Thursday's NFL preseason betting previews
By DAVID JONES
Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens (-3, 31.5)
Who's in, who's out
Prized free agent defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth will not make his Redskins debut in the preseason opener. Star running back Clinton Portis will also be held out against the Ravens.
While Jason Campbell is locked in as the starting QB, head coach Jim Zorn is evaluating his options for the backup spot. Veteran Todd Collins, second-year signal-caller Colt Brennan and rookie Chase Daniel will get most of the snaps Thursday.
For the Ravens, standout linebacker Terrell Suggs and No. 2 wide receiver Mark Clayton will miss the game due to injuries. Top receiver Derek Mason and No.3 wideout Demeterius Williams are also banged up but could play.
Baltimore also has some open competition for its backup quarterback spot behind starter Joe Flacco. Troy Smith will try to hold off former Dolphins quarterback John Beck for the No. 2 role.
In a battle to replace longtime kicker Matt Stover, Steven Hauschka will handle the kicking duties in the first half against the Redskins while Florida State rookie Graham Gano will take over as the kicker in the second half.
Line movement
The Ravens opened as 3-point favorites with the total set around 31. These numbers have basically held up although there are a few books that have moved the total up to 31.5.
Trends
Zorn went 3-2 (2-3 ATS) in the preseason a year ago while covering in his debut contest at the Hall of Fame Game against the Colts. John Harbaugh won and covered in his first preseason contest in 2008 before his squad dropped their final three exhibition contests.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 82 degrees with a 30 percent chance of rain in Baltimore.
New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles (-3, 33)
Who's in, who's out
There will be plenty of eyes on this contest with the expected return of Tom Brady. In a gathering with reporters on Tuesday, Brady provided a hint that the Patriots won't be going through the motions Thursday.
"It’s been a different training camp this year,’’ said Brady. "I don’t know what he’s (head coach Bill Belichick) got in store. From his tone and the message he’s been sending to the team, it doesn’t sound like it’s going to be a (standard) first preseason game for us. I don’t think it’s like a guest appearance or anything like that. I think we’re going out there to play.’’
Reserve quarterbacks Kevin O'Connell, Andrew Walter, and Brain Hoyer will be closely evaluated in the preseason with the departure of Matt Cassel. Belichick is taking over the offensive play calling duties this year after the loss of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
The Eagles have been hard hit by injuries heading into their preseason debut. Last week, starting linebacker Stewart Bradley was lost for the year with an ACL knee injury. Other recent camp casualties have included QB Kevin Kolb, DE Trent Cole and starting OG Todd Herreamns. All three will miss Thursday's game but should be ready to go by the start of the regular season.
Head coach Andy Reid has indicated that his starters will play until about midway through the second quarter. With Kolb out, A. J. Feely will see most of the action at reserve quarterback although just re-signed rookie Adam DiMichele could play in the fourth quarter. Standout runner Brian Westbrook is unlikely to play much in the preseason after some offseason surgeries.
Line movement
The Eagles opened as 2.5-point favorites with the total set at 35. Philadelphia has moved up to a field goal favorite with the total down to 33.
Trends
Belichick is 20-17 (19-15-3 ATS) in the preseason with the Patriots. He went 5-0-2 ATS in his first seven preseason openers but has dropped the last two. The last time New England entered a preseason after missing the playoffs was in 2003. In that year, the Pats went a perfect 4-0 (4-0 ATS) and went on to capture the Super Bowl title. Reid is 14-26 (19-21 ATS) in his preseason career in Philadelphia. The Eagles are 0-5 (0-5 ATS) in their last five preseason openers.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 79 degrees in with a 30 percent chance of showers in Philadelphia.
Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3, 33.5)
Who's in, who's out
The Cardinals are fairly healthy heading into their preseason opener and Super Bowl rematch. The only notable player who could miss Thursday's contest is first-round draft choice Beanie Wells (ankle sprain).
Like Belichick, Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt is taking over his club's play calling duties after losing his coordinator (Todd Haley) to a head coaching job.
Despite a renewed offseason that included some intense MMA physical training, former top draft pick Matt Leinart is in a real battle to hold off Brian St. Pierre for the backup QB spot behind starter Kurt Warner. Former Pitt Panthers signal-caller Tyler Palko is also trying to land a place on the roster for the Cardinals.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has indicated that his starters will only play "a couple of series" against the Cardinals. Pittsburgh has also been able to avoid getting too banged up so far.
After Ben Roethlisberger makes his cameo appearance against Arizona, veteran Charlie Batch will vie for quarterback snaps along with youngsters Dennis Dixon and Mike Reilly.
Line Movement
The Steelers opened as 3-point favorites with the total set around 34. The total has made a slight drop down to 33.5.
Trends
Whisenhunt is 2-6 (3-5 ATS) in his preseason career and has failed to cover in his prior two preseason openers. Tomlin is 7-2 (4-5 ATS) in the preseason with the Steelers with a pair of covers in his preseason openers.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 82 degrees with a 20 percent chance of rain in Pittsburgh.
Dallas Cowboys at Oakland Raiders (-2, 34.5)
Who's in, who's out
Dallas is thin in its defensive secondary heading into their preseason debut. Cornerbacks Terence Newman, Mike Jenkins and Michael Hawkins will not play against the Raiders.
With the addition of veteran Jon Kitna to serve as the backup quarterback to starter Tony Romo, the matchup against the Raiders will enable the Cowboys to get a good look at rookie-signal callers Rudy Carpenter and Stephen McGee.
Tom Cable is set to make his preseason debut after serving as the Raiders interim head coach to conclude the 2008 campaign.
Top draft pick Darrius Heyward-Bey could be on the sidelines Thursday. The wide receiver is battling a toe injury. A calf strain could keep backup QB Jeff Garcia out of the contest as well.
Cable has stated that Charlie Frye and Bruce Gradkowski will see significant action against the Cowboys in their battle for the No.3 quarterback position.
Line Movement
Dallas opened in the rare position as a 1.5-point preseason road favorite with a total of 34.5. While the total has held, the Cowboys are now the underdog.
Trends
Phillips is 4-4 (3-5 ATS) in the preseason with the Cowboys. Dallas hasn't won a road preseason game since 2006.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 80 degrees with winds at 10 to 20 mph in Oakland.
QB Rotation Report - Thursday
By ASA
Washington Redskins vs. Baltimore Ravens
Starting QB Jason Campbell had a tumultuous off-season that included several trade rumors that he was involved in. After multiple trades fell through, Campbell will be under center once again for the Redskins. Expect him to play 2-3 series to open the first preseason game. Veteran Todd Collins is the back-up and will likely play the remainder of the first half in relief of Campbell. Colt Brennan will open the second half for the ‘Skins and un-drafted rookie Chase Daniel will close out the fourth quarter.
After a very successful rookie campaign, Joe Flacco will start under center for the Ravens in their preseason opener. Expect Flacco to play most of the first quarter to open the game. Baltimore has just two other quarterbacks on the active roster, Troy Smith and John Beck. Smith will come in after Flacco and likely play well into the third quarter. John Beck will get the remainder of the snaps and close out the game for the Ravens.
New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Tom Brady just gave word that he will start the preseason opener for the Patriots after missing all of last season with a knee injury. Expect Brady to play just 1-2 series for New England before giving way to the second string. Matt Cassel was traded in the off-season so that makes Kevin O’Connnell the new back-up for the Pats. O’Connell will likely play the majority of the first half with third string Andrew Walter and Brian Hoyer splitting the second half quarterbacking duties.
Head Coach Andy Reid has stated that QB Donovan McNabb will play into the second quarter if all goes as planned. Backing McNabb up will be veteran A.J. Feeley and he will likely play the remainder of the game. QB Kevin Kolb is out with an injury and the Eagles signed QB Adam DiMichele on Tuesday afternoon and he may get some reps near the end of the game but don’t expect extended time from DiMichele in the fourth quarter.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Kurt Warner had his hip surgically repaired this off-season and is still battling soreness, but he expects to start and play a 1-2 series for the Cards. Matt Leinart will come in after Warner and likely play the remainder of the first half. Brian St. Pierre will play most of the second half with second year QB Tyler Palko closing the game out for Arizona.
Big Ben Roethlisberger has had to deal with off the field issues as of late but he will get the start for the Steelers on Thursday night. Roethlisberger will get 2-3 series for the Steelers before being lifted. Head Coach Mike Tomlin says he plans to use three other quarterbacks for this game. Charlie Batch will likely see time in the first half with second year QB Dennis Dixon opening the third quarter. Un-drafted rookie Mike Reilly will see some time in the fourth quarter and likely close out the game for the Steelers.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Oakland Raiders
Tony Romo is the starter for the Cowboys, and he will likely play 2-3 series to open for the Cowboys. Journeyman Jon Kitna was traded to Dallas this off-season and is now the back-up to Tony Romo. Kitna will likely get the remainder of the first half and may even play a few series in the third quarter. Rookie Stephen McGee will get extended playing time in the third and fourth quarter and fellow rookie Rudy Carpenter will likely close the game for the Cowboys.
The Raiders, surprisingly enough, have a talented quarterback corps. They will open the game with JaMarcus Russell and he will likely see most, if not all, of the first quarter and may even see time into the second quarter. Veteran Jeff Garcia will replace Russell and play the remainder of the first half and possibly see some time in the third quarter. Former NFL starters Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye will see some time in the second half for the Raiders.
Low-Stakes Rematch
By SportsPic
The defending world champion Pittsburgh Steelers play host to the Arizona Cardinals in the preseason opener for both teams. Even if it's practice season and most starters from both squad seeing limited action the four point loss in Super Bowl XLIII Ken Whisenhunt's troops would seem to have a little more hunger to kick-start practice session on a positive note. Matt Leinart, Brian St. Pierre will get most of the QB work for Cardinals as they battle for the primary backup job behind Kurt Warner with Roethlisberger expected to play only limited minutes before yielding to Charlie Batch, Dennis Dixon. Cardinals 4-8 (5-7 ATS) the past three years in August lead the all-time preseason series with Steelers 7-4, including a 21-13 home victory in the last such matchup (2006). Interesting note, the past nine Super Bowl Champions are 13-23 (15-17-4 ATS) the following preseason and that includes 0-4 (1-3 ATS) by Steelers after their 21-10 victory over Seahawks in the 2005-06 campaign. Betting on the NFL in August is a completely different exercise than betting on the same sport a month later.
Washington at Baltimore
Ravens coach John Harbaugh and Redskins coach Jim Zorn begin their second seasons at the helm of their respective teams when these regional rivals clash at M&T Bank Stadium.
Washington starting QB Jason Campbell is expected to play only a series or two and Zorn said all three of his backup passers – veteran Todd Collins, second-year pro Colt Brennan and rookie Chase Daniel – are “likely” to play, but he refused to reveal “all the things we have planned.”
Harbaugh said his starters, including second-year QB Joe Flacco, will play “in the neighborhood of one quarter.” Troy Smith and John Beck will follow Flacco, with rookie Drew Willy possibly getting mop-up duty.
The Redskins went 3-2 (2-3 against the spread) in Zorn’s first preseason in 2008. However, going back to 2004, Washington is mired in a 5-11 SU and ATS slump in August, including 2-6 SU and ATS on the road.
The Ravens won Harbaugh’s debut last year, upsetting New England 16-15 as a four-point road underdog, then proceeded to drop their final three summer outings both SU and ATS. Baltimore is in a 2-5 SU and ATS funk in preseason play since 2007, including 1-3 SU and ATS at home and 1-4 ATS as a favorite.
The under is 11-4 in Baltimore’s last 15 exhibition contests, including 3-1 last year. Washington also stayed low in six of its last nine preseason games. Finally, the under is 7-1 in the last eight regular season and preseason contests between these rivals.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
New England at Philadelphia
Tom Brady is expected to see game action for the first time in 11 months as the Patriots travel to Lincoln Financial Field for their preseason debut against the Eagles.
Brady, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opening quarter of the first game of last year, said this week that he expects to play tonight. However, as usual, New England coach Bill Belichick was non-committal on playing time for any of his players. Brady would be followed by second-year pro Kevin O’Connell, rookie Brian Hoyer and veteran Andrew Walter.
Philadelphia coach Andy Reid said Donovan McNabb and his starters will play 1½ quarters. However, Reid will be without the services of second-string QB Kevin Kolb, who was injured in practice this week and is out for this contest. That means veteran A.J. Feeley will follow McNabb and likely finish up, though Adam DiMichele, who was signed this week, may see fourth-quarter action.
The Patriots went winless in August last year both SU and ATS, including a 27-17 loss to the Eagles as a three-point home chalk in Week 3. New England hasn’t had a winning preseason since going 4-0 SU and ATS in 2003, and it has lost five of its last six preseason road games (1-4-1 ATS) and three consecutive preseason openers (0-2-1 ATS).
The Eagles have had just one winning preseason in Reid’s decade-long tenure at the helm, also managing just three .500 campaigns during this stretch. One of those came last year when Philadelphia split its four games in August, going 1-1 SU and ATS both at home and on the road. The Eagles are 4-2 SU and ATS in their last six exhibition games at Lincoln Financial Field, but they’ve dropped five straight preseason openers (0-5 ATS) dating to 2004.
The over is 7-2 in Philadelphia’s last nine preseason games (3-1 at home).
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Arizona at Pittsburgh
The Cardinals and Steelers return to the field for the first time since their thrilling Super Bowl matchup in February, with Arizona traveling to Heinz Field for this preseason opener.
Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt said his starters will probably play just a couple of series, including starting quarterback Kurt Warner. Once Warner departs, Matt Leinart and Brian St. Pierre, both of whom are battling for the No. 2 job, will take over, possibly followed by fourth-stringer Tyler Palko.
Ben Roethlisberger will start under center for Pittsburgh, but like Warner only will play a couple of series. Coach Mike Tomlin said he hopes that the other three QBs on his roster – veteran Charlie Batch and youngsters Dennis Dixon and Mike Reilly – will all see some action, but he didn’t specify in what order or for how long.
The Cardinals followed up a winless preseason in Whisenhunt’s first year with a 2-2 SU and ATS mark last year. Arizona is 8-4 SU and ATS as a visitor in August since 2003 (1-3 SU, 2-2 ATS on the highway under Whisenhunt), but it has lost its first two preseason games in each of the last two years.
The Steelers began their run to their six Super Bowl title by beating instate rival Philadelphia 16-10 as a one-point home favorite in their preseason opener a year ago, improving to 2-0 SU and ATS in Week 1 under Tomlin. Although Pittsburgh failed to cover in its final three exhibition contests last year, it did finish 3-1 SU and is 7-2 SU in August since Tomlin took over as coach (4-5 ATS).
Pittsburgh rallied for a last-minute 27-23 victory over Arizona to win Super Bowl XLII, but failed to cash as a 6½-point favorite.
The Cardinals are on a 11-4 ATS run as an underdog in preseason action, while the Steelers are 7-12 ATS as preseason chalk since 2002.
The under is 11-2 in Pittsburgh’s last 13 summer contests, but the Cardinals have topped the total in seven of their last 10 in the preseason.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ARIZONA
Dallas at Oakland
The Raiders officially christen the Tom Cable era as the new coach leads the silver-and-black against the Cowboys at the Oakland Coliseum.
Dallas coach Wade Phillips indicated that his starters on both sides of the ball will play “around a quarter or so,” although last year, the first-string offense played just one drive in the opener. Once top QB Tony Romo departs, veteran Jon Kitna will take control of the offense, with rookies Stephen McGee and Rudy Carpenter playing most, if not all, of the second half.
Former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell, now in his third season, will start at QB for the Raiders and play about one quarter with the rest of the first string. However, veteran backup Jeff Garcia (injury) will not play, meaning Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye, who are battling for the No. 3 job, will see significant action.
The Cowboys have split their four preseason games in coach Wade Phillips’ first two years (3-5 ATS), winning all four at home (3-1 ATS) while losing all four on the road (0-4 ATS). Those four road defeats were by a total of 45 points, including three double-digit losses and a nine-point setback.
The Raiders were a mediocre 3-5 SU and 4-4 ATS in two preseasons for former coach Lane Kiffin. However, they’ve been a moneymaker at home in August over the last three years, going 5-1 SU and ATS. Oakland is also 4-1 ATS as an exhibition chalk during this span and 3-0 SU and ATS in its last three preseason openers.
Dallas went 4-0 SU and ATS against the Raiders in preseason play from 2001-2004, the most recent exhibition battles between the legendary NFL squads.
The under is 13-4 in Oakland’s last four preseasons.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OAKLAND
Gametimepicks.com
Tips and Trends
Washington Redskins at Baltimore Raves
Redskins: The Redskins have one of the more competitive backup quarterback situations in the league and all four of their signal-callers could see action against Baltimore. Starter Jason Campbell isn’t expected to play much. Third-stringer Colt Brennan is trying to unseat 37-year-old Todd Collins as the No. 2 quarterback. Brennan had a stellar preseason last year, completing 36-of-53 passes for 411 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Former Missouri star Chase Daniel is a long shot to make Washington’s final roster, but could see time, too. Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, Washington’s two second-year wide receivers, should be heavily involved. Santana Moss, the team’s No. 1 wideout, may sit out or play sparingly. Star running back Clinton Portis is healthy, but is not expected to play. Guard Randy Thomas isn’t expected to play either. Thomas is still recovering from off-season knee and vertebrae surgery.
The Redskins are 11-2-1 to the under in their last 14 games.
Key Injuries - Randy Thomas (knee) is doubtful.
PROJECTED SCORE: 14 (Side of the Day)
Ravens (-2.5, O/U 31.5): Ravens starting quarterback Joe Flacco is slated to play at least the entire first quarterback. Flacco has not looking good during training camp, throwing a high number of interceptions, missing open receivers and struggling to read defenses. The Ravens averaged just 175.5 yards passing last season, fifth-lowest in the NFL. Troy Smith will quarterback during the second and third quarters to be followed by John Beck. The Ravens could be without their three top three wide receivers. Mark Clayton is out with a hamstring injury. Derrick Mason dislocated a finger on Tuesday and Demetrius Williams has a hamstring injury. Tight end Todd Heap is questionable with a sore back. That means Baltimore quarterbacks will be throwing to Justin Harper, Marcus Smith and Kelley Washington. Willis McGahee is having an impressive camp, but Ray Rice is expected to get the start at running back.
Baltimore averaged 12.5 points in their four preseason games last year.
Key Injuries - Terrell Suggs (heel), Mark Clayton (hamstring) and guard Marshal Yanda (knee) are not expected to play.
PROJECTED SCORE: 16
Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Cardinals: The two Super Bowl teams get together in a far more meaningless matchup with the Cardinals looking to avenge a 27-23 Super Bowl loss in which they led until the final 35 seconds. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald should get a nice reception having starred in college for the Pitt Panthers. Arizona is fairly healthy heading into the matchup. First-round draft pick running back Beanie Wells is about the only notable not expected to play. Wells has an ankle sprain. It’s not a given that former No. 1 pick Matt Leinart is going to be second-string behind 38-year-old Kurt Warner. Leinart is being challenged by Brian St. Pierre, a favorite of Ken Whisenhunt from when he coached the Steelers. Tyler Palko, a former Pitt Panther, also could see action at quarterback. The Cardinals are 0-2 against the spread under Whisenhunt in their preseason openers.
The Cardinals have lost 6 of 8 preseason games under Whisenhunt.
Key Injuries - Beanie Wells (ankle) is doubtful.
PROJECTED SCORE: 14
Steelers (-3, O/U 33): Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has indicated that his starters, including Ben Roethlisberger, will play very little. Veteran Charlie Batch, who has looked good in camp, probably will see the most snaps. Batch will be followed in the quarterback rotation by Dennis Dixon and Mike Reily. The only player Tomlin has ruled out is starting guard Darnell Stapleton, who is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. Center Justin Hartwig, though, probably isn’t going to play either because of a toe injury. Several key Steelers are nicked up. Safety Troy Polamalu (hamstring) and running backs Willie Parker (back spasms) and Mewelde Moore (hamstring) are nursing injuries. That could mean a lot of carries for last year’s No. 1 pick, Rashard Mendenhall. He missed most of last season after sustaining a broken shoulder. The forecast calls for a high of 82 with a 20 percent chance of rain.
The Steelers are 7-2 straight-up, but 4-5 against the spread in preseason under Mike Tomlin.
Key Injuries - Guard Darnell Stapleton (knee) is out.
Center Justin Hartwig (toe) is questionable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 17 (UNDER - Total of the Day)
Brady begins comeback
By Brobury Sports
The return of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady highlights the four NFL pre-season games Thursday night.
Pre-season wagering on the NFL is always a little trickier, so we’re taking a look at the expected quarterback rotations tonight, always a big factor in the outcome.
New England Patriots (+3) at Philadelphia Eagles
Brady could play as much as a quarter as he gets his first taste of NFL action since tearing his ACL at the beginning of last year. The Patriots backups are inexperienced with Kevin O'Connell, Andrew Walter and Brian Hoyer coming in after Brady. Walter just recently joined the team as a free agent so he could struggle tonight.
Coach Andy Reid has said Donovan McNabb is expected to play into the second quarter. Kevin Kolb is out with a knee sprain and A.J. Feeley will get extended time with the second unit. That could be good news for Philly as Feeley is a savvy veteran who has had success against New England.
Washington Redskins (+3) at Baltimore Ravens
Washington starter Jason Campbell is not expected to go long in this game despite this being a huge year for him. Veteran Todd Collins, second year player Colt Brennan and rookie Chase Daniel will see the rest of the action.
Baltimore only has three quarterbacks with Joe Flacco, Troy Smith, and John Beck. Like Washington’s Campbell, Flacco is expected to get limited time which means extended minutes for the other two. Note that Smith only threw four passes all of last year so he is chomping at the bit for live action.
Arizona Cardinals (+3) at Pittsburgh Steelers
This is the Super Bowl rematch that was of course won by the Steelers. Super Bowl hero Ben Roethlisberger is expected to see just a couple of series. Veteran Charlie Batch and second year pro Dennis Dixon will come in after.
Kurt Warner will see very little action against Pittsburgh but there’s a good battle brewing for the backup position between Matt Leinart and Brian St. Pierre. Leinart has not shown a lot as a high draft pick so far. The team also has Tyler Palko who should also play.
Dallas Cowboys (+2) at Oakland Raiders
Dallas’ Tony Romo will get the start as he tries to develop chemistry with Roy Williams, the number one receiver who replaced Terrell Owens. Veteran Jon Kitna is expected to finish the first half and then give way to rookies Stephen McGee and Rudy Carpenter in the second half.
A quarterback controversy is brewing between the struggling JaMarcus Russell and veteran Jeff Garcia. Russell needs to have a good performance tonight with Garcia out with a calf problem. Charlie Frye and Bruce Gradkowski will come in after Russell as they battle for the third string position.
Cards, Steelers ready for rematch
By SBGGlobal.com
Bet The NFL
Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Arizona Cardinals travel to Pittsburgh on Thursday for what is a Super Bowl rematch although it really isn’t. Neither team is expected to play their starters long so revenge is not a motive in this preseason game that can be seen on ESPN television. "Most of the guys that played a lot in that game probably won't play much at all in this game," Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner said, "That's more for league hype than it is anything else. It doesn't really matter until the real season kicks off."
Pittsburgh is a three-point favorite with a total of 33 at SBG Global.
The Steelers are expected to play their starters only a series or two and Arizona isn’t going to do much more. That means Warner might get one or two series while Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers starters won’t see much time either.
Neither the Steelers nor the Cardinals are game planning for this first preseason game. It is just about seeing young players. "It's just another game," Pittsburgh’s Deshea Townsend said, "The Super Bowl Odds are gone and we won it, so we really don't care about the rematch."
This game on Thursday will come down to a battle of the backups. Arizona will have Matt Leinart and Brian St. Pierre seeing a lot playing time at quarterback while Pittsburgh really wants to look at quarterback Dennis Dixon in the preseason. They already know backup Charlie Batch can do the job.
The Steelers have some injuries on the offensive line as center Justin Hartwig (toe) and right guard Darnell Stapleton will not play. Former rookie free agent Doug Legursky is expected to start. For the Cardinals they are not expected to have first-round pick Beanie Wells in the lineup as he has an ankle injury.
The Cardinals and Steelers have met twice in the NFL betting preseason in the past and the Cardinals won both times. This is the first time they have played at Heinz Field in the preseason. Three years ago the Cardinals won at home in the preseason over the Steelers by a score of 21-13.
Arizona Cardinals - Pittsburgh Steelers Preview
ARIZONA CARDINALS - Head Coach: Ken Whisenhunt (3rd Year)
We’re charting some uncharted territory as we talk about the Cardinals off a Super Bowl appearance. In the 52 years we’ve been publishing TGS, never have we had to talk about a Big Red team that just played in any sort of championship. Super Bowl XLIII was the first title game of any kind for the franchise since it was based in Chicago back in 1948, when the old Cardinals lost 7-0 to Steve Van Buren and the Eagles in a blizzard at Shibe Park. For the moment, then, we’ll have to suppress our many swipes (good-natured and otherwise) aimed previously at owner Bill Bidwill. Although we must admit that we thought we’d sooner see the day that Rush Limbaugh would speak at a Democratic Convention than watch Bidwill at the Super Bowl with his team (even though son Michael now runs the day-to-day operation in the desert).
As for the chances of a repeat? Sorry for sounding a bit snarky... but let’s see the Cardinals do it again.
Evidence, however, indicates we’re simply being respectful of history. Teams coming off Super Bowl defeats have been known to have car doors swing open in front of them when they’re not looking the following campaign. The last two Super Bowl losers, the ‘07 Patriots and ‘06 Bears, didn’t even make the playoffs the next year. Neither did the ‘04 Eagles or ‘03 Panthers or ‘02 Raiders or ‘01 Rams or ‘00 Giants. Indeed, the only Super Bowl team this millennium to immediately make it back to the postseason did it by default, the Seahawks qualifying at a mere 9-7 in ‘06 because no other NFC West team finished above .500. No Super Bowl loser has made a return to the big game since the 1993 Bills. Can the Cards break the pattern?
We’ll see. Arizona has routinely had unsettling offseasons in the past when nobody was paying much attention; off a Super Bowl, people are now noticing the normal upheaval in the desert. Five assistants have departed from HC Ken Whisenhunt’s Super Bowl staff, including both coordinators. Whisenhunt was responsible for only one of those changes, surprisingly dismissing d.c. Clancy Pendergast after the Steeler loss, promoting LB coach Bill Davis. Pendergast wasn’t out of work for long, because as soon as o.c. Todd Haley accepted the Chiefs HC job, he named Pendergast as his new d.c. in Kansas City. The final tally on personnel changes might not come until later in the summer, with WR Anquan Boldin & DT Darnell Dockett both threatening to shoot their way out of town if their contracts aren’t re-worked. Previously, Whisenhunt and GM Rod Graves didn’t make a serious bid to keep DE Antonio Smith, (who moved to Houston) and cut ties with a few others, most notably RB Edgerrin James. But Graves, with some cap room to play with, did manage to keep QB Kurt Warner, LB Karlos Dansby, and DE/LB Bertrand Berry in the fold, and has thus far managed to hold on to Boldin, whose leverage is limited with time still to go on his current deal.
Much of the offense remains intact, including Warner, who recalled some of his old magic completing 67% and tossing 30 TDs while providing the leadership that Whisenhunt believed Matt Leinart couldn’t when the HC made the change at QB last summer. Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, and Steve Breaston (all over 1000 yards receiving in ‘08) form the most dynamic group of wideouts in the league; the Warner-Fitzgerald combo is the closest thing the NFC has to Tom Brady-Randy Moss in the AFC. Top draft choice RB Beanie Wells (Ohio State) takes over for “Edge” and will compete with the underrated Tim Hightower. Look for Whisenhunt to stress balance after the ground game re-emerged in the postseason, which also added more bite to Warner’s play-action by providing an extra tick for him to spot his squadron of potent WRs downfield.
On the other side of the ball, new d.c. Davis will retain the 4-3 “under” scheme and attempt to aggressively change looks to keep opponents guessing. Adding FA Bryant McFadden (ex-Steelers) to replace the released Rod Hood and team with 2nd-year sensation Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at the corner spots will hopefully cut down on the league-high 36 TD passes allowed, while second-year DEs Calais Campbell & Kenny Iwebema are expected to effectively compensate for Antonio Smith’s departure up front. Keeping DT Dockett in town will be critical, as he is one of several returning impact performers (which also include Dansby, Rodgers-Cromartie, safeties Antrel Rolle & Adrian Wilson) who made big plays and forced momentum-changing TOs in the postseason.
Bottom line...The Super Bowl run was good fun, but since then it’s been a bit unsettled in the desert, with the myriad staff changes and the Boldin and Dockett situations still looming as potential distractions. But if those can be smoothed over, and Warner picks up where he left off last season, the Big Red ought to at least remain the team to beat in the shaky NFC West...even if recent history says not to count on it.
PRESEASON NOTES...Whisenhunt has not previously emphasized the preseason, going 2-6 SU (0-4 at home!), 0-3 as a favorite, 2-3 as a dog.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS - Head Coach: Mike Tomlin (3rd Year)
No one has ever contended that winning the ultimate prize in the NFL is easy. However, few teams endured as much adversity as did the 2008 Steelers in winning their second Super Bowl in four years. The combination of injuries and free agency wreaked havoc with the OL. QB Ben Roethlisberger was harried, battered, sometimes unable to continue, and often playing when he shouldn’t have been. Backup QB Charlie Batch was lost in the first exhibition. RB Willie Parker suffered a knee injury in the third game, and promising rookie backup Rashard Mendenhall was lost for the season with a shoulder fracture in the fourth. The Steelers won two extremely physical meetings with the Ravens— 23-20 in OT in Pittsburgh, and 13-9 on a controversial call in the last minute in Baltimore. That sweep meant that the eventual playoff meeting with the fearless Ravens would be in the Steel City, where Pittsburgh prevailed 23-14, finally dispatching Baltimore in the final five minutes of the AFC title game on a Troy Polamalu interception TD. Then, of course, the Steelers had to score with 35 seconds left in the Super Bowl in Tampa and hang on by their fingernails to beat Arizona 27-23.
When he was hired in 2007, few expected that young head coach Mike Tomlin would win the Super Bowl in just his second season. But Tomlin went out of his way to make sure his players never used injuries or their frequent offensive struggles (the Steelers were 20th in scoring with just 21.7 ppg) as an excuse. Five times Pittsburgh won by five points or fewer. But they were always intimidating, thanks to their defense, which allowed the fewest yards and points in the NFL. The Men of Steel were first vs. the pass, second vs. the run, and second in sacks. Despite a few changes in that rock-ribbed unit, don’t look for any let-up.
Starting CB Bryant McFadden has moved on to Arizona, but former starter Deshea Townsend rejoins IkeTaylor on the corner. Pittsburgh also signed Keiwan Ratliff (Indy LY) to provide veteran depth and drafted aggressive CB Keenan Lewis (third round, Oregon State) and Joe Burnett (fifth round, Central Florida) for an infusion of youth. ILB Larry Foote, while still serviceable, was allowed to walk (signing with Detroit) because promising young backup Lawrence Timmons (5 sacks LY) is ready to move into the starting lineup. With age starting to show in the front three, the Steelers’ first-round draft pick was 6-4, 295-lb. Ziggy Hood of Missouri. A rugged, up-the-field rusher, he is highly regarded by Tomlin: “Ziggy Hood is a Steeler type of player—there are no holes in t his guy.” The rest of stop unit will be very familiar, led by 2008 Defensive Player of the Year LB James Harrison (16 sacks, 7 forced fumbles), who is a little confused as to why sports teams are invited to the White House, but who also has become a role model for undrafted college free agents every year. He is joined by top tackler ILB James Farrior (133 Ts), emerging OLB LaMarr Woodley (12 sacks), and top interceptor Polamalu (7 picks), the SS who allows cagey defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau to move his pieces in a confusing array of blitzes while yielding few big gainers.
It’s on offense where the defending champs hope to improve, paced by an OL that was adjusting on the fly last season and should now be more stable. Willie Colon is now solid at RT, Darnell Stapleton has supplanted the injured Kendall Simmons (since released) at RG, Justin Hartwig is now in his second year with Pittsburgh at C, Chris Kemoeatu is in his second year replacing stalwart Alan Faneca at LG, and former RT Max Starks turned out to be such a good LT replacing the injured Marvel Smith (also gone; to S.F.) that Starks was “rewarded” with a franchise tag. That group should be able to keep Roethlisberger (only 59.%, 17 TDs, 15 ints.) healthier, while the powerful Mendenhall appears ready to help Willie Parker (only 11 games LY due to injury). To help in short-yardage, 5th-round pick Frank “The Tank” Summers (UNLV) will get a look.
No. 3 WR Nate Washington has moved on to Tennessee, while Santonio Holmes faces possible discipline after another arrest. But veteran slot guy Shaun McDonald has been signed as insurance, and Pittsburgh has high hopes for 2008 No. 2 pick Limas Sweed (only 8 recs. LY). The clutch Hines Ward (800 career recs.) has signed a new deal, while the TE combo of Heath Miller & Matt Spaeth is outstanding.
Bottom Line...After their last title four years ago, Roethlisberger took an ill-advised motorcycle ride and Pittsburgh slipped to 8-8. Any letdown this year likely means no repeat Super Bowl; maybe no AFC North crown.
PRESEASON NOTES: In two preseasons, Tomlin is 7-2 SU, but only 4-5 vs. the spread.
TheGoldSheet.com