Preseason Week 3 - Sunday and Monday Games

Saints 40 Raiders 20



Jets 17 Giants 3

Pre Season Week 3 - Thursday, Friday and Saturday Games.

Panthers 13 Bengals 24



Browns 14 Eagles 24



Redskins 31 Ravens 34



Packers 24 Colts 21



Rams 14 Chiefs 10



Jaguars 32 Bills 35 OT



Falcons 16 Steelers 34



Dolphins 13 Bucaneers 17



Patriots 10 Lions 34



Cowboys 23 Vikings 17



Texans 30 49'ers 7



Bears 13 Titans 14



Seahawks 20 Broncos 23



Chargers 34 Cardinals 31

Preseason Week 2 - Sunday and Mondays Games

Bengals 7 Jets 27



Chargers 20 Cowboys 7



Bears 13 Giants 41

Preseason Week 2 : Saturday Nights Games

Here are Saturdays highlights from the NFL preseason

Saints 14 Texans 27



Raiders 3 49'ers 17



Titans 16 Rams 17



Bills 10 Broncos 24



Vikings 20 Seahawks 7

Pre Season Week 2 : Friday Nights Games

Here are the highlights from all the games on Friday night:

Redskins 16 Colts 3



Chiefs 13 Ravens 31



Lions 30 Browns 28



Panthers 10 Dolphins 20



Cardinals 20 Packers 28




Falcons 13 Jaguars 15

Thursday Nights Highlights

Here are the highlights from last nights games

Patriots @ Buccaneers



Eagles @ Steelers

Is the kickoff return a thing of the past??

The first week of pre season is complete, all teams have been out on the field once, so what have we learned?  There are QB, and other position, battles going on all over the NFL.  But the biggest story for me from week 1, was to do with a rule change.

Over the offseason, the NFL have being coming up with ways to make the game more 'safe'.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm all in favour of player safety, and I hate to see players getting hurt.  But the change of the kickoff position, from the 30 yard line, to the 35 yard line, will dramatically change the face of the game, in many ways.  A kickoff return, in my view, is one of the most exciting plays in football.  To see Devin Hester or Josh Cribbs catch the ball and go the length of the field, at lightening speed, weaving their way through 11 would be tacklers, is an amazing sight.  This rule change may have just taken that play out of the game. 

The first reason for this is that these NFL kickers have huge legs.  They were able to kick the ball through the endzone with the ball on the 30, so most of them will be able to from the 35.  We did see this as a trend this past week, with kickoff after kickoff going through the endzone for a touchback.  Even if for whatever reason, the kicker doesn't quite manage to clear the endzone, the returner will be receiving the ball 5 - 7 yards deep in the endzone, a position that they would not have dreamed of trying a return from in previous years.  Another factor here is that the coverage teams have also got a 5 yard advantage.  They are going to be on top of the returner alot sooner than before.   So the fact that he is deeper in the endzone, and the fact that the coverage unit is on top of him sooner, make it highly likely, that the returner will take a knee, and accept the touchback.  This is a trend that we saw play out, in most of the games over the weekend.

If I was a fan of the Browns or the Bears, for example, I would be very annoyed at this new rule.  We all know that Hester and Cribbs can turn a game on its head with one of their great returns.  We all remember Hesters opening kickoff return in the Superbowl against the Colts.  But, lets be honest for a second, the Browns in particular, don't have the best offence in the world.  In some games Josh Cribbs on punt and kickoff returns, is their best offensive weapon.  Now the NFL is taking this weapon away from them, as well as de-valuing the player.  Alot of the players that return, are not talented enough to play at other positions on the field.  They are very explosive, but cannot play WR or CB to a high standard.  These players may in time be forced out of the league.  This, in my opinion, is a travesty.

As I said earlier, I know what the NFL are trying to do, and I agree that if the game can be made safer for the players, then it should be.  This rule change though, is a step to far for me.  Let me know what you think on this matter, email - nflgbview@googlemail.com or twitter - http://tinyurl.com/4426k9g or leave a comment.

Also take a look at the fantasy and predictions tabs, to see how you can compete against me this year in both nflgbview's championship fantasy football or nflgbview pick em - predicting each match.

Fridays Pre Season Storylines

It was great to see live football again last night, after the doom and gloom of the lockout.  All matches from Thursday, Friday and Saturday, will be reviewed here on Sunday.  But for now, what games are happening tonight, and what should you be looking out for?

Dolphins @ Falcons

The visiting Dolphins have a lot of questions to answer on the offensive side of the ball.  Alot of the talk in the off season has been about QB Chad Henne.  Henne's performances last season were not great, and the fans wanted him replaced.  It will be a huge year for Henne this year.  Can he prove that the organisation were right to keep him??  Also keep an eye on the RB situation.  Newcomer Reggie Bush and rookie Daniel Thomas, are looking to replace veterans Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.

All the talk in the off season in Atlanta has also been about the offence.  During the draft, the Falcons traded multiple draft picks, to trade up and take WR Julio Jones.  Jones is a very talented WR, and the Falcons clearly believe that he is the missing piece that they need to get them to the Superbowl.  Are they correct to think this way?

Bengals @ Lions

The Bengals are almost certain to be starting a rookie QB (Andy Dalton) come the opening day of the season.  To make things worse, their best WR for years (Chad Ochocinco) has left town, and is now catching passes from Tom Brady in New England.  They did take WR A.J Green in the first round of the draft, but with this broken off season, will he be anywhere near as effective as Ochocinco could have been?  It will be very interesting to see the Dalton - Green combination.

The Lions have a very young, exciting team, and were really looking forward to the new season.  Since training camp opened though, they have received injuries to 2 rookies, DT Nick Fairley and RB Mikel Leshore.  Leshore is actually out for the whole season, because of his torn achilles.  The Lions bought in veteran RB's Mike Bell and Jerome Harrison to help Javid Best run the ball.  Tonight it will be intersting to see who catches the eye.

Steelers @ Redskins

The Steelers starters almost pick themselves, and the main objective for them tonight, is to make sure none of the pick up an injury.  I expect that the Steelers starters will only play one series, then take the rest of the night off.  Will be interesting to see what they have lower down the depth chart, but not much to keep an eye on here.

If the Steelers are set up and ready to go, the Redskins could not be further behind.  With last years QB Donovan McNaab now in Minnesota, the Redskins are searching for this years starter.  Up step John Beck and Rex Grossman, o dear!  These 2 are the reason that the Redskins will finish bottom of the NFC East standings this year, no matter who starts.  I'm looking forward to seeing their defence though, I think that they could be very good - they are going to need to be.

Buccaneers @ Chiefs

The Wembley bound Buccaneers, start their 2011 campaign in Kansas City.  To be completely honest I'm struggling quite a lot to pick out an individual thing to look out for, for either team.  The Chiefs and Buccs rosters are loaded up with young players, so expect to see a lot of mistakes in this game.  This off season has been a nightmare for young teams, as they have been unable to practice together.  I expect to see some exciting plays, and some stupid mistakes in this very unpredictable matchup.  One player I am looking forward to seeing is Buccs QB Josh Freeman.  I want to see how he has developed as a leader over the off season.

49'ers @ Saints

The 49'ers decided to stick with what they know with QB Alex Smith, and bought in WR Braylon Edwards to give him a solid option in the pass game.  With Michael Crabtree looking likely to miss most of the preseason, the Smith - Edwards combo is likely to be developed by coaching staff intensely.  Another position to keep an eye on here is the secondary spots.  The 49'ers have bought in S's Dashon Goldston and Donte Whitner, as well as CB's Carlos Rodgers and Madieu Williams.  Improving the secondary was obviously a priority, so has it worked?

The Saints (like the Steelers) are pretty much set at all positions, and their primary goal will be to finish this game injury free.  A couple of new faces though that will be looking to make an impact were 1st round picks RB Mark Ingram, and DE Cam Jordan.  The Saints were praised by everyone following the addition of these 2 players in April.  Tonight is their first opportunity to prove the organisation made the right choices.

Check back here tomorrow for Saturdays story lines.

Thursday Pre Season Storylines

Tomorrow night will see the beginning of the pre-season.  Five games will happen tomorrow night, with the rest of the teams playing over the weekend.  Here we can take a look at the story lines, and things to look out for in each game.

Jaguars @ Patriots

The big talking point for the visiting Jaguars here is who will be the starting QB.  Previous starter David Garrard injured his back last week at training camp, therefore all eyes turn to rookie Blaine Gabbert.  Gabbert was selected 10th overall in the draft in April, but I'm sure the Jaguars didn't expect him to start so soon.  It will be interesting to see how he copes against a decent Pats defence here.  3rd string QB Luke McCown and recently signed Todd Bouman will back up the rookie.

The Patriots have added many very interesting pieces through the off-season, and it will be great to see how they put them all together.  WR Chad Ochocinco will look to make an instant impact in what is a very talented offence, and look to cement himself as one of Tom Brady's favorite targets.  On the defensive side of the ball I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of impact DT Albert Haynesworth can make.  Haynesworth's stay in Washington was full of controversy, but if anyone can kick him into shape, the Patriots can.  The formation will suit, lets see what happens. 

Ravens @ Eagles

The visiting Ravens have a few questions to answer on offence.  With the departure of TE Todd Heap, and WR Derrick Mason who will QB Joe Flacco look for?  One player who looks set for a huge year is RB Ray Rice.  He is a great pass catching RB, and with the addition of FB Vonta Leach (who is a fantastic lead blocker) he should be able to run the ball more effectively than ever.  He also has a new spell back in Ricky Williams.  Flacco though, needs someone else to throw the ball to.  Who will it be?

The Eagles will be able to showcase to their hometown crowd, their vastly changed roster.  There is now a whole lot of pressure on the Eagles following all of their additions, and talk of them being a 'dream team'.  This will be our first look at their new look defence (including new CB's Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, as well as DT Cullen Jenkins).  Also it will be interesting to see what kind of playbook new back up QB Vince Young will run.

Seahawks @ Chargers - live on ESPN UK

The visiting Seahawks have a whole host of new faces on offence, and I can't wait to see what they look like.  New QB Tavaris Jackson has alot of pressure on him.  Following the departure of veteran Matt Hasselbeck, HC Pete Carroll decided that Jackson was his guy, but many Seahawks fans aren't convinced.  Tarvaris did though bring his favorite target with him from Minnesota, WR Syndey Rice.  Will he help Jackson through?

The main question surrounding the Chargers is what is going to happen at the RB position.  Ryan Matthews showed promise in his rookie season last year, before getting injured.  Mike Tolbert stepped in last year, and played very well.  Will Tolbert stay as the number 1?  Will Matthews be given that role back? Or will they split time?

Broncos @ Cowboys

There is only one thing being talked about in Denver at the moment, Who is the starting QB?  Kyle Orton was on the trading block once the lockout was lifted, and it seemed that the Tim Tebow era was going to begin.  But as no trade was executed, and with Orton out performing Tebow at training camp, Orton seems to be the starter, against many of the fans wishes.  There are reports coming out of Broncos camp that not only Kyle Orton is performing better than Tebow, Brady Quinn is also.

This is a huge year for the Cowboys.  Following a very poor season last year, the very passionate fans will accept nothing less than drastic improvement from Americas team.  QB Tony Romo is back, with all of his major players (WR's Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and TE Jason Witten) and they have to put up points.  But the area the Cowboys need to improve most is their pass defence.  Their secondary was shocking last year.  Have they made the nessiciary improvements?

Cardinals @ Raiders

Of course the big talking point with the Cardinals is new addition QB Kevin Kolb.  Kolb played well in Philly last year when he started, and the Card's payed a high price for him, so here comes the pressure.  I expect him to look for star WR Larry Fitzgerald early and often here, and for the rest of the year.

The Raiders are - the Raiders.  I sadly think that they may have taken a step back this year, thanks to the loss of TE Zach Miller, who was their top receiver last year.  RB Michael Bush is back to share the load with Darren McFadden, and those 2 will have to carry the offence in my opinion.  I hope for Raiders fans sake, that I'm wrong.

So thats what to look out for Thursday night, check back tomorrow, and take a look at what we will be looking out for on Friday night.  If you agree or dis-agree with any of these points let me know email - nflgbview@googlemail.com twitter -  nflgbview or leave a comment.

Almost Football Time!!!

We have just 2 days to wait for the first live NFL action of the 2011 season. I don't know about you, but I can't wait. Take a look at this video to help pass the time.



If you have any favorite NFL videos on youtube, let me know, and the best video will get posted on here.  Get in touch by email nflgbview@googlemail.com, twitter - nflgbview, or leave a comment.

The crazy days continue

Since my last post, just over a week ago, there has been plenty more player movement in the NFL.  Here is a breakdown, position by position:

QB

Derek Anderson to the Panthers
Davis Carr to the Giants
Trent Edwards to the Raiders
Vince Young to the Eagles

The big name here is obviously Vince Young.  The Eagles were in need of a 2nd QB following the trade of Kevin Kolb to the Cardinals, and it isn't the easiest job to find somebody to back up Michael Vick.  His skill set is very unique, and he also gets injured with regularity.  VY is the perfect back up in my eyes.  He has played in the league, and would be ready at any moment should Vick get injures.  Also, his skill set is similar to Vick's, so should he need to step in, the Eagles wouldn't have to change their offence much at all.

RB

Marion Barber to the Bears
Ronnie Brown to the Eagles
Tim Hightower to the Redskins
Brandon Jackson to the Browns
Jerious Norwood to the Rams
Cadillac Williams to the Rams

There are many big names on this list, but all of them have alot of miles on the clock.  The Eagles were again the big movers here.  Ronnie Brown has had a great career in Miami, and he will be a fantastic spell back for LeSean McCoy.  The Rams bought in Cadillac and Norwood, which I really like.  Steven Jackson is a great RB, but they ask him to do way to much in St. Louis.  The addition of these 2, will help ease the pressure on him.

WR

Plaxico Burress to the Jets
Braylon Edwards to the 49'ers
Derek Haden to the Raiders
Johnnie Lee Higgins to the Eagles
Sam Hurd to the Bears
Michael Jenkins to the Vikings
Legedu Naanee to the Panthers
Laurent Robinson to the Chargers
Mike Sims-Walker to the Rams
Maurice Stovall to the Lions
Chansi Stuckey to the Cardinals

The big talking point here is that the Jets lost Braylon Edwards to the 49'ers, due to the fact they couldn't pay everybody, and decided to replace him with former Giant Plaxico Burress.  Plax of course spent time in prison for a gun related incident, and you have to wonder if he is capable of being a full time starter opposite Santonio Holmes.

TE

Kevin Boss to the Raiders
Daniel Fells to the Broncos
John Gilmore to the Steelers
Daniel Graham to the Titans
Todd Heap to the Cardinals
Donald Lee to the Eagles
Zach Miller to the Seahawks
Ben Patrick to the Giants
Dante Rosiaro to the Broncos
Bo Scaife to the Bengals

Some big names here.  Todd Heap has been bought in by the Cardinals to give Kevin Kolb a big target over the middle.  Zach Miller has also been bought in to help Tavaris Jackson.  Once again the Eagles have been active.  Lee is a big pass catching TE, and he will give Vick just one more option.

OL

Jonathan Goodwin to the 49'ers
Olin Kreutz to the Saints
Chris Morris to the Patriots
Casey Rabach to the Ravens
Chris Spencer to the Bears
Max Jean-Gilles to the Bengals
Evan Mathis to the Eagles
Jason Spitz to the Jaguars
Floyd Womack to the Cardinals
Alex Barron to the Saints
Marc Colombo to the Dolphins
Ryan Harris to the Eagles
Stephon Heyer to the Raiders
Charlie Johnson to the Vikings
Sean Locklear to the Redskins
Pat McQuistan to the Titans
Quinn Ojinnaka to the Rams

The Saints bought in veteran C Olin Kreutz from the Bears, who will help sure up an already loaded team.  The Dolphins took Marc Colombo from the Cowboys, and now have 4 former 1st round picks on their O line.  The Eagles couldn't miss on any position, as they took Harris and Mathis, who will help create competition, and improve everyone on the O line.

DL

Mark Anderson to the Patriots
Jamaal Anderson to the Colts
Keyunta Dawson to the Lions
Shaun Ellis to the Patriots
Cullen Jenkins to the Eagles
Turk McBride to the Saints

Once again, the Eagles swooped for the biggest name on the board.  Cullen Jenkins from the Superbowl winning Packers.  He is a very dominant interior pass rusher.  He will help to heap pressure onto opposing QB's, forcing them to release the ball extremely early.


LB

Antwan Applewhite to the 49'ers
Nick Barnett to the Bills
Stuart Bradley to the Cardinals
Kevin Burnett to the Dolphins
Blake Costanzo to the 49'ers
Zac Diles to the Rams
Keyaron Fox to the Redskins
Omar Gaither to the Panthers
Will Herring to the Saints
Travis LaBoy to the Chargers
Manny Lawson to the Bengals
Brady Poppinga to the Rams
Barrett Ruud to the Titans
Brandon Siler to the Chiefs
Ernie Sims to the Colts
Jason Taylor to the Dolphins
Jason Trusnik to the Dolphins
Stephen Tulloch to the Lions

Jason Taylor has been bought back into the fold in Miami.  He won't be a starter there, but he will be a great help to OLB's Wake and Missi.  He will be able to contribute though, as he showed with his 1st play at training camp, where he got a sack.  The Phins also bought in Kevin Burnett. He will slot in next to Karlos Dansby.  These 2 should be able to create big plays and turnovers.  Stuart Bradley will be a big help in Arizona if they can keep him fit.

CB

Nnamdi Asomugha to the Eagles
Nate Clements to the Bengals
Drew Coleman to the Jaguars
Maurice Leggett to the Lions
Richard Marshall to the Cardinals
Trumaine McBride to the Saints
Dimitri Paterson to the Browns
Carlos Rodgers to the 49'ers
Frank Walker to the Titans
Fabian Washington to the Saints
Eric Wright to the Lions

The Biggest name, ONCE AGAIN, ended up in Philly. Nnamdi Asomugha is one of the best 2 CB's in the league, without doubt.  He will line up on the opposite side to Rogers-Cromartie, who they got in the Kolb trade.  With Cullen Jenkins pressing up the middle, and these 2 in the secondary, the Eagles should be a turnover machine.

S

Husain Abdullah to the Cardinals
Jordan Babineaux to the Titans
Sean Considine to the Panthers
Abram Elam to the Cowboys
Paul Oliver to the Saints
Jareed Page to the Eagles
Sabby Piscitelli to the Chiefs
Bernard Pollard to the Ravens
Donte Whitner to the 49'ers
Madieu Williams to the 49'ers
Usama Young to the Browns

No real big names here.  But the 49'ers bought in 2 guys to try and sure up their leaky secondary.  Of course the Eagles had to bring someone in.  That was Jareed Page.

P

Brad Maynard to the Texans
Sav Rocca to the Redskins
Matt Turk to the Jaguars
Steve Weatherford to the Giants

K

Shayne Graham to the Redskins
Jeff Reed to the Seahawks

So the Free agent period rolls on, but training camps have begun, and we are only 3 days away from the first pre season games of the year.  Make sure you follow me on twitter, as I get the breaking news out on there ASAP.  In the next few weeks I will preview each team individually, as well as giving match reports from all of the pre season games.

Its great to be back talking football, but the fun is about to begin on Thursday Night, with the Seahawks @ Chargers live on ESPN UK on Fri at 1am.