ARLINGTON, Texas — Tony Romo’s first two playoff starts ended with a chance for him to win the game with the ball in his hands. Neither, as it has been well-documented around these parts, worked in Dallas’ favor.
Three years ago in Seattle, it was the infamous botched hold on a late field-goal attempt in what became a 21-20 wild-card loss to the Seahawks. Two years ago, favored at home as the NFC’s top seed against the Giants in the divisional playoffs, a Romo-led last-gasp drive fell short in a 21-17 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champions.
If Tony Romo isn’t meeting his high standards, he has to at least be approaching them with his recent play.
In Romo’s third career postseason start, however, he didn’t need to do anything on the final play — except take a knee — in the Cowboys’ dominant 34-14 wild-card win over division-rival Philadelphia. There weren’t mistakes to overcome or a late deficit to try to erase.
Now his teammates don’t need to hope he comes through for them. Now it’s a matter of making sure they come through for him.
"Tony’s always had a high standard whenever he plays," tight end Jason Witten said. "I think he’s always putting pressure on himself to be the best he can be.
"I don’t think there’s anyone in this locker room who’s evaluated himself in the past couple years like he has. To see him play the way he is, he’s just a leader. As he goes, we go."
Most quarterbacks would have taken Romo’s first half against the Eagles (17-for-27, 203 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions) as an exceptional output for an entire playoff game. He just picked up where he left off in Week 17, picking apart the Eagles’ pass defense, spreading the ball around to eight receivers while consistently moving the ball for a 27-7 lead at halftime.
"They did a good job of buying time in the pocket for Romo, making sure he had time to convert," Eagles linebacker Will Witherspoon said of the Cowboys’ diverse, efficient offense. "He just makes things happen."
It’s easy to forget that Romo just finished his third full season as Dallas’ starter. In 2006, he immediately raised expectations about his potential, showing dazzling ability as a young passer and skilled athlete.
He was an instant star on the field and became a celebrity off it, but the reality was he still needed time to develop as a complete quarterback and capable team leader.
"He took a lot of heat," Witten said. "I’m so proud for him to experience that — not just the win but the way he’s winning. He’s playing, creating so much and not turning over the football."
For most teams, his rate of steady progress over three years would have been perfectly acceptable. But playing in Dallas, for America’s Team, where the playoff win drought had nearly hit a decade before Romo even threw his first pass for the team, time wasn’t on his side.
So now that Romo has his first career playoff win, the expectations will be there for him to get his second win next weekend even though the Cowboys will be the underdogs.
Romo, who grew up and played high school football in Wisconsin, has his next obstacle at Minnesota — where he will be asked to outduel his boyhood idol, former Packer Brett Favre, in the hostile environment of the Metrodome.
"They present a great challenge," Romo said of the Vikings. "Watching them on tape, they are very good at home — and that’s something we’re going to have to account for."
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Tony Romo’s first two playoff starts ended with a chance for him to win the game with the ball in his hands. Neither, as it has been well-documented around these parts, worked in Dallas’ favor.
Three years ago in Seattle, it was the infamous botched hold on a late field-goal attempt in what became a 21-20 wild-card loss to the Seahawks. Two years ago, favored at home as the NFC’s top seed against the Giants in the divisional playoffs, a Romo-led last-gasp drive fell short in a 21-17 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champions.
If Tony Romo isn’t meeting his high standards, he has to at least be approaching them with his recent play.
In Romo’s third career postseason start, however, he didn’t need to do anything on the final play — except take a knee — in the Cowboys’ dominant 34-14 wild-card win over division-rival Philadelphia. There weren’t mistakes to overcome or a late deficit to try to erase.
Now his teammates don’t need to hope he comes through for them. Now it’s a matter of making sure they come through for him.
"Tony’s always had a high standard whenever he plays," tight end Jason Witten said. "I think he’s always putting pressure on himself to be the best he can be.
"I don’t think there’s anyone in this locker room who’s evaluated himself in the past couple years like he has. To see him play the way he is, he’s just a leader. As he goes, we go."
Most quarterbacks would have taken Romo’s first half against the Eagles (17-for-27, 203 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions) as an exceptional output for an entire playoff game. He just picked up where he left off in Week 17, picking apart the Eagles’ pass defense, spreading the ball around to eight receivers while consistently moving the ball for a 27-7 lead at halftime.
"They did a good job of buying time in the pocket for Romo, making sure he had time to convert," Eagles linebacker Will Witherspoon said of the Cowboys’ diverse, efficient offense. "He just makes things happen."
It’s easy to forget that Romo just finished his third full season as Dallas’ starter. In 2006, he immediately raised expectations about his potential, showing dazzling ability as a young passer and skilled athlete.
He was an instant star on the field and became a celebrity off it, but the reality was he still needed time to develop as a complete quarterback and capable team leader.
"He took a lot of heat," Witten said. "I’m so proud for him to experience that — not just the win but the way he’s winning. He’s playing, creating so much and not turning over the football."
For most teams, his rate of steady progress over three years would have been perfectly acceptable. But playing in Dallas, for America’s Team, where the playoff win drought had nearly hit a decade before Romo even threw his first pass for the team, time wasn’t on his side.
So now that Romo has his first career playoff win, the expectations will be there for him to get his second win next weekend even though the Cowboys will be the underdogs.
Romo, who grew up and played high school football in Wisconsin, has his next obstacle at Minnesota — where he will be asked to outduel his boyhood idol, former Packer Brett Favre, in the hostile environment of the Metrodome.
"They present a great challenge," Romo said of the Vikings. "Watching them on tape, they are very good at home — and that’s something we’re going to have to account for."
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
ARLINGTON, Texas — While posting convincing wild-card wins on Saturday, the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys looked like teams that might stick around for a while.
New York must wait to see who wins Sunday’s Ravens-Patriots game before it knows whether it’s going to Indianapolis or San Diego. Dallas can start packing for Minnesota.
The Jets and Cowboys have pluses that could advance them to championship weekend:
Why the Jets can win again: They have two proven assets: the league’s No. 1 rushing offense and No. 1 defense. "They might have a chance to make a move," Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer told reporters after his team’s 24-14 loss. "Their defense is that good."
Why the Jets may stop here: It might be too much to ask for rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez to keep up with Peyton Manning or Philip Rivers.
Why the Cowboys can win again: Their 3-4 front can slow down Adrian Peterson and put plenty of pressure on Brett Favre. Tony Romo can attack Minnesota’s weakness: its pass defense. "Our goals are much bigger than winning the first game," linebacker Keith Brooking said after his team’s 34-14 win over the Eagles. "We have a lot left that we want to accomplish."
Why the Cowboys may stop here: If they can’t get the power running game going against Minnesota’s stout front and get off to a slow start, it will be hard to overcome the Vikings’ feeding off the home-crowd energy.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
ARLINGTON, Texas — While posting convincing wild-card wins on Saturday, the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys looked like teams that might stick around for a while.
New York must wait to see who wins Sunday’s Ravens-Patriots game before it knows whether it’s going to Indianapolis or San Diego. Dallas can start packing for Minnesota.
The Jets and Cowboys have pluses that could advance them to championship weekend:
Why the Jets can win again: They have two proven assets: the league’s No. 1 rushing offense and No. 1 defense. "They might have a chance to make a move," Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer told reporters after his team’s 24-14 loss. "Their defense is that good."
Why the Jets may stop here: It might be too much to ask for rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez to keep up with Peyton Manning or Philip Rivers.
Why the Cowboys can win again: Their 3-4 front can slow down Adrian Peterson and put plenty of pressure on Brett Favre. Tony Romo can attack Minnesota’s weakness: its pass defense. "Our goals are much bigger than winning the first game," linebacker Keith Brooking said after his team’s 34-14 win over the Eagles. "We have a lot left that we want to accomplish."
Why the Cowboys may stop here: If they can’t get the power running game going against Minnesota’s stout front and get off to a slow start, it will be hard to overcome the Vikings’ feeding off the home-crowd energy.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
ARLINGTON, Texas — After Dallas’ 34-14 rout of Philadelphia in an NFC wild-card game, second-year back Felix Jones talked to Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer and other reporters about his big touchdown run, his prolific rushing night (16 carries for 148 yards) and what it means to be a such a big contributor to the team.
Question: Whether it’s off a handoff or a screen pass, you’re having a lot of success in the open field right now. What’s making that happen?
Felix Jones: You can blame that on the offensive line. They create a lot of big holes for the running backs, and the receivers do a good job of blocking the corners. We execute, and we’re doing things the right way.
Q: Can you go through what happened on your 73-yard touchdown run in the third quarter?
FJ: Once I received the ball from (quarterback Tony) Romo, I kind of looked at the field to see what I had to work with. And I see my guy, big (right guard) Leonard Davis pulling in front of me. I also see (left guard) Kyle Kosier pulling in front of me. Once I saw Leonard Davis make that block outside, and (right tackle) Marc Colombo make a great down block, it just opened up a hole. All I could see then was green–green grass, and I took it.
Q: And how about that final move on the safety?
FJ: I tried to set him up, let him get in front of me. I had seen I had little more space to cut back on him. It was just a great move.
Q: With all the great running backs the Cowboys have had, what does it mean to you to post the third-biggest playoff rushing game in team history?
FJ: I have to thank God for that. I have to thank my teammates for allowing me to go out here and play my game and have fun with these guys. We have to give it up to our coaching staff and all our players for going out here and working hard.
Q: How rewarding was this game for you personally after injuries cut short your rookie season?
FJ: It’s hard to put in words. To come out here and have a successful day today is a payoff.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
ARLINGTON, Texas — After Dallas’ 34-14 rout of Philadelphia in an NFC wild-card game, second-year back Felix Jones talked to Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer and other reporters about his big touchdown run, his prolific rushing night (16 carries for 148 yards) and what it means to be a such a big contributor to the team.
Question: Whether it’s off a handoff or a screen pass, you’re having a lot of success in the open field right now. What’s making that happen?
Felix Jones: You can blame that on the offensive line. They create a lot of big holes for the running backs, and the receivers do a good job of blocking the corners. We execute, and we’re doing things the right way.
Q: Can you go through what happened on your 73-yard touchdown run in the third quarter?
FJ: Once I received the ball from (quarterback Tony) Romo, I kind of looked at the field to see what I had to work with. And I see my guy, big (right guard) Leonard Davis pulling in front of me. I also see (left guard) Kyle Kosier pulling in front of me. Once I saw Leonard Davis make that block outside, and (right tackle) Marc Colombo make a great down block, it just opened up a hole. All I could see then was green–green grass, and I took it.
Q: And how about that final move on the safety?
FJ: I tried to set him up, let him get in front of me. I had seen I had little more space to cut back on him. It was just a great move.
Q: With all the great running backs the Cowboys have had, what does it mean to you to post the third-biggest playoff rushing game in team history?
FJ: I have to thank God for that. I have to thank my teammates for allowing me to go out here and play my game and have fun with these guys. We have to give it up to our coaching staff and all our players for going out here and working hard.
Q: How rewarding was this game for you personally after injuries cut short your rookie season?
FJ: It’s hard to put in words. To come out here and have a successful day today is a payoff.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
History says the Patriots will defeat the Ravens on Sunday.
The Patriots were perfect (8-0) at Gillette Stadium this season. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have a perfect record (8-0) in home playoff games.
It only takes one play for Randy Moss to change a game.
"We’ve played pretty well over the years in the playoffs, period — home and away," Brady told reporters Wednesday.
"I think we’ve always played well in the cold weather, too, just because we’re out there practicing in it every day and we’re used to the conditions.
"And the crowd gives us a big boost. Hopefully, we’ll keep that undefeated streak alive."
Should the Ravens even bother to show up? Of course, but to pull the upset they will need to do these three things:
Keep Randy Moss in check
Wes Welker’s season-ending knee injury is a huge blow to the Patriots. His absence will allow the Ravens to pay more attention to Moss, the Patriots’ big-play receiver.
Moss has been criticized for taking plays off, but the Ravens need to be wary when Moss takes off downfield. He is the kind of player who can be silent for long stretches, then erupt for a few big plays that change the game. And the Ravens’ secondary has been vulnerable to deep passes, although coach John Harbaugh has seen improvement.
"We haven’t given up big plays like we did early," Harbaugh said. "The Minnesota game and the San Diego game were two games where we just gave up some really bad big plays that cost you games."
If Julian Edelman plays well in place of Welker, so be it. But the Ravens can’t allow Moss to have a huge day. He is the player most likely to beat them.
Avoid needless penalties
The Ravens have been penalized more yards (1,094) than any NFL team this season. They will not make an extended playoff run if that continues.
Some penalties are hard to avoid. But personal fouls like late hits and unsportsmanlike conduct are the kind of infractions the Ravens can’t afford.
Both Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs were flagged for questionable roughing-the-passer penalties against Brady during the Ravens’ 27-21 loss in Week 4 at Gillette.
Lewis called the penalties an "embarrassment to the game" back in October.
But when asked about them during a Wednesday conference call, Lewis wanted to avoid the subject.
"I am focused on trying to keep my team focused," Lewis said. "I can’t go dwell back into that. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen. If they are going to throw a flag, they are going to throw a flag."
Lewis is right. The Ravens need to worry about how they will play, not how the game will be officiated. That said, the fewer the flags, the better their chances.
Run the ball
This is what the Ravens do best on offense, and the Patriots may not be capable of containing it.
In their October meeting, Ravens running back Ray Rice had 11 carries for 103 yards, including a 50-yarder. Willis McGahee has averaged 7.9 yards per carry the last four games. The Patriots allowed 4.4 yards per carry this season, and if Rice and McGahee get rolling, the Ravens can control time of possession and their prospects for an upset will increase.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
History says the Patriots will defeat the Ravens on Sunday.
The Patriots were perfect (8-0) at Gillette Stadium this season. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have a perfect record (8-0) in home playoff games.
It only takes one play for Randy Moss to change a game.
"We’ve played pretty well over the years in the playoffs, period — home and away," Brady told reporters Wednesday.
"I think we’ve always played well in the cold weather, too, just because we’re out there practicing in it every day and we’re used to the conditions.
"And the crowd gives us a big boost. Hopefully, we’ll keep that undefeated streak alive."
Should the Ravens even bother to show up? Of course, but to pull the upset they will need to do these three things:
Keep Randy Moss in check
Wes Welker’s season-ending knee injury is a huge blow to the Patriots. His absence will allow the Ravens to pay more attention to Moss, the Patriots’ big-play receiver.
Moss has been criticized for taking plays off, but the Ravens need to be wary when Moss takes off downfield. He is the kind of player who can be silent for long stretches, then erupt for a few big plays that change the game. And the Ravens’ secondary has been vulnerable to deep passes, although coach John Harbaugh has seen improvement.
"We haven’t given up big plays like we did early," Harbaugh said. "The Minnesota game and the San Diego game were two games where we just gave up some really bad big plays that cost you games."
If Julian Edelman plays well in place of Welker, so be it. But the Ravens can’t allow Moss to have a huge day. He is the player most likely to beat them.
Avoid needless penalties
The Ravens have been penalized more yards (1,094) than any NFL team this season. They will not make an extended playoff run if that continues.
Some penalties are hard to avoid. But personal fouls like late hits and unsportsmanlike conduct are the kind of infractions the Ravens can’t afford.
Both Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs were flagged for questionable roughing-the-passer penalties against Brady during the Ravens’ 27-21 loss in Week 4 at Gillette.
Lewis called the penalties an "embarrassment to the game" back in October.
But when asked about them during a Wednesday conference call, Lewis wanted to avoid the subject.
"I am focused on trying to keep my team focused," Lewis said. "I can’t go dwell back into that. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen. If they are going to throw a flag, they are going to throw a flag."
Lewis is right. The Ravens need to worry about how they will play, not how the game will be officiated. That said, the fewer the flags, the better their chances.
Run the ball
This is what the Ravens do best on offense, and the Patriots may not be capable of containing it.
In their October meeting, Ravens running back Ray Rice had 11 carries for 103 yards, including a 50-yarder. Willis McGahee has averaged 7.9 yards per carry the last four games. The Patriots allowed 4.4 yards per carry this season, and if Rice and McGahee get rolling, the Ravens can control time of possession and their prospects for an upset will increase.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Another Jets rookie, Shonn Greene, plays a huge role in New York’s playoff victory.
CINCINNATI — One playoff game into his career, Mark Sanchez is giving a pretty good off-Broadway performance.
So are the rest of the New York Jets, who are no longer an overlooked team after dismantling the AFC North champions twice within a week.
Any more doubters?
With their rookie quarterback playing mistake-free, the Jets turned their surprising playoff appearance into a long-running production Saturday. Sanchez threw a touchdown pass, and the NFL’s top running game took it from there, setting up a 24-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
"It’s pretty special," Sanchez said. "It’s got nothing to do with me."
Actually, the Jets’ first playoff win since 2004 had everything to do with him.
Playing in single-digit wind chills against a defense that tried its best to put the game in his hands, Sanchez went 12 of 15 for 182 yards and a stratospheric passer rating of 139.4.
Mark Sanchez does what the Jets’ coaches ask, and the result is a playoff win.
Considered the Jets’ weakest link heading into the playoffs, he became their focal point, getting his first playoff win ahead of Carson Palmer, his boyhood idol.
"He had the eye of the tiger today and he was ready to get out there and throw it around," coach Rex Ryan said. "I see him getting better and better each day on the practice field. What a job he’s done. I think he’s tired of hearing he’s the weak link on this football team."
He wasn’t the only rookie making plays under pressure for New York (10-7). Third-round pick Shonn Greene ran for 135 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown, leading a running game that churned out 171 yards for a rare back-to-back sweep of the Bengals (10-7).
Cedric Benson ran for a Bengals-record 169 yards in a playoff game, but Cincinnati managed little else. Its streak without a playoff win reached 19 years and counting.
The Jets?
"They might have a chance to make a move," said Palmer, who was off-target and under pressure most of the game. "Their defense is that good."
Take Palmer’s word for that.
Cincinnati went to the Meadowlands six days earlier and got turned into road kill. The Jets ran for 257 yards, and the Bengals managed a total of 72 yards, with Chad Ochocinco getting shut out. Little changed the second time around — Ochocinco had two catches for 28 yards in the rematch.
"This was a great team effort," said Ryan, who won in his playoff debut as a head coach. "We’re a good football team. If people don’t believe that, they soon will."
No one should count the Jets out now, not the way their coach did two weeks ago. Ryan thought the Jets were out of contention following a 10-7 loss to the Falcons that was set up by Sanchez’s three interceptions. Then, everything lined up in their favor.
The Colts pulled their starters a week later, allowing the Jets to rally for a win, while four other playoff contenders lost. Then, the Bengals showed up at the Meadowlands and lost 37-0 with little at stake.
Ryan’s father, Buddy, was the defensive line coach for the ’69 Jets, who won the Super Bowl title that Broadway Joe Namath had guaranteed. These Jets came into the playoffs as an off-Broadway show, lacking a star quarterback who could deliver a win.
Until Saturday.
Sanchez looked like a playoff pro, joining Shaun King, Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger as rookie quarterbacks to win postseason starts. At times, Sanchez found himself on the sideline soaking it all in.
"It just blows your mind," he said. "It’s unbelievable. I hope I have this feeling next week."
Bengals QB Carson Palmer was sacked three times by the Jets’ top-ranked defense.
Sanchez was by far the lowest-ranked passer in the playoffs, throwing 20 interceptions in his rookie season — second-most in the league. The Bengals wanted to put the game in his hands. Playing without a glove on his passing hand in an 8-degree wind chill, the kid from Southern California handled it without a bobble.
Afterward, the team presented a game ball to owner Woody Johnson, whose daughter, Casey, was found dead in her Los Angeles home on Monday. Johnson’s eyes were red as he left the locker room.
The Jets also had a scare at the outset when punter Steve Weatherford was ruled out because of dizziness and an elevated heartbeat. Kicker Jay Feely punted for the first time in his NFL career, averaging 31 yards on seven kicks. He also made 20-yard field goal with 5:47 to go that put Cincinnati too far behind.
"I was so happy that I was kicking a field goal (then) instead of punting," Feely said. "That was great."
The Jets pulled ahead 14-7 by halftime with two big plays off Sanchez’s hand. He faked a handoff and made a perfect pitchout to Greene, who needed only one block to find open space for a 39-yard touchdown run, the longest of his career.
In the second quarter, Sanchez caught the Bengals off-guard. He rolled to his right and found tight end Dustin Keller running uncovered beyond the secondary. The throw was perfect, and Keller kept his balance for the last 15 yards while safety Chinedum Ndukwe vainly tried to knock him out of bounds.
At halftime, Sanchez was 7 of 10 for 94 yards with a passer rating of 132.9. It could have been even better — Braylon Edwards let a pass slip through his hands in the end zone.
Sanchez led an eight-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in Thomas Jones’ 9-yard run for a 21-7 lead late in the third quarter. Benson broke a 47-yard touchdown run — the longest in Bengals playoff history — that got Cincinnati within a touchdown, but Sanchez and Greene turned it on again.
The game ended with a little more Jets serendipity. Shayne Graham, the Bengals’ franchise-tagged player, missed two field goals in the second half, including a 28-yarder with 3:49 to go that essentially sealed it.
NOTES: Greene was the third rookie since 2000 to rush for 100 yards in a playoff game. … Feely had one punt in college and didn’t punt in high school. … Bengals LB Rashad Jeanty broke his left leg on the opening kickoff. … Bengals WRs Laveranues Coles (thumb) and Andre Caldwell (ankle) suffered injuries in the second quarter, but returned in the second half. … Palmer said he’ll have surgery on his left (non-throwing) thumb, which he injured in the fifth game of the season. He wore a removable brace for the rest of the season.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Another Jets rookie, Shonn Greene, plays a huge role in New York’s playoff victory.
CINCINNATI — One playoff game into his career, Mark Sanchez is giving a pretty good off-Broadway performance.
So are the rest of the New York Jets, who are no longer an overlooked team after dismantling the AFC North champions twice within a week.
Any more doubters?
With their rookie quarterback playing mistake-free, the Jets turned their surprising playoff appearance into a long-running production Saturday. Sanchez threw a touchdown pass, and the NFL’s top running game took it from there, setting up a 24-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
"It’s pretty special," Sanchez said. "It’s got nothing to do with me."
Actually, the Jets’ first playoff win since 2004 had everything to do with him.
Playing in single-digit wind chills against a defense that tried its best to put the game in his hands, Sanchez went 12 of 15 for 182 yards and a stratospheric passer rating of 139.4.
Mark Sanchez does what the Jets’ coaches ask, and the result is a playoff win.
Considered the Jets’ weakest link heading into the playoffs, he became their focal point, getting his first playoff win ahead of Carson Palmer, his boyhood idol.
"He had the eye of the tiger today and he was ready to get out there and throw it around," coach Rex Ryan said. "I see him getting better and better each day on the practice field. What a job he’s done. I think he’s tired of hearing he’s the weak link on this football team."
He wasn’t the only rookie making plays under pressure for New York (10-7). Third-round pick Shonn Greene ran for 135 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown, leading a running game that churned out 171 yards for a rare back-to-back sweep of the Bengals (10-7).
Cedric Benson ran for a Bengals-record 169 yards in a playoff game, but Cincinnati managed little else. Its streak without a playoff win reached 19 years and counting.
The Jets?
"They might have a chance to make a move," said Palmer, who was off-target and under pressure most of the game. "Their defense is that good."
Take Palmer’s word for that.
Cincinnati went to the Meadowlands six days earlier and got turned into road kill. The Jets ran for 257 yards, and the Bengals managed a total of 72 yards, with Chad Ochocinco getting shut out. Little changed the second time around — Ochocinco had two catches for 28 yards in the rematch.
"This was a great team effort," said Ryan, who won in his playoff debut as a head coach. "We’re a good football team. If people don’t believe that, they soon will."
No one should count the Jets out now, not the way their coach did two weeks ago. Ryan thought the Jets were out of contention following a 10-7 loss to the Falcons that was set up by Sanchez’s three interceptions. Then, everything lined up in their favor.
The Colts pulled their starters a week later, allowing the Jets to rally for a win, while four other playoff contenders lost. Then, the Bengals showed up at the Meadowlands and lost 37-0 with little at stake.
Ryan’s father, Buddy, was the defensive line coach for the ’69 Jets, who won the Super Bowl title that Broadway Joe Namath had guaranteed. These Jets came into the playoffs as an off-Broadway show, lacking a star quarterback who could deliver a win.
Until Saturday.
Sanchez looked like a playoff pro, joining Shaun King, Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger as rookie quarterbacks to win postseason starts. At times, Sanchez found himself on the sideline soaking it all in.
"It just blows your mind," he said. "It’s unbelievable. I hope I have this feeling next week."
Bengals QB Carson Palmer was sacked three times by the Jets’ top-ranked defense.
Sanchez was by far the lowest-ranked passer in the playoffs, throwing 20 interceptions in his rookie season — second-most in the league. The Bengals wanted to put the game in his hands. Playing without a glove on his passing hand in an 8-degree wind chill, the kid from Southern California handled it without a bobble.
Afterward, the team presented a game ball to owner Woody Johnson, whose daughter, Casey, was found dead in her Los Angeles home on Monday. Johnson’s eyes were red as he left the locker room.
The Jets also had a scare at the outset when punter Steve Weatherford was ruled out because of dizziness and an elevated heartbeat. Kicker Jay Feely punted for the first time in his NFL career, averaging 31 yards on seven kicks. He also made 20-yard field goal with 5:47 to go that put Cincinnati too far behind.
"I was so happy that I was kicking a field goal (then) instead of punting," Feely said. "That was great."
The Jets pulled ahead 14-7 by halftime with two big plays off Sanchez’s hand. He faked a handoff and made a perfect pitchout to Greene, who needed only one block to find open space for a 39-yard touchdown run, the longest of his career.
In the second quarter, Sanchez caught the Bengals off-guard. He rolled to his right and found tight end Dustin Keller running uncovered beyond the secondary. The throw was perfect, and Keller kept his balance for the last 15 yards while safety Chinedum Ndukwe vainly tried to knock him out of bounds.
At halftime, Sanchez was 7 of 10 for 94 yards with a passer rating of 132.9. It could have been even better — Braylon Edwards let a pass slip through his hands in the end zone.
Sanchez led an eight-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in Thomas Jones’ 9-yard run for a 21-7 lead late in the third quarter. Benson broke a 47-yard touchdown run — the longest in Bengals playoff history — that got Cincinnati within a touchdown, but Sanchez and Greene turned it on again.
The game ended with a little more Jets serendipity. Shayne Graham, the Bengals’ franchise-tagged player, missed two field goals in the second half, including a 28-yarder with 3:49 to go that essentially sealed it.
NOTES: Greene was the third rookie since 2000 to rush for 100 yards in a playoff game. … Feely had one punt in college and didn’t punt in high school. … Bengals LB Rashad Jeanty broke his left leg on the opening kickoff. … Bengals WRs Laveranues Coles (thumb) and Andre Caldwell (ankle) suffered injuries in the second quarter, but returned in the second half. … Palmer said he’ll have surgery on his left (non-throwing) thumb, which he injured in the fifth game of the season. He wore a removable brace for the rest of the season.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Green Bay Packers pounded the Arizona Cardinals in August when it mattered not. They pounded them again last week when it mattered only a little. Now the teams will meet for a third time at Arizona in a game that matters a whole lot.
The winner of today’s playoff game will advance to the next round and keep its Super Bowl dream alive. The Cardinals know what they have to do to be that team.
"We have to play better than we played in the previous two games," Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt understated to reporters this past week.
Here are five story lines to follow in the final game of this wild-card weekend:
Arizona’s walking wounded
Three Cardinals starters are questionable after injuries in last week’s game. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin (high left ankle sprain, left knee sprain), cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (bruised left kneecap) and free safety Antrel Rolle (bruised thigh) all missed parts, or all, of practice this week. In addition, defensive end Calais Campbell has a broken thumb and is wearing a cast.
Losing Boldin would be a blow to Arizona’s passing attack. Without him, Steve Breaston would be the starter opposite Larry Fitzgerald and Early Doucet would step in as the No. 3 man.
"You don’t replace guys like that," quarterback Kurt Warner told reporters.
"You just can’t plug somebody else in and get the same productivity, the same leadership and the same competitiveness."
Third down, Packers
Trying to stop Green Bay from moving the chains and keeping drives alive will be a challenge for Arizona. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers led the NFL in third-down passing this season. His statistics were eye-popping: 67.5 completion percentage, 14 touchdowns and no interceptions.
"I don’t like throwing interceptions, and I don’t like not converting third downs," Rodgers said. "It’s a heightened sense of focus and something we work on in practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday."
Watch out for Woodson
Green Bay cornerback Charles Woodson is 33 and in his 12th season, but he has played lights out. He is a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year after tying for the league lead in interceptions (nine), including one he returned 45 yards for a touchdown in last week’s game.
Woodson just doesn’t line up and cover wide receivers. In Green Bay’s 3-4 defense, he’ll blitz from the slot, play the role of "rover" in the middle, and sometimes play safety.
"I think Charles is extraordinary," Packers coach Mike McCarthy told Arizona reporters during a conference call. "He has really given (coordinator) Dom Capers and our defensive staff a lot of flexibility as far as the way we can use him."
Covering Fitzgerald
Although Fitzgerald will be the biggest playmaker on the field, don’t expect him to be matched up against Woodson the whole game. When Woodson moves inside to the slot, the challenge of covering Fitzgerald will fall to cornerback Tramon Williams, who became a starter when Al Harris suffered a season-ending injury, or Jarrett Bush, who replaced Williams as the nickel back.
Bush has allowed several pass plays of 20 or more yards. He often appears to be in good coverage position but struggles to make a play on the ball.
Warner’s blind side
When Mike Gandy suffered a season-ending injury last month, Jeremy Bridges became the Cardinals’ left tackle. He played well against Vikings end Jared Allen in Week 13. Now he faces another pass-rushing threat in Packers rookie outside linebacker Clay Matthews (10 sacks).
The Cardinals can give Bridges occasional help with a tight end or a running back chipping Matthews, but with all of the spread formations they use, Bridges will be matched up one-on-one against Matthews often.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
The Green Bay Packers pounded the Arizona Cardinals in August when it mattered not. They pounded them again last week when it mattered only a little. Now the teams will meet for a third time at Arizona in a game that matters a whole lot.
The winner of today’s playoff game will advance to the next round and keep its Super Bowl dream alive. The Cardinals know what they have to do to be that team.
"We have to play better than we played in the previous two games," Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt understated to reporters this past week.
Here are five story lines to follow in the final game of this wild-card weekend:
Arizona’s walking wounded
Three Cardinals starters are questionable after injuries in last week’s game. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin (high left ankle sprain, left knee sprain), cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (bruised left kneecap) and free safety Antrel Rolle (bruised thigh) all missed parts, or all, of practice this week. In addition, defensive end Calais Campbell has a broken thumb and is wearing a cast.
Losing Boldin would be a blow to Arizona’s passing attack. Without him, Steve Breaston would be the starter opposite Larry Fitzgerald and Early Doucet would step in as the No. 3 man.
"You don’t replace guys like that," quarterback Kurt Warner told reporters.
"You just can’t plug somebody else in and get the same productivity, the same leadership and the same competitiveness."
Third down, Packers
Trying to stop Green Bay from moving the chains and keeping drives alive will be a challenge for Arizona. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers led the NFL in third-down passing this season. His statistics were eye-popping: 67.5 completion percentage, 14 touchdowns and no interceptions.
"I don’t like throwing interceptions, and I don’t like not converting third downs," Rodgers said. "It’s a heightened sense of focus and something we work on in practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday."
Watch out for Woodson
Green Bay cornerback Charles Woodson is 33 and in his 12th season, but he has played lights out. He is a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year after tying for the league lead in interceptions (nine), including one he returned 45 yards for a touchdown in last week’s game.
Woodson just doesn’t line up and cover wide receivers. In Green Bay’s 3-4 defense, he’ll blitz from the slot, play the role of "rover" in the middle, and sometimes play safety.
"I think Charles is extraordinary," Packers coach Mike McCarthy told Arizona reporters during a conference call. "He has really given (coordinator) Dom Capers and our defensive staff a lot of flexibility as far as the way we can use him."
Covering Fitzgerald
Although Fitzgerald will be the biggest playmaker on the field, don’t expect him to be matched up against Woodson the whole game. When Woodson moves inside to the slot, the challenge of covering Fitzgerald will fall to cornerback Tramon Williams, who became a starter when Al Harris suffered a season-ending injury, or Jarrett Bush, who replaced Williams as the nickel back.
Bush has allowed several pass plays of 20 or more yards. He often appears to be in good coverage position but struggles to make a play on the ball.
Warner’s blind side
When Mike Gandy suffered a season-ending injury last month, Jeremy Bridges became the Cardinals’ left tackle. He played well against Vikings end Jared Allen in Week 13. Now he faces another pass-rushing threat in Packers rookie outside linebacker Clay Matthews (10 sacks).
The Cardinals can give Bridges occasional help with a tight end or a running back chipping Matthews, but with all of the spread formations they use, Bridges will be matched up one-on-one against Matthews often.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
Pete Carroll has reportedly agreed to terms to become the new coach of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and leave the monster of a program he built at USC. Sporting News’ Matt Hayes addresses three burning questions the move raises:
1. Can he succeed? No. His 33-31 regular-season record (1-2 in the postseason) with the Jets and Patriots in the 1990s is much more the norm than exception in the coach-eating league. The NFL is set up for parity; the Pac-10 was set up for USC to dominate.
2. Will USC disappear? No. But the program won’t be nearly as dominant without Carroll’s dynamic personality wooing elite recruits. That unique campus and those magnificent facilities (that’s sarcasm) weren’t landing recruits.
3. Who’s best suited for the USC job? If one NFL washout works, why not another? Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, a USC alum, is treading water in Jacksonville. A defense-first, charismatic coach — haven’t we seen this before?
Matt Hayes covers college football for Sporting News. E-mail him at mhayes@sportingnews.com.
This story will appear in the January 10 edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Pete Carroll has reportedly agreed to terms to become the new coach of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and leave the monster of a program he built at USC. Sporting News’ Matt Hayes addresses three burning questions the move raises:
1. Can he succeed? No. His 33-31 regular-season record (1-2 in the postseason) with the Jets and Patriots in the 1990s is much more the norm than exception in the coach-eating league. The NFL is set up for parity; the Pac-10 was set up for USC to dominate.
2. Will USC disappear? No. But the program won’t be nearly as dominant without Carroll’s dynamic personality wooing elite recruits. That unique campus and those magnificent facilities (that’s sarcasm) weren’t landing recruits.
3. Who’s best suited for the USC job? If one NFL washout works, why not another? Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, a USC alum, is treading water in Jacksonville. A defense-first, charismatic coach — haven’t we seen this before?
Matt Hayes covers college football for Sporting News. E-mail him at mhayes@sportingnews.com.
This story will appear in the January 10 edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
USC coach Pete Carroll is on the verge of leaving college to take over the Seattle Seahawks. Here are five challenges Carroll will face if he takes the leap back to the NFL:
Pete Carroll won’t be able to win many games on talent alone in Seattle.
1. Win without talent stacked in his favor. Carroll was a master college recruiter, and in most games his USC teams had the superior roster. That will not be the case in the NFL, especially now with Seattle. The Seahawks are 9-23 over the past two seasons for a reason. This is not a good team. Their roster needs a serious makeover, and Carroll will not be able to fix it by landing a bunch of stud recruits and plugging them into the lineup.
2. Make the right personnel moves. Though he will have a general manager, Carroll reportedly wants final say over personnel. Be careful what you wish for. It is difficult to juggle the dual roles of coaching and compiling a roster. Salary cap concerns, contracts, free agency and preparing for the draft are issues Carroll did not have to worry about at USC. A key for Carroll will be having the correct people around him, competent people he can trust to help him build a winning organization. There are conflicting reports as to how much personnel control Seahawks owner Paul Allen is willing to give Carroll. But no matter how Carroll’s input into personnel is defined, his plate will be full, and he must be careful not to spread himself too thin.
3. Deal with NFL players. Coaching veteran NFL players is a different dynamic than coaching teenagers. Carroll has ample NFL coaching experience, both as an assistant and as a head coach with the Jets (1994) and the Patriots (1997-99). But that was more than a decade ago. Will Carroll enjoy dealing with pros as much as he enjoyed dealing with his players at USC? Will he be able to motivate players as successfully? Will he be able to manage all the egos in an NFL locker room — both his players’ and his own?
Seahawks defensive end Lawrence Jackson, who played for Carroll at USC, said the coach has the experience to make a smooth transition. "We’re dealing with a coach who has a track record of success," Jackson said on Sporting News Radio. "His philosophy worked obviously at USC. I think he would have to go back to his experience in the NFL, recount the things he felt he did wrong and the things he felt he did right. Use the experience he got at USC in dealing with players who have gone on to the league and have been successful. I think that he’s smart enough to be able to adjust on the fly."
4. Handle losses. It was rare for Carroll’s USC teams to lose more than twice a year. If Carroll comes to Seattle, he might lose two games by Week 3. Carroll knows that — he had a 33-31 record with the Jets and Patriots — but the sick feeling that comes with losing is something coaches never get used to. Coaching at a dominant college program insulated Carroll from having to deal with defeat on a regular basis. That could change quickly in Seattle.
5. Assemble an effective coaching staff. This is critical for any football coach, and it would be an immediate priority for Carroll. He reportedly is trying to persuade USC offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates to join him with the Seahawks, although Bates has a chance to become the Bears’ new offensive coordinator. The coaching carousel is well under way, and Carroll must move quickly to lure the assistants he wants and needs.
After suffering through a 4-12 season, Seahawks players should be welcome to change. Wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh was sorry to see Jim Mora get fired, but hoped Carroll’s USC success would transfer to the Seahawks. "If it is Pete Carroll, I talked to (Bengals quarterback) Carson (Palmer) for about an hour," Houshmandzadeh told Todd Wright on Sporting News Radio. "He had nothing but good things to say. I’ll be excited about it."
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
USC coach Pete Carroll is on the verge of leaving college to take over the Seattle Seahawks. Here are five challenges Carroll will face if he takes the leap back to the NFL:
Pete Carroll won’t be able to win many games on talent alone in Seattle.
1. Win without talent stacked in his favor. Carroll was a master college recruiter, and in most games his USC teams had the superior roster. That will not be the case in the NFL, especially now with Seattle. The Seahawks are 9-23 over the past two seasons for a reason. This is not a good team. Their roster needs a serious makeover, and Carroll will not be able to fix it by landing a bunch of stud recruits and plugging them into the lineup.
2. Make the right personnel moves. Though he will have a general manager, Carroll reportedly wants final say over personnel. Be careful what you wish for. It is difficult to juggle the dual roles of coaching and compiling a roster. Salary cap concerns, contracts, free agency and preparing for the draft are issues Carroll did not have to worry about at USC. A key for Carroll will be having the correct people around him, competent people he can trust to help him build a winning organization. There are conflicting reports as to how much personnel control Seahawks owner Paul Allen is willing to give Carroll. But no matter how Carroll’s input into personnel is defined, his plate will be full, and he must be careful not to spread himself too thin.
3. Deal with NFL players. Coaching veteran NFL players is a different dynamic than coaching teenagers. Carroll has ample NFL coaching experience, both as an assistant and as a head coach with the Jets (1994) and the Patriots (1997-99). But that was more than a decade ago. Will Carroll enjoy dealing with pros as much as he enjoyed dealing with his players at USC? Will he be able to motivate players as successfully? Will he be able to manage all the egos in an NFL locker room — both his players’ and his own?
Seahawks defensive end Lawrence Jackson, who played for Carroll at USC, said the coach has the experience to make a smooth transition. "We’re dealing with a coach who has a track record of success," Jackson said on Sporting News Radio. "His philosophy worked obviously at USC. I think he would have to go back to his experience in the NFL, recount the things he felt he did wrong and the things he felt he did right. Use the experience he got at USC in dealing with players who have gone on to the league and have been successful. I think that he’s smart enough to be able to adjust on the fly."
4. Handle losses. It was rare for Carroll’s USC teams to lose more than twice a year. If Carroll comes to Seattle, he might lose two games by Week 3. Carroll knows that — he had a 33-31 record with the Jets and Patriots — but the sick feeling that comes with losing is something coaches never get used to. Coaching at a dominant college program insulated Carroll from having to deal with defeat on a regular basis. That could change quickly in Seattle.
5. Assemble an effective coaching staff. This is critical for any football coach, and it would be an immediate priority for Carroll. He reportedly is trying to persuade USC offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates to join him with the Seahawks, although Bates has a chance to become the Bears’ new offensive coordinator. The coaching carousel is well under way, and Carroll must move quickly to lure the assistants he wants and needs.
After suffering through a 4-12 season, Seahawks players should be welcome to change. Wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh was sorry to see Jim Mora get fired, but hoped Carroll’s USC success would transfer to the Seahawks. "If it is Pete Carroll, I talked to (Bengals quarterback) Carson (Palmer) for about an hour," Houshmandzadeh told Todd Wright on Sporting News Radio. "He had nothing but good things to say. I’ll be excited about it."
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
First-round playoff games are hard enough to predict without complications like the rematch factor coming off a Week 17 meeting. Throw in the fact the New York Jets earned their playoff berth by defeating two teams — the Cincinnati Bengals, their opponent today in the NFL’s wild-card opener at Cincinnati, and the Indianapolis Colts — that already had clinched playoff berths and decided to rest key starters and logical forecasting become almost impossible.
After celebrating a victory to make a playoffs, the Jets go hunting Bengals again.
Asked earlier this week if his team has an edge in their rematch with the Bengals, based on their 37-0 victory in the regular-season finale at Giants Stadium, Jets coach Rex Ryan shrugged and said, "I don’t know. Nobody’s been through this. … I guess you’d have to ask them or somebody a lot smarter than me. I can’t figure it out."
Ryan was not being totally serious. After all, this is the same guy who also said he thought the Jets should be favored to win it all. But just how unusual has this week been?
"We did all our preparation for the Bengals last week," Jets safety Jim Leonhard said. "So you feel like you are way ahead. But at the same time, you know this is a playoff game. So you have to go back and hit that film harder and try to find something new."
In a rematch in which much is uncertain, these three things are known:
Carson Palmer has solid numbers, but he wants a better outcome on Saturday.
1. The Jets have the momentum
While the AFC North champion Bengals (10-6) struggled down the stretch, losing three of their past four, the Jets won five of their past six to finish 9-7. However, the Week 16 victory at Indianapolis was tainted by coach Jim Caldwell’s decision to pull several key starters, including quarterback Peyton Manning, with his team leading in the third quarter.
2. The Bengals have the better quarterback
Veteran Carson Palmer has thrown 21 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions while directing a Bengals attack that relies on Cedric Benson, who sat out last week’s loss to the Jets but still rushed for 1,251 yards this season.
Jets rookie Mark Sanchez has been almost the exact opposite, throwing 20 interceptions and 12 touchdown passes. But after throwing 16 interceptions during the team’s 4-6 start, he has thrown only four in his past five starts while guiding an attack that relies on Thomas Jones, who rushed for a career-best 1,402 yards.
3. The Jets have the better defense
Inspired by Ryan and his schematic brilliance, the Jets surrendered a league-low 236 points (14.8 per game). But they could be hampered Saturday by an ankle sprain that could slow inside linebacker and leading tackler David Harris.
The Bengals aren’t far behind, having yielded 291 points (18.2 per game), and they return three starters — linemen Robert Geathers and Domata Peko and safety Chris Crocker — who sat out last week’s loss. That should make them much more competitive after allowing 257 yards rushing to the Jets last week.
This story appears in Jan. 9’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
First-round playoff games are hard enough to predict without complications like the rematch factor coming off a Week 17 meeting. Throw in the fact the New York Jets earned their playoff berth by defeating two teams — the Cincinnati Bengals, their opponent today in the NFL’s wild-card opener at Cincinnati, and the Indianapolis Colts — that already had clinched playoff berths and decided to rest key starters and logical forecasting become almost impossible.
After celebrating a victory to make a playoffs, the Jets go hunting Bengals again.
Asked earlier this week if his team has an edge in their rematch with the Bengals, based on their 37-0 victory in the regular-season finale at Giants Stadium, Jets coach Rex Ryan shrugged and said, "I don’t know. Nobody’s been through this. … I guess you’d have to ask them or somebody a lot smarter than me. I can’t figure it out."
Ryan was not being totally serious. After all, this is the same guy who also said he thought the Jets should be favored to win it all. But just how unusual has this week been?
"We did all our preparation for the Bengals last week," Jets safety Jim Leonhard said. "So you feel like you are way ahead. But at the same time, you know this is a playoff game. So you have to go back and hit that film harder and try to find something new."
In a rematch in which much is uncertain, these three things are known:
Carson Palmer has solid numbers, but he wants a better outcome on Saturday.
1. The Jets have the momentum
While the AFC North champion Bengals (10-6) struggled down the stretch, losing three of their past four, the Jets won five of their past six to finish 9-7. However, the Week 16 victory at Indianapolis was tainted by coach Jim Caldwell’s decision to pull several key starters, including quarterback Peyton Manning, with his team leading in the third quarter.
2. The Bengals have the better quarterback
Veteran Carson Palmer has thrown 21 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions while directing a Bengals attack that relies on Cedric Benson, who sat out last week’s loss to the Jets but still rushed for 1,251 yards this season.
Jets rookie Mark Sanchez has been almost the exact opposite, throwing 20 interceptions and 12 touchdown passes. But after throwing 16 interceptions during the team’s 4-6 start, he has thrown only four in his past five starts while guiding an attack that relies on Thomas Jones, who rushed for a career-best 1,402 yards.
3. The Jets have the better defense
Inspired by Ryan and his schematic brilliance, the Jets surrendered a league-low 236 points (14.8 per game). But they could be hampered Saturday by an ankle sprain that could slow inside linebacker and leading tackler David Harris.
The Bengals aren’t far behind, having yielded 291 points (18.2 per game), and they return three starters — linemen Robert Geathers and Domata Peko and safety Chris Crocker — who sat out last week’s loss. That should make them much more competitive after allowing 257 yards rushing to the Jets last week.
This story appears in Jan. 9’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
IRVING, Texas — It’s rare when a wild-card playoff game is a rematch of a Week 17 meeting. The NFC has defied even the greatest of odds to have two such contests this weekend.
Although the Dallas Cowboys would be happy if most recent history repeated itself, the Philadelphia Eagles hope their embarrassing 24-0 loss at Cowboys Stadium last Sunday quickly becomes a distant memory.
Cowboys defenders must locate Brent Celek and beware of potential mismatches.
You can bet the Eagles will be well-prepared and a much better team. That’s assuming they fix some of the things that went wrong in the regular-season finale. Not to be outdone, the Cowboys know they need to be ready to counteradjust.
1. Brent Celek is a tough matchup
The Eagles’ passing game is so diverse and loaded with skill players that it’s hard to shut it down. Though Dallas’ defense excelled at taking away the big play downfield last week, it left tight end Celek in good position to gain chunks of yardage on intermediate routes. He finished with seven catches for 96 yards.
Because of Celek’s athleticism, the Eagles can move him around and get him open against a defender who’s either smaller or slower.
"He’s made some big plays all year," Cowboys linebacker Bobby Carpenter said. "They had some wrinkles for us last game, and they probably will have more wrinkles this week."
After a slow start, Anthony Spencer is spending time looking down at QBs.
The key for Dallas is having a handle on how the Eagles have used Celek all season. But at the same time, they don’t want to focus on him to the point where it opens up deeper routes for DeSean Jackson.
2. Anthony Spencer is on a tear
Spencer, a Cowboys outside linebacker, led the charge against Philadelphia’s front five, which was trying to adjust to life without injured center Jamaal Jackson. To make matters worse, Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters didn’t have his "A" game.
Dallas grew more confident in using Spencer on passing downs, and he responded big-time down the stretch, with six sacks in the past six games after having none in the first 10.
"He’s a dominant player now, and it comes with reps," Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears said. "We knew what he could possibly do when he got a shot."
For the Eagles, the trick is slowing down Spencer without using double-teams, which would prove costly on the opposite edge against DeMarcus Ware.
3. The Cowboys can pound it
Entering last week’s game, the Eagles were allowing fewer than 100 rushing yards per game. But then the Cowboys put up 179 and Philadelphia answered with 37.
Look for Jeremiah Trotter to focus on stopping the Cowboys’ ground game.
Despite a lapse in which Felix Jones scored on a 49-yard touchdown run, the Eagles did a better job of stopping the run in the second half. They forced the Cowboys to throw to move the chains and control the clock.
Considering how middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter was a key part of that second-half effort, he could see a lot more playing time.
"We all noticed a difference when he was in the game the other night," defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said. "He plays with great intensity."
4. The Cowboys have done a number on Jackson
It takes a good scheme and sound play all around to prevent Jackson from unleashing a big play. The Cowboys, who held Jackson to five catches for 76 yards in their two wins over Philadelphia, have benefited from a consistent pass rush that limits deep routes from developing. Still, much credit goes to cornerbacks Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins.
"We have some shutdown corners, and they’re doing a good job of not getting beat deep," Cowboys safety Gerald Sensabaugh said.
Dallas’ scheme has helped prevent deep passes, but Newman and Jenkins have been winning one-on-one battles with their quickness and coverage skills. If the Eagles can’t win downfield, they won’t win the game.
This story appears in Jan. 9’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
IRVING, Texas — It’s rare when a wild-card playoff game is a rematch of a Week 17 meeting. The NFC has defied even the greatest of odds to have two such contests this weekend.
Although the Dallas Cowboys would be happy if most recent history repeated itself, the Philadelphia Eagles hope their embarrassing 24-0 loss at Cowboys Stadium last Sunday quickly becomes a distant memory.
Cowboys defenders must locate Brent Celek and beware of potential mismatches.
You can bet the Eagles will be well-prepared and a much better team. That’s assuming they fix some of the things that went wrong in the regular-season finale. Not to be outdone, the Cowboys know they need to be ready to counteradjust.
1. Brent Celek is a tough matchup
The Eagles’ passing game is so diverse and loaded with skill players that it’s hard to shut it down. Though Dallas’ defense excelled at taking away the big play downfield last week, it left tight end Celek in good position to gain chunks of yardage on intermediate routes. He finished with seven catches for 96 yards.
Because of Celek’s athleticism, the Eagles can move him around and get him open against a defender who’s either smaller or slower.
"He’s made some big plays all year," Cowboys linebacker Bobby Carpenter said. "They had some wrinkles for us last game, and they probably will have more wrinkles this week."
After a slow start, Anthony Spencer is spending time looking down at QBs.
The key for Dallas is having a handle on how the Eagles have used Celek all season. But at the same time, they don’t want to focus on him to the point where it opens up deeper routes for DeSean Jackson.
2. Anthony Spencer is on a tear
Spencer, a Cowboys outside linebacker, led the charge against Philadelphia’s front five, which was trying to adjust to life without injured center Jamaal Jackson. To make matters worse, Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters didn’t have his "A" game.
Dallas grew more confident in using Spencer on passing downs, and he responded big-time down the stretch, with six sacks in the past six games after having none in the first 10.
"He’s a dominant player now, and it comes with reps," Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears said. "We knew what he could possibly do when he got a shot."
For the Eagles, the trick is slowing down Spencer without using double-teams, which would prove costly on the opposite edge against DeMarcus Ware.
3. The Cowboys can pound it
Entering last week’s game, the Eagles were allowing fewer than 100 rushing yards per game. But then the Cowboys put up 179 and Philadelphia answered with 37.
Look for Jeremiah Trotter to focus on stopping the Cowboys’ ground game.
Despite a lapse in which Felix Jones scored on a 49-yard touchdown run, the Eagles did a better job of stopping the run in the second half. They forced the Cowboys to throw to move the chains and control the clock.
Considering how middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter was a key part of that second-half effort, he could see a lot more playing time.
"We all noticed a difference when he was in the game the other night," defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said. "He plays with great intensity."
4. The Cowboys have done a number on Jackson
It takes a good scheme and sound play all around to prevent Jackson from unleashing a big play. The Cowboys, who held Jackson to five catches for 76 yards in their two wins over Philadelphia, have benefited from a consistent pass rush that limits deep routes from developing. Still, much credit goes to cornerbacks Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins.
"We have some shutdown corners, and they’re doing a good job of not getting beat deep," Cowboys safety Gerald Sensabaugh said.
Dallas’ scheme has helped prevent deep passes, but Newman and Jenkins have been winning one-on-one battles with their quickness and coverage skills. If the Eagles can’t win downfield, they won’t win the game.
This story appears in Jan. 9’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
