Week Two Preview - Combines vs. Sissyboys2

The Inland Empire Fightin' Combines open their home campaign this weekend taking on the Sissyboys2. FightinCombines.blogspot.com takes a look at the matchups...

Quarterback: Daunte Culpepper (Sissyboys2) vs. Michael Vick (Inland Empire) - Culpepper had a career game in week one and looks like the best quarterback in the league at this point. Vick was solid but failed to score big points. His running game was not in effect, look for him to get more carries this week. Advantage: Sissyboys2

Runningback 1: Stephen Davis (S) vs. Rudi Johnson (IE) - Davis struggled against Green Bay on Monday night behind a brand new offensive line. They should get better and so should he. Johnson had a so-so game scoring a touchdown and running for 70 yards. He should get better too. Advantage: Even
Update! - Stepen Davis will have arthroscopic surgery on his knee and is now out 2-5 weeks. If the Sissyboys don't change their lineup by Sunday the Combines have a huge advantage in this game. Even if they do make a change they will either start William Green or Warrick Dunn, both of who would be major downgrades.

Runningback 2: Eddie George (S) vs. Kevan Barlow (IE) - George looked good in the first half for the Cowboys rushing eight times, but didn't appear in the second half. The Cowboys plan to use a committee again this week but George appears to be in Purcell's doghouse, not a good place to be. Barlow plays for arguably the worst team in the league. He is one of the lone bright spots and hopefully will show that he can handle getting most of the work. If they can move the ball at all look for out for a big game. Advantage: Combines

RB/WR: Justin McCareins (S) vs. Ron Dayne (IE) - McCareins is a solid number two receiver for the Jets and last week got as many throws as Santana Moss. Could have a big game against San Diego. Dayne rushed four more times than starter Tiki Barber in week one and scored a touchdown. Still the number two guy but his role may be increasing. He is however playing a very good defense this week in the Redskins. Advantage: Even

Wide Receiver 1: Darrell Jackson (S) vs. Andre Johnson (IE) - Jackson has emerged as the go to guy in the Seahawks potent offense since Koren Robinson is unable to catch the ball. Johnson couldn't get loose in week one but still figures to be a big play receiver for the Texans. Should have a nice game against the Lions. Advantage: Sissyboys2

Wide Receiver 2: Rod Gardener (S) vs. Jerry Porter (IE) - Gardener has been really inconsistent in his career. Which Gardener will show up, the big play receiver or the invisible man. Last week we asked the question who would the Raiders throw to. They answered that question and none of them were named Jerry Porter. Look for the Bills to recognize these other receiver and slack off on Porter allowing him to post some big numbers. Advantage: Combines

Tight End: Boo Williams (S) vs Dallas Clark (IE) - Williams was a non factor catching three passes for only 13 yards in the opener. Clark only caught one pass but rumbled for 64 yards and showed good speed. Look for Clark to catch a few more and use his speed to his advantage. Advantage: Combines

Kicker: John Kasay (S) vs. Martin Gramatica (IE) - The Panthers should be able to score more on the lowly Chiefs defense. Gramatica's team has no big play receiver now and a suspect running game. Look for them to stall in the redzone often against Seattle leaving field goals for Martin. Advantage: Combines

Defense: Redskins (s) vs. Buccaneers (IE) - Both defenses are very even overall. However the 'Skins take on the struggling Giants offense while the Buccaneers battle the high flying Seahawks. Advantage: Sissyboys2

Overall: The main battle to watch is at quarterback. The Sissyboys have a big advantage with Daunte Culpepper. If Michael Vick can come anywhere close to matching Culpepper's production then this will be a very close game. If he struggles or can't break loose any big runs then the Sissyboys should be able to take this game with ease. Hopefully the Combines can put some distance between themselves and the Sissyboys before Culpepper takes the field on Monday night.