Sunday, September 11, 2005
NFL Week 1 preview:
-Chicago Bears at Washington Redskins
Chicago actually had a chance to be decent this yea-just decent- but then in the pre-season, Chicago lost Rex Grossman at QB. This isn't a surprise to this Bears fan; it has nothing to do with Rex at all, it has everything to do with the curse of being a Bears QB. The backup Qb WAS Chad Hutchinson, but he was so bad in PRE-SEASON that they cut him loose. That encapsulates the Bears ability to find or develop QB's right there.
So it should come as no surprise that the Bears start the season with a 4th round rookie QB Kyle Orton, from Purdue. So at this point, the season is over. Again, it is no reflection on Orton. The Bears are right to start him because he is the best they have available. Which is a damning realization as well. Starting a rookie QB in this league though is to hope for no better than .500. The offensive line is only average, and you have a rookie RB who doesn't know who to block on pass plays. This is not a good recipe for success. There is Thomas Jones, but every defense will step up to stop him and FORCE the Bears and their rookie QB to pass. Once that happens, Chicago will find what their rookie QB is made of.
The whole thing is so upsetting to me as a Bears fan. This seems like a good a place as any for a Random Picture of Chandra North:
Ah. NOw I feel better.
The defense in Chicago is strong however. The defensive line has talent and quickness, and the linebackers...Correction 2 of the 3 linebackers are Pro-Bowl worthy. The Secondary is filled with good young talent, though they may struggle a little if you spread them out in the dime.
Chicago moves up and down the field fast on defense. It opens them up to some big plays, but they can make a few of their own too.
However, the Redskins will run the counter and the cut backs with Clinton Portis, who has had a lot of good games against Chicago before. The Redskins too have a great defense, and these teams match up very similarly. Both sides have a strong defense, and ALOT of questions on offense. The Redskins have the edge though, because they have a known quantity in Clinton Portis at RB. Patrick Ramsey at QB more than likely isn't going to be Jon Montana, much less Joe. Well, that may be a bit harsh. He can still carve out a good career for himself, but the way others talk about him, you'd think he was wearing a Bears jersey or something.
Chicago's best chance to win would be to generate 3 or more turnovers, and 1-2 of those being returned for touchdowns. Washington though, can generate a few turnovers themselves, especially going against a rookie QB. I am sure at some point later this year, I will contradict myself, but since there isn't any better option anyway, they may as well find out what they have in Orton and leave him as the starter for as long as they can this season. If they ever remove him as the starter, my guess is that they'll have decided that they know what they have, and he's not going to be the future.
Winner: Washington Redskins
-Tennessee Titans @ Pittsburgh Steelers
The Titans have depth at RB...More than what seems possible, with Travis Henry, Chris Brown, and Jarrett Payton. They have a new offensive Coordinator in Norm Chow. And they have Steve McNair. Beyond that, their offensive line is just average, and the WR's are unknowns. Drew Bennett only made his presence known to the rest of us last year. After holding it together for so many years, they finally had to start over, because they couldn't AFFORD to keep the team together. Still, there is talent to be had and to work with. It isn't championship level yet, but given time over a season or two, it may be there.
On defense, the Titans have a young and active defensive line, a decent LB corps that is upgraded by the presence of an All-pro in Keith Bulluck, and a young and talented, but not fully assembled secondary. By that I mean they are getting by on one side at corner with just an average run of the mill guy. That is something they'll address next off-season, I am sure.
This is where the Steelers will attack them. They'll spread out the Titans D, keeping them out of the base defense and show their lack of depth, and the Steelers will pass early and often.
This will work particularly well, since the Steelers are without their top two running backs. Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley are out today, leaving Charlie Parker, or some such kid to run behind the Steelers offensive Line. Considering they had the rookie of the Year Ben Rothlesbrger at QB, and a few options at WR, they'll pick on the also-ran, and then mix in the run to keep it from getting boring. On defense, the Steelers are all about LB'ers, but the guys you know are all injured. The front defensive line are string and big, but they're job is to take the abuse so the LB'ers can do what they need to do. The Steelers are young and active in the secondary, though it's still unknown how much talent they have. They don't generate the turnovers that you would want. But being the Steelers, they know how to hit.
Personally, I am a turnover fan. I appreciate a good collision as much as the next fan, but early in the morning, I'd rather have a turnover.
What I'd REALLY like to start off the day is...Well, this isn't about that.
The Steelers OLB's are the source of their pass rush, and the OLB's they have are injured. So they are going to struggle to get the QB. The Titans are going to try to protect McNair as much as possible when they do pass, but they're pretty much geared to running the ball at this point. Which is what works for the Steelers, because the ILB's are fine and healthy. I think the Steelers defense and Titan's offense comes to a draw, leaving it up to the Steelers Offense and the titans D. While the Titan's D has talent on the starting line, the depth isn't there. The Steelers have some injury issues of their own, but can compensate for it, and will ultimately win this game. I know I picked the Titans earlier. I can change my mind.
Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
-Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Minnesota Vikings
Tampa Bay is found in Florida. Florida is known to have a large Latin population. All of this is just a silly excuse to post a picture of Elsa Benitez.
That was fun!
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have seemed to slowly...Very slowly...Worked on re-tooling their offense, looking for pieces to build around. The offensive line isn't anything special, the QB isn't anything special,The WR's are old standovers from days gone by in Joey Galloway and Mark Clayton. I mean, Mark is best known for his days in Miami from 20 years ago! I didn't even think he was still in the league?
(offstage whispering) Oh, a rookie from last year who has the same name; I see. Still, a WR is hard to build around since you need a competent QB to get the ball to him. Griese is an average QB who won't ever be on par with the stars of the league. But he's better than some, I suppose. This year, they drafted a running back named Cadillac Williams. That gives them something to build upon, a weapon that they can use. Joey galloway's days of contributing are fast coming to an end. By my estimation they have half an offense with little depth to mount a complete comprehensive attack. They'll have moderate success against most defenses, but if they run up against a premier defense they'll have major problems.
So does Minnesota have one of those sorts of defenses? Well, given the talent they have added in the offseason, they are better than they were...but if you're at the bottom of a well, and someone throws you a rope, and you climb up say 10 feet, there's no guarantee that you're out of it. They were horrible on defense last year. The LB'ers were totally lost. The defensive line was average at best, and the secondary beyond Winfield was HORRID.
They've come always from where they were by adding some really nice pieces on defense, but they still have some ways to go. Even more than that, they need some cohesion. That comes with coaching. I'm gonna wait to see how they do first before I declare that they're greatly improved. There are a number of publications that say this team is headed to the Super Bowl, but unless that defense is a lot better than it was, they'll be lucky to get to the playoffs again. I think the Vikings have the talent to stop the Buccaneers, but I have no faith until I have reason to in the Vikes D. I don't expect the Buccs to run a while lot against the Vikes, simply because it will be a feeling out process for the rookie. We'll find out pretty quickly how good that revamped secondary, especially the linebackers are.
On offense the Vikings made a huge improvement on offense by getting rid of Randy Moss. As talented as he was, you never knew what he was willing to give you for that game, or even for that play. And God forbid if you gave up a TD first, for the idea that Moss might perceive it as a deficit that was insurmountable, and just mail it in for the game. Unless the ball was going to be coming his way.
In his place is a not-so-sure handed but speedy rookie, and some other more sure-handed possession guys in Burleson, Robinson, and others. The offensive line is weak in the middle however, as injuries and shuffling have forced people to line up where they probably shouldn't be. This will be a major problem, since it is going to be a lot harder for the Vikings to run, and for Daunte Culpepper to feel comfortable in the pocket. He should still have a good season. IN fact, I would bet that he will have a better season without Moss than with him, even if the statistics don't show it. He will be the victim of some dropped balls now and then, and will probably take a bit more punishment. But at least he knows what he has consistently out of each player.
The Buccaneers defense finds it's strength on the outside of each of it's parts. The corners are pro-bowl caliber in barber and Kelly. The safeties are a step below that, but still very solid. The Linebackers are much like the Titans...Decent, and raised to a higher level with the presence of Derrick Brooks. The defensive line is filled with older vets who know their job. Simeon Rice rushes the passer, and leads the group. Minnesota will pound it as best they can with Kleinsasser leading the path, but ultimately they'll use the pass to win this game. I think it's a winnable game for the Buccs, considering the issues the Vikings have in front of them, but the Vikings at home are tough,and since I'll be cheering against them (sorry John), they'll of course win instead (you're welcome John).
Winner: Minnesota Vikings
OK I am running out of time, so I am going to have to provide a quick synopsis for the rest of these games...
-Denver Broncos @ Miami Dolphins
The Denver Broncos seem to be in dire need of a complete re-do on the roster. There doesn't seem to be much substance throughout the roster...Just a bunch of guys brought in to patch holes in what used to be a championship roster. But at this point there's more patch material, more band aids then there are original building equipment to work with. Make the hard choice, and cut your losses and start re-building your team.
Denver doesn't have the parts to compete for the playoffs anymore. Miami has already hit rock bottom and are on their way back up. They won't make the playoffs either, but they are starting over on offense, and are squeezing out what they can from a veteran defense. Seeing as how the Dolphins seem to have more momentum, I'll take them to win this game.
Oh,a and I think that a good representative of this game would be a girl with a Latin background with blond hair to pull off the girl from the mountains look to also represent Denver.
Winner: Miami Dolphins
-New York Jets @ Kansas City Chiefs
Why did I take the Chiefs in this one? I'm not entirely sure Ty Law is what he used to be. I also like what they did in adding talent to their defense. It seems to have gelled quicker than it did in Minnesota. It was a game in my mind as to which defense was worse over the past few seasons...KC or MN. It didn't matter really. Though only one of them allowed Chad Hutchinson to win a game against them. I'm just saying.
Plus, the Chiefs are at home.
Winner: Kansas City Chiefs
Seattle Seahawks @ Jacksonville Jaguars
I haven't figured out just yet what the Jags are doing. The Seahawks are an enigma too. But I'll be charitable and give the local team a bone, and predict a win.
Who else is in need of a bone?
Yamila Diaz-Rahi.
I knew I had one for her around here somewhere...hang on. Lemme look around...ah, here it is.
What was I saying? Oh yeah.
Winner: Seattle Seahawks
Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns
And they'll charge full price ticets for this game, I bet too.
I could break this down, but I'll go with the cooler uniforms, and go with Cincinnati Bengals.
Winner: Cincinatti Bengals
New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers
this game could go one way or the other...Either the Saints will be uplifted by the plight of their community and play for them, and have it carry them to a win, or they could be understandably find their attention split, and lose. After everything that has happened to them, with all of the diversions, I can't see how they could concentrate on football.
Winner: Carolina Panthers
Houston Texans @ Buffalo Bills
It just boils down to this. The Bills have a Qb I don't know and don't trust.
Winner: Houston Texans
St Louis @ San Francisco
San Francisco is one of those teams that is starting over from scratch talent wise. They have a QB they think can be something special in Alex Smith. But he's not ready yet. So in the meantime, they'll get by with the kindling they have. The Rams aren't the Rams of old, but they still have enough talent to easily dispose of the 49ers. The defense for the Rams is only average...in fact just a bit below that. But they'll have a half day today, once the offense puts the game away.
Winner: St Louis Rams
Dallas Cowboys @ San Diego Chargers
Where else would you want to be than in San Diego on a September Sunday? I duuno. I don't have an answer for that. Maybe Puerto Rico.
Anyway, two evenly matched teams who have the same strengths. When in doubt, go with the home team.
Winner: San Diego Chargers
Arizona Cardinals @ New York Giants
The Giants have the Sept 11 anniversary to draw upon as inspiration. The Cardinals have Pat Tillman, if they thought about it. I don't know how much the current Giants players will use that for motivation, however. The giants are starting Eli Manning, who still hasn't shown me much yet. Then again, Kurt Warner is starting for the cardinals, and he hasn't had much luck starting opening games in Giant Stadium the past few seasons.
Winner: New York Giants
-Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions
The Packers defense has the appearance of being in such shambles, whether it be aging veterans, cranky malcontents, or just overhyped and crappy players. It would just take so little competent QB'ing on the Lions side to take advantage of the disparity in talent from the Packers D and the Lions offense, what with all of the first round draft picks at WR and running back and a pricey free agent TE in Marcus Pollard.
Enter Joey Harrington. He has talent. Its just a matter of going out and DOING it...
how much faith in him do you have?
I just can't do it. As much as I would like to see the Packers lose, I have to see Harrington do it before I can feel safe picking the Lions to win. The Lions D against the Packers offense is not the matchup importance here. If the Lions were able to get Harrington to run the offense the way they want, they could easily win the game. But I predict enough mis-fires that the Lions will lose the game.
Winner: Chicken Dinner.
-Indianapolis Colts @ Baltimore Ravens
Too many questions about Baltimore's offense prevent me from having any belief that it's going to be any good. Is Jamal Lewis healthy? Is Kyle Boller any good?
The Baltimore defense may still be great, though I personally wonder if some age or some cracks are showing, but it won't stand up to the firepower the Colts have. They lost some weapons in the off season, but there is still plenty to work with.
Winner: Indianapolis Colts
Monday Night's game will get a full breakdown later. For now...I have to sort clothes.
-Chicago Bears at Washington Redskins
Chicago actually had a chance to be decent this yea-just decent- but then in the pre-season, Chicago lost Rex Grossman at QB. This isn't a surprise to this Bears fan; it has nothing to do with Rex at all, it has everything to do with the curse of being a Bears QB. The backup Qb WAS Chad Hutchinson, but he was so bad in PRE-SEASON that they cut him loose. That encapsulates the Bears ability to find or develop QB's right there.
So it should come as no surprise that the Bears start the season with a 4th round rookie QB Kyle Orton, from Purdue. So at this point, the season is over. Again, it is no reflection on Orton. The Bears are right to start him because he is the best they have available. Which is a damning realization as well. Starting a rookie QB in this league though is to hope for no better than .500. The offensive line is only average, and you have a rookie RB who doesn't know who to block on pass plays. This is not a good recipe for success. There is Thomas Jones, but every defense will step up to stop him and FORCE the Bears and their rookie QB to pass. Once that happens, Chicago will find what their rookie QB is made of.
The whole thing is so upsetting to me as a Bears fan. This seems like a good a place as any for a Random Picture of Chandra North:
Ah. NOw I feel better.
The defense in Chicago is strong however. The defensive line has talent and quickness, and the linebackers...Correction 2 of the 3 linebackers are Pro-Bowl worthy. The Secondary is filled with good young talent, though they may struggle a little if you spread them out in the dime.
Chicago moves up and down the field fast on defense. It opens them up to some big plays, but they can make a few of their own too.
However, the Redskins will run the counter and the cut backs with Clinton Portis, who has had a lot of good games against Chicago before. The Redskins too have a great defense, and these teams match up very similarly. Both sides have a strong defense, and ALOT of questions on offense. The Redskins have the edge though, because they have a known quantity in Clinton Portis at RB. Patrick Ramsey at QB more than likely isn't going to be Jon Montana, much less Joe. Well, that may be a bit harsh. He can still carve out a good career for himself, but the way others talk about him, you'd think he was wearing a Bears jersey or something.
Chicago's best chance to win would be to generate 3 or more turnovers, and 1-2 of those being returned for touchdowns. Washington though, can generate a few turnovers themselves, especially going against a rookie QB. I am sure at some point later this year, I will contradict myself, but since there isn't any better option anyway, they may as well find out what they have in Orton and leave him as the starter for as long as they can this season. If they ever remove him as the starter, my guess is that they'll have decided that they know what they have, and he's not going to be the future.
Winner: Washington Redskins
-Tennessee Titans @ Pittsburgh Steelers
The Titans have depth at RB...More than what seems possible, with Travis Henry, Chris Brown, and Jarrett Payton. They have a new offensive Coordinator in Norm Chow. And they have Steve McNair. Beyond that, their offensive line is just average, and the WR's are unknowns. Drew Bennett only made his presence known to the rest of us last year. After holding it together for so many years, they finally had to start over, because they couldn't AFFORD to keep the team together. Still, there is talent to be had and to work with. It isn't championship level yet, but given time over a season or two, it may be there.
On defense, the Titans have a young and active defensive line, a decent LB corps that is upgraded by the presence of an All-pro in Keith Bulluck, and a young and talented, but not fully assembled secondary. By that I mean they are getting by on one side at corner with just an average run of the mill guy. That is something they'll address next off-season, I am sure.
This is where the Steelers will attack them. They'll spread out the Titans D, keeping them out of the base defense and show their lack of depth, and the Steelers will pass early and often.
This will work particularly well, since the Steelers are without their top two running backs. Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley are out today, leaving Charlie Parker, or some such kid to run behind the Steelers offensive Line. Considering they had the rookie of the Year Ben Rothlesbrger at QB, and a few options at WR, they'll pick on the also-ran, and then mix in the run to keep it from getting boring. On defense, the Steelers are all about LB'ers, but the guys you know are all injured. The front defensive line are string and big, but they're job is to take the abuse so the LB'ers can do what they need to do. The Steelers are young and active in the secondary, though it's still unknown how much talent they have. They don't generate the turnovers that you would want. But being the Steelers, they know how to hit.
Personally, I am a turnover fan. I appreciate a good collision as much as the next fan, but early in the morning, I'd rather have a turnover.
What I'd REALLY like to start off the day is...Well, this isn't about that.
The Steelers OLB's are the source of their pass rush, and the OLB's they have are injured. So they are going to struggle to get the QB. The Titans are going to try to protect McNair as much as possible when they do pass, but they're pretty much geared to running the ball at this point. Which is what works for the Steelers, because the ILB's are fine and healthy. I think the Steelers defense and Titan's offense comes to a draw, leaving it up to the Steelers Offense and the titans D. While the Titan's D has talent on the starting line, the depth isn't there. The Steelers have some injury issues of their own, but can compensate for it, and will ultimately win this game. I know I picked the Titans earlier. I can change my mind.
Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
-Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Minnesota Vikings
Tampa Bay is found in Florida. Florida is known to have a large Latin population. All of this is just a silly excuse to post a picture of Elsa Benitez.
That was fun!
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have seemed to slowly...Very slowly...Worked on re-tooling their offense, looking for pieces to build around. The offensive line isn't anything special, the QB isn't anything special,The WR's are old standovers from days gone by in Joey Galloway and Mark Clayton. I mean, Mark is best known for his days in Miami from 20 years ago! I didn't even think he was still in the league?
(offstage whispering) Oh, a rookie from last year who has the same name; I see. Still, a WR is hard to build around since you need a competent QB to get the ball to him. Griese is an average QB who won't ever be on par with the stars of the league. But he's better than some, I suppose. This year, they drafted a running back named Cadillac Williams. That gives them something to build upon, a weapon that they can use. Joey galloway's days of contributing are fast coming to an end. By my estimation they have half an offense with little depth to mount a complete comprehensive attack. They'll have moderate success against most defenses, but if they run up against a premier defense they'll have major problems.
So does Minnesota have one of those sorts of defenses? Well, given the talent they have added in the offseason, they are better than they were...but if you're at the bottom of a well, and someone throws you a rope, and you climb up say 10 feet, there's no guarantee that you're out of it. They were horrible on defense last year. The LB'ers were totally lost. The defensive line was average at best, and the secondary beyond Winfield was HORRID.
They've come always from where they were by adding some really nice pieces on defense, but they still have some ways to go. Even more than that, they need some cohesion. That comes with coaching. I'm gonna wait to see how they do first before I declare that they're greatly improved. There are a number of publications that say this team is headed to the Super Bowl, but unless that defense is a lot better than it was, they'll be lucky to get to the playoffs again. I think the Vikings have the talent to stop the Buccaneers, but I have no faith until I have reason to in the Vikes D. I don't expect the Buccs to run a while lot against the Vikes, simply because it will be a feeling out process for the rookie. We'll find out pretty quickly how good that revamped secondary, especially the linebackers are.
On offense the Vikings made a huge improvement on offense by getting rid of Randy Moss. As talented as he was, you never knew what he was willing to give you for that game, or even for that play. And God forbid if you gave up a TD first, for the idea that Moss might perceive it as a deficit that was insurmountable, and just mail it in for the game. Unless the ball was going to be coming his way.
In his place is a not-so-sure handed but speedy rookie, and some other more sure-handed possession guys in Burleson, Robinson, and others. The offensive line is weak in the middle however, as injuries and shuffling have forced people to line up where they probably shouldn't be. This will be a major problem, since it is going to be a lot harder for the Vikings to run, and for Daunte Culpepper to feel comfortable in the pocket. He should still have a good season. IN fact, I would bet that he will have a better season without Moss than with him, even if the statistics don't show it. He will be the victim of some dropped balls now and then, and will probably take a bit more punishment. But at least he knows what he has consistently out of each player.
The Buccaneers defense finds it's strength on the outside of each of it's parts. The corners are pro-bowl caliber in barber and Kelly. The safeties are a step below that, but still very solid. The Linebackers are much like the Titans...Decent, and raised to a higher level with the presence of Derrick Brooks. The defensive line is filled with older vets who know their job. Simeon Rice rushes the passer, and leads the group. Minnesota will pound it as best they can with Kleinsasser leading the path, but ultimately they'll use the pass to win this game. I think it's a winnable game for the Buccs, considering the issues the Vikings have in front of them, but the Vikings at home are tough,and since I'll be cheering against them (sorry John), they'll of course win instead (you're welcome John).
Winner: Minnesota Vikings
OK I am running out of time, so I am going to have to provide a quick synopsis for the rest of these games...
-Denver Broncos @ Miami Dolphins
The Denver Broncos seem to be in dire need of a complete re-do on the roster. There doesn't seem to be much substance throughout the roster...Just a bunch of guys brought in to patch holes in what used to be a championship roster. But at this point there's more patch material, more band aids then there are original building equipment to work with. Make the hard choice, and cut your losses and start re-building your team.
Denver doesn't have the parts to compete for the playoffs anymore. Miami has already hit rock bottom and are on their way back up. They won't make the playoffs either, but they are starting over on offense, and are squeezing out what they can from a veteran defense. Seeing as how the Dolphins seem to have more momentum, I'll take them to win this game.
Oh,a and I think that a good representative of this game would be a girl with a Latin background with blond hair to pull off the girl from the mountains look to also represent Denver.
Winner: Miami Dolphins
-New York Jets @ Kansas City Chiefs
Why did I take the Chiefs in this one? I'm not entirely sure Ty Law is what he used to be. I also like what they did in adding talent to their defense. It seems to have gelled quicker than it did in Minnesota. It was a game in my mind as to which defense was worse over the past few seasons...KC or MN. It didn't matter really. Though only one of them allowed Chad Hutchinson to win a game against them. I'm just saying.
Plus, the Chiefs are at home.
Winner: Kansas City Chiefs
Seattle Seahawks @ Jacksonville Jaguars
I haven't figured out just yet what the Jags are doing. The Seahawks are an enigma too. But I'll be charitable and give the local team a bone, and predict a win.
Who else is in need of a bone?
Yamila Diaz-Rahi.
I knew I had one for her around here somewhere...hang on. Lemme look around...ah, here it is.
What was I saying? Oh yeah.
Winner: Seattle Seahawks
Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns
And they'll charge full price ticets for this game, I bet too.
I could break this down, but I'll go with the cooler uniforms, and go with Cincinnati Bengals.
Winner: Cincinatti Bengals
New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers
this game could go one way or the other...Either the Saints will be uplifted by the plight of their community and play for them, and have it carry them to a win, or they could be understandably find their attention split, and lose. After everything that has happened to them, with all of the diversions, I can't see how they could concentrate on football.
Winner: Carolina Panthers
Houston Texans @ Buffalo Bills
It just boils down to this. The Bills have a Qb I don't know and don't trust.
Winner: Houston Texans
St Louis @ San Francisco
San Francisco is one of those teams that is starting over from scratch talent wise. They have a QB they think can be something special in Alex Smith. But he's not ready yet. So in the meantime, they'll get by with the kindling they have. The Rams aren't the Rams of old, but they still have enough talent to easily dispose of the 49ers. The defense for the Rams is only average...in fact just a bit below that. But they'll have a half day today, once the offense puts the game away.
Winner: St Louis Rams
Dallas Cowboys @ San Diego Chargers
Where else would you want to be than in San Diego on a September Sunday? I duuno. I don't have an answer for that. Maybe Puerto Rico.
Anyway, two evenly matched teams who have the same strengths. When in doubt, go with the home team.
Winner: San Diego Chargers
Arizona Cardinals @ New York Giants
The Giants have the Sept 11 anniversary to draw upon as inspiration. The Cardinals have Pat Tillman, if they thought about it. I don't know how much the current Giants players will use that for motivation, however. The giants are starting Eli Manning, who still hasn't shown me much yet. Then again, Kurt Warner is starting for the cardinals, and he hasn't had much luck starting opening games in Giant Stadium the past few seasons.
Winner: New York Giants
-Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions
The Packers defense has the appearance of being in such shambles, whether it be aging veterans, cranky malcontents, or just overhyped and crappy players. It would just take so little competent QB'ing on the Lions side to take advantage of the disparity in talent from the Packers D and the Lions offense, what with all of the first round draft picks at WR and running back and a pricey free agent TE in Marcus Pollard.
Enter Joey Harrington. He has talent. Its just a matter of going out and DOING it...
how much faith in him do you have?
I just can't do it. As much as I would like to see the Packers lose, I have to see Harrington do it before I can feel safe picking the Lions to win. The Lions D against the Packers offense is not the matchup importance here. If the Lions were able to get Harrington to run the offense the way they want, they could easily win the game. But I predict enough mis-fires that the Lions will lose the game.
Winner: Chicken Dinner.
-Indianapolis Colts @ Baltimore Ravens
Too many questions about Baltimore's offense prevent me from having any belief that it's going to be any good. Is Jamal Lewis healthy? Is Kyle Boller any good?
The Baltimore defense may still be great, though I personally wonder if some age or some cracks are showing, but it won't stand up to the firepower the Colts have. They lost some weapons in the off season, but there is still plenty to work with.
Winner: Indianapolis Colts
Monday Night's game will get a full breakdown later. For now...I have to sort clothes.
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