| 24 September 2009
After all the emotion, adrenalin, and anticipation of the first game ends, teams finally have actual game footage to scout in preparation for their Week 2 opponent. As more games are played, more evidence accumulates, and it becomes easier to determine which teams might actually be successful as the season progresses. So after a second week of football, what do we now know?
In Prime Time, the Manning's Play Big
The brothers Manning each led game winning scoring drives in the forth quarter of their respective prime time wins. These performances proved that the former Superbowl MVP's are just as solid as ever when under pressure, despite the pieces that both lost during the off season.
Even without Marvin Harrison, Payton still has history with several top targets (Wayne, Clark). Payton also appears to have something he's been without his entire career; a forth quarter running back in Donald Brown. It looks like the Colts will use Brown and Joseph Addai similar to how Julius Jones and Marion Barber for several years in Dallas; one guy starts, taking the bulk of the carries, while the other finishes; both on third downs and in the forth quarter.
For Eli, it appears that Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer have been adequately replaced with Mario Manningham and Steve Smith. Manningham is now the primary target instead of Burress, while Smith is the clutch third down receiver instead of Toomer. As this combination continues to develop over the season, expect the Giants to continue being ranked as a top team in the NFC.
San Francisco Might be Legitimate
Going into the regular season, it was thought that there could only be two teams (at most) who could compete in the NFC West; the restocked Seahawks or the defending NFC Champion Cardinals. Two weeks into the season, both teams have suffered dismantling division losses to the forgotten 49ers.
During the off-season, the biggest story regarding from San Francisco was their inability to sign Michael Crabtree. Even after going 2-0, the only 49ers story being covered nationally is their accusation that the New York Jets tampered with Crabtree. And even though the 49ers don't appear to need him, during press conferences with head coach Mike Singletary, the Crabtree questions continue.
Singletary has said that he wants to win the old fashioned way; with good defense and a strong running game. Although the defense doesn't put up staggering numbers, they find ways to confuse/limit the opposition, giving the offense an opportunity to win the game. However, the running game hasn't been spectacular. Outside of his 79 & 80 yard runs in Week 2, Frank gore has only rushed for 78 yards combined in the first two games.
But Shawn Hill continues to play intelligent football, making quality throws and not turning the ball over. His play is reminiscent of Washington's Jason Campbell or Jacksonville's David Garrard, two quarterbacks who've been able to go to the playoffs on underwhelming teams, simply by playing being patient and smart with the football.
The New York Jets can Pressure even Brady and his Patriots
For the second straight week, the New York Jets Defense didn't allow an offensive touchdown. The Patriots inability to run the ball forced Tom Brady to throw approximate 50 times, which is something that all QB's will want to avoid against the Jets ferocious pass rush. To avoid being sacked, Brady often threw less than 3 seconds after the snap, and the Jets secondary can guard against quick passes.
The star of this defense might be Darrell Revis. Against the Patriots, he harassed Randy Moss single handedly. This came only one week after doing the same to Houston's Andre Johnson. By holding two of the NFL's top receivers to less than 40 yards in two consecutive weeks, Revis has to be considered a true shut-down cornerback, potentially the best in the NFL today.
The New Orleans Offense can't be Stopped
Over the last three seasons, fans have become accustom to the offensive juggernaut that is the New Orleans Saints. The 2009 version might be the strongest to date.
New Orleans has all the pieces in place; the offensive line is filled with guys who can run block and pass protect. Mike Bell looks like the legitimate rushing threat that Deuce McCallister once was and Reggie Bush was once supposed to be. Marcus Colston, a former seventh round draft pick, has the size and ability to run every rout and make every play. Plus you have role players like Jeremy Shockey who can step up and play beyond their role at any time.
Then there is Drew Brees. Last year, he finished just shy of breaking Dan Marino's single season passing record for total yards thrown. This week on HBO's Joe Buck Live, Dan Marino and John Elway both stated that they would not be surprised to see Drew Brees become the first QB to throw for over 6000 yards in a season. Currently, he's on pace for just 5352 yards, but also 72 touchdowns and a 132.9 passer rating.
Who is the Power in the AFC North?
The AFC North is traditionally a smash mouth division with some of the hardest hitting teams in football. In the first two weeks of the season, the four teams that comprise this division are yet to play each other. That all changes this week, so a few days from now there should be some less fuzzy answers about where everyone stands (other than Cleveland).
Baltimore is the front runner as the only 2-0 team in the division. They've won in a different manor than usual, behind the power arm of Joe Flaco instead of the pounding play of their defense. The Baltimore defense gave up 26 points to San Diego and 24 to Kansas City, two teams that the Oakland Raiders held to 24 and 10, respectively.
Pittsburgh held tough opening night against Tennessee, but without defensive stand out Troy Polamalu, they weren't able to do the same against a mediocre Chicago offense. The defending champions will be without their pro-bowl safety for approximately another month, which means the offense needs to step up. However, Big Ben and company have only been able to muster 27 points combined in two games.
Then there are the Bengal's, who are a miracle play away from being tied with Baltimore for the division lead at 2-0. As Cincinnati enter a three game stretch where they play all three division opponents, the league will see which Bengal's team is for real; the one that could barely score against Denver, or the one that entered a shoot out and left victorious in Green Bay.
Games to Watch in Week Three:
San Francisco @ Minnesota:
- This week's only match up of undefeated teams will feature the top two rushers in the NFC. However, I'm more interested to see how future Hall of Famer Brett Favre handles his first real test of the season, as well as if future backup quarterback Shawn Hill can continue to avoid mistakes and put the 49ers in position to win.
Atlanta @ New England
- Pre-season, a potential Superbowl match up; now just a very interesting game. When Matt Ryan signed his initial contract after being drafted, I remember one talking head criticizing, saying there is no justification for rookie Matt Ryan to be earning a bigger 2008 paycheck that MVP Tom Brady. That has nothing to do with the actual game, but it's something to think about.
Tennessee @ New York Jets
- In 2008, after defeating the New England Patriots, the Jets gave the undefeated Titans their first loss of the season. Now, it's the Jets who are undefeated, and the Titans who could hand them the first loss of the season. However, if the Titans do lose, they'll be 0-3 just one season after starting 10-0.
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati
- With Baltimore likely to defeat Cleveland, whichever of these teams loses will be two games back, which is not the kind of hole you want to be in three weeks into the season. Both teams have played in two close games and neither team has shown anything resembling consistency. Pittsburgh is the favorite going in, but a Cincinnati win would definitely not surprise me.
Miami @ San Diego
- Two division winners a year ago, neither team has been able to win a game against other 2008 playoff teams. If Miami can hold the ball for 40 plus minutes as they did this past Monday, they should win. Philip Rives and crew do not have the same quick strike capability as Payton Manning and Indianapolis.
Indianapolis @ Arizona
- Although I typically look forward to old-school, low scoring, defensive football, I'm really excited for the shoot out that should be Sunday Night Football. Both teams have average defense that will try to contain offenses that can really light it up. Expect big plays, early and often. Simply put, bet the over.
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