TheOneBigWill's 'take' on Week 1 in the N.F.L.
Okay, I'm gonna run down the list of games that happened in week one, then add what I feel regarding them. Surprisingly I seen most of the games thanks to the Sunday Ticket and the 30 minute quick shows. Some games I didn't watch because I wasn't interested, so I'll be going off of stats alone. And general opinion throughout, obviously.
Thursday, September 4th, 2008:
Washington Redskins @ New York Giants: Final NYG, 16-7
I can safely say that for as crappy as the match-up was, this being the first game of the Official Season I was happy as could be to watch it. My general opinion is that the New York Giants are good, defensively, but throughout the season they'll wear out and everything will come to rest on the shoulders of the offense. The same offense that worked very well in the first half, but basically disappeared in the second.
Eli Manning finished the day with a rushing TD, no passing TDs and an INT. I won't jump on the "Eli sucks" bandwagon just yet, but playing against a Washington Defense that looked extremely crappy throughout.. I'll reserve my judgment for when Eli faces either Philly or Dallas.
Brandon Jacobs is simply put.. overrated. Now before I get killed for that, honestly he's nothing more (to me) than a fullback with the ability to break out one or two big runs. He pulled down 116 yds. on 21 carries with NO TDs.
If the Giants are going to do anything this year, it's going to be placed completely and solely on the shoulders of Plaxico Burress, who recorded 10 rec. for 133 yds but without a TD. Going into this game, I'm more than sure Washington knew he was their main target and practically their only target. That much is fact based on the fact that he caught 8 more passes than anyone else and 1 more pass than everyone else, combined.
Now, on the flip side of things, the Washington Redskins who brought in a new Head Coach and fully backing Jason Campbell. Well, after going 15/27 for 133 and a TD.. I'd say those are 'mirror' numbers compared to how unable the Skins were to move the ball at all in the first half of that game. I know it's way to early to call out Colt Brennan, but I'm saying it right now.. before the end of the year.. he'll be their starter.
Now is all of this Campbell's fault? I'd say no. It's the lack of talent surrounding him. First, the running game with Clinton Portis isn't exactly 'great' and Portis had only 84 yds. on 23 carries without a TD. (that comes to about a 3.7 average which isn't awful, but it could and should be better for a QB still learning)
Add to that, your main two WRs are Santana Moss (5 rec. for 37 yds. and a TD) and Antwan Randle El (7 rec. for 73 yds.) it isn't looking to be a bright outlook. The one thing I was most disappointed with by the Redskins and Coach Zorn, is the inability to find their (arguably) best target offensively.. Chris Cooley. (1 rec. 7 yds.) Until they can find him more often, they won't win. Plain and simple.
Sunday, September 7th, 2008:
Detroit Lions @ Atlanta Falcons: Final ATL, 34-21
Normally the big story here would be the debut of rookie starting QB, Matt Ryan (who went an impressive 9/13 for 161 yds. and a TD) however Ryan's debut was NOT the main story played out, but instead it was the under-study of L.T., 'The Burner' Mr. Turner.. who ran an outstanding 220 yds. on 22 carries for 2 TDs.
Now I'm gonna say that Michael Turner could have a very good season, his best stat wise (obviously since he's now a starter) but this will be his best game, period. The thing some people are already overlooking isn't how good, or 'great' Turner is or could be.. but instead how shit Detroit's Defense IS.
Turner will be crutched on all season, and just like teams are now doing with Minnesota, teams who play Atlanta will put 8 in the box and force Ryan to prove his impressive start was anything but fluke-worthy numbers thanks to an outstanding opening running game.
Ryan's WR core is somewhat skeptical to me. Roddy White had his best season, a breakout season last year but this is a guy that's a 4 yr pro. His first 2 yrs. were flukes and busts. He barely topped out in those seasons for over 950 yds. rec. and he combined for 3 TDs collectively. He's no longer a 'secret' and that's apparent by his 2 rec. for 54 yds. and no TDs in this game. (even WITH Turner burning the field on the ground)
Michael Jenkins is the opposite to that, but in the pre-season I heard he lost his starting position. Well, he had one catch for 62 yds. and a TD, Ryan's first pass and only TD of the game. Here is (in my opinion) another major bust. Jenkins in 4 seasons (prior to week one) had roughly somewhere around 1,590 yds and 14 TDs total. (7 came in 06) I think this is going to be a proving year for Jenkins, and he could prove to be a deep threat target, but if he's covered well enough, I doubt he'll be much of anything, other than released come year's end.
On the flip side of all of this, Detroit and the Jon Kitna (I guarantee another 10 win season) Lion's. Well, after their first loss I'm inclined to believe it'll be a 10 loss season.
Jon Kitna is about AS overrated as Carson Palmer. (sorry Shocky) Kitna puts up great fantasy numbers, but only because he has to throw anywhere from 30-50 times in a game, just because of how they're always constantly behind.
Roy Williams is in a contract season, and was 3 rec. for 47 yds. and a TD. I think he'll have a great season, but I doubt he'll stay in DET. Calvin Johnson had 7 rec. for 107 but was held without a TD. likewise, I think he'll have a good season (barring injury) but I don't know if Johnson will be a great lone star. If Williams leaves next season, Johnson would be alone.
I don't exactly think the offense is the problem, I mean I said Kitna was overrated but I guess the true question is.. was he ever underrated to begin with? Until Detroit can fix their gaps, holes and major issues that allowed the Burner to torch them.. the Lions won't do anything but cash in on another possible top 5 WR in next year's Draft. LOL
Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens: Final BAL, 17-10
This was the biggest joke of a game ever on the line-up for Sunday's games. I didn't see it, but I seen the highlights. And I'm looking at the stats. I don't know where to start, but I guess I'll go with the Ravens.
Joe Flacco went 15/29 for 129 and was better, statistically than Carson Palmer in every catagory, except neither was able to throw a TD. The real story for the Ravens would probably be their fullback, Le'Ron McClain who bumbled ahead for 86 yds. on 19 carries, and 2 rec. for 24 yds. He helped gain them the final first down, to run the clock out. (taken from nfl.com roughly)
Willis McGahee did NOT play, and it's apparent that injuries will cause McGahee to likely not repeat last year's stats, or impact that he helped bring to the Ravens. (be it as it may) However, Ray Rice is likely going to be the equal RB behind McGahee and now apparently McClain, and Rice rushed for 64 yds. on 22 carries with 3 rec. for 19 yds. Not exactly great numbers, but likely only going to get better.
I won't even bother with the Ravens WR core, because they don't have much. Mason had 4 rec. for 44 yds. and is their top guy, and Todd Heap (at one time a top 5 TE) barely did anything.
On the flip side, like I said earlier Carson Palmer is the most overrated QB there is, in the entire N.F.L. This game alone proves that fact beyond anything else words could say. Palmer was suppose to have his way against a team that offensively shouldn't of did anything, and Defensively is only aging with time. (Not taking anything away from a good-great D though, in the Ravens) Palmer went 9/24 for 94 yds. and an INT.
I don't know if it's Palmer's fault alone, or if it's his WRs just not getting open. Houshmandzadeh (yeah, I looked to spell that) went 3 rec. for 44 yds. (24 was his long) and Chad Eighty Five went for only 1 rec. landing him 22 yds..
Perry had the bulk of the carries on the ground, with 19 and he rushed for 42 yds. and no TDs. Watson had 2 carries for 13 yds. and no TDs. The lone TD the Bengals did have was (from what it says) a fumble recovery returned for a TD.
Looking deeper into the stats, the Bengals were also 2 for 13 on 3rd down tries. Anyone knows that if you're going to win a football game, you gotta convert more than twice on 3rd down, especially when you have 13 attempts.
I'm sure as the season goes on the Bengals will work out a couple victories that'll manage to piss a few people off because they'll be fluke worthy. Just like I'm sure Chad Joh.. oh, sorry.. Ohco Cinco will end up finding his way into the media again, bitching and moaning about wanting OUT of Cincinnati.
I feel sorry for Bengal fans, simply because the team on paper has a pretty effective looking offense, minus a solid run game, but when the games start, Palmer just.. I don't know, dumbs himself down I guess.
Seattle Seahawks @ Buffalo Bills: Final BUF, 34-10
This was a game I didn't think would happen the way it did, but in the end wasn't as surprised at the outcome considering the situation. On paper the Seattle Seahawks had one star WR starting, and the rest were either unknowns, or bench warmers who didn't understand they'd need to step it up. Seattle dropped Alexander in the off-season, then couldn't capitalize on any type of solid run game.
Jones had 13 carries for 45 yds., Weaver had 2 carries for 9 yds. and their assumed starting RB, Morris, had 6 carries for 31 yds. and ended up leaving the game without returning. None of them had any TDs, and collectively the 3 of them couldn't even top 100. That's not a positive, when they really needed to crutch to a solid run game with the lack of options at WR.
Hasselbeck went 17/41 (wow) for 190 yds. a TD, and an INT.. his main target was Nate Burleson, who caught 5 rec. for 60 yds. and a TD, but left the game also and would later be revealed to have a season ending injury.
Hasselbeck's other targets were Carlson who had 4 rec. for 52 yds., Payne who had 2 rec. for 25 yds. and a few other random people with 2 rec. each, for 19 yds and 17 yds.
The bottomline here is, Seattle will become the new Miami Dolphins of this year, if they don't find some free agent WRs to replace their bench warmers who're being thrust into starting roles.
On the flip side, anything that could've went right for the Bills, DID.
Trent Edwards had a very solid outting, starting the season off right with 19/30 for 215 yds. and a TD. His favorite target was no surprise, as Lee Evans hauled in 4 rec. for 102 yds but without a TD. Robert Royal brought down 6 rec. for 52 yds. and a TD.
The hilarious story of the game was the punter, Brian Moorman, who faked the punt and passed to Denney for a 19 yd. TD.. and Parrish's 63 yd. punt return for a TD pretty much wrapped things up for the Bills. Rushing wise, Lynch had 18 carries for 76 yds. and a TD.
I can't say I'm on the bandwagon to believing the Bills will do anything, especially since they're in the division they're in, however with the injury to Tom Brady, their chances just got a whole hell of a lot better.
New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins: Final NYJ, 20-14
Brett Favre's first official game as a Jet, and he almost loses. Seriously. While he was about as perfect as could be, the team as a whole still almost lost this game.
Favre went 15/22 for 194 yds. and 2 TDs, however it should be pointed out the 2nd of those two was a chuck and prey as Favre was going down, that just luckily landed in Stuckey's arms for a TD, instead of a Defender for an INT. If anyone finds that impressive, then they'd of shit themselves with the finish to the Carolina/San Diego game. (more on that later)
Favre's new Jennings is Jerricho Cotchery, who brought in 3 rec. for 80 yds. and a TD. outside of that, the other WRs just caught 1-2 passes, for random gains of 30 plus yds and under. The one positive it looks the Jets have gained with Favre at center, is their run game will improve with Thomas Jones.
Jones had 22 carries for 101 yds. and a TD, very strong solid first game for Jones, to bounce back from a disappointing season last year.
On the flip side, the former Jet QB, Chad Pennington wanted to get revenge on the team that cut him. Pennington almost had that revenge play right into his throwing arm as well, but just like most of his passes.. it came up a little short.
Pennington went 26/43 for 251 yds. 2 TDs and an INT. While most of those stats are equal or better than Favre's, the one minus is the INT.. and it unfortunately was a big one, as it was the final play by Pennington, into the endzone to either win or lose the game.. and unfortunately for the Dolphins, they're starting off just like last year, 0-1.
I don't know who the main guy is calling the plays, but what I do know is whomever it is, he LOVES TEs. Fasano and Martin seen the most action by Pennington, Fasano had 8 rec. for 84 yds. and a TD, while Martin had 4 rec. for 53 yds. and a TD.
My overall take on this game was it was exciting to see it come down to the wire, but at the same time a bit disappointing for a Jets team that spent so much in the off-season to bulk up and gear down, that they came so close to losing to the worst team in all of the N.F.L. last year. That's not the best way to start, but 1-0 is, and that's what the Jets did accomplish.
I don't think the Dolphins will repeat, infact I believe the Dolphins will at least pick up a possible 5-6 wins this year. Likely not a lot, but Pennington will help lead them a bit better than random insertions have done in years gone by. On the flip side, the Jets become the unofficial team in their division since Brady's injury, but I wouldn't be too quick to jump on them.. especially with (going back to it yet again) them almost losing this game.
Kansas City Chiefs @ New England Patriots: Final NE, 17-10
Since my favorite team didn't play until the 3p.m. games, I had a hard time deciding on what game to watch at Noon. I ended up starting with this one, and wasn't disappointed when I seen Brady go down in the first quarter, on the same play that saw Randy Moss haul in a nice catch, only to fumble it away. Brady left, would not return, and we'd all later find out he's officially done for the season.
Brady went 7/11 for 76 yds and had a rocky start, against a Defense he should've never fell to, to begin with. His replacement, Matt Cassel came in and immediately showed he wasn't afraid as he found Moss a few times, and for a TD. Cassel finished the day 13/18 for 152 yds. and a TD. Not bad for a kid who as it's being repeated over and over, didn't start a game since High School in 1999.
New England's running game is horrible behind Maroney, in my opinion, but great behind Morris. Ironically, Maroney finished the day with 10 carries and 51 yds., while Morris finished with 10 carries, 53 yds and a TD. (anything you can do, I can do better I guess)
Moss had 6 rec. for 116 and a TD. Welker had 6 rec. for 51 yds and under those two, it was just a disappointing day to be any other WR. Morris (RB) had 5 rec. for 34 yds.
The Pat's Defense isn't what it used to be, and the fact that the hapless Chiefs stuck around in this game is evidence of that. From nfl.com they claim the Pats pulled in 4 sacks and an INT. I do know one of those sacks was also what put Croyle on the bench and out for the game, along with Brady. So, on the flip side of things..
Croyle couldn't hardly lead a fly to a zapper. He was 11/19 for 88 yds, but overall didn't do a lot. His day ended on a hard hit that dislocated his shoulder, and that brought in Huard (who in my opinion is the better option to start of the two) and Huard had 8/12 for 118 yds. a TD and an INT.
When Croyle was still in, their top target at Wide-out was seemingly nowhere to be found, yet when Huard took the snaps, Bowe suddenly lit up the Pat's back-field.
Bowe finished his day with 5 rec. for 49 yds and a TD, while other WRs Darling had 1 rec for 68 yds, and Tony Gonzalez had 6 rec. for 55 yds. I think these numbers along with this offense will improve with Huard, as Croyle to me just looked uncomfortable.
Larry Johnson isn't what he used to be either, as he finished the day with 22 carries for 74 yds and 1 rec. for 12 yds.
My overall thoughts on this game were shock more than anything, when Brady was revealed to NOT be Superman and actually end up with an injury that wasn't just something bogus to put his name on a list during the week.
The irony to everything is, both teams lost their starting QB, and while the Pats still have every OTHER weapon needed to make a strong run for the Superbowl, even with Cassel.. I think the Chiefs gained more because Huard runs their offense better. What happens with either team under different QBs will have to wait to see until week 2.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints: Final NO, 24-20
You want a division game that was hard hitting and rough? This was it, point blank! Each team traded getting into the endzone, and each team traded hard hits.
Tampa Bay, the team that won the division last year starts their journey on trying to end the would-be "last year's last place is this year's first place" oddity. Unfortunately, they started their season if anything proving it'll continue through this year.
Jeff Garcia, the one QB complaining the most throughout the off-season about wanting a long-term deal, ends up going 24/41 for 221 yds. a TD and an INT. He looked shaky at best, and ended up getting injured apparently. I didn't see the game, except through highlights and from what I heard through a friend, but what I do know is Garcia isn't starting next week due to injury.. but don't tell Garcia that, he feels it's anything but.
Graham had 91 yds. on 10 carries, which is not bad at all and why they didn't lean more on Graham is beyond me. Dunn had 9 carries for 54 yds, but neither RB had a TD.
Galloway lead the WRs with 6 rec. for 56 yds, however it was Hiliard who hauled in the lone TD as well as 45 yds. total on 6 rec. The Bucs offense just didn't seem impressive, not like it was last year anyways. The Tampa Defense was somewhat effective, earning an INT returned for a TD, but not good enough to stop the high-powered offense of the Saints.
Which leads us to the flip side.
Drew Brees went 23/32 for 343 yds, 3 TDs and an INT. Those numbers scare me for a team in my team's division, but the sad thing is, that's kinda an every-game stat for Brees. So it's nothing new.
The rookie (I think he's a rookie) Thomas had 10 carries for 52 yds, as Bush had 14 carries for 51 yds. Neither scored any rushing TDs, but it was Bush who electrified the crowd with 8 rec. for 112 yds. and a TD. Also earning his role in NO, Shockey had 6 rec. for 54 yds.
Focusing on the actual Wide-outs in NO, Colston had only 3 rec. for 26 yds.. while Henderson had a lone 84 yd bomb that went for a TD, and Patten also had a 39 yd TD.
When looking at both teams, I'd say they'd both be better served if they could just combine their strengths. The Bucs are dominating on Defense, but can't stay that way forever if the offense doesn't pick up it's share, while the Saints are high-powered and explosive on offense, but that's solely because they have to be.. their Defense gives up anything and everything.
A lot of people are claiming New Orleans is the team to beat in that division, I wouldn't argue hard, but I will argue it some, especially since I'm a Panther fan.
St. Louis Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles: Final PHI, 38-3
This game was flat out embarassing for St. Louis. While he wasn't Palmer, Marc Bugler didn't exactly have that much better of a day.
Bulger went 14/26 for 158 yds, without any INTs or TDs. While their running game couldn't get out of first gear. Jackson had 14 carries for 40 yds. And their top receiver ended up being the TE, McMichael who brought in 5 rec. for 77 yds. Meanwhile, Torry Holt (without Bruce opposite) had 1 rec. for 9 yds. Nothing went right for St. Louis, and it showed.
On the flip side, we begin once again with a very strong and powerful Eagles offense that'll likely lose it's starting QB in roughly 5 weeks. They always seem to. But for now, we sit and collectively "awe" at the numbers he puts up.
McNabb was 21/33 for 361 yds. and 3 TDs. He collectively gave three of his WRs 100 yd games, and not a single one was originally meant to be a starting WR.
Westbrook did what he does best, and that's collect all-purpose yds. He rushed 19 times for 91 yds and a TD, while he had 2 rec. for a single yard, however it also went for a TD.
L.J. Smith was missed last year, but found himself starting early to make-up for it. 5 rec. for 39 yds and a TD, and finally as I said, DeSean Jackson (rookie) had 6 rec. for 106, Greg Lewis had 5 rec. for 104 and Hank Baskett had 2 rec. for 102 and a TD, that TD being a 90 yard scamper.
I'd like to say the Eagles are going to be some type of team to beat, but until McNabb can prove he isn't injury prone, and until the Eagles get out of the division they're in, I just can't do that. They'll make a playoff run and by the looks of things, (once again short of McInjury) they'll make them. The Rams on the other hand are likely looking at a top 5 Draft pick, unless they can figure out why their offense isn't clicking. (here's a hint, you need another good WR to opposite your aging vet.)
Houston Texans @ Pittsburgh Steelers: Final PIT, 38-17
Well, what can I say. We go from one embarassment to another. Pittsburgh ran all over the Texans, literally.
Now I can point out that Big Ben Roethlisberger went 13/14 for 137 yds and 2 TDs without a pick. I can point out that arguably he is the best QB in the league right now, and I can point out that he was by far the best QB on the field Sunday.. but I won't. Why? Because he didn't have to be 'the best' when he had Fast Willie Parker.
Parker carried 25 times for 138 yds and 3 TDs. Originally there were vicious rumors of Parker's numbers being cut and his playing time being dropped. I think he took offense to that, as a result, I doubt those rumors are still around. His under-study, Mendenhall came in to clean up with 10 carries for 28 yds.
WR wise we seen Ward return to form with 6 rec. for 76 yds and 2 TDs, while the quick Holmes was held to only 2 rec. for 19 yds. I doubt it stays this way through the season, but I also don't think week two against the hapless Browns Defense that doesn't know the meaning of the word "stop" when it comes to run defense is going to be seeing many passing attempts either.
On the flip side, Houston didn't get anything going, until the first unit of the Steelers went to the showers.
Matt Schaub went 25/33 for 202 a TD and 2 INTs, while Steve Slaton had 13 carries for 43 yds with starter Green only having 5 carries for 28 yds.
The Texan's WR core had Andre Johnson pull down 10 rec. for 112 yds., but gave the lone TD to Kevin Walter on one of 3 rec. for 41 yds. It needs to be noted that most of these stats were likely brought in during the 4th Quarter, when the first-unit of the Steelers quit playing. 14 of the 17 points scored by the Texans came in the 4th Quarter.
I think Pittsburgh is the Rodney Dangerfield of the A.F.C., they just get ZERO respect. Colts this, Patriots that. Brady's gone, Manning lost, and Big Ben is sitting pretty at 1-0, with only 1 incomplete pass and a team built around him that can run over your ass in snow or sunshine. Have fun with seeing Pittsburgh going to the Superbowl.
Jacksonville Jaquars @ Tennessee Titans: Final TEN, 17-10
What's to say here? I didn't see the game, nor did I see many highlights (outside of Vince Young getting injured) but from the stats I can pretty much sum up opinions.
Jacksonville begins the season with a loss, and some might be questioning why David Garrard is off to such a bad start. Well, let's look at that. Garrard finished the day, 23/35 for 215 yds. a TD and 2 INTs. In the highlight package(s) I've seen, he looked very rushed and uncomfortable.
I can tell you right now, the two main reasons he sucked on Sunday was because A.) Their run game didn't go beyond 50 yds. collectively, and B.) Their receiving core isn't exactly star-studded.
Taylor had 9 carries for 18 yds. while Jones-Drew had 5 carries for 13 yds. In a game that was decided by 7 points, there is no reason these two shouldn't of been rushed more. Del-Rio must've been insane to think he had to throw 35 times. Of course you can also chalk this up to a division game and all of those are always highly contested.
Matt Jones hauled in 6 rec. for 80 yds, while none of the other receivers really even showed up.
On the flip side of things, Vince Young was just as, if not worse in the uncomfortable/shaky department.
Young went 12/22 for 110 yds, a TD and 2 INTs. He also left the game injured, and wouldn't return. That saw Collins replace him, and finish the day 2/2 for 65 yds. The big story in Tennessee is how they're becoming the new Denver. It seems every year they run all over Jacksonville, when no other team seemingly can.. and it also seems each year they develop a new rushing weapon.
While LenDale White may of had 15 carries for 40 yds. and a TD, it was Johnson who had an equal amount of carries, for double the yds. He finished with 93 yds.
Meanwhile, the next gen Mike Vick's favorite target was, shocker-shocker, a TE.. but not Crumpler. LOL It was Bo Scaife, who brought down 6 rec. for 105 yds. (albeit a huge chunk of those yds came from Collins) The TN. Defense looked impressive as well, as Finnegan collected both INTs.
My personal opinion on this subject is that even if the Colts somehow manage to start off 0-2, they'll still win the division, because Tennessee isn't ready, and Jacksonville seems to have forgotten how to run stop, and run the ball.
Dallas Cowboys @ Cleveland Browns: Final DAL, 28-10
The expectations for the Cleveland Browns have never been higher, and already the Cleveland area are collectively sighing. While it's only week one, the fact is if Cleveland wants to believe they're a good enough team to make it through the playoffs to any type of Superbowl, they need to beat the Superbowl caliber teams.. not get rolled by them.
Derek Anderson went 11/24 for 114 yds. and 1 TD, which in the end was about as good as you could ask, especially for him to not throw up an INT. But in the end, this offense was suppose to be more high-powered, not less.
A large part of why they weren't effective through the air, is because they couldn't pick anything up on the ground. Jamal Lewis went 62 yds. on 13 carries, while Derek Anderson sucked it up 4 times for 24 yds. Lewis had I believe one perfect rumble and outside of that, just a couple small chunks here and there.
I don't know if Donte' Stallworth played or not, but if he did, he didn't record a single stat. Meanwhile, Braylon Edwards only caught 2 rec. for 14 yds. The big receiver of the day was Kellen Winslow, who hauled in 5 rec. for 47 yds. and a TD. Outside of that, every other receiver caught 1 rec. each, ranging anywhere from 18 yds. on down.
On the flip side, I'd say Dallas was about as strong as they'll be all season, with the upside being Adam Jones getting back into a groove and helping that Defense stiffen up.
Tony Romo went 24/32 for 320 yds. a TD and an INT. pretty impressive for a guy who had one stud TE & WR, an up-and-coming wide out, and the rest being bench warmers just loving being on the field without the word "pre" being in front of "season".
Jason Witten hauled in 6 rec. for 96 yds, but it was Owens on 5 rec. for 87 yds. and a TD and Crayton on 6 rec. for 82 yds. who really opened the field up. I think a large reason for that, outside of the natural coverage Owens normally gets is because of their run game..
Marion Barber (the 3rd) went 80 yds. and 2 TDs on 16 carries, as well as 3 rec. for 21 yds. While the understudy, Felix Jones, went 62 yds. and a TD on 9 carries. Even the 3rd stringer, Tashard Choice broke out 5 carries for 26 yds.
In the end, the final score wasn't even close. Cleveland's lone TD was more thanks in part to Adam "Don't call me Pacman" Jones, due to an interference call in the endzone, than anything else. Dallas and Cleveland were 7-7 in the 2nd Quarter, before Dallas remembered how to turn it up and went 28-7 on Cleveland before the 4th Quarter when Cleveland apparently felt a FG was better than going for the TD to bring it closer.
My opinion is this, Dallas will be a strong team to compete with, but until McNabb gets injured and the Giants Defense slows down, they'll always have a slight bit of trouble in that division. Meanwhile, Cleveland has Pittsburgh to contend with, and by the looks of their week one performance, I'd say Cleveland is behind the 8 ball already. I still think they'll bring in around 6-7 wins this season though, but I doubt Cleveland makes the playoffs. Then again, the landscape of the A.F.C. has changed, maybe a 7-9, 8-8 team does make the playoffs this year.
Carolina Panthers @ San Diego Chargers: Final CAR, 26-24
Game of the Week! I have to say that, because not only was it my Favorite team picking up the victory, but the way it happened went completely down to 2 seconds left, and the very last play of the game.
Phillip Rivers had a very impressive game on paper, going 17/27 for 217 yds. and 3 TDs, but even as impressive as that is, it was all for not because their running game couldn't get off to the start it normally does.
Tomlinson had 21 carries for 97 yds. as well as 3 rec. for 15 yds., but the truth is those rushing yards aren't even close to how much Carolina held their run game in check for 3 and a half Quarters. It wasn't until the final minutes in the final Quarter that L.T. started to chunk off first down runs.
Gates hauled in 4 rec. for 61 yds. and a TD, but left parts of the game with injuries. Meanwhile, their WR core had Chambers lone rec. being 44 yds. on a blown coverage for a TD, and Jackson finding 3 rec. for 47 yds. The slight spotlight of the day on an unknown was the rookie, Mike Tolbert who I believe is replacing Neal. Tolbert had 3 rec. for 35 yds. and Carolina barely kept a guy on him.
On the flip side of the ball, Carolina was Steve Smith-less and just hoping to win one of their first two Smith-less games. Mission Accomplished for now.
Jake Delhomme, coming off Tommy-John surgery definately showed that he was back, as he went 23/41 for 247 yds. and a TD, without an INT. While the completed passes compared to the incomplete ones weren't the best, I think it's more of a statement that he went out and threw 41 times without any setbacks or pain. (that the media knows of, anyways)
It was also impressive going over 200 yds. passing, without your main target and overall one of the best wide-outs in the entire league. To make up for it, Delhomme found 7 different targets, but none greater than the unknown Dante' Rosario who brought in 7 rec. for 96 yds. and the game-winning, last second(s) TD.
Muhammad was happy to be back in Carolina, bringing in 56 yds. on 6 rec. while D.J. Hackett hauled in 48 yds. on 5 rec. (37 of those yds. came on a slant route) meanwhile last year's 'bust' Dwayne Jarrett had 2 rec. for 36 yds.
I think a large reason why Delhomme was able to open up the field for the pass, was thanks in part to our new 1-2 punch at RB. DeAngelo Williams had 18 carries for 87 yds while Jonathan Stewart had 10 carries for 53 yds.
The backdrop to this game was how easily Carolina moved the ball up and down the field against this San Diego Defense. During the first half, Williams easily seemed to pick up the first down on the ground, and when he couldn't, it was Delhomme and somewhat luck passes that just happened to land in the right spots, at the right time. On the first drive they had, they marched all the way down the field to the one yd. line, but couldn't punch it in, and ultimately turned the ball over.
In the end, it was Chris Harris stripping a fumble that Gamble caught before it ever hit the ground and returned to the house, that kept Carolina in the game. While the Chargers didn't seem to show up until the last parts of the game and when it should've counted the most, during the final Quarter.
However the one thing the former Superbowl contenders were known for, was making last minute comebacks to bring in the victory, consider this the first one on the road back to the Superbowl?
In my opinion, the Chargers will have trouble with the Broncos, but might likely find a wildcard spot in the end. Meanwhile Carolina has more offensive potential, but a harder path to follow, as the Saints and Bucs will both give them trouble, while the Eagles, Cowboys and even Giants will look to lock up both wildcard spots.
If Carolina wants in the playoffs, they might just have to find a way to win the division, breaking the 'curse' (would it be considered a curse?) of 'worst to first'.
Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers: Final ARI, 23-13
It always seems these two start their seasons against one another. This is one game I normally always watch (not sure why) but this time I didn't actually catch anything, not even the highlights. So I'm just going off nfl.com's stats.
Kurt Warner went 19/30 for 197 yds. and a TD, without Leinart touching the ball once. Seems like the Cardinals feel the best way to repeat past success, is to go back to the past. So much for their future, apparently.
The 'Edge' rushed 26 times for 100 yds. even, but apparently didn't even go beyond 10 yds. on a single rush. Meanwhile the new-comer to help the 'Edge', Tim Hightower carried 8 times for 13 yds. and the lone RB TD. Hightower also brought down 21 yds on 3 rec.
Speaking of pulling down throws, Boldin brought down 8 rec. for 82 yds, but apparently not a single one came before the 2nd half. While Fitzgerald had 3 rec. for 31 yds. and the lone WR TD. The rookie in the slot was Steve Breaston who caught 3 rec. for 54 yds.
On the flip side of the ball..
J.T. O'Sullivan didn't have the best start to the season, going 14/20 for 195 yds. and an INT. If that INT was a TD, then it would've had 49er fans up in arms over how great their offense suddenly turned out to be.
The one plus side of this offense is their power running game, lead by Frank Gore who had 14 carries for 96 yds. and a TD. He also caught the ball 4 times for 55 yds. Gore will apparently be backed up by former Panther's starter, DeShaun Foster, who had 4 carries for 11 yds.
The wide-out core which was suppose to be lead by new-comer and vet., Isaac Bruce, turned out to be lead by TE Davis as he had 3 rec. for 51 yds, while Johnson hauled in 3 rec. for 48 yds. Bruce started and played the whole game (from what I understand) but didn't bring down a single pass.
The true story of this game was on the defensive side of the ball, as apparently the Cardinal D helped the Niner's to turn the ball over 5 times which is what likely truly lead to the Cards first victory of the season.
I doubt either team makes the playoffs as the balance of power is shifting from the A.F.C. to the N.F.C. and it looks like the days of 7-9 and 8-8 teams bumbling into the playoffs are long gone.
)
moment that was the Lions coming back to lead 25-24, after trailing hugely.
The Raiders are horrible! Did you all see them blow that lead on sunday? 
