NFL Quick Hits - Week 2
By Doug Upstone
Maybe it's just me, but doesn't Brett Favre seem to be going thru the motions as opposed to playing with usual intensity? Last year's "I have something to prove" has been replaced with "I came back for the guys". The Minnesota defensive line might also be starting to show its age, as for the second week in a row the opposing team had better than anticipated success running the ball in the A and B gaps.
One last point on the Vikes and Fins, the Miami defense might not have known quantities, but they play hard and disciplined (thanks to DC Mike Nolan), setting up interesting matchup with Jets this week in home opener.
The Dallas Cowboys look about as organized as those tortured souls on "Hoarders". As a group, the Chicago Bears wide receivers would rank fourth in their division let alone where they would be in the NFC. However, in Mike Martz offense, as long as they can run to a spot and Jay Culter can drill the ball into them, Chicago will move the ball. Still have to wonder how Cutler is going to like being hit as often as he will be in Martz's offense, which really places the quarterback in peril without a great offensive line.
The Bears will matchup with Green Bay next Monday, which should be a ton of fun for fans of these long-time rivals. The Packers were coldly efficient against bumbling Buffalo. Watching TE Jermichael Finley run pass routes against linebackers and safeties is laughable. Linebacker Clay Mathews has been un-block-able thus far for the Pack. Keep this one in mind for next Monday. In Monday night division games, favorites of seven or less off two SU wins are 27-9 ATS.
The New York Jets finally looked like a team worthy of Super Bowl consideration. From the second quarter on, they slowly took control of the contest against New England and manhandled them, limiting both their offense and defense. Coming out of USC, Mark Sanchez was known as an accurate passer and that was on display against the Patriots. I have to agree with Kerry Byrne of ColdHardFootballfacts.com, the New England defense is average at best. In games the offense can dominate, Tom Brady and the Pats can cover, but in defensive battles, New England figures to lag behind with pedestrian secondary.
Not sure why all the media noise about Michael Vick. No doubt Vick appears to be the superior quarterback over Kevin Kolb. However, the Eagles franchise has always taken a long term view. Coach Andy Reid feels Kolb presents the best longer term solution for Philadelphia to win. The Philly front office is hoping to acquire a high round draft pick for Vick in the off-season and the former Falcon is the perfect second string guy to have since Kolb may or may not work out. A concern for Philadelphia backers is the fact the defense has been lit up for 371 yards per game in two contests. That makes betting the Eagles as favorites a Mallox moment.
A tremendous comeback by Houston against Washington in winning in overtime. If healthy, the Texans will score on anybody and as long as their front four can rush the passer and do an adequate job against the run, they can cover up weaknesses in the secondary. It never fails to amaze how the NFL schedule works out. The Cowboys are 0-2 and have to go to Houston. Does the more desperate team win?
Though not guaranteed, Pittsburgh has legit chance to start 3-1 with victory over fellow 2-0 club in Tampa Bay. The NFL is a quarterback-driven league and to win long term, you must have results from the position. Nevertheless, Troy 'Head and Shoulders" Polamalu is proving his importance on defense for the Steelers, who are winning despite no offense.
Eli Manning probably had dreams of Oreo cookies after his Giants were demolished by Indianapolis. All night he was in the middle of DE's Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis collapsing the pocket and being squished together by this unstoppable duo. The only thing that missing was milk. New York looks like all the other teams in the NFC East, unsettled, and not a comfortable team to bet for or against.
The Monday night home underdog came thru for the cover, which was a disappointment to those who were on New Orleans. The Saints have so many options on offense it's ridiculous, yet if Reggie Bush is gone for long, it changes the complexion of what coach Sean Payton can do. Patrick Willis was everywhere for San Francisco and played awesome game in defeat. What will the 0-2 Niners have left on a short week traveling to Kansas City?