Madden 2010 Simulation Project

[cincy5885]

Preseason Week 1

Thursday August 13, 2009

Schedule
7:30PM Patriots @ Eagles
7:30PM Redskins @ Ravens
8:00PM Cardinals @ Steelers
**10:00PM Cowboys @ Raiders**

Free Agent Signings
Here's a list of all the recent free agent signings around the NFL

Bears signed (WR) Plaxico Burress to 1 year deal worth $6.6M

Bills signed (LT) Levi Jones to 1 year deal worth $7.19M

Broncos signed (K) Matt Stover to 1 year deal worth $1.95M

Chiefs signed (DT) Dewayne Robertson to 1 year deal worth $3.91M

Colts signed (ROLB) Derrick Brooks to 1 year deal worth $2.55M

Cowboys signed (SS) Rodney Harrison to 1 year deal worth $5.31M

Eagles signed (LOLB) Greg Ellis to 1 year deal worth $3.00M

Jets signed (K) John Carney to 1 year deal worth $2.13M

Packers signed (P) Todd Sauerbrun to 1 year deal worth $890K

Raiders signed (WR) Marvin Harrison to 1 year deal worth $5.20M

Ravens signed (CB) Chris McAllister to 1 year deal worth $7.87M

[cincy5885]

Preseason Week 1

Thursday August 13, 2009

Headlines

[CHI] Burress Returns
Plaxico Burress will be making his NFL return in a Chicago Bears uniform. Burress; (86ovr) age 32, will be coming in to assist a young and unproven wide receiver group.

The Bears selected two wide receivers in this year's NFL draft. Juaquin Iglesias (69ovr) in the third round out of Oklahoma and Johnny Knox (62ovr) in the fifth from Abilene Christian. Adding to a group headed by Devin Hester; (72ovr) the incredible return specialist, who had a career high of 51 receptions. However, Hester was not much of a presence in the redzone; he had just two receiving touchdowns in 2008.

There is also a big question mark next to Earl Bennett's name (72ovr). Bennett a 2007 third round pick from Vanderbilt did not see the field his rookie year.

Pick Analysis:

Burress was premiere receiver in the NFL in his younger days. He is most likely not the same elite athlete he once was, but he should be a solid piece for Chicago to build around. Burress at age 32 should have a couple more good years of solid production in the NFL and should be the Bears' No.1 receiver from day one.

Tight end Greg Olsen was the main redzone target last season with 5 receiving touchdowns. With Burress's large frame (6'5" 226lbs) he should give quarterback Jay Cutler another reliable target to throw to in the redzone.

The arrival of Plaxico should also take a lot of the pressure to perform off of the younger guys like Earl Bennett; who would have been expected to start this season. Bennett along with the two rookies should now see more of a slot receiver; limited playing type role.

Plaxico on paper looks like a perfect fit in Chicago if he can still perform at a high enough level.

[OAK] Raiders Do It Again
A lot of the football world was stunned as they watched the Oakland Raiders select wide receiver Darius Heyward Bey (76ovr) over Michael Crabtree (84ovr) in the first round of this year's NFL draft.

Well they did it again. Shocking everyone in the NFL with the acquisition of wide receiver Marvin Harrison. Harrison was believed to be retiring after he was unable to reach a new contract with the Colts this past offseason. The 1 year deal worth $5.21M brought a seemingly dying career back to life.

Like a lot of these early preseason deals; Harrison will be bringing a lot of experience to a group of young athletes in Oakland.

Pick Analysis:

There aren't many successful 37 year old wide receivers in the NFL. The addition of Harrison definitely won't hurt the Raiders, but anyone who is expecting big numbers from Harrison this year don't hold your breathe. Oakland's best bet is the development of either Darius Heyward Bey or 4th round selection Louis Murphy (71ovr) from Florida.

[BAL] McAllister Will Finish a Raven?
Baltimore was finally able to make a deal with their former 1999 1st round draft pick Chris McAllister (86ovr). It came at a price though; a contract worth $7.87M over the course of one year, the most expensive deal this preseason. The cornerback will pair with Dominique Foxworth (82ovr); an offseason addition from the Atlanta Falcons.

McAllister will be entering his 11th season with the Ravens at age 32; he has recorded 25 career interceptions with the Ravens. McAllister was quoted saying that he has high hopes for the team and is happy to be in the position he is in; he hopes to retire as a Raven.

Ask the Fans
We want you to weigh in with your opinions on the topic

Who will have the better season? Harrison or Burress

[cincy5885]

Preseason Week 1

Thursday August 13, 2009

Earlier Game Results
Patriots 35, Eagles 23


Top Performers:
K.Kolb- QB rating 128.2, 10/17, 155 yds, 2TDs, 0INT
L.Maroney- 22 att, 101 yds, 2 TDs, 4 rec, 31 yds, 1 TD (3 total TDs)
R.Brown- 3 rec, 44 yards, 1 TD

T.Bruschi- 9 tackles
M.Patterson- 6 tackles, 2 sacks
Q.Demps- 1 tackle, 1 int, 1 def TD

Scoring Summary
1st quarter (NE) L.Maroney 1 yard pass from T.Brady (S.Gostowski kick) 7-0 (2:39)

2nd quarter (NE) D.Thomas 2 yard run (S.Gostowski kick) 14-0 (6:06)
2nd quarter (PHI) D.Akers, 43 yard field goal 14-3 (0:59)

3rd quarter (PHI) Q.Demps, returned interception 71 yards (D.Akers kick) 14-10 (13:39)
3rd quarter (NE) L.Maroney, 20 yard run (S.Gostowski kick) 21-10 (10:53)
3rd quarter (PHI) R.Brown 8 yard pass from K.Kolb (two-point conversion failed) 21-16 (6:22)
3rd quarter (NE) L.Maroney, 32 yard run (S.Gostowski kick) 28-16

4th quarter (PHI) L.McCoy 17 yard pass from K.Kolb (D.Akers kick) 28-23 (4:21)
4th quarter (NE) G.Lewis 13 yard pass from K.O'Connell (S.Gostowski kick) 35-23 (0:54)




Ravens 17, Redskins 3



Top Performers:
W.McGahee- 13 att, 82 yards, 1 TD

R.Lewis- 9 tackles
C.McAllister- 1 tackle, 1 int, 1 def TD

Scoring Summary
1st quarter (WAS) S.Suisham, 34 yard field goal 0-3 (11:13)

2nd quarter (BAL) C.McAllister, returned interception 62 yards (S.Hauschka kick) 7-3 (8:14)

3rd quarter (BAL) S.Hauschka, 42 yard field goal 10-3 (4:07)

4th quarter (BAL) W.McGahee, 46 yard run (S.Hauschka kick) 17-3 (9:06)



Cardinals 23, Steelers 17


Top Performers:
B.Roethlisberger- QB rating 128.7, 10/11, 84 yds, 1 TD, 0INT
M.Leinart- QB rating 97.1, 11/21, 99 yds, 2 TDs, 0INT
E.Doucet- 3 rec, 36 yards, 2 TDs

J.Farrior- 9 tackles
J.Harrison- 8 tackles, 1 sack
A.Francisco- 7 tackles, 2 ints



Scoring Summary
1st quarter (ARI) N.Rackers, 49 yard field goal 3-0 (9:32)
1st quarter (PIT) S.Holmes 3 yard pass from B.Roethlisberger (J.Reed kick) 3-7 (1:55)

2nd quarter (ARI) N.Rackers, 25 yard field goal 6-7 (5:43)
2nd quarter (PIT) J.Reed, 43 yard field goal 6-10 (0:08)

3rd quarter (PIT) S.McDonald 42 yard pass from C.Batch (J.Reed kick) 6-17 (7:07)

4th quarter (ARI) E.Doucet 13 yard pass from M.Lienart (two-point conversion failed) 12-17 (10:22)
4th quarter (ARI) E.Doucet 19 yard pass from M.Lienart (2PT) 20-17 (5:38)
4th quarter (ARI) N.Rackers, 34 yard field goal 23-17 (0:47)

Injury Report

[ARI] Cardinals (WR) Steve Breaston (79ovr) will miss 2 weeks with a torn shoulder labrum
[BAL] Ravens (LE) Trevor Pryce (83ovr) will miss 2 weeks with a dislocated ankle
[BAL] Ravens (C) Chris Chester (78ovr) will miss 5 weeks with a herniated disk

[SF] 49ers (CB) Walt Harris (76ovr) suffered an injury to his knee; injury is still to be determined

News

[OAK] QB Battle
Oakland just made recent headlines with the signing of wide receiver Marvin Harrison, but now attention is being directed onto who will be throwing to Harrison. Yes that is right ladies and gentleman there is a quarterback battle brewing in Oakland. After mediocre passing statistics and little success in the wins department. The pressure in finding a quarterback that will help the Raiders win is now higher than ever. The candidates are Jamarcus Russell (72ovr), Jeff Garcia (75ovr), and Andrew Walter (57ovr).

Jamarcus Russell the 2007 first overall pick is currently taking the majority of the first team snaps this offseason, and is expected to make the start against the Cowboys later tonight. However, veteran Jeff Garcia has also looked good and has the potential to beat out Russell as the starter. Russell does have age going form, he is only entering his 3rd NFL season and Garcia is 39 years old. So if things get close Oakland will likely just stick with the younger arm that they spent multi-millions on. We are not saying Russell is a shoe in, it is still any ones race to win. The Raiders want wins and if they think Jeff Garcia gives them the best chance to win then you can expect to see Garcia taking the field on Sundays for Oakland.

[cincy5885]

Game to Watch

Raiders 23, Cowboys 7

Top Performers:
J.Garcia- QB rating 91.2, 10/15, 141 yards, 1 TD, 1INT
M.Barber- 10 att, 89 yards
J.Fargas- 9 att, 52 yards
L.Murphy- 3 rec, 77 yards, 1 TD

D.Ware- 5 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack
T.Kelly- 3 tackles, 1 sack
Nnamdi Asomugha- 3 tackles, 2 ints, 1 def TD

Scoring Summary
1st quarter (DAL) J.Phillips 4 yard pass from T.Romo (N.Folk kick) 0-7 (2:33)

2nd quarter (OAK) S.Janikowski, 24 yard field goal 3-7 (3:40)

3rd quarter (OAK) L.Murphy 45 yard pass from J.Garcia (S.Janikowski kick) 10-7 (4:00)
3rd quarter (OAK) N.Asomugha, returned interception 24 yards (S.Janikowski kick) 17-7 (0:22)

4th quarter (OAK) S.Janikowski, 20 yard field goal 20-7 (2:33)
4th quarter (OAK) S.Janikowski, 24 yard field goal 23-7 (0:00)

Overview
Dallas came out and looked sharp on offense with Tony Romo and Marion Barber driving down the field at will early on. However, that all changed after the 1st quarter, after Romo went out there was little production in the passing game and the weight was put on Barber's shoulders. Barber carried that load pretty good breaking tackles and running hard with almost 90 total yards on the ground in the first half.

Other than Barber looking really good the Cowboys team struggled. Jon Kitna came in and threw 3 int; two to cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

Oakland had some really bright spots in their offensive game. A lot of there 2nd teamers came in and lit up the scoreboard. Jeff Garcia played a great game and was almost perfect except for the 1 interception he threw to Gerald Sensabaugh in the endzone. Garcia was a confident leader finding his favorite target Louis Murphy who made more noise tonight than counterparts Darius Heyward Bey and Marvin Harrison; who both couldn't manage to haul in one measly catch. Justin Fargas also managed to capitalize on the night after a disappointing performance by Darren McFadden, Fargas seemed like the better of the two backs.

Oakland has a lot of decisions coming up in the coming weeks. Expect to see Jeff Garcia take the field next week against the opposing teams number one's. Also, expect to see Fargas's carries to go up especially if McFadden has another sloppy performance like this one. Sorry Oakland it looks like you might have to wait another year to see your younger drafted players perform if Jeff Garcia and Justin Fargas have anything to say about it.

[cincy5885]

Preseason Week 1

Friday August 14, 2009

Schedule
**7:00PM Rams @ Jets**
7:30PM Vikings @ Colts
8:00PM Bengals @ Saints
10:00PM Broncos @ 49ers

News

[NYJ] Rookie Quarterback to Make the Start
Mark Sanchez (78ovr) has been taking most of the preseason snaps in mini camps and practices and is expected to start against the Rams later on tonight. The first round draft pick will have his advantages and disadvantages going into the 2008 season if he does end up becoming the starter for the Jets.

Advantages:
1)One of the best offensive lines in the NFL
2)A good running duo with Thomas Jones (90ovr) and Leon Washington (79ovr)
3) A weak St. Louis defensive squad to go up against in his first preseason game

Disadvantages:
1)He will be throwing to a lacking receiver group with Jericho Cotchery (81ovr) and Chansi Stuckey (67ovr) being all New York has to work with in terms of starting wide receivers.
2)A tight end with great upside Dustin Keller (77ovr) is only entering his 2nd season and has not become a reliable option at tight end in this point of his career
3)Sanchez is a rookie! Sanchez like any other rookie quarterback will not be perfect and will make plenty of mistakes.

[cincy5885]

Game to Watch

Rams 14, Jets 9

Top Performers:
M.Bulger- QB rating 148.6, 5/6, 61 yards, 1TD,0INT
J.Cotchery- 4 rec, 76 yards

O.Atogwe- 7 tackles
A.Carriker- 4 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks

Scoring Summary
1st quarter (STL) K.Burton 37 yard pass from M.Bulger (J.Brown kick) 7-0 (0:12)

2nd quarter (NYJ) J.Carney , 31 yard field goal 7-3 (3:19)
2nd quarter (STL) A.Carriker, returned interception 26 yards (J.Brown kick) 14-3 (1:52)
2nd quarter (NYJ) J.Carney, 21 yard field goal 14-6 (0:37)

3rd quarter (NYJ) J.Feely, 21 yard field goal 14-9 (1:24)

4th quarter NO SCORE

Overview
Mark Sanchez's play was anything but spectacular in the first half. Sanchez was very inconsistent one drive he would complete six consecutive passes, the next he would throw an interception in the redzone. Then he would complete a beautiful pass to Jericho Cotchery for 24 yards. His performance would have been average if it weren't for all the turnovers he produced 2 interceptions and 1 fumble. He often held on to the ball to long and made poor inaccurate throws that cost the Jets points.

Adam Carriker was a force to be reckoned with in the first half and Mark Sanchez's worst nightmare. Carriker had 2 sacks on Sanchez one in which he managed to jar the ball loose. He not only reeked havoc in the back field but he managed to return a tipped pass for a touchdown. Making Sanchez's first NFL experience an unpleasant one.

The Rams didn't have much excitement on offense the only big play of the game for them was a 37 yard pass to second year man Keenan Burton for a touchdown. However, the Rams defense was a whole different story they came out and played well creating 4 sacks, forcing 3 interception, and getting a score of their own up on the board. The Rams also created three impressive redzone stops and a turnover on downs late in the fourth when the Jets were driving down the field for the go ahead win.

[cincy5885]

Preseason Week 1

Friday August 14, 2009


Game Results
Vikings 20, Colts 17

Top Performers:
S.Rosenfels- QB rating 96.9, 11/16, 144 yards, 0TD, 0INT
A.Peterson- 13 att, 71 yards, 1TD
N.Tahi- 10 att, 75 yards, 1TD
J.Kleinsasser- 9 rec, 78 yards

B.Sanders- 7 tackles, 1 TFL
C.Greenway- 6 tackles, 2 sacks
G.Brackett- 6 tackles, 1 int
R.Brock- 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF

Scoring Summary
1st quarter (MIN) A.Peterson, 1 yard run (R.Longwell kick) 7-0 (9:59)

2nd quarter (IND) R.Wayne 5 yard pass from P.Manning (A.Vinatieri kick) 7-7 (14:25)
2nd quarter (MIN) R.Longwell, 38 yard field goal 10-7 (9:00)
2nd quarter (MIN) N.Tahi, 37 yard run (R.Longwell) 17-7 (4:02)

3rd quarter (IND) A.Vinatieri, 44 yard field goal 17-10 (9:05)

4th quarter (IND) A.Gonzalez 10 yard pass from J.Sorgi (A.Vinatieri kick) 17-17 (3:33)
4th quarter (MIN) R.Longwell, 26 yard field goal 20-17 (0:25)


Saints 37, Bengals 12

Top Performers:
D.Brees- QB rating 129.7, 18/29, 289 yard, 3TDs, 0INT
S.Green- 4 rec, 26 yards, 1 TD
J.Shockey- 4 rec, 57 yards, 2 TDs

S.Fujita- 8 tackles, 1 sack
R.Harper-5 tackles, 1 FF
W.Smith- 5 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 FF
C.Grant- 6 tackles, 3 sacks

Scoring Summary
1st quarter (NO) G.Hartley, 29 yard field goal 3-0 (11:21)
1st quarter (CIN) S.Graham, 32 yard field goal 3-3 (8:32)

2nd quarter (NO) J.Shockey 13 yard pass from D.Brees (G.Hartley kick) 10-3 (10:57)
2nd quarter (NO) G.Hartley, 39 yard field goal 13-3 (5:35)
2nd quarter (NO) J.Shockey 23 yard pass from D.Brees (G.Hartley kick) 20-3
2nd quarter (CIN) S.Graham, 33 yard field goal 20-6 (0:10)

3rd quarter (NO) S.Green 4 yard pass from M.Brunell (G.Hartley kick) 27-6 (13:10)
3rd quarter (CIN) S.Graham, 36 yard field goal 27-9 (1:17)

4th quarter (NO) G.Hartley, 23 yard field goal 30-9 (13:10)
4th quarter (NO) A.Arrington 3 yard pass from D.Brees (G.Hartley kick) 37-9 (3:42)
4th quarter (CIN) S.Graham, 39 yard field goal 37-12 (1:35)


Broncos 31, 49ers 28

Top Performers:
A.Smith- QB rating 97.8, 13/26, 198 yards, 3TDs, 1INT
C.Buckhalter- 13 att, 125 yards, 2 TDs
B.Marshall- 7 rec, 47 yards, 1 TD

P.Willis- 11 tackles, 1 TFL
P.Haralson- 11 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 FF, 1INT
M.Lawson- 8 tackles, 1 sack
D.Williams- 6 tackles, 2 sacks, 1INT


Scoring Summary
1st quarter (SF) M.Robinson, 36 yard run (J.Nedney kick) 0-7 (13:34)

2nd quarter (DEN) P.Hillis, 18 yard run (M.Stover kick) 7-7 (13:59)
2nd quarter (DEN) C.Buckhalter, 4 yard run (M.Stover kick) 14-7 (3:45)

3rd quarter (DEN) C.Buckhalter, 90 yard run (M.Prater kick) 21-7 (9:32)
3rd quarter (DEN) B.Marshall 11 yard pass from C.Simms (M.Prater kick) 28-7 (8:46)
3rd quarter (SF) I.Bruce 40 yard pass from A.Smith (J.Nedney kick) 28-14 (6:48)
3rd quarter (SF) A.Battle 20 yard pass from A.Smith (J.Nedney kick) 28-21 (2:32)

4th quarter (DEN) M.Prater, 31 yard field goal 31-21 (10:30)
4th quarter (SF) J.Hill 20 yard pass from A.Smith (J.Nedney kick) 31-28 (1:01)

Injury Report

[NO] Saints (QB) Mark Brunell (62ovr) will miss 2 weeks with a torn shoulder labrum
[IND] Colts (SS) Matt Giordano (67ovr) will miss 3 weeks with broken jaw
[IND] Colts (RG) Dan Federkeil (62ovr) will miss 7 weeks with herniated disk
[SF] 49ers (DT) Isaac Sopoaga (80ovr) will miss 10 weeks with fractured foot

*[NO] Saints (WR) Devery Henderson (67ovr) will miss entire season with compound stress fracture
*[SF] 49ers (CB) Walt Harris (76ovr) will miss entire season with complete ACL tear


[SF] More On Injuries
The injury to Walt Harris's knee that was to be determined has now been diagnosed and it doesn't look good for either parties. Harris is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a completely torn ACL.

It doesn't end there for San Francisco, another injury to the defensive side of the ball occurred today. Starting defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga (80ovr) has him scheduled to be out for about 10 weeks. This is another huge blow to the 49ers and their preseason has just begun. Expect 49ers to hit the market with only one other defensive tackle listed on the roster; Aubrayo Franklin (67ovr).

[cincy5885]

Preseason Week 1

Saturday August 15, 2009

Schedule
**4:00PM Falcons @ Lions**
7:00PM Bears @ Bills
8:00PM Browns @ Packers
8:00PM Buccaneers @ Titans
8:00PM Texans @ Chiefs
10:00PM Seahawks @ Chargers

News

[DET]More On Rookie Quarterbacks
After a disappointing showing by fellow rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez; 1st overall pick Matthew Stafford (79ovr) looks to have a better day against the Atlanta Falcons.

Stafford was ranked the better of the two by NFL scouts and was selected #1 in this years NFL draft. Stafford looks a little bit better off in the receiver department with a great target to throw to; Calvin Johnson (92ovr), and other 1st round selection tight end Brandon Pettigrew (80ovr) from Oklahoma St.

Besides having Calvin Johnson there isn't much upside on the Detroit Lions on either side of the ball. Stafford will be coming into a team that went 0-16 during the 2008 season. There is also a concern in the run game as well as the offensive line supporting Stafford. Jeff Backus (77ovr) is the best offensive lineman Detroit has to offer, he will be responsible for protecting Stafford's blind side.

Backus has a pretty big task ahead of him today having to guard pass rushing defensive end John Abraham (95ovr). In terms of defensive ends none are much better than Abraham this will be a good challenge to get Backus's mind right for the season. This matchup up should also be a good indicator of how many times Stafford's line will be picking him back up off the ground.