Daily Dose: Rodger That
On Xbox, have you ever set the difficulty to “rookie” on Madden and just destroyed the computer? It’s a real confidence booster.
I bring it up because that’s essentially what Aaron Rodgers did to the Chiefs in Monday night’s 38-28 win. The reigning MVP had his way with Kansas City’s overmatched secondary, torching Andy Reid’s squad for 333 yards and five touchdowns.
Rodgers now has four career five-touchdown games, the most in franchise history and one ahead of Brett Favre. On top of that, he’s thrown 580 passes in a row at Lambeau Field without getting intercepted. Rodgers also joins Peyton Manning as only the second quarterback to throw 10 touchdowns in his first three games without allowing an interception. All of this will be written on his plaque in Canton someday.
Rodgers’ epic fantasy performance probably wouldn’t have happened without Randall Cobb. The shifty slot receiver was responsible for three of Rodgers’ five touchdowns and could have had another if not for a bogus pass interference call against Ty Montgomery. Cobb looked a little tentative coming off a shoulder injury in Week 1, but since then, he’s been unstoppable. Over the last two weeks, Cobb has snagged 15 of 23 targets for 207 yards.
While Cobb was dusting Phillip Gaines and Tyvon Branch in the slot, James Jones served as Rodgers’ primary deep threat. He inherited the role from Davante Adams, who left after aggravating his ankle injury early in the first half. In his stead, Jones generated a team-high 139 yards on seven catches. His touchdown came on a 27-yard heave from Rodgers with 56 seconds remaining in the first half.
Though the game wasn’t as close as the final score indicates, the Chiefs did put up a late fight by scoring touchdowns on three of their last four possessions. Alex Smith shook off a dismal first half to finish with 290 passing yards, his highest total since Week 16 of last season. Jeremy Maclin (eight catches, 141 yards) was his go-to receiver. Kansas City’s streak of 21 games without a touchdown from a wide receiver ended on Maclin’s five-yard grab late in the third quarter.
Jamaal Charles made the most of his meager workload (11 carries for 49 yards) by scoring three of the Chiefs’ four touchdowns. He trolled Aaron Rodgers by doing the discount double check, which would have been infinitely cooler if the Chiefs had actually been competitive on Monday night.
Eddie Lacy played through an ankle injury and posted a respectable 87 yards on 13 touches. The Packers have now won 11 straight at home. That’s the longest active streak in the NFL.
Panthers Land Jared Allen
It’s safe to say the Bears have seen better days. Sunday was pretty awful, but what did the Bears expect going into Seattle with an undermanned receiving corps and deer-in-the-headlights quarterback Jimmy Clausen under center?
Instead of waiting for things to get better, the Bears began the rebuilding process Monday by trading away two of their best defenders. Jon Bostic, Chicago’s second-leading tackler from last year, is headed to New England where he’ll join a loaded linebacker corps that already includes Jerod Mayo, Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins.
But that was kid’s stuff compared to the blockbuster that sent Jared Allen to the Panthers for a sixth-round pick. Chicago’s decision to move on from Allen less than two seasons into his four-year contract shows just how desperate things have become in the Windy City. ESPN’s Dianna Marie Russini reported Monday that Chicago is looking to trade away any players who don’t fit the team’s new system. Keep in mind the Bears brought in a whole new staff this offseason with John Fox taking over for Marc Trestman as head coach. Moving all the holdovers from the previous regime seems a bit brash, but worse than that, it’s something the Bears should have taken care of during the offseason. Week 3 is no time for an overhaul.
One wonders if the purge might include Alshon Jeffery, who is entering the final year of his contract and could be a game-changer for a contending team. Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett would also generate interest if the Bears chose to go that route.
Swapping a sixth-round pick for a proven veteran like Allen was a no-brainer for Carolina, particularly now that Charles Johnson is out with a hamstring injury. The five-time Pro Bowler isn’t the player he once was, but in doses, he can still be very effective.
Allen should welcome the move from outside linebacker to defensive end. The 4-3 scheme Carolina employs has always been a better fit for his skill set. The Panthers haven’t generated much of a pass-rush since Greg Hardy’s departure and Allen will be counted on for improvement in that area. With the Falcons off to a hot start, Carolina’s path to the NFC South title might not be as clear as it was last year.
Quick Hits: You know that lateral Brandon Marshall tried against the Eagles on Sunday? Yeah that one. Don’t expect another one anytime soon. “I’m never going to try that again,” he said … Victor Cruz said he’ll be ready to go when the Giants play Buffalo in Week 4. He’s missed the last three games with a calf injury … The Giants are bringing Chris Cooley in for a tryout. The tight end last played for the Redskins in 2012 … Bills coach Rex Ryan acknowledged that Sammy Watkins might miss Sunday’s game. He suffered a strained calf against the Dolphins in Week 3 … According to NFL Network’s Rand Getlin, LeSean McCoy is unlikely to play against the Giants in Week 4. His hamstring has been bothering him all season. If Shady sits, rookie Karlos Williams would slide into the starting role … Shareece Wright has seen enough. Apparently the cornerback wants the 49ers to trade or release him. He’s been inactive for all of San Francisco’s games this year … Cam Newton claims longtime referee Ed Hochuli told him he wasn’t “old enough” to get a roughing the passer call that would have gone against Saints defensive end Tyeler Davison. The league is looking into it … The Seahawks worked out Terrelle Pryor on Monday. Pryor was cut by Cleveland just before the start of the season … Drew Brees is “very optimistic” he’ll play against the Cowboys this week. Brees missed Week 3 with a sprained rotator cuff … Crockett Gillmore sat out Monday’s practice because of a calf injury … Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said the team will tailor their offense to Michael Vick. A sprained MCL has starter Ben Roethlisberger sidelined for the next 4-to-6 weeks … Alshon Jeffery (calf) expects to play Sunday against Oakland. Chicago receivers caught just three passes for 17 yards with Jeffery sidelined in Week 3 … The Eagles signed Caleb Sturgis to replace Cody Parkey, who is out for the year with a groin injury. Sturgis made 29-of-37 field goals with the Dolphins last season … X-rays on Josh McCown’s injured hand came back negative. He should be good to go against the Chargers in Week 4 … Brent Grimes’ wife was arrested at Sunday’s Bills/Dolphins game. She allegedly head-butted a police officer.
