NFL Quick Hits
By Doug Upstone
The Oakland Raiders were supposed to be finally turning the page and heading back to at least being mediocre. Instead, they very much resembled the same old mistake prone, overmatched physically and mentally team most of the last decade or more.
Carolina might have lost to the Giants, but their team speed was impressive and if Matt Moore doesn't make SO MANY mistakes, the Panthers might be better than expected.
Tom Brady and New England offense was potent and ripped thru a good Cincinnati secondary with relative ease. The TV experts were praising the improvement of the Patriots defense in spite of its injuries and youth, but I saw a grouped lit up for 341 yards passing. Two negative marks to New England, one to Pats owner Bob Kraft who demanded holdout G Logan Mankins make a public apology for things said about Kraft (this was after agreeing to contract and apologizing to Kraft face to face), thus further angering Mankins who since has refused to signed contract on principle. And to Randy Moss for airing his laundry after a team win about the front office.
(Love the new Geico commercial about wood chucks from the old rhyme. -How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? A woodchuck would chuck all the wood a woodchuck could chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood. - Very clever)
Back to football, the Green Bay Packers were the most popular bet for week 1 of the NFL and they played just well enough to win and cover. Aaron Rodgers was like fall weather (good and bad) and LB Clay Mathews was terrorizing. Michael Vick was terrific, being able to play in chaotic situation, which best describes him. Though his action was limited, QB Kevin Kolb looked overmatched.
Derek Anderson won't last the season if he has to take as many big hits as he did against St. Louis the Cardinals win.
Detroit certainly deserved a better fate. The referee's made the call based on how the rule is stated, but everyone including Bear fans knew it was a touchdown. It's interesting to listen to people's opinion about these types of occurrences, some are law and order and others think the rule is stupid and needs to be changed. I wondered what the law and order types would say if they were caught speeding for going two MPH over the speed limit?
If Dallas and Washington switched coaches, the Cowboys win the opener.
Could the Jets have looked anymore inept offensively? Maybe they should have picked up Matt Leinart. Baltimore is and was my Super Bowl pick and they played pretty well given the circumstances. Have you ever seen a quarterback from a very good team "look" less confident than Joe Flacco?
Nice effort and win by Kansas City who appears to be building something in beef country. They've drafted well and coach Todd Haley has created renewed enthusiasm around the franchise and it was wise to bring in two proven winning coordinators in Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis.