| 02 October 2009
By the time Week 3 ends, everyone is fully engrossed in the NFL Season. Now, contenders have emerged, pretenders are regrouping, and several teams are more than ready for their bye.
So after a third week of football, what do we now know?
Brett Favre Still Has Some Magic Left
Despite skepticism from some armchair critics, the San Francisco 49ers proved to be a REAL TEST for the Minnesota Vikings. Without Frank Gore, who left the game after one carry, the 49ers were able to maintain their composure and were within a moment of winning the game.
Before losing the game in the final seconds, San Francisco had lost a potential win by only a couple yards. With 1:49 to go, the 49ers were at their own 47 up by four points. Because the Vikings had all three time outs, San Francisco needed backup running back Glen Coffee to get them a first down.
Instead, the Vikings run defense (top in the league over the last three seasons) held him to just two yards per carry, forcing the inevitable punt. Then, Favre took over; with no time outs and 1:29 remaining, he engineered an 80 yard drive that ended on a 32 yard Greg Lewis touchdown reception.
The scramble, throw, and catch have already been analyzed enough on TV. However, one interesting note; that play put Favre over 300 yards passing for the day, which made him the first Vikings QB to throw for 300 yards in five seasons.
From a big picture perspective, fans in Minnesota are pointing to this game as evidence that all the off-season drama was worth it. From a small picture perspective, there is nothing more that Favre could have asked for in his Minnesota home debut or his last game before facing his old team for the first time.
Washington Bails out Detroit
That was the headline of Monday's Washington Post, as the Detroit Lions won their first game since 2007 with 19-14 win over the Redskins.
What's shocking about this game isn't that the Lions won. What's shocking is how many people actually picked the Lions throughout the week. I know I did. Detroit couldn't be any worse than last year, and Head Coach Jim Schwartz seems to be the guy who can lead Detroit in the right direction, on and off the field.
On the other sideline, it's pretty much a countdown until when Jim Zorn is terminated. Some are surprised it hasn't happened yet considering the history behind owner Daniel Snyder's quick trigger finger. However, if Zorn was fired, Washington would lose their Head Coach, play caller, and QB coach all in one shot. Not good to rid yourself of that much six days before the next game.
With all the solid coaching candidates that unemployed and all the money Snyder could potentially spend, it's likely that someone new will be patrolling the sidelines in Washington next season. However, if Zorn does get fired in 2009, expect it to happen during the Redskins Week 8 bye week.
Some Teams Won't Lose... Others Can't Win
It's not surprising that seven teams are undefeated or that that six teams are yet to win. What is surprising is which teams are on which lists.
The most shocking undefeated team is the Denver. After all the off season drama with Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall, no one could have expected this team to start so strong, even considering the quality of opponents. Most shocking is Denver is doing it with defense. They are the only team yet to give up double digits to an opponent in 2009.
Another surprise 3-0 team has to be the New York Jets. Although their defense was supposed to be good on paper, no one could have imagined that they'd play so well so quickly. Marc Sanchez is also pretty good despite the dumb looking mustache. There is a lot of talent on that offense, and he's definitely figured out how to use enough of it.
The most surprising 0-3 team has to be the Tennessee Titans. The once stellar defensive unit has clearly been the weak link. Although the offense has moved the ball well in the last two games, if this season continues to get away from this team, does Vince Young come back to start? Could he provide the spark Tennessee needs as they gear up for the significantly easier schedule they face in the second half?
There are two other 2008 playoff teams without a win in 2009; Miami and Carolina. Miami came into the season with a tough schedule statistically, and now without Chad Pennington, it appears that this season will continue to dwindle away. Carolina has the same issues as last season, but now without a running game that can overcome anything. But this is the pattern for Jon Fox; for every one good year follows one or two bad ones.
Peyton Wins Everywhere
A 3-0 team that some people expected is the Indianapolis Colts. Their Monday night win in Miami meant a late flight north plus a short week to prepare for the reigning NFC Champion Cardinals. However, instead of playing that game at home, the Colts then had to travel southwest and play in Arizona. Despite the travel, Indianapolis didn't miss a beat.
Payton and Co. got off to a quick 21-3 lead as Arizona's defenders made wrong assumption after wrong assumption. Four different receivers caught touchdown passes, including Joseph Addai out of the backfield. The Indy defense, which played over 45 minutes just six days earlier, pressured Kurt Warner well with just their front four linemen. Warner was sacked four times and threw two interceptions while attempting over fifty passes.
The Return of Michael Vick
Michael Vick's return to football was one of the major stories heading into Week 3, but one of the lesser stories coming out of it. Vick's last regular season game was 1001 days prior, and although he didn't do anything special against Kansas City last week, his appearance still gets a mention.
Kevin Kolb played well in his second game as a starter, which should shut up the people in Philly for at least one week. But then again, it's Philadelphia, and once Vick breaks a 40 yards touchdown run, the people will want him in there every play. Fortunately for Kolb, it appears that Vick will be brought on slowly, and by the time he's ready to step into the QB job, McNabb will be long returned.
Games to Watch in Week 4
Green Bay @ Minnesota
I'd love not to talk about Favre since I'm a pretty big hater, but it's rather historic that he has the opportunity to become the only QB in history with a win against all current 32 NFL Franchises. Still, my focus Monday night will be on Aaron Rogers. Unless he plays in a Superbowl, it's unlikely that he'll ever be in a more scrutinized/pressured game in his life. Actually, there always is Week 9 and Favre's return to Green Bay.
Baltimore @ New England
Baltimore has beat up several poor defenses, which has put them on top of the NFL's power rankings. However, they are no where near a lock for winning the AFC North, especially since losing this game could put them in a tie with Cincinnati (assuming they beat Cleveland as expected) before next week's divisional showdown. The Ravens could definitely be competing for a wild card spot with New England in December. This game could be a tie breaker at the end of the season.
New York Jets @ New Orleans
This game between undefeated teams will match the top offense in the NFL against one of the top defenses. A story not being talked about is that of Jonathon Vilma. This will be his first game against the Jets after being bitterly traded two off-seasons ago. Vilma, former Defensive Rookie of the Year, was supposed to be the Jets Ray Lewis. The personnel on this Jets team has significantly changed since Vilma's departure, it will be interesting to see what kind of grudge he holds as he leads the Saints defense against Marc Sanchez, the early season favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Dallas @ Denver
No one has been able to score double digits on the Bronco's, but they haven't played the toughest of opponents. Tony Romo can put up very impressive numbers, but there are a lot of talking heads waiting for him to fail. I'm not especially looking forward to this game, but I am curious to see what the story is coming out of it. Romo dissects top defense or Romo fails to make it happen? Denver falls to first quality opponent or Bronco's are the real deal?
San Diego @ Pittsburgh
In my preseason predictions, I mentioned how the Steelers first four opponents were likely to consider their match ups with the defending champions as opportunities to make statements. This has held true, and might me most true with San Diego. The Chargers would prefer not to spend another season playing catch up to Denver, so they'll be looking to give Pittsburgh their third loss in a row. The Steelers haven't won a game since September 10, which may entitle them to some colorful banter as Big Ben and company spend the next night hosting Monday Night Raw.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
