Battle for AFC EAST Crown

When the New England Patriots and New York Jets get together you know it is going to be a rock fight. Simply put, the two teams would like nothing better than to beat the pants off their opposition. This time around the rivalry has a little more at stake as both teams stand at 6-3, tied atop a tight AFC East. In a league when every game is tough, being able to get a game in hand on a division opponent is crucial. That is what each team will strive for tonight as they kick off at 8:15 in Foxboro.

The last time these two met was week two in New York. Both were vastly different teams, both with serious question marks at several positions. The most notable question mark was at the quarterback position. It was the first game of the Matt Cassel era for New England. He was efficient in his first game as starter, but certainly far from impressive. Now some eight weeks later Cassel has grown comfterble with the offense and the pressure that goes a long with being a starting quarterback in the NFL. Cassel was not the only quarterback under question in that week two meeting. It was just the second game of the Bret Favre era for New York. Like Cassel, he too was still getting acclimated with a new offense. Unlike Cassel, however, Favre brought with him his track record and winning reputation greater than any other quarterback in the NFL. Favre, however, was less than impressive in that week two match-up, but once again, like Cassel has grown much more comfortable under center in the weeks since and now leads one of the more explosive offenses in the AFC. The Jets are averaging 32.1 points per game since that week two loss, and their 255 points lead the AFC.

While the quarterback position certainly will be an important one in tonight's match-up, perhaps the biggest difference maker for each team could be the running game. For the Jets it will be Thomas Jones and his AFC leading 750 rushing yards. Jones has been unstoppable as of late. He racked up 149 rushing yards including three touchdowns in last week's showdown with the St.Louis Rams. His counterpart this week will be BenJarvus Green-Ellis who has gone from the practice squad (6th) on the New England depth chart all the way to #1 thanks to injuries to pretty much every player to line up in the Patriots backfield this season. Once again the Pats have found a diamond in the ruff in Green-Ellis who last week rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown in New England's victory over the Buffalo Bills.

By the way, did I mention that these two teams hate eachother? Countless numbers of personnel have jumped ship from one side to the other over the years. Whether it be stealing a coach from the other side (Pats with Belichick, Jets with Mangini) or simply other players (the Jets signed former Patriots CB Ty Law this week), no two teams in the NFL want to beat eachother more. And don't forget the SpyGate saga that was created last year, which all began when Jets coach Eric Mangini accused the Patriots of stealing signal calls. It resulted in months of controversy and has to have left a sour taste in the mouths of Patriots coaches and players alike.

Tonight will certainly be a game to watch. After this game one team will have sole possession of first place in the AFC East for the first time in weeks. Who will it be? In just a few hours we will find out...

NFL QB Shake-up

The Cleveland Browns today announced that 2007 first round pick Brady Quinn will be the starting quarterback for the Browns week 10 match-up against the Denver Broncos. Quinn will replace two year starter Derek Anderson, who threw a costly interception late in Cleveland's week 9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Elsewhere in the NFL, the Chicago Bears announced that starting quarterback Kyle Orton will be out 2-4 weeks due to a high ankle sprain. Rex Grossman, who led the Bears to a Superbowl appearance in 2007, will get a chance to regain the starting job this week against the undefeated Tennessee Titans.

In a minor move today the Detroit Lions signed previously retired QB Daunte Culpepper to a two year contract. The Lions lost previous starters Jon Kitna and Dan Orlovsky due to injury. Culpepper will battle Drew Stanton in practice this week for the starting job for game 10.

Chiefs Suspend Johnson

The Kansas City Chiefs have suspended starting running back Larry Johnson for this Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. Chiefs coach Herm Edwards refused to go into detail, but did say that the suspension is due to a violation of team rules.

The loss of Johnson against the NFL's lone undefeated team does not bode well for Kansas City. Their offense has struggled to put points on the board thus far this season getting off to a 1-4 start.

Busy Day in Dallas

Two major announcements came out of Dallas today as the Cowboys first announced a suspension that has been handed down by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, then announced a major trade.

The first news concerned Adam "Packman" Jones, who has been under the microscope all season following his reinstatement during the preseason, was suspended for "a minimum for four games" by Goodell stemming from a bar fight with Jones' own personal security guard. The guard had been assigned to Jones by the team in hopes of preventing any such problems. It is expected that Jones has played his final game in a Cowboys uniform. Rumors have been circulating for hours now that the Cowboys will likely cut ties with the troubled corner before his suspension is lifted.

After what seems like endless bad news for Dallas this week there was finally a positive as it was announced that they have acquired Pro Bowl wide receiver Roy Williams from the Detroit Lions for three draft picks. The addition of Williams gives the Cowboys one of the most formidable 1-2 punches at receiver in the league as Williams will team up with fellow Pro Bowler Terrell Owens. The biggest question now will be how long until one of these superstars is upset about not getting enough touches? There are only so many balls to go around and both players have a history of making it well known then they are upset with their lack of use in the offense. Brad Johnson will certainly have his hands full in the coming weeks as he looks to fill in for the injured Tony Romo at quarterback.

Cowboys March on Without Romo

The Dallas Cowboys will be without quarterback Tony Romo for the next 3-4 weeks due to a broken finger on his throwing hand. Romo suffered the injury on the first play of overtime during Sunday's 30-24 overtime loss at Arizona.

This is bad news for a Cowboys team that has been struggling as of late losing two of their last three games. 40 year old Brad Johnson will start in Romo's absence. His last NFL start was back in 2006 when he was a member of the Minnesota Vikings. The Cowboys next next three games are at St. Louis, home vs. Tampa Bay, and then at the Giants week 9 before a bye in Week 10.

Bengals Sign Cedric Benson

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed RB Cedric Benson in order to replace injured RB DeDe Dorsey. Benson was released earlier this year by the Chicago Bears after violating conduct policies during the offseason. The former fourth overall pick could fit in well as he will likely split time with starter Chris Perry.

Hopefully, Benson will look to move on from his mistakes in the past and try to revive his career with this new opportunity. He will get a new chance to change his image in Cincinnati—can anyone say, "Cedric Treinta Dos?"

Kiffin Next to Fall

Just one day after the St.Louis Rams fired coach Scott Linehan, today the second coach was put on the chopping block. The Oakland Raiders have announced the firing of head coach Lane Kiffin. The move comes as a surprise to no one as Raider's owner Al Davis and Kiffin bumped heads repeatedly during the off season.

Oakland is expected to name offensive line coach Tom Cable as their new head coach. There is a press conference scheduled for 5pm on Tuesday where some type of announcement will be made regarding the teams plans for the remainder of the season.

Linehan The First To Go

The first coach to go this NFL season? Now former Rams coach Scott Linehan got the unfortunate title. The coach was fired after a 31-14 loss to the Bills, capping off an 0-4 start where the Rams only put up a total of 43 points. It seems as though Linehan lost control of his team, after star running back Steven Jackson pubicly aired his concerns on a St. Louis radio show last week, where he said the locker room was "kind of on eggshells". He also disagreed with the benching of starter Marc Buldger.

What does an unhappy superstar, unhappy ownership, and an 0-4 start get you?
A kick out the door.

Its All J-E-T-S

As good as Kurt Warner looked a few weeks ago against the Miami Dolphins he is looking equally as bad today against the New York Jets. Warner has been sacked three times, thrown two interceptions, and fumbled four times in the first half.

Meanwhie, Brett Favre and the Jets have looked pretty good, but then again how can you not when you keep getting handed great field position series after series. Favre has thrown for over 150 yards in the first half including three touchdown passes to Laveranues Coles.

34-0 Jets at halftime. This one is all over...

Week 4 Outlook

Week 4 is upon us. Here's a look at this week's top matchups...

Arizona Cardinals (2-1) at New York Jets (1-2), 1 p.m. ET
It is a little early to call this a must win game for the Jets but starting out the season 1-3 after all the highly acclaimed off season moves could be the sort of downward momentum that can crash a season. Arizona has been traditionally bad on the east coast but, with an offense clicking on all cylenders right now under the lead of Kurt Warner, the Cardinals have a chance to end that today.

Green Bay Packers (2-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1), 1 p.m. ET
Brian Griese threw an unheard of 67 times last week. Green Bay will be without both starting safeties (Nick Collins & Aaron Rouse). This could be a high scoring game unless the Packers defense steps up in their absence. You can expect another 40+ throw performance today from Griese.

Wahington Redskins (2-1) at Dallas Cowboys (3-0), 4:15 p.m. ET
The first of two big time inner division match-ups this week. After a poor performance in week 1 the Redskins seem to be clicking once again. Offensively Clinton Portis is leading the way for Washington, regaining his explosiveness. Today however it will likely be a passing orientated game. Both Terrell Owens and Santana Moss have historically had monster games against each other. Look for that to continue today.

Baltimore Ravens (2-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1), 8:30 p.m. ET Monday
A battle of the top two teams in the AFC North. These two teams to not like each other. Traditionally these games feature hard hitting smash mouth football. The problem for the Steelers is that they will be without starting running back Willie Parker. Rookie Rashard Mendenhall will get the carries in Parker's absence. His effectiveness very well may determine the outcome of this game.

Be sure to check back with WAY Back Sports throughout the day for the latest news from around the NFL.

It's Sunday!

It's another Sunday, meaning only one thing: more football! Let's see if the pros can match the excitement that college football started the weekend with. Keep checking waybacksports.com to get the latest news and stats.

Jackson: Locker Room is "Kind of on eggshells"

Rams RB Steven Jackson has thrown his support behind benched QB Marc Bulger. Jackson, in an interview with a St. Louis radio station, said that benching the starter was the "wrong decision". He added "You just rewarded this man with a new contract last year, millions of dollars, and you bench him. Then if things do not work out with Trent(Green), you go back. I don't like it at all".

The Rams have proven to be one of the doormats in the NFL this year, and now their superstar is unhappy. Sorry St. Louis fans, it's going to be a long year.

Giants Suspend Burress

The New York Giants have suspended wide receiver Plaxico Burress for one game for missing a practice without informing the team. The Giants have a bye in week 4 so he will serve his suspension during week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks. Burress has eight catches for 259 yards and a touchdown in three games this season.

Giant's coach Tom Coughlin had the following to say in regards to the suspension:

"We have had success here because of the team concept and the team concept means basically that everyone is accountable and responsible and that we don't let the other guys down. And that is what we are trying to do. This is a team that is focused and displayed mental toughness and they will do the same thing with regard to this."

Time for a Change in STL

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Thats what an 0-3 start and a coach on the hot seat will do to the St. Louis Rams as they have elected to bench quarterback Marc Bulger in favor of 38 year old Trent Green. The move was announced today by Ram's coach Scott Linehan. Green last played for the Miami Dolphins last season before suffering what many thought would be a career ending concussion.

"I think we'd be crazy if we didn't try something different because what we've done for the first three weeks is not working."

It is never a good sign if a team decides to bench one of its only recognizable players this early in the season. It is not a good time to be a Rams fan.

Steelers Injury Woes

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without star running back Willie Parker and four time Pro-Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton for Monday night's game against Baltimore.

Parker suffered a sprained left knee late in Sunday's game against Philadelphia. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin indicated that the injury may require Parker to miss more than one game but no time table has yet been established. 2008 first-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall will make his first NFL start in Parker's absence.

Hampton is suffering from a groin strain and is only expected to miss one week.

Dolphins Running Wild

In a very unexpected development the Miami Dolphins lead the New England Patriots 21-6 at half time. Led by three rushing touchdowns from Ronnie Brown and little trickery from the offense the Dolphins are looking less and less like a team that has won just once in their last twenty regular season games.

Matt Cassel and the Patriots will need to get their acts together in the second half if they want to avoid the upset.

Be sure to check back with WAY Back Sports throughout the day for the latest NFL week 3 news!

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

Here we are once again! Its week 3 of the NFL schedule. Be sure to check in with WAY Back Sports all day for the latest NFL news.

This week's top match-ups include:

Dallas Cowboys (2-0) at Green Bay Packers (2-0)

Aaron Rodgers faces his first real test as he takes on what may believe to be the best team in the entire National Football League.

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) at Indianapolis Colts (1-1)

Traditionally a tough match-up between AFC South foes. The Jags will be looking to ride their high powered running game to their first victory. The Colts will look to build upon last week's victory over the Vikings. Dallas Clark will be back for the first time this season for the Colts, only improving an already powerful offense.

New York Jets (1-1) at San Diego Chargers (0-2)

Its may seem a little premature to say this but this game could be the make or break point in the season for the Chargers. 0-3 is a hole that they just may not be able to overcoming. With LT questionable there will be a lot of pressure put on the arm of Philip Rivers.

QB Shuffle

A pair of NFL teams announced today that they will be changing quarterbacks on Sunday.

The Minnesota Vikings have elected to go with 15 year veteran Gus Frerotte for their Sunday matchup with the Carolina Panthers. Frerotte will be replacing Tavaris Jackson who had started both games so far this season. Jackson had been the Vikings starter most of last season, nearly leading the Vikings to a playoff berth. Viking's coach Brad Childress had the following to say in regards to the move:

"I'm just not seeing right now the aggressiveness from Tarvaris that I saw throughout the offseason, training camp, the two preseason games that he played in. And part of it may be experience. I know Gus will give us that. And I know his approach will also lend itself to that."

Elsewhere in the NFL the Kansas City Chiefs announced that Tyler Thigpen will get the start Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Thigpen will be the Chiefs third different quarterback in three games this season; Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard were the other two. The start will be the first of his career for the second year pro out of Coastal Carolina.

"For what we're trying to do, I think he can do a good job of it," coach Herm Edwards said. "He'll be limited in some things but we want to take a look at him. We're trying to look at young players, it's part of the process. Is he a two? Is he a one? Is he always going to be a three? You don't know until they play, until they have an opportunity to play."

Pats Do It Without Brady

Offensive flare may put fans in the seat, but it's defense that wins championships.

The New England Patriots returned to that motto on Sunday with a 19-10 victory over the New York Jets. Led by sacks from Richard Seymour and Adalius Thomas and seven tackles from rookie linebackers Jerod Mayo the Patriots were able to limit Brett Farve and the Jets to 250 yards of total offense.

Matt Cassel, making his first start since his senior year in high school, was steady throughout, not putting up impressive numbers but managing the game well in a winning effort. Stephen Gostkowski paced New England offensively with four field goals.

This is a good start for the Brady-less Pats. They will look to make it 3-0 against the Miami Dolphins next week.

Brett Who?

All is well in the land of the cheezehead.

Aaron Rodgers is making Packers fans quickly forget the former hall-of-fame quarterback. Led by Rodgers' three first half touchdown passes the Green Bay Packers cursed to a 48-25 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Rodgers, who finished the day 24 of 38 for 328 yards and 3 TD's, impressed throughout with his excellent arm strength.

Thats two weeks in a row that Rodgers has led the Packers to a convincing victory. He is making the Packers' decision to go with the inexperienced 24 year old over the 38 year old veteran a good one.