Friday, September 07, 2007
The Rest of Week 1
Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers – Eagles
The Eagles travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, making it the fifth straight times these two teams have met in the regular season. Andy Reid, who got his start in coaching as a mentor to Brett Favre under Mike Holmgren in the mid-90s, leads the Eagles back to take on his former protégé. The Eagles come in as slight favorites over Favre’s pack while Brett returns for one more season (once again) in hopes of leading his team back to the playoffs.
Donovan McNabb starts at quarterback for the Eagles and eyes will be on him as he makes his first start in more than nine months since a devastating knee injury. Dynamic RB Brian Westbrook also will be a focal point of a Packers defense which must contain the well-balanced attack of the Eagles. The young defense struggled at times last season but defensive stalwarts Aaron Kampman and A.J. Hawk anchor a unit that should be much improved. The key to the game rests in their hands as Westbrook and McNabb are traditionally September stars.
This is a big test for the Packers young defense. I don’t believe they’ll be able to contain Westbrook and McNabb. I do see the Packers keeping it close as they traditionally play well at Lambeau Field, but the Eagles prevail in this one.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns - Browns
Upset special for Week 1. Sure, this doesn't look like much of a game. However, history is on the Browns side. No Steeler coach has ever defeated Cleveland in his first game between the two rivals. I could attempt to feed you some lines about the Browns ability to play tough at home or a revamped defense and an improved offensive line, which is all true but I won't. I taking the Browns because I have a gut feeling that they are going to come out and take control of this game early. If the Browns can build a lead and force the Steelers to abandon the running game, opportunities for turnovers will be there as Roethlisberger led the league in interceptions a year ago. The key to the game will be whether or not the Browns can stop Willie Parker and if the offense under Charlie Frye can move the ball against a traditionally strong Steeler defense.
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings - Vikings
Here is the first Friends & Family game of the year...meaning the only people watching this game outside Atlanta and Minnesota will be the friends and family of the players and coaches. An old woman will utter, "That's my baby Tarvarius!" as the Viking QB will complete his first pass of the game sometime midway through the third quarter. I can't think of a better antithesis to Drew Brees/Peyton Manning than Tavarius Jackson/Joey Harrington. Anyway, to the game. Both defenses will stack the line and make the other quarterback beat them. Big plays will determine this game's outcome. Whichever defense can force a key turnover or a big kick return may be enough to swing this game in one direction or another. Jerious Norwood, the explosive Falcons RB, and highly-touted rookie Viking RB Adrian Peterson are both talented game-breakers. If one can bust through into the secondary, each is capable of taking it to the house. I like the Vikings defense, playing in front of a boisterous crowd in the Metrodome, to force some turnovers, leading to an ugly win.
New England Patriots vs New York Jets - Patriots
An intriguing early season matchup, these two rivals figure to be competing all season long for AFC East supremacy. With the Jets acquiring Thomas Jones, you can now argue that they are closer to the Jets at the skill positions. EXCEPT for one major difference: one team has Tom Brady and the other doesn't. Chad Pennington is in a precarious situation with Kellen Clemens, the backup quarterback who performed splendidly in the preseason, breathing down his neck. Don't be surprised if Pennington struggles early, calls for Clemens will quickly grow in number at the Meadowlands. The key factor in this game will be whether or not the Jets defense will be able to stymie the Patriots well-balanced offense. With Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Wes Welker, Ben Watson, and Laurence Maroney, Patriot QB Tom Brady truly has a bevy of offensive weapons from which to choose. However, former New England defensive coordinator Eric Mangini now coaches for the Jets and his team played the Patriots extremely close three times last season. Expect the Jets to keep it close. However, I just can't see the Jets staying with the Patriots fire-power. New England wins a hard-fought affair.
Miami Dolphins vs Washington Redskins - Redskins
Both teams trot out different starters than at this time last season. Trent Green comes over to Miami from Kansas City, replacing Joey Harrington et al. However, the preseason has been a horror show for Green as he struggles to adapt to the offensive scheme of Cam Cameron. The offense has looked out of sync. Green and his receivers have been struggling to connect and former second overall pick Ronnie Brown showed up to camp out of shape. This team's performance on the road in Washington should provide a good litmus test to that old adage that preseason trends mean nothing. Expect the Dolphins to struggle on offense. The key will be establishing Ronnie Brown to ease some of the pressure of Green.
For the Redskins, Jason Campbell starts at QB for the Redskins, after having replaced Mark Brunell midway through last season. The Redskins will also try to run the ball to set up the pass in an effort to protect Campbell's psyche early in the season. Both Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts will carry the ball for the 'Skins as they hope to start fast in what should be a very competitive NFC East division. With similar strategies, the game should be a close one. But I give the edge to the Redskins at home by a field goal.
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills - Bills
A bold statement you say? Perhaps, but Buffalo looks to be much improved this year and I suspect Jay Cutler will have his fair share of struggles in raucous Ralph Wilson Stadium. I think the key will be field position and the ability of the Bills to stop the run. The always formidable Bronco rushing attack will be spearheaded this year by Travis Henry, the former Bill. Many observers are predicting a 1,500 yard season. If the Bills defense is able to slow down Henry and force Denver into third and long, the Broncos offense will struggle. Making only his sixth NFL start, I don't believe Jay Cutler will be able to win the game on his arm alone. On the other side of the ball, Denver's defense has struggled to adapt to the new defensive scheme implemented by Jim Bates. Again, how much stock can you put in preseason? But in this case, I think it will play a part. The Bills must run the ball with rookie rusher Marshawn Lynch in order to set up the play-action passing game. An exciting matchup to watch in this game will be Bills star receiver, Lee Evans, lining up against Champ Bailey, the premier cornerback in the league. Look for Losman to challenge the Broncos secondary down the field. Bailey will have his share of picks but he will give up a big one once in awhile. To sum it up, I like the Bills in a hard-fought and close game.
Carolina Panthers vs St. Louis Rams - Rams
The Panthers travel to St. Louis to take on the Rams led by Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson. The Panthers defense will face a major challenge against the explosive Rams offense who always play well at home on the carpet of Edward Jones Dome. In regards to stopping Steven Jackson, the onus falls upon the Panthers front seven. In order for them to have a chance in this game, they have got to contain the Rams All-Pro running back. In passing situations, their front four led by Julius Peppers must get to the quarterback as the Panthers will employ a nickel defense to slow down the talented trio of receivers for the Rams: Drew Bennett, Isaac Bruce, and Torry Holt. On offense, the Panthers will try to control the ball and the clock by running the football with D'Angelo Williams and DeShaun Foster. To have any chance to stay with the Rams, they will have to convert their red zone opportunities. The Panthers scored just fifteen touchdowns in their thirty-two trips into the red zone last season. Jake Delhomme must cut down on his turnovers this season or he'll find himself out of the job. It's a make or break season in Carolina and Delhomme and Head Coach John Fox have jobs on the line. A win in St. Louis would be a fantastic start. But I don't see it.
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars - Jaguars
A matchup of AFC South foes collide on Sunday in Jacksonville. Both teams finished 8-8 last season but their roads to those records were very different. The Titans started 2-7 before inserting rookie QB Vince Young led the team on a five game winning streak and nearly took them to the playoffs. The Jaguars, a playoff team in 2005, looked to take the next step in 2006 but once again, instability at the quarterback position doomed them. 2006 starter and former first round pick Byron Leftwich was cut just after the final preseason game and David Gerrard, his long-time backup, was named the starter. Gerrard has never shown the consistency Head Coach Jack Del Rio has desired in numerous stints filling in for Leftwich. If Gerrard and the Jaguars don't perform well this season, a new quarterback and perhaps a new head coach could be in the cards in Jacksonville. The Jaguars will look to take control of the line of scrimmage by pounding running backs' Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. The Titans will look to Young and an opportunistic defense as their primary formula for success. We'll see how teams adjust to seeing Young for a second time around. Look for the Jaguars to try to keep him in the pocket and make him throw the ball downfield to an unproven receiving corps. I like the Jaguars in a physical game.
Detroit Lions at Oakland Raiders - Lions
In Oakland, a battle of teams traditionally battling for top pick honors face off. For all the talk about how Al Davis was going to let Lane Kiffin run the show in Oakland, the decision to cut a third-round pick and the question surrounding who will start the season at quarterback seems to evidence the contrary. This team continues to be run into the ground. The number one pick in the draft, JaMarcus Russell remains unsigned and will as a result be a non-factor in 2007. Anyway, the decision to start Josh McCown over Daunte Culpepper boggles my mind. I thought the Raiders were quietly putting something together but all seems lost in Oakland. I like the Lions as the less terrible team in this game.
Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans - Texans
This is an intriguing game between two teams who really aren't sure what they have yet. After a long drawn out quarterback competition, Damon Huard triumphed over Brodie Croyle in Kansas City thanks in large part to Croyle's complete ineptitude. I like the Texans because Herm Edwards has taken a team in good shape and turned it into a disaster.
MORE TO COME...
The Eagles travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, making it the fifth straight times these two teams have met in the regular season. Andy Reid, who got his start in coaching as a mentor to Brett Favre under Mike Holmgren in the mid-90s, leads the Eagles back to take on his former protégé. The Eagles come in as slight favorites over Favre’s pack while Brett returns for one more season (once again) in hopes of leading his team back to the playoffs.
Donovan McNabb starts at quarterback for the Eagles and eyes will be on him as he makes his first start in more than nine months since a devastating knee injury. Dynamic RB Brian Westbrook also will be a focal point of a Packers defense which must contain the well-balanced attack of the Eagles. The young defense struggled at times last season but defensive stalwarts Aaron Kampman and A.J. Hawk anchor a unit that should be much improved. The key to the game rests in their hands as Westbrook and McNabb are traditionally September stars.
This is a big test for the Packers young defense. I don’t believe they’ll be able to contain Westbrook and McNabb. I do see the Packers keeping it close as they traditionally play well at Lambeau Field, but the Eagles prevail in this one.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns - Browns
Upset special for Week 1. Sure, this doesn't look like much of a game. However, history is on the Browns side. No Steeler coach has ever defeated Cleveland in his first game between the two rivals. I could attempt to feed you some lines about the Browns ability to play tough at home or a revamped defense and an improved offensive line, which is all true but I won't. I taking the Browns because I have a gut feeling that they are going to come out and take control of this game early. If the Browns can build a lead and force the Steelers to abandon the running game, opportunities for turnovers will be there as Roethlisberger led the league in interceptions a year ago. The key to the game will be whether or not the Browns can stop Willie Parker and if the offense under Charlie Frye can move the ball against a traditionally strong Steeler defense.
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings - Vikings
Here is the first Friends & Family game of the year...meaning the only people watching this game outside Atlanta and Minnesota will be the friends and family of the players and coaches. An old woman will utter, "That's my baby Tarvarius!" as the Viking QB will complete his first pass of the game sometime midway through the third quarter. I can't think of a better antithesis to Drew Brees/Peyton Manning than Tavarius Jackson/Joey Harrington. Anyway, to the game. Both defenses will stack the line and make the other quarterback beat them. Big plays will determine this game's outcome. Whichever defense can force a key turnover or a big kick return may be enough to swing this game in one direction or another. Jerious Norwood, the explosive Falcons RB, and highly-touted rookie Viking RB Adrian Peterson are both talented game-breakers. If one can bust through into the secondary, each is capable of taking it to the house. I like the Vikings defense, playing in front of a boisterous crowd in the Metrodome, to force some turnovers, leading to an ugly win.
New England Patriots vs New York Jets - Patriots
An intriguing early season matchup, these two rivals figure to be competing all season long for AFC East supremacy. With the Jets acquiring Thomas Jones, you can now argue that they are closer to the Jets at the skill positions. EXCEPT for one major difference: one team has Tom Brady and the other doesn't. Chad Pennington is in a precarious situation with Kellen Clemens, the backup quarterback who performed splendidly in the preseason, breathing down his neck. Don't be surprised if Pennington struggles early, calls for Clemens will quickly grow in number at the Meadowlands. The key factor in this game will be whether or not the Jets defense will be able to stymie the Patriots well-balanced offense. With Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Wes Welker, Ben Watson, and Laurence Maroney, Patriot QB Tom Brady truly has a bevy of offensive weapons from which to choose. However, former New England defensive coordinator Eric Mangini now coaches for the Jets and his team played the Patriots extremely close three times last season. Expect the Jets to keep it close. However, I just can't see the Jets staying with the Patriots fire-power. New England wins a hard-fought affair.
Miami Dolphins vs Washington Redskins - Redskins
Both teams trot out different starters than at this time last season. Trent Green comes over to Miami from Kansas City, replacing Joey Harrington et al. However, the preseason has been a horror show for Green as he struggles to adapt to the offensive scheme of Cam Cameron. The offense has looked out of sync. Green and his receivers have been struggling to connect and former second overall pick Ronnie Brown showed up to camp out of shape. This team's performance on the road in Washington should provide a good litmus test to that old adage that preseason trends mean nothing. Expect the Dolphins to struggle on offense. The key will be establishing Ronnie Brown to ease some of the pressure of Green.
For the Redskins, Jason Campbell starts at QB for the Redskins, after having replaced Mark Brunell midway through last season. The Redskins will also try to run the ball to set up the pass in an effort to protect Campbell's psyche early in the season. Both Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts will carry the ball for the 'Skins as they hope to start fast in what should be a very competitive NFC East division. With similar strategies, the game should be a close one. But I give the edge to the Redskins at home by a field goal.
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills - Bills
A bold statement you say? Perhaps, but Buffalo looks to be much improved this year and I suspect Jay Cutler will have his fair share of struggles in raucous Ralph Wilson Stadium. I think the key will be field position and the ability of the Bills to stop the run. The always formidable Bronco rushing attack will be spearheaded this year by Travis Henry, the former Bill. Many observers are predicting a 1,500 yard season. If the Bills defense is able to slow down Henry and force Denver into third and long, the Broncos offense will struggle. Making only his sixth NFL start, I don't believe Jay Cutler will be able to win the game on his arm alone. On the other side of the ball, Denver's defense has struggled to adapt to the new defensive scheme implemented by Jim Bates. Again, how much stock can you put in preseason? But in this case, I think it will play a part. The Bills must run the ball with rookie rusher Marshawn Lynch in order to set up the play-action passing game. An exciting matchup to watch in this game will be Bills star receiver, Lee Evans, lining up against Champ Bailey, the premier cornerback in the league. Look for Losman to challenge the Broncos secondary down the field. Bailey will have his share of picks but he will give up a big one once in awhile. To sum it up, I like the Bills in a hard-fought and close game.
Carolina Panthers vs St. Louis Rams - Rams
The Panthers travel to St. Louis to take on the Rams led by Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson. The Panthers defense will face a major challenge against the explosive Rams offense who always play well at home on the carpet of Edward Jones Dome. In regards to stopping Steven Jackson, the onus falls upon the Panthers front seven. In order for them to have a chance in this game, they have got to contain the Rams All-Pro running back. In passing situations, their front four led by Julius Peppers must get to the quarterback as the Panthers will employ a nickel defense to slow down the talented trio of receivers for the Rams: Drew Bennett, Isaac Bruce, and Torry Holt. On offense, the Panthers will try to control the ball and the clock by running the football with D'Angelo Williams and DeShaun Foster. To have any chance to stay with the Rams, they will have to convert their red zone opportunities. The Panthers scored just fifteen touchdowns in their thirty-two trips into the red zone last season. Jake Delhomme must cut down on his turnovers this season or he'll find himself out of the job. It's a make or break season in Carolina and Delhomme and Head Coach John Fox have jobs on the line. A win in St. Louis would be a fantastic start. But I don't see it.
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars - Jaguars
A matchup of AFC South foes collide on Sunday in Jacksonville. Both teams finished 8-8 last season but their roads to those records were very different. The Titans started 2-7 before inserting rookie QB Vince Young led the team on a five game winning streak and nearly took them to the playoffs. The Jaguars, a playoff team in 2005, looked to take the next step in 2006 but once again, instability at the quarterback position doomed them. 2006 starter and former first round pick Byron Leftwich was cut just after the final preseason game and David Gerrard, his long-time backup, was named the starter. Gerrard has never shown the consistency Head Coach Jack Del Rio has desired in numerous stints filling in for Leftwich. If Gerrard and the Jaguars don't perform well this season, a new quarterback and perhaps a new head coach could be in the cards in Jacksonville. The Jaguars will look to take control of the line of scrimmage by pounding running backs' Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. The Titans will look to Young and an opportunistic defense as their primary formula for success. We'll see how teams adjust to seeing Young for a second time around. Look for the Jaguars to try to keep him in the pocket and make him throw the ball downfield to an unproven receiving corps. I like the Jaguars in a physical game.
Detroit Lions at Oakland Raiders - Lions
In Oakland, a battle of teams traditionally battling for top pick honors face off. For all the talk about how Al Davis was going to let Lane Kiffin run the show in Oakland, the decision to cut a third-round pick and the question surrounding who will start the season at quarterback seems to evidence the contrary. This team continues to be run into the ground. The number one pick in the draft, JaMarcus Russell remains unsigned and will as a result be a non-factor in 2007. Anyway, the decision to start Josh McCown over Daunte Culpepper boggles my mind. I thought the Raiders were quietly putting something together but all seems lost in Oakland. I like the Lions as the less terrible team in this game.
Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans - Texans
This is an intriguing game between two teams who really aren't sure what they have yet. After a long drawn out quarterback competition, Damon Huard triumphed over Brodie Croyle in Kansas City thanks in large part to Croyle's complete ineptitude. I like the Texans because Herm Edwards has taken a team in good shape and turned it into a disaster.
MORE TO COME...
Labels: NFL, NFL opener, NFL predictions, NFL Week 1, Week 1 matchups
Thursday, September 06, 2007
And We're Back...Week 1
Week 1
My, oh my, does it feel good to be back. Another year of football. I know you haven't heard from me recently. April to be exact but I was just saving up my strength for the grueling NFL season. We are talking two (hopefully) columns a week for five months. Well, autumn is nearly here. I spent Labor Day weekend in Falmouth, Massachusetts and you could smell the traces of fall in the brisk evening air. So many reasons to love the months of September and October: the crisp nights, the pleasant days, the leaves changing. For me though, pennant-races, postseason baseball and the onset of football season are what make this the best time of the year.
Saint vs Colts - Colts
We'll get to baseball in another column shortly but first we have the New Orleans Saints and Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts kicking off the season Thursday night. We couldn't ask for a more exciting season opener than these two teams led by gunslingers Drew Brees and Peyton Manning. The pair combined to throw for over 8800 yards last season with 57 touchdown passes. Neither QB lacks play-makers as Indianapolis wideouts Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison formed the most prolific duo in football at their position, topping 1300 yards each in receiving. In the Colts backfield, rookie first-round pick Joseph Addai impressed in 2006, rushing for over a thousand yards with seven touchdowns.
On the Saints side, Brees has a multitude of weapons that first-year coach Sean Payton employed brilliantly last season. In the backfield, Deuce McAllister returned to form in 2006 after a grotesque knee injury forced him to miss the majority of the 2005 season. Splitting time with the rookie phenom and former Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, McAllister rushed for 1,057 yards and ten touchdowns. As for Bush, he did not disappoint in his first NFL season. The USC alum set a record for NFL rookie running backs with 88 receptions and lived up to his big play ability with several electrifying plays out of the backfield and in the return game. At the receiver position, Marques Colston, a sixth round pick out of Hofstra, came out of nowhere to lead the Saints in receiving with 1,038 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. Teaming up with Colston are two highly-regarded receivers, Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem. Each is a former first round pick with Meachem being the Saints top selection in 2007. Both are speedsters and with the Saints explosive offense, look for one of them to step up and produce in the absence of Joe Horn, a fixture at receiver for the Saints this decade who departed to Atlanta via free agency.
With so much offensive firepower, the key to the game will be which defense can slow down the opposing team's offense. With both teams extremely well-balanced on offense, it will be important for each team to get off to a good start in the hopes of forcing the other to become one-dimensional. The Colts, already reeling from losing several starters in the offseason, endured a major blow in training camp, losing DT Anthony McFarland, an important cog in their rush defense. For the Saints, their defensive backfield must find a way to contain Harrison and Wayne and prevent the big play. Jason David, the former Colt who signed with New Orleans in the offseason, will have primary responsibility on one of his former teammates.
As much as I like the Saints balance and ability to move the ball against the Colts defense, I think playing on the road against the Super Bowl champions will prove too much for the Saints. I think Manning and the Colts prevail in a high-scoring affair with each team putting up gaudy offensive numbers. Colts by a field goal, 34-31
The rest of Sunday's slate will appear tomorrow.
Labels: Colts, Colts vs Saints, Drew Brees, Football, Indianapolis, New Orleans, NFL, NFL opener, Peyton Manning, Saints
