SportsEyez.com's Week 5 NFL Power Rankings

1: Pittsburgh Steelers
2: New England Patriots
3: Atlanta Falcons
4: Green Bay Packers
5: Baltimore Ravens
6: New Orleans Saints
7: Houston Texans
8: Chicago Bears
9: New York Jets
10: Kansas City Chiefs
11: Cincinnati Bengals
12: Indianapolis Colts
13: Philadelphia Eagles
14: Tennessee Titans
15: Miami Dolphins
16: Seattle Seahawks
17: Dallas Cowboys
18: San Diego Chargers
19: Minnesota Vikings
20: New York Giants
21: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
22: Denver Broncos
23: St. Louis Rams
24: Washington Redskins
25: Jacksonville Jaguars
26: Detroit Lions
27: Oakland Raiders
28: Cleveland Browns
29: San Francisco 49ers
30: Carolina Panthers
31: Arizona Cardinals
32: Buffalo Bills

By: Collin Dakheel
Head Writer / Creator
SportsEyez.com

SportsEyez.com's Week 4 NFL Power Rankings

1: Pittsburgh Steelers
2: Chicago Bears
3: Green Bay Packers
4: New England Patriots
5: Atlanta Falcons
6: New Orleans Saints
7: Baltimore Ravens
8: Houston Texans
9: Indianapolis Colts
10: Kansas City Chiefs
11: Philadelphia Eagles
12: Cincinnati Bengals
13: New York Jets
14: Tennessee Titans
15: Miami Dolphins
16: Seattle Seahawks
17: Dallas Cowboys
18: San Diego Chargers
19: Minnesota Vikings
20: New York Giants
21: San Francisco 49ers
22: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
23: Denver Broncos
24: Washington Redskins
25: Arizona Cardinals
26: Jacksonville Jaguars
27: Oakland Raiders
28: Detroit Lions
29: Cleveland Browns
30: Carolina Panthers
31: St. Louis Rams
32: Buffalo Bills

By: Collin Dakheel
Head Writer / Creator
SportsEyez.com

SportsEyez.com's Week 3 NFL Power Rankings

Here are my power rankings for week 3. Now before everyone goes off the deep end remember, these are just for week 3, not the entire season. Enjoy!

1: Green Bay Packers
2: New Orleans Saints
3: Pittsburgh Steelers
4: New England Patriots
5: Houston Texans
6: Indianapolis Colts
7: Baltimore Ravens
8: San Diego Chargers
9: Atlanta Falcons
10: Cincinnati Bengals
11: Kansas City Chiefs
12: Chicago Bears
13: Miami Dolphins
14: New York Jets
15: New York Giants
16: Philadelphia Eagles
17: Seattle Seahawks
18: Dallas Cowboys
19: San Francisco 49ers
20: Tennessee Titans
21: Minnesota Vikings
22: Washington Redskins
23: Denver Broncos
24: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
25: Arizona Cardinals
26: Jacksonville Jaguars
27: Detroit Lions
28: Oakland Raiders
29: Cleveland Browns
30: Carolina Panthers
31: St. Louis Rams
32: Buffalo Bills

By: Collin Dakheel
Head Writer / Creator
SportsEyez.com

SportsEyez.com's Week 2 NFL Power Rankings

Ok I didn't put out power rankings for week 1 because I like to see every team play a regular season game and evaluate, because let's face it you can't get a decent read on a team in the pre-season. So here are my power rankings for week 2, enjoy.

1: Green Bay Packers
2: New England Patriots
3: Baltimore Ravens
4: New Orleans Saints
5: Houston Texans
6: Indianapolis Colts
7: Pittsburgh Steelers
8: San Diego Chargers
9: Cincinnati Bengals
10: Atlanta Falcons
11: Dallas Cowboys
12: New York Giants
13: Minnesota Vikings
14: Seattle Seahawks
15: New York Jets
16: Kansas City Chiefs
17: San Francisco 49ers
18: Philadelphia Eagles
19: Miami Dolphins
20: Tennessee Titans
21: Arizona Cardinals
22: Chicago Bears
23: Detroit Lions
24: Jacksonville Jaguars
25: Washington Redskins
26: Carolina Panthers
27: Denver Broncos
28: Cleveland Browns
29: Oakland Raiders
30: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
31: St. Louis Rams
32: Buffalo Bills

By: Collin Dakheel
Head Writer/Creator
SportsEyez.com

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.9

Big Ten Football Breakdown

1. Ohio State- Ohio State looked spot on against Marshall. Prior has grown as a player and it shows. He had more control over the ball and took that defense apart. I am looking at Ohio to win big this year. Unless they somehow trip up along the way they are a shoe in for the Big 10.

2. Michigan- What happened to these guys? Ever since 2007 they have just been off the radar. The past two years have been losing seasons and I’m not seeing anything that makes me think they are going to do better. They have a few big names in the works recruiting wise but that won’t help them now. Rich had better turn this team around or he is out after this year. At least that’s how I see it.

3. Michigan State- Michigan State is coming off a losing season, but looking at their early non-conference schedule they can get a few early wins in. They do go up against Notre Dame but that doesn’t mean anything right now. They could easily have a winning season or at least end up 6-6 with a bowl game.

4. Wisconsin- The Badgers can easily have a seven win season. Their non-conference schedule looks to be a breeze. Team that up with what looks to be some easy conference wins, i.e. Northwestern and the likes. An easy run that could become a trip to the Rose bowl if Ohio State slips up.

5. Minnesota- Not everyone can have a great year. I think Minnesota falls into that category in the Big 10. I want to say that depending on the outcome of their USC game will set the tone for the rest of their season.

6. Penn St.- Coming in this year at #19 Penn State has a big challenge in week two. I don’t expect them to come away with a win. With all the other talent around the conference they are up there with the others. I still see them coming in behind Ohio State.

7. Purdue- Based on last year Purdue looks to be the whipping boy of the Big 10. A losing season last year doesn’t make it look good for them this year.

8. Illinois- Someone has to come in last and it most definitely will be a race to the bottom between Purdue and Illinois.

9. Iowa- Iowa is looking good and they are coming off a great season. If they can keep their momentum going in this year they are looking at a solid big 10 finish.

10. Indiana- Maybe Indiana will get lucky this year. With what looks to be an easy non-conference schedule and the games against Purdue and Illinois, they might come out with 6 wins this year.

11. Northwestern- The Wildcats had a decent season last year and they dodge a huge bullet this year by not having to play Ohio State. Now if they can only slip by Iowa, Penn State and Wisconsin.

By: Andrew Wukman

College Football Analyst

SportsEyez.com

PAC-10 Football Breakdown

1. Washington State- Will this be Washington State's to make it back to the glory days of the early 2000’s? Somehow I doubt it. Looking at the numbers they put up last year they shouldn’t be expecting a great season. Last year they managed to come up with one win. They were 0-5 against Top 25 and had to go to overtime to beat SMU. This year they are looking at 3 Top 25 teams along with some who ended last year ranked. In short Washington State is looking at another bad season.

2. Washington- With their pre-season Heisman candidate Jake locker at the helm, Washington seems to be going in the right direction. That would be great if Locker was going to be around for another season or two. Last year the Huskies ended the season 5-7 overall and 2-3 against Top 25 teams. This year looking over their schedule they might have too much to worry about, but in my opinion the biggest team they play will be Nebraska. Honestly if they win that game it would be a winning season in my eyes.

3. Oregon- I never have been a fan of Oregon ever since 2006. But one can’t deny that they have talent. They have been on the radar of the top 25 for the past few years. I like their chances in the Pac-10. Right now there is no one team who look to dominate. I am gonna keep an eye on Oregon this year.

4. Oregon State- While Oregon State didn’t fare so well against top 25 last year, they have a great chance to change the landscape of the BCS games. While they might not look great right now, their next three games can carve the path towards the National Championship.

5. California- Cal had a good year last year and it doesn’t seem to have any major road blocks in their way. They could easily have another 8-5 season and with the way USC’s defense looks they might put a run against Oregon.

6. USC- When last season ended I for sure thought the sports press world’s crush on USC was over. It was a season that was far under the normal standards for a Pete Carroll team to have. Then over the off season, they obtain a new coach along with sanctions handed down keeping them from bowl games. Although the major thing that would hurt them in the polls was the ability for juniors and seniors to transfer with out losing eligibility.

7. UCLA- When was the last time UCLA was a major contender in the Pac-10? Well that doesn’t matter. This year might be the year they take down USC just like 2006.

8. Stanford- Coming off a great year I doubt Stanford will be competing for the Pac-10. While it won’t be a bad season they just don’t have the stuff to make it all the way.

9. Arizona- Nowhere to go but up. Mike Stoops brought a winning attitude with him. He has led the Wildcats to two straight bowl games and will make it a third this year. Looking at their schedule, I would say around 4 to 5 losses.

Arizona State- Arizona State goes up against 4 top 25 teams. They didn’t exactly fare well against the top 35 last year going 0-4. And to the best of my knowledge they haven’t added any weapons to their arsenal.

By: Andrew Wukman

College Football Analyst

SportsEyez.com

Pollard Emerges As Defensive Leader

(AP Photo)

For an athlete that was released by the Kansas City Chiefs and was on the street at the beginning of last season, Texans' Safety Bernard Pollard has come a long way and ascended to the role of defensive leader in Houston.

you will definitely not find a more vocal and outspoken player on either side of the ball than Bernard Pollard. Whether you are and offensive or defensive player, his immense smack talk will reach you on a positive or negative note. At the Texans' Training Camp, you always know where Pollard is. He very much makes his presence known, again both positively and negatively to the recipient of his swagger.

Bernard Pollard holds everyone on the Texan' defense for everything that they do. With the development of Houston's young cornerbacks, this trait of Pollard's has become an invaluable asset. Last season Pollard took over with hard hits and great coverage that yielded him 4 interceptions. Pollard plans to continue his hard-nosed attack on this season's opponents, especially in the hitting department. on SportsRadio610 in Houston, Pollard stated, "if you don't want to give us respect, we'll take it." When asked about the toughness of him and the Texans' defense, Pollard replied, "I'll be the first on to take the fine" and "I promise you I will hit you just to let you know that I'm gonna set the tone, we are gonna set the tone, the Houston Texans' are gonna set the tone."

This passion and this fire has been missing from this team in my opinion. With leaders and attitudes like this, The Houston Texans' defense is going hard to score on this season.

By: Collin Dakheel
Head Writer/Creator
SportsEyez.com

Last Ditch Effort For Clemency?

On Monday, Houston Texans' owner Bob McNair flew to New York City to meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The meeting was a "last ditch" effort for McNair to get his Pro Bowl Linebacker, Brian Cushing, back on the field for week one after being suspended for 4 games for use of performance enhancing drugs.

According to sources, Bob McNair presented new evidence and scientific data to Roger Goodell, that wasn't available to them in the spring, in hopes of getting this suspension reduced or overturned.

After morning practice on Monday, Brian Cushing stated that the new evidence had to deal with "Over-trained Athlete Syndrome", which most people including myself of the sports world have never heard of. But you know what, I'm not a doctor, I can just give my opinion. I guess we will have to wait and see in the coming weeks and see if the water holds with Cushing and McNair's claims.

By: Collin Dakheel
Head Writer/Creator
SportsEyez.com

Houston Texans' Training Camp

(SportsEyez.com Photo)

It was a sweltering hot Sunday just for a sportswriter like myself. Saying that, you can imagine how it was for the gladiators of the grid iron in 95 degree heat and 89% humidity running drills and practice. However, even with the adverse weather conditions, these elite men performed at a high level throughout the practice.

We talked with linebacker Xavier Adibi about his impending increased role with the first team as starting strong side linebacker for the first four games of the regular season. As of now, Adibi looks to be the starter while strong side linebacker Brian Cushing serves his 4 game suspension for a positive PED test last season. When I asked him about being the starter, Adibi replied "I'm definitely ready and it feels good. I love to play ball, it's unfortunate what happened to Cushing that led for me to step up but I'm ready to play ball."

Wide Receiver Andre Johnson did not disappoint as he made his catches with precision and poise. It seemed as though Johnson picked out every discrepancy in the very youthful Houston secondary. Rookie and 1st round pick, CB Kareem Jackson, has been matched up against Andre Johnson and has been burned every time. Defensive leader and Strong Safety Bernard Pollard tells Jackson how and what he is doing wrong in his coverage and at his position. It's great to see Pollard talking to and challenging everyone on the field, both offense and defense. Pollard has clearly emerged as the defensive leader on this team since his acquisition last fall.

The Texans have 6 tight ends at training camp this season, with 2 of them on the Physically Unable to Perform List (PuP). Rookie tight end Garrett Graham has definitely impressed me the most, especially with his catching ability. On Sunday, Graham had an extraordinary one handed catch with his left hand that was over thrown.That kinda of hustle and determination I believe will land him a place on the 53-man roster at the conclusion of training camp.

The Texans from Houston looked sharp all around, poised, and determined for a deep playoff run this season. Keep checking back for more updates.

By: Collin Dakheel
Head Writer/Creator
SportsEyez.com

Manchester United Sticks It To The MLS All Stars

In a crowd of over 70,000 people, the 2010 MLS All Star game was definitely a spectator's delight. With big names and high scoring, the crowd was loud with excitement as Manchester United defeated the MLS All Stars 5-2.

The match was a predicted lop-sider and did not disappoint. Manchester United scored 2 goals in the first half and 3 goals in the second to prove their dominance in the world. Federico Macheda scored the first 2 goals for the Reds and earned himself the game's MVP. Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez also scored a goal in the 84th minute in is Manchester United debut.

This is the largest MLS All Star team loss to date to an international opponent. However, the MLS All Stars did show up in the second half as they netted 2 goals by Brian Ching of the Houston Dynamo and Dewayne De Rosario of Toronto FC. MLS Superstar Landon Donovan didn't hit the pitch until the 74th minute and had little impact on the match.

Hosting Manchester United did a lot for this sport in the United States, but they still have far to go at this point. From the spectator's point though, it was a great match and entertaining till the final whistle.

By: Collin Dakheel
Head Writer/Creator
SportsEyez.com

SportsEyez.com's 2010 MLB All-Star Picks

National League

Catcher - Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants

1st Baseman - Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals

2nd Baseman - Martin Prado, Atlanta Braves

3rd Baseman - Scott Rolen, Cincinnati Reds

Shortstop - Juan Uribe, San Francisco Giants

Outfielders - Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals

Andre Ethier, Los Angeles Dodgers

Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves

Pitchers - Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado Rockies

Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants

Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies

Josh Johnson, Florida Marlins

Heath Bell, San Diego Padres

American League

Catcher - Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins

1st Baseman - Paul Konerko, Chicago White Sox

2nd Baseman - Robinson Cano, New York Yankees

3rd Baseman - Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

Shortstop - Derek Jeter, New York Yankees

Outfielders - Torii Hunter, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers

Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays

Pitchers - Phil Hughes, New York Yankees

Cliff Lee, Seattle Mariners

Clay Buchholz, Boston Red Sox

David Price, Tampa Bay Rays

Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals

By: Collin Dakheel
Head Writer/Creator
SportsEyez.com

Cushing Slapped With 4 Game Suspension For P.E.D.

After losing his appeal on Friday, 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing was suspended by the NFL for violation of the league's Performance Enhancing Drug Policy.

Brian Cushing filed an appeal after being notified of the matter in February, but was rejected on Friday and was notified by the NFL that he will serve a 4 game suspension to start the 2010 regular season. Cushing, who led the Houston Texans in tackling this season with 134, is a devastating loss considering their first 4 opponents and that he is the Texans most versatile defender. Houston opens the season against divison rival and defending AFC Champion Indianapolis Colts, and continue on to face the Redskins, Cowboys, and Raiders.

This news is crushing to everyone in the city of Houston including this writer, who were expecting the Texans to ascend to the next level and contend in the playoffs. Now all we can do is hope that the Texans do not start their season 0-4.

By: Collin Dakheel
Head Writer/Creator
SportsEyez.com

New Deal For Kubiak ?

Reports from the Houston Texans today stated that Texans' owner Bob McNair and head coach Gary Kubiak are negotiating a contract extension that will possibly extend Kubiak to the 2013 season.


Considering that Houston's goal for this season was to ascend to the next level, meaning the playoffs, a long term extension is ludicrous. Kubiak only managed 1 more win than the Texans earned in the previous 2 seasons.

Does coach Kubiak deserve to coach lame duck, of course not. However, I do not think that mediocrity deserves 3 more years either. Extend Kubiak for one season and put coach on the hot seat for the 2010 season, playoffs or the road.


By: Collin Dakheel

Shannahan Leaves Texans, Dennison Takes Over

(Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

After Kyle Shannahan left the Texans to go coach for his father, Mike Shannahan in Washington, the Texans worked fast and hired long time Denver faithful Rick Dennison to be the new Offensive Coordinator.

The 51-year-old coach has spent 25 years in the NFL, both as a coach and a player, all with the Denver Broncos. Dennison worked with Head Coach Gary Kubiak in Denver for 11 seasons. Dennison replace Kubiak as Offensive Coordinator when Kubiak left the Broncos in 2006.

What this move does for Houston is it keeps a very familiar offensive scheme to an already prolific offense led by QB Matt Schaub and WR Andre Johnson. Hopefully the addition of Dennison will also help the Texans get over their regular season humps and finally get into the playoffs.

By: Collin Dakheel

SportsEyez.com's 2009 NFC All-Pro Team

NFC ALL-PRO TEAM

QB - Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

RB - Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

RB - DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers

FB - Leonard Weaver, Philadelphia Eagles

WR - DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles

WR - Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys

TE - Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers

LT - Bryant McKinnie, Minnesota Vikings

LG - Steven Hutchinson, Minnesota Vikings

C - Andre Gurode, Dallas Cowboys

RG - Jahri Evans, New Orleans Saints

RT - Jason Peters, Philadelphia Eagles

DE - Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings

DT - Jay Ratliff, Dallas Cowboys

DT - Kevin Williams, Minnesota Vikings

DE - Julius Peppers, Carolina Panthers

OLB - DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys

MLB - Johnathan Vilma, New Orleans Saints

MLB - Jon Beason, Carolina Panthers

OLB - Anthony Spencer, Dallas Cowboys

CB - Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers

FS - Darren Sharper, New Orleans Saints

SS - Nick Collins, Green Bay Packers

CB - Asante Samuel, Philadelphia Eagles

SportsEyez.com's 2009 AFC All-Pro Team

AFC ALL-PRO Team

QB - Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

RB - Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

RB - Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

FB - Le'Ron McClain, Baltimore Ravens

WR - Andre Johnson, Houston Texans

WR - Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts

TE - Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers

LT - Michael Oher, Baltimore Ravens

LG - Alan Faneca, New York Jets

C - Nick Mangold, New York Jets

RG - Kris Dielman, San Diego Chargers

RT - Eric Winston, Houston Texans

DE - Mario Williams, Houston Texans

DT - Casey Hampton, Pittsburgh Steelers

DT - Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots

DE - Robert Mathis, Indianapolis Colts

OLB - Elvis Dumervil, Denver Broncos

MLB - DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans

MLB - Gary Brackett, Indianapolis Colts

OLB - Brian Cushing, Houston Texans

CB - Darrelle Revis, New York Jets

FS - Jairus Byrd, Buffalo Bills

SS - Michael Griffin, Tennessee Titans

CB - Nnambdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders

SportsEyez.com's 2009 NFL Player Awards

AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year - WR Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year - OLB Brian Cushing, Houston Texans

NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year - WR Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings

NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year - LB/DE Brian Orakpo, Washington Redskins

AFC Comeback Player of the Year - RB Ricky Williams, Miami Dolphins

NFC Comeback Player of the Year - QB Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

AFC Offensive Player of the Year - RB Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

AFC Defensive Player of the Year - OLB Elvis Dumervil, Denver Broncos

NFC Offensive Player of the Year - QB Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

NFC Defensive Player of the Year - CB Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers

Third Times A Charm ?

After a meager effort by the Philadelphia Eagles in Dallas on Sunday, the Eagles get another chance in Cowboys Stadium this Saturday night in the Wild Card Playoffs. The Eagles failed to capitalize on either side of the ball especially on offense, as their two production backs in LeSean McCoy and Leonard Weaver, only netted 2 carries total.

The Cowboys played stellar football and blanked the Eagles for the second time this season. For the Eagles to have a shot this weekend they have to be able to control the line of scrimmage, which they haven't been able to do against this Dallas team this season.

My opinion, Dallas is hot right now and Philly is not. I see Dallas rollin' over the birds for a third time this year and we will see them next weekend versus Minnesota.

By: Collin Dakheel

Chargers Play Titans In Christmas Clash

It wouldn't be Christmas, or any other holiday for that matter, if there wasn't a great sports match up heading your way. Well your Christmas wishes have come true as the Chargers will be taking on the Titans tonight in Nashville at 7:30 EST.

For Tennessee, who sits at 7-7, this game is a win or go home scenario for them to stay alive in the playoff hunt. For San Diego, a win today will clinch them the remaining first round bye in the AFC Playoffs.

Without a doubt both teams will be giving it there best to seal a victory today for their post season fates. That being said, the Titans are surely outmatched in this contest. The Chargers, led by Quarterback Phillip Rivers, are quite possibly playing the best football in the NFL right now and show now signs of slowing down. The Titans will definitely have their hands full today in trying to seal a victory over these current Gods of the gridiron.
By: Collin Dakheel

Texans Fall Short With Missed Field Goal

(AP Photo / AJ Mast)

Well the Houston Texans failed again today, for the 14th time, to put away their AFC South rival in the Indianapolis Colts.

Manning and company took a 13-0 lead in the first half over the Texans. After that it was a Houston affair until the fourth quarter. Matt Schaub and the Texans put up 17 unanswered points and took the lead until midway in the fourth quarter when the Colts capitalized on a Joseph Addai rushing touchdown to retake the lead.

Schaub and the Texans drove down the field late in the fourth quarter to force a game tying field goal with 1 second left in the game. Houston Kicker Kris Brown, who made a 56 yard field goal earlier in the game, missed a 42 yard field goal to the left as time expired.

With this win, the Colts take a staggering four game lead in the AFC South and are frankly in the driver's seat and in charge of their own destiny here on out.

By: Collin Dakheel

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPod touch]

A.J. And The Yankees Hold On For The Win

(Getty Images/Ron Vesely)

After being dealt a knockout blow the night before, New York overcame adversity and stuck it back to Philadelphia in their 3-1 victory over the Phillies in Game 2 of the World Series last night.

A. J. Burnett had a minor hiccup in the 2nd inning as he allowed an RBI single to Matt Stairs to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately that was all she wrote for Philadelphia as Burnett was lights out for the rest of the game as he went 7 innings, allowing 4 hits, and 9 strikeouts.

Yankees were able to capitalize on two long bombs by Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui in the 4th and 6th innings. Jorge Posada had an RBI single in the 7th that sealed the deal for New York as they knotted up the fall classic to a game a piece.

Game 3 of the World Series is set for tomorrow night. Andy Pettitte will start for New York while Cole Hamels will get the start for Philadelphia.

By: Collin Dakheel

Texans Defense Outlast The Cardiac Cats

(Photo / Bill Baptist)















A cohesive collective of great tackling and on the spot decision making hurled the fading Houston Texans past the rising Cincinnati Bengals 28-17 on Sunday.

The Houston defense was the story of the day as they executed with precision and did not allow last minute heroics from Carson Palmer and the Bengals. The Texans defense held the Bengals to 46 rushing yards and less than 300 yards of total offense.

Out of the 11 starters, it was rookie Linebacker Brian Cushing who shined overall. Cushing combined for 9 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception that sealed the win late in the fourth quarter.

The prolific performance of Houston's defense has only shown up to play for two games thus far this season. From week to week, how are we to know which defense will show? The show stoppers in Cincy, or the guys that allowed Running Backs Chris Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew to combine for 431 total yards in weeks 2 and 3?

Either way, the Texans are now 3-3 and can either go north or south from here on the heels of their defense.

By: Collin Dakheel

Brees' Aerial Explosion Leads Saints To A Victory

(AP Photo / Bill Feig)

An aerial onslaught of poise and power launched Drew Brees and the Saints to a 45-27 win over the lackluster Detroit Lions in New Orleans on Sunday.

Brees threw a staggering 26/34 for 358 yards and 6 touchdowns. New Orleans' ground game was extremely effective also, as RB Mike Bell rushed for 143 yards on 28 carries. RB Reggie Bush only rushed for 14 yards on 7 carries. Bush however was one of the many targets that Brees utilized as he caught 5 passes for 55 yards.

Brees connected to 8 different receivers in his week 1 air show, but was preferential to TE Jeremy Shockey in the red zone. Shockey, who didn't catch a single touchdown pass last season, caught 2 of Brees' 6 touchdown throws.

The Saints played extremely well on the offensive side of the ball. With that being said, their success was against the worst team in the NFL last season. Also the Saints defense gave up 231 yards and 27 points. The Saints defense was able to intercept the Lions 3 times, but this was against an unproven, and in my opinion more fit to be a bench quarterback, in Detroit rookie QB Matthew Stafford.

With the Philadelphia Eagles coming up next week, the Saints have a lot of points to improve on both sides of the ball.

By: Collin Dakheel

San Jose Gets Cooked At The Shark Tank

(AP Photo/Ben Margot)

The fading playoff hopes of Mike Modano and the Dallas Stars were halted on Tuesday as they conquered the 1st place Sharks 4-1.

Rookie Left Wing James Neal slapped in two of the four Dallas goals to seal the contest on the road and prevent digging themselves into a farther hole.

Center Joe Thornton scored the only goal for the Sharks and attempted a late comeback but was futile in his efforts.

After this big win on the road, this leaves the Stars one point out of the 8th seed in the Western Conference for the playoffs next month. With this thrust in momentum, hopefully the Stars can run with some "mojo" to the post season.

By: Collin Dakheel

Texans Score Big With Antonio Smith

(Arizona Republic/Dierdre Hamil)

The former Oklahoma State Cowboy said he was excited and thrilled to be a Texan. On Saturday, the Houston Texans signed the Cardinals DE to a 5 year/35 million dollar deal.

After releasing DE Anthony Weaver, Houston was looking for a young and powerful threat to place on the opposite side of Houston DE Mario Williams. In Smith, Houston gets there wish.

In the Super Bowl, Smith recorded 7 tackles and 1 sack.

Smith is also reunited with the Texans new Defensive Coordinator Frank Bush. Bush spent a couple years in Arizona on their staff before coming to Houston two years ago.

This acquisition does leave open the question now of who the Texans will choose with the 15th pick in the 2009 draft as many sports analysts poised the Houston to acquire one of the many talented D-lineman in this draft class. Only time will tell.

By: Collin Dakheel