Sports of Boston » Nick Folk

Vikings’ Childress the Essence of Idiocy on MNF, Jets’ Ryan a Close Second

Andrew Kipp — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 02:04:14 +0000

I started this Tuesday the way I start all Tuesdays here in Istanbul, with a pot of coffee and an archived Monday Night Football game via NFL Game Pass. This week’s matchup featured the Minnesota Vikings at the New York Jets, a much-anticipated showdown between teams that both fell one game shy of the Super Bowl last season.

After a first half that featured a horrendous display of offense by the Vikings and three Jets field goals, I contemplated closing my Macbook and catching a few more hours of sleep before my afternoon run along the Bosphorus.

Instead, I poured myself a second cup of coffee, and stayed awake long enough to watch Brett Favre lead Minnesota on a futile second half comeback, while Brad Childress and Rex Ryan attempted to sabotage their teams with shamefully idiotic coaching blunders.

Trailing 15-7 early in the fourth quarter, Favre led the Vikings on an impressive drive capped off by a 34-yard touchdown pass from the veteran quarterback to Percy Harvin. Now trailing 15-13, the visitors had all of the momentum, until Brad Childress decided to squash it. Instead of kicking the extra point and extending the game for his team, Childress burned the first of his team’s three precious second half timeouts, then elected to attempt a two-point conversion with over 12 minutes remaining.

Favre’s two-point conversion try was intercepted by Antonio Cromartie in the endzone.

The Jets then countered with a long scoring drive of their own that ended with a 23-yard touchdown run by Shonn Greene. The ensuing extra-point try by Nick Folk put the home team up by two scores, leaving many, including myself, wondering why Childress had elected to go for two with nearly a quarter of football left to play.

But, Favre wasn’t finished. With 3:09 remaining, he rolled to his left and connected with Harvin again on an 11-yard touchdown strike. This time, however, Childress decided to play it safe and kick the extra point, making the score 22-20, Jets. Had Childress decided to kick the extra-point earlier, a two-point conversion here could have tied the game.

The Jets got the ball back with just a little over three minutes remaining, intent on completing a couple first downs, and not giving Favre a crack at a game-winning drive. Mark Sanchez hit Santonio Holmes on a slant route, giving New York a fresh set of downs, and forcing Minnesota to call its final timeout with 2:47 remaining. On the next play, Ladainian Tomlinson ran into the line for no gain, leaving a two-second difference between the play clock and game clock before the two minute warning. The Jets had to run just one more play before the automatic stoppage, but the ball was snapped with seven seconds left on the play clock, and Sanchez threw an incomplete pass, stopping the game clock at 2:04.

Rex Ryan’s decision to run a play with seven seconds remaining on the play clock would have been excusable had the Jets called a running play. Instead, they elected to throw the ball, and essentially gave a timeout to the Vikings.

ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico gave Ryan “A clock management F,” adding, “You don’t even need to know football to manage the clock.”

Childress threw a timeout away, and Ryan gave it right back, leaving the stage set for Favre, accused earlier in the week of sending inappropriate text messages to a former female Jets’ employee, to complete yet another signature comeback drive with 1:48 remaining.

Favre slung an incomplete pass intended for Randy Moss on first down, missed a wide open Percy Harvin in the flat on second down, then threw a pick six to Jets’ corner back Dwight Lowery on third down, putting an exclamation point on a forgettable week for the 41-year-old gun-slinger.

Funny thing is, Favre and the Vikings would have had another crack at a game-tying drive if Childress hadn’t gone for two earlier in the quarter. Sorry Brett, didn’t mean to kick you while you’re still down.

High Five/Low Five – Week 15

Brian Kintz — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:38:37 +0000

Well, if you’re still reading this article here in Week 15, looking for fantasy football advice, I applaud you. It must mean that your team, or teams, are still alive, fighting for fantasy glory. And for those of you who play this game for money (and really, why wouldn’t you play for money?), you’re already thinking up ways to spend your winnings.

With it being the gift-giving season, let’s look at five guys that could be stocking-worthy, and another five that will leave you with nothing but coal. But first, I’ll go through what was a pretty miserable Week 14 for my predictions.

Last Week’s High Five

Aaron Rodgers, QB: 16 for 24, 180 yds., 0 TDs, 0 INTs (Rough day for an otherwise efficient Rodgers. He’s been a top 5 fantasy QB this season.)
Joseph Addai, RB: 16 carries for 67 yds., 5 catches for 49 yds., no TDs (I’ll take 100+ yds. any day, even if it doesn’t mean a TD.)
Anquan Boldin, WR: 5 catches for 40 yds., no TDs, 1 lost fumble (He had a nice string of good games, but put up a stinker in the loss to San Fran.)
Robert Meachem, WR: 4 catches for 57 yds., no TDs (Another streak of good games ended last week for Meachem.)
Calvin Johnson, WR: 4 grabs for 37 yds., no TDs (He was targeted 12 times, but only made 4 catches…looked like Culpepper was forcing it his way too much.)

Last Week’s Low Five

Eli Manning, QB: 27 for 38 passing, for a career-high 391 yds., 3 TDs, 0 INTs (Lil’ Manning puts up a huge day, but probably won’t do it again this week vs. Washington.)
Frank Gore, RB: 25 carries for 167 yds., 1 TD (He was an absolute workhorse in Monday night’s stunning win over the Cards.)
Jonathan Stewart, RB: Just 7 carries for 29 yds., no TDs (Stewart has taken a definite back seat to DeAngelo Williams, making him nearly useless in fantasy land.)
Antonio Bryant, WR: 2 catches for 22 yds., no TDs (I can’t see any Buccaneers worth considering for your fantasy playoff run.)
Ben Watson, TE: 3 catches for 37 yds., 1 TD (Nice to see Brady spreading the ball around and including his tight ends in the passing game…I just didn’t see it coming.)

High Five – Week 15

Matt Cassel, QB (Kansas City)

The former Patriot signal caller has been too inconsistent this season to consider starting each and every week, but at home, Cassel’s numbers are much better than his marks on the road. Couple that with him getting another weapon back on the field, as receiver Dwayne Bowe returns from a 4-game suspension, and the fact that the Chiefs take on the woeful Browns this week, that all adds up to a potentially big day for Mr. Cassel.

Laurence Maroney, RB (New England)

Who would’ve thought Laurence Maroney would have legitimate fantasy value, ever again? Well he does, in a game where weather will most likely play a big factor up in Buffalo against the Bills. Buffalo has been the worst team in the league against the run, allowing a whopping 171 yards on the ground per game. They’ve allowed an opposing back to rack up 100+ yards or score a TD in every week this season. With Brady at less than 100%, look for the Pats to hop on the Laurence Express this Sunday.

Fred Jackson, RB (Buffalo)

On the flip side of this game, Buffalo’s Fred Jackson should continue his success against the Patriots. In his last two games vs. New England, F-Jack has put up 100 or more multipurpose yards, and with Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren both missing practice all week with different injuries, Jackson should be able to pound the ball for a productive day of running.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR (Seattle)

He still plays in this league? I know, T.J. Who’syourmama has been a total bust this season, only making three trips to the end zone in his first year with the Seahawks. But this is the week he breaks out for a big day, take my word on it. With fellow receiver Nate Burleson questionable with an ankle injury, look for QB Matt Hasselbeck to look Housh’s way this Sunday against a weak Bucs pass defense.

Houston Texans, Defense

Houston’s stout defensive corps had a banner day last week against Seattle, holding the ‘Hawks to just 7 points on the day. This week, they get to feast on the St. Louis Rams, led by the two-headed QB turnover machines, Kyle Boller and Keith Null. Not sure who will be under center for the Rams come Sunday, but either way, look for Houston to rack up the turnovers. Boller has 5 INTs and 2 fumbles in his last 4 starts, while in Null’s start last week, he threw 5 INTs in just the 1 game. The Texans are a must-start this week if you’re hoping for fantasy superiority.

Low Five – Week 15

Brandon Jacobs, RB (New York Giants)

Beyond losing carries every week to Ahmad Bradshaw, Jacobs just hasn’t stepped up his game on the road all season long. Jacobs has only 1 TD in his 6 road games, while this week’s opponent, the Redskins, haven’t allowed a rushing TD at home at all this year. Look for B.J. to blow it this week…and yes, you can giggle at that line, it’s ok.

Steve Smith, WR (Carolina)

Can someone tell me why the nation is being forced to watch a Panthers game in prime time on Sunday? I mean, I know they’re up against Brett Favre’s Vikings, but seriously, who wants to watch a team led by a quarterback named Matt Moore? Who? Really? Well because a quarterback named Matt Moore will be the one trying to get the ball to Steve Smith, that alone is reason enough for me to sit Steve Smith this week.

Minny’s D is pretty freakin’ good, and Smith should be matched up against a now healthy Antoine Winfield all day long. Carolina’s offensive line is banged up also, so Matt Moore’s going to have no time to get the ball downfield to Smith if he’s running for his life in the backfield.

Michael Crabtree, WR (San Francisco)

The rookie receiver has begun to showcase his talents and develop a rapport with Niners QB Alex Smith, but on a short week of preparation after a stunning Monday night win over Arizona, San Fran goes cross country to face off with cornerbacks Asante Samuel, Sheldon Brown, and the Philadelphia Eagles. It all adds up to a fantasy flop for Crabtree this week.

Tony Gonzalez, TE (Atlanta)

Weather and a weak QB may be major factors in how well Tony Gonzalez does on Sunday against the Jets in New York. Starting QB Matt Ryan’s return to the lineup is questionable, as Ryan battles a nagging toe injury, so it’s possible Chris Redman may be under center for the Falcons. The Jets have given up only 2 TDs to opposing tight ends this season, which points to Gonzalez probably struggling this week against Gang Green.

Nick Folk, K (Dallas)

Did I just put a kicker in this article? Yup, I did. It’s the first time I’ve done this, but really, Nick Folk has personally done me a serious injustice this season, especially down the stretch. He’s missed six field goals in his last five games, and with Dallas’s December struggles continuing, Folk should be dropped in favor of someone else…anyone else.