AFC West: Ray Lewis
Playoff predictor likes Broncos, not Raiders
The two teams are tied for first place in the AFC West at 7-5. Denver has a 61 percent chance to make the playoffs are projected to be the No. 4 seed. Oakland has a 38 percent chance to make the playoffs and is projected to be on the outside looking in. It is exactly how the current standings look. If the playoffs started today, because of tiebreakers, Denver would win the division and the Raiders would not qualify for a wild-card spot.
Oakland entered Week 13 in great shape with a 67 percent chance of making the playoffs, but after getting steamrolled in Miami, the Raiders could be in trouble. Still, Oakland can get right back on track with a big win at 12-0 Green Bay on Sunday.
There is still a quarter of the season remaining. Anything is possible.
In other AFC West nuggets:
Denver quarterback Tim Tebow is earning a nice bonus.
Baltimore expects legendary linebacker Ray Lewis to return from a toe injury that has kept him out for three weeks in Week 15 at San Diego.
The Raiders looked at a couple of linebackers.
Did Tebow get special pre-draft treatment?
AP Photo/Phil SandlinTim Tebow's reworked throwing mechanics were a big story before the draft.“The thing I was more shocked by, is you see all the people who were willing to help him,” Lewis responded. “I don’t know many people who were willing to help other athletes like that. Jon Gruden loved him to death. You see all these people who took out their personal time to really work with him and make this big issue, big issue, big issue. I don’t know why he was any different than anyone else. Every young child has that dream, that same dream that Tebow had. So I don’t know why he was bigger ... than any of the other guys.
“He went to a big program, and, yes, he might be a favorable person, but nobody else in the league, definitely not veteran players, see themselves differently than any other player.
The Broncos visit Baltimore on Oct.10. Lewis indicated he plans to treat Tebow like any other quarterback.
“The target is always simple,” Lewis said. “You play this game for one reason. You play this game to find people’s weaknesses. If he is going to be a target … basically he plays the quarterback position, so, from my position, the target is just hit him in the mouth and keep rolling.”
Meanwhile, Denver coach Josh McDaniels continued to show his enthusiasm over the chance to coach Tebow. He told the Denver Post, Tebow has “it.”
"I think the thing about Tim is what everybody calls the 'it'. There are those kind of people that have that 'it,'" McDaniels said. "When Tom (Brady) came to us in 2001, I wasn't on the offensive side of the ball, but I can remember the feeling in the building was that he had something that nobody else had ... and how strongly he felt that ultimately he would be a great player. It was obviously apparent in subsequent seasons.”
What do I think about all of this?
I think Tebow is even a more polarizing figure that I had thought he was on the night he was drafted two weeks ago. It is going to be fascinating to see how his NFL career develops. It is clear the NFL world is watching.
Dawkins appointed to advisory forum
Dawkins joins a player advisory forum along with Baltimore’s Ray Lewis and Arizona’s Kurt Warner. Former NFL coach Tony Dungy will lead it.
The forum will provide input to Goodell on polices, programs and issues that affect players in all aspects of life, the league said in a release.
Dawkins, in his first season with Denver, has long been known for his leadership on and off the field. He is one of the most respected players in the league, so this appointment appears fitting.
» NFC Final Word: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 8:
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| Kirby Lee/US Presswire | |
| The Chargers will be looking to attack Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha on Sunday. |
Broncos know they are in for a fight: The Broncos are about to face one of their most physical opponents of the season at Baltimore on Sunday. It will be a huge challenge for Josh McDaniels’ 6-0 team. McDaniels has gained a reputation early in his head-coaching career for preparing well for opponents. All week, he has been readying his troops for a smash-mouth affair Sunday. Let’s see how Denver, who has answered every challenge this season, handles the physical Ravens.
Will the Chargers bring out the best in the Raiders again? The Raiders played arguably their best game of the season in Week 1 when they hosted San Diego on "Monday Night Football." The Raiders beat up San Diego. It seemed every other play a Charger was on the grass in pain. Oakland looked like it was going to be a potential playoff contender in the game despite losing in the final seconds. Since then, the Raiders have been blown out four times. Perhaps the Chargers will inspire Oakland again. But, last season, the Raiders played San Diego tough early in the season at home before being blown out by the Chargers in San Diego later in the season.
Will the Chargers bring the house against J-Russ? The Chargers ignited their anemic pass rush by using the safety blitz extensively against the Chiefs last Sunday. It will be interesting to see if San Diego continues to use the same plan to mess with Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who will be fighting to keep his starting job. Russell hasn’t reacted well to surprise attacks, so the Chargers may want to unleash the safeties again.
Ray Lewis could have been a Bronco: When free agency started, the Broncos were connected to both Philadelphia safety Brian Dawkins and Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis. The Broncos immediately went after Dawkins and signed him. The Lewis talks never really took off and he ended up back in Baltimore. Dawkins has been a major part of Denver’s resurgent defense and Lewis is playing well for the Ravens. It would have been interesting to see Dawkins and Lewis together on the same team. But we’ll just have to settle for seeing them on the same field Sunday.
San Diego's late magic runs out
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| Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE | |
| San Diego running back Darren Sproles and the rest of the Chargers just couldn’t escape Ray Lewis and Baltimore’s red zone defense. |
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
SAN DIEGO -- Last week, the Chargers won in the final seconds on a running play deep in enemy territory, salvaging a game in which they didn’t play very well.
Sunday, the Chargers lost in the final seconds on a running play deep in enemy territory to ruin a game in which they played very well.
It's shaping up to be another weird season in San Diego.
But don’t get on the Chargers for stumbling out of the gate after their 31-26 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in a physical, terrifically played game. This was a stiff test for San Diego, considering all of the firepower it had sitting on the bench with injuries. The Chargers would have had to play perfectly in key spots to beat the bruising Ravens.
Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis made the perfect play, stealing the limelight from Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, who played a brilliant game.
On a day when Rivers threw for a career-high 436 yards on 25-of-45 passing, the game came down to a running play.
On fourth down and 2 with 37 seconds remaining and San Diego at the Baltimore 15, coach Norv Turner called for a running play. In about the time it took Rivers to hand off the ball to Darren Sproles -- who started in place of LaDainian Tomlinson, who has an ankle injury -- Lewis had Sproles on the ground for a five-yard loss, securing a Baltimore victory.
“It was a great play,” Rivers said. “He made a great play.”
Last week, San Diego beat Oakland on a five-yard run by Sproles in the final seconds. The play was put in the Chargers' playbook just days before the opener.
Rivers said the play on Sunday, although it was an inside handoff to Sproles just like last week’s game-winner, was a "totally” different play. He said the goal was just to get a first down and give the Chargers a new set of downs.
“If Sproles broke it or got three yards, it would have been a perfect play,” Rivers said. "You can’t throw, throw, throw.”
The abrupt loss could cause some concern for San Diego because it is in the middle of a tough early stretch with several health issues. San Diego plays host to Miami next week before heading to Pittsburgh, where its season ended in January in the divisional playoffs.
In addition to Tomlinson, the Chargers played without center Nick Hardwick (ankle) and guard Louis Vasquez (knee) on offense against the Ravens, who offered the makeshift line a healthy dose of blitz packages. Defensively, the Chargers began life without defensive tackle Jamal Williams. He was put on injured reserve Saturday with a triceps injury.
If San Diego is going to avoid a third straight slow start under Norv Turner, it will have to do so in adverse conditions. San Diego began the 2007 season 5-5 and began last season 4-8. Winning streaks to end both seasons resulted in AFC West division titles.
Here are other key issues from Sunday’s game:
Red-zones woes: Rivers said while the Chargers’ final offensive play will be remembered for the loss, there were several other miscues that cost San Diego.
Many of the problems persisted in the red zone. The Chargers had no problem getting inside the Ravens’ 20-yard line. They just didn’t do much when they were in it. San Diego had to settle for four field goals after stalling in the red zone.
According to ESPN’s Stats and Information, Rivers’ passer rating was 39.6 in the red zone. It was 95.5 out of it. Rivers threw for 432 yards outside of the red zone and four inside of it.
The Chargers were called for delay of game twice inside the Ravens’ 10, including once at the Ravens’ 1. San Diego had to settle for field goals on both drives.
“When you do those things it makes it tough on you,” Turner said.
Those are simply inexcusable penalties. That has to be fixed.
The call at the end of the first half: It was the type of decision that will fuel talk radio until the kickoff of the Miami game next week.
With 10 seconds to go in the half and Baltimore leading 21-13, Turner opted to kick a field goal on third and goal from the five instead of taking one more shot for a touchdown that could have resulted in a tie score at the half.
Rivers defended his coach’s call. Baltimore was blitzing on nearly every play and had Rivers been sacked or forced into throwing an interception (he was picked off twice), the Chargers wouldn’t have gotten any points. So Turner chose to take the easy field goal and cut the lead to five points.
“You have to do that there,” Rivers said.
I see the reasoning, but offensive plays are at a premium in the NFL. I’m not a Turner basher (there’s enough of those), but he had a hot quarterback. You have to try to score there, even if it’s a totally safe play. I’m just not a big fan of taking the ball out of the hands of a talented player like Rivers.
Defensive breakdown: The Chargers have to tighten up their defense. Overall, it has been solid and it has had many key stops in the first two games.
But for the second straight game, it allowed a long touchdown on what appeared to be broken coverage.
Baltimore confused San Diego’s secondary on a 27-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to Kelley Washington late in the first half. Last week, Oakland took the lead with less than three minutes to go from 54 yards out on a broken defensive play on fourth down and 14.
With Williams out, the Chargers are going to have to get creative on defense. They can’t help the opponent with mental breakdowns. Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera has said concentration in the game will be a key this year, and it is already becoming one of the team’s biggest issues.
Merriman injured: San Diego star linebacker Shawne Merriman sat out the final two defensive series with a groin injury, he said.
“It tightened up on me and they wouldn’t let me play,” Merriman said. "It shouldn’t be a problem [for the Miami game].”
Merriman, who missed all but one game last season with a knee injury, had one assisted tackle. He said he is still a few weeks away from being at full strength. Merrirman got close to sacking Flacco once.
With the Chargers dealing with another early defeat and massive injury issues, the last thing this team needs is Merriman on the sideline in key situations.
Rapid Reaction: Ravens 31, Chargers 26
SAN DIEGO – In the end, Darren Sproles had no chance.
The Chargers fought and scrapped all game. But the game ended with future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis engulfing the tiny Sproles on a fourth-and-two deep in Baltimore’s territory in the final seconds. Lewis smelled out the call and blew right through San Diego’s line.
So, on a day when Philip Rivers threw for a career-high 436 yards, the Chargers lost on a running play.
The Chargers played undermanned all game. They played without 40 percent of their offensive line, star tailback LaDainian Tomlinson and star defensive tackle Jamal Williams, who is out for the season.
San Diego fell behind by 12 points, but it fought back and it was on the verge of winning its second straight comeback game in six days.
But the Chargers couldn’t make the final play.
With all of its injuries, San Diego may have to fight all season long. Sunday, it just didn’t have enough fight to finish another comeback.
San Diego's offensive line is being challenged
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
SAN DIEGO -- The Ravens’ pass rush is starting to wear down San Diego’s makeshift offensive line.
The pressure is becoming constant. A Ray Lewis blitz just caused San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers to make a terrible play. Rivers tried to get rid of the ball instead of taking a sack deep in his own territory. But the ball was intercepted and the Ravens took over at the San Diego 30.
The Ravens took advantage of the miscue and scored a touchdown. They now lead 28-16.
Son Diego is now in catch-up mode. But it will have a difficult time passing the ball if the Ravens continues to harass Rivers. San Diego is playing without center Nick Hardwick (ankle) and guard Louis Vasquez (knee).
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Here is a look at what each team in the AFC West needs to do as free agency moves forward:
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The Broncos have agreed to terms with eight free agents and one restricted free agent. They had a deal with running back J.J. Arrington but that contract had a glitch and the two sides continue to talk. The Broncos are also talking to running back Derrick Ward because of the Arrington situation.
The Broncos have been incredibly busy and with the Jay Cutler situation percolating, free agency may now take a back seat while the Broncos try to figure out how to solve the Cutler problem.
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The Chiefs made a huge splash by acquiring quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel in a trade with New England. Yet, the team has plenty of salary cap room and major needs on defense.
Players like San Diego defensive end Igor Olshansky, Jacksonville linebacker Mike Peterson and Tampa Bay defensive tackle Jovan Haye could be possible players the team goes after.
The Raiders don't have a load of money but they have some needs.
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They have discussed tackles Khalif Barnes and Marvel Smith and are reportedly going to visit with Dallas linebacker Kevin Burnett. Unlike, last year Oakland is looking at bargain players.
A player like Smith would be perfect because he can play both play right and left tackle. Oakland is looking for help at both spots and it would like to fill the holes in both free agency and in the draft.
The Chargers have been extremely quiet in free agency.
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There a couple of big names would could fit if the situation was right. If Baltimore's Ray Lewis' price tag goes way down, he'd be an intriguing fit and if Marvin Harrison can't get a starting job, he'd be a nice fit as the No. 3 receiver in San Diego. But these fits may be difficult because of circumstances.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Expect potential movement in the LaDainian Tomlinson restructuring talks early in the week. Both sides want to get to a resolution. If Tomlinson doesn't a new deal, he will likely be cut.
If San Diego cuts Tomlinson it will likely need to find a veteran to pair with Darren Sproles. One potential candidate is Derrick Ward. The Giants' free agent is making the rounds and he will visit Denver on Sunday. Ward would be a good fit with Denver which has already signed veterans Correll Buckhalter and J.J. Arrington. However, the Denver Post is reporting that there is a glitch in the Arrington deal. The two sides are trying to rework it.
The Broncos are visiting with cornerback Andre Goodman Saturday and Sunday. The Broncos still have a need at cornerback.
The Denver Post quotes both Jay Cutler and Denver coach Josh McDaniels on the trade talks involving Cutler. McDaniels said the talks are dead. Cutler doesn't seem to believe so. A source close to the situation maintains Saturday night that Cutler wants to be moved in light of the Cassel trade talks.
The Baltimore Sun reported Friday that Ray Lewis is on Denver's radar. The Broncos have been very intense in their pursuit of free agents.
Oakland offensive lineman Cooper Carlisle is visiting Tampa Bay. Oakland is still interested in re-signing Carlisle.
No unrestricted free agents from an AFC West team has either re-signed with his club or with a new club. Denver is the only team in the division to sign anyone since fee agency started.
Broncos sign RBs; Dawkins to visit
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
The Broncos are moving fast in free agency but it's not on the defensive side of the ball. Yet.
The team has agreed to four-year contracts with running backs J.J. Arrington and Correll Buckhalter. Denver has also agreed to a five-year deal with former New England long-snapper Lonie Paxton.
Paxton signed a $5.3 million deal, making him the second-highest paid long-snapper in the league. This spells the end for steady Mike Leach, who was a staple in the Mike Shanahan era.
The fast signings show two things of the new Josh McDaniels era in Denver. First, he loves his offense.
With gaping holes on the defensive side of the ball, McDaniels first addressed the offense. It also says he is staying with his Patriots roots. In addition to Paxton, Denver has interest in receiver Jabar Gaffney and defensive tackle Mike Wright of New England.
Buckhalter, 30, could be Denver's starting running back but expect Ryan Torain and Peyton Hillis to get a chance to play as well, if they can stay healthy. Arrington will be a third-down back and a returner.
Denver has been very active setting up visits in the early stages of free agency. Most of the players the team is pursuing are bargain-priced players.
However, that could change. The NFL Network is reporting Philadelphia safety Brian Dawkins is on his way for a visit to Denver and the Baltimore Sun is reporting that linebacker Ray Lewis could be on Denver's radar.
Both Dawkins and Lewis would fit in Denver if the team wants to spend. The Broncos have needs at both spots and both players would give a needed dose of leadership to a young defense that is searching for an identity. Also, Lewis played for new Denver defensive coordinator Mike Nolan in Baltimore.
Will Dawkins or Lewis end up in Denver? We know the Broncos are willing to spend. Now, let's see how much.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Most recent salary cap availability: $15.7 million.
How can they get more cap room: The Chargers' biggest issue revolves around the contract of running back LaDainian Tomlinson. The team is working on trying to come to an agreement on a restructured deal with Tomlinson that will keep him in San Diego. If Tomlinson, who has already said he is open to redoing his deal, balks, the Chargers will likely cut him. He is due more than $8 million this season. The Chargers should be able to get Tomlinson redone and then likely put the franchise tag on running back/return man Darren Sproles and try to work on a long-term deal with star quarterback Philip Rivers who is a free agent after next season. There will not be a lot of room left but a new deal for Tomlinson coupled with a few minor veteran tweaks could give the Chargers plenty of room they need. Safety Clinton Hart could be a candidate to be cut. The Chargers may add a couple of reasonably priced veteran free agents.
Biggest free agency needs: Linebacker, safety, defensive line, guard, running back.
Dream date: Ray Lewis, linebacker, Baltimore Ravens.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Weekend mail call:
Dan from San Diego: Do you think LT would ever accept a pay cut? Aren't there bonuses for when a player reaches certain milestones in a season? What if those were added/increased along with a pay cut?
BW: I could see the two sides coming to an agreement on a restructured contract. Nearly every player gets one at some point. Tomlinson said he wants to stay and if he truly wants to stay it might have to come with a pay cut. But there are always bonuses and incentives that are written into deals so players can recoup some money.
Brian: What do you think of Dre Bly? I think he didn't do that bad this year considering he had champ on the other side. if teams have to choose between champ and dre they are going to chose dre. lots of people are saying he needs to go somewhere else. what do you think?
BW: Bly actually played very well when Champ Bailey missed about half the season with a torn groin. Clearly, Bailey is the better player and Bly does get targeted when Bailey is on the field, but he did fine this season.
Erik: Hey bill, I'm a diehard raider fan and i was wondering what are the chances the raiders finally give Asomugha a long term contract that he deserves, and do u think he would take it. I would hate to see him go like woodson did.
BW: I think that is up to Asomugha. He has given hints that he is tiring of the losing. I think he is franchised one more time.
Cliff: Whats the chances we say Ray Lewis in a chiefs uniform next year? It would be awesome to see #52 flying around in red
BW: Lewis will want to go to a winner. I would be surprised if Kansas City appeals to him.
J from New York: What are the chances the broncos could land Rey Maualuga with the 12th pick or will he be gone by then?
BW: I think he will be one of the targets. He'd be a perfect fit for Denver. It needs an impact player and he is one. I think he will probably be picked right in the area where Denver picks. It has the 12th pick so yes, I think it is realistic.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
A look at the AFC West Pro Bowl breakdown where each team is sending two players to Hawaii:
Denver Broncos: The Broncos are sending quarterback Jay Cutler and receiver Brandon Marshall. This is likely the first of several trips for this third-year pass-catch combination.
Both players deserved the honor. Cutler is a backup and Marshall will start.
One Denver player, tackle Ryan Clady, was snubbed. Clady has given up half a sack and he has shut out superstars Joey Porter, John Abraham and Julius Peppers this season. It is difficult for rookies to get noticed, especially at a not-so-high-profile position. But Clady needed to go.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have a Pro Bowl player for each of their two victories.
Veterans tight end Tony Gonzalez and guard Brian Waters are going. The selection of Gonzalez was a no-brainer. He has 84 catches and is playing as well as he ever has in his 12-season career. He is starting in the game. Waters is not a major stretch, either. The only reason I thought he wouldn't go is because the Chiefs are having such a poor season. But Waters is having a solid season and he is deserving of a backup role.
Oakland Raiders: Nnamdi Asomugha received his just due. Finally.
Asomugha is a starting cornerback in the Pro Bowl.
And it was no gift. Asomugha has been a premier shutdown cornerback all season. He has given up just a handful of passes this season. He is a bright spot for the 3-11 Raiders. With Champ Bailey missing the past seven games with a groin injury, Asomugha was able to capitalize.
Oakland punter Shane Lechler also went in. This is a solid call. Lechler is an elite player at his position. Oakland linebacker Kirk Morrison is second in the AFC in tackles but there was little chance he would beat out Ray Lewis or James Farrior. Morrison could be setting himself up for a Pro Bowl berth in seasons to come.
San Diego Chargers: There is where some of the surprises are.
Quarterback Philip Rivers was snubbed. However, expect rivers to end up in Hawaii. He is the No. 1 alternate in the AFC. Brett Favre was voted in but he rarely goes to the game, so expect Rivers to get the nod. He needs to be there. He is leading the NFL in passer rating and he has been outstanding much of the season.
The Chargers are sending guard Kris Dielman and tight end Antonio Gates. Dielman is a starter and Gates is an alternate. It isn't a great year for guard play and while Gates has been rusty for much of the season because of offseason toe surgery, it's not a stretch to see him back in Hawaii.
Some in San Diego will be upset that defensive tackle Jamal Williams didn't make it, but it was a strong season at the position and Williams started slow. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson is a third alternate. He is having a down season but so is the rest of the AFC running back class. He probably deserved to be a higher alternate.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
