Lineup calls: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST
What was the biggest surprise of Week 7?
• Was it the victory by Cleveland at New Orleans or Oakland at Denver?
• Was it the near-miss victory from Buffalo against Baltimore?
• Was it the number of botched calls, including several on replays (such as Sunday night)?
• Or, was it the almost pinball-like scoring that occurred in the first week of games following the new emphasis on removing helmet-to-helmet collisions?
For me, it was a simple statistical anomaly that sticks out like a sore thumb. A total of nine interceptions were returned for touchdowns in Week 7. Throw that sideline route at your own peril!
Which quarterback joins the list of victims in Week 8? Which defense rises to add to that staggering total?
Top 5 Defenses/Special Teams
(other than Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets)
St. Louis vs. Carolina
The Rams are tied for seventh in total defense (18.7 points allowed per game) and specialize in applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks (20 sacks). St. Louis has produced 16 turnovers this season, and Matt Moore has been known to throw the occasional disastrous interception. Early pressure against this still-depleted offensive line (and potentially entering Sunday’s game without running back DeAngelo Williams) will create opportunities.
Kansas City vs. Buffalo
The Chiefs enter Sunday’s game tied for seventh in total defense (18.7 points allowed per game). Kansas City ranks first in rushing offense and will undoubtedly control the clock against the bottom-ranked Buffalo defense (33 points allowed per game). It becomes a function of pressuring Ryan Fitzpatrick (pass rush and general situations) and forcing turnovers. The return game took a hit when Dexter McCluster sustained a high-ankle sprain during a mid-week practice session.
Tampa Bay at Arizona
The Buccaneers don’t leap off the page in any statistical category. This unit has produced only five sacks this season, although an opportunistic secondary has generated 16 turnovers (one defensive touchdown). The Cardinals have yet to find consistency in the passing game, and it remains to be seen whether that will occur with Derek Anderson or Max Hall under center.
San Diego vs. Tennessee
The Chargers rank first in virtually every statistical category. Where they struggle is on special teams, and that will be the key to this contest. Tennessee ranks sixth in return average (26.8 yards per return), so field position can shift on a dime in this contest. I believe in the run defense and the ability of this pass defense to slow Vince Young and the Kenny Britt juggernaut.
Dallas vs. Jacksonville
The Dallas defense has yet to show any teeth this season. They were dominated by the Giants on Monday night, as Eli Manning positively crushed the secondary. This is a spot to take a huge step forward against a weak Jacksonville offense (tied for 22nd in total offense at 18.6 points per game). Jacksonville quarterbacks have thrown 11 interceptions, and the line has surrendered 15 sacks (tied for 10th-most in the NFL).
D/ST Sleepers
Seattle at Oakland (both teams)
This is a tough game to read. The Seahawks have been tremendous against the run overall, but the team’s performance has been erratic on the road. The Raiders have been run over for much of the season, but pulled off a stunner in Week 7 by obliterating the Broncos. This could be a battle between Olindo Mare and Sebastian Janikowski when it’s all said and done.
Arizona vs. Tampa Bay
I agree with Raheem Morris’ assessment with record to statistics when addressing critics this week. However, since we’re in a statistics-based game here, I’ll pile onboard the other side. The Buccaneers are averaging 16.3 points per game. Arizona is anything but a world-beating defense (26.7 points allowed per game), but they do generate turnovers and big plays. Arizona has scored three defensive touchdowns with 15 turnovers and 13 sacks.
D/ST Flops
Cincinnati vs. Miami
The Bengals rank 25th in total defense, and there’s been absolutely no semblance of a pass rush (six sacks). As such, Chad Henne should take another step forward against this secondary (now without Adam “Pacman” Jones) with Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess. His ability to work downfield may actually get the sputtering ground game moving.
Green Bay at New York Jets
The Packers rank in the middle of the pack in terms of total defense, and we’re all well aware of the fierce pass rush. However, this is not a spot where the pass rush is necessarily employed. The Jets are all about the run, and that’s an area of concern for the Packers (124.3 yards allowed per game).
Washington at Detroit
The Redskins have failed miserably against the pass overall, although you couldn’t tell by watching DeAngelo Hall torment Jay Cutler in Week 7. Washington ranks 31st against the pass (292.1 passing yards and 1.4 passing touchdowns per game). Detroit comes out of the bye fully healthy for the first time. Matthew Stafford is back under center and takes the field with a full complement of receiving options.
