Will it Last Part 7: DeMarco Murray reviving the Cowboys; Ravens destined for Failure this season

Will it Last?

How many times do we see a team or a player exceed expectations in a football game and we think, there is no way that can last. That player is either too young or not that good. That team had an easy week or the ball just bounced that way. Most times it does not last, but every so often those early signs are premonitions of what is to come. In this weekly column we will look at 3 players and 3 teams who jumped out.

Players

Matt Moore: All of a sudden Matt Moore has looked like a competent, athletic, accurate QB. He has Miami on a two game win streak and many wonder is this a streak or a trend? It is a streak Miami fans. Winning at Kansas City and at home versus the Redskins is nice but he was quiet for far too long. Moore is a very solid backup QB who can get you by if you need him but he is not a starting QB. Will not last

DeMarco Murray: Cowboys and many fantasy owners are riding this guy to the finish line. He is a big play waiting to happen….he is fast, has good hands, and is very strong runner. He lacks great moves and is a bit of a straight line runner but hits the hole hard and fast. He also is a very solid receiving threat. Not only do I believe the trend will continue I have instructed many fantasy owners in keeper leagues to keep Murray. Only problem is he has quite the injury history. Will last as long as he is healthy

Ben Tate: How often do we see backup running backs post huge numbers? Not very often unless the starter is hurt. In Houston Tate has been a monster. Many believe he is even better or just as good as Foster. For the season he has 122 carries and 686 yards and 3 touchdowns. Compared to Foster he has 49 less carries and only 54 less yards. That means running the ball Tate is the more effective runner. Reason Foster gets more playing time is because of his work in the passing game. With Schuab going out the Texans will lean even more on the running game and that means Tate will continue to put up big numbers. Will Last.

Team

1. Baltimore Ravens: Every time we think the Ravens are done with their polarizing play this year they lose another easy road game. To get to the Super Bowl a contender needs to be able to win on the road and get up for every game. Ravens are 2-3 on the road and even worse they have lost to the Jaguars and Seahawks…how do you sweep the Steelers and lose to these guys???? On the road their offense is averaging less than 20 points as opposed to at home when they score 32 points per game. If Flacco and the offense cannot get it together than they will not win the AFC North and be forced into a Wild Card that ensures they play on the road. Will last unless Flacco steps up.

2. Arizona Cardinals: Many thought the Cardinals would contend in this division. They just traded for Kevin Kolb who would be the missing link. Kolb got hurt and this team was 1-6….funny thing is they are 2-0 without him winning at Philadelphia and at home versus the Rams. Now fans are wondering can the Cardinals end the season strong? With 4 division games left and a coach playing for his job I think the Cardinals can win another 3 games and end 6-10 and give some hope to the fan base for next year. Will Last

3. Denver Broncos: Winners of 3 of the last 4 games this team is one game out of first place in the AFC West. Tim Tebow is 3-1 as a starter despite averaging less than 150 yards passing. Since he took over though the Broncos are averaging 230 yards rushing and dominated the time of possession category. With exception to the Detroit game this has worked perfectly. Problem is they beat a winless Dolphins team, a Raider team without McFadden and a near useless Carson Palmer, and a floundering Chief team. None of these opponents are good versus the run. Next three weeks the Broncos play the Jets, Chargers, and Vikings who are much better versus the run. I do not see the Broncos ending strong and should only win 2-3 more games but I hope I am wrong. Will not last.

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