Week 1 reminded us of how much things change in the NFL from year to year and how some things still stay the same.
Starting with the Raiders Patriots game, the Patriots proved they are still worthy contenders. Toying with the Raiders for the whole first half, they finally pulled away in the second half and came out winners once again. The Raiders proved they were game and that their offense was something to be proud about.
Washington and Chicago game showed us how some things still never change. How Washington still has a stout defense and plays to win ugly against a Chicago team who still has no offense. Chicago leads the league in most quarterback changes in the last decade and they still do not have a solid starter.
Cincinnati's win over Cleveland was not all too impressive. However, the Bengals did show they are still in sync from last year and look for that offense to be hitting on all cylinders. Meanwhile, the Browns are just miserable. They are turning into the Bengals of old, but I have confidence in Crenell to slowly start changing things around in the dog pound.
Miami proved how quickly things can change. A new coach, Ricky's back, and a whole new attitude to boot has made this team a contender again. Remember, even last year when they were pitiful the defense kept them in most of their games. As for the Broncos, ouch!!! Some people never learn. Plummer was never a winner in Arizona and has not shown it yet in Denver, do not expect him to start all of a sudden this year. They will continue to suffer with him at the helm.
Buffalo is a team I like rooting for because they survive off the defense. The quarterback is not much too celebrate about, but if the defense continues to play as they do and Willis continues to stay healthy, they can win the close games. Do not get down on Houston just yet, they just ran into a road block in Buffalo. They will bounce back and that offense will be kicking in no time. Houston's defense is what you need to worry about.
The New Orleans Carolina game proves how much division rivals can beat each other any given Sunday. The Saints will never become a powerhouse team as they have their shining moments each season sporadically. Do not be fooled by their impressive win, once again, we have a quarterback at the helm who is not a proven winner and the team will go down with him as long as their faith rests in his arms. The Panthers really were disappointing in Week 1. Look for them to bounce back strong and be contenders because their offense still has firepower. Losing Jenkins was not a good note but they are still strong enough on defense to step it up in his absence.
Kansas City did not prove a thing to me with that Week 1 domination of the Jets. That is what happens when you travel to Arrowhead stadium, you get run on, just ask the Falcons from last year. Trent Green was not impressive at all and when they play away, they will have a hard time replicating that success. As for the Jets, that loss should not damage their reputation. They are well coached and will compete for the playoffs.
Jacksonville is a team to watch out for. I said it last year and will say it again. They should build on their 9-7 record from last year and continue to win in close games. The defense is very impressive as they crushed Hasselback making him committ four turnovers and sacking him twice. Seattle does have an easy division so look for them to try and run the tables in the NFC. Their offense is high powered but will their defense help them out?
Tampa Bay has changed their offensive tune with the sound of Cadillac. This kid has potential, however, he had only put up average numbers until that last play on fourth down where the Vikes crowded the line that allowed him to scamper for 70 plus a touchdown. I like the new additions none the less, including Smith the tight end. Defense is still awesome. As for the Vikings, how sad was that. The crowd was booing incessantly as the game wore on and Daunte's inferno kept turning it over. Randy put a big hole in their offense. The defense did show tenacity and will win games for them down the road.
Pittsburg has not changed a bit. Cower power is in full effect. Run the opponent over and keep them honest with some Roethlisberger. They looked good on both ends of the Heinz field, just hope that Staley and Bettis continue to recover slow cause this Parker guy speeds up their offense a bit. Remember, it still was only the Titans they beat so do not bet your mortgage on them just yet. The Titans will just be a team filling a spot in the NFL's schedule this year, don't mind them they are just suffering from big losses on both sides of the field.
Could the New York Football Giants be for real? Did not see the game, but one thing I do know is they beat up on the Cards in the Meadowlands, which does not account for much. The offense will be tested heavily against the likes of tougher opponents. Arizona can not be taken seriously if they do not show up for games outside the desert. Warner will have a couple good games with the young receivers. Ultimately, he is not going to get the job done. So much for that defense, better luck next game. Just shows us how Arizona continues to struggle to be a contender.
Dallas did a superb job in Week 1. If they can play like that each week, I will tip my hat to them. Bledsoe and the passing game was on, liking that new kid Crayton because he opens it up for the older Johnson and Glenn. Julius is marvelous and gives them an added strength to keep people from sacking Bledsoe. San Diego is still a tough opponent. They usually have a couple let downs a season so consider this one of them. They have to mix LT in more often if they want to win. The defense will have their better days and is still a very strong unit with many good tacklers.
Detroit won in a remarkable way. I was expecting this game to be in the twenties on both sides. I do not know whether to give credit to a whole new Lions team or just discredit the Packers for playing the worst offense game of Favre's career since 1992. The Lions have amazing young talent at receiver but a joke at quarterback. How long will this last, probably till kickoff for Week 2. I can not even comment on the Pack, that was despicable. The offense will be even worse without Walker and the defense is nothing special.
San Francisco showed what a new coach can do for a team, actually make them feel they can win. They did just that, won a game against a hated rival. Unfortunately for you niner fans, you know there will not be much more to celebrate. The offense is not all that, they just played the open door policy Rams defense. The Rams should hide until next week in which a win could wipe away the disgrace of game 1. Rams continue to try and come back the last minute of the game and continue to find out the hard way it does not always work. The offense can put up points fast but the defense is abysmal.
Indianapolis showed how much the preseason is worth. They came out cold in the first half and renewed in the second. More impressive than Mannings regrouping at halftime to pick apart the Ravens in the second half was how great their defense played the entire game. They will once again compete for the AFC crown. The Ravens just do not get it, that Boller can not move any offense unless it is by ground. The minute he gets injured, the Ravens are actually moving the football downfield. Mason and Wright should put up some good numbers and help get points on the board while Boller recovers and keep this team competing. The defense just got worn down, but look for them to be aggressive each and every week.
Atlanta played a great game against the Eagles. I expect that the rest of the way from the dirty birds. Vick always has a chance to move the sticks with his legs. Is he really just that much faster than everyone else? Their ground game is still the strong spot with a splash of Duckett and Dunn to go with some Vick. The best receiver is Crumpler cause no one else seems to get open. Falcons D was also good, but they slack off on the road. The Eagles got a good spanking to start off the season. They will still win the majority of their games but I do not like them representing the NFC. The passing game was better, but McNabb made some costly mistakes and looked off on some passes. The Eagles D will be better with Trotter in the middle, as long as he keeps the scuffles during the game.
Well, if you are still reading this, I hope you enjoyed my commentary. Until next time.
