NFL Week 6 Games to Watch

This week’s games to watch feature:  NFC East rivals whose division roles are reversed from last season; a contest between surprising NFC West and North leaders in the midst of incredible turnarounds; and a former AFC East doormat challenging a perennial NFC East leader.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins (Sunday, 1:00 PM ET on FOX):  Coming off a bye week, you should expect the Redskins to be well-rested and prepared for the struggling Eagles.  However, the desperation that comes with a 1-4 start to the season makes the Eagles unpredictable; clearly things need to change.  The physical play of the Redskins defensive line and linebackers (the “front seven”), led by rookie defensive end Ryan Kerrigan and Pro Bowl-veteran linebacker Brian Orakpo, should have Eagles QB Michael Vick worried.  Will the Eagles throw away the Michael Vick-centered playbook and try to establish a more physical in-the-trenches running game?  If Vick can avoid throwing interceptions, the Eagles have shown that they can move the ball on defenses.  Will the Eagles just try to get the ball out of Vick’s hands as fast as possible and try an aerial attack? 

San Francisco 49ers @ Detroit Lions (Sunday, 1:00 PM ET on FOX):  The 49ers and the Lions are both red hot right now, and both are in first place in their respective divisions.  To say that this is a surprise is an understatement.  At this time last year, the combined record of these two teams was 1 win and 9 losses.  The Lions are off to their best start since 1956, the last time they started the season 5-0.  They also went 6-0 that year, and who did they beat to get that sixth win?  The 49ers!  The matchups to watch for this week are the 49ers passing defense (ranked 23rd in the NFL) against Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson, and San Francisco running back Frank Gore against the Lions rushing defense (ranked 18th).  Can the 49ers keep Calvin Johnson in check, or will Johnson have to start using the San Francisco end zone for his new mailing address?

Buffalo Bills @ New York Giants (Sunday, 1:00 PM ET on CBS):  The Buffalo Bills are ranked 4^th in the league in rushing yards; the Giants’ rushing defense is a paltry 21^st.  Last week Bills running back Fred Jackson showed he’s still got what it takes to be a top-tier ball carrier, running the ball 26 times for 111 yards and a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.  He also caught 6 passes for 85 yards, an eye-catching performance for even the best wide receivers.  A successful running game opens up more options for the quarterback, who can exploit the defense’s concern about run plays to seek out opportunities in the passing game.  Look for the Bills to establish a running game early with Jackson and their other running back, C.J. Spiller.  Can the Giants circle the wagons and contain the Bills, or will it be a stampede down the field?

 

If you think I missed your favorite team in this week’s must-see games, or if you play fantasy football, remember that the following teams have byes this week:  Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, and Tennessee Titans.

 

Tricks ARE Treats: The Statue of Liberty Play

Today we continue our “Tricks ARE Treats” series with an ancient trick play, the "Statue of Liberty."  It is believed that legendary University of Michigan coach Fielding H. Yost developed this trick play in the early part of the twentieth century, but it may be even older than that.*

In the Statue of Liberty play, the quarterback takes the snap and fakes a pass when he actually hands the ball to a runner.  How is this deception accomplished?  First, when he takes the snap, the quarterback makes a motion that looks like a pass (a “pump fake,” so called because he is pumping his arm in a throwing motion).   However, the ball is not in his throwing hand.  Instead, he has it hidden behind his back in his non-throwing hand.  The halfback, or a receiver who was in motion before the ball was snapped, the runs behind the quarterback and takes the ball for a run up the field.  With one arm raised and the other at his side, the QB's position is reminiscent of Lady Liberty's pose, hence the name.

Unlike the flea flicker or the halfback pass, in which the offense pretends to run but actually throws the ball, the Statue of Liberty is designed to make the defense think that the play is a pass when it is actually a run.  Therefore, the linebackers and the secondary will fall back into pass defense, leaving room for the runner to advance the ball for a big gain or a touchdown.  As with other trick plays, though, there is always the potential for disaster.

Even though it is a play with a long history, you don’t see it very often, especially in the NFL.  One reason is that it takes a while for the play to develop, but also because defenses are usually coached to watch for a pump fake and misdirection on pass plays.  However, the following clip is a recent play famously executed by Boise State University to win the 2007 Fiesta Bowl in overtime, making this one of the most exciting endings to a football game ever:**

 What you don't see in this clip is that the running back who scored proposed to his cheerleader girlfriend on the sideline after the game.  She said yes, naturally.

*See, http://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/statue_of_liberty_play

**More on this game later in the series!

Illegal Blocks

Today’s lesson covers ways that players on offense can break the rules regarding blocking.  We have already learned a little bit about blocking in our discussion of offensive linemen.  Regular readers will recall that the offensive linemen block defensive players who are rushing the quarterback, or any other player with the ball while he is still behind the line of scrimmage.   What you may not realize, though, is that once the play moves beyond the line of scrimmage, every player on offense, except the player with the ball (the “runner”), needs to be ready to make blocks to keep the defensive players from tackling the runner. 

The NFL’s rules restrict how offensive players may block their opponents; we have already learned about the holding penalty.  Below is a list of additional violations and brief explanations:

1.  Block in the Back:  Under the rules of football, you may not block by pushing an opposing player from behind.  

2.  Clipping:  A variation of a block in the back, clipping occurs when the offensive player dives below the waist of the defensive player from behind.  Clipping above the knee is legal, however, in what are known as “close line plays.”  These plays can occur in the space between the offensive tackles and three yards on either side of the line of scrimmage.

3.  Chop Block:  A chop block is when an offensive player blocks the defensive player below the knees.  This will be a penalty if the defensive player is already engaged with another offensive player and the second offensive player joins the block, but below the knees.  As you can imagine, players can get seriously injured with these blocks.  It won’t usually be called, though, when the block occurs in the open field.

4.  Tripping:  It is illegal to for a player on offense or defense to use his foot or leg to trip an opponent.  In addition to a ten-yard penalty for the team, a player can also face fines for this violation.  See this article for an example. 

5.  Crackback:  This is a block below the waist by a player who is an eligible receiver—i.e., not an offensive lineman.  This occurs when the player started the play in a position two yards away from the offensive tackles, but then moved back inside (i.e., toward the spot of the ball at the snap) to block.  A common example is on a reverse when the ball is handed to a player who then runs behind the line of scrimmage toward the other sideline.  Here is an example of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre executing a crackback during a different kind of play:

With the exception of a crackback block, the penalty for all of the above violations is ten yards from the spot of the foul, or ten yards from the previous spot if the penalty occurred behind the line of scrimmage.  A crackback block is considered a personal foul and is therefore penalized with fifteen yards.

Recipe Timeout: Honeyed Chicken Teryaki

Today's recipe comes from my husband's family and is well worth the effort which, to me, is not minimal (remember, I'm the one that brought you the Cinnamon Snails recipe; Nicky, my guest writer, gave you the Gooey Chocolate Cake recipe...). I like to serve it with rice and sliced pineapple wedges. Yum!

Serves 4. 30 minutes prep; 30 minutes baking

Ingredients:

Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 eggs, beaten
oil for frying (I use canola oil)

Glaze:

1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup honey
1 Tablespoon dry sherry
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
1 tsp grated or powdered ginger
2 Tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

Pour about 1/2" oil in a wide frying pan and place over medium-high heat. Cut chicken into 1/2-inch squares. Combine flour, salt and pepper. Dip chicken in eggs, then coat with seasoned flour.

When a pinch of flour sizzles in the pan, add the chicken, one half at a time. Turn as needed and cook until brown, about 6-8 minutes for larger pieces, 4-5 minutes for smaller ones.

Meanwhile, heat soy sauce, honey, sherry, garlic and ginger in a small pan. Drain the chicken briefly, dip it in the honey mixture, then place it on a rack set in a baking pan. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Bake at 250 for 20 minutes. Brush with glaze after 10 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Tricks ARE Treats: The Halfback Pass; Week 5 Thoughts

Today, “Naptime Huddle” continues its October series on trick plays* with the Halfback Pass.  Then, in a rare combo-platter post, some parting shots on Sunday of Week 5 in the NFL.

Oh, and by the way, “Naptime Huddle” is now on Facebook!  If you support what we’re about, hit “Like” and share us with your friends.  In addition to post links, you’ll get news updates and random thoughts throughout the week and on game days.

The Halfback Pass

If a team has a running back who is also good at throwing, it can tuck away the Halfback Pass in its playbook for a rainy day (actually, a dry, sunny day would probably be better).  The play is simple:  The quarterback pitches the ball to the halfback, making the play look like a run toward the sideline.  As happens during the flea flicker, the defense, notably the cornerbacks and linebackers, will then back off their coverage of the receivers to pursue the halfback.  Meanwhile, instead of running with the ball, the halfback will look for an open receiver downfield and throw the ball while he is still behind the line of scrimmage.

As with any trick play, if the defense isn’t fooled there is potential for disaster in the form of a loss of yardage or, even worse, an interception.  Here, though, is an example of a successful halfback pass by the Pittsburgh Steelers:

Superstar running back LaDainian Tomlinson, currently with the New York Jets, is actually a prolific passer.  So far in his career he has thrown for seven touchdowns and 143 yards.

Week 5 Thoughts

• After Week 2, NH took a look at the season’s Unexpected Undefeateds.  With five weeks in the books, we can now list the “Bewildered Beatens,” those teams who find themselves in unfamiliar territory with either zero or one win:  the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and the Arizona Cardinals.  Some teams are no strangers to winless stretches—e.g., St. Louis and Miami—and shouldn’t be so bewildered.  The New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons have put together two wins each, but as 2010 playoff teams they should be equally bewildered.  I suppose the Colts’ fortunes shouldn’t be surprising since they are missing future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, but many were under the impression that the Colts also had a talented supporting cast and coaching staff.
• Broncos fans finally got what they wished for as second-year quarterback Tim Tebow replaced much-maligned Kyle Orton after halftime in what was ultimately a losing effort against the San Diego Chargers.  Was his comeback attempt enough to land him the starting job permanently?  Will Tebow now have a Tom Brady-like run after replacing a veteran QB?  Only time will tell…
• Minnesota finally put the ball in the hands of its best player, running back Adrian Peterson, to run all over the Arizona Cardinals for the Vikings’ first win of the season.  Will they finally admit that QB Donovan McNabb is not their best player, and maybe not even their best option at quarterback? 
• How much does “Naptime Huddle” love the Buffalo Bills right now?  T   H   I   S      M   U   C   H   (I’m holding my arms open real wide now.)  Their multi-faceted play on the field is not only giving the team its best start in three years, but they are also giving the fans a real show each and every week.  The Bills’ win over the Eagles was one to remember, as RB Fred Jackson ran for almost 200 yards and the defense got four interceptions (a career high for Eagles QB Michael Vick) and a fumble.

Well, that’s it for now.  I hope you’ve enjoyed Week 5 so far.  Tune in to Monday Night Football tonight as the Detroit Lions try to stay undefeated against division rival Chicago Bears!

*Yes, I realize that the first post in this series was called "Trick and Treat."  I like the new title better.

NFL Week 5 Games to Watch

Even though we’re only a quarter of the way through the NFL season, this week’s must-see games have a hint of playoff atmosphere about them.  Two involve division rivals whose rematches later in the season will probably have implications for the post-season.  Two are rematches of last year’s divisional playoffs and the losers will be looking for redemption on Sunday…

New York Jets @ New England Patriots (4:15 PM ET, CBS):  If you live in either New York or Boston, you don’t have to follow football to know that these two teams hate each other.  And the two games these teams play against each other have been determining the division championship for several years.  In fact, this is a rematch of last year’s AFC divisional playoff game (the Jets beat New England 28-21).  The Jets offensive line has been struggling, in part because of an injury to starting center Nick Mangold who is expected to play but won’t be 100%.  On the opposite side of the ball, the Patriots defense has been uncharacteristically bad this season, ranking last in the league in passing and overall defense through the first four weeks of the season.  Their relative bright spot is in rushing defense, ranking slightly better at 18^th in the league, and will certainly be looking to exploit the ailing Jets offensive line.  Plus, Tom Brady has cut his Bieber-do and is back to an all-business look:

Packers @ Falcons (Sunday Night Football, 8:20 PM ET, NBC):  Another playoff rematch features the Super Bowl Champions against the team they humiliated in last year’s NFC divisional playoff game (Green Bay won handily, 48-21).  The Falcons haven’t seemed to recover from that demoralizing defeat and are not living up to expectations this year.  Its defense in particular has been a disappointment, ranking exactly average, at 16^th in total defense.  They won their last game by a too-close two points after leading the Seattle Seahawks 27-7.  The World Champ Packers seem to have picked up where they left off last year, as they remain one of only two undefeated teams left in the league.  The Packers currently lead the league in scoring and QB Aaron Rodgers has the NFL’s best passer rating. 

Bears @ Lions (Monday Night Football, 8:30 PM ET, ESPN):  Regular Naptime Huddle readers should remember the video of the touchdown catch by Calvin Johnson that was ruled a no-catch because he didn’t control the ball throughout the act of catching the ball.  That no-catch was against the Chicago Bears last season and would have been the game-winner.  That call, and resulting loss, seemed to let the air out of the Lions’ sails too early in their season.  As the only remaining undefeated team with the Champion Green Bay Packers, the Lions have had a well-documented turnaround* and face the Bears with renewed confidence, and—dare we say—swagger.  Meanwhile, Jay Cutler is under the heat lamps in Chicago, and it isn’t even winter yet.  He can’t be blamed for all the offense’s struggles—only St. Louis QB Sam Bradford has been sacked more than Cutler so far this year—but he is a popular target for hometown critics.  Will the Chicago O-line have Cutler’s back this week, or will the Lions continue their winning ways?

Bye Weeks:  Finally, note that the bye weeks have started and the following six teams have a break Sunday:  Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams and the Washington Redskins.  Most of these teams should be thankful for the time to regroup:  Dallas (embarrassing collapse against the Lions), Cleveland (2-2), Miami (0-4, injuries), Baltimore (injuries) and St. Louis (0-4).  Washington, on the other hand, is hoping that the break in momentum doesn’t end the explosive start to its season.  By the way, if you have a fantasy team, don’t forget to bench any players you have on these teams.  If your spouse or friends are doing fantasy, be a pal and remind them, too!

 *See, also, the Naptime Huddle post Unexpected Undefeateds...

Stars and Legends: Linebackers, continued

Today we finish our discussion of the game's greatest linebackers with the Legends of the past.

Yesterday’s Legends:

Dick Butkus (Chicago Bears, 1965-1973): Dick Butkus, a Chicago native, attended the University of Illinois and was drafted 3^rd overall in the 1965 draft by the Chicago Bears. In his first game, he made 11 tackles and never let up. Despite his size, he was speedy and quick. Athleticism paired with strength and aggression led him to impressive career statistics: 27 fumble recoveries, 22 interceptions and 1,020 tackles.*  Butkus played in eight consecutive Pro Bowls, was named an All-Pro six times, and was selected for the NFL 75^th Anniversary All-Time Team and the NFL All-Decades Teams of the 1960s and 1970s. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. Dick Butkus has enjoyed a successful second career as an actor.  In addition to endorsements (including a memorable Miller Lite ad with ex-NFL star Bubba Smith), Butkus has appeared in the films Necessary Roughness, Any Given Sunday, The Longest Yard and the TV movie Brian’s Song. He also had recurring roles in a few TV series (including My Two Dads) and single-episode appearances in several more, including Magnum P.I. (pictured), The Rockford Files, and Murder, She Wrote, in which he appeared in a locker room scene wearing nothing but a towel.

Jack Lambert (Pittsburgh Steelers, 1974-1984): Jack Lambert attended Kent State and was drafted in Round 2 of the 1974 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers; he won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award at the end of his first season.  His toothless grin (from a basketball injury) helped build his reputation as an intimidating opponent.  A member of the famed “Steel Curtain” defense of the 1970’s, he won four Super Bowls.  Over his career he amassed 1,479 tackles, 23.5 sacks and 28 interceptions. He was selected to nine Pro Bowls and named a first-team All-Pro seven times. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1990, Lambert has also been named to the NFL 75^th Anniversary team, and the All-Decade Team of the 1970s and 1980s. Lambert was known throughout his career as a hard hitter. Asked for his response to being ejected from a game for a late hit he delivered on Cleveland Browns QB Brian Sipe, Lambert responded “Quarterbacks should wear dresses.”

Mike Singletary (Chicago Bears, 1981-1992): Mike Singletary attended Baylor University and was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 1981 draft. His intimidating style,including a piercing stare, earned him the nickname “Iron Mike.” He’s also an ordained minister, which gave rise to his other nickname, the “Minister of Defense.” When he retired, he had made nearly 1,500 tackles, seven interceptions and fourteen fumble recoveries while missing only two games in his career. In the Chicago Bears’ championship season in 1985, Singletary won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year title. His ten consecutive Pro Bowls are still a Bears team record and he was named an All-Pro eight times. Singletary was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. He served as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from the middle of the 2008 season until the last two weeks of the 2010 season, and he is currently the linebackers coach and assistant head coach for the Minnesota Vikings.

Lawrence Taylor (New York Giants, 1981-1993): Lawrence Taylor, nicknamed “L.T.”, attended the University of North Carolina and was drafted 2^nd overall by the New York Giants in 1981. L.T. quickly earned a reputation as an intimidating, hard-hitting player and won several awards during his career. Considered by many to be the greatest linebacker of all time, his aggressive, quick play is cited as the reason offensive blocking schemes evolved during the 1980’s. For example, Redskins coach Joe Gibbs developed an offense using two tight ends and a halfback to help block Taylor.** L.T. also introduced the technique of chopping the ball out of quarterback’s hands instead of just trying to tackle him. His reputation as a player to be feared was further enhanced by his hit on Redskins QB Joe Theismann on Monday Night Football in 1985. Taylor hit Theismann in the back of the knee and the quarterback’s shin snapped like a toothpick; probably the most gruesome football injury captured on film. The injury ended Theismann’s career.***   L.T. was selected as an All-Pro and Pro Bowler an incredible 10 times each and won two Super Bowls with the Giants. He won several Defensive Player of the Year Awards from different organizations and was named to the NFL 75^thAnniversary All-Time Team and the 1980’s All-Decade Team. His jersey number, 56, has been retired by the Giants.

*Butkus’ sack totals are not readily available because the NFL did not keep track of sacks as a statistic until 1982.

** http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/47400/joe_gibbs_biography_pg3.html?cat=14

***Incidentally, the Redskins were trying to run a flea flicker on that play...