A Cleveland Browns Story (Madden 15)

[SKA]

HASLAM OUT – CARRERA IN

New York City, NY (AP) – In light of the recent scandal and federal investigation and prosecution into Pilot Flying J, the nation’s largest chain of hybrid convenience store-gas stations, the collective of NFL owners, as well as NFL commissioner Roger Goddell, have forced the hand of now former Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam. Now facing criminal charges for his role in the companies rebate scandal, which stole at least $92 million dollars in rebates from its customers, Haslam’s public image has perceptually damaged that of the entire National Football League, as well as its owners, who made the tough choice to remove Haslam from ownership of the Cleveland Browns football franchise. The move is significant in terms of the power the collective assortment of owners present to an outcast individual, although the circumstances are certainly legitimate enough for the owners to wield their power.

Having taken control of the team in the interim, the NFL surprisingly has announced the purchase of the Browns organization by real estate mogul Sterling Carrera, a native of the Parma, Ohio suburb just outside of Cleveland. While Carrera isn’t as widely known as some real estate moguls such as Donald Trump, he presents an enormous amount of wealth in order to purchase the Browns franchise, which he has called “a dream come true.” There is no question that the Cleveland Browns have been a struggling franchise, and the situation which has taken place is an unfortunate continuation of these struggles, but there is also no question the Browns fan base love their “home town kids”; just ask current quarterback and Cleveland native Brian Hoyer. While Carrera may not be a current Ohio native (currently residing in the state of California), he told the media “Cleveland is still in my heart,” and that he is “ready to turn this franchise into the winner our fans deserve and know we can be.”

While some owners prefer to remain behind the scenes and let the football knowledgeable manage their franchises, others certainly prefer to present themselves in the limelight. Where Carrera falls in their spectrum remains to be seen, even though his history in the real estate industry points to him remaining behind the scenes and hands off from the football itself. However, he has eluded to his strong enjoyment of the game, and family history as well. Noting that his father is a former high school coach of twenty-years, and citing his playing time as a kid as well, Carrera stated that he has stayed “up-to-date on the game” and has a strong understanding of what is happening in the league in 2014.

Where does this leave the current Cleveland Browns staff? Although it does remain to be seen, sources indicate that general manager Ray Farmer and head coach Mike Pettine will still remain in power. How will their success determine their future at the positions? Carrera was asked his take on the idea of “winning now”, and hinted towards being a patient man, considering the success of teams in the NFL almost like a stock market. “If you sell too quick, you miss out on the true rewards; but if you don’t read the right signals, you stay in too long on something that was sinking before you knew it.”

[SKA]

PRE-SEASON RECAP
The 2014 Pre-Season for the Cleveland Browns saw significant roster changes through the trade market, first with the departure of corner back Buster Skrine and middle linebacker Zac Diles who found themselves on a plane to New England in exchange for young corner back Alfonzo Dennard. Dennard is a very serviceable cornerback and brings significant help to Joe Haden on the other side of the field, with significant room to improve, while also taking pressure off of rookie first-round draft pick Justin Gilbert.

Days later, it was announced corner back Aaron Berry was headed to San Francisco in exchange for veteran cornerback Chris Cook. The former Minnesota Viking never had a chance to play one snap with his new team in San Francisco, before learning about trade to Cleveland. This may be interpreted as a lack of confidence in their acquisition of Cook, but also indicates Cleveland’s significant dissatisfaction with what their secondary could offer. Although Cleveland finished eighth in the league last season with an average of 221.0 yards giving up in the air per game, the Browns understand the importance of a dominate and deep secondary, and believe these two moves vastly improve their secondary over what was offered when training camp began.

The biggest move of the pre-season came with the acquisition of defensive tackle Damon Harrison who gives the Browns a new defensive leader at the nose tackle position. Having implemented their new hybrid defensive scheme, Harrison is just the leader the Browns need to provide for a smooth transition. Analysts were also shocked at the trade and called it a steal for the Browns, who only gave up their former starting DT Phil Taylor, rookie left guard Joe Bitonio, and another young right guard.

In replacement, the team signed free agents Uche Nwaneri to take over at the right guard position and controversial left guard Richie Incognito, happy to find a home after his scandal last season. The Incognito signing gave the Browns the headlines for a few days, but in the end, football analysts will agree that Incognito brings serviceable skills to the Browns bench for an offensive line that still needs some improvement.

With wide receiver Josh Gordon suspended for the entire season, the Browns made moves at the wide receiver position in order to provide their rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel with more weapons that fit his West Coast-offensive style. Cleveland said goodbye to strong safety Johnson Aubrey, as well as a 6^th-round draft pick in this year’s coming draft, in exchange for wide receiver Aaron Dobson from the New England Patriots.

The team also brought in receiver Stedman Bailey from the St. Louis Rams in an even trade for receiver Charles Johnson from the Browns. Bailey is a formidable West Coast receiver with incredible speed and much to improve on as the season progresses. Where he finds himself on the depth chart though, remains to be seen, while on the other hand, Browns fans can expect significant playing time from Aaron Dobson.

BROWNS INJURIES
Some of the aforementioned moves were made due to developments on the injury report, the biggest one taking place in the Browns’ second-week victory over the Washington Redskins. Early in the game, a sack against quarterback Brian Hoyer resulted in a broken collarbone for the journeyman fighting for his position as the Browns offensive leader. The story made headlines throughout the sports world as Johnny Manziel was forced to step in early and lead the team to a pre-season victory. Of course, this all means the team will have to start the rookie come kickoff to the 2014 season, bringing all eyes and ears on the Cleveland Browns and “Johnny Football”.

The Browns also will be without wide receiver and special teams returner Travis Benjamin for the first three weeks of the season due to a dislocated hip suffered after a big hit during the same Redskins game. This loss should not significantly affect the team, however, as receiver Andrew Hawkins provides serviceable duties as the team’s special teams returner, and had made moves at the receiver position as well in order to deepen the team’s chart.

PRE-SEASON RESULTS
Week 1: Loss at the Detroit Lions; 30-23
Week 2: Victory at the Washington Redskins; 27-24
Week 3: Victory hosting the St. Louis Rams; 26-13
Week 4: Loss hosting the Chicago Bears; 26-19

SIGNIFICANT LEAGUE TRANSACTIONS

• The Steelers have signed wide receiver Santonio Holmes to a one-year contract worth $2.66 million.
• The Ravens have signed corner back Brandon Flowers to a one-year contract for $2.87 million.
• The Dolphins have signed middle linebacker Erin Henderson to a one-year contract worth $2.79 million.
• The Texans have traded free safety Shiloh Keo to the Chiefs for their 2015 3^rd-round draft pick.
• The Bills have traded right outside linebacker Nigel Bradham to the Giants for their 2015 3^rd-round draft pick.
• The Bears have traded defensive tackle Stephen Paea to the Broncos for LOLB Nate Irving.
• The Colts have traded middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard and their 2015 5^th-round draft pick to the Lions for strong safety Dejon Gomes.

SIGNIFICANT LEAGUE INJURIES

• The Bears have lost quarterback Jay Cutler for the first two weeks of the season to a dislocated right ankle.
• The Bengals had to play pre-season without ROLB Vontaze Burfict thanks to a torn shoulder, but he should be ready to play come regular season kickoff.
• The Broncos suffered a scare when right-side defensive end DeMarcus Ware tore his left quad muscle, but he will be ready come Week 2 of the regular season. The team also had wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders suffer a broken thumb, but should be ready by season kickoff.
• The Cowboys suffered plenty of injuries notably that of defensive end Anthony Spencer out for two weeks come regular season with a torn left shoulder, while linebacker Spencer Lee is out for at least four weeks with a partial ACL tear.
• The 49ers lost defensive end Justin Smith to a dislocated elbow, and he won’t be back in action for at least four weeks into the regular season.
• The Lions also had Reggie Bush suffer a dislocated elbow, and he will reportedly be out for a month into the regular season.
• The Ravens will be without right guard Marshal Yanda for Week 1 of the regular season due to an upper arm fracture, but will be without left tackle Eugene Monroe even longer (at least five weeks) thanks to a dislocated ankle suffered in the final week of the pre-season.
• The Saints took two big hits on their defensive line, losing defensive ends Cameron Jordan and Akiem Hicks for at least two weeks into the season thanks to a pulled groin and dislocated knee, respectively.
• The Texans had the worst luck in terms of injuries, with halfback Arian Foster tearing his shoulder in the second week of the pre-season. He is expected to miss two weeks of the regular season, while seven other players have been placed on the team’s injury report.

[SKA]

NOTES FROM THE AUTHOR
I play Madden as realistically as possible, and will try to keep this diary as realistic as possible. With the way the Browns played this season, it isn't unrealistic for them to make the playoffs. I also hoped to start Brian Hoyer for as long as realistically possible, but with him suffering the broken collarbone during the pre-season, I may never start him at all, which isn't what I intended on whatsoever. I will also keep Josh Gordon off the field for the first ten weeks, just as he was in real life. I am playing on my PS3 on All-Madden using realistic sliders to simulate better stats, more injuries, more fatigue, and more penalties. In terms of player improvement, I will only spend points on players after they have had a great game. This is more so to stunt the growth that Johnny Manziel can achieve in his first season stats wise, because I can have him at a 95 overall by the end of the season (which isn't so realistic). But if he throws me four touchdowns, no interceptions, and 400+ yards, I have to reward him with some improvement...Thanks for reading!

[SKA]

Cleveland's Johnny Manziel and Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger exchanging pleasantries after their season opener at Heinz Field.

Quarter I; 2014
Weeks 1 – 5
Cleveland Browns
Record: 2-2
Divisional Record: 1-1

With a rookie quarterback, an untested wide receiver core lacking its best performer, a new running back, and new defensive and offensive schemes, Week 1 of the 2014 season was perhaps going to give the Cleveland Browns and their fans more questions than answers for what was already on the mind. And perhaps there was symbolism in the team's first game of the season, opening up on the road against the franchise's biggest rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Away at Heinz Field, the challenge was tremendous, even though the Steelers were entering the season with plenty of questions concerning their team as well. One question that wasn't on anyone's list was the efficiency factor that HB LeVeon Bell would provide for the Steelers this season. He would open the game with a blistering 70-yard touchdown run as a Cleveland blitz left the middle of the field wide-open for Bell to tear through.

While the run was demoralizing at first, the team was lifted up on the very next play when WR Andrew Hawkins took back some momentum with a huge kickoff return for a touchdown, the first special teams touchdown of the season. He remained important in the second quarter catching QB Johnny Manziel first touchdown pass of his professional career on a play-action slide route. A field goal by Cleveland would give them a 17-14 lead with a few minutes left before the half, but one of Manziel's many interceptions would give the Steelers the chance to tie things with a kick of their own before half time was reached.

The third quarter saw two more Manziel interceptions, but a very pivotal moment took place after the third one of the game, when QB Ben Roethlisberger escaped a near-sack, and would run almost 25-yards to the CLE 6-yard line before being tackle and injured on the same play. His backup, QB Brad Gradkowski would have to enter for the rest of the game, completely changing the dynamics of what was to take place. From then on, the Cleveland defense would turn the pressure on against Gradkowski, while the offense looked determined and focus halfway through the fourth with a big drive resulting in a touchdown pass to backup HB Terrance West.

However, this put Cleveland still down by six points, but after another huge special teams play from Andrew Hawkins, a touchdown pass to recent additionWR Stedman Bailey put the Browns up 31-30. After two three-and-outs by both team, the Steelers would end up capping off the game in a drive of glory for backup Brad Gradkowski. Somehow, someway, after playing miserable since his entrance in the game, he was able to drive his team down the field nearly 90-yards for a 2-yard TD run by LeVeon Bell to put the Steelers up with only 45-seconds left in the game. With a successfull 2-point conversion as well, Pittsburgh were up by a full touchdoown at 38-31, which would be the final score of the game after Manziel failed to make anything happen with the remaining seconds allotted to him, throwing another interception to poetically end the game.

After the tough loss to their biggest rival, the Browns would face another big challenge by hosting the offensively-potent New Orleans Saints in their first home game of the season. Ironically, both offenses got off to a slow start as their respective defenses really earned their paychecks in the first half. The score was 10-6, NO by half time, thanks to a touchdown pass from QB Drew Brees to a familiar target, WR Marques Colston, catching rookie Browns CB Justin Gilbert frozen in the end zone.

Cleveland responded well on their first drive of the second half though, with a screen-pass from QB Johnny Manziel to WR Stedman Bailey resulting in a Cleveland touchdown. However, it took the Saints only five plays to respond on their next drive as Brees would throw his second TD pass of the day to put his Saints up 17-13. The fourth quarter saw a huge touchdown pass for 45-yards from Manziel to the former New England Patriot and off-season acquisition WR Aaron Dobson to give Cleveland a tight 20-17 lead. However, New Orleans still had enough time to produce a much needed comeback, eventually culminating in a touchdown pass to put the Saints up 31-20. Cleveland would drive down one more time with no much time remaining, as Manziel lit the crowd on fire with a 3rd and 14 touchdown pass to HB Ben Tate running a wheel route on the outside. The Browns still couldn't catch a final break, with a bad 2-point conversion attempt and a failed onside kick, putting the final score to 31-26, New Orleans.

Now two games into the season, experts were raving about the progress QB Johnny Manziel has made in his first two starts of his young career, many impressed with the Browns performance despite the two losses, working with a lot less than many NFL teams. Perhaps this praise was to set the stage for the Week 3 game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens entered the game with one win and one loss, and knew the importance of a divisional victory on the road in Cleveland. Both teams looked decent in the early going, with Manziel finding WR Andrew Hawkins (who was becoming a household name in Cleveland) for a 45-yard touchdown to start the game off. The Ravens would respond with a touchdown of their own late in the first, though, and by halftime the Browns were only up by a field goal, 10-7.

The tight affair continued into the third quarter, with HB Ben Tate cashing in a 19-yard rushing touchdown midway through the quarter, while the Ravens responded later with a field goal of their own, putting the score at 17-10, CLE. The fourth quarter was a tussle throughout, as the Ravens defense stepped up in the final quarter, preventing the Browns offense from scoring anymore points. And the wily poise of their QB Joe Flacco gave the Ravens what they needed in the last minute of the game, as the Browns defense failed to stop a 5-yard touchdown pass to WR Jacoby Jones to tie the game up right before the end. This would send things into overtime, where the Ravens would start with the ball, but Baltimore failed to score the much needed points in this sudden death arrangement. The Browns would follow with an impressive long-yard drive, culminating in a comfortable 25-yard field goal by K Billy Cundiff, to send the fans home with a 20-17 overtime win, and much confidence in the future of their team!

A bye week ensued come Week 4, but it felt like no time that the Browns were back on the road in Week 5, spending their Sunday in Nashvillle, TN against the Tennessee Titans. It was here the Browns defense looked significantly impressive, holding the Titans to only 6-points all game. Of course, this meant the Browns only needed to score one touchdown all game to deliver themselves the victory, and they would do just that with two rushing touchdowns and a pair of field goals, one from HB Terrance West and one from rookie HB Isiah Crowell. By the end of the forgettable, yet important victory, the Browns held the Titans to only 202 total yards on offense, while the Browns finished with 144 in total rushing yards, and 152 passing yards from QB Johnny Manziel, who had no touchdown throws, but more importantly, no interceptions thrown.

Entering the next four weeks of play, the Browns find themselves with a pair of tough challenges. A Week 6 rematch at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and a Week 9 game hosting one of the only undefeated teams left in the NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They also face off against a tough Oakland Raiders team in Week 8, and will look to avoid the upset on the road against the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars come Week 7.

Team Statistics

Spoiler

Offensive Statistics
Points Per Game: 24.3 (12^th)
Total Offensive Yards / Per Game: 1449 (26^th) / 362.25
Passing Yards / Per Game / TDs: 1093 (21^st) / 273.25 / 7
Rushing Yards / Per Game / TDs: 356 (22^nd) / 91.25 / 3
1st Downs Gained / Per Game: 70 (T-25^th) / 17.5
3rd Down Conversion %: 50% (4^th)
Red Zone Attempts / TDs / FGs / %: 14 (T-26^th) / 7 / 5 / 85% (7^th)

Defensive Statistics
Points Allowed Per Game: 23.0
Total Yards Allowed / Per Game: 1536 (11^th)
Passing Yards Allowed / Per Game: 1094 (12^th) / 273.5
Rushing Yards Allowed / Per Game: 442 (13^th) / 110.5
Red Zone Defensive Trips / TDs / FGs / %: 14 / 7 / 5 / 85%
QB Sacks: 10 (T-15^th)
Fumble Recoveries: 2 (T-18^th)
Interceptions: 1 (T-30^th)

Turnover Difference: -8 (32^nd)
Giveaways: 11 (31^st) / 9 INT / 2 FUM
Takeaways: 3 (T-29^th) / 1 INT / 2 FUM

Player Statistics

Spoiler

Passing
J. Manziel QB (78.9 QBR / 1132 YDS / 7 TD / 9 INT / 45 LONG / 6 SACKS / 97 COMP / 147 ATT / 65% COMP% / 283 Y/PG)

Rushing
B. Tate HB (60 ATT / 198 YDS / 3.3 AVG / 1 TD / 49.5 AVG G / 0 FUMB / 70 1STH / 0 20+ / 19 LONG)
J. Manziel QB (12 ATT / 64 YDS / 5.3 AVG / 0 TD / 16 AVG G / 2 FUMB / 4 1STH / 0 20+ / 12 LONG)
I. Crowell HB (18 ATT / 58 YDS / 3.2 AVG / 1 TD / 14.5 AVG G / 0 FUMB / 24 1STH / 0 20+ / 8 LONG)
T. West HB (9 ATT / 35 YDS / 3.9 AVG / 1 TD / 8.8 AVG G / 0 FUMB / 12 1STH / 0 20+ / 9 LONG)

Receiving
J. Cameron TE (24 REC / 260 YDS / 10.8 AVG / 65 AVG G / 0 TD / 87 YAC / 33 LONG)
A. Hawkins WR (16 REC / 253 YDS / 15.8 AVG / 63.3 AVG G / 2 TD / 124 YAC / 45 LONG)
S. Bailey WR (16 REC / 207 YDS / 12.9 AVG / 51.9 AVG G / 2 TD / 81 YAC / 29 LONG)
A. Dobson WR (13 YDS / 211 YDS / 16.2 AVG / 52.8 AVG G / 1 TD / 58 YAC / 41 LONG)
B. Tate HB (10 REC / 54 YDS / 5.4 AVG / 13.5 AVG G / 1 TD / 28 YAC / 24 LONG)
M. Austin WR (8 REC / 55 YDS / 6.9 AVG / 13.8 AVG G / 0 TD / 3 YAC / 11 LONG)

Defensive Line
A. Rubin LE (9 TAK / 3 TFL / 1 SACK / 236 DP)
D. Harrison NT (6 TAK / 2 TFL / 175 DP)
D. Bryant RE (2 TAK / 228 DP)

Linebacking Core
J. Sheard ROLB (21 TAK / 6 TFL / 4 SACK / 1 FFUMB / 272 DP)
K. Dansby MLB (29 TAK / 1 TFL / 2 DEFL / 275 DP)
C. Robertson MLB (20 TAK / 1 FFUMB / 1 FMBREC / 243 DP)
P. Kruger LOLB (21 TAK / 4 TFL / 2 SACK / 2 DEFL / 248 DP)
B. Mingo ROLB (2 TAK / 1 TFL / 1 SACK / 109 DP)
E. Martin LOLB (6 TAK / 1 TFL / 1 SACK / 93 DP)

Defensive Backs
J. Haden CB (13 TAK / 1 TFL / 1 INT / 3 DEFL / 266 DP)
A. Dennard CB (8 TAK / 2 DEFL / 285 DP)
J. Gilbert CB (16 TAK / 2 DEFL / 236 DP)
C. Cook CB (1 TAK / 79 DP)
T. Gipson FS (11 TAK / 263 DP)
D. Whitner SS (29 TAK / 4 DEFL / 1 FFUMB / 280 DP)
J. Poyer SS (2 TAK / 2 TFL / 1 SACK / 1 DEFL / 96 DP)

Team Schedule

Spoiler

Week 1: @ Pittsburgh (L 38-31)
Week 2: vs. New Orleans (L 31-26)
Week 3: vs. Baltimore (W 20-17 OT)
Week 4: BYE WEEK
Week 5: @ Tennessee (W 20-6)
Week 6: vs. Pittsburgh (2-3)
Week 7: @ Jacksonville (0-5)
Week 8: vs. Oakland (2-2)
Week 9: vs. Tampa Bay (5-0)
Week 10: @ Cincinnati (3-1)
Week 11: vs. Houston (1-4)
Week 12: @ Atlanta (0-5)
Week 13: @ Buffalo (4-1)
Week 14: vs. Indianapolis (4-1)
Week 15: vs. Cincinnati (3-1)
Week 16: @ Carolina (3-2)
Week 17: @ Baltimore (1-4)

Injury Report

Spoiler

The Cleveland Browns have no inactive players due to injury.

AFC North Standings

Spoiler

Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)
Cleveland Browns (2-2)
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-3)
Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Top 10 Conference Standings

Spoiler

American Football Conference

• Miami Dolphins (4-0)
• Denver Broncos (4-0)
• Indianapolis Colts (4-1)
• Buffalo Bills (4-1)
• Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)
• New England Patriots (3-2)
• Cleveland Browns (2-2)
• San Diego Chargers (2-2)
• Oakland Raiders (2-2)
• Pittsburgh Steelers (2-3)

National Football Conference

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-0)
• San Francisco 49ers (4-1)
• Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
• New York Giants (3-2)
• Minnesota Vikings (3-2)
• Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
• Chicago Bears (3-2)
• New Orleans Saints (3-2)
• Carolina Panthers (3-2)
• Detroit Lions (2-3)

Around the NFL

Spoiler

League News
The Baltimore Ravens have been playing the season without one of their key offensive weapons, HB Ray Rice. The stout running back has been placed on indefinite suspension by the league following the release of a video in which Rice struck his wife in an elevator, effectively knocking her out. The incident has sparked major concern from the media, anti-domestic violence advocates, and NFL fans. While the investigation is still on-going, there is very much doubt that Ray Rice will see his way onto an NFL field for the rest of the season, and some say, for the rest of his career.

The Minnesota Vikings also suffered a major loss at running back due to allegations against Adrian Peterson surfaced accusing him of physically assaulting his young son while reprimanding him with a switch. Peterson has only played three games this season for the Vikings, boosting a decent 89.7 YPG, but as soon as the pictures of his son and allegations were made, he has yet to see any playing time for the franchise he has been the face of for his entire career. It is hard to say whether Peterson will play again this season, although he is sure fighting the charges through the NFL’s appeal protocol.

Without QB Jay Cutler for the first two weeks of the regular season, the Chicago Bears found themselves demolished at the hands of the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field in the first game of the season. The team suffered an embarrassing 48-6 loss as rookie QB David Fales started his first game in a situation he could not have anticipated upon draft day. The San Jose St. alum threw for only 113 yards while giving away 2 interceptions, while the team as a whole only produced 147 yards on the day. However, the story shifted entirely in Week 2 for Fales and Bears. On the road in San Francisco for the Sunday Night Football game of the week, Fales shocked the NFL universe with an amazing performance in the air, throwing for 5 touchdowns in the game for 252 yards and a QBR of 143.7. Completing 24/28 passes on the day, Fales become the undoubtable story of the week and a household name over night with the incredible performance, which he attributed with poise to “focus, preparation, and confidence in myself.”

The Bears would blow out the 49ers by the end of the night with a final score of 56-24, as Chicago scored two touchdowns in all four quarters. This, of course, has led to a bit of a controversy in Chicago, as the anti-Cutler portion of the Bears faithful called for Fales to remain the starter following his immaculate performance. However, they were perhaps silenced by Cutler’s return game in Week 3 against the New York Jets, throwing for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions to lead the Bears to a close 24-23 victory during Monday Night Football on the road. The next week, the Bears held off the Green Bay Packers at home with a 35-28 victory. Week 5, though, saw the Bears crushed on the road against the Carolina Panthers, suffering a horrible 45-7 defeat (no thanks to the Chicago defense allowing Cam Newton to throw four touchdowns). The tension has seemed to quell in Chicago considering Cutler has played very well in his first three games of the season, but smoke may still be peering from the locker of David Fales…

In a similar feel-good story to the David Fales scenario, the infamous Detroit Lions QB Dan Orlovsky has found himself in the starter position for the rest of the season after QB Matthew Stafford suffered a foot stress fracture at home against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3. While Orlovsky was able to stave off the Packers for the 20-14 win that week, his following game on the road against the New York Jets earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors despite a 38-24 loss. Orlovsky went 35 of 51 for 376 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Perhaps it’s not too surprising with the amount of weapons the Lions’ offense possesses, but Orlovsky will have all season to redeem himself for the fateful season in which the Lions went 0-16 and Orlovsky committed the safety against himself when running through the back of his own end zone, the portrait of a season Lions fans may never be able to, but would like to forget.

Transactions

• The only trade to have taken place during the first five weeks of the 2014 NFL season has seen the Miami Dolphins trade RE Olivier Vernon to the Indianapolis Colts for their 2015 3^rd Round draft pick.

Injury Report

• The Bears will be without MLB D.J. Williams for ten more weeks of the season as he is out with a broken tailbone. With only two weeks left in the season for his expected debut, it is tough to say whether the Bears will even allow him to play, or instead place him on IR for the rest of the season.
• The Buccaneers, despite their perfect start to the season, took a significant hit with the loss of RE Michael Johnson for the next six weeks, who suffered an upper arm fracture.
• The Colts have been dealing with the loss of their franchise QB Andrew Luck due to broken ribs that has him out the next three weeks at least.
• The Eagles have suffered in terms of their running game with the loss of both HB LeSean McCoy for two weeks due to a forearm fracture, and HB Darren Sproles for three weeks thanks to a dislocated ankle.
• The 49ers lost ROLB Aldon Smith for five more weeks thanks to a knee cartilage tear.
• The Giants have been surviving without QB Eli Manning, who suffered an upper arm fracture that has him out a month and a half. Thankfully, it is not his throwing arm which has many Giants fans counting their blessings.
• The Lions felt the worst injury of the season with the loss of QB Matthew Stafford for the entire 2014 season. Stafford fell victim to a foot stress fracture, which put the Lions hopes for a real playoff run this season on the shelf for another year. DT Ndamukong Suh has also been out with a broken thumb, adding more anxiety for restless Detroit fans.
• The Ravens saw LOLB Terrell Suggs partially tear his PCL in their overtime loss to the Cleveland Browns, adding another sting to the tough defeat. Suggs is expected to return this season, and is lucky to have only partially torn the PCL, but will still be out another six weeks before returning.
• The Redskins feel the plight of the Detroit Lions, having lost their young QB Robert Griffin III to a foot stress fracture, similar to the position of Matthew Stafford. It remains to be seen if Griffin will return this season as he is scheduled to be out until Week 15. While pressure from the front office may force him into the final two or three games of the season, expert opinion believes it is best to leave him out of the huddle until next season.
• The Steelers have been without their defensive leader SS Troy Polamalu for a while with a broken collarbone, which has him out of action for at least another month.

Players of the Week

Spoiler

AFC Offensive POW
Week 1: L. Bell HB / PIT (17 CAR / 166 YDS / 9.8 AVG / 3 TD)
Week 2: A. Dalton QB / CIN (29/39 / 360 YDS / 3 TD / 0 INT)
Week 3: P. Manning QB / DEN (35/44 / 351 YDS / 5 TD / 0 INT)
Week 4: T. Brady QB / NE (24/32 / 281 YDS / 3 TD / 0 INT)
Week 5: P. Manning QB / DEN (31/44 / 370 YDS / 3 TD / 0 INT)

NFC Offensive POW
Week 1: S. Bradford QB / STL (39/50 / 420 YDS / 4 TD / 2 INT)
Week 2: D. Fales QB / CHI (24/28 / 252 YDS / 5 TD / 0 INT)
Week 3: M. Glennon QB / TB (27/41 / 267 YDS / 3 TD / 0 INT)
Week 4: D. Orlovsky QB / DET (35/51 / 376 YDS / 3 TD / 2 INT)
Week 5: C. Newton QB / CAR (15/19 / 248 YDS / 4 TD / 0 INT)

AFC Defensive POW
Week 1: E. Dumervil ROLB / BAL (8 TKL / 3 SACKS)
Week 2: J. Chaney MLB / DEN (7 TKL / 2 INT)
Week 3: C. Wake LE / MIA (10 TKL / 4 SACKS)
Week 4: A. Barnes LOLB / N YJ (8 TKL / 4 SACKS)
Week 5: J. Clowney ROLB / HOU (9 TKL / 2 SACKS)

NFC Defensive POW
Week 1: D. Washington MLB / ARI (16 TKL / 2 SACKS)
Week 2: B. Irvin ROLB / SEA (12 TKL / 4 SACKS)
Week 3: L. Kuechly MLB / CAR (22 TKL)
Week 4: L. Kuechly MLB / CAR (3 TKL / 3 INT)
Week 5: M. Herzlich MLB / NYG (12 TKL / 1 INT)

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Author's Note Alright, I am looking for some serious feedback come this first post. I am attempting to mimic my old Houston Texans dynasty from five years back (Jesus where has the time gone) when I was using Madden 04 (shoutout!). I find this formula for posting quarters of the season the best way to not burn myself and the reader out, considering I saw success with the Texans dynasty and a Los Angeles Clippers dynasty I used a similar format with. I'm going to assume this is too much information for you all to take in, but also don't expect to be posting updates very frequently once my next semester starts back up. My questions are: Was there too much or not enough information pertaining to the game recaps? What spoiler boxes do you think are unnecessary to spend time up****** each quarter? What information would you like to see more of? Thanks for reading!

[SKA]

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NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR Because vBulletin and the log-in activity time for OS have been very naughty in the past, I will be forced to punish early-readers by posting just the story of each quarter or post, then editing in each spoiler containing information. I've once already tried adding everything in and applying all of the necessary coding to make things look very nice and clean, because it is very important to me, and nothing was more frustrating than spending twenty minutes making things look perfect and then trying to post, only to find out that OS has logged me out of my account and losing all of my work. So if you are reading this soon after I post, you'll notice it's missing some of the spoiler boxes, just be patient and they will all be added, but then again, I doubt this will be any problem, just thought I'd mention it. Thanks for reading!

Rookie half back Terrance West made himself a valued member of the Browns' offense in weeks six through six through nine.

Quarter II; 2014
Weeks 6 – 9
Cleveland Browns
Record: 5-3
Divisional Record: 2-1

After the tough loss Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns’ most infamous rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was time for their second game of the season, this one closing out the rivalry early for the season coming in Week 6. Now on Cleveland’s home field, the Browns were in the middle of a two game win streak, while the Steelers were floundering, having found their only wins against the Browns in the season opener, and the previous week against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a 42-6 blowout in Florida. Both coming off wins over cupcake teams, experts were split as to who would walk away victors in this rematch.

Week 6: versus the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-3)

The game got off to a slow start, neither team scoring a point in the first quarter as they both warmed up to hopefully find their stride. The Browns would be the first to find theirs much thanks to WR Andrew Hawkins who, after a big game against the Steelers in Week 1, continued to perform strong against Pittsburgh starting with a 34-yard touchdown pass from QB Johnny Manziel, followed by another 14-yard touchdown reception on the team’s next drive. This gave Cleveland an important 14-0 lead early on, but they were don’t there in the second quarter, as Manziel eventually threw his third touchdown pass of the first half to WR Miles Austin on a dangerous 4-yard curl route. Pittsburgh would walk into the locker room with just a field goal to their name, giving way to many surprised experts during the CBS Halftime Show.

But the second half wouldn’t fair any more kindly toward the Steelers, as the Browns started off hot, scoring on their first drive with another touchdown throw from Manziel, this one to WR Stedman Bailey. While the passing game seemed on point with Manziel finishing the day with four touchdowns, just one interception, and a 110.7 QBR with 202 passing yards, it was the running game that was really the key to victory. Rookie HB Terrance West stepped into the spotlight with a 129 yard game for one touchdown (which would come at the end of the third quarter, Cleveland’s last score of the game), on 28 attempts, averaging 4.6 yards per run. HB Ben Tate was also in the mix as well, gaining 71 yards on just 11 attempts, as for the day the Browns would finish with 220 yards gained on the ground.

In the end, the Browns had 407 total offensive yards, while their defense performed strongly, holding the Steelers to just 197. LOLB Paul Kruger led the defense with 9 tackles, 2 of which were sacks. Rookie CB Justin Gilbert also had an interception of his own, but that was stifled on the next play in which his quarterback Manziel gave it right back to the Steelers. Nevertheless, it was a gigantic victory for Browns Country and the state of Ohio, as Cleveland celebrated a 35-3 victory over their arch nemesis, Cleveland’s first victory over Pittsburgh since 2012’s tainted win in which QB Charlie Batch started in place of the injured QB Ben Roethlisberger.

Week 7: at the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5)

Now with the momentum swung their way, it was off to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars on the road come Week 7. It would end up being a very similar story to the Pittsburgh story, as the Cleveland defense performed dominantly while the offense was running on all cylinders. The game’s first score came midway through the first with a 4-yard touchdown run by HB Terrance West, followed by a field goal for each team in the second quarter, and a 4-yard touchdown pass to WR Stedman Bailey with just 30-seconds remaining in the first half. The second half was nearly a mirror image of the first, as Manziel threw two more touchdown passes, one to Bailey again, and the other to WR Aaron Dobson, with another K Billy Cundiff field goal and just one more Jacksonville field goal, leading to the final score of 34-6. Worth mention from this game is Cleveland’s commitment to the run game after their solid performance against the Steelers, as HB Ben Tate led this game with 26 carriers for 111 yards, and HB Terrance West remains an important part to the offense with 9 carries for 47 yards and 1 touchdown.

Week 8:versus the Oakland Raiders (3-3)

Back home for Week 8, the Browns were hosting the Oakland Raiders who came into the game nicked up with injuries, but still possessed a troubling defense for the Browns to handle. This fact was apparent throughout most of the game, as the Browns passing game saw trouble putting points on the board, although QB Johnny Manziel kept the turnovers to just one interception on the day. It was the running game coming through big again, beginning in the second quarter when HB Ben Tate scored on a 2-yard goal line burst. Oakland was quick to respond though, as their free agent pick-up during the off-season, HB Maurice Jones-Drew, put up six for Oakland on a 2-yard run of his own. Cleveland’s next drive showcased the importance of Manziel’s mobility, as he resorted to a 12-yard touchdown run after failing to find anyone open on a 3^rd and 8 situation. The Browns would also get the ball-back before the end of the half, after an interception by CB Alfonzo Dennard, leading to a 19-yard field goal to put the Browns up 17-7 at the half.

The following half saw a failure of successful adjustments from the Oakland Raiders, as they would only score another three points on the day, while Cleveland had two field goals of their own and another touchdown run by Terrance West to put the stamp on things for a 31-10 final score. For the game, West finished with 38 yards on 11 carries and that fourth quarter touchdown, while Tate had the bigger day with 26 attempts for 113 yards and his second quarter touchdown. Defensively, RE Desmond Bryant had the impactful day, sacking Oakland QB Matt Schaub three times in total out of his seven tackles for the day, while cornerbacks Alfonzo Dennard and CB Joe Haden both had an interception to their name.

Week 9: versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-0)

With five-straight victories in the books, Cleveland entered Week 9 in a nationally-televised match-up with the undefeated, 8-0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hosting Tampa Bay was going to be important, but experts were split on who would walk away winners in this one. Cleveland’s defense had one of the best in the league in their previous four games, put Tampa Bay’s QB Mike Glennon has emerged as a star quarterback in his first eight games in his sophomore season. By kickoff, the fans in Cleveland were as loud as they had been perhaps all season, ready to show the world that they were ready to stake a claim in the AFC as a potential contender by delivering Tampa Bay their first loss of the season.

Sporting a strong defensive line, the strength of Tampa Bay’s defense was felt early on, as Cleveland failed to get anything going in the first quarter, while Tampa Bay could only get themselves a field goal. The second quarter was full of action though, starting with a responding field goal by K Billy Cundiff. Tied 3-3, the Buccaneers soon found their stride, beginning with a 13-yard reception by rookie, and former teammate of QB Johnny Manziel, WR Mike Evans. Tampa Bay would get another field goal after that, but would close out the first half with an important touchdown catch by WR Vincent Jackson (who is having a phenomenal season), this one from just 4-yards out on third down and only 21-seconds left, putting Tampa Bay ahead 20-3.

It was not time for Cleveland to back-down though, as they responded by opening up the second half with a possess ending in a 10-yard touchdown run by HB Terrance West. Tampa Bay did what they could to stave off the Browns, with a touchdown run of their own on the goal line by HB Doug Martin, but Cleveland would revive hope at the very end of the third with a 45-yard touchdown catch by TE Jordan Cameron to put things at 27-17 entering the fourth.

This final quarter was full of offensive production, beginning with another touchdown run by Terrance West on Cleveland’s next offensive drive, putting things at 27-24 with eight minutes left. Most of the fourth quarter saw strong defensive statements by both teams, until Mike Evans continued to make a name for himself with a huge 73-yard pass from Glennon thanks to a slip-up on the field by CB Alfonzo Dennard. This slip-up would be all it took for Cleveland to allow the game to get away from them, as an interception by Johnny Manziel on their next drive resulted in another touchdown catch from Evans, this one from 13-yards out to give the Bucs a 41-24 lead. With just two-minutes left, the game was most certainly out of reach for the home team, as although WR Andrew Hawkins scored the final points of the game, the onside kick was not recovered by Cleveland and the fans left with a distasteful 41-31 loss in their mouth.

The quarterback performance was nearly night-and-day for both sides, as Mike Glennon continued to look incredible with a 393 yard, 4 touchdown, 1 interception performance for a 125.3 QBR, while Johnny Manziel finished with 352 yards for 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, resulting in a 73.5 QBR. On the ground, Doug Martin finished with nearly as many yards as the entire Cleveland offense combined, running 31 times for 118 yards and 1 touchdown, while Terrance West only ran the ball 4 times for 21 yards and his two touchdowns, mostly thanks to the fact that the Browns were behind the entire game. On the receiving end, Vincent Jackson finished with 11 catches for 140 yards and 1 touchdown, while Mike Evans had 3 touchdowns on just 4 catches for the day, resulting in 105 yards. Martin also hurt the Browns coming out of the backfield, catching 5 balls for 56 yards, 54 of which came after the catch. Defensively, the Browns lost control of things early on, and failed to make any real impactful plays, with the only turnover coming off an interception by CB Justin Gilbert.

Despite the tough loss at home, the Browns entered Week 10 of the season in second place in the AFC North, with a 5-3 record, holding on to the final AFC Wild Card slot if the season were to end at this moment.

Statistically, QB Johnny Manziel continues to maintain a completion percentage hovering around the 65% mark, while he has reached 2000+ throwing yards on the season and has finally evened out his TD/INT ratio at 1.0. Obviously the ratio isn’t something to be striving for, but is much better than the start of his season. Finally have found his stride, he is now connecting consistently with four of his receivers, with TE Jordan Cameron leading the fray in terms of reliability and receptions. WR Stedman Bailey had a big last four games, scoring all five of his touchdowns thus far this season, despite the low increase in total yards. On the ground is where the Browns have really found their stride, as the combination of veteran HB Ben Tate and rookie HB Terrance West has perplexed their last four opponents. The two have combined for over 800 yards on the ground, while West has picked up the majority of the end zone runs as Cleveland has made him their go-to-guy in the red-zone. On the defensive end, rookie CB Justin Gilbert has hit a stride, now leading his cornerback counterparts in tackles and picked up three interceptions over the last four games, while CB Joe Haden now has 6 of his own INTs. MLB Karlos Dansby continues to lead the team in tackles with 58, while SS Donte Whitner continues to lead the team in total downs played, solidifying his position as the heart-and-soul of the Cleveland defensive unit.

Team Statistics

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Offensive Statistics
Points Per Game: 28.5 (+4.2) (3rd)
Total Offensive Yards / Per Game: 2999 (12th) / 374.875 (+12.625)
Passing Yards / Per Game / TDs: 2000 (19th) / 250 (-23.25) / 16
Rushing Yards / Per Game / TDs: 999 (7th) / 124.875 (+33.125) / 10
1st Downs Gained / Per Game: 141 (T-11th) / 17.625
3rd Down Conversion %: 46% (-4%) (7th)
Red Zone Attempts / TDs / FGs / %: 32 (T-8th) / 21 / 8 / 90% (+5%) (3rd)

Defensive Statistics
Points Allowed Per Game: 19.0 (+4.0)
Total Yards Allowed / Per Game: 2802 (14th) / 350.25
Passing Yards Allowed / Per Game: 2071 (17th) / 258.875 (+14.625)
Rushing Yards Allowed / Per Game: 731 (14th) / 91.375 (+19.125)
Red Zone Defensive Trips / TDs / FGs / %: 23 / 11 / 7 / 78% (-7%)
QB Sacks: 17 (10th)
Fumble Recoveries: 2 (T-24h)
Interceptions: 6 (T-25th)

Turnover Difference: -11 (-3) (32nd)
Giveaways: 19 (+8) (32nd) / 17 INT / 2 FUM
Takeaways: 8 (+5) (T-27th) / 6 INT / 2 FUM

Player Statistics

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Passing
J. Manziel QB (82.9 QBR / 2080 YDS / 16 TD / 16 INT / 65 LONG / 12 SACKS / 172 COMP / 268 ATT / 64% COMP% / 260 Y/PG)

Rushing
B. Tate HB (142 ATT / 549 YDS / 3.9 AVG / 2 TD / 68.6 AVG G / 1 FUMB / 175 1STH / 2 20+ / 40 LONG)
T. West HB (61 ATT / 270 YDS / 4.4 AVG / 6 TD / 33.8 AVG G / 0 FUMB / 78 1STH / 3 20+ / 25 LONG)
J. Manziel QB (21 ATT / 103 YDS / 4.9 AVG / 1 TD / 12.9 AVG G / 3 FUMB / 10 1STH / 0 20+ / 12 LONG)
I. Crowell HB (22 ATT / 72 YDS / 3.3 AVG / 1 TD / 9.0 AVG G / 0 FUMB / 26 1STH / 0 20+ / 8 LONG)

Receiving
J. Cameron TE (41 REC / 441 YDS / 10.8 AVG / 55.1 AVG G / 1 TD / 196 YAC / 45 LONG)
A. Hawkins WR (26 REC / 436 YDS / 16.8 AVG / 54.5 AVG G / 5 TD / 184 YAC / 45 LONG)
S. Bailey WR (25 REC / 327 YDS / 13.1 AVG / 46.7 AVG G / 5 TD / 131 YAC / 39 LONG)
A. Dobson WR (24 YDS / 393 YDS / 16.4 AVG / 49.1 AVG G / 2 TD / 150 YAC / 65 LONG)
M. Austin WR (20 REC / 171 YDS / 8.6 AVG / 21.4 AVG G / 1 TD / 76 YAC / 30 LONG)
B. Tate HB (16 REC / 103 YDS / 6.4 AVG / 12.9 AVG G / 1 TD / 61 YAC / 24 LONG)

Defensive Line
A. Rubin LE (17 TAK / 6 TFL / 1 SACK / 521 DP)
D. Harrison NT (18 TAK / 6 TFL / 1 SACK / 330 DP)
D. Bryant RE (21 TAK / 6 TFL / 3 SACK / 502 DP)

Linebacking Core
J. Sheard ROLB (37 TAK / 9 TFL / 5 SACK / 1 FFUMB / 590 DP)
K. Dansby MLB (58 TAK / 1 TFL / 6 DEFL / 573 DP)
C. Robertson MLB (36 TAK / 2 DEFL / 1 FFUMB / 1 FMBREC / 507 DP)
P. Kruger LOLB (47 TAK / 6 TFL / 4 SACK / 3 DEFL / 530 DP)
B. Mingo ROLB (3 TAK / 1 TFL / 1 SACK / 225 DP)
E. Martin LOLB (8 TAK / 1 TFL / 1 SACK / 192 DP)

Defensive Backs
J. Haden CB (27 TAK / 1 TFL / 3 INT / 4 DEFL / 542 DP)
A. Dennard CB (22 TAK / 1 INT / 6 DEFL / 591 DP)
J. Gilbert CB (31 TAK / 2 INT / 3 DEFL / 541 DP)
C. Cook CB (4 TAK / 185 DP)
T. Gipson FS (36 TAK / 3 DEFL / 559 DP)
D. Whitner SS (43 TAK / 7 DEFL / 1 FFUMB / 592 DP)
J. Poyer SS (11 TAK / 2 TFL / 1 SACK / 1 DEFL / 232 DP)

Team Schedule

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Week 1: @ Pittsburgh (L 38-31)
Week 2: vs. New Orleans (L 31-26)
Week 3: vs. Baltimore (W 20-17 OT)
Week 4: BYE WEEK
Week 5: @ Tennessee (W 20-6)
Week 6: vs. Pittsburgh (W 35-3)
Week 7: @ Jacksonville (W 34-6)
Week 8: vs. Oakland (W 31-10)
Week 9: vs. Tampa Bay (L 41-31)
Week 10: @ Cincinnati (6-2)
Week 11: vs. Houston (4-5)
Week 12: @ Atlanta (1-7)
Week 13: @ Buffalo (7-1)
Week 14: vs. Indianapolis (6-3)
Week 15: vs. Cincinnati (6-2)
Week 16: @ Carolina (3-6)
Week 17: @ Baltimore (3-6)

Injury Report

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Stedman Bailey WR Ruptured Disk (3 Weeks)

AFC North Standings

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1. Cincinnati Bengals (6-2)
2. Cleveland Browns (5-3)
3. Baltimore Ravens (3-6)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-7)

Top 10 Conference Standings

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American Football Conference

1. Denver Broncos (8-0)
2. Miami Dolphins (7-1)
3. Buffalo Bills (7-1)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (6-2)
5. Indianapolis Colts (6-3)
6. Cleveland Browns (5-3)
7. Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)
8. New England Patriots (5-4)
9. Oakland Raiders (4-4)
10. Houston Texans (4-5)

National Football Conference

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-0)
2. Seattle Seahawks (7-1)
3. San Francisco 49ers (6-2)
4. New Orleans Saints (6-2)
5. Philadelphia Eagles (6-2)
6. Washington Redskins (5-4)
7. New York Giants (4-4)
8. Detroit Lions (4-4)
9. Green Bay Packers (4-4)
10. Arizona Cardinals (3-4)

Around the NFL

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League News

Brady leaves battle against Manning with injury

While the lead up to another battle between QB Tom Brady and QB Peyton Manning was almost all the NFL and the media could talk about entering Week 9, the drama was real in New England when the Patriots suffered a debilitating loss at the helm of their offense. A 3rd and 12 play saw Brady sacked and in immediate pain following a huge hit from LOLB Von Miller. Immediately the pain was obvious and the training staff was rushed out to the field. Having to be helped up, Brady was carted off to the locker room holding his left arm in agony, leading to a class-act scene involving Peyton Manning, Brady’s career nemesis, giving him his best wishes before the cart pulled away. With the entire stadium and New England team stunned at what had just taken place, QB Ryan Mallett was forced to enter the game, failing to step up to the challenge with just 100 yards on the rest of the game with no touchdowns, but also no interceptions. After the game it was announced to be an upper arm fracture, expected to keep Brady out for perhaps the rest of the regular season, and perhaps the Patriots out of the playoffs this season. Denver would win the affair 34-15.

Tampa Bay remains undefeated; the sleeper has awoken

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to remain the surprise team of the season, as they remain the only undefeated team left in the NFC at eight wins and zero losses. The team is led by a breakout year from QB Mike Glennon who thus far boasts the highest QBR out of all starting quarterbacks in the league at 107.6, having through for 2,211 yards, 16 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions. The second-year quarterback and ignited a Tampa Bay fanbase which has clamored for a winning team for quite some time, having last won the Super Bowl in 2002. The team features a well-balanced offense supported by HB Doug Martin who is fifth in the league in yards this season at 698 so far with 6 touchdowns to accompany. His carrying this season has remained an issue, as Martin does have 4 fumbles in 8 games, but opponents have clearly failed to capitalize on the opportunities. On the receiving end, it’s not surprising to find WR Vincent Jackson third in the league in receiving yards with 820 already, while standing out with an incredible 8 touchdowns caught already. His impact has certainly been increased thanks to the addition of rookie WR Mike Evans who has 471 yards and 6 touchdowns of his own. But it’s not just all offense in Tampa Bay as their defense has been the sleeper story to their rise in prominence. Ranked 5th in terms of yards given up, the Buccaneers have also given up the second-least amount of points against opponents all season. The real challenge though is how long the Buccaneers can keep up their run and if the pressure will be too much for many of their young players to handle.

Has the guard changed in the AFC East?

The AFC East may be undergoing a culture change as the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills each remain near the top of the conference with just one loss. The Dolphins are led mostly by their high powered offense that is quick to score in any occasion, while the Bills are more of a defensive powerhouse with solid offensive production as well. With the loss of QB Tom Brady, the AFC East will almost certainly find itself with a new division winner for the first time since the Dolphins’ title and 2008, and for the second time in 12 years. QB EJ Manuel has emerged as an effective game manager for Buffalo, throwing for 1,568 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions; while QB Ryan Tannehill for the Dolphins has himself 1,706 yards for 13 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. The two met for the first time in Week 2 where the Dolphins won a pivotal game in Buffalo, 26-20. The Dolphins may appear to have Buffalo’s number thanks to that game, having disrupted EJ Manuel to the point where he would throw 4 interceptions in the game. However, the game was an overtime occasion, as the Dolphins won things with a touchdown on their first drive to secure the tough road victory. The two will meet again in Week 11 on Thursday night in what should be a very important and exciting football game.

Transactions

• The only significant transaction to take place in the second quarter of the 2014 NFL season involved free agent and infamous WR Plaxico Burress who signed a $1M/1yr contract with the St. Louis Rams, causing media uproar for the first week of the announcement. Since his signing in Week 6, Burress has recorded 5 receptions for 34 yards and 1 touchdown.

Injury Report

• The Bengals have been without HB Giovani Bernard for some time, as he suffered a dislocated knee and will be out at least until Week 13.
• The Cardinals also found themselves with a dislocated knee situation involving their LE Calais Campbell who is out until Week 13 as well.
• The Packers saw HB Eddie Lacy suffer a dislocation of his own, this one involving his left elbow which will have their running producer out for another two weeks.
• The Panthers have been feeling the pain perhaps more than any other team, with seven of their players on the team’s injury report entering Week 10. Of those listed include both half backs HB DeAngelo Williams (dislocated ankle) and HB Jonathan Stewart (broken thumb). Both are expected to make their return in Week 11.
• The Patriots suffered a huge loss for the rest of the regular season when QB Tom Brady broke a part of his left arm in a game against the Denver Broncos. Also out on the Patriots roster is LG Logan Mankins with a partial PCL tear for another month, LT Nate Solder with a pulled groin for three weeks, and WR Brandon LaFell with a right shoulder tear that has him out another two weeks.
• While the Ravens wait for LOLB Terrell Suggs to continue to recover from a partial PCL tear and ROLB Elvis Dumervil from a broken thumb, the team took another hit in the linebacker core with the loss of MLB Daryl Smith to a dislocated ankle which could have him out potentially for the rest of the regular season.

Players of the Week

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AFC Offensive POW
Week 6: A. Johnson WR / HOU (5 REC / 163 YDS / 32.6 AVG / 2 TD)
Week 7: B. Roethlisberger QB / PIT (26/34 / 318 YDS / 2 TD / 0 INT)
Week 8: R. Tannehill QB / MIA (24/32 / 218 YDS / 4 TD / 2 INT / 8 CAR / 79 YDS / 1 TD)
Week 9: B. Bortles QB / JAC (39/52 / 380 YDS / 2 TD / 0 INT)

NFC Offensive POW
Week 6: J. Cutler QB / CHI (35/53 / 371 YDS / 3 TD / 0 INT)
Week 7: R. Wilson QB / SEA (22/27 / 260 YDS / 3 TD / 0 INT)
Week 8: J. Cotchery WR / CAR (11 REC / 160 YDS / 14.5 AVG / 1 TD)
Week 9: M. Glennon QB / TB (30/41 / 393 YDS / 4 TD / 1 INT)

AFC Defensive POW
Week 6: K. Mack LOLB / OAK (10 TKL / 3 SACKS / 1 FF / 1 FR)
Week 7: R. Moore FS / DEN (13 TKL / 1 INT)
Week 8: E. Weddle FS / SD (7 TKL / 2 INT)
Week 9: D. Johnson MLB / KC (8 TKL / 1 SACK / 2 INT)

NFC Defensive POW
Week 6: T. Cole ROLB / PHI (8 TKL / 4 SACKS)
Week 7: C. Jordan RE / NO (11 TKL / 5 SACKS)
Week 8: B. Irvin ROLB / SEA (10 TKL / 1 SACK / 2 INT)
Week 9: B. Orakpo ROLB / WAS (10 TKL / 3 SACKS)