next vs Denver Broncos 

Green Bay’s offense is unstoppable, putting up 27 points in each game so far, while the defense has improved in every game as well.   Defense shuts down Cutler and the Packers begin their ascend to repeat. Defense held Matt Forte to 8 inches a rush……That is not a joke either…

(2)  2. New Orleans Saints   –  2 – 1    next at Jacksonville Jauguars

The Saints passing attack has been just as good as the Packers has, although their defense hasn’t been nearly as consistent as we expected. The defense though has a lot of talented pieces, and they should really improve moving forward.   Well, I guess its kinda the story of  ”In Breesus We Trust.”

(1)  3. New England Patriots  –  2 – 1  next at Oakland Raiders

 No one’s perfect. They were going to lose a game at some point. The Packers were most preseason pick last year. They lost week 3.  Look how that turned out.  It’s all about the defense for New England, their offense is dominant and cannot be stopped, but unfortunately the defense has many weak spots and is thin. They can beat any team in the league at any time, but games like Buffalo this past week can also happen.

(6)  4. Detroit Lions  –  3 – 0    next at Dallas Cowboys

The Lions are one of three teams still undefeated, a surprise 3-0 team along with Buffalo. The bad news, division rival Green Bay is the 3rd 3-0 team. They’re not getting this division unless they can beat Green Bay head to head twice and I don’t think they can do that.  This weeks match up will give us a better look at how tough this team really is and will be as a measuring stick to let them know if they are ready to take on the Green Bay Packers.

(9)  5. Baltimore Ravens  –  2 – 1   next vs New York Jets

Baltimore has looked dominant in its wins over Pittsburgh and St Louis, though they looked pretty bad in a week 2 loss to the Titans. We suspect their 2 wins are closer to reality than the loss. You think the Ravens didn’t like losing to the Titans? Sam Bradford and company didn’t know what hit them last week, this week should give us an answer.  Are they the real deal or a roller coaster team?

(7)  6. Houston Texans  –  2 – 1   next vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Houston did what they do best last week, they blew a big lead. However, New Orleans is a quality opponent and they still played well. They have the ability to get things together heading forward.  Mario Williams might just have a career day this week……Considering how bad the Steelers O Line is…

(15)  7. Buffalo Bills  –  3 – 0   next at Cincinnati Bengals

Unbelievably, the Bills are the lone undefeated team in the AFC But with the way they’ve played, they have earned it, scoring the most points of any team in the league, and having the 3rd most yards per game.   The Patriots beat themselves as much as the Bills won.  We’ll give them a few more games before they are top-5 material.

(4)  8. New York Jets  –  2 – 1   next at Baltimore Ravens

The Jets got embarrassed in Oakland in a game that just meant more to Oakland than it did to them. Now is the real test, a trip to Baltimore followed by a trip to New England.  We agree, Joe Namath. They’re overhyped.

(10) 9. Pittsburgh Steelers  –  2 -1   next at Houston Texans

Sure Pittsburgh cakewalked over Seattle 24-0 in week 2, but in their other 2 games, a 34-7 loss to Baltimore, and a 23-20 win over Indy, they have not looked impressive at all. Their Offensive Line is still atrocious.  They had to put injured players back into the game on the offensive line against Indy and would have lost had Curtis Painter not missed a wide open man for a touchdown. Now they have to go into Houston.

(13) 10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers  2 – 1   next vs Indianapolis Colts

Every one knew they were a good team, just wasn’t sure how good.  With their only loss coming to the Lions, they have showed us they are good.  With wins against a struggling Vikings and Falcons team, we are still uncertain how good.  This weak schedule doesn’t help their rankings, but opponents like this weeks should keep their win column increasing.

(NR) 11. Dallas Cowboys  2 – 1   next vs Detroit Lions

What a gritty 2 weeks Tony Romo is putting out.  If he continues to do this, he might just win over fans in Dallas, and some games deep in January too.  He throws for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Jets in a game that his special teams blew. He leads a comeback with a cracked rib against San Francisco and then he beats Washington despite 4 botched snaps by Phil Costa and Kevin Ogletree consistently running the wrong route.

(NR) 12. New York Giants  2 – 1   next at Arizona Cardinals

After struggling in the first six quarters of the season, it seems like Eli Manning has gotten his mojo back. The Giants had a very impressive performance at Philadelphia. Or maybe the overrated Eagles just sucked. Not totally sure. We will be keeping a close eye on this team to see if they are a serious contender or if they are a product of false advertising.

(11) 13. San Diego Chargers  2 – 1   next vs Miami Dolphins

The Chargers are rumored to be pressing so much to win in the early part of the season that they’re playing badly. San Diego’s 2 wins game against teams with 0 combined wins, and 3 of their next 4 opponents are winless to this point. So we won’t know a whole lot about the Chargers for a month or so.  Chargers fans have to be concerned after barely beating Kansas City and Minnesota in San Diego. What if this team can’t get it together in the 2nd half again?

(5) 14. Philadelphia Eagles  1 -2   next vs San Fransisco 49ers

The “dream team” is in serious trouble, Vick has a hand contusion so he wont be out as long as a broken hand.  But as much as he gets hit, there is no way that doesn’t effect him.  Eagles gambled when they traded Kolb, and right now the Eagles hand looks like a 7 of Hearts and a 10 of Clubs…Decent but they just don’t match.

(NR) 15. Oakland Raiders  2 – 1   next vs New England Patriots

The Raiders aren’t as good as their 2-1 record, with one loss to a 3-0 team, would suggest. They won an ugly game against the lowly Broncos. They blew a big lead in Buffalo. Last week, they caught the Jets napping and looking forward to Baltimore next week.  Lets see how they do against the Patriots before we go power ranking happy with the Raiders.

( ) next to teams indicates first place votes

UFB Power Rankers are:

Frank Hyun of Patriots Review

Ronnie Kohrt of Ronnie K’s Blog

David Calagis of The Football Genius

Mr. Kangaroo of CJ Sports NFL Talk

J. Lew of Wild Wild West

Brandon Clark of Titan Sized

Steven Lourie of Football Fan Spot

Mr. C.J. Sports of CJ Sports NFL Talk

The Wizard of The Wizard’s Corner

Mrs. NFL of Football Talk with Mrs. NFL

Adam Hughes of Naptown’s Finest

Walter Cherepinsky of Walter Football.com

Nolan Vasan of NFL Draft Geek

By Chris Hansen

It wasn’t pretty, but the Raiders got a win to improve to 1-1. 

Studs

Tommy Kelly and John Henderson

Stopping the run was the goal and these two guys were the biggest reason. Henderson’s efforts were almost entirely stopping the run, while Kelly also was getting to the passer. Kelly did have two penalties, but on this day he was dominant despite them.

Darren McFadden

A recipe for success is stopping the run and running it well. The Raiders were able to do this Sunday. Tom Cable has been impressed with McFadden “running behind his pads.” Indeed that could have been part of his issues in the past, lower his head and basically losing balance too often. McFadden is also pumping his legs after contact. This is newly learned skill for McFadden and it is benefiting him greatly with yards after he is first hit. Certainly his health and Hue Jackson’s scheme are helping him. He even had a couple nice blitz pickups.

Bruce Gradkowski

He came in and ignited the offense. He got the ball out quick, was very accurate and got his team a win. A lot of what Bruce was able to do was just having confidence his receivers would get to the open spot. Throwing to spots was allowing for a better rhythm and tempo. The quick designed plays were helping out the offensive line. The offense changed in the second half with shorter timing routes and Gradkowski executed perfectly almost the entire time he played.

Duds

Jason Campbell

He didn’t have many opportunities to make plays with the defensive line in his face. When he did he couldn’t manage to make the play. He had a couple of overthrows of wide-open receivers and just missed on a couple others. He was never able to get his timing down. The offensive line woes appear to be getting into his head. He looks scared out there behind this porous line. In contrast, Gradkowski is fearless. Given time, Campbell is still the superior quarterback, but if the Raiders can’t block for him he won’t produce.

Langston Walker

Worst player on the field on Sunday. His run blocking and pass blocking were terrible. Lineman routinely dominate him physically and speed rushers just go around him. He makes poor decisions on who to block on running plays. The second straight terrible performance from him. If he isn’t benched soon he better improve, because he could be on this list all season.

Rolando McClain

He graded him out basically neutral, but he should be the one making plays in the middle of the defense. McClain struggled in the first half, particularly in the first quarter. It is no surprise his play coincided with the defense as a whole. He had an above average second half. No better test for a rookie than Chris Johnson and Steven Jackson, so he had a steep learning curve. McClain can only get better from here, but he still needs to get better. He makes too many mistakes in coverage and arm tackles aren’t going to get the job done.

http://www.raiders-blog.com/ 

By Chris Hansen

Studs 

Richard Seymour (+8/-1)

His hamstring didn’t seem to bother his play. He was applying pressure consistently and was a force stopping the run. The Raiders are paying Seymour elite money this season and can’t be disappointed with his play. Seymour and Henderson have both missed a game this season and have really stepped up in each others absence against the run. Seymour missed practice Wednesday, but if he can stay healthy he will have a chance to make this list weekly.

Marcel Reece (+8/-0)

It isn’t often a fullback will make a list of studs, but Reece had an amazing game last Sunday in Phoenix. He did an excellent job picking up blitzes and finding players to block in the run game. He became a receiver on multiple occasions and looked more like a running back catching the ball and running with it. He has come a long way and deserves some recognition for his efforts.

Rolando McClain (+7/-1)

McPain has game. He still learning things in coverage, but is beginning to trust his instincts more and play faster. We know he has a mean streak after body slamming Danny Amendola in week two. He tipped a pass, was in position and is showing up around the ball. McClain’s efforts may have gone unnoticed during the game, but watching film it was clear McClain had a game worthy of this list.

Lamarr Houtson (+5/-1)

Another good game by a rookie. Houston repeatedly sealed the edge in the run game and was applying pressure repeatedly in the first half. He didn’t have as strong of a second half. Chalk this up to endurance. The Raiders only have three true defensive ends and Houston wasn’t getting many plays off.

Nnamdi Asomugha (+4/-3) and Stanford Routt (+5/-1)

Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston can be formidable pair of receivers that are difficult for opposing cornerbacks. Both receivers scored a touchdown on the day and it is no coincidence the touchdowns were not scored on the Raiders starting cornerbacks. The Raiders starting duo was so good the Cardinals were running plays to specifically target the safeties and linebackers in coverage. This was a wise strategy as the Cardinals were able to score two touchdowns.

Asomugha proved why many consider him the best corner in the league. Fitzgerald was physically frustrated with the match up. Asomugha had two negative plays in run support, with a habit of lowering his head and lunging for the tackle becoming a reoccurring theme. Routt has turned in a few solid games in a row and could be finally turning the corner. You haven’t seen many people calling for Chris Johnson and that’s a testament to Routt’s solid play.

Duds

Cooper Carlisle (-6/+1)

What can you say when one lineman keeps showing up on a duds list and yet there has been no discussion of replacing him? He is better in the running game, but hardly special. He was tossed aside like a rag doll by Darnell Dockett on multiple occasions including what could have been touchdown pass if Gradkowski was given enough time to find the open receiver. His play makes me cringe just thinking about it.

Khalif Barnes (-3/+0)

He comes in for a few plays and looks horrible. So much for the theory that Barnes was a better option than Walker. Last season he was going to press for the left tackle position, this season he is the backup right tackle, that should tell you everything you need to know.

Langston Walker (-3/+0)

Oh, a third offensive lineman makes the duds list? Walker was injured and out of the game and still couldn’t keep from making a handful of bad plays. His pass protection is embarrassing, but he can be a decent run blocker on occasion, so I guess he has that going for him.

Johnnie Lee-Higgins (-3/+0)

How did he even make the list having played so few snaps on offense? Horrible punt returning, that’s how. Just catching the ball and running straight forward was better than what Higgins was doing out there. It seems Nick Miller or Jacoby Ford could be given the shot to return punts sooner rather than later.

Sebastian Janikowski (-3)

He missed three kicks including the game winner, but he is still a weapon. He will bounce back as he has before and I’m predicting a game winner this week for redemption.

Notables:

Bruce Gradkowski (-11/+9)

It would be interesting to see what a Raiders quarterback could do with a little pass protection. Gradkowski had at least three passes go off the hands of defenders that are normally easy interceptions. He made some plays, but missed far too many open throws. One thing is clear, the Raiders quarterbacks can only go as far as the protection goes.

Quentin Groves (-7/+6)

He is always around the ball and seems to be making plays every couple minutes. His problem is mostly in coverage, but will also miss the occasional tackle. If he can eliminate the poor plays he would be a pretty good linebacker. The Raiders are clearly hoping addition playing time at linebacker will help him. He is certainly making an impact, I graded him on 13 plays second only to Gradkowski’s 20.

http://www.raiders-blog.com/ 

Updated 4/4/12

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