New York Jets Week 2: Preview

 

Weekly Story Line

Last week, the New York Jets started the season on a high note in Houston, defeating the Texans 24-7. This week, the Jets host their division rival, the New England Patriots.

Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan make their home debuts as starting quarterback and head coach, respectively—a duo Ryan himself admits isn’t as good as the Patriots at those two positions.

Nonetheless, they want to make good first impression to their home fans. A few months ago, Ryan said in a press conference that he didn’t come here “to kiss Bill Belichick’s rings.” 

On Monday, the Patriots barely escaped with a victory against the Bills and they look forward to improving on the mistakes they made in that game.

 

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Cincinnati Bengals Must Execute Better On Offense Against Green Bay

There’s no such thing as a “must-win” game in September, but Sunday’s game at Green Bay is of vital importance for the 2009 season prospects of the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bengals are coming off a sucker punch of a loss to Denver in the opener last week, a game that Cincy dominated in nearly every aspect yet ended up losing on a freak play at the end of the game. With arch-rival Pittsburgh waiting next week and division opponents Cleveland and Baltimore on deck, this stretch of games will make or break the Bengals season.

Lose to Green Bay and you face the prospect of taking an 0-2 record into the Steeler game with desperation starting to set in. Win, and suddenly you have a chance to get back into the division race.

Of course, it all starts Sunday. Never a good road team, the Bengals must find a way to win in a hostile environment and to do so against one of the NFC’s better teams. They must also find a way to play better than they did last week.

While the defense’s inability to stop Denver on the last play of the game has gotten all of the attention, it was actually the offense’s inability to put more than seven points on the board that cost the Bengals the game. Cincinnati will have to do much better than that if it wants to get a win in Lambeau Field.

The Green Bay defense has been rebuilt by coordinator Dom Capers and the overhauled showed last week when the Packers forced Jay Cutler into four interceptions in a win over Chicago. The pressure defense the Packers employ will be brought to bear on a Bengals team that has struggled in recent years to score points.

Much of Cincinnati’s problems on offense in week one came down to execution.

Free agent wide receiver Lavernues Coles dropped three passes in the game and was never in sync with quarterback Carson Palmer. The offensive line kept Palmer relatively upright, but did not get much of push on run plays.

But a lot of Cincinnati’s problems can also be attributed to scheme. Rookie running back Bernard Scott, who flashed during the preseason, saw very little action against Denver. And while the Broncos concentrated their defensive efforts on shutting down Cincinnati’s wideouts, the Bengals seemed unable to exploit the gaping holes in the middle of the field.

Against Green Bay, those problems will have to be solved. Aaron Rogers and the very explosive Packer offense is sure to score more than the 12 that Denver managed and the Green Bay defense is far superior to the Broncos.

The Bengals must get better play from Coles and fellow wideout Chris Henry. The offensive line must dominate the line of scrimmage. And Cincinnati must show more crispness on offense than in week one.

If the Bengals do not do those things, it could be the beginning to another long year in Cincinnati.

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Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Radiers: Three Key Matchups

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders

Week Two Key Matchups

Chief’s 3-4 Defense vs. Oakland’s Three-Headed Monster:

Outside of the extreme (i.e. Adrian Peterson), NFL teams are shifting to a multi-back approach.  With complimentary skill sets, Oakland’s dynamic trio of running backs will be a strong test for the Chief’s newly implemented 3-4 defense. 

Darren McFadden is an explosive former top-five pick with great receiving ability, Michael Bush a bruiser, and Justin Fargas an Al Davis guy who hits the hole quickly.  This tireless rotation could be a problem for a Chief’s defense that ranks 31st in the NFL after week one in rushing yards allowed.

The Chiefs may leave themselves vulnerable in the passing game by committing to run blitzes that shoot the gaps and rely on inside linebackers making plays in the backfield.  KC’s outside linebackers will be responsible for containment on stretch and sweep plays as well as covering passes out of the backfield. 

If the linebackers drop into zone do the newly converted linebackers like former defensive end Tamba Hali have the closing speed to close on players like McFadden running to the edges or catching out of the backfield?

Kansas City Return Game vs. Oakland Special Teams:

Raider’s owner Al Davis has long put a premium on acquiring elite special teams players.  Arguably the NFL’s all-time greatest punter, Ray Guy, was an Oakland Raider.  Oakland’s current punter/kicker tandem was paired in 2000 when Davis spent a first-round draft pick on current strong-leg kicker Sebastian Janikowski and a fifth round pick on four time pro bowl punter Shane Lechler. 

In a game that could likely see both offenses struggling for much of the game field position and field goals could decide the outcome.  The return game is a problem unresolved by Kansas City as they evaluated different players through the preseason and week one.

However, with the signing of wide receiver Bobby Wade in the past week the Chiefs may have a formidable return man.  Chiefs head coach Todd Haley insists Wade will only play if he can be utilized in the offense, but after watching returners on a number of NFL teams be unable to field kicks  a savvy, sure-handed return man is appealing.

If you’re not a threat every time you touch the ball as a return man, you better be able to hold onto the ball. 

Dwayne Bowe vs. Nnamdi Asomugha:

A descendant of the Nigerian Igbo tribe, Nnamdi Asomugha also has a monstrous new contract with the Raiders and is regarded as one of the best corners in the NFL.  Kansas City’s talented receiver Dwayne Bowe continues to climb the ranks of NFL receivers and is on the cusp of being anointed an elite player. 

Bowe had a functional, but not electric week one as he put up 40 yards and a touchdown on four catches.  Enough to satiate the demands of fantasy owners, but Bowe is capable of more gaudy numbers and will have explosive weeks, but this may not be one of them. 

The Raiders and their affinity for man coverage will probably have Asomugha shadow Bowe the entire game.  Asomugha is atypically tall for a corner at 6’2, which makes him and Bowe the same height.  Bowe’s involvement in the passing game will be catches for short yardage and potential for yards after the catch.   

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NFL Lines Week Two: The Quick Read

Some craziness last week that is the NFL knocked some out of their pools with last minute heroics obviously I am referring to the Bengals Broncos game. This week looks as though it holds some of the same scenarios that we witnessed in last weeks season openers.

I went 13-3 straight up last week and 9-7 against the spread. Here’s this weeks read.

 

Oakland @ Kansas City -3.0 O/U 38.5

Oakland’s run D looked pretty solid against San Diego in their loss and KC’s run D was ugly as hell, the running game for Oak should be able to rumble which should set up a couple deep opportunities for Heyward-Bey, while KC’s running game is seemingly one dimensional with aging Larry Johnson.

Oakland wins 20-13

 

Houston @ Tennessee -6.5 O/U 41.0

Houston’s offense was almost non-existent in their home opening loss but should come around, but I wouldn’t bet on this week, Tenny battled with the Super Bowl champs and should be rested having played last Thursday and should continue to pound the ball with its two headed running attack while Gage and rookie Kenny Brit continue to improve but the loss of Scaife will hurt.

Tennessee wins 27-17

 

New England @ New York Jets+3.5 O/U 46.0

Jets rookie QB aka the Dirty Sanchez look pretty gritty last week while the Pats D couldn’t get to Buffalo’s QB in a squeaker which saw the return of the King Tom Brady leading his team back in the fourth quarter aided by a bone-headed fumble.

This game should see some scoring though the Jets D did a pretty solid job against the outstanding receiving core of the Texans. Loss on the D and injury may vault Rookie to his second win.

Jets win 31-27

 

Cincinnati @ Green Bay -9.0 O/U 42.0

Cincy stumbled out of the gate on offense though their D looked pretty good while Green Bay’s offense came out gunning and their D made some plays causing turnovers. I don’t see this game coming down to a bizarre play.

Green Bay’s high powered attack and excellent secondary will make it tough, Cinny goes to 0-2 and Ocho may not be able to leap during it but the Pack sure will!

Green Bay wins 37-10

 

Minnesota @ Detroit +10.0 O/U 45.0

Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre look to be a deadly combination and will be too much for the Lions to handle but I expect a few points on the board from Stafford and Calvin Johnson. These teams play tight games usually being divisional foes. Favre has more wins over the Lions than any other team and throws for 35 ypg better indoors.

Minnesota wins 27-17

 

New Orleans @ Philadelphia +1.0 O/U 46.0

Donovan McNabb has cracked ribs and is I believe a game time decision, likely replaced by Kevin Kolb. Drew Brees put up sick numbers last week and the Saints offense was off the hook. The Eagles pass rush and pass D is tough and won’t allow the Saints to put up the same type of numbers.

Westbrook and Jackson could have big games against NO D if Kolb can get them the ball.

Philadelphia wins 34-27

 

Carolina @ Atlanta -6.5 O/U 42.0

The Dirty Birds D played pretty tough allowing only a late TD to the Fish last week though they have been marked as having a weak secondary. With the addition of Tony G the Falcons offense has yet another weapon.

Carolina looked terrible and Jake Delhomme has been awful in his last two starts turning the ball over like a hot potato. Cadillac will need an enormous game for the Panthers even to be a factor in this game.

Atlanta wins 27-10

 

St. Louis @ Washington -9.5 O/U 37.0

St. Louis’ offense was anaemic last week being shut out by a rejuvenated Seahawks team while Washington hung around with the G-men in a loss. The Rams offense will have a harder time scoring against the tough run D of the Redskins with newly acquired Albert Haynesworth in the middle. Is it possible for them to lose the game with minus points?

Washington wins 17-3

 

Arizona @ Jacksonville -3.0 O/U 43.0

The Jags hung tough with divisional opponent Indy last week and held them to just 14 points in the loss while Arizona had Super Bowl hangover and lost San Fran. The Cards offense looked confused and tight while their D actually played fairly well.

I look for the Cardinals to bounce back this week and get their offense clicking while limiting the Jags running game. Zona’s WRs Boldin and Breaston are injured and were limited in practice, if they’re healthy for the game Cards win if not I would go home Jags in a close one.

Arizona wins 27-13

 

Seattle @ San Francisco -1.0 O/U 39.5

Seattle romped against St. Louis and San Fran took out Arizona in a tight one. Both teams look to be on an upswing. T.J Whoseyourdaddy looked good with a healthy Hasselbeck getting him the ball. Gore looked good running the ball, this is a clash of rising teams and proves to be a good game, I know San Fran Seattle a good game, things change!

Seattle Wins 17-14

 

Tampa Bay @ Buffalo -4.5 O/U 42.0

Buffalo looked pretty good aside from a late brain fart which they’ve been defending all week. Tampa Bay was pretty much what everyone expected neither here nor there.

Buffalo may be able to exploit the secondary with their two big WR in Owens and Evens while last week Fred Jackson looked like a No. 1 back and should continue to be effective. The loss of Paul Posluszny who is a leader for the Bills D is out and could be a factor.

Buffalo wins 24-17

 

Cleveland @ Denver -3.0 O/U 39.0

Denver amazingly in the last min beat the Bengals and the Browns looked fairly inept against the Vikings in a lopsided loss. Both teams are pretty much only a threat to themselves and this game should come down to who limits mistakes in my mind. Home field for the Broncos may just be enough.

Denver wins 23-17

 

Baltimore @ San Diego -3.0 O/U 40.0

The Ravens and Joe Flacco started out the season well against KC with a 14 point win though it was a close game somewhat and their D wasn’t as effective as it has been in the past but I expect them to step up and stuff the running game which will be made easier perhaps by the injury to LT who will not play leaving Sproles as the featured back win/lose situation.

Rivers has an amazing home record rarely loosing in his house. The Raiders gave the Chargers all they could handle last week in four point win for Diego.

Baltimore wins 23-20

 

Pittsburgh @ Chicago +3.0 O/U 37.5

The loss of Troy Polamalu in the win against Tenny was a big one for the Pitty D and they will have to fill that gap the best they can. Chicago’s QB the newly acquired Jay Cutler had a very poor game against the ball-hawking secondary of the Pack, but I would look for him to rebound and not have back to back poor showings. Chicago will be in tough at home against the Super Bowl champs.

Pittsburgh wins 23-17

 

New York Giants @ Dallas -3.0 O/U 45.0

Dallas looked competent against a thrown together Tampa team last week. This will be the opening game at the new $1.5 Billion—yeah billion—stadium and owner/manager Jerry Jones will no doubt expect to win, but Dallas had a hard time stopping the run game of the Bucks and should have all they can handle with Brandon Jacobs running downhill and Eli Manning throwing the ball. I look for the G-men defence to step it up a notch on the road.

This is a tough spot for the Boys and a lot of pressure at home in this Sunday night game but the 80-plus thousand fans will be going nuts.

Giants win 27-23

 

Indianapolis @ Miami +3.0 O/U 42.0

Indy played a tough divisional game against the Jags and hung in and won though lacking some of the offensive weapons of the past, while the Fish looked as though they were scooped out of the water by the Falcons and left for dead on a beach. No one will be fooled by the wildcat anymore I think the kitty has been tamed.

Indianapolis wins 24-16

 

Ship it Send it Chalk it and Lock it! Good luck boys enjoy the weekend!

All the Best!

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Jets-Patriots: Expect New York To Run All over the Pats on Sunday

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez makes only his second NFL start Sunday, and he’ll face the AFC East rival New England Patriots.

Heading into the grudge match, much has been said about the ability of Pats coach Bill Belichick to disguise defensive coverages and confound a young quarterback.

That’s certainly true, and Sanchez figures to have some rough moments at Giants Stadium. He’ll take the kind of graduate exam in reading defenses and avoiding the rush that he never faced in his one year as a starter at USC.

But it’s also true that if the Jets play to their strength Sunday, then Sanchez won’t have to win the game on his own.

Indeed, Sanchez may be only a supporting player.

The Jets, on paper, should be able to run the ball down the Patriots’ throats.

It would be a surprise if the Jets are not able to control the clock, the tempo, and the game with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington running behind a solid, veteran offensive line.

It would be a surprise if the Jets don’t win the time of possession statistic by a decisive margin.

It would be a surprise if Pats quarterback Tom Brady and stellar receivers Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Joey Galloway are not watching most of the game from the sideline.

Unless the Jets are sloppy with the football and give the Pats short fields with which to work, Sunday’s game could be similar to the Giants’ Super Bowl XXV win over the Bills, in which the victors held the ball more than 40 minutes.

Or the Jets could run over, around and through the Pats in the kind of embarrassingly one-sided victory for which safety Kerry Rhodes has called.

The Pats’ best tackler, middle linebacker Jerod Mayo, is out with an injury.

And the Pats will rue the decision to trade defensive line stud Richard Seymour, who showed this past Monday night for the Raiders that he’s still at the top of his game.

Jets versus Patriots really should not be about the performance of Sanchez if the Jets play the way they are best suited.

Smashmouth football, anyone?

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What The Raiders Must Do To Defeat The Kansas City Chiefs

After the Monday Night game between the Raiders and Chargers, it is easy for us in Raider Nation to see some light at the end of the tunnel.

With that said, the Raiders still have much work to do in order to contend, which I think they can do this year, as Minnesota did in 2008, by starting slow and ending hot.

All the focus has been on JaMarcus Russell and his accuracy issue with receivers going down the sidelines.

I however, see the real problem the Raiders have had: Coverage on special teams.

That’s right.

It seems like every time the Raiders have scored go-ahead points in the past several years, they allow a big return on the ensuing kickoff. If the Raiders want to win, that cannot continue to happen.

It happened against the Chargers to, in which the Raiders allowed points after big returns by Darren Sproles. Allowing the opponent to score from a short field is unacceptable.

The Raiders also cannot take the Chiefs for granted. A divisional game is always tough, even if the other team is having a down season.

 

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Garrard’s Time to Shine: Jagaurs-Cardinals Week Two Preview

The perception in Jacksonville is that David Garrard did not have a good game against the Colts. Correction: He did not have a good second half. 

If the game had been just the first quarter, David Garrard was playing well.

So what changed?

Well first, Garrard had two rookie tackles guarding him. He had Dwight Freeny constantly beating Monroe on the outside. He had receivers slipping.

Second, ever think it takes a little adjustment to transtition from preseason to the regular season?

Think about it this way: even though Garrard did not throw a touchdown or lead the team on the game-winning drive, he did not throw an interception. He had a so-so game, not a terrible or even bad game. He was not Jake Delhomme out there.

Yet then agian, some people ask if the excuses will ever stop for Garrard. So here is my verdict: Let’s see him play against the Cardinals, when he has pressure to perform. 

Del Rio has even put pressure on the quarterback to perform.

It’s time for Garrard to make or break. Thats the main storyline of the game.

 

Here are my ratings for last week’s game:

David Garrard: Not bad, but could be alot better. GRADE: B

MJD: Great running, but if he hadn’t had dropped that pass… GRADE: A-

O-Line: Britton looked liked the first rounded not Monroe.  But the interior line did a great job: GRADE: B-/C+ (79 percent-ish)

WR: Torry Holt looks like he was worth the money…but who else was there? GRADE: C

Secondary: Derek Cox had a great game, I don’t care what anyone says. A rookie picking off Peyton and sure he may have gotten beat for the winning touchdown,  but Peyton to Reggie is Peyton to Reggie. Cox will be good. Next year the Jaguars will be deadly at Corner. Grade: B

Defense: Odd that when the Jags switched to a 4-3 they started stopping the Colts. All I’m going to say. Mel Tucker, please watch the film and realize that our 4-3 is much better then our 3-4. Grade B

Overall: A loss, but a semi-good loss in the end. The Jaguars will not be 5-11.

 

GAME PREVIEW:

David Garrard vs. Cardinals Defense: Against the Cardinals, David Garrard has the opportunity to play under pressure now with the staff breathing down his neck. I think he capitalizes. Let’s take a trip back to his first year when he was under heavy pressure to perform. He performed brilliantly. So maybe the renewed pressure will jump-start this team. Just a hunch that Garrard will do well.

ADVANTAGE: Garrard

 

MJD vs. Cards defense:  This matchup is the most concerning. The Jaguars need to establish the running game against a team that allowed only 21 yards rushing last game. This could be concerning for the Jaguars. Look for the Jaguars to run a good number of swing passes to MJD to keep him going in the game.

ADVANTAGE: Cardinals

 

WR vs Cardinals secondary: The Cardinals secondary did not play exceptionally well in there week one loss to the 49ers but then again neither did the Jaguars. However, we should see more action from Mike Sims-Walker and Mike Thomas. 

ADVANTAGE: Even

 

Kurt Warner vs. Jags Secondary: This matchup scares many Jags fans, but it doesn’t scare me as much. Both Steve Breston and Anquan Boldin are hurt and listed as questionable, and are central to the Cards performance. Larry Fitzgerald is a monster, so he will be open no matter who covers him. However, without Boldin and Breston, I see the Jags with the advantage. With one or both, it’s a Cardinals advantage.

ADVANTAGE: Questionable

 

Cardinals running backs vs Jags Defense: Jaguars are reestablishing themselves as a good run defense, and it should be expected to continue against Arizonia. Plus, Arizonia is much more of a throwing team, so I would expect at max 80 yards from the Arizonia backs.

ADVANTAGE: Jaguars

 

Cardinals WR vs Jags Secondary: Larry Fitzgerald is uncoverable. Even when you do cover him he can get the ball over everyone. However, the Jaguars could at least slow him down with Mathis, but if Boldins back the Jags could be in some trouble:

ADVANTAGE: Cardinals

 

Intagibles: Well, it’s in Jacksonville.  If the Cardinals east coast trip slump continues then the Jaguars could pull off a big win in front of the fans.

Final Score:

Cardinals 23, Jaguars 24

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A Tale of Two Seasons: Patriots-Jets Could Determine AFC East Supremacy

Fourteen years ago, the 12-0 Chicago Bears and their vaunted “46” defense marched into Miami on a Monday night in December.

Led by coordinator Buddy Ryan, they were chasing history, fueled by what was already considered one of the greatest defenses of all time. They played before I was born, but I’ve seen the tapes.

They were animals. They were big, mean, and fast, and played with the kind of reckless abandon usually reserved for trapeze artists and British guys names “Bear.”

In the three games previous, they had allowed a grand total of three points. Total. Combined. Twelve quarters.

One half of football later, they had already given up 31 as Dan Marino and the Dolphins exploited every inch of space afford to them, running up the score in a historic performance.

It’s the classic matchup: blitzing, aggressive defense versus an accurate, Hall-of-Fame quarterback with a quick release.

While that game was perhaps the epitome of that type of matchup, fans will enjoy a similar game this weekend as Buddy’s son Rex and his Jets take on Brady and the Patriots.

There are two ways to really play defense in the passing game. Either you can bring extra defenders to try and hit the quarterback before he can identify and exploit the space you leave, or you can try and get by with minimal rushers and lull the quarterback into making a false read and turning the ball over.

This is oversimplifying things, of course, but those are generally the two ends of the spectrum.

Most teams hedge on the side of providing ample pressure. While nobody really brings eight defenders all game like those ’85 Bears did, the Jets will employ a similar style in going after Brady.

Brady, like Marino, will have to exploit the space that blitzing defenders leave behind this weekend if the Patriots are going to find success. If you look at his performance last week, that’s still a big “if” for New England.

Tom Brady looked skittish early against Buffalo and only settled into a groove late in the game, hitting Ben Watson for two late game-winning touchdowns.

Will he need to settle into a rhythm again? Will he be able to on the road facing far more pressure than he did the first week?

These are big questions the Patriots have to answer as they head into what may ultimately be a game that determines their season.

The Jets, last week, certainly showed why they had some experts buzzing about their defense. They looked like they were having fun. They had a swagger, and they came to win.

Combine that with an able performance from Mark Sanchez and their ability to run the ball effectively all over the field and they’re a dangerous team.

Brady will need a big game, but it’s the defense who must step up their play to make up for the absences of Jerod Mayo and Richard Seymour.

Last season, the Patriots missed the playoffs in large part because they lost to these same New York Jets. They lost that game, in large part, because of a single play.

Facing a 3rd-and-15 in overtime, Brett Favre found Dustin Keller wide open underneath. Turning upfield, Keller came face to face with Brandon Meriweather and Jerod Mayo at the first down line.

In that moment, the two young defenders failed and Keller got his first down. The Patriots never got the ball in overtime as the Jets kicked the game-winning field goal 10 plays later.

This year, the Patriots get a shot at revenge early. But after coming away with a rather undeserved victory in week one, New England is already facing a must-win situation against the Jets.

New York looked every bit the playoff contender last week as they shut down one of the best offenses in the league, blanketing the Texans throughout the game.

Clearly, Rex, like his father, knows how to run a defense.

While he won’t be rushing eight defenders on every play like his father did, he’s going to free his defense up to go after Brady and try and keep him rattled like he was in the first half against the Bills. 

Rex, like the other great defensive coaches before him, has his team smelling blood. They know the Patriots, having traded Richard Seymour and lost Jerod Mayo to injury, are reeling.

With Miami also getting pegged back in their week one loss to Atlanta, the Jets know they can put themselves in the driver’s seat early in the division race (very early, but bear with me) by taking down New England.

You can’t afford to lose divisional home games when things are this tight. You just can’t. So while it may seem early to say this game has playoff implications, that’s exactly what’s on the line.

The division is going to come down to games like these. All three teams are now about level, in my mind. Without Seymour and Mayo, the Patriots will find it hard to lock teams down. They’ll require big games from guys like Gary Guyton, Jarvis Green, and Tully Banta-Cain if they’re going to keep the score manageable.

With weapons like Randy Moss and Tom Brady, the Patriots can win a track meet-type game if they have to, but going into each week knowing they’ll have to score 25 or more points to have a shot at winning simply isn’t going to get it done.

So while we look back to that game 24 years ago and see many similarities, it’s important to also remember how that season turned out: Marino got the glory that Monday, but the Bears ultimately took home the Super Bowl. 

Simply put, while it’ll be important for New England to get their offense going early tomorrow, it’s more important that their defense show the ability to get after teams. The road to the Super Bowl for New England has to be paved with strong defensive performances.

I don’t like to put too much stock in a single game. There are too many variables. The vagaries of a single NFL game are too wild to predicate analysis on.

But looking at where these two teams are, and taking into account what they’ve shown so far, I think New England better come to play four quarters of football. If they show up and play for 10 minutes like they did against Buffalo, they will not win.

I still think that New England’s talent on offense will win out in this division ultimately, but with each defensive star they lose I get less and less sure of their ability to walk away with the AFC East like many predicted.

As last season proved perfectly, in a tight division race, not winning games like these can make all the difference.

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Spiars’ Quick Picks: NFL Week Two

Spiars’ Quick Picks resulted in a 14-2 record last week; the only thing that surprised me was the epic failure of the Houston Texans. Picking Miami over Atlanta was one of my predicted upsets; unfortunately, upset picks don’t always pay off.

Featured Games

Green Bay Packers (1-0) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)—Green Bay Packers

Although Green Bay’s offense was nullified against Chicago, their defense truly shined with four interceptions on a supposed “great passing attack.”

Green Bay’s defense will surely shut down Cincinnati’s offense, considering the Bengals struggled to put up points against Denver’s relatively weak defense. Also expect Aaron Rodgers and Ryan Grant to put up some numbers against Cincinnati.

Denver Broncos (1-0) vs. Cleveland Browns (0-1)—Cleveland Browns

All of the predicted woes of the Denver Broncos showed against Cincinnati. The offense struggled behind Kyle Orton. The defense appeared solid, but against Cincinnati, that is no outstanding feat.

Cleveland did well against a stout Minnesota defense; expect Brady Quinn to find his grove against Denver. Also consider that Denver struggled against Cincinnati’s defense; Cleveland is notch above.

New York Giants (1-0) at Dallas Cowboys (1-0)—New York Giants

Both teams looked impressive in their last game. New York’s defense continue to look great, stymieing Washington through out the game. Tony Romo deflated the Buccaneer’s come back chances early in the fourth quarter.

Although Romo seems poised to have a true break out season, New York’s defense will continue to shine behind the constant pressure of Justin Tuck and his fellow defensive linemen.

Other Games

Houston Texans (0-1) at Tennessee Titans (0-1)—Tennessee Titans

New Orleans Saints (1-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)—Philadelphia Eagles

Arizona Cardinals (0-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)—Arizona Cardinals

Oakland Raiders (0-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (0-1)—Kansas City Chiefs

Minnesota Vikings (1-0) at Detroit Lions (0-1)—Minnesota Vikings

St. Louis Rams (0-1) at Washington Redskins (0-1)—Washington Redskins

New England Patriots (1-0) at New York Jets (1-0)—New England Patriots

Carolina Panthers (0-1) at Atlanta Falcons (1-0)—Atlanta Falcons

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1) at Buffalo Bills (0-1)—Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Seattle Seahawks (1-0) at San Francisco 49ers (1-0)—Seattle Seahawks

Baltimore Ravens (1-0) at San Diego Chargers (1-0)—Baltimore Ravens

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) at Chicago Bears (0-1)—Pittsburgh Steelers

 

Once again, cheers to another great week in NFL action!

 

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The Five Players the Steelers Cannot Do Without If They Hope to Repeat as Super Bowl Champs

Every season there seems to be a theme or at least a fad that starts in week one and continues throughout the year. Whether it is the season of the rookie quarterback like we had last year, or the reemergence of a particular defensive scheme, there are always new factors being introduced to the league that make it that much more interesting.

Injuries are a reoccurring theme every year, and this year the plot is getting thick pretty early in the story. No one wants to see a guy get hurt. Everyone cringes at the thought of losing a superstar or one of those key players that could shift the destiny of an entire team.

Names like Brian Urlacher, Matt Cassel, and Donovan McNabb have appeared on the injury report after week one, and each situation will have a definite impact on their team’s chances to make the playoffs.

With Troy Polamalu going down already in Pittsburgh, injuries are and should be on the mind of the Steelers and all who follow them. After all, the teams that manage to stay healthy usually have the best chance of hoisting a Lombardy Trophy at season’s end.

So then I pose this question: What five players must stay healthy this season for the Pittsburgh Steelers to have a chance of repeating as Super Bowl Champs?

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