If there was an award for coaching move of the year, that award may just go to Jack Del Rio for deciding to go with David Garrard as his starting QB. When incumbent starter Byron Leftwich was released at the end of the preseason, a lot of people were scratching their heads, wondering what was going on in Jacksonville. As it turns out, there is a reason Del Rio is the coach. The result; Garrard has responded with a touchdown to interception ratio of 6 to 1, a quarterback rating of 102.2, completion percentage of 64, and a 9-3 record as the starter. Over the past few years, Jacksonville has developed a reputation for having a ferocious defense. It all starts up front with the big guys. Marcus Stroud and John Henderson wreak havoc up front, harassing quarterbacks and dominating runningbacks. But, do not forget about Rasheen Mathis. He only has one interception this year, but that is only because no one will throw at him. He is an elite cornerback who can shut down his entire side of the field.
The Jacksonville offense is fueled by the running game. Fred Taylor has ran for over twelve hundred yards, even though he splits carries with second year sensation Maurice Jones-Drew (who has chipped in almost 800 yards respectively).
Over on the Pittsburgh sideline, they are seeing what they once were in Jacksonville. Unfortunately for the Steelers, the only was to win this game is to get back to playing that smash mouth style of football that made them successful for all of those years. Even worse, their star runner Willie Parker is done for the season and they will have to rely on former Miami Hurricane, Najeh Davenport. Davenport is a downhill style runner who will try to run you over ever time he gets the ball. However, not being a starter for a full season at any point in his career will cause him to tire out in the fourth quarter, which is when the Steelers will need him most. Therefore, Pittsburgh will put the ball in quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's hands and hope that he can win the game with his arm. Big Ben is best when rolling out of the pocket to his right, where he can make big plays. He can also scramble around out there, and can make big plays with his legs.
Pittsburgh is also 7-1 at home this season...the bad new is, the one loss was to Jacksonville. The Steelers would have a much better chance to win this game if they were completely healthy along the offensive line. But, with both starting left Tackle Marvel Smith and his backup Max Starks out with injuries, that Jacksonville D-line will be too overpowering and will be making plays in the backfield all game long. I like Jacksonville to win, 29-23.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment