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Erik Brandstetter

Goal-Line Gossip

November 19, 2008 8:01pm CST

In this weekly article, we'll take a look at the positive and negative trends at the stripe, as well as those "fluke" occurrences where your guy got vultured.

Review

Buffalo Bills - Marshawn Lynch finally had the type of game owners that drafted him were expecting more of. But after a 28-yard workhorse effort to the one-yard line, Trent Edwards had to go and vulture what probably would've been an easy six for Marshawn. Oh well, at least there's a glimmer of hope for the stretch with Lynch.

Jacksonville Jaguars - Two more goal-line scores for Maurice Jones-Drew. There's really no question anymore, is there?

T.J. Duckett had a pair of scores in Week 11.
Seattle Seahawks - The Seahawks couldn't get anything going on the ground between Julius Jones and Maurice Morris (21 yards between the two). T.J. Duckett, however, did have two goal-line scores in the fourth quarter, giving him six rushing touchdowns in 2008.

Arizona Cardinals - Uh oh. Tim Hightower has struggled in his last two outings as the feature back and Edgerrin James received only one carry. As promised, J.J. Arrington got more involved this weekend, and he scored twice from inside the 10-yard line (a four-yarder on the ground and a six-yard reception).

Denver Broncos - With essentially none of Denver's original running backs active, Mike Shanahan repopulated the carousel. As expected, converted fullback Peyton Hillis was the closest thing to a feature back and he was the only back to score. He should be the goal-line guy if not more for the duration of the season, but we emphasize the word "should."

Houston Texans - Steve Slaton exploded with 156 yards on 14 carries and an electric 71-yard score. Despite those efforts, however, Ahman Green punched it in twice at the stripe.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - With Earnest Graham hobbled early, Warrick Dunn took over and posted 20 carries for a paltry 53 yards. Fullback B.J. Askew got the lone Buccaneers touchdown for the day from a yard out.

New Orleans Saints - Deuce McAllister fans need to make some contingency plans quick. He did have a goal-line score early in the game, but he gave way to Pierre Thomas, who outrushed him and scored a one-yarder in the third.

Carolina Panthers - Jonathan Stewart proved doubters wrong with 15 carries for 130 yards and a long touchdown run (22 yards). But DeAngelo Williams outshined him with two scores of his own, one of them from four yards out (he had only one fewer carry and 10 fewer yards than the rookie).

Detroit Lions - There's little doubt left that this is Kevin Smith's gig, but Daunte Culpepper snaked a goal-line touchdown from Smith in the final quarter. Don't be too shocked, as this is what C-Pep does.

Good News

Not much good news from this past weekend overall, but Joseph Addai owners can rejoice. He's back and performing like the first-round pick you invested in. Dominic Rhodes did receive some carries, as predicted, but Addai shouldn't lose much in the way of goal-line totes.

Bad News

It's too early to yank the plug on the Tim Hightower experiment, but after back-to-back tough outings and Arrington's effectiveness, there's definitely cause for concern.

Earnest Graham is done for the season with a high ankle sprain and some torn ligaments. Warrick Dunn isn't exactly the most prolific goal-line running back in the league and never really has been. Given Jon Gruden's propensity for committees, it's going to be a tough call on a weekly basis.

Rumors have it that Deuce McAllister is getting phased out due to his high salary, advancing years, and the (occasional) emergence of Pierre Thomas. Add in Reggie Bush's impending return and the possibility that Deuce could be suspended fairly soon, and it's time to cut the Deuce loose.


'Til next week. See you at the stripe.

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