Five Players To Watch During Week 15

Added on Dec 17, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

Two massive division matchups and a pair of intra-conference battles between a quartet of Super Bowl contenders highlight the Week 15 schedule. At this time of the season, injuries play an even bigger factor in who wins and who loses. The Eagles are without middle linebacker Stewart Bradley. The Giants will be missing wide receiver Steve Smith. The Packers could be forced to start backup quarterback Matt Flynn. Needless to say, there will be no shortage of drama to dissect. Here are five players to keep a close eye on.

Ed Reed (Ravens) – Drew Brees has tossed the second most interceptions with 18. Since returning from injury Week 7, Reed has four picks and ten passes defended. The Saints offense has scored 30 or more in five straight games. The Ravens secondary just got torched by Matt Schaub on Monday. Reed is one of the best at baiting quarterbacks into mistakes; he’ll need to do that very thing to slow down Brees and Co.

Maurice Jones-Drew (Jaguars) – The best hyphenated name in the game has a gimpy knee, but don’t think for a second it will prevent him from playing in what might be the biggest game of his career thus far. The Colts run defense is allowing over 140 yards per game. Jones-Drew has gained over 100 yards in six consecutive starts. If he can continue his recent hot streak, the Jags will win the AFC South.

Jamar Chaney (Eagles) – Chaney’s first start at middle linebacker could be his last if he doesn’t help contain the Giants punishing running back duo of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. The rookie from Mississippi State is a bit undersized (6’0″ 242), but does possess good closing speed and football intelligence. With Stewart Bradley possibly sidelined for the remainder of the regular season, Chaney must grow up in a hurry.

James Harrison (Steelers) – Fines and illegal hits aside, Harrison is capable of dominating an offensive line by himself. He should be licking his chops on Sunday against a struggling Jets offense. Mark Sanchez has looked like a high school quarterback the last couple weeks, so finding a way to block Harrison will be imperative. If he’s allowed to terrorize Sanchez, the Jets will be staring at a third straight loss.

Matt Flynn (Packers) – Aaron Rodgers still has a chance to play in New England, but it’s not looking good. Flynn’s baptism by fire will be an afternoon facing a Bill Belichick-constructed defense. Good luck with that. This is the exact reason why the Packers should have traded for a legit running back after Ryan Grant was lost in Week 1. Their complete lack of a rush attack could cost them a playoff berth.